Check out this winter’s edition of Raising the Steaks from the Maritime Beef Council! Featuring articles from BCRC, CCA, Living Labs and many more.

You can also catch the latest updates from MBC, NBCP, PEICP and NSCP, including info on available funding programs for Maritime cattle producers.

The 2026 Census of Agriculture is Coming!



In May 2026, farm operators across Canada will receive an invitation in the mail to complete the Census of Agriculture questionnaire. Respondents will be able to complete their questionnaire online using their Secure Access Code (SAC) included in the invitation letter.

2026 Hoof Trimming and Lameness Workshops

In recent years, there has been an increase in producers’ hoof trimming their herds and purchasing equipment to do so.

To help better understand trimming and the treatment of cow’s feet, Perennia’s Dairy Specialist, Dan Mosley, will be hosting a series of workshops throughout Nova Scotia in January 2026.

These workshops will be conducted by Sara Pedersen, veterinary surgeon and RCVS Recognized Specialist in Cattle Health and Production, whose focus is to provide sustainable, cost-effective solutions to improve animal health and welfare, including lameness treatment and prevention.

As we work to prepare the content for these sessions, we are hoping that you can complete this quick survey to offer us some insight into your experience with hoof trimming.

Each session will be limited to a maximum of 10 people. Please keep an eye out for registration details, coming soon!

Nappan Research Station Wins 2025 CFGA Leadership Award

Fredericton, New Brunswick. (Nov. 19, 2025) - The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) is pleased to name the Nappan Research Station as the winner of the 2025 CFGA Leadership Award. 

The Nappan Research Station, commonly known as the Nappan Research Farm, is located in Nappan, Nova Scotia. It is a satellite location of the Kentville Research and Development Centre (Kentville RDC) which was established in 1911 in Kentville, Nova Scotia and is one of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) network of 20 research and development centres. Research at the Nappan Research Station focuses on forage production and livestock management with work being led by the core team of Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos, Dr. Kathleen Glover and John Duynisveld. 

The Nappan Research Farm team exemplifies excellence in agricultural research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, advancing sustainable forage and livestock systems across the Maritimes and Canada. Their collaborative work has significantly improved pasture resilience, forage quality, and environmental stewardship, positioning the Nappan Research Farm as a national leader in forage-based research. 

The CFGA presented its 2025 Leadership Award today at a special award dinner on Wednesday, Nov, 19, 2025 during its annual conference. Jason Wells with the Province of New Brunswick accepted the award on behalf of the Nappan Research Station. 

This year marks the 16^th annual year for the conference, which is taking place in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Nov. 18 to 21. It is hosted in conjunction with the New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association (NBSCIA). Throughout the event attendees are learning about the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. 

More information about the conference is available on the CFGA Conference website. 

About the CFGA Leadership Award 

The CFGA Leadership Award was established in 2012 to recognize and encourage leadership in the forage and grassland sector. It recognizes individuals, groups or organizations who exemplify or enhance the goals of the CFGA and whose leadership has impact of national and/or international significance. 

About Canadian Forage and Grassland Association  

Incorporated in 2010, the CFGA provides a national voice for all Canadians who produce hay and forage products and for those whose production is dependent upon forage/grassland production. 

Media Relations: 

Trudy Kelly Forsythe, Communications, Canadian Forage and Grassland Association

506-333-4260

info@canadianfga.ca

Business Risk Management Producer Perception Survey

As part of the Business Risk Management Review, The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA), in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) and MNP (a national accounting and consulting firm), is conducting a survey to better understand how Business Risk Management (BRM) programs are working for farmers in Nova Scotia.

We want to hear directly from producers, what’s working, what’s not, and what could be improved to increase the effectiveness and uptake of BRM programs in the future. This survey is part of a larger study and will take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. All responses are confidential and will only be reported in aggregate.

By sharing their experience, producers will help inform the review and provide valuable insight into how BRM programs are working in Nova Scotia.

If you have any questions, please contact BRM@novascotia.ca.

Canfax Research Services - Canadian Cow-Calf Cost of Production Network Results

Attached below are two informative Canfax analyses on the costs of labour and winter feed.

Canfax is funded by Memberships. Visit www.canfax.ca to subscribe.

Disclaimer / Copyright Notice: Canfax Research Services (CRS) tries to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information. CRS does not guarantee and accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to, the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any material contained in our publications. Reproduction and/or electronic transmission of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without written consent from CRS.

NS Crown Lending Agencies - Now Serving Eastern Shore & Musquodoboit Valley

We’re excited to announce that Nova Scotia Crown Lending Agencies (CLA) now has a presence in the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley areas to better serve our clients in rural communities.

Loan Officer Alayne Jackson will be available at 19 Meaghers Grant Rd, Unit #1 in Musquodoboit Harbour (inside the Department of Fisheries office) on Wednesdays and Thursdays, or by appointment.

This new location allows us to assist clients across all three boards:

• NS Farm Loan Board
• NS Timber Loan Board
• NS Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board

Whether it’s farmers, fishers, or forestry operators, we’re committed to providing better access to lending services and supporting the industries that drive Nova Scotia’s rural economy.

For more information or to book a meeting, clients can reach Alayne Jackson at 902-893-0698.

Thank you for helping us spread the word—we look forward to continuing to support Nova Scotia’s primary industries together.

Perennia’s Hayline (Online Listing Service!)

Nova Scotia farmers looking to sell hay or silage can connect with buyers who need additional inventory through Perennia's hay and silage listing service.

Sellers can submit an online form to be added to the listing.

Online listings on the website provide buyers with information about available hay and silage for sale.

Visit the website at the button below to submit your form or to view listings!

BCRC 2026 Webinar Series - Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for the Beef Cattle Research Council’s 2025-2026 four-part webinar series. Each session will dig into topics that have an impact on your bottom line, including whether hormone implants are the right fit for your calves, how water quality and systems lead to better herd performance and what you can do to reduce the risk of calf losses.

To Implant or Not? What Cow-Calf Producers Need to Know

January 21, 2026, 7:00 PM MT (10:00 PM AST)

Speakers: Dr. Lauren Younker, TELUS Agriculture, and Betty Green, G7 Ranch 

Practical Approaches for Managing Stock Water 

February 18, 2026, 7:00 PM MT (10:00 PM AST)

Speakers: Dr. Cheryl Waldner, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and Karla Hicks, Bluestone Stock Farms 

Strategies for Reducing Calf Losses: Eastern Canadian Veterinary Insights 

March 18, 2026, 7:00 PM EST (8:00 PM AST)

Speakers: Dr. Lisa Freeze, Field Veterinarian Supervisor with Government of New Brunswick, and additional speaker TBD 

Strategies for Reducing Calf Losses: Western Canadian Veterinary Insights 

March 25, 2026, 7:00 PM MT (10:00 PM AST)

Speakers: Dr. Allison Pylypjuk, Beausejour Animal Hospital; Dr. Katie Waine, University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and additional speaker TBD 

Climate Adaptation Leadership Program: Farm Highlight Opportunity

How have you adapted to our changing climate? Big or small, we want to hear about the innovative practices you’ve been implementing. Apply to have your farm highlighted by the Climate Adaptation Leadership Program team! Approved producers could receive compensation up to $1,000!

If interested in being featured, please send an email of interest to office@nscattle.ca, including a brief highlight of the issues you've faced due to climate change, and how you overcame them! 

Current Opportunities: Nova Scotia



Check out the list of current opportunities available online HERE!

Click on the image below to register for the Eastern time zone.

Join Perennia’s OFCAF and Agri-Environment teams for Manure Mondays, a five-part webinar series exploring practical science-based approaches to managing livestock manure and crop production, and environmental protection. Each session will feature leading experts sharing insights on nitrogen management, greenhouse gas reduction and emerging manure management strategies.

Click on the image below to download the full PDF with additional information.

Learn about the latest innovations in livestock management and how virtual fencing systems can support improved grazing rotation, livestock distribution and reduced infrastructure costs.

Discuss practical rotational grazing strategies, environmental benefits and tools for improved carrying capacity and pasture performance.

Agriwebinar - AgriStability Unpacked: What Every Canadian Farmer Should Know in 2025

Thursday, Dec. 11

2:00 PM AST

Join in for a practical, one-hour webinar designed to help Canadian farmers and agri-business professionals make sense of the AgriStability program, what it really does, how it’s evolved, and how it can protect your bottom line in an unpredictable industry.

Over the past two decades, AgriStability has undergone significant changes, from Reference Margin Limiting to updated coverage levels and new eligibility conditions. Many producers left the program years ago due to previous changes that no longer apply, and some continue to stay away from the program because of certain misconceptions, but today’s AgriStability is more accessible and beneficial than it has been for many years for most farm operations. 

This session will cut through the myths and explain in plain language how AgriStability works, what it covers, and how to assess whether it fits your farm’s risk-management strategy.

Led by AJ Gill, National Lead of the Ag Risk Management Resources for MNP, and Mathieu Lipari, National Risk Management Lead for Farm Management Canada, this webinar will walk participants through the basics of coverage, examine some of the misconceptions around the program, and highlight what’s new for the current and upcoming program years. 

You’ll also learn how AgriStability compares to and complements certain other programs, what risks it covers (and doesn’t), and why it’s an essential tool for managing volatility across all commodities.

Are you interested in learning more about the nutritional breakdown of on-farm resources (ex. compost, manure)? Are you ready to tackle nitrogen calculations to understand the nutrients supplied by manure and compost?

Join Perennia Specialists in a four-hour On-Farm Climate Action Fund workshop held in five different locations across the province this winter! 

Red Meat Cutting Basics will run over four days covering basic cutting and breaking techniques for beef, pork, and lamb. Participants will learn to identify primal, sub-primal and retail cuts, along with their origin, use, relative value, and preparation techniques. They will also learn how to select, use, sharpen and maintain tools/equipment for boning and cutting, and how to package and display meats using common packaging materials. Regulatory requirements and appropriate procedures for sanitation/meat handling in a functional meat processing facility will be integrated into the training. Participants will receive: plastic scabbard with chain, 5” curved boning knife, 8” steak/breaking knife, 1 round steel.

When: January 26- 29, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day

Where: Dalhousie Agricultural Campus, Truro, NS



Tuition: $4,200 +HST/person (funding may be available for eligible participants. See below for details)

Registration deadline: Dec. 17, 2025. Note: A $750 deposit will be due at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due Jan. 14, 2026.

This one-day course will teach you basic sausage making fundamentals that include batch formulations, processing techniques, smoking meat, and preservation. Participants will learn through hands-on direction and demonstration of processing equipment, basic meat science procedures, and appropriate sanitation/handling of meat products within a functional processing facility. Throughout the day participants will cover topics such as grinding, mixing, stuffing/casing selection, linking and tying, smoking and cooking, and cooling. This course will also dive into packaging and preservation, along with sanitation and hygiene. 

When: Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Where: Dalhousie Agricultural Campus, Truro, NS

Tuition: $850 +HST/person (funding may be available for eligible participants. See below for details)

Registration deadline: Dec. 17, 2025

Funding Information

• Nova Scotia residents: Eligible residents of NS can receive a rebate of up to 75% of the tuition fee through the Workplace Innovation & Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) program. The total rebate will be calculated after Dec 17 date and will be taken directly off of the next installment. Please contact Amy Higgins at projects@agricommodity.ca or 902-957-2606 to discuss eligibility requirements.

• If you are an employer, there may be other funding streams. Please contact Amy Higgins at projects@agricommodity.ca or 902-957-2606 to discuss eligibility requirements.

For more information about prospective tuition subsidy eligibility, reach out to Amy Higgins at projects@agricommodity.ca or 902-957-2606.

Click on the image below to download the full course factsheet (PDF).

Hoof Health - Dalhousie Extended Learning

Registration for the upcoming Hoof Health training course goes live Friday, Nov. 28^th! 

Advance your expertise in hoof trimming care and herd management with this intensive three-day hoof health training course, led by one of Canada’s top trimming experts, Victor Daniel. Addressing one of the leading challenges in dairy production, this course combines classroom instruction with hands-on trimming experience to help participants learn to prevent and manage lameness effectively. Designed for farmers, veterinarians, farm workers, and post-secondary students, the course aims to strengthen animal welfare practices, improve herd productivity, and build regional capacity in hoof health management.

Key Dates & Details: 

When: March 16-18, 2026, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM  

Where: Dalhousie Agricultural Campus, Truro, NS + off-site on-farm practice

Registration deadline: February 14, 2026

Fee: $2,750.00 + HST/person

Provincial funding opportunities may be available through Canada Job Grants - more information available here, or please contact kamryn.allen@dal.ca with questions.

NSCP Programs:

Nova Scotia Beef Herd Renewal & Improvement Program (2025)

• Funding towards heifer retention, seed stock development, herd health, preconditioning services, VBP+ audit and surveillance systems.
• Application deadline: February 15, 2026

Nova Scotia Soil, Pasture and Forage Management Program

• Funding towards lime purchases, as well as soil, manure and/or feed analyses
• Application deadline: November 30, 2025

Nova Scotia SCAP Programs:

Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture SCAP Programs are beginning to open, including:

• Agriculture Skills Student Bursary Program - App. intake: September 1 - November 30
• Plant Your Roots Program - App. deadline: February 15, 2026
• Organic Certification Rebate Program - App. deadline: March 15, 2026

Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board - Beef Industry Lending Program

To support the growth of the beef industry in Nova Scotia, the Farm Loan Board (NSFLB) has created a program to provide financial assistance to beef farmers and related businesses. Whether you’re just starting out, in the early stages of development, or have a long-established operation, their aim is to offer lending opportunities that help expand your business.

To foster growth in the beef industry, the NSFLB can offer lending options for:

• Land Acquisitions
• Pasture Development
• Equipment Purchases
• Herd Development
• Abattoir or Meat Shop Establishment and Upgrades

This program is designed to promote the growth and sustainability of the beef sector while boosting local consumption. The NSFLB provides flexible financial solutions and leverages available grants to reduce the financial impact on borrowers.

Perennia Programs:

View current funding programs and application deadlines from Perennia at the button below.

AgriStability 2025 – Late Participation Open for Nova Scotia Producers

Although the enrolment deadline for 2025 has passed you can still participate in AgriStability as a late participant. Nova Scotia farmers can now join the AgriStability program as late participants, thanks to a special provision granted in response to ongoing challenges in the agricultural sector.

AgriStability provides financial support when your farm's 2025 production margin falls by more than 30% below your reference margin, helping producers manage risks from weather events, rising costs, and market disruptions. Late participation ensures that more producers can access vital support—even if they missed the original enrolment deadline.

Please reach out to the Business Risk Management Advisory for more details: Erin Sears (902) 324-8784, Erin.Sears@novascotia.ca 

Atlantic Stockyards Limited

Questions about the Manual? Contact glewis@perennia.ca for assistance.

NSDA: Animal Health and Protection Regulations – Disease Reporting Update

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture has issued an update to the provincially reportable and notifiable disease lists for animals under the Animal Health and Protection Regulations. Owners, custodians, veterinarians, and laboratories are reminded of their legal obligation to report any suspicion or confirmation of these diseases to the Chief Veterinary Officer within the required timelines. You can read the full letter and view the updated disease lists here.

Agroclimate Impact Reporter - AAFC

The AIR survey is open during the last week of the month over the growing season (April to October) and is intended to collect weather and climate impacts on farm operations across Canada. Survey results are made into maps and published on the Drought Watch website.

To learn more about the AIR, please click the button below.

National BSE Surveillance Program

The CFIA has updated the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Surveillance Program to align with new international standards, and is encouraging participation from across the country. The new tools make it easier to contribute:

• Is the animal eligible? Take 2 minutes to check using our simple online questionnaire
• Need a refresher on sampling and packaging? Clear, practical guidance is available
• Want to claim for services provided? Use our online invoice form – submitting takes less than 2 minutes and payment rates have been updated

Visit the National BSE Surveillance Program webpage at the button below to learn more and get started.

Humane Transport Resources

Below is a collection of downloadable resources from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

• Assessing Lameness for Transport
• Compromised or Unfit Animals at Assembly Centres
• Humane Transport Regulations - Then vs. Now
• Livestock Transport in Canada
• Transfer of Care
• Transporting Lactating Animals

Drought Management Resources - NSFA

NSFA's dedicated drought webpage is now live at the button below, with updates, resources, and relevant information in one place.

Boost Your Farm's Success with a Workplace Needs Assessment

A Workplace Needs Assessment helps farms strengthen recruitment, retention, and productivity through a tailored assessment. In just a short onsite visit, our Workforce Development Coordinator identifies skill gaps, workplace improvements, and training needs—offering practical recommendations that lead to better hiring, happier employees, and more efficient operations. If you’re interested or would like to learn more, contact Colin at cbawn@nsfa-fane.ca.

In recognition of National Wildlife Day (September 4) Homes on the Range has been launched publicly.

Description: Bobolinks, burrowing owls and... beef cattle? The land used to raise beef cattle in Canada contributes the majority of critical habitat that wildlife need for reproduction and to raise their young (74%) and to find food (55%) when all crop and pastureland is considered. When it comes to habitat for many species in Canada, home is truly on the range.