Printed Acrobat Reader Page #’s Page # Main Newsletter (for all regions) Poultry Farm Bio-Security ...... 1 2 Assistance...... 1 2 Second Instalment of Transition Funding Delivered...... 1 2 Certificate of Specialization in Organic Agriculture ...... 3 4 Buy local beef program update...... 3 4 Minister Brings Issues Forward at Federal Meeting ...... 3 4 “Beef Up The Food Banks”...... 4 5 Assistance Available for Fencing ...... 4 5 Budget News...... 4 5 4-H News...... 5 6 Nova Scotia Open Farm Day...... 6 7 Agrifest Offering Farmers and Families Interesting Event...... 7 8 Position Announcements...... 7 8 Website Workshop – Inivitation ...... 7 8 Animal Welfare Malnutrition and Starvation ...... 8 9

Custom Newsletter Pages (for individual regions) East Hants, Cumberland, Colchester and Halifax counties...... 9 10 Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties ...... 9 11 West Hants, Kings, Lunenburg and Queens counties ...... 9 12 April 2004 Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Volume 5 No. 2

POULTRY FARM BIO-SECURITY

Bio-security means protecting the contaminated. Clean-up is a two invisible barrier through which you health of poultry by preventing the step process - washing to clean do not want any infectious agents to introduction of infectious agents. followed by disinfection. If you pass. There are several different ways to have concerns about incoming think about bio-security. One equipment or trucks spray them with The most obvious risk is at the approach is to rank the risk factors disinfectant. A similar protocol people entrance to the barn which around the possible introduction of should be followed by service people should be locked. Owners should disease. These include disease in as they exit your premise. provide clearly written instructions other poultry flocks or wild birds in for people to follow and keep a log your area, farms located in a high Barns: book of all traffic. There should be poultry density area, backyard flocks The second and even more important access to a well maintained foot bath located within 1 kilometre and site to implement a bio-security and change room so outside street nearby spreading of litter from other system is at the barn. Think of the farms. While many of these risk barn as being surrounded by an Continued on next page... factors are beyond your direct control they all increase the pressure on any farm bio-security system. Assistance Applications for the Federal Transitional Industry Support Direct Payment Farm gate: Program are now available on line at www.agr.gc.ca/tisp. Applications will Bio-security needs to begin at the also be mailed directly to registered farms reporting sales from cattle, bison, farm gate with posted notices deer, elk, goats, and sheep. Any producer who is currently not participating prohibiting any unauthorized entry to in NISA and has not received the non NISA bridge funding are eligible for an the premises. No one should enter additional general payment. To obtain forms and additional information, the premise without the owner's please contact the agriculture office at 902-893-3645 or toll free at 1-866- permission. Remember that 844-4276 improperly cleaned or sanitized vehicles, such as feed and supply trucks, can physically carry diseases Second Instalment of Transition Funding Delivered as can dirty clothing and equipment. Consider placing a standard pump Nova Scotia farmers will receive the The initial funding was originally sprayer at the entrance to your second and final instalment of the announced on Oct. 7, 2003 and was property. CFIA recommends using a provincial portion of risk intended to help producers with solution of equal parts bleach and management transition funding for recent income losses impacted by water. Infectious agents can't be 2003-04. BSE (mad cow disease). The second seen but anything which appears instalment is the balance of the dirty is an indication of a problem “Producers have faced many original $2.5 million of the and should be considered challenges this past year,” said province's commitment to match Agriculture and Fisheries Minister federal expenditures for transition to Chris d'Entremont. “We hope this additional measure, along with our Continued on next page... other programs, will help to address the financial pressures Nova Scotia farmers have endured.” Back issues of this newsletter are available on-line at http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/rs/fs/arcs/ 1 ...continued from previous page POULTRY FARM BIO-SECURITY clothing and foot wear can removed. Reservoirs: sanitation. In-barn chlorination One then passes through an Other potential sources of the virus systems are good to stop or reduce intermediate zone which divides are local reservoirs. It is well the spread of many diseases should dirty and clean. The importance of documented that wild birds such as they be accidentally introduced to hand washing in this zone should be geese and especially ducks can carry the water system. stressed. Next comes the clean zone HPAI and often not be ill. In Nova where clean clothing, boots and head Scotia we have a population of Proper dead bird disposal is covers supplied by the owner, are put migrating waterfowl of which the AI important. Birds should be quickly on. Once work in the barn is status is unknown. It would be wise removed from the barn area to completed the same procedures, in to consider these birds at least ensure that they do not serve as a reverse, should be followed to exit. potential sources for AI. Remember source of disease back to the poultry AI virus is stable in the environment in barns. Another important potential source and can survive at least 90 days in Properly composting of manure for infectious agents is the moving feces. A serious outbreak of AI in essentially destroys common disease of equipment into barns. In British Holland last year was thought to pathogens by the heating process but Columbia there have been have originated from the direct the nearby spreading of fresh manure suggestions that catching crews and tracking of AI infected wild duck is a risk. If it is manure from your their equipment have moved the AI feces from an adjacent pond directly own barns the risk is less that if it is virus to new farms. Also, recent into a commercial barn. from other barns of unknown disease information indicates that dirty egg status. crates may be responsible for Other possible carriers for infectious moving the AI virus. However, agents include rodents or wild birds All poultry producers are urged to people are still considered the which get into barns. A rodent review their farm bio-security primary way AI virus has been control program is essential system in accordance with the moved from farm to farm in British including cutting of a zone of grass national on-farm food safety Columbia. around the outside of barns. assurance programs being Screening of ventilators to keep implemented by your commodity Backyard flocks: birds out is also important. groups. For more information visit Backyard flocks continue to be a the CFIA web site at source of concern to commercial Water contaminated by surface run www.inspection.gc.ca or contact Dr. producers. These flocks do represent off is a possible virus source and in- Gord Finley, NSDAF Program some risk as their disease status is barn water systems need to be on a Veterinarian at 902-893-3491. often unknown. Flocks having regular program for cleaning and access to the outdoors are at increased disease risk as there is no tight bio-security system or barrier against poultry diseases found in ...continued from previous page local reservoirs. Farm owners or Second Instalment of Transition Funding Delivered employees should not own backyard the new Agriculture Policy contact the programs and business flocks. Having these flocks within 1 Framework. Nova Scotia is the only risk management division of the kilometre of a commercial farm does province to participate in the second Nova Scotia Department of increase the pressure on any farm year of bridge funding initiative. Agriculture and Fisheries toll-free at bio-security system. In known Program participants will begin to 1- 866-844-4BRM (1-866-844-4276) situations prevention needs to be in receive a payment by cheque by the for more information. place to stop direct traffic into end of April. Producers are asked to commercial barns. Indirect movement of disease is also a concern. In the USA one case has been reported in which a backyard Note: Article submissions are encouraged and should be forwarded to flock owner was a babysitter for the Lorne Crozier at [email protected]. Please note the department commercial owner. It was assumed reserves the right to edit content submitted for style, audience that disease passed mechanically suitability, and space limitations. from the babysitter to the owner then into the commercial barn.

2 Certificate of Specialization in Minister Brings Issues Organic Agriculture at NSAC Forward at Federal Meeting To meet the demand for high-level, Transition to Organic Agriculture, scientific training in the organic Basic Composting Skills and Federal and provincial agriculture sector, the Organic Agriculture Centre Principles of Organic Horticulture ministers met in Toronto on April 8, of Canada (OACC) and the Nova will be offered in the fall semester. to discuss food safety and quality Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) The registration deadline for fall issues affecting the agriculture have developed a Certificate of courses is Aug. 1, 2004. industry. Specialization in Organic Agriculture. These five web-based courses provide All organic agriculture courses can Agriculture and Fisheries Minister valuable information for individuals also be taken on a not-for-credit Chris d'Entremont took the opportu- making the transition to organic basis. As a non-credit student, you nity to bring forward provincial production. The course will include are not required to meet NSAC concerns to his federal and provincial on-line discussions, current research admission requirements. Also, colleagues. Minister d'Entremont and hands-on activities that allow participation in assignments and indicated that he was pleased with the students to practice vital skills. exams is optional. No mark is discussions and was optimistic that awarded upon completion of the government was moving in the right Individuals who successfully course. For more information, direction. complete four organic agriculture contact The Centre for Continuing credit courses with an overall average and Distance Education, Nova Scotia Ministers reviewed current challenges of 60 per cent may apply to receive Agricultural College at 902-893- and discussed ways to build on the the certificate. 6666. progress created by the Agriculture Policy Framework. They agreed to continue working with producers and industry stakeholders to determine what governments can do to ensure Buy Local Beef Program Update that the framework promotes economic growth for Canadian farmers. Atlantic Canada is standing together associations are proceeding with for more support for the region's branding, promotional and During the meeting, Mr. d'Entremont food industry. The ninth session of marketing initiatives to encourage brought forward provincial concerns the Council of Atlantic Premiers increased consumption of Atlantic regarding an agreement on wine concluded on February 12 in Corner products. In addition, the new standards. He also expressed concerns Brook, NL, with Premier Hamm federally registered beef slaughter/ about the Canadian Environmental urging his Atlantic counterparts to processing facility under Assessment Act and how it is hinder- commit to increasing local beef construction in Albany, PEI, is due to ing implementation of the framework. purchases at government-owned open in the fall 2004. This plant will He indicated that the framework facilities. At the meeting, the help ensure market access to local needs to be recognized across all of Council struck an Atlantic Canada beef. Canada and that programs need to be Action Team to explore means of developed to address regional promoting sales of local products in The Department of Agriculture and concerns. Atlantic Canada including beef. This Fisheries along with the Office of will be done in a manner that is Economic Development are The next meeting of federal- consistent with existing internal proceeding with initiatives under provincial and territorial agriculture trade agreements. 'Brand Nova Scotia' and ministers will be held June 28-30 in Procurement Supplier Development Prince Edward Island. The Atlantic Canada Action Team Programs that will promote local will provide recommendations for product and address market access promotion and market access for issues. After industry consultation, agri-food products. Individual we hope to launch these programs governments and industry this spring and summer.

3 Beef Up The Food Banks Submitted by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture

On March 12, 2004 the Nova Scotia The Federation of Agriculture is economy — and hopefully alleviate Federation of Agriculture launched a stressing that Nova Scotians deserve the need for so many to rely on food new program “Beef Up The Food to have access to a safe and secure banks. Banks” in Antigonish. Frazer food supply. The NSFA believes that Hunter, first vice-president of the this can only be accomplished in the For more information on this Federation made the first donation of long term by maintaining a strong program please contact Donna ground beef to the Metro Food Bank provincial farm base. This program Langille, operations manager, Nova Society. Mr. Hunter, a dairy farmer is one example of how local farmers Scotia Federation of Agriculture at from Merigomish, stated that with contribute to the well-being of Nova 902-893-2293 or Paul Eyking such a large number of surplus cattle Scotians. By supporting each other director of food supply, Metro Food on Nova Scotia farms this winter it we will grow a strong Nova Scotia Bank Society at 902-457-1900. makes sense that we try to provide some of this high quality protein to our neighbours who, by necessity, must use the services of their local Assistance Available for Fencing Food Bank.

The Antigonish Federation of The Eastern Habitat Joint Venture through the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Agriculture teamed up with Mattie Resources is now accepting applications for the 2004 Riparian Management Farms Ltd. in Afton and Vacheresse Program. Livestock producers can receive up to $5,000 in fencing assistance for fencing wetlands, salt marshes and some watercourses, stream crossings and Meats of Antigonish to butcher and controlled watering systems. process beef donations to the Food Bank. The beef was turned over to For more information please contact the stewardship coordinator office at the Metro Food Bank representatives, Department of Natural Resources. The deadline for applications is May 21, 2004. Paul Eyking, director of Food Supply and Brian Kelly a Stewardship Coordinator, NS-EHJV Wildlife Division, NSDNR distribution driver for the 136 Exhibition Street, Kentville, Nova Scotia B4N 4E5 distribution to food banks around the Tel:(902) 679-6145 / Fax:(902) 679-6176 province. Both were particularly pleased to receive this donation of beef at a time of year when Food Bank use is at a high point. Also present for the program launch Budget News was William Cox, president of the Inverness – Victoria Federation of The Government of Nova Scotia fully participate in the Agriculture Agriculture. This regional brought forward a balanced budget Policy Framework. This participation Federation presented a cheque for for the 2004-05 fiscal year. All allows us to attract additional federal $1,000 to assist with the processing decisions regarding the department's funding in support of our agriculture of additional animals for donation to budget were based on balancing the industry. the Food Bank. Next in line to make various needs of our agriculture, a donation of beef through this aquaculture and fisheries sectors. All The department voluntarily program is the Hants County programs have been maintained and supplemented federal funding in both Federation of Agriculture. They there were no staff reductions. 2002/03 and 2003/04 to allow farmers have teamed up with Classic Meat to transition from the old NISA into Packers of Upper Rawdon, who have The Government continues to be the new CAIS program. The new donated the processing service for committed to agriculture and CAIS program is now up and running several cows. It is expected that their fisheries. Despite fiscal challenges, and the objectives have been achieved. beef will be ready for delivery to the we are able to maintain our level of The province remains committed to Food Bank this week. service to client industries. The the needs of the agriculture and department managed to retain funding fisheries industries not only for their from 2002-03 sunsetted programming sustainability but also their future and, thereby, position ourselves to growth. 4 4-H Members Compete at Annual 4-H Weekend Royal Bank to Host 4-H Three hundred 4-H members are winning speeches, demonstrations, preparing to attend the annual 4-H square dancing and entertainment by Interprovincial weekend and participate in the 4-H members. During the evening Exchange provincial communications awards are presented to competition competitions at the Nova Scotia winners and leaders who have won Program Agricultural College May 7 – 8. national 4-H Awards to conferences The program begins Friday evening and travel opportunities. Everyone This July, five 4-H members will and ends with 4-H Night in Nova is welcome to attend the weekend travel to various parts of Canada to Scotia, May 8 at the Cobequid events. For more information visit experience the lifestyles of other 4-H Educational Centre in Truro. the website at members as part of the 42nd annual www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf/4h/ Royal Bank of Canada 4-H 4-H Night in Nova Scotia is the Interprovincial Exchange. Youth will final production that showcases the have the opportunity to exchange ideas and information on agriculture with other rural youth and then host them in their home communities in August. This year British Columbia, Camp Rankin Offers Many Things For 4-H Members Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan will participate in the For the 32nd summer Camp Rankin, employment opportunities for seven exchange. the provincial 4-H camp will as camp counsellors for youth aged welcome 240 4-H members aged 9 16 or older, a camp director and an The Nova Scotia delegates winning – 15 from across the province for six assistant director. Trained camp this 4-H national travel award were weeks of outdoor adventure on the counsellors lead 4-H members selected through an interview Bras d’Or Lakes in Cape Breton. through all traditional camp process and application based on activities and educational sessions their 4-H and community This camp provides a positive where 4-H members carry out their involvement. The delegates will experience for youth and offers motto “learn to do by doing.” celebrate their achievement at a send off banquet hosted by the Royal Bank.

4-H Members Gather for Atlantic EBI Showcase

Seventy 4-H members from Atlantic honours with their own calves at the Canada will develop their large beef and dairy show. Awards will be TM animal management skills during the presented to the winners in each annual Eastern Breeders 4-H class at this event. The show is Showcase June 27 – 29 at the Nova being held at 10 a.m on June 29 at Scotia Agricultural College in Truro. the MacMillan Show Centre on the The 4-H members will learn from Exhibition Grounds in Truro. The Eastern Breeders Inc.’s experts about public is invited to attend. large animal management and show preparation practices for beef and The event has been sponsored by dairy cattle. They will also learn the Eastern Breeders Incorporated for most current techniques in clipping, the past 14 years in partnership with showing and herd management. the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 4-H staff. After two intense days of training, 4-H members compete for top

5 Website Workshop You're Invited

Our current website was launched Please review our current website This website is our face to the world. in May 2001 and it is time for a (www.gov.ns.ca/nsaf) and the new Our department's website has over make over. This invitation is open design (i.e. Department of Energy one million visitors per month and to industry members, for their input (http://www.gov.ns.ca/energy/) we want to make sure that we have towards our new navigation menu. preceding the workshop. A date and an informative, creative and easy to The purpose of this workshop is to location will be decided based on the use site. brainstorm and come up with site response received. We will aim to topics which will help us in hold the workshop in early May To participate, please email Alexa determining site navigation. This is 2004. Vodicka ([email protected]) with your opportunity to provide your name and phone number. thoughts and ideas toward the decision making of our menu.

Nova Scotia Open Farm Day September 26, 2004 “WELCOME TO THE AMAZING WORLD OF AGRICULTURE”

The Nova Scotia Agricultural Open Farm Day 2003 was a huge To register, please complete the Awareness Committee will host the success despite adverse weather attached form by June 25. We will third annual Open Farm Day on conditions. More than 3500 contact you with additional details September 26. This is an Atlantic consumers visited the 52 farms that and information regarding the region event and a great opportunity were open. Through this event program. for you to showcase your farm. consumers learn about the high There is no charge to participate in quality and diverse food supply this event. produced in Nova Scotia.

For more information contact: Name: Ruth Grant, P. Ag., Agricultural Awareness Co-ordinator Farm Name: Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Address: Postal Code: PO Box 550, Truro Nova Scotia B2N 5E3 Phone: Fax: Phone: 902-893-6598 Fax: 902-893-2757 Email: Email: [email protected]

Type of Farm:

6 Agrifest Offering Farmers and Families Interesting Event Agrifest is a unique outdoor A number of topics will be discussed celebration of innovations in food that range from Pete Luckett’s production for farmers, agri- retailing strategies, ultrasound For a complete schedule of events business, processors, retailers and technology for dairy cattle, to food visit www.agrifest.com or contact consumers. Hosted by AgraPoint, and barbecue demos. A family Healther Angell at 902-678-7722. Agrifest will be held August 5-8 at pavilion will also be set up to help Lyndhurst Farms in Canning, Nova children learn where food comes Scotia. from in a fun and interactive way.

The Agrifest team and AgraPoint specialists have created a unique program that offers farmers ideas and information to enhance farming Position Announcements operations and entice the public to learn more about the farming Programs and Business Risk Marketing Services Division industry. Management Division Art Drysdale, Amanda Fulmer, Kim On Feb. 16, 2004 Darlene McCallum Forsyth, and Elaine Horne have joined the Programs and Business joined the Marketing Services Risk Management Division as Division. program administrator. Canadian Forage Art has been with the Department for Darlene graduated from the Nova five years, most recently in the and Beef Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) position of Supervisor of Leasing, Information Site in 1999 receiving her Bachelor of Licensing and Development in Science Degree with Honours, Aquaculture. Art is the new Senior Official Launched majoring in business, where she also Planning and Development Officer- completed the Agricultural Business International. Technician program graduating with Amanda Fulmer comes to us from high honours in 1995. Pier 21 where she was the As program administrator, Darlene Supervisor of the Exhibition Hall. Source – CARC News will be responsible for the delivery Amanda is the new Planning and February 2004 – Volume 50 of our developmental programming Development Officer-Food service. Visit www.foragebeef.ca for the including the Farm Investment Fund, Kim Forsyth worked as a Loans latest research information on Agri-Food Industry Development Officer with the Nova Scotia forage and beef production. Fund and the Technology Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Development 2000 programs. Board. NowKim will be the Senior Darlene’s office is located on the Planning and Development Officer – main floor of Harlow Institute, Market Research & Information. NSAC campus in Truro. She can be Elaine Horne had been employed reached at 902-896-7076 or by with the department as a receptionist calling toll-free 1-866-844-4276. with the Policy Planning and Communications Coordination Branch. Elaine will now be the secretary with the Director of Marketing Services.

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

Plowing Match/Demonstration Day Halifax East Hants This is an advance notice that the Halifax East Hants Federation of Federation Equipment Agriculture will be hosting their “Annual Plowing Match and Demonstration Rentals Day” on Saturday, September 25. The program will be held at the farm of Dave and Dean Cole, located on Highway 357, approximately 5 km south of The following equipment is available Middle Musquodoboit. from the Halifax East Hants Federation. For further details In addition to the plowing match, there will be static-displays and please contact: demonstrations of traditional and non traditional primary tillage. A barbecue Lime Spreader, Allan Benjamin - will be available. Watch for additional information this fall. 902-758-2427; Land Leveler, John Van De Riet - Youth Tractor Safety Day 902-758-3874 Cow Lift, Corey Fraser - The Halifax East Hants Federation of Agriculture will be sponsoring Farm 902-758-2262 Tractor Safety Day on May 1. The program will be held in Shubenacadie and is open to young people 14 years of age and older. Youth under 14 can participate in the classroom instruction. The instructor will be Andy Vermeulen and the cost for this program is $5.00 which includes lunch. For more information and to register please call Amy Grant at 902-758-2551.

Federation Contacts Halifax East Hants Colchester Cumberland Andy Bokma, President Steve Nielsen, President Roy Wilson, President 902-758-2698 902-639-2886 902-251-2048 or 902-251-2014 Email: [email protected] Derrick Canning, Vice President Carl Woodworth, Vice President David Grant, Vice President 902-671-2781 902-661-4217 902-758-4180 Andrew McCurdy Bruce Moore Email: [email protected] 902-895-0142 902-447-3355 or 902-447-3378 Willem Hilt Jeff Grant Chris Pettigrew 902-261-2390 902-758-1598 902-254-3109 Andy Streatch Sandra Fisher Leon Smith 902-384-2498 902-673-2907 902-661-4101 John Van De Riet Terry Prescott Malcolm Read 902-758-3874 902-674-2957 902-661-3357 Kristian Ballam Carol Ann Williams Kurt Sherman 902-758-2342 902-899-6178 902-686-3217 Allan Benjamin Tara Hill Jeff Collins 902-758-2427 902-896-0072 902-661-1737 David Cole Maxine Gourley, Secretary/Treasurer Marilyn Carter, Secretary/Treasurer 902-384-2403 902-639-2709 902-667-3984 Email: [email protected] John Dillman 902-384-2264 2004 Exhibition Dates Amy Grant, Secretary/Treasurer 902-758-4180 Halifax County Exhibition, Middle Musquodobit Aug. 18 – 21 Email: [email protected] Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition, Truro Aug. 24 – 28 Cumberland County Exhibition, Oxford Aug. 31 – Sept. 4 Pictou/North Colchester Exhibition Sept. 8 – 11 NS 4-H Show, Truro Oct. 1 – 3 Maritime Fall Fair, Halifax Oct. 8 – 17 For a complete listing of exhibitions visit www.exhibitionsns.org 9 Animal Welfare Malnutrition and Starvation

Taken from an article prepared by Dr. Gus Wruck, Veterinary Services Branch, Manitoba Department of Agriculture Food and Rural Development In beef cattle the major concerns For producers the most important When starving animals are found on about the care of animals are usually thing to do is to be able to recognize a farm, it is perceived to reflect on related to nutrition or simply the lack starvation and be aware of the signs the competence and ability of the of adequate feeding by producers. of poor body condition. Body care giver to properly feed and care Condition Scoring is a recognized for their animals. As a result a Poor nutrition and feeding practices method of determining body starvation diagnosis is often are the cause of starvation in cattle. condition and thus the relative associated with some denial and For cattle the issue is basically one of amount of body fat an animal has on shifting of blame. energy. The cow needs energy to its body. The most important thing meet its bodily needs and to maintain to remember is to feed according to There could be many cases of cattle proper body temperature. When the the Body Condition Score. Cattle without adequate feed during this feed given to cattle or any animal is that are thin should be fed separately time of year. Producers that are not adequate, the animal becomes from the main herd so that they can aware of the problems and seek energy deficient and begins to use fat consume better quality feed with assistance will likely encounter a stored on the body as a source of higher energy. Cattle that are in herd loss, as they will make the energy. good condition may be able to get required adjustments. Producers that through the winter with less feed. lack information, suffer from Using stored fat as an energy source emotional stress or refuse to seek is not serious if there is an adequate Mechanics of Starvation advice will be the first ones to amount of stored fat and the period Starvation usually does not happen encounter problems. For more of time fat is consumed is not suddenly. It is a relatively long and information on Body Condition prolonged. Many cows will have a slow process that occurs over several Scoring contact Dr. Gordon Finley at period of time in the winter when weeks or months. Producers often 902- 893-3491. they will have an energy deficiency. will not see starvation occurring This is the way nature adapts to because they see the cattle every day endure cold weather. The problem and starvation has a slow and for cattle occurs when the fat stores insidious onset. Usually starving become depleted and the cow begins animals are the older or very young to use muscle as a source of energy. animals. They may have disease The muscles reduce in size as energy such as foot rot or pneumonia or they is consumed from them and may be the less aggressive animals. eventually the cow weakens to the point that it becomes recumbent and The diagnosis of starvation in unable to rise. Death will occur soon animals is often very difficult to see after the cow becomes recumbent as and hard for owners and care givers it can no longer access water and to accept. Animals that are starving feed. will almost always continue to eat.

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] 8

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

Farm Safety

Spring is here and soon field work will begin. It is important to keep safety in mind at all times. The office in Weymouth still has a supply of two publications which may be of interest to you: • Farm Safety Standards of Practice • Protecting Yourself From Livestock Injuries

If you would like to receive a copy of these publications please contact Dennis Moerman at 902-837-5161 or email [email protected].

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe year. Western Region 4-H ~ Upcoming Events

• Annapolis 4-H Judging Clinic will be held on Tuesday, May 11 at the Demonstration Building in Lawrencetown. • Annapolis 4-H Leaders Council Meetings - May 12 and June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Demonstration Building in Lawrencetown. • Dairy members are reminded that pre-registrations for the Scotiabank Hayes Classic selections are due on May 15. • Yarmouth 4-H Leaders Council Meetings - May 19 and June 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the 4-H Office, 55 Starr’s Rd. • Digby 4-H Leaders Council Meetings - May 20 and June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Digby Fire Hall boardroom • Fluff’n’Buff Workshop for Beef, Dairy, Sheep, and Goat members will be taking place on May 21 to 23 at the Exhibition Grounds in Lawrencetown.

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

Valley Region 4-H News May 7 – 8 4-H Weekend, NSAC, Bible Hill May 10 Hants County Council 7 p.m., West Hants Middle School May 15 Livestock Registration May 21 – 23 Fluff ‘n’ Buff, Lawrencetown May 25 Hants County Judging Day, Hants County Exhibition Grounds May 27 Kings County Judging Day, Sheffield Mills Hall and Evangeline Trail Rides June 27 – 29 EBI Showcase, Bible Hill

South Shore Region 4-H Dates and Events May 19 Shelburne County Council meeting, 6:30 p.m. Enterprise Square, Shelburne May 20, Lunenburg County Exhibition Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Exhibition Grounds

Queens, Shelburne and Lunenburg 4-H judging days will be held in May at various times/locations.

REGIONAL 4-H EVENTS:

May 29 A Great Outdoors workshop will be held in Lunenburg County and is open to all 4-H Great Outdoors members and leaders from the Valley, Western and South Shore Regions. Sessions include compass work, identification of trees and animals, and wilderness survival tips. Applications available from your local 4-H office.

Coming Events May 15 Annapolis Co. Federation Livestock Sale, Lawrencetown Exhibition Grounds. Selling begins at 1 p.m. May 22 Lunenburg/Queens Co. Federation Cattle Sale, South Shore Exhibition Grounds, Bridgewater. Sale starts at 12:30 p.m. June 5 Annapolis Co. Federation Livestock Sale, Lawrencetown Exhibition Grounds. Selling begins at 1 p.m.

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