Monthly Update

November 2023

Sarah Nettleton, Rock Loaf Farm, was awarded as the 2023 Producer of the Year at the SPANS Annual Meeting/3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference this past weekend. Congratulations to Sarah (and Paul MacLean)! Read their bio here.

Above: Andrew MacLennan, SPANS Vice-Chair, presenting the Producer of the Year award to Sarah Nettleton.

Modern Shepherd Course Interest Survey

The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia Board are looking to gather information on such items as interest, pricing, and desired topics for potentially recreating the Modern Shepherd course which was previously offered.

If you didn't already do so at the Sheep Industry Conference this past weekend, please take 5 minutes to complete a brief survey on your thoughts about attending a course such as this.

This survey closes December 15th.

Photo Contest

The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia are getting a new website! Therefore, we are sourcing photos from producers and industry of sheep to use as images on our website (with credit to photographer of course).

Please submit your farm photos to Ashley at novascotiasheep@gmail.com by December 31st. Contest winners will have their sheep photos highlighted on the SPANS website!

Canadian Forage and Grassland Association and Farmers for Climate Solutions Survey

Dalhousie University, Farmers for Climate Solutions and the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association are jointly running an anonymous national survey focused on pasture-based animal husbandry practices. It only takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Your insights will help shape programs for producers across the country! 

Specialized Sheep & Lamb Sale

The Atlantic Stockyards Ltd. are holding a Specialized Sheep & Lamb Sale on December 2 at 12:00PM consisting of:

• Approximately 100 Rideau Ewes & 40 British Suffolk Ewes. These ewes have been running with Suffolk & Il de France Rams since September 5, 2023.
• 70 Replacement Ewe Lambs-Suffolk & Suffolk x Rideau. Ewe lambs will be ready to breed in January 2024.
• 6 Suffolk & Il de France Rams.
• Young flock of full body ewes that have all lambed 1-3 times.
• High production flock. Regularly wormed & vaccinated.

This sheep herd reduction will sell first, followed by other consigners.

If you have sheep or lambs that you are looking to market, you can consign them to Atlantic Stockyards Sheep Sale on December 2 and they will advertise for you! More information is available here.

Grain Testing Advised

SPANS are advising producers that if you are buying/have bought grain privately to please ensure you get this tested for mycotoxins.

For additional information, please contact Perennia at 902-896-0277.

Perennia’s Hayline

Perennia is pleased to offer a hay and silage listing service to connect Nova Scotia farmers looking to sell excess hay or silage with those needing additional inventory.

Sellers can submit an online form to be added to the listing. Buyers can view the online listing on the website to find information about available hay and silage for sale that meets their needs.

Please visit the website to submit your form, view the listing and for additional information!

Carcass Ultrasound Services

The Nova Scotia Cattle Producers (NSCP) are proud to offer live animal ultrasound technology services for cattle and sheep in the Maritimes. The NSCP obtained the imaging technology equipment and certified two technicians, Jacy McInnis and Ellen Davis, and are proud to offer the first permanent technicians this side of Quebec!

By having ultrasound services readily available to producers, the hope is that overall carcass traits and expected progeny differences (EPD’s) within the region will be increased. This service will aid in future breeding practices, as results will illustrate the appropriateness of breeding stock, indicating which heritable traits, such as those within feed efficiency and carcass measures, should be improved for optimal production.



For more information click HERE

3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference Gold Sponsor

3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference Silver Sponsor

Guardian Dog Webinar

Bill Costanzo, Texas A&M, will discuss guardian dog health December 6th at 7:00PM via Zoom.

Forage Production and Changing Weather Patterns

December 7th - 6:30PM @ the Whycocomagh Fire Hall

3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference Sponsor

For a complete listing of all programs, please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs for more information.

3rd Annual Sheep Industry Conference Sponsor