Nova Scotia Programs - Now Open

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

• Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program - App. deadline: May 31
• Get Growing Program - App. deadline: September 30
• Limestone Trucking Assistance Program - App. deadline: September 30
• On-Farm Resiliency Program - App. deadline: July 31
• On-Farm Water Management Program - App. deadline: May 31
• Planning New Opportunities Program - App. deadline: September 30
• Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - App. deadline: May 31
• Technology Adoption Program - App. deadline: May 31

For a complete listing of all programs, please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs.

Perennia Farm Data Tools

Perennia's new and improved Farm Data Tools is here to get you the information you need to make the best farm management decisions. Join growers and consultants who have decision-support tools in their own hands.

Sign up for a free account to access these tools today!

Impact of Cache Valley Virus in Canadian Sheep Flocks

The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) is conducting a national survey to assess the impact of Cache Valley Virus (CVV) in sheep flocks across Canada.

CVV is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause abortions, stillbirths, and congenital deformities in lambs. While cases have been identified in Canada, the true extent of CVV in our industry remains unknown. The CSF needs your help to establish a clear picture of how this disease is affecting flocks nationwide.

Why Your Input Matters:

✅ Identify trends and risk factors for CVV across Canada

✅ Provide data to support awareness, surveillance, and prevention strategies

✅ Help the industry better respond to emerging reproductive health challenges

Who Should Participate?

• All Canadian sheep producers – even if you haven’t experienced reproductive issues, your input helps establish a baseline for comparison.
• Your participation will help CSF develop practical solutions to reduce the impact of CVV on Canadian sheep operations. Results will be used to inform industry discussions, producer education, and future research priorities.
• The survey is anonymous and takes just 5–10 minutes to complete.

CVV and abortion factsheets are available on the SPANS website.

It's important to note that CVV issues are not a result of poor management. Instead, changing environmental conditions are making it more challenging to protect our flocks.

Now is the time to plan for next fall's breeding season. Strategies like avoiding grazing in mosquito-heavy areas and improving mosquito control can help reduce risks.

If you suspect one of these viruses has affected your flock, please reach out to your veterinarian.

AgriStability - Application Deadline Approaching

Is your farm dealing with:

• unpredictable weather;
• crop or animal disease; or
• high input costs?

Then it may be time to protect your farm with AgriStability.

Click the image below to apply for the 2025 program year.

CFIA Scrapie Surveillance Resources

Have your sheep and goats tested for Scrapie, a fatal disease that affects their central nervous system. If an animal aged 12 months and older dies on your farm, contact the CFIA.

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 novascotiasheep@gmail.com, including a brief highlight of the issues you faced due to climate change, and how you overcame them!

Carcass Ultrasound Services



The Nova Scotia Cattle Producers proudly offer live animal ultrasound technology services for cattle and sheep in the Maritimes. The NSCP obtained the imaging technology equipment and certified two technicians, Jacy McInnis and Ellen Davis, and are proud to offer the first permanent technicians this side of Quebec!

By having ultrasound services readily available to producers, the hope is that overall carcass traits and expected progeny differences (EPD’s) within the region will be increased. This service will aid in future breeding practices, as results will illustrate the appropriateness of breeding stock, indicating which heritable traits, such as those within feed efficiency and carcass measures, should be improved for optimal production.



For more information click HERE

NSFA Members Virtual Town Hall

Join the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture on Wednesday evening for a policy consultation for 2025-2026 priorities where they are looking to collect your opportunities, concerns, and policy ideas to improve the agriculture sector!

The NSFA will also be joined by the team at Rural Roots Engineering & Design who have completed an assessment on the impacts of adopting the 2020 National Building Code for farm structures. They will present updates to requirements for structures, fire systems, and the economic impact.

Nova Scotia SCAP Programs:

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

• Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program - App. deadline: May 31
• Get Growing Program - App. deadline: September 30
• Limestone Trucking Assistance Program - App. deadline: September 30
• On-Farm Resiliency Program - App. deadline: July 31
• On-Farm Water Management Program - App. deadline: May 31
• Planning New Opportunities Program - App. deadline: September 30
• Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program - App. deadline: May 31
• Technology Adoption Program - App. deadline: May 31

For a complete listing of all programs, please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs.