Welcome to the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture's Electronic Newsletter.  Our goal is to provide information to members in a timely and efficient manner.  Please pass this information along to other Industry Stakeholders.           

Emergency First Aid

Farm Safety Nova Scotia is offering an Emergency First Aid course in Yarmouth. The course will take place at the Sobeys Community Room, 76 Starrs Road in Yarmouth on September 25th from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The cost for the course is $60.

To register - email [email protected] or call Shelly at 902-893-2293. Registration deadline is September 21.

Crop Insurance Reminder for Blueberry Growers

The final harvest date for lowbush blueberries in the crop insurance program is September 15, 2015. If you anticipate that your harvest will not be completed by this date, please be sure to notify the Nova Scotia Crop and Livestock Insurance Commission offices within 5 days (September 20th at the latest) that your harvest is extending past September 15th. Late reporting could affect the outcome of any potential claim.

You can contact the Commission at 902-893-6370 or toll free at 1-800-565-6371.

NSIA's Annual Fall Tour - Agricultural Biodiveristy (Windsor/Falmouth Area)

Date:   Friday, October 2nd

Schedule:

9:30 am -  Terracing on Bovidae Farm - The Wilson's 11 am - Biodiversity, Acadian Archeological Tour and Lunch at Castle Frederick Farm - The Bremner's

1:30 pm - Biodiversity Tour W.G Oulton & Sons - The Oulton's

Cost:     $20.00 per member $25.00 per non-member (Includes Lunch)

Registration Deadline: September 25, 2015

Contact:   [email protected] or 902-897-6742

Car Pooling from Perennia Innovation Park, Truro or Kentville Research Station available

 

Everyone Welcome!

Nuffield Canada Announces Their 2016 Scholars

Scholars to study issues related to precision agriculture, supply management in the turkey industry and the social licence for sustainable beef production.
To read the full release click here...

Employer Consultation Sessions

Many agencies, boards and groups utilize public consultation to gather feedback and gauge expectations and acceptance by stakeholders, partners and others.

 

Each year the OHS Division, Labour Standards and/or the WCB issue draft policy or legislation and ask employers to comment.

 

Employers participation in the system has evolved tremendously over the past few years and particularly with more recent release of a Psychological Injury Policy by WCB, Noise Induced Hearing Loss Policy by WCB and draft OHS Regulation changes. Read more here...

Updated Guide to Surface Water Withdrawals 

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment updated the Guide to Surface Water Withdrawals to clarify the submission requirements for new applications, renewals and amendments. Applications are classified into three categories, based on the water source and environmental risk.

The updated guide features:

 

To read more or to download the guide, visit the  Guide to Surface Water Withdrawal Approvals website.

Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Plans

The Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources is currently providing Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Plans for individual farms. These plans identify current and potential activities that support biodiversity within the farm operation and include a biodiversity assessment and a riparian health assessment of the farm. Participation is voluntary and there is no cost for the plan or obligation to implement any of the recommendations. For more information please contact Reg Newell at (902) 679-6145.

Colchester "Feed Dating" Event,

Monday, November 2nd, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Truro Farmers' Market, Truro

 

Are you a local farmer or food processor interested in selling your food products to restaurants?

Maybe you should try Feed Dating! This event will connect farms to restaurants. Trade information, stories, needs and sales pitches. Maybe we'll find a match!

Speakers will address what chefs/restaurant owners are looking for, how they buy and what successful food suppliers can do to tap into this market.  

Following a short break featuring local food prepared by a local chef, producers and buyers will have an opportunity to meet one-on-one in a speed-dating format.

Don't pass up this opportunity to learn more about accessing this direct marketing channel, and in meeting your potential buyers.  

For more information, or to register, contact:

Jillian Garland

902-893-6575 or [email protected]

Financial Management for your Farm Business (Please note new dates and location)

Are you tired of wondering where your profits have gone?

Is your business positioned to optimize profits?

This 40 hour customized Workplace Education program will help your farm build the skills, knowledge and performance needed to take advantage of sound financial decisions.

Topics that could be covered:

*   The Basics and Definitions

*   Concepts of Bookkeeping

*   Pricing Strategy

*   Home Office and Vehicle Use

*   Basic Farm Taxation

*   Financial Statements

*   Reporting Requirements

*   Budgets and Cash Flows

*   Financial Analysis

This course will take place on Tuesday evenings from 5 - 9 p.m. starting on September 29 and running for 10 weeks and to be held at the South Shore Library, 135 North Park St., Bridgewater.

If you would like to register for this worthwhile opportunity for your farm business, please call Shelly MacKenzie at 893-2293 or email [email protected]

Business Essentials for your Farm Business

You decided to farm most likely because you enjoy working with livestock, crops and/or machinery.  Few get into business because they enjoy the management necessities of a business!  However running a business requires different skill sets beyond production.  Through this course we will look at management skills to increase your success rate covering such topics as marketing, human resource management, record keeping, understanding financials, communication and negotiation skills, knowledge of business regulatory issues, inventory control, planning, organization, problem solving, strategic planning, succession planning, etc.   The depth of each topic area will depend on the needs of the participants who sign up for the program.

This course will start on Monday, September 21 and run each Monday for nine weeks from 10 - 3 p.m. in the

Annapolis Boardroom, Perennia Innovation Park, 60 Research Drive, Bible Hill. To register  for this opportunity to improve your management skills, contact Shelly MacKenzie at 893-2293 or [email protected].

HR Training for Farmers

People are the foundation of every business, and as a business grows it typically requires input from more and more people.  Managing the human resources of your business is essential for growth and success.   This can be your greatest challenge, and improper HR practices can cost you time and money.  Through this course we will explore foundational topics like communications and generational differences.  We will also discuss various tools to manage human resources, all which will help you attain Employer of Choice status.  We will discuss the process of hiring, maintaining and developing good employees, and employers responsibilities under the labour standards code, etc.   

This course will start on Thursday, September 24 and run each Thursday for nine weeks from 10 - 3 p.m. in the

Annapolis Boardroom, Perennia Innovation Park, 60 Research Drive, Bible Hill. To register for this opportunity to learn proper HR skills, contact Shelly MacKenzie at 893-2293 or [email protected].

Farm Safety Workbook Industry Consultation

Do you need health and safety resources on your farm? Would you like a resource to help you work through your health and safety requirements? Is there information you are looking for but haven't been able to find?

 

Farm Safety Nova Scotia is looking for your input in the development of the Farm Safety Workbook. The objective of the Workbook is to be a complete resource to help farmers improve the management of health and safety on the farm and address basic regulatory requirements.  It is important to us that the Workbook meet the needs of the farmer so we are hosting a consultation to provide you with an opportunity for input.

 

The industry consultation will be held Friday, September 25th from 9am-12pm at the Annapolis Boardroom, NSFA Office, Bible Hill. There are limited seats available for this consultation so please register by September 16th.

 

If you are interested in attending or have further questions please contact us at [email protected] or (902)893-2293.

Pesticide Sprayer Calibration Program

The Nova Scotia sprayer calibration program is offered to farms in Nova Scotia at no cost to the farmer due to the contributions from Crop Life Canada, the pesticide manufacturers and the local pesticide retailers.

The program consists of a two hour hands-on sprayer calibration and maintenance check. Four pesticide points are awarded to participants. The program is administered by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and Perennia. Call the NSFA office at (902) 893-2293 to register.

Don't   Forget

Open Farm Day

taking place

Sunday, September 20

For an up to date list of participating farms, visit

www.meetyourfarmer.ca