Printed Acrobat Reader Page #’s Page # Main Newsletter (for all regions) BSE Task Force Meets with Producers...... 1 2 Hurricane Juan Expanded Disaster Financial Assistance Program...... 1 2 Business Risk Management Update...... 2 3 Transition Funding to be Delivered to Producers ...... 3 4 Scholarships Awarded to Agriculture Students ...... 3 4 Application Forms for Disaster Financial Assistance ...... 4 5 Disposal of Used Farm Sharps ...... 4 5 Agricultural Hall of Fame to Induct New Members ...... 5 6 NS Crop & Livestock Insurance Commission Deadlines ...... 5 6 National 4-H Week ...... 6 7 Fall Course in Nutrient Management Planning...... 7 8 57th Annual Meeting and Conference of the Canadian Weed Science Society 8 9 SCIANS Advance Payments Program...... 8 9

Custom Newsletter Pages (for individual regions) West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg and Queens counties ...... 9 10 Cape Breton, Victoria and Richmond counties ...... 10 10 East Hants, Cumberland, Colchester and Halifax counties...... 11 10 Pictou, Antigonish, Inverness and Guysborough counties ...... 13 10 Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties ...... -- – Fall 2003 Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Volume 4 No. 4

BSE Task Force Meets with Producers

With the help of the task force The task force’s objectives are to During the meetings, stakeholders government will continue to work determine the impacts of the BSE gave presentations that addressed how together with industry to address the crisis on the Nova Scotia agriculture the BSE crisis affected their farming impacts of BSE on farmers, said the industry and to determine the capacity operations and whether or not the minister. of existing federal, provincial and current programs will assist them in other industry programs to address dealing with the impacts from BSE. A The Nova Scotia Agricultural Task these impacts. report on the task force findings will force on BSE members include: be available in the near future. – Brooke Taylor (chair), MLA The task force meetings were held Colchester Musquodoboit Valley; from October 17–21 in Wentworth, – Anthony Van Oostrum, past Antigonish, Brookfield, and president Nova Scotia Federation Kentville. of Agriculture; – Leo Cox, chair Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board; – Stephen McNeil, MLA; – George Archibald, former minister of Agriculture; – Larry Weatherby, producer; Hurricane Juan Expanded Disaster – Kurt Sherman, producer; – Don Cox, first vice-president Financial Assistance Program Nova Scotia Federation of Emergency Measures Organization Agriculture. The province is making sure piece of our traditional way of life “I am pleased with the high level of commercial farmers, fishers and for hundreds of years,” Ernest Fage, expertise and commitment that small commercial woodlot owners, Minister responsible for the members bring to the table," said Mr. whose livelihoods have been Emergency Measures Organization, d’Entremont. "In pursuing this jeopardized by Hurricane Juan, are said on October 20. “We recognize initiative we are giving industry the getting the help they need. The that people in these resource sectors opportunity for direct input and I eligibility criteria for the province's have had their livelihoods placed in look forward to their findings.” current disaster financial assistance jeopardy as a result of the hurricane arrangement (DFAA) is being so we have changed the current expanded to better assist the resource program to make assistance available sectors. to a greater number of people.”

“Agriculture, fishing and forestry -- these sectors have been a major economic driver and an important continued on next page...

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/

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Enhancements to the program Applications for assistance can be new expanded eligibility criteria, will include the following changes: made at any of the designated be included in government's commit- municipal and provincial locations ment of up to $10,000,000. In the agricultural sector: already assisting with the application – the province will expand the level process. The deadline for submission Individuals with inquiries related to of assistance to include eligible of applications is Friday, Nov. 21 at the disaster financial assistance losses on all lands that are used in 4:30 p.m. program, or those wanting to know a commercial agricultural business the designated sites for applications, to earn income, regardless of who If an individual has already submit- can call the province's public infor- owns them; ted a DFAA application, there is no mation line at 1-800-670-4357 (902- – where insurance coverage is need to re-apply. All applications 424-5200 in the Halifax Regional generally available but has been will be reviewed using the new Municipality). capped or otherwise limited by the criteria. insurance industry and the damage For more information contact incurred to agricultural buildings Although estimates of the total Sheliah Tulloch, Emergency exceeds the insurable coverage financial impact of Hurricane Juan Measures Organization at limitations, the province will are still being established, it is 902-424-0284 or e-mail provide additional assistance of up expected that the province's share of [email protected] to $200,000 depending on the the DFAA program, including the amount of uninsured damages. In the fisheries sector: – financial assistance for repairs and reconstruction of wharves that are considered essential to commercial fishing or other commercial Business Risk Management Update: ventures will be expanded to apply Current and Upcoming Programs even if the fishermen/business owners do not own the wharf, as The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries have invested in long as they have a legal right to several income stabilization programs designed to assist producers who have use it; experienced a drop in income as a result of bovine spongiform – the current verification process encephalopathy (BSE). The following are current and upcoming programs has been streamlined to provide designed to help address income losses on your farm: financial assistance on the basis of documentation attesting to the Advance Payments: Producer your income for 2003 has dropped loss, so that those who require Assistance Program 2003 by 15 per cent or more, relative to money to repair wharves or Nova Scotia Net Income Stabilization your reference margin. Producer replace their gear can be ready for Account (NISA) participants will be Assistance 2003 payments will equal the coming fishing season; receiving a letter from Agriculture 50 per cent of the government – where necessary, additional and Agri-Food Canada advising them contribution portion of 2003 bene- assistance of up to $50,000 will be of their ability to access funding fits, for the maximum protection provided so that wharves can be through the Producer Assistance level. You will have until March 1, repaired or reconstructed to meet Program. The Producer Assistance 2004 to request a Producer today's building code and/or Program provides disaster assistance Assistance 2003 payment. If you are environmental standards. to eligible producers and is a transi- not a NISA participant, you must tion measure until new business risk submit information to the adminis- In the forestry sector: management programming for 2003 tration to have your Reference – small commercial woodlot owners is fully implemented across Canada. Margin calculated (average of three who would not otherwise be It will offer significant relief to or five years). Contact the adminis- eligible will now have a degree of producers who suffer a drop in tration at 1-866-367-8506. financial assistance to remove margin as a result of production or damaged wood in order to prepare market conditions that are beyond the site for natural regeneration or their control. You may qualify for a replanting. Producer Assistance 2003 payment if continued on next page...

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Net Income Stabilization Account Transition Funding to be Delivered to Producers (NISA) Interim Withdrawals 2003 Deposit withdrawal options notices Agriculture and Fisheries Minister “Farmers across the province (DWON) are required to be eligible Chris d’Entremont announced that constantly face a range of pressures,” for an interim withdrawal. If you did $2.5 million, the second installment said Mr. d’Entremont. “This funding not receive a 2003 Interim of $5 million in provincial bridge will help ease the effects of BSE the Withdrawal Application, you may funding, will be delivered directly to province has experienced.” contact NISA at 1-800-665-6472 to Nova Scotia farmers this fall. request one. The application Net Income Stabilization Account includes information about your This initiative will also meet the (NISA) program participants will account. Use the application forms province’s commitment to match receive a direct payment by cheque. to project a withdrawal trigger for federal expenditures on a 60:40 ratio Producers who are not in the NISA 2003 by filling out projected income for bridge or transition funding for program can apply for these funds by and projected expenses and request the 2002 and 2003 years to continue calling toll free1-866-844-4BRM all, or a portion, of this amount. to help the industry with its immedi- (4276). ate needs while in transition to new Net Income Stabilization Account Agriculture Policy Framework (APF). Program Contacts are: (NISA) 2002 CFIP : 1-888-343-1064 NISA will accept 2002 applications Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries www.agr.gc.ca/cfip and deposit/withdrawal requests Minister Chris d’Entremont said NISA : 1-800-665-6472 until December 31, 2003. By making direct payment is the approach www.agr.gc.ca/nisa a 2002 deposit, you receive matching requested by the Nova Scotia contributions that will increase the CAIS : 1-800-665-6472 funds available to you in an Interim Federation of Agriculture and he www.agr.gc.ca/puttingcanadafirst 2003 request or the account wind- added that it fulfils the province’s down process. commitment to provide bridge funding. He added that Nova Scotia Canadian Agricultural Income is one of the few provinces to do so. Stabilization Program (CAIS) When the CAIS Program officially begins, producers will choose their coverage level and place one third of Scholarships Awarded to Agriculture Students the required deposit in their CAIS Program account by March 31, 2004. The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries awarded Final application/claim forms will be scholarships worth between $300 and $2,000 each to 95 agriculture students submitted no later than June 15 for at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) annual autumn assembly on individuals or June 30 for corpora- October 22. tions. After final 2003 figures are submitted, the producer will be The scholarship program was established to provide financial assistance to notified of any payment eligibility. Nova Scotia Agricultural College students in undergraduate and technical If you are eligible to receive a CAIS programs. The program also guarantees entrance scholarship for all Nova Program payment, the remaining Scotia high school students graduating with 80 per cent averages. two-thirds of your deposit will have to be placed in your account before “Our scholarship program ensures that strong students are encouraged to payment can be made. pursue post-secondary studies in agri-science,” said Chris d'Entremont, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. “By contributing to this scholarship For more information please visit program we are ensuring that the future of agriculture remains optimistic www.agr.gc.ca/puttingcanadafirst and follow the “Business Risk with a strong supply of trained staff to meet Nova Scotia's agri-food industry's needs.”

The department is a long-standing scholarship sponsor at NSAC. For more information see the Web site at http://www.nsac.ns.ca .

3 Application Forms for Disaster Financial Assistance

Individuals and small businesses Antigonish Access Nova Scotia Milford Recreation Hall who suffered uninsurable damage as 20 St. Andrews St. 2288 Highway 2 a result of Hurricane Juan will have Bridgewater Access Nova Scotia New Glasgow Town Municipal Office help determining if they are eligible 77 Dufferin St. 111 Provost St. for disaster financial assistance. Dartmouth Access Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Fire School, Waverley Beginning Tuesday, October 14, Superstore Mall, 650 Portland St. 48 Powder Mill Rd. representatives will be available at Halifax Access Nova Scotia Tatamagouche Fire Hall designated municipal and provincial West End Mall, 6950 Mumford Rd. 202 Main St. locations to assist with the Dept. of Natural Resources Truro Access Nova Scotia application process. The deadline for Middle Musquodoboit Area Office 35 Commercial St. claim submissions is Friday, Nov. 21 12086 Highway 224 Wentworth Recreation Centre at 4:30 p.m. Mahone Bay Town Hall 13752 Highway 4 493 Main St. “In past situations where we have used the disaster financial assistance arrangement, applications were given out and the individual was left to DISPOSAL OF USED FARM SHARPS determine for themselves if they Dr. Gord Finley, Program Veterinarian were eligible and what information Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Truro, N.S. they needed to provide," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Livestock producers generate Once the proper container is full, the Emergency Measures Act. "We are medical waste on a regular basis. sharps are still considered infectious trying to improve this process by These wastes include sharps such as and bio-hazardous. Contents should having a customer service syringes, needles, broken glass tubes, be disinfected using any of several representative meet with the lancets and scalpel blades. If not common products routinely used individual to help them with the disposed of properly they can injure around farms. For example, chemi- application process.” livestock, family members, increase cal decontamination can be done risk of infection spread, pollute the with sodium hypochlorite (house- Since the program is for uninsurable environment and put waste handlers hold bleach). Full strength can be losses, it is essential individuals first at risk. used (usually 5.25%) or freshly contact their insurance company to diluted 1:10. A contact time of confirm and request written proof Sharps must not be discarded in several hours will kill common that the loss was not insurable. regular household garbage. One of infectious agents ensuring that the the regional solid waste management contents are not bio-hazardous. A Individuals with inquiries related to committees has recently brought this label indication that decontamination the disaster financial assistance problem, originating from farms, to has been completed would be program, can call the province's our attention. appropriate such as “WASTE public inquiries line at 1-800-670- SHARPS – NON-INFECTIOUS” or 4357 (902-424-5200 in the Halifax Sharps should be collected on farms “WASTE SHARPS – Regional Municipality). This line is in rigid, puncture resistant containers DISINFECTED”. Tightly seal the lid staffed on Mondays and Tuesdays with screw on or tightly secured lids. using duct or packing tape before from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sharps containers, specifically disposal. Wednesdays to Fridays from 8:30 designed for this purpose, should be a.m. to 7 p.m. used if possible. Otherwise, be sure It is not safe to dispose of sharps in that containers are thick walled with regular garbage in HRM. Check The following is a list of sites where a tight lid. These containers should with your local municipal disposal representatives and applications will be clearly labeled to avoid accidental site to see if they have any special be available Monday to Friday from discarding. Thin-walled containers, process in place that accept sharps. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m: pop cans and glass bottles are not acceptable.

4 Agricultural Hall of Fame To Induct New Members

The late Donald Newcombe of Port Scotia Egg and Pullet Producers Induction ceremonies were held on Williams is Nova Scotia’s 2003 Marketing Board from 1974-91, Wednesday, October 22 in the inductee in the Atlantic Agricultural chairman of the Nova Scotia Egg Alumni Theatre, Cumming Hall on Hall of Fame. and Pullet Producers Marketing the Nova Scotia Agricultural College Board from 1976-78 and director of campus. “The Atlantic Agricultural Hall of the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency Fame recognizes members of the from 1978-91. Don served several The 2003 inductees from the other agricultural community for their terms as the elected vice chair of the Atlantic provinces include the late C. outstanding contributions to the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency Dale Howse, Newfoundland and industry, community and farm during the years when the chair was Labrador, Armand Lavoie, New organizations,” said Chris a government appointment. At the Brunswick, and Elmer Waugh, d'Entremont, Minister of the time of his death, Jan. 21, 2000, Don Prince Edward Island. Department of Agriculture and was serving as a member of the Fisheries. “Mr. Newcombe was a Nova Scotia Natural Products For more information on the hall of strong supporter of the agriculture Marketing Council. fame see the Web site at industry and the agriculture industry www.nsac.ns.ca/halloffame/ is much stronger as a result of his Don was married to Marion Contact: Jim Goit many contributions.” Woolavar. They had three children; Nova Scotia Agricultural College Janet Anderson, Mount Denson; 902-893-7950 Donald Clayton Newcombe was Karen Lewis, Fall River and Kevin E-mail: [email protected] born on Dec. 23, 1926, in Port Newcombe, Falmouth. Williams. He graduated from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in 1946. In 1947, he joined A.C.A Cooperative, retiring in 1991 as vice president of agricultural production.

Don was nominated by the Nova Scotia Egg Producers in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the agricultural industry. Of special note are his contributions to the provincial and national egg industry in the early years of supply management.

He was a longtime member of the Crop Insurance Application Deadlines 2003 Kings County Federation of Agriculture, acting as president of Forage Production – October 31 that group from 1966-68. He was a Raspberry – October 31 board member of the Nova Scotia Blueberry – November 15 Chicken Marketing Board from Strawberry – November 15 1966-74, vice president and presi- Tree Fruit – November 30 dent of Co-op Atlantic from 1972- Tree Endorsement – November 30 81, board member of the Nova

5 This year marks the 90th anniversary of 4-H in Canada with 4-H clubs all across Canada celebrating Nov. 3 - 9, 2003. Over the past nine decades, 4- H has enriched the lives millions of young people in both small and large communities from coast to coast. Through learning, fun and lasting friendships, today’s 4-H members will become the agricultural, business, government and civic leaders of the future. Watch for events during this week with 4-H clubs in your area.

Nova Scotia To Be Well Represented at National 4-H Conferences

Ten 4-H members and eight 4-H Through presentations, workshops, Hopewell of Pictou County; Tanya leaders from Nova Scotia have been and interaction with industry leaders, Robinson, Aylesford, Kings County; selected to attend two prestigious 4-H delegates will learn about the inte- and Lynn Chisholm, Port Hood, Conferences in Toronto. Nova Scotia grated complex food chain that Inverness County. selects and sponsors a group of 4-H includes primary agriculture and members and leaders annually to inputs, processing, distribution, food A strong 4-H program depends on attend the conferences, hosted by the safety, transportation, wholesale and informed, up-to-date, enthusiastic Canadian 4-H Council. From retail of food and other products leaders so this conference aims to November 5 – 9 these delegates will derived from agriculture. strengthen their leadership skills and attend the National 4-H Members and The Nova Scotia members who won provide and opportunity for an the National 4-H Leaders confer- travel awards are: Marcie Russell, exchange of ideas. Forty - seven ences. Barass Corner, Lunenburg County; outstanding 4-H leaders from across Nicole MacHattie, Middleton, Canada will work toward this “For 90 years 4-H in Canada has Annapolis County; Stephanie important goal. Conference sessions been developing young people into Trueman, Canning, Kings County; for 4-H leader will concentrate on responsible, productive citizens and Tyson Thompson, River John, Pictou communication, working with working with volunteer adults. County; Cory Smith, Port Howe, committees, team building, main- National travel awards are one aspect Cumberland County; Melissa Tattrie, taining 4-H membership, planning of the 4-H program that contribute to Tatamagouche and Lauren Johnson, of for success, networking and motiva- their personal success,” said Brookfield, Colchester County; tion. Volunteer leaders will partici- Elizabeth Crouse, Manager, 4-H and Christine Saunders, Scotsville and pate in a number of joint sessions Rural Organizations. "This is a Genna Chisholm, of Port Hood, with national 4-H conference wonderful opportunity for these 4-H Inverness County. delegates. members and leaders to experience another part of Canada and tell others The National 4-H Volunteer Leaders' about Nova Scotia’s strong 4-H Conference, will run concurrently with program.” the 4-H member conference. The theme of this year's leaders' confer- Sixty-two delegates from across ence is Member — The Future of Canada, including three from the Tomorrow, Leaders – Teachers of United Kingdom will attend the Today! National 4-H Member Conference. The theme for the conference is The Nova Scotians attending this confer- Changing Face of Agriculture: ence are: Christine McLean, North Science, Technology and Innovation Brookfield, Queens County; Cecilia in Canadian Agriculture. Throughout Waalderboos, Amherst Cumberland the week, members will participate in County; Bev Kirk, Albert Bridge, and educational sessions focusing on Carmelita Cousins, Sydney Mines of agriculture and the food continuum Cape Breton County, Betty Lou Scott, from the farm gate to the plate. Salt Springs, and Debbie Balodis,

6 Fall Course in Nutrient Management Planning November 24 - 27, 2003

Ron Laking, Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, NSAC.

Nutrient management planning is a plans. Nutrient management software The course will be offered, in key component of the economic and will be discussed but not used as part English at the Nova Scotia environmental management of of the course. Agricultural College from Nov. 24 – agricultural operations. Recent 27, 2003. The course will be efforts to introduce environmental All course participants will receive a instructed by Dr. David Burton with farm planning initiatives across the study guide to supplement the assistance from Dr. Gordon country have further highlighted the lectures. Participants will be expected Fairchild. The final exam will be on need for nutrient management to have read sections of the study Nov. 27, 2003. planning. This has also provided an guide prior to the course. The study incentive for the development of guide contains formulae, conversion The course will be offered in French nutrient management frameworks tables and links to other resources in Moncton during November by Dr. and training of nutrient management that support nutrient management Gordon Fairchild and Jérôme planners. The Nova Scotia planning. Damboise, assisted by Dr. David Agricultural College and the Eastern Burton. It will be offered next in the Canada Soil and Water Conservation An examination consisting of short Fall of 2004. Centre have developed a nutrient answer and multiple choice questions management planning course will be administered on the final Tuition, exam fee, and the study intended for agricultural profession- afternoon of the course. Participants guide are $200. als in Atlantic Canada. who successfully complete the The exam is open to others who wish examination will be awarded a to write it for a fee of $100. The concepts of Nutrient Certificate of Completion from the Management Planning will be taught Nova Scotia Agricultural College. For further information please in a lecture format. Case studies and contact: issues that draw on expertise within Course topics include: Centre for Continuing and Distance each regional institution will also be • Introduction - Why Nutrient Education included. The course has been Management Planning? Nova Scotia Agricultural College designed for this region using • Environmental Impacts of P.O. Box 550 examples specifically from Atlantic Nutrient Use Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5E3 Canada. • Legislative Framework Phone: 902-893-6666 • Fundamentals of Nutrient Cycling Fax: 902-895-5528 Participants require a Bachelor of in Agro-ecosystems E-mail: [email protected] Science or equivalent. Eligible • Soil, Manure and Plant Tissue Certified Crop Advisors will receive Testing and Their Interpretation continuing education units (CEUs) • Tools for Nutrient Management for attendance. • Elements of a Nutrient Management Plan A wide range of nutrient manage- • Nutrient Management and the ment systems will be discussed. Economics of Crop Production Participants will complete exercises • Emerging Technologies for relating to soil, manure and plant Nutrient Management tissue testing. The course will also examine calculations required for the completion of nutrient management

Eastern Canada Soil and Water Conservation Centre

7 57th Annual Meeting Advance Payments Program and Conference of the Canadian Weed Carol Versteeg Science Society

Joe R. Calder, P.Ag., NSDAF The Soil and Crop Improvement Producers must repay the advance as Association of Nova Scotia the crop is sold or used for feed. The 57th Annual Meeting and (SCIANS) is one of the Advances for wheat, rye, barley, oats Conference of the Canadian Weed administrators for the Advanced and hay, must be paid back by Aug. Science Society will be held at the Payments Program (APP). The 31, 2004. Advances for corn, Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax program consists of a loan option soybeans and sunflower, must be Nov. 30 – Dec. 3, 2003. The theme that facilitates access to credit for repaid by Sept. 31, 2004. In order to of this year's Conference is “Weed producers during or after harvest complete an application, producers Management in Transition”. Topics season. Producers can receive a cash must allow a credit check and a to be covered include: Invasive advance on their stored crops storage check to be done. SCIANS Weeds in Canada, Weed Control in following harvest that will allow will deduct a one per cent hold back Organic Systems, Market Demand them to meet their short-term from all advances to cover itself in for “Green Products”, Producer financial obligations. the event of a default. This will be Strategy in Weed Management, returned to the producer when the Biological Herbicides in the Future, The federal government will pay the advance has been paid back in full. Reduced Risk Products from interest on loans up to $50,000 of an A fee of 1.25 per cent in advance Industry, and Weed Research at the advance made under the program. plus HST will be charged to each Crossroads. The conference will The amount of the advance is based producer for the administration of the feature graduate student on half the value of the producer’s program. For more information on presentations, poster and commercial crop. The value of the crop is a rate the program contact Carol Versteeg displays. For more information that we have negotiated with the at: 902-758-3530 or e-mail: please contact Glen Sampson, at the federal government. The values, [email protected]. Nova Scotia Agricultural College at based on 50 per cent levels are: 902-893-6608, E-mail wheat - $77/tonne, rye - $47/tonne, [email protected] or visit the barley - $67/tonne, oats - $54/tonne, website of the Canadian Weed corn - $80/tonne, soybeans - Science Society at www.cwss- $115/tonne, sunflowers - $90/tonne scm.ca and hay - $60/tonne.

Your Agricultural Resource Coordinators

West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg, East Hants, Cumberland, Colchester, Cape Breton, Victoria and & Queens counties: & Halifax counties: Richmond counties: Arthur Pick – Bill MacLeod – Gary Koziel – Tel: (902) 679-6005 (Tues./Thurs.) Tel: (902) 893-3645 Tel: (902) 563-2000 Tel: (902) 893-7314 (Mon./Wed./Fri.) Fax: (902) 893-0244 Fax: (902) 563-3435 Fax: (902) 893-0244 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Pictou, Antigonish, Inverness & Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, & Guysborough counties: Shelburne counties: Kevin Bekkers – Dennis Moerman – Tel: (902) 863-4705 Tel: (902) 837-5161 Fax: (902) 863-7342 Fax: (902) 837-7696 [email protected] [email protected]

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

Events Upcoming Valley Region November 1, 15, 29 Annapolis Co. Federation Livestock Sale, Exhibition 4-H Events December 13Grounds • Kings County 4-H Council Meeting, October 29 Hants Co. Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting, November 3, at 7:30 p.m., Kentville 7:30 p.m., O'Brien Building, Windsor. Agricultural Centre • Hants County 4-H Leaders Council November 17 Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting, Meeting, November 10, at 7 p.m., 7 p.m., Cornwallis Room, Agricultural Centre, Kentville Hants West Middle School, Brooklyn • Nova Scotia 4-H Council Annual We are in the process of updating our mailing list. If you receive this Meeting, Truro, November 14 to 15 newsletter and would no longer like to, please contact us to have your • Kings County 4-H Council named removed. If your mailing address is incorrect, please notify us. Nomination and Board of Directors Contact Cheryl Theriau at 902-679-6021. Meetings, December 1, at 7 p.m., Kentville Agricultural Centre

Valley Region 4-H News South Shore Region 4-H News Kings County Joint Achievement Days, Hants County 4-H Exhibition Days Lunenburg County and the Nova Scotia Provincial Show results are as follows: • The Lunenburg County’s promotional committee is busy getting Kings County ready for National 4-H Week this Champion Beef Clipping Team: Keera Rousseau and Andrea Horsnell, November. Radio broadcasts, mall Harmony-Nicholsville 4-H Club displays and school presentations will Champion Dairy Clipping Team: G.W. Forsyth and Emily Biggs, Cornwallis run until November. 4-H Club • Lunenburg 4-H members Champion Sheep Clipping Team: Holly Woodworth and Gillian Benjamin, participated in the Nova Scotia 4-H Cornwallis 4-H Club Show in Lawrencetown in September. Dairy Member Showing Most Improvement (Jean MacLean Memorial): G.W. Approximately 150 show entries were Forsyth, Cornwallis 4-H Club from Lunenburg County. Special Horse Member Showing Most Improvement (Jean MacLean Memorial): thanks to our Market Turkey buyers Trinda Dunlop, Harmony-Nicholsville 4-H Club from Bridgewater - Bridgewater Champion Club Reporter: Brendan Lamb, Western Kings 4-H Club Farmers Co-op and South Shore Champion Community Project Award: Cornwallis 4-H Club Veterinary Services and Market Lamb Contribution Award: Stephanie Trueman, Cornwallis 4-H Club buyer - Bridgewater Shur-Gain Top Junior Member: Macall Robinson, Harmony-Nicholsville 4-H Club Division. Most Outstanding Senior Member (F. Waldo Walsh Award): Adam Daniels, Western Kings Shelburne County Jean Ann Mitchell Memorial Award: Mark Robinson, Harmony-Nicholsville • IPE delegate from Alberta visited a 4-H Club 4-H host family for 10 days and had a Top Inside and Outside Displays: Eastern Kings 4-H Club great time. Grand Champion Livestock Showman: Mark Robinson, Harmony- • Members from the county ordered Nicholsville 4-H Club sweatshirts for members to wear at the Nova Scotia 4-H Show, made possible Hants County from various fund raising activities Champion Dairy Clipping Team: Elizabeth Crowe and Caitlyn Dixon, held throughout the year. Cobequid 4-H Club • The Cloverbud program is beginning Champion Sheep Clipping Team: Emily Manning and Whitney Morash, this year in the Rosway River 4-H Burlington Workers 4-H Club Club, as the club re-organizes for the Top Barn and Inside Displays: Newport 4-H Club 2004 year. Grand Champion Livestock Showman: TIE - Jeff Sanford, Newport 4-H Club • Shelburne County members had and Sarah Levy, Border Riders 4-H Club approximately 65 Nova Scotia 4-H show entries this year in Lawrencetown. 9

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

Attention Farmers and Food Processors of Cape Breton Island

The Cape Breton Food Producers and they work toward the development Agriculture Value-Added Study of Processors Association in conjunction of a five year strategy for agriculture May 2003. with the Nova Scotia Department of on Cape Breton Island. The goal is Agriculture and Fisheries and the to increase awareness and promote Interested parties should contact Gary Federation of Agriculture work to our industry based on the farmers Koziel at the Nova Scotia Department promote and enhance the growth of needs, in combination with various of Agriculture and Fisheries 902-563- the agricultural industry in Cape recommendations of the Enterprise 2000. Early applications are Breton. The association is currently of Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) appreciated. seeking interested new membership as

4-H Cape Breton Region SOIL TESTING – In late fall the Cape Breton Craft Co-op will be holding a fall workshop. For “Have you had your soils details please contact the local 4-H office towards the end of October. These workshops are always an excellent opportunity for members and leaders to tested lately?” develop new skills. Up-to-date soil tests are the corner October will feature several council meetings dealing with resolutions and stone to developing profitable election of new officers. We will also be planning annual banquets and socials nutrient management plans that for the upcoming year. These council meetings are open to all senior minimize risk. Fall is the ideal time members and leaders. If you are interested please contact your 4-H office to for taking soil samples, after the crop find out the specifics for your county. has been removed, and in preparation for the coming spring. It is important that soils be tested at least every three years to provide accurate information for fertilizer and lime applications, and to assess Food Handler's Certification Program the health of your soils. Information This course provides an ensure your food is prepared, handled, on taking samples, soil sample boxes understanding of sanitation and received, stored and served safely, and soil information sheets can be safety with regard to serving food to using the Hazard Analysis Critical picked up at your local Department the public. This workshop includes Control Points (HACCP) safe food of Agriculture and Fisheries office or the laws, rules, and procedures system. by calling Point Edward at 902-563- related to healthy food service and 2000. Samples can also be dropped operations. Contaminated food eaten These courses are put on periodically off at local Department of by your customers can cause serious throughout the year by the Quality Agriculture and Fisheries offices. illnesses or even death which could Evaluation Division, Food Safety be financially disastrous to your Section of the Nova Scotia operation. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. To register please call The Foodhandler's Certification Cheryl Gillis at 902-563-2000. Program course provides the theory and practical information needed to

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

Farm Safety After Hurricane Juan Upcoming Meetings, etc. During the height of Hurricane Juan, the safety of farm families and their November 3 – farms was a high priority for many in the agricultural industry in Central Halifax East Hants Federation of Nova Scotia. Now that the task of clean up and trying to get back to business Agriculture Annual Meeting, is well in hand, it is important to keep safety in mind. Loose footing, 7:30 p.m., Carroll’s Corner damaged buildings, equipment and other hazardous situations can and are Community Hall present. Take a moment to ensure that while cleaning up and repairing your Exhibition, Fairs farm that you do it as safely as possible. November 7-16 – • Be sure to check for electrical hazards and if necessary, have an electrician Royal Winter Fair, Toronto check circuits for “hidden” damage to wiring. • Be extra cautious in woodlots. In addition to wind damaged trees, many are under tension and can be unpredictable when cut during clean up. We are in the process of • Use caution on roofs and other structures, ensure you have adequate fall updating our mailing list. If you protection equipment and that ladders and/or staging are safely positioned receive this newsletter and and secured. would no longer like to, please contact us to have your named • With power on for most people, anyone who had and used a generator removed. If your mailing should take a moment to thank it, by giving this important piece of address is incorrect, please equipment a maintenance check up. notify us. Contact Carolyn Rushton at 902-893-6597.

SUCCESSION AND ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP

A Farm Succession and Estate Planning Workshop is being planned for the central region this fall. Representatives from the accounting, banking, financial planning and legal fields will provide information in their area of expertise and how it relates to succession and estate planning. The following two workshops will be offered: Wednesday, November 19 - Milford United Church Thursday, November 20 - Best Western Glengarry, Truro Both sessions will run from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and are free to attend. A lunch will also be provided. For more information and to pre-register, please call Tricia at 893-1150.

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

Lauren Hunter and Maureen Nartey Pictou County Federation of Congratulations to Antigonish are two volunteer participants in Agriculture will hold their Annual County on placing Top Overall Antigonish from the Canada World Meeting Wednesday, November 12 County at this years Provincial Youth Antigonish-Ghana exchange. at 7 p.m. at the Scotsburn Fire Hall Show. Lauren is from Peterborough, Ontario, a small city an hour north east of Toronto and Maureen is from Accra, Ghana which is the capital city of the West African nation. The UPCOMING 4-H EVENTS girls are joined in Antigonish by a Antigonish/Guysborough team of eight other Canadians and eight other Ghanaians, who are November 3––9 National 4-H Week living and volunteering in and November 4 – Annual Council Meeting - 7 p.m., Antigonish Education around Antigonish. The team will Centre – Review of NS Resolutions spend three months in Nova Scotia November 5 – Antigonish/Guysborough Federation of Agriculture and then depart in early December Annual Meeting, 7:30 p.m., St. Ninians Place, Antigonish. for Ghana, where they will live in the northern community of November 14-15–NS 4-H Council Meeting, Truro Bolgatanga for three months. Inverness County - Ryan McCarron Lauren and Maureen are currently working one day a week with the October 27 – Inverness County sign up night, 6 p.m. at the Brook Village department. Their main project has Hall. been gathering information for the December 18 – Open house in the Mabou office development of an interactive website that will highlight the history of agriculture in the Pictou County Antigonish and Guysborough November 2 – Pictou Co 4-H Church service - 9:45 a.m., St. David's counties and resources available to Presbyterian Church in Toney River local farmers. November 5 – Pictou Co. Celebration of 4-H, 7 p.m. at MacLeod School November 12 – Pictou County Council Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., New Glasgow Superstore. November 26 – Pictou County Executive Planning Meeting, 7 p.m. Northumberland School