Welcome to the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture's Electronic Newsletter.  Our goal is to provide information to members in a timely and efficient manner.  Please pass this information along to other Industry Stakeholders.           

 

Sale includes Purebred Sheep as well as a selection of Commercial and Crossbred ewes.

 

Sheep available for viewing during the Shepherds' Social tonight at 8 p.m. with Sale getting underway at 11 a.m. Saturday 5 September 2015 (office for bidding numbers opens at 10 a.m.)

 

Commercial Booths will be present (time to get you winter sheep supplies), and a diagnostic display will be set up for Sheep Parasites, part of the ongoing research project on Parasites in Nova Scotia (bring your sheep sh-t)

 

Electronic Catalogue and timings available at   http://www.sheepnovascotia.ns.ca/.

 

A good time to learn more about our sheep industry!

National Agriculture Leaders Debate 

The Canadian Federation of Agriculture will be hosting a National Agriculture Leaders debate in lead up to the Federal Election. The debate will highlight issues facing Canadian farmers  and give an opportunity for each party to outline its platform positions as they pertain to Canada's farm and food future.

WHEN:  Wednesday, September 30, noon - 2p.m. Atlantic time

WHO:

WHERE: Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, the Laurier Room

RSVP & WEBCAST REGISTRATION: Please register in advance for the webcast and RSVP if attending in person. Registration information, as well as details on farmers' priorities for the upcoming election, can be viewed here.  

 

Debate questions will be posed via pre-taped video segments from farmers  across Canada.

Commingling Site Traceability Program

The Commingling Site Traceability program will assist high-risk, high-throughput livestock commingling sites in purchasing tag reading equipment and installing or modifying handling equipment to enhance traceability capabilities for animal handling identification. These enhancements will support traceability implementation, livestock identification and the ability to meet regulatory requirements.  More information can be found here.

Foreign Material Detection Program 2015-2016

This program aims to protect potato growers and packers from marketing a contaminated product to commercial sellers. The primary goal of this program is to ensure that a safe Nova Scotia product is being produced and provided to the consumer. More information can be found here.

Farm Safety Workbook Industry Consultation

Farm Safety Nova Scotia is looking for your input in the development of the Farm Safety Workbook. The objective of the Workbook is to be a complete resource to help farmers improve the management of health and safety on the farm and address basic regulatory requirements.  It is important to us that the Workbook meet the needs of the farmer so we are hosting a consultation to provide you with an opportunity for input.

 

The industry consultation will be held Friday, September 25th from 9am-12pm at the Annapolis Boardroom, NSFA Office, Bible Hill. There are limited seats available for this consultation so please register by September 16th.

 

If you are interested in attending or have further questions please contact us at [email protected] or (902)893-2293.

Emergency First Aid

Farm Safety Nova Scotia is offering an Emergency First Aid course in Yarmouth. The course will take place at the Sobeys Community Room, 76 Starrs Road in Yarmouth on September 25th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The cost for the course is $60.

To register - email [email protected] or call Shelly at 902-893-2293. Registration deadline is September 21.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - ExecutiveDirector

 

For more details on this opportunity, click here...

Business Essentials for your Farm Business

You decided to farm most likely because you enjoy working with livestock, crops and/or machinery.  Few get into business because they enjoy the management necessities of a business!  However running a business requires different skill sets beyond production.  Through this course we will look at management skills to increase your success rate covering such topics as marketing, human resource management, record keeping, understanding financials, communication and negotiation skills, knowledge of business regulatory issues, inventory control, planning, organization, problem solving, strategic planning, succession planning, etc.   The depth of each topic area will depend on the needs of the participants who sign up for the program.

This course will start on Monday, September 21 and run each Monday for nine weeks from 10 - 3 p.m. in the

Annapolis Boardroom, Perennia Innovation Park, 60 Research Drive, Bible Hill. To register  for this opportunity to improve your management skills, contact Shelly MacKenzie at 893-2293 or [email protected].

Financial Management for your Farm Business

Are you tired of wondering where your profits have gone?

Is your business positioned to optimize profits?

This 40 hour customized Workplace Education program will help your farm build the skills, knowledge and performance needed to take advantage of sound financial decisions.

Topics that could be covered:

*   The Basics and Definitions

*   Concepts of Bookkeeping

*   Pricing Strategy

*   Home Office and Vehicle Use

*   Basic Farm Taxation

*   Financial Statements

*   Reporting Requirements

*   Budgets and Cash Flows

*   Financial Analysis

This course will take place on Tuesday evenings from 5 - 9 p.m. starting on September 22 and running for 10 weeks (location still undetermined).

If you would like to register for this worthwhile opportunity for your farm business, please call Shelly MacKenzie at 893-2293 or email [email protected]

HR Training for Farmers

People are the foundation of every business, and as a business grows it typically requires input from more and more people.  Managing the human resources of your business is essential for growth and success.   This can be your greatest challenge, and improper HR practices can cost you time and money.  Through this course we will explore foundational topics like communications and generational differences.  We will also discuss various tools to manage human resources, all which will help you attain Employer of Choice status.  We will discuss the process of hiring, maintaining and developing good employees, and employers responsibilities under the labour standards code, etc.   

This course will start on Thursday, September 24 and run each Thursday for nine weeks from 10 - 3 p.m. in the

Annapolis Boardroom, Perennia Innovation Park, 60 Research Drive, Bible Hill. To register for this opportunity to learn proper HR skills, contact Shelly MacKenzie at 893-2293 or [email protected].

Portable Washroom Discount Offer 

Are you looking for an on-site washroom for staff or visitors? Have you thought about portable toilets?  If we have enough interest from other farmers, we can order portable restrooms at a discount from Polyjohn Canada. There are a few models available averaging about $650/unit (assembled) before shipping and taxes if we order 10 or more.   If you are interested in this as an option for a public or staff washroom, or even on your woodlot, please contact Robin Bremner-Popma at 902-798-8037.

Don't   Forget

Open Farm Day

taking place

Sunday, September 20

For an up to date list of participating farms, visit

www.meetyourfarmer.ca