Scroll down to Upcoming Events for more information on any of the above events!

Cache Valley and Abortion Factsheets

Cache Valley Virus (CVV) and abortion factsheets have been added to the SPANS website, as reports of abortions and malformed lambs are being seen across flocks nationally. While there's little that can be done to stop these losses right now, it’s important to understand what might have caused them.

Key points:

• CVV is spread by mosquitoes, and infections during early pregnancy can lead to congenital malformations and abortions months later.
• Prevention measures, like reducing mosquito exposure during breeding season, can help in the future.

These 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.

Government of Canada to open new intake period for Youth Employment and Skills Program

Applications opened for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) on January 27, 2025. Supported by an investment of approximately $13.5 million, YESP is an initiative aimed at helping young Canadians access employment opportunities and gain valuable work experience in the agricultural sector, while contributing to the growth of the agricultural community here in Canada.

The agriculture and agri-food sector is a major contributor to the Canadian economy. This funding will help address some of the pressing labour issues the sector faces by supporting approximately 1,200 jobs and by fostering the next generation of agriculture and agri-food workers.

Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. Applications from Indigenous employers will be prioritized for the 2025-2026 program year.

Together, we are building a future where all young Canadians can gain work experience in the agriculture and agri-food sector and help them to access future employment opportunities in the industry.

Application forms for AAFC’s YESP are available through the webpage and additional information can be found by contacting aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca or calling 1-866-452-5558.

Associated links

• AAFC Youth Employment and Skills Program
• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) – Employment and Social Development Canada

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 practises 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

Brett is a Schuyler County native with over 30 years of professional experience in forestry and farming. Brett works with a broad range of audiences on forestry, agroforestry and grazing education.

Christoph was raised on a farm near Powassan, and received his Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Sciences) and Master of Science (Animal Science – Ruminant Nutrition) from the University of Guelph. He has been part of OMAFRA’s efforts toward environmental sustainability through his involvement in the Environmental Farm Plan, and other funding and policy programs.

To learn more about silvopastures, Brett and Cristoph put together this factsheet for OMAFRA in 2023.

Janna Greir is a first-generation farmer and co-owner of Whispering Cedars Ranch with her husband in Alberta, leveraging their sheep for utility-scale solar grazing. In 2023, Janna co-founded Solar Sheep Inc; revolutionizing vegetation management, offering consultancy and coaching services to solar developers and livestock producers, and supplying a range of applicable products, including solar seeding solutions.

Jeff and his brother Mark lead The Smart Energy Company, an Agrivoltaics leader in Atlantic Canada since 2016. The company was founded to help farmers generate their own energy independence by using technology to harness the power of the elements. They’re on a path to help farmers in Canada save $1B in electricity costs. The days of having to choose between farming or renewable energy generation are behind us. Solar energy generation on the farm is good for the farm business, the farm operation and the planet.

To learn more about agrivoltaics prior to this webinar, check out some of these resources:

• Agrivoltaics Canada
• Solar Sheep Inc. | Sheep as a Service
• Home – Smart Energy Company

For a complete listing of all Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture programs, please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs.