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Monthly Update
June 2023
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The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia issues a monthly update to members, occurring the last Friday of each month. This Monthly Update is comprised of industry news and updates, upcoming events, upcoming sales, and relevant articles.
If you have content to be added, such as an upcoming sheep event/workshop, please contact the SPANS office at 902- 893-7455 or aanderson@agricommodity.ca.
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Producer Survey!
The linked survey is regarding participation in various components of Canadian genetic improvement programs, including animal identification, registration, performance recording, use of on-farm management software, and genetic evaluation. The survey is being done as part of a project to integrate genetic services across multiple species.
We would greatly appreciate your cooperation in completing the survey, which should take 10 to 15 minutes. The survey can be accessed online at: https://forms.gle/pKAXPQEyhQeezeX87
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NorthumberLamb
Northumberlamb offers custom processing. Get pricing details HERE!
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Transportation Manifests
As a reminder, the SPANS Livestock Transportation Manifest books of 50 triplicate copies can be picked up from our office for a fee of $10.00.
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Carcass Ultrasound Services
The Nova Scotia Cattle Producers (NSCP) are proud to 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
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Farm Safety
Safety on the farm is an important topic to discuss with employees and family. The second safety video covers general safety topics as well as green house and horticulture specific safety.
A great video resource to use when onboarding new employees, or for a safety review!
Farm Safety Orientation for Greenhouse and Horticulture is available on YouTube HERE!
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Global Sheep Forum Next Generation 2022 and 2023 Podcasts
If you haven't checked out the Next Gen Sheep Producers podcast series yet, you really should! The Next Generation Global Sheep Forum has come out of a group of international sheep producer organizations, American Lamb Board, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, British National Sheep Association, Canadian Sheep Federation, National Sheep Association, National Wool Growers’ Association of South Africa and Sheep Producers Australia.
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The Shearing Plan
In March we released The Shearing Plan. The Shearing Plan was commissioned by The Canadian Wool Council, with support from some of the country’s top shearers. It looks into common obstacles in the Canadian wool industry and recommends strategies to address them. It highlights the importance of a unified, national strategy for a country with landscapes as diverse as ours.
The Shearing Plan proposes that a governing body oversee training programs for shearers, wool handlers and producers. It also looks at opportunities for Canadian courses and competitions, as well as international apprenticeships.
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Open Farm Day
Open Farm Day registration will be open from June 1 to July 31
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Dal AC Community Day
July 20
After a three-year hiatus, Dal AC Community Day is back!
July 20th, 2023, the Dal AC will celebrate their first Community Day since 2019. Not only will it be their 50th anniversary but also 10 years in the Truro/Bible Hill Community as Dalhousie University. Save the date!
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Increasing Legumes in Rotation
July 21
Join Perennia’s Rosalie Gillis-Madden at Wright’s Family Farm to talk about cover crops, how legumes can be used in rotation to off-set fertilizer costs, soil health and the On-Farm Climate Action Fund program on July 21, 2023. Bring your questions about cover crops, soil, the OFCAF program and anything else you want to discuss! This event is targeted at farmers, students and agronomists. Everyone is welcome.
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Atlantic Forage Field Day
August 9
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WoolstockEAST Fibre Market & Village
September 16
Book your booth today for the 5th Annual WoolstockEAST. The WoolstockEAST Fibre Market & Village will be held at the North Shore Recreation Centre in Tatamagouche.
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Developing & Implementing Preventive Controls/ Prerequisite Programs
October 16, 17
Perennia is offering a Developing & Implementing Preventive Controls / Prerequisite Programs training session. The purpose of this in-person training session is to ensure companies understand how to develop, implement and document preventive controls to prevent, control and mitigate food safety risks.Shelly MacDonald has over 15 years of experience in the food industry, having worked with natural health products, meat/poultry, storage facilities, full-service distribution and fish & seafood. She has worked with many processing plants assisting with the development, implementation, and maintenance of Preventive Control Plans and GFSI certifications (SQF, BRCGS).
As Perennia’s Lead Trainer, Shelly develops and delivers online and in-house custom food safety training programs. She also delivers NSF Food Safety Training in partnership with NSF International for the Maritime Provinces.
Click HERE for more information!
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DSANA Save The Date!
Save the date! The Dairy Sheep Association of North America announces the upcoming Dairy Sheep Symposium 2023. DSANA’s annual Symposium will be virtual again this year: two half-days, Wednesday, November 8th and Thursday, November 9th, from Noon to 4:30pm EST.
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3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference
November 17 & 18
Foundations for Success, Sustainability & Profitability
Topics covered include: Cost of Production, Barn Design & Grazing, New Entrants
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Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program
Application deadline:15 September 2023
The Environmental Stewardship and Climate Change Program supports the Agricultural sector in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. This program helps primary producers accelerate the adoption of priority beneficial management practices. Click HERE for more information.
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Limestone Trucking Assistance Program
Application Deadline: 30 September 2023
The Limestone trucking assistance program aims to help Nova Scotia farms defray the cost of trucking limestone to give equal opportunity in neutralizing the acidity of the soil on agricultural land and improve production efficiencies. Click HERE for more information.
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Get Growing Program
Application deadline: 30 September 2023
The Get Growing Program supports small farms in adopting specialized infrastructure and equipment. The program helps with the expansion of local agricultural production for local markets. Click HERE for more information.
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Wildlife Damage Mitigation Program
Application deadline: 31 October 2023
The Wildlife Damage Mitigation program helps farms protect crop and livestock from wildlife damage to improve industry competitiveness and resilience. Click HERE for more information.
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On-Farm Industry Preparedness Program
Application deadline: 31 December 2023
The On-farm Industry Preparedness Program supports primary producers with water management activities, creating greater resilience against ongoing climate events. Click HERE for more information.
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Planning New Opportunities Program
Application Deadline: 31 December 2023
The Planning New Opportunities Program helps farms and agri-businesses be more competitive, manage a transition, develop risk management strategies and respond to change. Click HERE for more information.
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Canada
An all-inclusive information portal is available to help farmers, food processors and agri-food businesses find information on new and existing programs and financial resources to address hardships that many are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website HERE.
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Agri-Commodity Management Association (ACMA), hosts Maritime AgCast - an agricultural podcast based on discussions of important topics for livestock farmers with local, regional and national guests.
The podcast episodes will include topics about disease management, forage and pasture management, bull selection and much more!
Click Here for more information!
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