During the federal government’s consultations for the Canada Grain Act review, farmers were surprised to learn that the majority of the CGC’s operating costs are covered by revenues from mandatory inspection fees of export vessels of grain. Those inspection costs are passed onto farmers through lower grain prices, as the CGC’s regulatory costs are hidden in the grain basis.

“Mandatory outward weighing and inspection by the CGC is a redundant service since 70 to 80 percent of grain contracts require a second inspection by a private, third-party company. Private companies can offer this service cheaper than the CGC, yet the CGC continues to offer this duplicated service,”

says Tara Sawyer, Alberta Barley chair.

The CGC has accumulated a $148 million surplus, which will continue to grow due to the large volume of grain being moved in the current crop year. The CGC needs to adjust its funding model to expect variation and adopt a model that will allow excess funds to be returned to farmers through reduced operating fees.

“As part of the Canada Grain Act review, we identified that the landscape of international grain trade has changed and Canadian farmers need the CGC to adapt as well. It’s time for the CGC to transition away from being a service provider as their high cost of inspections is affecting our competitiveness,”

says Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission chair.

Source: Alberta Wheat and Barley

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In their submission, the commissions say the review is an opportunity for the Government of Canada to redefine the functions and responsibilities of the CGC.

“We believe the current hybrid role of the CGC, as both a regulator and service provider, is no longer the best use of resources or in farmers’ best interests. The market for testing services is mature and efficient, and it is no longer necessary for the government to provide these services,”

says Todd Hames, Alberta Wheat Commission chair.

“These recommendations recognize that the growing amount of technical testing throughout the grain value chain will require an expansion of the CGC’s regulatory and enforcement role to ensure farmers’ grain is graded consistently. We are also calling for greater transparency in the cost of the regulatory system to farmers,”

says Tara Sawyer, Alberta Barley chair.

Among the key recommendations are:

• Eliminate the provision of mandatory services by the CGC, including outward weighing and inspection of outgoing grain vessels. The CGC would instead accredit third parties to test and inspect grain exports on a competitive basis in line with customer demand. Approximately 80% of export shipments are currently double inspected due to the requirement for a CGC inspection, plus contractual obligations for a third-party inspection. These additional costs are passed onto farmers through lower grain prices.

• The direct costs of regulation by the CGC must no longer be hidden in the grain basis and should be shown as a fee on producers’ grain sales for increased transparency. The fee calculation should be adjusted annually to maximize the use of surplus funds from the previous year.

• CGC functions provided for the good of all Canadians such as the Grain Research Laboratory must be fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.

• The CGC must expand its role in regulating and enforcing grading methods and procedures for domestic transactions of grain wherever CGC standards are used for quality assessment.

• The producers’ right to dispute grading results, subject to the CGC inspector’s assessment must be expanded to include assessment of non-grade requirements (i.e. Falling Number and DON), and the right to dispute grading results must be available to a producer for a window of five business days from the date of a grain delivery.

Other recommendations include empowering the CGC to provide more timely dissemination of information on grain exports.

The commissions also support a review of the Western Wheat Classification system by the CGC. There are currently 10 western classes of wheat with four classes comprising 95% of production.

Source: Alberta Wheat and Barley Commission

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Claas and Alberta AG Centre recently announced that the dealership has been assigned additional territory in Alberta, Canada. The expansion comes after the Smith’s Equipment Sales acquisition in Lougheed, Alberta, and a new facility in Stettler, Alberta.

Alberta AG will add a new location in Medicine Hat in the summer of 2021 and relocate from Taber to a larger facility, 36,254 square feet and 10 acres in Coaldale, on October 1. The agricultural equipment dealership will now be the exclusive dealer for all Claas products, including the JAGUAR forger, in Southern Alberta. All of this is in addition to their existing locations of Crossfield and High River, Alberta.

“The expansion, additions and acquisition will enhance our presence in Alberta. It has always been our top priority to provide our Claas customers with exceptional customer service, reliable parts inventory and factory-trained service technicians, along with new in-stock units. Claas provides producers with improved efficiency and outstanding value throughout their entire product offering,”

said Jason Wilson, President and CEO, Alberta AG Centre.

Alberta AG Centre offers the entire North American lineup of Claas agricultural equipment along with other product lines to meet the demands of Alberta farmers. Each store features a full stock of parts, a knowledgeable sales team and a complement of skilled technicians. Alberta AG Centre places a strong emphasis on customer service and strives to build long-term relationships with their local growers.

“Alberta AG represents what it means to be a long-line Claas dealer, and we are excited for their expanded presence in the region. Alberta remains an important market for Claas, and with this additional territory, we are able to continue our growth and expand our brand’s reach due to their hard work and relationships they’ve built with growers in the area,”

said Eric Raby, President and General Manager – Sales, Claas.

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USDA estimates COVID-19 contributed to a $50 billion decline in commodity value alone for 2019, 2020 and 2021 production totals. This does not include all of agriculture’s losses, which would be billions more.

“The launch of the USMCA brings optimism to the country’s farmers and ranchers at a time they need it the most. We’re grateful for the opportunity to build on the success of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and we’re eager to see the results on America’s farms. It’s important that our neighbors uphold their end of the deal, so the agreement provides a stabilizing force amid the unpredictability of a pandemic in all three countries.”

said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall.

Under USMCA, Canada will increase quotas on U.S. dairy products, benefitting American dairy farmers by $242 million. Canada will also treat wheat imports the same as domestic wheat for grading purposes. Mexico has also agreed that all grading standards for ag products will be non-discriminatory. The agreement also enhances science-based trading standards among the three nations.

USMCA is not a magic bullet for all the challenges facing agriculture, however. A University of Florida study shows Mexico gaining ground in imports of produce like tomatoes, strawberries and bell peppers. USMCA does not alter the rules for imports of produce from Mexico. Farm Bureau supports the United States Trade Representative and USDA field hearings to receive grower input on the issue.

“As with all trade agreements, there are some areas that still need attention. We will continue to work with the administration to level the playing field for fruit and vegetable growers facing increased competition from Mexico.”

added Duvall.

Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

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The Government of Alberta has awarded $200 million in grants to municipalities across the province to upgrade local bridges, roads and community airports and make improvements to water supply and treatment facilities.

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“I am honoured to have the support of the Board of Directors to move into the role of Chair. The Wheat Growers have been advocates of strong agricultural policy for 50 years and the future looks strong for us,”

said Daryl Fransoo, Chair.

Fransoo farms with his father near Glaslyn, Saskatchewan, where he produces spring and soft white wheat, malt barley, canola, multiple varieties of peas and lentils, and oats. His family also owned and operated a pulse processing and exporting business in Saskatchewan.

“I would like to thank outgoing Chair, Jim Wickett for his years of service to the Wheat Growers as Chair. I’m pleased that Jim is remaining on the Board to share his experience, insights and expertise with us. He remains a valuable source of information to the Board and myself,”

closed Fransoo.

Source: Western Canadian Wheat Growers

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Nors is taking over 22 Volvo CE locations, including those in the provinces of Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. With almost 90 years of experience in the industry and operations in 16 countries, including the U.S. and Mexico under its jointly owned company, Ascendum Machinery, Nors has built a reputation as an outstanding dealer that is focused on providing unique solutions to its customers.

Tomás Jervell, CEO of Nors, said:

“We believe that Strongco will benefit from Nors’ global presence and brand recognition, and from its long experience in the automotive and construction equipment industry to further enhance its superior performance and future growth. And we are very much looking forward to working with Volvo CE across Canada,” “We plan on investing heavily in staff expertise, as well as improving parts availability. The goal is to provide the highest uptime in the industry to Volvo CE customers, and we are ready to achieve it.”

Nors is one of the longest-standing partners of Volvo Group. The family-owned company was founded in 1933 by Luís Óscar Jervell, the current CEO’s grandfather. It began as a Volvo Group partner in Portugal, selling and servicing trucks and buses, and in 1970 it started selling Volvo Construction Equipment products. The $2 billion USD company began its global expansion in the 1990s, entering the African market, then North and South America. Nors operates dealerships under the Nors Group, as well as through joint ownership of the Ascendum Group, which is one of the largest distributors of Volvo CE in the world.

Stephen Roy, senior VP, Volvo CE North America, said:

“It’s fantastic to have such a seasoned partner expanding its successful operations and business model further across North America, and we are looking forward to the improvements they will bring to Canada. Together we will enhance our Canadian sales and service efforts to improve the experience of our customers when working with Volvo CE. This new partnership has enormous potential.”

Source: Volvo Construction Equipment

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Kubota Canada Ltd. shows the all-new MX Series, a hybrid between compact and utility tractors, at the Agri-Trade Equipment Expo in Red Deer, Alberta. The MX Series is now comprised of two models, the MX5400 and the MX6000, ranging from 55.5 to 63.4 gross engine horsepower and both available with an optional factory cab. The MX Series is designed for both residential and commercial needs, including land maintenance, feeding livestock, landscaping and municipal applications, and is available at Kubota dealerships from November of 2019.

“Notorious for its ease of operations, the new MX Series is an outstanding addition to Kubota’s line of tractors. The MX Series’ versatility and power gives it the ability to take on large tractors applications while being crammed with power to fulfill smaller utility tractor-sized applications,” said Bob Hickey, President of Kubota Canada Ltd. “I’m eager to announce that the MX Series will feature a factory-installed cab, a critical requirement for the Canadian market to work comfortably. The MX Series is the full-package when it comes to affordability, comfort and versatility”.

The MX Series tractors are designed for versatility and ease of operation. Each tractor in the new MX Series can be customized to meet the needs of each customer with a category I & II three-point hitch, two- or four-wheel drive models, gear drive or HST transmission, and ROPS or CAB options. With a maximum lift capacity of 24 inches behind the lift point of 2,310 pounds, the MX Series allows for a wide range of implements. Equipped with an electric-over hydraulic PTO switch, the live-independent PTO is easy to use; simply “push and turn” to start or “push” to stop.

Many performance-matched implements & attachments are available for the MX Series, making it the ultimate package for a wide range of jobs. Kubota’s LA1065 front loader was specifically engineered for the MX Series, thus optimizing the loader’s full capabilities. With a high lift capacity, lift height, and breakout force, the LA1065 provides the power needed for those heavy-duty jobs. The LA1065 loader features simultaneous lift and dump of the loader and bucket. The standard 2-lever quick coupler allows for easy attachment and detachment of front attachments like grapple buckets or bale spears. In addition, available for the ROPS models, the BH92 Backhoe is performance-matched to deliver more power and greater capacity with over nine feet of digging depth.

With more than 50 optional accessories to add on to the tractor, the MX Series can be customized according to a range of applications and criteria, increasing its overall value. The MX Series is designed to minimize maintenance with a metal one-piece hood, fenders and platform; powerful and durable Kubota diesel engine; and protected hydraulic hoses. The MX Series also offers an affordable choice of gear drive or hydrostatic (HST) transmission. The Synchro-Shuttle gear drive transmission gives the operator total control over the power to maximize productivity, especially in loader work. The HST transmission provides smooth performance and control, as well as reduced vibration and fatigue for greater operator comfort. Cab units start at $44,969.

The MX Series is built to deliver comfort with CAB or ROPS models available. The feature-packed cab is ready to take on any task; combined with having a premium Kubota diesel engine, the cab is quiet, with little to no vibration for a smoother, more comfortable ride. No matter how cold, hot, wet or dusty, this cab can withstand the elements. The wide deck enables safe and easy mounting and dismounting, and the 30 spacious inches between fenders gives the operator all the room needed to work in comfort. In addition, the easy-to-operate pendulum pedals optimize legroom. A new high-back suspension seat offers greater comfort, even after a long day’s work. Customization options include additional accessories such as a radio, air-ride seat, side mirrors, rear work lights and many more.

The MX Series is the ultimate package when it comes to an affordable and year-round tractor that can easily fit both larger compact applications and smaller utility applications.

Source: Kubota

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The MX Series is designed for both residential and commercial needs, including land maintenance, feeding livestock, landscaping and municipal applications, and will be available at Kubota dealerships starting in November of 2019.

“Notorious for its ease of operations, the new MX Series is an outstanding addition to Kubota’s line of tractors. The MX Series’ versatility and power give it the ability to take on large tractors applications while being crammed with power to fulfil smaller utility tractor-sized applications”

said Bob Hickey, President, Kubota Canada Ltd. “I’m eager to announce that the MX Series will feature a factory-installed cab, a critical requirement for the Canadian market to work comfortably. The MX Series is the full package when it comes to affordability, comfort and versatility.”

Versatility and Ease of Operation, Implement & Attachment Use

The MX Series tractors are designed for versatility and ease of operation. Each tractor in the new MX Series can be customized to meet the needs of each customer with a category I & II three-point hitches, two- or four-wheel-drive models, gear drive or HST transmission, and ROPS or CAB options. With a maximum lift capacity of 24 inches behind the lift point of 2,310 pounds, the MX Series allows for a wide range of implements. Equipped with an electric-over hydraulic PTO switch, the live-independent PTO is easy to use; simply “push and turn” to start or “push” to stop.

Economy Meets Utility: Introducing Kubota’s New MX Series

Many performance-matched implements & attachments are available for the MX Series, making it the ultimate package for a wide range of jobs. Kubota’s LA1065 front loader was specifically engineered for the MX Series, thus optimizing the loader’s full capabilities. With a high lift capacity, lift height, and breakout force, the LA1065 provides the power needed for those heavy-duty jobs. The LA1065 loader features simultaneous lift and dump of the loader and bucket. The standard 2-lever quick coupler allows for easy attachment and detachment of front attachments like grapple buckets or bale spears. In addition, available for the ROPS models, the BH92 Backhoe is performance-matched to deliver more power and greater capacity with over nine feet of digging depth.

Affordability From the Start and For the Long Haul

The MX Series is competitively priced and designed to withstand heavy use over many years, adding to the value and affordability of the Series. With more than 50 optional accessories to add on to the tractor, the MX Series can be customized according to a range of applications and criteria, increasing its overall value. The MX Series is designed to minimize maintenance with a metal one-piece hood, fenders and platform; powerful and durable Kubota diesel engine; and protected hydraulic hoses. The MX Series also offers an affordable choice of gear drive or hydrostatic (HST) transmission. The Synchro-Shuttle gear drive transmission gives the operator total control over the power to maximize productivity, especially in loader work. The HST transmission provides smooth performance and control, as well as reduced vibration and fatigue for greater operator comfort.

Year-Round Comfort with Optional Cab and other Features

The MX Series is built to deliver comfort with CAB or ROPS models available. The feature-packed cab is ready to take on any task; combined with having a premium Kubota diesel engine, the cab is quiet, with little to no vibration for a smoother, more comfortable ride. No matter how cold, hot, wet or dusty, this cab can withstand the elements. The wide deck enables safe and easy mounting and dismounting, and the 30 spacious inches between fenders gives the operator all the room needed to work in comfort. In addition, the easy-to-operate pendulum pedals optimize legroom. A new high-back suspension seat offers greater comfort, even after a long day’s work. Customization options include additional accessories such as a radio, air-ride seat, side mirrors, rear work lights and many more.

The MX Series is the ultimate package when it comes to an affordable and year-round tractor that can easily fit both larger compact applications and smaller utility applications.

About Kubota Canada

Kubota Canada Ltd. (KCL) is a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a tractor and heavy equipment manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan. KCL markets and distributes Kubota-engineered and manufactured equipment, which includes a complete line of tractors (up to 210-horsepower), performance-matched implements, compact and utility tractors, compact construction, landscaping and public work equipment, residential lawn and garden equipment, commercial turf products and utility vehicles.

Product Description, MX Series

Kubota’s new MX Series is comprised of two models, the MX5400 and the MX6000, ranging from 55.5 to 63.4 gross engine horsepower and now both available with an optional factory cab. The MX Series is designed for both residential and commercial needs, including land maintenance, feeding livestock, landscaping and municipal applications. The MX Series tractors are designed for versatility and ease of operation. Each tractor in the new MX Series can be customized to meet the needs of each customer with a category I & II three-point hitches, two- or four-wheel-drive models, gear drive or HST transmission, and ROPS or CAB options. The new MX Series tractors will be available at Kubota dealerships nationwide starting in November of 2019.

Source: Kubota

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Ferlin Kang didn’t always know he wanted to go into the construction industry. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, he was exposed to the energy and opportunity that comes with living in a growing, evolving city. Ferlin knew he could pursue different paths in life, but he also knew how unique it was to have the opportunity to carry on his father’s business as a first-generation Canadian.

“My father had humble beginnings, immigrating from Asia. He had been in construction since the 1960s before starting Kang Construction Ltd. in 1982 in Calgary,” Ferlin said. “When I was in my teen years, I started working with the company and thought there was no way I’d be doing this.”

But for Ferlin, the opportunity to carry on the family business was something he grew interested in, and soon began to enjoy.

“My father came here, established himself, started a business and became an entrepreneur. Being able to grow the business to this point is not something to take lightly,” Ferlin said. “I didn’t want that legacy to go away.”

And that legacy will remain intact. Ferlin is now the vice president of the 60-employee Kang Construction, as his father, Alvin, gradually steps back.

Forged from orange

Initially, Kang Construction began carving out a niche in the petroleum industry. Due to an industry need for excavation, Kang Construction purchased its first excavator in early 1988: a Hitachi EX200LC. It was the first excavator of its kind to operate in Alberta.

“For us, the Hitachi brand loyalty reaches all the way back to our beginnings as a company when we first purchased our EX200,” Ferlin said. “Hitachi’s always been known for manufacturing heavy equipment that is tried, tested and true. They’re very reputable and providing the right equipment for the right job is always very important to us.”

The EX200 wasn’t the only “first” for this company. In December 2018, Kang Construction was also the first company in Alberta to purchase the ZX345USLC-6.

“Our fleet of Hitachi excavators ranges from a 470, which is our largest, to the 225, 160, 135, 85, all the way down to the minis. We also have a 350 that has a long-reach telescopic boom mounted to it for deep excavations, or we can change it to a 60-feet-long-reach boom,” Ferlin said. “Just from our fleet, you can see the versatility that Hitachi equipment provides.” 

While Kang Construction began with a niche in the petroleum industry, they have since grown drastically. Their growing fleet is a result of growing services.

“We started to go more into the earthwork side of things and away from the petroleum side toward the 2000s,” Ferlin said. “We got into more detail and mass excavations for commercial, retail and industrial projects.”

Bringing an edge to the fleet

Soon, Kang Construction expanded to offer installation of water and sewer underground utilities to their projects. This is where the 345’s versatility really shined.

“With the inner-city job sites, we deal with some tighter areas,”

Ferlin said. “Accessibility of the 345 is definitely positive.”

As it has grown, Kang Construction has tackled larger, high-profile jobs within the area. Recently, the company has been working at the Foothills Hospital Calgary Cancer Centre connector, providing earthworks, and water and sewer utilities to the project.

“The 345 worked out really well for this project in the sense that we have a new Tier 4 engine in there, which just gives minimal emissions,” Ferlin said. “A new machine like the 345 is perfect when working near a sensitive hospital environment.”

Another advantage of the 345 is the power it brings to tight spaces as a reduced-tail-swing model.

“The fact that it’s a reduced-tail-swing and has power, that’s just an added bonus,”

Ferlin said. “It’s perfect for our fleet.”

Productivity is the name of the game

If Ferlin had to choose one word that is most important to Kang Construction, it would be “productivity.” As technology advances and the needs of their clients become more stringent, he has to rely on equipment that can deliver.

“If the equipment works efficiently and safely, that’s paramount,” Ferlin said. “Breakdowns or reliability issues are critical in our business. I find that for us, Hitachi works.”

For their Hitachi equipment needs, Kang Construction turns to Wajax, one of Canada’s longest-standing and most diversified industrial products and services providers.

“Our dealer support from Wajax has been fantastic. We’re able to get anything we need from them quickly to keep us up and running,”

Ferlin said.

Along with contributing to the bottom line, Hitachi excavators are a favourite among Kang Construction operators, too.

“Getting a new piece of equipment is always like Christmas to everybody,” Ferlin said. “They love the 345. They find that being inside the machine, it’s quite roomy. They’re not crunched like they are in some other machines.”

The future of Kang

Ferlin has hopes that the company will continue to grow in Calgary, a city which he describes as “opportunistic.” And he is grateful for the growth Kang Construction has seen thus far.

“We’ve always been aggressive, ever since our small beginnings. But I couldn’t have envisioned us being involved in the types of jobs we’re working today, 15 years ago,” Ferlin said. “We are excited to see the legacy continue for our company.”

As for the company’s culture, Ferlin plans on keeping a family mentality at the core.

“I think in our current society, some-times family might be overlooked. Family is very important to me and has always been,” he said. “We always try to treat our company and employees like family, and I don’t see that changing in the future.”

Source: Hitachi

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