The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows farmers that carry on a farming business in a prescribed area who sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought, excess moisture or flooding to defer a portion of sale proceeds to the following year. When prescribed regions are identified, the list is posted to this web page.

How the provision works:

To defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15%.

Where the breeding herd has been reduced by at least 15%, but less than 30%, 30% of income from net sales can be deferred.

Where the breeding herd has been reduced by 30% or more, 90% of income from net sales can be deferred.

In a year in which a region has been prescribed, income from the sale of breeding livestock can be deferred to the next tax year when the income inclusion may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring the breeding livestock. In the case of consecutive years of drought, excess moisture or flooding, farmers may defer this income to the first year in which the region is no longer prescribed.

AgriStability 2025 – Late Participation Now 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 now have until September 30, 2026, to 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 

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.

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.

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!

CALP Agrivoltaics Field Tour

Oct. 30, 2025

1:00 - 3:00 PM

37 Solar Lane, Mahone Bay

Join us for a CALP Agrivoltaics Field Tour on October 30^th from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at 37 Solar Lane, Mahone Bay, to check out this innovative way that solar developments can manage vegetation. Sheep will be on site, doing their job!

Lauren Clark the Climate and Energy Program Manager for the town of Mahone Bay, and Kevin Veinotte the shepherd will be there to talk about their experiences from this past year.

Join Perennia for a follow up from last winter’s benchmarking workshops. Perennia specialists discuss the value of on-farm data collection with local benchmarks for the cow-calf sector – how can you use benchmarking information to maximize farm returns and optimize feed utilization? 

These sessions will also include discussion about cow body condition and feed resources moving into winter with the current feed challenges in mind.

Registration is required. Registration closes the day before each session. There is no cost to attend. 

The 2025 Maritime Beef Testing Society Annual General Meeting will be held November 13 at 7:00 PM via Zoom as a business meeting only.

If you are planning to attend, please register ahead of the meeting at the button below:

Time is running out to register for the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association’s (CFGA) 2025 Annual Conference, which takes place in partnership with the New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association (NBSCIA) from Nov. 18 to 21, in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

With the theme Greener Horizons: Technological Innovations in Forage and Grassland Management, this year’s conference will highlight the cutting-edge advancements shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.

The event includes:

• Pre-conference workshops
• Welcome reception
• Two days of expert-led sessions
• Panel discussions
• Industry trade show
• Leadership Award dinner and presentation
• Building Bridges social
• Post-conference farm tour

Earn CEU credits

Conference attendees will also be eligible to earn Certified Education Units (CEUs), making this event not only informative but also a valuable opportunity for professional development. Whether you're a producer, agronomist or extension specialist, participating in the conference sessions can contribute toward your continuing education requirements while deepening your expertise in forage and grassland innovation.

Register Now! 

Register today on the CFGA website. Check out the draft agenda and watch the CFGA conference website for more details! Follow the CFGA Facebook, Instagram and X accounts for updates on speakers, schedules and special events as they become available.

November 19, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Door open at 8:00 AM

Old Orchard Inn

153 Greenwich Road South

Greenwich, Nova Scotia

Register now for Harvesting Connections, a one-day forum on November 19^th dedicated to strengthening relationships between Nova Scotia’s producers, processors, distributors, and institutional buyers. 

Hear from keynote speaker Sheena Russell of Made With Local, attend breakout sessions for producers and buyers, and participate in the Producer Showcase!   

Maintaining and balancing minerals can be commonly overlooked in our rotational grazing systems. Join Perennia for an in-person presentation and discussion with Dr. Annie Williams, a UK-based ruminant nutritionist specializing in mineral bioavailability and how producers can be mindful of minerals in their rotational grazing practices. 

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.

The deadline for Food Ventures applications is fast approaching! Want support for quality and food safety services, product development services or training? Submit your application before October 31, 2025 and get funding for your business!

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.

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.