Monthly Update

September 2023

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 coordinator@agricommodity.ca.

Industry News

Grain Testing Advised

SPANS are advising producers that if you are buying/have bought grain privately to ensure you get this tested for mycotoxins.


For additional information, please contact Perennia at 902-896-0277.

Perennia’s Hayline

Perennia is pleased to offer a hay and silage listing service to connect Nova Scotia farmers looking to sell excess hay or silage with those needing additional inventory.

 

Sellers can submit an online form to be added to the listing. Buyers can view the online listing on the website to find information about available hay and silage for sale that meets their needs.

 

Please visit the website to submit your form, view the listing and for additional information!

Early Bird pricing is extended until October 20th!

Registration Form
Agenda

Food Ventures Program Now Open!

Perennia is pleased to introduce you to the Food Ventures program! This program provides financial support for the acceleration of innovative and safe Nova Scotia local products to market using Perennia’s food safety and product development services.


Nova Scotia registered farms and agri-food and beverage businesses are eligible to apply and could receive funding under two components:

  • Technical Support, Resources and Training
  • Cost-shared funding for Perennia Services


The first intake period for application is open until November 30, 2023. Learn more about the program eligibility requirements and how to apply on the website!

NorthumberLamb

Northumberlamb offers custom processing. Get pricing details HERE!

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.

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

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!

FCC Re-opens Sustainability Incentive Program

By working with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and its certification bodies (Verified Beef Production PlusOntario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program and Where Food Comes From Inc.), FCC created an incentive program open to eligible customers who are certified through CRSB.

Upcoming Events

Cape John Community Pasture: Forage Quality and Rotational Grazing Field Day

October 6

Join Perennia specialists at the Cape John Community Pasture on October 6 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM to discuss rotational grazing, forage quality, and more. They will have examples of solar watering systems and a no-till seeder, so come on to learn how to improve your pastures.

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!

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.

3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference

November 17 & 18

Foundations for Success, Sustainability & Profitability

Topics covered include: Cost of Production, Barn Design & Grazing, New Entrants

Guardian Dog Webinar

Join us and Bill Costello from Texas A&M to discuss guardian dog health on December 6th at 7 pm Atlantic. There is no fee to attend!



Bill Costanzo was hired in January 2019 by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center in San Angelo as a Livestock Guardian Dog Research Specialist II. Bill had used LGDs on his own farm flock of sheep in Northern California for over eight years. Previously, he was an Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor for over 19 years in California. He grew up in the small farming town of Escalon, California which is in the states Central Valley where his parents had a commercial Angus ranch. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Education from California State University – Fresno. Bill’s position at the AgriLife Center is a joint project between the Texas Sheep & Goat Predator Management Board and Texas A&M University AgriLife.

Sheep Producer Programs

For a complete listing of all programs,

please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Links of Interest

Check This Out!

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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