|
Monthly Update
February 2024
| |
|
Important Upcoming Dates:
-
February 26: Netherlands - Germany International Recruitment Mission Webinar
-
March 8: Celebrating Women in Agriculture: Wellness, Safety and Leadership
-
March 8: Seeds of Strength: An International Women's Day Gathering
- March 21: Seeding Success: Farm Business Practices Assessment Workshop
- April 30: AgriStability enrolment deadline
- November 22-23: 4th Annual Sheep Industry Conference
Scroll down to Upcoming Events for more information on any of the above events!
| |  |
|
The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia issues a monthly update to members, occurring the last Friday of each month. This Monthly Update is comprised of industry news and updates, upcoming events, upcoming sales, and relevant articles.
If you have content to be added, such as an upcoming sheep event/workshop, please contact the SPANS office at 902- 893-7455 or coordinator@agricommodity.ca.
| |
|
SPANS Website
We have a new website! Same link, new look! The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia has a fresh, newly updated website, featuring local sheep photos.
We will be adding additional content to the website, such as statistics within the industry, as the year continues. Check it out here!
| |
SPANS Website Tool Feature of the Month | |
|
February = Sheep COP Worksheet
This cost of production tool, which is a downloadable Microsoft Excel file, was developed by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. This tool is designed to assist producers with calculating their annual cost of production. You can use this to analyze previous years’ performance with future budget and management decisions. The tool will also calculate your total cost of production per ewe and per lamb marketed!
| |
|
2024 Summer Evaluation Program
The Maritime Beef Testing Society is gathering intents of interest for an upcoming 2024 Summer Evaluation Program, being offered for rams, ewes and heifers.
If interested, please ensure you email maritimebeef@eastlink.ca with your intent prior to February 29th.
Please contact Kara Chisholm with questions at 902-957-2699.
The 2024 Summer Evaluation Program Intent can be found here!
| |
|
2023 Season Response Program
This new Nova Scotia Program just opened February 21st, and helps farmers recover from crop production and financial losses due to extreme weather conditions experienced in the 2023 production season.
Additional information is available here.
| |
|
Shaping Our Future: Canadian Sheep Federation Strategic Plan Renewal Survey
The Canadian Sheep Federation is undergoing a strategic plan renewal, and is seeking input on various aspects of their strategic plan, including new initiatives, funding models, and member engagement strategies.
This survey is a key step in redefining their mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities for the coming years. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future for the industry.
| |
|
Nova Scotia Climate Change Adaptation Survey
As a part of the Climate Change Adaptation work being done within the cattle and sheep sectors in the province, the Nova Scotia Climate Change Adaptation Survey has been created.
The cattle and sheep sectors have been making strides to adapt to changing weather patterns and climate. When you share your experience and insights about your practices and challenges, you're not just helping with a Climate Change Adaptation Plan; you're opening the door to potential support and funding that fits your needs.
Your time spent on this survey isn't just a contribution; it's a proactive move that puts you at the forefront of making your farm stronger. The stronger our sector, the better our sector can withstand market volatility and potential regulatory changes.
| |
|
AgriStability Enrolment Deadline
The AgriStability enrolment deadline is April 30, 2024. More information on AgriStability can be found here.
| |
|
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
| |
|
Northumberlamb
Northumberlamb offers custom processing. Get pricing details HERE!
| |
|
Transportation Manifests
As a reminder, the SPANS Livestock Transportation Manifest books of 50 triplicate copies can be picked up from our office for a fee of $10.00.
| |
|
Netherlands & Germany Recruitment Webinar
Are you interested in exploring international markets for employees and entrepreneurs to support your farm’s labour and succession needs?
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration are launching a recruitment mission to Germany and the Netherlands April 3-11 and would like to include up to 4 employers as part of the mission. Demand is high for workers in the sector and Nova Scotia’s provincial immigration programs are a solution for permanent full-time labour needs.
An information session will be held virtually on February 26th at 1:00pm for those wishing to learn more about this April’s 2024 Mission.
Register for the upcoming webinar or learn more here!
| |
|
Celebrating Women in Agriculture: Wellness, Safety and Leadership
March 8
Register here!
| |
|
Seeds of Strength: An International Women's Day Gathering
March 8 - Masstown
Join Farm Safety Nova Scotia at The Peg for a day filled with peer-to-peer discussion and nurturing both personal well-being and professional growth. Lunch and refreshments provided.
Register today and be part of this important conversation, nurturing a brighter future for women in agriculture.
| |
|
Seeding Success: Farm Business Practices Assessment Workshop
March 21: Best Western Truro - Glengarry
Click here for more information or to register!
| |
|
On-Farm Industry Preparedness Program
The On-farm Industry Preparedness Program supports primary producers with water management activities, creating greater resilience against ongoing climate events. Click HERE for more information.
| |
Planning New Opportunities Program
The Planning New Opportunities Program helps farms and agri-businesses be more competitive, manage a transition, develop risk management strategies and respond to change. Click HERE for more information.
| |
Canada
An all-inclusive information portal is available to help farmers, food processors and agri-food businesses find information on new and existing programs and financial resources to address hardships that many are experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learn more about at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada website HERE.
| | | |
|
Agri-Commodity Management Association (ACMA), hosts Maritime AgCast - an agricultural podcast based on discussions of important topics for livestock farmers with local, regional and national guests.
The podcast episodes will include topics about disease management, forage and pasture management, bull selection and much more!
Click Here for more information!
| | | | | | |
