Monthly Update

November 2023

Producer of the Year Nominations

The Nova Scotia Cattle Producers Board is happy to announce that they have partnered with The Kings Mutual Insurance Company to establish the “Kings Mutual Cattle Producer of the Year” award. The objective of the award is to annually recognize a Nova Scotia beef producer or dealer for the outstanding contributions they make to the provincial cattle industry. The award recipient will be selected by a committee based on the following criteria:

• Nominee must be in good standing with the NSCP
• Nominator must be in good standing with the NSCP
• Details of why the nominee should receive the award
• Details of innovative or special farm practices
• Details of environmental stewardship practices
• Promotion of industry development
• Farm appearance

Completed nomination forms are due to the NSCP office by January 31, 2024 and the winner will be announced at the Annual General Meeting (in March). The winner will be presented with a plaque as well as a NSCP jacket and hat.

Beef Cattle Research Council: 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is asking all Canadian cow-calf producers to share insight into their on-farm management and production practices, which will help inform future beef research and extension strategies. 

The 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey is an online questionnaire set up to collect data to help understand longer-term trends in production methods and efficiencies. Collecting credible information directly from beef cattle producers helps the BCRC identify research priorities and information gaps, develop provincial benchmarks and examine changes over time that impact farms and ranches. 

The first 200 producers to answer all the survey questions are eligible to receive a BCRC toque and a pair of cotton gloves.  

Canadian Forage and Grassland Association & 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! 

Forage U-Pick

Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge 

Do you have a solution to reduce methane emissions from cattle? Do not miss this opportunity to accelerate and grow your solution in Canada. Apply with your concept by February 7, 2024! You could win up to $1.0M!

For more information about the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge and to apply, click HERE.

Grain Testing Advised

The NSCP are advising producers that if you are buying/have bought grain privately to ensure you get this tested for mycotoxins. For additional information on testing, 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!

Current Opportunities: Nova Scotia

Check out the list of current opportunities available online HERE!

VBP+ On-Demand Training Module

Maritime Beef Test Station Annual Meeting

Forage Production and Changing Weather Patterns

NSCP Programs:

• Nova Scotia Genetic Improvement Program

Funding towards sire purchases, genomic testing and carcass ultrasound.

The next application deadline is November 30th, 2023.

Additional funding has been received for Elite Sire Purchases! Funding will still be available at 30% of the purchase price but now to a maximum of $1,300 and the $100 bonus for proof of negative RFI will remain with an overall program maximum of $5,000. This funding will be available through the end of the 2024 program year. Applications received by the June 30, 2023, deadline will be reevaluated at the new limits and additional payments will be automatically issued. 

• Nova Scotia Soil, Pasture and Forage Management Program

Funding towards the purchase of lime, and/or soil, manure or feed analysis.

The next application deadline is November 30th, 2023.

For a complete listing of all Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture programs, please visit www.novascotia.ca/programs.

Atlantic Stockyards Limited

Producers are encouraged to pre-register all feeder cattle as early as possible. Atlantic Stockyards Limited (ASL) will be listing pre-registered cattle on their website.

Click Here to visit their website!