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Monthly Update
March 2024
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Important Upcoming Dates:
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March 26: Out of Season Breeding Strategies for Sheep Webinar
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April 2: Understanding Feed Efficiency Webinar
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April 12: Summer Feed Efficiency Test Intent Deadline
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April 30: AgriStability enrolment deadline
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November 22-23: 4th Annual Sheep Industry Conference
Scroll down to Upcoming Events for more information on any of the above events!
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The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia (SPANS) issues a monthly update to members the last Friday of each month. This is comprised of industry news and updates, upcoming events, upcoming sales, and relevant articles.
If you have content to potentially be added, please contact the SPANS office at (902) 893-7455 or coordinator@agricommodity.ca.
| SPANS has a fresh, newly updated website, featuring local sheep photos. We will be adding additional content to the website, such as industry statistics, as the year continues. Check it out here! | |
SPANS Website Tool Feature of the Month | |
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March = Virtual Tool Box
With files from the Canadian Sheep Federation, the "Virtual Tool Box is a virtually based tool box to assist new entrants to the Canadian sheep industry. It's full of information producers need to know in relation to running a business and managing production. Existing producers may also find it a helpful resource as they evolve and expand their operations. Simply click on an item in the following list to download a PDF of that section."
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Summer Feed Efficiency Test
The Maritime Beef Testing Society, with help from the Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia Cattle Producers, is gathering intents of interest for an upcoming 2024 Summer Feed Efficiency Test, being offered for rams, ewes and heifers.
Please email maritimebeef@eastlink.ca with your intent prior to April 12, 2024.
Additionally, there will be an Understanding Feed Efficiency webinar with Jonathan Wort, Perennia, on April 2, 2024 at 7:00pm. For more information on the Test, or to register for the webinar, please click HERE.
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Succession Survey
The NSFA is conducting a survey on succession planning in farming, aiming to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and supports needed to ensure a successful transition of farms in Nova Scotia. Your insights are crucial in helping us understand how to deliver and advocate for policy and programs to support farm succession.
Participants will have the chance to win a prize valued at $250! The winner will be selected at random and notified via email. Please note that you must be a Nova Scotia resident and provide contact information.
The survey ends on March 29, 2024.
Click HERE to complete the survey.
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Shaping Our Future: Canadian Sheep Federation Strategic Plan Renewal Survey
The Canadian Sheep Federation is undergoing a strategic plan renewal, and is seeking input on various aspects of their strategic plan, including new initiatives, funding models, and member engagement strategies.
This survey is a key step in redefining their mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities for the coming years. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
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AgriStability Enrolment Deadline
The AgriStability enrolment deadline is April 30, 2024. More information on AgriStability can be found here.
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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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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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On-Farm Industry Preparedness Program
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
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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