Printed Acrobat Reader Page #’s Page # Main Newsletter (for all regions) SCIANS Advance Payments Program ...... 1 2 The Pick of the Crop - A Sampling of Nova Scotia’s Agri-Tourism Experiences . . . . . 1 2 Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) Program...... 2 3 PROGRAMS UPDATE...... 2 3 On Farm Health and Safety — More than PTO and ROP’s...... 3 4 Dr. Rob Gordon named Director of Research at NSAC...... 4 5 Integrated Approaches to Weed Management for Lowbush Blueberry ...... 4 5 Upcoming Courses with NSAC’s Continuing & Distance Education ...... 5 6 New Requirements for Transporting Cattle...... 5 6 AgraPoint Welcomes Two New Specialists...... 6 7 Nova Scotia Fall Beef Extension Meetings...... 7 8 Rural Leaders Workshop - “Creating Partners - Building Communities ...... 7 8 4-H News...... 8 9

Custom Newsletter Pages (for individual regions) Kings, West Hants, Lunenburg and Queens counties ...... 10 11 Cumberland, Colchester, East Hants, and Halifax Regional Municipality...... 10 13 Cape Breton, Victoria and Richmond counties ...... 10 15 Pictou, Antigonish, Inverness and Guysborough counties ...... 10 16 Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth and Shelburne counties ...... -- 18 October 2007 Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture Volume 8 No. 4

in the program. Producers who are interested in finding out more about already involved in the spring the program or if you would like to portion of the program and would add your name to the list to have an like to continue in the fall portion, application sent to you once they will be charged an administration fee become available, please contact of 0.5 per cent of the advance. All Carol Versteeg (902-758-3530) or advances must be paid back by email Advance Payments Program September 2008. If you are [email protected] Once again the Soil & Crop Improvement Association of Nova Scotia (SCIANS) has applied to the federal government to be The administrators for the fall portion of Pick the 2007/08 Advance Payments of the A SAMPLING OF NOVA SCOTIA’S Program (APP). The purpose of the AGRI-TOURISM EXPERIENCES program is to improve marketing Crop opportunities for agricultural products to eligible producers by For family fun this fall or year-round milking cows, curious llamas, and extending an advance as a means to farm experiences, check out a new happy hens. Visit a farmers’ market! improve cash-flow. Any one person brochure highlighting fourteen of the Then when it is time to sample the or any farm business is limited to an province’s agri-tourism destinations: products of the farm, experience advance of $100,000 interest free. marvelous restaurants featuring fresh, Producers repay the advance to the Apple Berry Farm Market, Wiles local and seasonal mouth-watering Administrator as the agricultural Lake Farm Market and Bakery, Ross fare and award-winning wine from product is sold and at the rate per Farm Museum, Noggins Corner Nova Scotia’s internationally unit in effect at the time of the Farm, Blueberry Acres U-Pick and acclaimed wineries. repayment. The crops we have asked Between the Bushes Restaurant, Fox to be covered under the program this Hill Cheese House, Tangled Garden So get in touch with simple goodness year are wheat, hay, rye, grain, corn, Herbs, Domaine de Grande Pré, The again. Feed your mind. Fuel your oats, barley and soybeans. Producers Udder House Guest House B&B, senses. Delight your soul. Feast on must have these crops in storage and Sugar Moon Farm, Jost Vineyards, what Nova Scotia’s agri-tourism allow a crop inspection to be done Lismore Sheep Farm Wool Shop, operators have to offer. by an agent appointed by SCIANS. Stonehame Lodge and Chalets and Also producers must agree to allow Valley Wine Tours. For more information on what’s SCIANS to conduct a credit review. available throughout Nova Scotia, This will be done by an unrelated In addition, our associate partners check out our web site at: third party. An administration fee of are: Taste of Nova Scotia, Winery www.gov.ns.ca/agri/marketing/contact 1.5 per cent of the total advance is Association of Nova Scotia, Farmers’ /landsea/ charged for producers to participate Markets of Nova Scotia. or check your local visitor information centre, participating agri- What will you discover? Simple tourism operator, or farmers’ market delights and profound pleasures. The for a copy of the brochure. touch of cold, crisp apples and new corn. The smell of crackling fires and Contact Claire Hanlon Smith, hot-baked goods. See a young Marketing Services Division, for lamb’s nimble first stroll. Watch more information, 902-893-4491 or 1 [email protected] Programs and Business Risk Management Division

Canadian Agricultural CAIS 2007 interim applications coordinated process for federal, are available provincial and territorial Income Stabilization governments to respond rapidly The Interim Application is for (CAIS) Program when disasters strike, filling gaps not producers who would like to apply covered by existing programs. for 2007 program year assistance earlier than normally Deadline to file 2006 CAIS AgriInsurance is an existing available. As a program participant, information program which includes insurance you cannot receive your full 2007 against production losses for If you missed the September 30th CAIS payment until your 2007 specified perils (weather, pests, filing deadline, you can still submit program year is complete. However, disease) and is being expanded to CAIS information until December by using the Interim Application, include more commodities. 31, 2007. However, your benefit will you can estimate your 2007 income be reduced by $500 for each month and receive a portion of this payment (or each part of the month) your early. To request an interim New Entrants for AgriStability form is submitted late. package, please contact CAIS at 1- (CAIS) 2007 866-367-8506 or visit the website at If you have not participated in the If your form is not received by http://www.agr.gc.ca/caisprogram. December 31, 2007, you will not be CAIS program before and are interested in participating for the eligible for a benefit. If the penalty New Risk Management amount is greater than your payment 2007 program year, you will need to amount, your CAIS payment will be programs launched for 2007/08 request a 2007 AgriStability (CAIS) New Participant Package. To request reduced to zero. The remainder of Federal and Provincial Ministers a package, please contact CAIS at 1- the reduction will not be applied to have agreed to a new suite of 866-367-8506 or visit the website at any other program year. business risk management programs. http://www.agr.gc.ca/caisprogram. The Canadian Agricultural Income To make sure all you information has Stabilization program (CAIS) will be been received contact the CAIS replaced by the first two programs office at 1-866-367-8506. described below. After final PROGRAMS UPDATE ministerial approval, further details The Farm Investment Fund (FIF) is Calculation of Benefits for on program design and how to sign still accepting applications, with up will be available. CAIS 2006 nearly 700 received to date. There is still time to apply for projects that If you have already submitted your AgriInvest is a savings account you wish to undertake this fall. You CAIS information you may have for producers, supported by are encouraged to claim projects as received your Calculation Of governments, which provides they are completed, which may help Benefits (COB) for 2006 or are coverage for small income declines you manage cash flow for multiple waiting for it. If you have received it, and allows for investments that help approved projects. There is no limit make sure you review the calculation mitigate risks or improve market to the amount of claims you may and ensure that the information you income. submitted is correct. You have 90 submit. days from the issue date to adjust or AgriStability (replaces CAIS) appeal the calculation. The next scheduled call for Letters provides support when a producer of Intent for the Technology experiences larger farm income If you are waiting for your Development 2000 Program is losses. The program covers declines January 15, 2008. calculation you may check on the of more than 15 per cent in a status of your file by calling the producer's average income from The Agri-Food Industry CAIS contact center at 1-866-367- previous years. 8506. Development Fund (AFIDF) AgriRecovery is a disaster relief For BRM information framework which provides a please call ...continued on next page 1-866-844-4BRM

2 Continued from previous page... annual gross farming income of at You should be aware when making least $10,000. The last criteria may the decision to make application to program is currently open, with 60 be waived if the applicant is FIF that the assistance offered under applications to date. These include considered a beginning farmer the federal Orchard Renewal applications to the new Specified (within the first three years of initiative will likely be higher. The Risk Material (SRM) Handling registration). For more information choice whether to do the work now, category and the Strategic or to submit a FIF application, please or wait until details of the federal Infrastructure Investment Fund contact Programs & Business Risk program are known is obviously an (SIIF) category. Applications are Management (NSDA) at 1-866-844- individual management decision. still being accepted for AFIDF 4276. program categories A through E.

The guidelines and application forms for FIF, Technology Development 2000 Program and the Agri-Food Industry Development Fund may be accessed at the following web site: www.gov.ns.ca/agri/prm. On Farm Health and Safety — More than Questions? Contact Programs & Business Risk Management office at PTO and ROP’s 902-893-6510 or toll free 1-866-844- 4276. Farming is one of the most complex program function as a component of and demanding work environments the EFP. that anyone can face. As farmers, we Orchard Renewal Funding often take the farm for granted. Consideration is being given to However, machinery, livestock, various initiatives across Canada and Negotiations are currently underway pesticides, confined spaces and in the US. There is a great deal of with Agriculture and Agri-Food hazardous environments all pose interest at this time in farm health and Canada in support of an Orchard totally different challenges for safety. Many regions are just bringing Renewal program. Although farmers and farm workers. How do agriculture, or have just brought progress is being made, it will likely you comply with the Nova Scotia agriculture under their occupational be late fall before a signed Occupational Health and Safety Act health and safety acts. In Nova Scotia, agreement is in place and the method and make your farm the safest that it the Occupational Health and Safety of delivery confirmed. We realize can be? Act applies to all Nova Scotia farmers that some producers may want to regardless of the number of people conduct work in support of orchard It is with this in mind that the Nova employed on farms. The act renewal prior to this time line. The Scotia Federation of Agriculture, specifically states the duties of an Farm Investment Fund offers a Nova Scotia Agriculture College, employer and a self-employed person. funding alternative. Nova Scotia Department of Recognizing this it is important that Agriculture, Department of every farm employer review their The FIF program provides cost- Environment and Labour, and the responsibilities under the Act. In the shared assistance on land Nova Scotia Farm Health and Safety next few months we hope to develop a development projects. Under Committee are working together to program that will assist farm Category B, there is a 30 per cent review the issue of on farm health operators achieve an acceptable level assistance level for such things as and safety. In the coming months it of health and safety on their farms. orchard removal, land clearing, land is hoped that a program can be leveling, and land forming. Other developed that will provide Nova Jonathan Wort, Farm Safety types of land preparation, such as Scotia farmers access to a Coordinator ditching and tile drainage, are cost comprehensive and manageable Email: [email protected] shared at 50 per cent under Category Farm Health and Safety Program. Phone: 902-893- 6227 C (Water Management). Eligibility Experience with the Environmental criteria for this provincial funding Farm Plan Program is being drawn Think Safety! Harvest time can be are producers must be actively on as this process proceeds. One hectic. Fight fatigue by drinking farming, have a current farm proposal under consideration would plenty of water, eating regularly, and registration, and be generating an see the farm health and safety taking breaks when possible.

3 Dr. Rob Gordon named Director of Research at NSAC

Dr. Leslie MacLaren, Vice-President graduate students. Recently, he was Academic, is pleased to announce one of six civil servants to receive Board Members the appointment of Dr. Rob Gordon the Premier’s Award of Excellence, as Director of Research at Nova an award which recognizes Appointed Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC). outstanding contributions by Nova Dr. Gordon is an Associate professor Scotia civil servants. Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor and recent Canada Research Chair has appointed a new board of with the Department of Engineering. During his time as Interim Director directors and interim CEO of He has been Interim Director of of Research, Dr. Gordon has seen AgraPoint International Inc. Research at NSAC for the past year. increased research funding, an increase in services offered by the AgraPoint provides services to the The Director of Research is Research Office and the hiring of agriculture industry in horticulture, responsible for working with faculty several new research chairs. Dr. livestock and poultry, field crops, and staff to meet the research goals Gordon is easily recognized by his pest management and food safety. of the University and its academic sheer energy! His ability and departments. In this part-time role, willingness to make time for The new AgraPoint board members he promotes and actively develops students, faculty and staff is well- are Ken Mounce (chair), John the research effort on campus to help known. Moloney, Dr. Leslie MacLaren, Greg foster research growth and Sheffer, Dr. Robert Gordon, Richard excellence. “We are happy to be able to continue Melvin, Linda MacDonald, Herman to benefit from Dr. Gordon’s Berfelo, G. Brian Smith and Susan Dr. Gordon is a climatologist and knowledge and expertise in this Payne. leading authority on climate-change position,” said Dr. MacLaren. “We issues in the region. His research look forward to his dedication, George Smith has been appointed focuses primarily on the continued enthusiasm and to the CEO for a one-year term. identification of adaptive resource promotion and development of management issues at the farm-level research at NSAC.” AgraPoint is a Crown corporation in Atlantic Canada. He teaches with offices in Kentville, Truro and several undergraduate and graduate The Director of Research position is Cape Breton. courses and supervises a number of a renewable three-year term position.

Integrated Approaches to Weed Management for Lowbush Blueberry

The Nova Scotia Agricultural College Foods Ltd., Bragg Lumber Company the desire to market blueberries as a (NSAC) is pleased to announce the Ltd. and the Wild Blueberry wild, healthy and low-input product. initiation of a major project in Producers Association of Nova Scotia In order to address these growing alternative weed management (WPBANS). issues, the largest grower and technologies. The project, being led processor within the industry have set by Dr. Nathan Boyd, Vegetation The wild blueberry is one of the most a goal to reduce agrochemical use by Management Research Chair with the important fruit crops of Quebec and 40 per cent. In order for this goal to Department of Environmental the four Atlantic provinces. Weeds be achieved, alternative technologies Sciences, intends to develop are the major yield-limiting factor in or herbicides with different modes of integrated approaches to weed blueberry fields and current weed action need to be evaluated for management for lowbush blueberry. management practices in lowbush potential use alone or in conjunction This is a three-year initiative which is blueberry rely predominately on with current practices. being supported by the Natural applications of a limited number of Sciences and Engineering Research herbicides. Effective weed Council of Canada, Oxford Frozen management must be balanced with ...continued on next page 4 Continued from previous page... Upcoming Courses with NSAC’s Continuing & Distance Education Management of a diverse weed population, with reduced Commercial class or restricted class pesticides. Study for certification or agrochemical inputs, will require an gain re-certification points. integration of several management strategies. These strategies include Pesticide Re-Certification increased herbicide use efficiency, For Farmers: Thursday, November 8 replacement of old technology with new reduced risk and lower input Pesticide Applicator Certification: November 19-22 agrochemicals, substitution of herbicides with other weed Nutrient Management Planning: Tuesday, November 13 to Friday, management techniques, site specific November 16 application of agrochemicals or, finally, redesign of the cropping Introductory Welding: November 6-27 system to reduce the need for herbicides. Organic Agriculture Courses Beginning January 2008 Organic Field Crop Management “The two primary objectives of this Organic Livestock Production research initiative are to determine the impact of site specific For more information, contact: applications of herbicides and Continuing & Distance Education Nova Scotia fertilizers on weed patch and Agricultural Phone: 902-893-6666 College population dynamics,” says Dr. E-mail: [email protected] Boyd. “We will also be developing Continuing and integrated weed management Website: nsac.ca/cde Distance Education programs for the management of specific weed species.”

This research initiative is part of a multi-disciplinary research effort at New Requirements Cattle Dying in NSAC in collaboration with Oxford Frozen Foods and WBPANS. for Transporting Transit Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. is an Cattle internationally based food company As of July 12, 2007, if cattle die specializing in wild blueberries. Canadian Food Inspection Agency during transportation, the carcass is WBPANS represents over 1000 considered to be SRM. Therefore, a blueberry growers in Nova Scotia As of July 12, 2007, enhanced animal permit is required to bring the and serves as the voice of the wild health safeguards are in place to help carcass back to the premises of blueberry industry with government eliminate bovine spongiform origin or to a facility in Canada that and the general public. This encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow is permitted by the CFIA to store, collaboration between industry and disease, from Canada. Certain cattle process or dispose of SRM. research was initiated to develop tissues, known as specified risk management techniques that improve materials (SRM), are banned from all SRM transportation permits land stewardship practices, reduce animal feeds, pet foods and If a commercial trucking company agrochemical inputs, and increase fertilizers. As a result, there are new regularly transports cattle for auction blueberry yields. requirements for anyone handling, or slaughter and there is a chance of transporting and disposing of cattle mortalities during transit, the CFIA carcasses. recommends that the company apply for an annual SRM transportation In practical terms, all dead cattle permit. This allows the company to require a permit issued by the transport an unlimited number of Canadian Food Inspection Agency bovine carcasses under the same Back issues of this newsletter are (CFIA) to be transported and available on-line at received. http://www.gov.ns.ca/agri/rs/fs/arcs/ ...continued on next page 5 Continued from previous page... For more information about SRM Note: Please note that in Nova handling requirements or the permit Scotia, dead stock haulers have been application process, contact the permitted to haul SRM’s. In the permit for up to one year. One permit CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 or visit central region contact Ted Shearer, number will be issued for the entire www.inspection.gc.ca/bse. 902-662-4009, in the valley region fleet, with each of the vehicles in the contact David Ells at 902-678-4689. fleet listed on the permit itself. To apply for an annual SRM transportation permit, contact the nearest CFIA district office. The permit application form is also available online at AgraPoint Welcomes Two New Specialists www.inspection.gc.ca/bse. All permits for transporting, receiving and disposing of SRM are free of AgraPoint is pleased to welcome two Dan can be reached at (902) 896- charge. new specialists. 0277 or [email protected]

If a cow dies in transit and the Dan Mosley joins AgraPoint as a Gary Wallace joins the team on a company does not have an annual Dairy Specialist who will also be part-time basis as a Livestock SRM transportation permit, the working in the beef and sheep Specialist while Amy Sangster driver should call the CFIA at 1-800- sectors. Dan has worked in the dairy, completes her Masters degree at the 442-2342 and request an emergency livestock and ruminant feed sectors University of Saskatchewan. Gary SRM permit. The CFIA permit since 1992. He provides joins AgraPoint after being Manager officer on-call will request the professional ruminant nutrition and of the Beef and Sheep units at the following information: husbandry advice to farmers, NSAC. He provides comprehensive • the transporter’s name, address, including feed plans, herd health advice to livestock producers, phone number, e-mail address; recommendations and support to the specializing in small ruminants. He dairy industry where his main areas has been active in and works • a description of the conveyance of interest are milking systems, their closely with the provincial sheep used to transport the SRM (license efficiency for the farm as a whole producer associations. He has plate of truck or description of and the implications on the dairy served for several years as a tarp/bucket); cow and her subsequent production. PSBANS Director. He has worked • the SRM permit number of the site He has worked with vets to on the development of several Sheep that will be receiving the SRM maximize herd health potential and Training Programs including “Sheep (unless it is the farm of origin of has a keen interest in young stock Enterprise Management” and “The an animal dying in transit); and the transition cow. Dan also has Modern Shepherd”. He has also been a wealth of experience in the beef active in international agriculture • the number or carcasses and and sheep sectors and spent seven and has worked in The Gambia, approximate weight of SRM being years working closely with intensive Ghana and Ethiopia. Please feel free transported; and beef producers throughout Eastern to contact Gary at (902) 896-0277 or • CCIA or ATQ tag number(s). England. His work with the feed [email protected] industry has included providing nutritional advice on-farm and to For more information on both Dan At the conclusion of the call, the feed companies. Please feel free to and Gary, please visit inspector will provide the number of contact Dan and he will be making www.agrapoint.ca and click on ‘Our a permit, which will be valid for 48 contact with as many producers are People’. hours or less. An actual copy of the possible in the coming weeks. SRM permit will be provided during an ensuing inspection. This copy should be retained for record- keeping purposes.

6 Nova Scotia Fall Beef Rural Leaders Workshop Extension Meetings “Creating Partners - Building Communities” AgraPoint, in partnership with sponsor Schering-Plough, are February 7-9, 2008 hosting six beef extension meetings Holiday Inn, Halifax in the next month. All Nova Scotia beef producers are invited to attend a Calling all rural leaders interested in agriculture and rural communities. Are meeting in their area. you looking for the perfect winter getaway? Well mark your calendars for February 7-9 as we are holding a Rural Leaders Conference which will Monday, October 29 - Yarmouth celebrate agriculture and help build communities. This workshop is open to (Yarmouth Community) anyone involved in agricultural organizations working towards the betterment of rural Nova Scotia. Tuesday, October 30 - Bridgewater (Wandlyn Inn) Items on the agenda include: Thursday, November 1 - Kentville (AAFC Agriculture Research • Celebrating agriculture Station) • Creative community connections Monday, November 5 - Stewiacke • What happens if we do nothing — common sense approach to dealing (St. Andrew's United Church) with the media Tuesday, November 6 - East Pictou • Amazing ag race (East Pictou Middle School) • Hatfield Farms team-building exercise Wednesday, November 7 - Wentworth (Wentworth Community • Emerging issue in agriculture-concurrent sessions looking at alternative Centre) energy sources, biofuels, small business development, buy local and their impact on rural Nova Scotia Thursday, November 8 - Cape Breton (Sky Glen Community Hall) • Concurrent leadership and communication workshop

Topics to be covered are: These are just a few examples of the jam packed program we are preparing. Introduction of the Modeling Project The registration fee for the event will be $100. This includes your meals, (Sean Firth, AgraPoint); Review of accommodations and the program. Plan now to attend this exciting event and methods for raising high value watch your mailboxes for more information. To ensure your name gets on the feeder calves (S.Firth); Information list please fill in the information below. For more information contact Ruth on the Monitor Farm Program Grant at 902-893-6584 or email [email protected] (S.Firth); Lung Protection Therapy (Shawn Maxwell, Schering-Plough); Name: ______and NSCP Zone Meeting (Patton Address: ______MacDonald, NSCP) ______All meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and Phone Number: ______end at 9 p.m. There is no registration fee. However, all Fax: ______participants are asked to please Email: ______express their intent to attend. This will ensure there is enough coffee and refreshments/that none is wasted Return to: Ruth Grant, Senior 4-H Program Coordinator, PO Box 550, Truro, or unnecessarily discarded. We want NS, B2N 5E3 by Thursday, November 15, 2007 so we can send you the full to order as accurately as possible registration package. and ask for your help by pre- registering by October 22, 2007 by calling 1-866-606-4636 (toll-free).

7 Nova Scotia 4-H Members To Attend the Royal Winter Fair Greenough, Hants County; Nicole support from major sponsors, and Lauren van Zutphen, Inverness producers, individuals and County. businesses, provide the 4-H delegates with this tremendous Samantha Gillis, Colchester County, opportunity. AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR the winner of the Versteeg Memorial Award, will also be traveling to The nine members representing Nova Scotia with their beef heifers at Seventeen 4-H members will travel Toronto. This award is presented to the Scotiabank Classic Canadian to Toronto to compete in two a 4-H member based on a 50/ 50 Royal Junior Beef Heifer Show are prestigious cattle shows at the Royal split for the conformation of the calf Tyler Fraser and Holly Morton, Agricultural Winter Fair in and their showmanship ability. The Colchester County; Rebecca Gilby, November. Participants were spare is Helen Fraser, Halifax East Halifax East Hants; Cody Legge and selected at the Nova Scotia 4-H Hants. Andrea Horsnell, Kings County; Show in September on the basis of Michelle Wentzell, Lunenburg the quality of their calf. The dedicated work of the Scotiabank Dairy Classic Committee County; Jessie Dowe and John Calvin Siddall, Cumberland County Eight 4-H dairy members will and the Scotiabank Classic Canadian and Alex Parsons, Annapolis County. participate in the Scotiabank Dairy Royal Junior Beef Heifer Show Classic in November, where they Selections committee results in the While at the Royal, 4-H members will compete against 4-H members 4-H members being able to attend will compete in the 4-H from across Canada. The Nova the Royal Winter Fair and compete showmanship and conformation Scotia participants attending the 4-H in the 4-H cattle classes. The Nova cattle classes. They will also dairy show are Nathan Dickie, Scotia committee members obtain participate in a provincial display Colchester County, Ria van der funding sponsorship and organize contest and spend a day seeing the Linden, Guysborough County; Jamie this event on a provincial and rest of the events at the exhibition. Grant, Antigonish County; Lindsay national level. Annual financial

4-H Member Wins Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition

4-H members had the opportunity to competition, each contestant will was very beneficial in terms of speak about their enthusiasm for give a 5 to 7 minute prepared speech contributing to personal or career agriculture at the provincial Young on one of five selected topics and experiences later in life and in Speakers for Agriculture competition have to introduce and thank another particular they indicated that the 4-H during the Nova Scotia 4-H Show in speaker. Robert’s speech was program contributed to developing Windsor. Robert Heighton of Pictou entitled: Buying Local: A Long Term public speaking and presentation County won the competition and will Trend or a Short Term Fad? skills. represent Nova Scotia 4-H at the Canadian Young Speakers of 4-H members are encouraged to do Agriculture Competition at the public speaking and demonstrations Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in along with their project work during November 2007. the 4-H year. Each spring 4-H clubs, counties and regions hold The winner of the provincial communications competitions. In an competition is sponsored by the Ispos Reid survey, commissioned Nova Scotia 4-H Council and must by the Canadian 4-H Council, YOUNG JEUNES be 16 to 24 years of age, as of the 74 per cent of 4-H competition date, to enter the alumni said their SPEAKERS ORATEURS national contest. During the experiences as a 4-H member For Agriculture Agricoles

8 Show Your 4-H Colours and Celebrate National 4-H Your 4-H Specialists Month Senior 4-H Program Coordinator: Ruth Grant - Truro Show Your 4-H Colours! All 4-H clubs consisted mainly of farm Tel:(902) 893-6584 / Fax: (902) 893-2757 members, volunteer leaders, parents, children and livestock projects. [email protected] family, supporters and alumni across Today the 4-H program still has an Canada are encouraged to wear agriculture base but prides itself with Yarmouth, Digby and Annapolis Counties: green on November 1, to celebrate moving with the times, developing Teressa Van Oostrum/ Jean Ward - National 4-H Month. The month- projects to meet the needs of modern Lawrencetown long celebration provides an youth. Tel: (902) 584-2081/ (902) 584-2080 opportunity to showcase the many Fax: (902) 584-3069 benefits of the 4-H program, which 4-H members can chose from over [email protected] continues to help thousands of youth 40 projects and still learn to do by [email protected] in Nova Scotia reach their full doing. Projects help develop Lunenburg, Queens and Shelburne potential. technical and record keeping skills in Counties: youth while teaching them Valorie Oickle - Bridgewater Tel: (902) 543-0616 / Fax: (902) 543-0618 In 4-H the focus is on fun, friends, responsibility. They take pride in [email protected] and learning cool new skills ... like doing their best, making decisions creating crafts, building a website, and seeing projects through to Hants and Kings Counties: learning all about animals, building a completion. Youth grow up with Jennifer Robinson - Kentville Tel: (902) 679-6027 small engine, or making a prom confidence in their own skills and Fax: (902) 679-6062 dress! talents, and the caring and sharing of [email protected] community spirit. 4-H members also Halifax-East Hants, Colchester and “For eighty-five years the Nova have the opportunity to travel on Cumberland Counties: Scotia 4-H program has offered national and international exchange - Truro leadership, public speaking and life programs, participate in cutting-edge Tel: (902) 893-6586 / Fax: (902) 893-2757 skills training to young people to provincial and national conferences, Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough help develop them into well- and apply for more than $100,000 in Counties: rounded, responsible, independent national scholarships. Dawn Barrington - Hodgson - youth with a sense of community Pictou/Antigonish consciousness,” said Arthur Pick, And we have so much to celebrate! A Tel: (902) 485-7161 / (902) 863-7501 Acting Manager, 4-H and Rural national survey of 4-H alumni Fax: (902) 485-4014 / (902) 863-7342 Organizations with the Nova Scotia conducted by Ispos Reid and [email protected] Department of Agriculture. commissioned by the Canadian 4-H Inverness, Victoria, Cape Breton and Council, found that 88 per cent said Richmond Counties: Young people from 9-21 years old the key goals and objectives of 4-H Rhonda MacDougall -Mabou Tel: (902) 945-2901 / Fax: (902) 945-2858 can be a member in 4-H. 4-H are relevant to today’s youth and 85 [email protected] encourages leadership development, per cent of former 4-H members care and responsibility for our would recommend 4-H membership Marina Gillis - Sydney Tel:(902) 563-2001 / Fax:(902) 563-3435 resources and builds positive life to young people. [email protected] skills to secure the future of rural communities. Originally the 4-H

Your Agricultural Resource Coordinators Acting Senior Agricultural Resource Cumberland, Colchester, East Hants, Cape Breton, Victoria, Inverness & Coord.: & Halifax Regional Municipality: Richmond counties: Andrew Cameron – Truro Michael Kittilsen – Gary Koziel – Tel: (902) 893-7314 | Tel: (902) 893-3645 Tel: (902) 563-2000 Fax: (902) 893-0244 Fax: (902) 893-0244 Fax: (902) 563-3435 [email protected] [email protected] Kings, West Hants, Lunenburg, & Queens counties: Pictou, Antigonish & Guysborough Annapolis, Digby, Yarmouth, & Brian MacCulloch – counties: Shelburne counties: Tel: (902) 679-6006 Kevin Bekkers – Dennis Moerman – Fax: (902) 679-6062 Tel: (902) 863-4705 Tel: (902) 837-5161 [email protected] Fax: (902) 863-7342 Fax: (902) 837-7696 [email protected] [email protected] 9

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

Annapolis County Lunenburg Queen’s Kings Co. Farm & Rural Federation Livestock Federation of Women Fall Tour Sales Agriculture Dance Just a reminder to everyone who has Cattle sales at the Lawrencetown First dance for the Lunenburg registered for the Kings Co. Farm Exhibition Grounds will be held on Queen’s Federation of Agriculture and Rural Women Fall Tour, that the the following dates this fall: October will be held on Saturday, November tour will be happening on Tuesday, 27, November 10 and 24. Selling 24 at the Newcombville Hall from 9 October 23. of miscellaneous items will begin at p.m.- 1 a.m. Rob Ramey is the DJ. 11 a.m. Selling of livestock begins Tickets are $7.50 each. at 1 p.m.

Lunenburg Queen’s Federation of Valley Region 4-H News Agriculture Cattle Sale Kings County Joint Achievement Days and Hants County 4-H Exhibition Cattle sale at the South Shore Days allowed Valley Region 4-H to showcase the talented 4-H members in Exhibition Ground will take place on the region. Thank you to all the supporters, volunteers, leaders, parents and October 20 at 1:30 p.m. Dean members that helped to make these events such great successes!! Manning will be the auctioneer. Contact Peter Morine, Dave Moore, Tom Frail or Wayne Silver for Results from the county events: booking your cattle. Kings County County Federation of Heidi Daniels Memorial - Outstanding Leadership in the Kings Co. Lt. Horse Agriculture Annual - Andrea Horsnell, Harmony Nicholsville General Meetings Stephanie Curran Memorial - Outstanding Sportsmanship in the Kings Co. Lt. Horse - Sadie Woodworth, Western Kings Lunenburg Queens Federation of Champion Club Reporter - Emily Lamb, Western Kings Agriculture will hold their Annual Champion Community Project - Western Kings General Meeting on Thursday, Contribution Award - Melody Sanford, Western Kings November 8 at the Wandlyn in Top Junior Member - Gillian Tetlow, Cornwallis Bridgewater at 7 p.m. Most Outstanding Senior Member - F. Waldo Walsh Award- Brenton Arnold, Western Kings Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture Jean Ann Mitchell Memorial Award - Trevor Ellis, Eastern Kings will hold their Annual General Dairy Member Showing Most Improvement - Janet MacLean Memorial- Meeting on Tuesday, November 13, Emily Lamb, Western Kings in the Cornwallis Room, Agricultural Terrie Spinney Memorial Award - Kelsey Brydon, Western Kings Centre, Kentville at 7 p.m. The Daisy Ward Memorial Award - Jillian Robinson, Harmony Nicholsville Kings Co. Federation of Agriculture is looking for three new directors. If ...continued on next page you are interested, contact Ella at 902-678-4043.

10 Continued from previous page...

Hants County Champion Floral Arranging Competition - Samantha White, Newport Champion Model - Justin Jamieson, Avon Champion Bake Off Competition - Chantel O’Brien, 3-Cornered Champion Crafts Competition - Jenna Rippey, Avon Champion Cake Decorating Competition - Emma Lake, Riverview Champion Woodworking Competition - Jason Withrow, Rawdon 2 Way Champion Outdoors Competition - Myles Wilbur, Newport Champion Photography Competition - Jessica Clark, Newport Champion Scrapbooking Competition - Ashley Clark, Newport Beef Clipping Competition - Lindsey Parker and Cody Rondhuis, Burlington Workers Dairy Clipping Competition - Andrea Crowe and Luke McLellan, Cobequid Sheep Clipping Competition - Amanda Morris and Renee Fogarty, Burlington Workers Tractor Driving Competition - Jacob Greenough, Talia Greenough and Simon Greenough, Newport

Upcoming Valley Region 4-H Events Kings County 4-H Council Meeting, November 5, at 7:30 p.m., Kentville Agricultural Centre Hants County 4-H Leaders Council Meeting, November 14, at 7 p.m., West Hants Middle School, Brooklyn

Kings County Federation of Agriculture

Waterville Fire Hall November 17th 2007 6:30pm

• Pork Roast Dinner by Jim Lamb - Meadow Brook Farm • Music by Lloyd Smith • Silent Auction

Tickets $15 and available at Meadow Brook Farm, Noggins Corner Farm Market and Reception Desk at the Agricultural Research Centre, Kentville Contact Ella at 678-4043 or [email protected]

Cumberland, Colchester, East Hants, and Michael Kittilsen Regional News ~ Halifax Regional Municipality Agricultural Resource Coordinator

Participate, it’s in your best interests An Opportunity for It didn't take long for me to get the So why should you be involved? Farm Labour message from my new clients when I Well it's your future, your industry assumed the position of Agricultural and better that you manage it than The Department of Community Resource Coordinator. The message outsiders. The NSFA has a mission Services has put in place the Harvest was that many farmers were getting to ensure farmers become financially Connection Program. This program tired of their commitments to the viable, ecologically sound and allows farmers to hire people who Federation and the work that came socially responsible. These are on social assistance for seasonal with it from participating on objectives lead me to believe that harvesting of field produced crops committees. becoming more involved with the such as berries, vegetables, apples local federation is in your best and the harvesting of Christmas Without a doubt, committees are interests. trees. hard work and require commitment. However, federations are important Benefits of being involved are To be eligible to participate in the and they have long been a part of the generating and sharing new ideas, Harvest Connection program a intertwined fabric that we call building relationships, contributing person must have been on social agriculture in Nova Scotia. They act to a unified and strong voice for assistance for at least six months. as the voice of the farming agriculture. Being involved not only Workers under this program may community, actively contribute to gives you access to these benefits, earn up to a maximum of $3,000 per the policies that affect industry and but more importantly, gives you the fiscal year without having these act as a social net during difficult chance to make a difference and earnings affect basic income times. When it comes to preparing have your voice heard. assistance payments. for the future, the Federation provides an opportunity to increase Also in order to participate in the one's knowledge of industry's best program the farmer needs to register practices. with the Department of Community Services by phoning 1-877-424- 1177. Only farmers registered with the Department of Agriculture are Local federation annual General Meetings eligible for this program.

coming up: If the farmer knows a person on Halifax East Hants, Tuesday Colchester County, Wednesday social assistance who is interested in November 6 at 8 p.m., Carrol’s November 14, 7:30 p.m., Lower this program that person should talk Corner Truro Fire Hall, to their Income Assistance Guest Speakers: Yvonne Thyssen- Guest Speakers: Lise A. LeBlanc, Caseworker or Employment Support Post, P.Ag., Thyagrissen Consulting M.Sc., P.Ag. LP Consulting Ltd. Services Caseworker for more Ltd. Speaking on succession Speaking on alternative soil information. planning and the steps needed to take amendments, in particular wood ash in starting this important process. and the new N-Viro product.

Lise A. LeBlanc, M.Sc., P.Ag. LP Leo Muise, Executive Director, Consulting Ltd. Speaking on Legislation and Compliance, NSDA, alternative soil amendments, in Laboratory Services. (Pathology, particular wood ash and the new Dairy and Analytical) N-Viro product Other Guest Speakers TBA Cumberland County, Monday November 19 at 8 p.m., Nappan Pavillion Guest Speakers to be announced

10 Dairy Innovation Day 2007

Dairy Innovation Day 2007 will be grain alternatives, using a silage hosted by MacGregor Dairy Farm facer and milking Jersey’s with and Cinnabar Farms with speakers Holsteins to increase butter fat Bill Thomas of AgraPoint and Daniel content , will be discussed as we tour Scothorn, a consulting dairy the facilities. Please bring old issues nutritionist. The interactive tour of Hoards Dairyman to be given to starts at 9:30 a.m. at MacGregor’s Kenyan dairy producers and (near New Glasgow, NS) featuring donations for Farmers Helping the recently constructed 250 free- Farmers will be accepted. Confirm stall sand bedded barn. The tour will your attendance by emailing Daniel continue to Cinnabar Farms near at [email protected] Scotsburn for lunch. This will be or phoning (902) 542-3161. Take followed by a tour of the recently Exit 25 off the TCH 104 and go renovated 120 free-stall barn and south on Highway 348 for about 2 open concept heifer facility built in km, then veer right at the Plymouth 2006. Topics such as corn silage Fire Hall and continue for about 4 production, reading a fermentation km. report, byproducts, feeding corn

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

Disposal of Used Farm Attention: Recycling Dairy Innovation Day Sharps Used Pesticide 2007 The Agriculture offices in Containers Sydney and Mabou still Dairy Innovation Day 2007 will be have a supply of sharps Here’s What to Do: hosted by MacGregor Dairy Farm containers available and Cinnabar Farms with speakers at no cost for • Allow the formulation to drain Bill Thomas of AgraPoint and producers. into the sprayer, from the Daniel Scothorn, a consulting dairy Remember, sharps must not be container for at least thirty nutritionist. The interactive tour discarded in regular household seconds. starts at 9:30 a.m. at MacGregor’s garbage. Sharps should be collected (near New Glasgow, NS) featuring • Add at least twenty per cent of the on farms in rigid, puncture resistant the recently constructed 250 free- contents of water to the container, containers with tightly secured lids. stall sand bedded barn. The tour will replace lid, and rotate so that the Drop in to pick up your containers continue to Cinnabar Farms near interior of the container is rinsed. during our regular office hours or for Scotsburn for lunch. This will be more information contact us at 902- • Empty the rinse water into the followed by a tour of the recently 563-2000. spray tank and drain for thirty renovated 120 free-stall barn and seconds. open concept heifer facility built in 2006. Topics such as corn silage • Repeat the above procedure twice production, reading a fermentation more. report, byproducts, feeding corn • Render containers unuseable by grain alternatives, using a silage St. John Ambulance Canada puncturing. facer and milking Jersey’s with First Aid Training Holsteins to increase butter fat • Leave label on the container. content , will be discussed as we tour St. John Ambulance offers first Containers that have been handled in the facilities. Please bring old issues aid courses in various locations this way are technically suitable for of Hoards Dairyman to be given to around Cape Breton several times disposal. Kenyan dairy producers and per month. For more information donations for Farmers Helping on first aid training near you The United Farmers Co-op on Keltic Farmers will be accepted. Confirm please call their main office in Drive in Sydney River is now your attendance by emailing Daniel Sydney at 902-564-4189. accepting properly cleaned pesticide at [email protected] containers for recycling. or phoning (902) 542-3161. Take Exit 25 off the TCH 104 and go You can drop off containers at the south on Highway 348 for about 2 Hay for Sale? CO-OP COUNTRY STORE for km, then veer right at the Plymouth recycling. Fire Hall and continue for about 4 The Cape Breton Agricultural office km. is gathering a contact list of individuals who have or will have hay for sale this 2007-08 season. Each year the regional offices receive numerous calls from livestock owners who are looking to purchase hay and other feeds. If you would like to have your name added to the contact list please call our office at 902-563-2000.

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

Dairy Day - Food Safety Food Handler courses will be offered on the following dates: November 6, 2007 October 24, Agritech Park, Truro October 30, Keating Millennium Centre, St. FX, Antigonish Dairy Innovation Day 2007 will be November 21, Agritech Park, Truro hosted by MacGregor Dairy Farm Pre-registration is required for all courses as seating is limited. and Cinnabar Farms with speakers Bill Thomas of AgraPoint and Daniel The fee for all courses is $22.75 per person. Lunch is not provided. Scothorn, a consulting dairy Applications are available at the Department of Agriculture, Beech Hill Road, nutritionist. The interactive tour Antigonish. starts at 9:30 a.m. at MacGregor’s (near New Glasgow, NS) featuring the recently constructed 250 free- Upcoming 4-H Events: stall sand bedded barn. The tour will Antigonish County continue to Cinnabar Farms near Council Meeting Oct 16/07 7:00 p.m. Scotsburn for lunch and a tour of the County Awards Program Oct 21/07 2:00 p.m. recently renovated 120 free-stall barn National 4-H Month November and open concept heifer facility built Review NS Resolutions & in 2006. Topics such as corn silage Council Mtg/set dates 2008 Nov 6/07 7:00 p.m. production, reading a fermentation NS 4-H Council Meeting Nov 16-17/07 Truro report, byproducts, feeding corn Annual Meeting Nov 20/07 7:00 p.m. grain alternatives, using a silage facer and milking Jersey’s with Pictou County Holsteins to increase butter fat Council Meeting Oct 24/07 7:00 p.m. content will be discussed as we tour Celebration of Pictou County Nov 8/07 7:00 p.m. the facilities. Please bring old issues Annual Meeting and Council Mtg Nov 14/07 7:00 p.m. of Hoards Dairyman to be given to NS Council Annual Meeting Nov 16-17/07 Truro Kenyan dairy producers and Pictou Church Service Nov 18/07 donations for Farmers Helping Executive Mtg/set dates 2008 Nov 28/07 7:00 p.m. Farmers will be accepted. Confirm Leaders Social Dec 7/07 your attendance by emailing Daniel at [email protected] or phoning (902) 542-3161. Take 2007 NS 4-H Show Champion and Reserve List - Eastern Region Exit 25 off the TCH 104 and go south on Highway 348 for about Champion 4 Showroom Class Rabbit Laura MacDougall Antigonish 2 km, then veer right at the Plymouth Reserve Champion Dairy Showman Tristan Grant Antigonish Fire Hall and continue for about Reserve Champion Novice Dog Obedience Jessica Overmars Antigonish 4 km. Champion Draft Horse Mane & Tail Braiding Tyson Thompson Pictou Reserve Champion Western Pleasure Natalie MacLane Pictou Reserve Champion English Road Hack Jennifer Wilson Antigonish Champion Dairy Goat Vanessa MacLean Pictou Champion Shorthorn Calf Randy Angevine Antigonish Champion Holstein Calf Ria vanderLinden Guysborough Reserve Champion Holstein Calf Jaime Grant Antigonish Champion Dairy Calf Ria vanderLinden Guysborough Reserve Champion Dairy Calf Jamie Grant Antigonish Reserve Champion Sheep Judge Chelsey Joudrie Pictou Champion Rabbit Judge Stephan MacDougall Antigonish Reserve Champion Goat Judge Vanessa MacLean Pictou Reserve Champion Sewing Judge Kelsey Boone Pictou Champion Cake Decorating Judge Melanie MacDonald Antigonish Reserve Champion Cake Decorating Judge Kelsey Crawford Pictou

...continued on next page 10 Reserve Champion Floriculture Judge Emma Boutilier Antigonish Reserve Champion Garden Judge Andrew Greene Pictou Antigonish Champion Photography Judge Vanessa MacLean Pictou Guysborough Local Reserve Champion 1st Aid Judge Josh Sharpe Pictou Champion Welding Judge Jason VanKessel Pictou Producers Co-op Ltd Champion Draft Horse Judge Tyson Thompson Pictou Champion Sr. Foods Article Tessa Lambourne Antigonish Reserve Champion Junior Scrapbooking Article Megan MacDougall Antigonish Antigonish Guysborough Local Champion Sr. Cake Decorating Project Melanie MacDonald Antigonish Producers Co-op Ltd are proposing to Reserve Champion Sr. Heritage Project Collection Emily Grant Pictou build a store that will be open six Reserve Champion Jr. Woodworking Article Kyle Mikkelson Antigonish days a week and operate year round. Champion Sr. Woodworking Article Nathan Vanderlinden Antigonish The business plan is almost complete. Reserve Champion Sr. Woodworking Article Kyle Fraser Pictou Champion Jr. Small Engines Article Robbie Jones Pictou Details on this development will be Champion Jr. Garden Article Alannah Sharpe Pictou presented by Karen Blotnicky, owner Reserve Champion Jr. Garden Article Alannah Sharpe Pictou of the Marketing Clinic, in October. Reserve Champion Sr. Floriculture Project Katie Munroe Pictou Champion Sr. Photography Item Monica Firminger Pictou If you would like more information Champion Exploring 4-H Project Andrew Mikkelson Antigonish about this project, please contact: Champion Sr. Welding Project Tyrell Giffin Antigonish Viola Baker 863-2664 x2007 Reserve Champion Sr. Welding Project Kristy Waaldbos Pictou [email protected] Reserve Champion Sr. Computer Project Jason VanKessel Pictou or Frank Mac Master 863-4119 Reserve Champion Jr. 4-H Showcase Alannah Sharpe Pictou [email protected] Reserve Champion Sr. 4-H Showcase Matt Lees Pictou Reserve Champion Poultry Trio Vanessa MacLean Pictou Champion Beef Showman Megan Robertson Pictou Champion Draft Horse Showman Tyson Thompson Pictou Reserve Champion Sheep Showman Hailey Scotland Pictou Reserve Champion Waterfowl Showman Bryden Tate Antigonish Champion Goat Showman Vanessa MacLean Pictou Champion Tug-of-War Team Antigonish Reserve Champion Tug-of-War Pictou Champion Overall Judge Tyson Thompson Pictou Reserve Champion Overall Judge Jason VanKessell Pictou Champion Vegetable Preparation Competition Sr. Joshua Sharpe Pictou Reserve Champion Floral Arranging Competition Jr. Emma Boutilier Antigonish Champion Fashion Show Competition Senior Laura Duggan Antigonish Reserve Champion Cake Decorating Competition Sr. Melanie MacDonald Antigonish Champion Craft Competition Junior Alannah Sharpe Pictou Champion Woodworking Competition Junior Ben Lambourne Antigonish Champion Outdoorsman Competition Junior Johnathan Kennedy Antigonish Champion Outdoorsman Competition Senior Joshua Sharpe Pictou Reserve Champion Wool Competition Senior Carley Mullally Pictou Champion Recyclable Competition Senior Kristy Waalderbos Pictou Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture Competition Robert Heighton Pictou Scotiabank Dairy Classic Ria vanderLinden Guysborough Jamie Grant Antigonish Reginald & Donald Scothorn Dairy Clipping Competition 2nd place team: Tristan Grant and Daniel MacDonald Antigonish Sheep Clipping Competition 1st place team: Samantha and Nicole SinclairGuysborough Top Overall County 1st Place Pictou 2nd Place Guysborough 3rd Place Antigonish

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