Acrobat Printed Reader Page #’s Page # Main Newsletter (for all regions) Manure Management Guidelines 2005 Now Available ...... 1 2 SCIANS Advance Payments Program...... 1 2 Programs and Business Risk Management – Update ...... 2 3 Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission ...... 3 4 Second Agrifest Slated for 2006 ...... 3 4 Controlled Atmosphere Storage Plant Operators and Packers of ...... 4 5 CA Storage Apples – Certification 2005 Upcoming Workshop Building Food Safety & Bio-security into Agriculture. . . . 4 5 Do More Than Just Bring Them Back: Bring Them Back Clean ...... 4 5 National Outstanding Young Farmer Conference ...... 5 6 Scientists Demonstrate Brain Health Properties of Specific Apple Constituents . 5 6 Potato Genomics Research at NSAC...... 6 7 Centre for Continuing & Distance Education, NSAC ...... 6 7 4-H News...... 7 8

Custom Newsletter Pages (for individual regions) West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg and Queens counties ...... 9–10 10–11 Pictou, Antigonish, Inverness and Guysborough counties...... 9 12 East Hants, Cumberland, Colchester and Halifax counties ...... 9 13 Cape Breton, Victoria and Richmond counties ...... 9–10 14–15 Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties ...... 9 16 Fall 2005 Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Volume 6 No. 4

Manure Management Guidelines 2005 Now Available

Since manure management guidelines became apparent that there were Odour Management; Manure were last revised in 1991, many many new issues that needed to be Transportation Guidelines. environmental laws, agricultural addressed. As a result, the revised practices and technologies have guidelines include new sections The Guidelines are available on the changed. In consultation with the dealing with issues relevant to Department of Agriculture and Department of Environment and manure management in today’s Fisheries website: Labour, the Department decided to world, including: Regulatory http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/rs/envman make minor revisions to the Considerations; Siting of Manure /pub.shtml . The Department is guidelines to bring them up to Storage Facilities; Manure Storage inviting comments on the guidelines. modern standards. However, it Design Considerations; Manure Written comments can be forwarded until November 30, 2005 to: Lorne Crozier, Resource Management Specialist, Resource Stewardship Division, NSDAF, PO Advance Payments Program (APP) Box 550, Truro, NS B2N 5E3 or e- mail [email protected]

Hard copies will be available once RR No 1, Milford Station, Nova Scotia B0N 1Y0 • Tel: (902) 758-3530 • Fax: (902) 758-2974 the document is finalized. The Advance Payments Program is a of 2005. To complete an application, federal loan guarantee program that producers must allow a credit check provides producers with a cash and a storage (of crops) check to be advance on their stored crops at or done. SCIANS will deduct a one per soon after harvest, allowing them to cent holdback from all advances to meet short term financial cover itself in the event of a default. obligations. As the crop is sold or This will be returned to producers fed on farm, the producer repays the when the advance has been paid advance. The federal government back in full. A 1.5 per cent fee of the pays the interest on loans up to advance will be charged to each $50,000. producer for the administration of the program. For more information Second Agrifest The Soil and Crop Improvement contact Carol Versteeg - Phone:(902) Association of Nova Scotia 758-3530, Fax: (902) 758-2974 Slated for 2006 (SCIANS) has applied to Ottawa to or email: carol.versteeg@ See page 3 for details administer this program for the fall ns.sympatico.ca

For BRM information Back issues of this newsletter are please call available on-line at 1-866-844-4BRM http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/rs/fs/arcs/

1 PROGRAMS AND BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Programs Update Program Activities Farm Investment Fund As of September 23, 2005 Frequently asked questions: # of Applications 1. Is a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) needed for limestone Received Approved transportation assistance? 621 592

Yes. The producer must have a completed NMP at the time of Application turnaround times application to be eligible for All calculations are done based on application date of receipt limestone transportation Average number of working days to approval 16.4 assistance. Average number of working days to correspondence* 14.4 2. Which projects require a * Correspondence includes Letter of Agreement or Third Party Assessment completed Environmental Farm Letter. Plan (EFP) to be eligible for assistance? Category G – Canada/Nova Scotia Environmental Farm Stewardship The following projects require a Program Activities completed EFP: The Programs Office has received a number of inquires regarding producer • Category F - Biodiversity activities within this new program category. Initiatives - All eligible projects • Category G - Canada/Nova Approved provincial funding Approved federal funding Scotia Environmental Farm Activity # of Projects Assistance # of Projects Assistance Stewardship Program - All Canada/Nova Scotia BMP 144 $392,339 183 $613,717 Environmental Program eligible Tier 1 158 $367,474 158 $361,459 projects (1-30)

3. Do I have to wait for all of my Agri-Food Industry Development Fund approved projects to be The AFID program opened on June 2, 2005. There have been three completed before I can submit a committee meetings to review program applications. program claim? Program Activities No. Producers can claim on individual projects once As of September 28, 2005 completed. Keep in mind that # of Applications Received 41 most approved projects require a # of Applications Approved 27 site visit prior to the fund being released. # of Applications Pending next review meeting 12

Applicants have access assistance from all program categories Category % of Approved Funding Business Development 27 Market Development & Industry Expansion 49 Regulatory Compliance, Food Safety & OHS 8 AFP - Food Safety & Quality Initiative 16

For more information on the programs above, please contact the Programs and Business Risk Management office at (902) 893-6510 or toll free 1-866- 844-4276.

2 ...Business Risk Management update cont’d. Canadian Agricultural Income Support Program (CAIS)

CAIS Deadline Extension Those producers who got the CAIS CAIS Workshops The deadlines for the 2004 CAIS Supplementary forms already have The CAIS Supplementary Form Supplementary Form and T1163 – an advantage as processing occurs workshops in September were well Statement of Farming Activities have on a first in, first out basis. attended. Close to 130 producers been extended to November 30, made time during the busy harvest 2005. The CAIS administration will be season to attend one of seven sending out letters to producers in sessions across the province. The If producers/accountants have not mid-October telling them what most common difficulty among filed their T1163, or if a T2042 was forms they must submit in order to producers was how to correctly fill filed in error, they still have time to be eligible for a 2004 benefit. out the livestock inventory form. send it to Canada Revenue Agency Examples of the forms were (CRA) for the 2004 Program Year. presented in a step by step manner. Although cumbersome, the examples seemed to help producers realize what CAIS requires on the form. Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission According to CAIS, there has been Production Insurance improvement in the quality of information provided for 2004, 2005 Application Deadlines: compared to 2003. As producers become more comfortable with the Raspberries – November 1 detailed record keeping practices, Strawberries – November 15 and the reporting system, the data Blueberries – November 15 provided will be more complete. Tree Fruit – December 1 This will increase the processing speed. CAIS is also addressing For information on all insurance plans, contact us at feedback about the forms being too Truro 1-800-565-6371 or Kentville (902) 679-6015/6028 difficult, too lengthy, and requiring unnecessary detail. The CAIS administration is considering changes in the information required on the Supplementary Form.

Upcoming CAIS Sessions CAIS producer sessions that were to Second Agrifest Slated for 2006 be held by the federal CAIS administration will take place in the The outdoor celebration of Food and music will be a key new year, as they await decisions on agriculture and food that captivated component of the event, with food changes to the program. A CAIS 10,000 visitors in 2004, will be held vendors, musical acts and cooking accountant session will be held this on August 10-13, 2006. The same demonstrations. The event's contest fall/winter to introduce the CAIS 50-acre site in Canning will be used and competition components will be Harmonized Form (T1163 again for Agrifest. enhanced with unique ways to harmonized with the Supplementary involve the livestock sector. Evening Form) Agrifest 2006 will offer seminars, events will also be added. workshops and plot tours in, For more information, contact the vegetables, berries, field crops and Information on the event will be CAIS toll free line at 1-866-367- ornamentals. The popular family posted at www.agrifest.com as it 8506, visit the CAIS website at pavilion will return, along with an becomes available. www.agr.gc.ca/caisprogram/, or exhibitor trade show, landscaping contact Christine Moore, Programs component and machinery For more information, contact: and Business Risk Management demonstrations, which will be Lynne Godlien, AgraPoint (902) (NSDAF) at (902) 893-6374 or toll expanded to a daily event. 678-7722 [email protected] free 1-866-844-4276.

3 UPCOMING WORKSHOP – Building Food DO MORE THAN JUST Safety and Bio-Security into Agriculture BRING THEM BACK: BRING THEM BACK Wednesday, November 23, 2005 Safety Authority of Ireland; and CLEAN 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Old Orchard Inn, Rachel Okhama of Curtis Chicks Wolfville, Nova Scotia Ltd. CropLife Canada

Food Safety Topics Pre-register at 1-866-606-4636 and Agricultural producers have been – A Retailers Perspective qualify for an early bird draw. returning pesticide containers for – Making the Connection Between Registration fee: $60 + HST recycling for more than 15 years the Farm and the Consumer includes meals and workshop through a very successful program – European Perspective on Food manual. administered by CropLife Canada. Safety Bio-Security Topics Registration at the door, 8 a.m. – Canada leads the world in this – Build a Bio-Security Plan for $80 + HST recycling initiative with more than Your Farm 70 per cent of all containers being – What are the Risks on Your Farm For more information contact returned (over 60 million), but there – Bio-Terrorism AgraPoint, Phone: (902) 896-0277 is room for improvement. Not all – A Producers Perspective or (902) 678-7722 returned containers are completely clean. Those that are not rinsed and Join AgraPoint specialists and other An agenda and printable registration drained contaminate the rest, food safety/bio-security experts in a form is also available on the resulting in a ‘Hazardous Recyclable learning-friendly, interactive AgraPoint website Waste’ designation and significantly environment. Speakers include: Jim www.agrapoint.ca higher recycling costs. Wyatt of Sobeys; Rae Ellard of Food Growers are urged to follow the three Rs of the pesticide container recycling program: Controlled Atmosphere Storage Plant Operators and 1. Pressure rinse or triple rinse Packers of CA Storage Apples Certification 2005 containers (up to 23 L) thoroughly to eliminate all pesticide residue; Alexander Shalin, NSDAF The following CA Storage Plant Operators have been certificated for 2. Remove paper booklets, sleeves In accordance with the Packaged five years (2005 - 2010). and caps; Apples Controlled Atmosphere (CA) * Scotian Gold Cooperative Ltd. 3. Return the clean empty containers Designation Regulations made under * Van Meekeren Farms Ltd. to your regional collection site. Part XVII, Section 164 of the * Stirling Fruit Farms (2000) Ltd. Agriculture and Marketing Act, the * J.W.Mason and Sons Ltd. Please do your part to create a re-certification of CA Storage Plants * Noggins Corner Farm Ltd. healthier, safe rural environment and has been provided by the Resource * Kimberlee Farms bring them back clean. Stewardship Division (Pest • Blomidon Produce Ltd. Management Regulations • 2508415 Nova Scotia Ltd. For more information, visit the Coordinator). (Mountain Crest Farm) CropLife Canada website at • Sarsfield Foods Ltd. www.croplife.ca or contact Cam All CA Storage Plants that applied Davereux at CropLife Canada, for re-certification have been The Companies marked with (*) phone (416) 622-9771, fax (416) checked for technical conditions and have also been certificated as 622-6764. records of the atmospheric and Packers of CA Apples. temperature regimes. All inspected Packers of CA Apples certificated CA Storage Plants satisfy the for 2005–2010 include: standards of an operational practice. • East Coast Apples Ltd. • Stirling Apples Ltd.

4 Scientists Demonstrate Brain Health Properties of Specific Apple Constituents

New studies, by the Tree Fruit Dr. Rupasinghe, chair of the recently Antioxidants, such as dietary BioProducts research program at the established Tree Fruit BioProducts phenolics, neutralize the negative by- Nova Scotia Agricultural College research program, is looking at apple products of our metabolism called (NSAC), in collaboration with Dr. and processing by-products as free radicals, which can damage George Robertson of Dalhousie possible bio-resources to develop DNA, leading to cancer. They also University, have demonstrated that a value-added food ingredients and counteract environmental specific group of phenolic natural health products. In carcinogens, protect against compounds present in apple skin particular, he is investigating a group cardiovascular diseases and may contribute to the protection of of phytochemicals called flavinoids, potentially prevent the early brain cells from oxidative stress. which are believed to provide a wide occurrence of age-related diseases array of health benefits. such as Alzheimers. Researchers presented their preliminary results at the first Although the apple is not the fruit The apple is one of the top dietary International Symposium on Health with the highest antioxidant capacity, sources for flavinoids in the North Effects of Fruits and Vegetables, last the apple is unique in its American diet. Among many month in Quebec City. According to phytochemicals. For example, an nutritional sources, apples also the study, among nine major apple could be categorized as one of provide plenty of dietary fiber, phenolic compounds present in the dietary sources richest in the primarily pectin and cellulose. Pectin apples, a subfamily of phenolics above-mentioned flavinols. Other gives dieters a sense of fullness to called flavinols, may protect brain fruits and vegetables rich in flavinols make them feel they’ve eaten cells from injurious conditions. include onions, cranberries and heartily. It helps reduce blood spinach. cholesterol and aids in digestion of fat. Apples also provide plenty of potassium, which helps regulate National Outstanding Young Farmer Conference to be body fluids and neuromuscular Held in Atlantic Region for the First Time activity.

This November will mark a milestone Canada’s Outstanding Young In recent years there has been a for celebrating and recognizing the Farmers. The Atlantic region has significant decline in the market achievements of farmers in this won the national award the last two value of apples due to a variety of region and across the country. years and has had 13 national factors including global over- winners since 1980. Representing production and a drastic increase in The National Outstanding Young the Atlantic region for 2005 are Steve the amount of imported apples. Farmers Conference will be held and Jessica Reeves from Freetown, Local growers have been impacted November 16-20 in Halifax, the first PEI. by this global shift with a loss of time the conference has ever been profits that have forced some to quit held in the Atlantic region. The national program is sponsored production. In addition to the apple by John Deere, CIBC, Bayer surplus, an estimated 12 million The Outstanding Young Farmers CropScience and Agriculture and pounds of apple by-products are Program recognizes those who Agri-Food Canada. Sponsors of the wasted annually, which has created demonstrate excellence in their field. Atlantic Canada National great concern for the apple industry. Celebrating its 25th year, the program Conference include Nova Scotia The Nova Scotia Tree Fruit Growers boasts more than 150 farm couple Department of Agriculture and Association, with support from the alumni. The country is divided into Fisheries, Shur-Gain/Maple Leaf, Department of Agriculture and eight regions with each holding an Eden Valley Farms / ACA Co- Fisheries and the federal event where local nominees are operative, AgraPoint, Farmers Dairy, government, has hired Dr. judged on specific criteria. The Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd, Kings Mutual Rupasinghe to explore new market regional recipients from across Insurance and Purina (Clarence Farm opportunities for the tree fruit Canada attend the national event Services). industry. where they are recognized for their contribution and achievement to For more information on the event, agriculture. A panel judges and visit www.oyfatlantic.ca or call selects two honourees to be named (902) 678-7722.

5 Potato Genomics Research at NSAC by Gefu Wang-Pruski and Leslie MacLaren

Potato is the most widely grown Research Area 3: Improving the identification of genes responsible vegetable crop in the world. nutritional value of potatoes. Dr. for biotic and abiotic stresses. Currently it is the fourth most Wang-Pruski and her associates are important world food crop after rice, working to increase the vitamin C Research Area 5: Development of wheat, and corn. Canadian potato content of potatoes to improve both molecular markers and maps. This is production and processing is of vital their nutrition and storage quality. a basic research area which focuses economic significance, particularly They are also investigating the on finding genetic markers for in Atlantic Canada. In Nova Scotia, antioxidant activity of chlorogenic identification of quantitative trait approximately 55,000 tonnes of acid, the most abundant phenolic loci for tuber quality and disease potatoes are produced, primarily for compound in potato. resistance. The results will be used the fresh market and for chip for marker assisted breeding and processing. The important Research Area 4: Improving disease cultivar selection purposes, in turn characteristics for a potato variety resistance. Two major projects in decreasing the time to are yield, cooking and processing this area are: 1) using a biocontrol commercialization of improved quality, as well as resistance to agent to promote resistance of potato cultivars, as well as helping reduce diseases. The industry is also to Phytophthora infestans which inputs and costs. concerned with reducing the causes late blight; and 2) environmental impacts of potato production and processing. Dr. Wang-Pruski, in the Department of Plant and Animal Sciences at NSAC, CENTRE FOR CONTINUING & DISTANCE leads an active research program EDUCATION, NSAC targeting many of these areas. She collaborates with scientists and Continuing Education Units for NSAC offers a variety of organic industry throughout the region and Certified Crop Advisors agriculture courses via distance abroad. She uses traditional plant learning that also offer international physiology as well as modern Certified Crop Advisors in Atlantic CEUs. molecular biology techniques to Canada are able to continue to earn develop new strategies to improve Continuing Education Units (CEUs) • Organic Field Crop Management our potato products and methods of through a variety of courses offered (AGRN1000), offered in the production. at the Centre for Continuing and winter semester from January 4 to Distance Education at NSAC. April 20, 2006, introduces Research Area 1: Reducing the learners to organic principles and chemical usage in french fry Nutrient Management Planning is practices applied to the processing. The chemical sodium being offered from November 14 – production and management of acid pyrophosphate is currently used 17, 2005. This course has been field crops. Students learn how to for preventing darkening in french developed for agricultural optimize crop yield and quality in fries. Projects included in this area professionals and others whose work the context of organic farming address the genetic factors (genes is impacted by nutrient management principles, sustainable soil and and proteins) affecting darkening planning. It will teach the basic nutrient management, and organic and the optimal environmental concepts of nutrient management certification requirements. This conditions (soil, storage, fertility) to planning and highlight local course offers 33.5 CEUs from reduce the chemical usage. applications and issues. The study five educational areas. guide and exam are included in the • Principles of Organic Horticulture Research Area 2: Improving the tuition fee. Those wanting to write (HORT2001) will be offered in processing quality of potato. There the exam only may do so on the last the fall semester of 2006. The are three projects in this area that day of the course. Certified Crop overall objective of this course is focus on nitrogen usage, soil iron Advisors will receive 24.5 CEUs in to introduce the student to the impact, and the impact of sprouting the Nutrient Management principles that form the basis for treatments. Educational Area for attending the organic horticultural production course. systems. This course offers 66 CEUs from five educational areas. continued on next page... 6 ...continued from previous page

• Composting and Compost Use (ENVS1000) was offered in the fall semester of 2005. This course relies heavily on activity Judy Wile Named Provincial 4-H Volunteer of the Year based learning. A “hands-on” composting component is a 4-H leaders across Canada were years with the Hill n’ Dale 4-H Club requirement for all students honoured for their dedication to and is presently the Co-General taking the course for credit. youth as winners in the fourth annual Leader. This past year she taught Students will be required to The Co-operators / 4-H National projects on dairy, vet science, sewing, construct a composting unit and Volunteer Leader of the Year Award. and small engines. Judy has held select materials for composting. More than 32,000 4-H members various positions on the Nova Scotia This course offers 39.5 CEUs across the country depend on more 4-H Council and is currently Nova from five educational areas. than 9,500 volunteer leaders to run Scotia’s representative on the Atlantic clubs and oversee projects. The 4-H Committee. Schedule and Fees – Fall 2005 award was established through a Integrated Pest Management partnership between The Co- A national winner was selected from Update for Landscapers operators and Canadian 4-H Council the ten provincial winners. Provincial Thursday, October 27 to celebrate the dedication shown by winners receive a certificate, $100 9 a.m – 3 p.m. 4-H volunteers in helping youth cash prize, plus Co-operators and Tuition: $80 achieve their goals. Canadian 4-H merchandise. The Decision Deadline: October 13 grand prize of a $1,100 cash award Judy Wile of Lunenburg County was goes to national winner Régina Integrated Pest Management selected as Nova Scotia’s provincial Haché, of St-Isidore, NB. Update for Farmers leader. Judy has been a leader for 28 Thursday, November 4 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuition: $80 Nova Scotia To Be Well Represented at Decision Deadline: October 20 National 4-H Conferences Nutrient Management Planning November 14 - 17 Seven 4-H members and five 4-H integrated complex food chain that Monday – Thursday leaders from Nova Scotia have been includes primary agriculture and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. selected to attend two prestigious 4-H inputs, processing, distribution, food Tuition: $300 Conferences in Toronto. The National safety, transportation, wholesale and Decision Deadline: October 28 4-H Members and the National 4-H retail of food and other products Pesticide Applicator’s Certification Leaders conferences, hosted by the derived from agriculture. November 21 – 24 Canadian 4-H Council, run from Monday – Thursday November 2 – 6. The Nova Scotia members who won Tuition: $350 travel awards are: Rachel West, Port Decision Deadline: November 4 Sixty-three delegates will attend the Williams, Kings County; Holly National 4-H Member Conference Samson, Bras d’Or, Cape Breton; Note: A minimum number of students including 55 from across Canada, Justin Sharpe, Pictou, Pictou County; is required for each course. The three from the United Kingdom and Connie MacDonnell, Enfield, Halifax “Decision Deadline” is the date on six from the USA. The theme for the East-Hants; Abby Fiendel, which courses with insufficient conference is ‘Capture the 4-H Spirit Bridgewater, Lunenburg County and enrolment will be cancelled. - Celebrating Youth Achievement’. Nicole Comeau, Yarmouth, Yarmouth Throughout the week, members will County and Niels Kouwenburg, Visit www.nsac.ca/cde for more participate in educational sessions Cumberland County. information on these and other focusing on agriculture and the food courses offered by The Centre for continuum from the farm gate to the The National 4-H Volunteer Leaders' Continuing and Distance Education plate. Through presentations, work- Conference, will run concurrently at NSAC. You can also reach the shops, and interaction with industry with the 4-H member conference. Centre at (902) 893-6666 or email leaders, delegates will learn about the continued on next page... [email protected].

7 ...continued from previous page Nova Scotia 4-H Members To Compete in Prestigious The theme of this year's leaders' conference is ‘Capture the 4-H Spirit Classes at the Royal AGRICULTURAL - Leading the Way’. WINTER FAIR

Thirty -three outstanding 4-H leaders Sixteen 4-H members have won the conformation of the calf and 50 per from across Canada will work honour of representing Nova Scotia cent of their showmanship ability. toward this important goal. in two prestigious cattle shows at the The spare is Carolyn Murphy, Conference sessions for 4-H leader Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Inverness County with her Guernsey will concentrate on communication, Toronto in November. Participants calf. working with committees, team were selected at the 4-H Provincial building, maintaining 4-H member- Show in September on the basis of The eight members representing ship, planning for success, network- the quality of their calf. Nova Scotia with their beef heifers ing and motivation. Volunteer leaders at the National Junior Beef Heifer will participate in a number of joint Eight 4-H dairy members will Show are Emily Parsons, Annapolis sessions with national 4-H confer- participate in the Scotiabank Classic County; Carolyn Vanden Heuvel, ence delegates. Dairy Show, competing against 4-H Antigonish County; Megan members from across Canada for top Robertson, Pictou County; Nicole Nova Scotia 4-H leaders attending honours. Participants are Derek Greeno and Laura Coulter, this conference are: Karen Yuill and Melissa Fulton, Colchester Cumberland County; Justin Beck Cleveland, Digby County; Brenda County; Andrea Crowe and Derek and Jane Ogilvie, Kings County; and Sharpe, Pictou County; Bev Mason, Adema, Hants County; Sheila Cornelia Van den Hoek, Colchester Cumberland County; Jacqueline Sundborg and Josh Van der Linden, County. Melvin, Kings County; Lorraine Antigonish County and Ria Van der Gates, Richmond County; and Kelly Linden, Guysborough County. While at the Winter Fair, 4-H MacInnis, Pictou County. members will compete in the Nathan Dickie of Colchester County, showmanship and conformation winner of the Versteeg Memorial cattle classes, participate in a Award, will also be attending. This provincial display contest, and spend award is presented to a 4-H member a day enjoying the events at the Your Agricultural based on 50 per cent of the exhibition. Resource Coordinators

Senior Agricultural Resource Coord.: Arthur Pick – Truro, [email protected] Tel: (902) 893-7314 • Fax: (902) 893-0244 4-H Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition

West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, & Queens counties: 4-H members had the opportunity to The provincial winner is sponsored Brian MacCulloch – [email protected] speak about their enthusiasm for by the Nova Scotia 4-H Council. Tel: (902) 679-6006 • Fax: (902) 679-6062 agriculture at the provincial 4-H Participants must be 16 – 24 years East Hants, Cumberland, Colchester, & Young Speakers for Agriculture of age as of the competition date to Halifax counties: competition. Held during the Nova enter the national competition. Bill MacLeod – [email protected] Tel: (902) 893-3645 • Fax: (902) 893-0244 Scotia 4-H Provincial Show at the exhibition grounds in Bible Hill, the 4-H members are encouraged to Pictou, Antigonish & Guysborough competitors had five agriculture counties: participate in public speaking and related topics from which they could Kevin Bekkers – [email protected] demonstrations, along with their Tel: (902) 863-4705 • Fax: (902) 863-7342 choose to speak. project work during the 4-H year. Cape Breton, Victoria, Inverness & Each spring 4-H clubs, counties and Richmond counties: Megan MacBride of Canning, Kings regions hold communications Gary Koziel – [email protected] County, won the competition this Tel: (902) 563-2000 • Fax: (902) 563-3435 competitions. This skill is invaluable year and will represent Nova Scotia in so many facets of life that 4-H Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, & 4-H at the Young Speakers of Shelburne counties: members often credit 4-H for giving Agriculture Competition at the Dennis Moerman – [email protected] them the opportunity for that specific Tel: (902) 837-5161 • Fax: (902) 837-7696 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in training. November.

West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, and Brian MacCulloch Regional News ~ Queens Counties – Valley Region Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Livestock Sales Chicken Farmers of Annapolis County Federation of Agriculture Nova Scotia Livestock Sales at the Lawrencetown Exhibition grounds will continue this Effective October 1, 2005, the CFNS fall. Miscellaneous items must be registered by 10:45 a.m; selling begins at office will be moving to 448 Main 11 a.m. Livestock selling begins at 1 p.m. sharp. The following are the dates Street, Suite 2, Kentville, B4N 1K8; for the remainder of the year: October 22; November 5, 19; December 3. Phone (902) 681-7400; Fax (902) Lunenburg-Queens Co. Federation of Agriculture 681-7401. There will be a cattle sale at the Bridgewater Exhibition Grounds on October 29 at 12:30 p.m. There will be a new deck and ring in place for this sale. Contact Peter Morine at (902) 543-3011, or Tom Frail at (902) 682-2400 for booking your cattle.

Lunenburg-Queens Co. Federation of Agriculture Sympathy Annual Fall Social to the The annual fall social will take place on October 21 at the Wileville Fire Hall. There will be a bean and salad supper starting at 7 p.m. Entertainment for the Marshall Family evening will be Greg Ernest and Family Singers. The cost for this wonderful evening of food and entertainment is only $8/person. For more information We would like to extend our or tickets contact a director. sympathy to the family of the late Allister Marshall. Allister was part Annual Meetings of our Kentville office for 26 years as a Loans Officer and later Sr. Loan Hants Co. Federation of Agriculture Officers for the Farm Loan Board. The Hants Co. Federation of Agriculture will hold their annual meeting on We all have special memories October 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the O’Brien Building, Windsor. of Allister. Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture Our sincere sympathy to The annual meeting of the Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture will be held Susan, Ross, Nancy on November 8 from 7 – 10 p.m. in the Cornwallis Room, Kentville and families. Agriculture Centre. Lunenburg-Queens Co. Federation of Agriculture The annual general meeting, November 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wandlyn in Bridgewater.

Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture Annual Dinner and Dance Mark November 12 for the Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture annual dinner and dance at the Berwick Lions Club, 6:30 p.m. Kings Co. 4-H clubs are selling tickets for the dinner and dance as a fundraiser. To purchase tickets and help local 4-H clubs, call (902) 582-7419. For more information e-mail [email protected].

9 Valley Region 4-H Update Upcoming Valley Region Kings County Joint Achievement Days, Hants County 4-H Exhibition Days 4-H Events and Nova Scotia Provincial Show are over for another year. Thank you to all the supporters, volunteers, leaders, parents and members that help to make Kings County 4-H Council these events such great successes!! Meeting, November 7, 7:30 p.m., Kentville Agricultural Centre Results from the county events: Hants County 4-H Leaders Kings County Council Meeting, November 14, Heidi Daniels Memorial – Outstanding Leadership in the Kings Co. 7 p.m., Hants West Middle School, Lt Horse – Jane Ogilvie Brooklyn Stephanie Curran Memorial – Outstanding Sportsmanship in the Kings Co. Lt. Horse – Lindsay Ballentyne Champion Club Reporter- Matthew Peill, Nova Scotia 4-H Council Annual Western Kings Meeting, Truro, November 18 – 19 Champion Community Project – Western Kings Contribution Award – Rebecca Crowell, Horton Top Junior Member – Phillip Daigle, Harmony Nicholsville Coming Events Most Outstanding Senior Member –– F. Waldo Walsh Award Justin Beck, Harmony Nicholsville Jean Ann Mitchell Memorial Award – Allan October 21 – Lunenburg-Queens Melvin, Cornwallis Co. Federation Annual Fall Social, Dairy Member Showing Most Improvement – Janet MacLean Memorial – Wileville Fire Hall Allison Kennie, Horton Grand Champion Livestock Showman – Stephanie Stirling, Western Kings October 22; November 5 and19; December 3 – Annapolis Co. Hants County Federation Livestock Sale, Lawrencetown Champion Floral Arranging Competition – Brittany Mailman, Avon Champion Model – Talia Greenough, Newport October 26 – Hants Co. Federation Champion Bake Off Competition – Adam MacLeod, Newport of Agriculture Annual Meeting, Champion Crafts Competition – Rebecca Mosher, 3-Cornered O’Brien Building, Windsor, 7:30 Champion Cake Decorating Competition – Breagh Wallebeck, Rawdon 2 p.m. way October 29 – Lunenburg-Queens Champion Woodworking Competition – Justin Clark, Newport Co. Federation Livestock Sale, Champion Outdoors Competition – Zachary Wilbur-Knight, Rawdon 2 way Exhibition Grounds, Bridgewater Champion Photography Competition – Jessica Clark, Newport Beef Clipping Competition – Meagan Sanford and Lisa Parker, Newport November 8 – Kings Co. Federation Dairy Clipping Competition – Lindsay Greenough and Derek Adema, of Agriculture Annual Meeting, Newport Agricultural Centre, Kentville Sheep Clipping Competition – Whitney Morash and Emily Manning, November 10 – Lunenburg-Queens Burlington Workers Co. Federation of Agriculture Tractor Driving Competition – Lindsay Greenough, Derek Adema, Annual General Meeting, Wandlyn, Michelle Brown, Newport Bridgewater, 7 p.m. Grand Champion Livestock Showman – Meagan Sanford, Newport November 12 – Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture Annual Dinner and Dance, Berwick Lions Hall November 23 – Building Food Safety and Bio-Security into Agriculture, Old Orchard Inn, Wolfville, Contact AgraPoint for information or see notice in this newsletter.

Pictou, Antigonish and Kevin Bekkers, P.Ag. Regional News ~ Guysborough Counties Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Upcoming Meetings – 2005 November 1 Cattlemen’s Zone meeting - 7–10 p.m., East Pictou Middle School Sharp Containers November 14 Antigonish/Guysborough Federation of Agriculture Annual Livestock producers generate Meeting - 7:30 p.m., Ninian Place (upstairs) medical waste on a regular basis. November 22 North Colchester Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting These wastes include sharps such – 7:30 p.m. Scotsburn Fire Hall as syringes, needles, broken glass tubes, lancets and scalpel blades. If not disposed of properly they Upcoming 4-H Dates – Antigonish/Guysborough Counties can injure livestock and family November 2–8 National 4-H Week members; increase risk of November 2–6 National 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference, Toronto, Ont. infection spread; pollute the environment; and put waste November 2–6 National 4-H Members Conference, Toronto, Ont. handlers at risk. Sharps must not (Tentative) be discarded in regular household November 8 Antigonish County 4-H Council Meeting, 7 p.m. garbage. November 18–19Nova Scotia 4-H Council Annual Meeting Sharp containers have been November 22 Antigonish County 4-H Council Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. specifically designed for disposing of sharps. When the container is Upcoming 4-H Dates - Pictou County full of sharps, the contents should November 9 Pictou County Celebrate 4-H Night, Dr.WA MacLeod still be considered potentially School infectious to humans and animals but the risk is low. For disposal in November 13 Pictou County 4-H Church Service - 10:30 a.m., Pictou any municipality, you must first United Church check with your local disposal site November 16 Pictou County 4-H Council Annual Meeting - 7 p.m. to see what they have in place to Northumberland accept sharps. These containers November 18–19 Nova Scotia 4-H Council Annual Meeting can be picked up at the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries office in Antigonish and at the local Co-op store in FIRST AID COURSE Antigonish. They will also be First Aid Courses will be offered in the fall and early winter. Anyone available at the Antigonish/ interested in taking a First Aid Course can call the Department of Guysborough and Pictou Counties Agriculture and Fisheries in Antigonish at (902) 863-4705. When Federation of Agriculture annual enough names are collected, a date will be set and participants will be meetings. notified.

East Hants, Cumberland, Colchester Bill MacLeod Regional News ~ and Halifax Counties Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Farm Drivers Licenses A reminder to all farmers and their employees that November 30, 2005 is the deadline for obtaining free drivers license upgrades from the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

This upgrade allows for the addition of a Condition 15 Endorsement to your existing license. This endorsement is necessary for any driver with a Class 2, 3, 4, or 5 license who haul trailers, manure spreaders, etc. weighing more than 4500 kg.

This upgrade does not apply to a Class 6, 7, or 8 license.

For more information or to obtain forms, please contact your Agriculture Resource Coordinator or the NS Federation of Agriculture office.

4-H Award Recipients Congratulations to Central Region 4-H’ers who were award recipients at the 2005 Nova Scotia 4-H Show.

Colchester Cumberland Halifax East Hants Mathew Kent Kaitlen McAloney Lacey Risser Jessica VandenHoek Travis Smith Megan Smith Melissa Tattrie Danielle Dorn Lindsay VandeRiet Lauren Johnson Nathan MacLeod Kyley Cole Alexander Burrows Crystal Siddall Rebecca Gilby Wolsen VandenHoek Laura Mason Lindsay Davis Erica Jackson Blaine Read Derek Yuill Emily Ripley Melissa Fulton Ben Cattrill Nathan Dickie Elizabeth Sperry Cornelia VandenHoek Emily MacDonald Caitlyn Congdon Jessica Earle Kate Bates Melanie Angus Lisa MacDonald Nicole Matheson Sam Gillis Nicole Greeno Tasha Carter Andrea Carter Andrea McLean Laura Coulter Dane Stewart Ashley Smith Consolation Tug of War Brittney Lyons Kelsey Boone Amanda Skidmore Melissa Thompson Alisha Shipley Christie Verstraten Christy Waalderbos Jessie Dowe Tractor Driving Team

Cape Breton, Victoria, Inverness Gary Koziel Regional News ~ and Richmond Counties Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Notice SUCCESSION PLANNING The Department of Agriculture Farm succession planning, the process by which the ownership and and Fisheries expresses management of the family business is transferred to the next generation, is condolences on the passing of one of the most critical and inevitable issues in the life of any farm family. Johannes (John) Van Dommelen, Many postpone acting upon a plan for succession; it can be somewhat a resident of Southside intimidating in its complexity and magnitude. However, broken down into Boularderie, Cape Breton. manageable steps, a methodology can be developed for understanding the Mr. Van Dommelen was from issues and preparing a succession plan project for execution. Holland and recently celebrated 50 years in Canada. He and his One of the keys is to start early. Broaching the subject with family members, family have been active in Cape knowing the interests and aspirations of the succeeding generation, Breton agriculture up to his death understanding what you need to about the business, and personal issues of at 95 years of age. Our thoughts succession and retirement — these things are the result of a life experience and sympathies go out to his that usually takes years to accomplish. family, friends and community. The Cape Breton agriculture office is developing workshops to address the issue of succession planning for presentation in January. If you are interested and have specific requests for information, contact our offices so that we may make your input a part of our workshop. Contact Gary Koziel at (902) 563- NEW LOCATION 2000 or John Murray at (902) 893-4701. We’ve moved! The Cape Breton Regional office of the Nova Scotia ATTENTION Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, which includes the Strawberry Growers of Cape Breton Agricultural Resource Coordinator, Producers interested in creating a Cape Breton Strawberry Growers 4-H and Food Safety, has moved to Association will be organizing meetings for the winter in preparation for next the Cape Breton regional season. Bringing local strawberry growers together as group can provide Municipality’s Civic Centre in advantages on bulk purchasing, advertising and promotion, sales and Sydney. Our new address is: 320 marketing and give a stronger voice to Island strawberry producers. If Esplanade Suite 303 Sydney, Nova interested in finding out more or getting involved, contact Gary Koziel at Scotia B1P 7B9. (902) 563-2000. Our contact numbers remain the same: telephone (902) 563-2000 and ATTENTION fax (902) 563-3435. Recycling Used Pesticide Containers Soil and water samples for testing HERE’S WHAT TO DO: may be dropped off at our new offices in the Civic Centre. 1. Allow the formulation to drain from the container into the spray tank for at least 30 seconds. 2. Add at least 20 per cent of the contents of water to the container, replace St. John Ambulance Canada lid, and rotate so that the interior of the container is rinsed. FIRST AID TRAINING 3. Empty the rinse water into the spray tank and drain for 30 seconds. 4. Repeat the above procedure twice more. St. John Ambulance offers first 5. Render containers unuseable by puncturing. aid courses in various locations 6. Leave label on the container. around Cape Breton several times per month. For more Containers that have been handled in this way are suitable for disposal. information on first aid training near you, call the Sydney office The United Farmers Co-op on Keltic Drive in Sydney River is now accepting at (902) 564-4189. properly cleaned pesticide containers for recycling.

9 National Awards for Leaders and Members Reminder The opportunity to travel to a national 4-H program has been a highlight for The Inverness-Victoria hundreds of senior 4-H members and leaders on Cape Breton Island. This Federation of Agriculture will be fall, 4-H members 16 years of age and older and 4-H leaders will be holding its annual general completing applications to vie for the chance to travel to Toronto, Ottawa, meeting on November 2 from 10 Winnipeg or elsewhere as part of the national awards program. Applications a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Skye have been sent to 4-H families. The deadline for members to apply is Glen Hall. Reports from November 1 and December 15 for leaders. If you need more information or Directors, NSFA and Provincial an application, contact the 4-H office at (902) 945-2901 or (902) 563-2000. staff. Come out and support your local federation and see what’s new in Annual Meetings and Banquets the Cape Breton agriculture It’s the time of the year when we recognize the accomplishments of members, industry. For more information, leaders and clubs in the region. Banquets are planned for the following dates contact Anne VandenHeuvel at and locations: (902) 945-2039. November 12 Christmas At The Camp ~ Camp Rankin Richmond County Banquet November 13 Inverness County Banquet ~Sign up/Church Service Fire Hall, Port Hood November 20 Cape Breton County Annual Meeting

Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, Dennis Moerman, P.Ag. Regional News ~ and Shelburne Counties Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Winter Programs We are now in the process of planning information sessions for the fall and winter seasons. If there are specific topics that you would like to see covered NSFA Sharps at these sessions please contact the Weymouth office. Containers Livestock producers generate medical waste on a regular basis. Land Use Planning Update These wastes include sharps such Land use planning has been a major meetings in late spring and early as syringes, needles, broken glass issue in the region for the last several summer on the draft Municipal tubes, lancets and scalpel blades. years. The the current status of land- Planning Strategy and Land Use If not disposed of properly they use planning initiatives by local By-Laws, the council has sent can injure livestock, workers and municipalities is: these documents back to the family members; increase the planning advisory committee. It risk of infection spread; put • Municipality of the District of has included four farmers as waste handlers at risk; and Clare – public hearings on the advisors to this committee. pollute the environment. proposed Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use By-laws • Municipalities of Annapolis, In response, the Nova Scotia were held on September 26 in Yarmouth, Barrington, Argyle, Federation of Agriculture Little Brook. Shelburne – no active land use initiated a “Sharps” project. planning, update cycles only. • Municipality of the District of Through this project, proper Digby – following heated public disposal containers for sharps are provided free of charge to livestock producers in Nova Scotia.

The sharps containers are still available for pick-up. All producers who have not yet picked one up, please drop into any of the county offices (Lawrencetown, Weymouth, Yarmouth) and do so.

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