Nova Scotia rider wins team silver at Pan Am Games

Nova Scotia rider wins team silver at Pan Am Games

by Mary McIntosh
    Brittany Fraser is making a name for herself in the international world of dressage. Fraser, 27, of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and her teammates earned the team silver medal in dressage for Canada at the Pan American Games in Toronto in July. Coached by Canadian four-time Olympian Ashley Holzer, Fraser is fully committed to becoming the best the sport has to offer. 
    Fraser’s father, Craig, who owns a construction business, has been her major sponsor. Her father encouraged her to ride at four, and her stepmother, Kathryn Fraser, taught her the fundamentals. She honed her skills as a teenager with Ruth Koch, an Ottawa-area Level III dressage coach, and trained with German coach, Albrecht Heidemann, in Canada’s Future Young Riders Select Training Program (FYRST).  (read more)

November 12, 2015

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO FARMWORKS GENTLE DRAGONS SESSIONS! . . . THE NEW WAY INTO FARMING . . . OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN BLUEBERRIES ABOUND . . . FPINNOVATIONS PARTNERS WITH NATUREX ON FOREST-DERIVED MOLECULES . . . SIXTH YEAR OF FCC AG SAFETY FUND NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO FARMWORKS GENTLE DRAGONS SESSIONS!
Source: FarmWorks Are you interested in starting, or growing, a farm or food-related business in Nova Scotia? Have you heard about FarmWorks “Gentle Dragons?”They ask questions and make suggestions! During November the Dragons will be travelling around Nova Scotia hearing from farmers and food producers who may need money, mentoring, or marketing. We’d love to hear about your business! Everyone interested in food is welcome! Would you like to meet and hear from local producers, enjoy local food and conversation, and learn about FarmWorks and other organizations?  (read more)

THE NEW WAY INTO FARMING
Source; Country Guide
A decade ago, a fresh-faced group of graduates jumped into a grain industry beaten down by prices and Prairie drought, and a livestock industry ravaged by the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) debacle. Perhaps the biggest wonder is that in the classrooms of Canada’s agriculture colleges, some of the top students still wanted to farm. But they did. So they did what any smart business person would do; they looked for viable alternatives and applied their formidable brainpower and passion to that goal. Two of those top graduates were Mark Bernard from P.E.I. and Jonathan Bouw from Manitoba. They had gone to college as mature students to pursue a career in farming, and somehow they made it work. Today both are farming… unconventionally. (read more)

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANADIAN BLUEBERRIES ABOUND
Source: FCC In North America, blueberry consumption has grown from 272,000 tonnes in 2010 to over 400,000 tonnes in 2014. Demand in Europe has also increased, growing from 55,800 tonnes in 2010 to nearly 100,000 tonnes in 2014. Increasing incomes in Asia has shifted consumption trends towards more small fruits including blueberries. Asian consumption has increased 248 percent from 15,000 to over 52,000 tonnes over the 2010-2014 time period. Even more impressive is imports of blueberries into Asia, having increased over 2,300 percent from 2008 to 2012. It is anticipated the growth will continue and could potentially triple over the next decade. (read more)

FPINNOVATIONS PARTNERS WITH NATUREX ON FOREST-DERIVED MOLECULES
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
A strategic partnership to develop active molecules derived from Canadian forest biomass for food industry and cosmetics applications has been announced by research and development FPInnovations and Naturex, a global leader in specialty plant-based natural ingredients. Through its extensive knowledge of the forestry industry and related sectors, FPInnovations will both ensure access to Canadian forest biomass and contribute additional expertise in extractable wood derivatives. (read more)

SIXTH YEAR OF FCC AG SAFETY FUND NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Source: NSFA
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) in partnership with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is proud to announce a call for applications to the 2016 - 2017 FCC Ag Safety Fund. The Fund, now in its sixth year, helps charitable and non-profit groups deliver agricultural safety training across Canada in a community setting.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

POTATO BOARD BRINGS REWARD TO AN END
http://www.peicanada.com/island_farmer/article_6290f4e0-871e-11e5-8846-af044419a896.html

VIA RAIL TALKING NEW ROUTES BETWEEN HALIFAX, MONCTON, CAMPBELLTON
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/via-rail-talking-new-routes-between-halifax-moncton-1.3311659

FARMERS HAVE BEEN ENJOYING THE FRUITS OF BEE LABOR FOR 9,000 YEARS
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/11/11/455333696/farmers-have-been-enjoying-the-fruits-of-bee-labor-for-9-000-years

THE WORLD’S LAST TRULY WILD HORSE IS MAKING A COMEBACK
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20151111-the-worlds-last-truly-wild-horse-is-making-a-comeback

November 10, 2015

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND POTATO INDUSTRY LAUNCHES NEW BRAND DESIGNS . . . DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APPLY FOR CROWN LEASES FOR WILD BLUEBERRY DEVELOPMENT . . . TEMPORARY MANURE STORAGE . . . A NEW ELECTRICITY PLAN FOR NOVA SCOTIA . . . HOW OBAMA’S TRADE DEAL MIGHT STIR UP YOUR DINNER . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND POTATO INDUSTRY LAUNCHES NEW BRAND DESIGNS
Source: PEI Federation of Agriculture
Following significant market research and rounds of development and consultation, the PEI Potato Board is proud to share a new logo and new packaging designs aimed at further strengthening the Prince Edward Island Potatoes brand. The new logo blends historic brand identity cues, such as the shape of the Island and the red and blue colours, with a modern look. This new logo serves as a consistent identifier of PEI Potatoes across both new industry packaging and private label packaging, and also serves as the new corporate logo for the Prince Edward Island Potato Board.   (read more)

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APPLY FOR CROWN LEASES FOR WILD BLUEBERRY DEVELOPMENT
Source: N.B Dept of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
The deadline to submit an application for Crown land leases identified for wild blueberry development has been extended. Interested parties now have until 1:30 pm on Monday, Dec. 7, to deliver their submission. No submissions will be accepted after this deadline. The Request for Proposals can be seen online on the New Brunswick Opportunities Network. Choose “Browse Tenders and Awards” from the right-side menu. Registration is required and is free. (read more)

TEMPORARY MANURE STORAGE
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Temporary storage is a regulated management option that allows a producer to store manure in the field for a short period of time without requiring permits or additional testing. “Temporary sites offer a number of advantages. Operators can avoid spreading on snow and frozen ground, can compost the manure, and can minimize the impact on road infrastructure,” says Chris Ullman, CFO (confined feeding operation) extension specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Red Deer. “However, they are often misunderstood by the public. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider where to locate temporary storage.” (read more)

A NEW ELECTRICITY PLAN FOR NOVA SCOTIA
Source: N.S. Dept of Energy
Nova Scotia’s electricity future will have more predictable power rates and a utility that is more accountable to ratepayers, more competition and innovation.  Energy Minister Michel Samson released Our Electricity Future: Nova Scotia’s Electricity Plan, the province’s 25-year electricity plan today, Nov. 9, at the NSCC Waterfront Campus in Dartmouth. The plan reflects findings from the year-long Electricity System Review, which heard from more than 1,300 Nova Scotians and technical experts.  (read more)

HOW OBAMA’S TRADE DEAL MIGHT STIR UP YOUR DINNER
Source: NPR
When President Obama announced the details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership on Thursday – and released them on Medium.com – there was a lot of talk about labor, the environment, and manufacturing. But trade deals have a way of changing the way we eat, too. Consider NAFTA, which boosted the availability of cheap avocados and winter tomatoes for Americans, while expanding Wal-Mart and processed food in Mexico. So now that we know the details of this new Pacific Rim trade deal, what might it mean for dinner — both in the U.S. and the 11 other nations party to the treaty? Herewith, a cheat sheet on the 2,000-plus-page deal. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

PACIFIC TRADING PARTNERS RELEASE TRADE PACT DETAILS
http://www.thebullvine.com/news/pacific-trading-partners-release-trade-pact-details/

HIGH FEED PRICES CHANGE FEEDING PRACTICES
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/publications/fcc-express/fcc-express-archives/20151106.html?anchor=story1&utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=2285df8898-FCC_Express_November_06_2015_EN_11_06_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-2285df8898-18202745

U.S. POLITICS STILL PLAGUE COOL
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/?aid=10874&cn=QUICKLINKS&an=U.S.%20politics%20still%20plague%20COOL

POULTRY SOLD AS VEAL: REPORT REVEALS DISHONEST MEAT LABELLING
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/36108/poultry-sold-as-veal-report-reveals-dishonest-meat-labelling/

November 9, 2015

NSFA ANNUAL MEETING … BEYOND THE HONEYCRISP APPLE … CONDO INDUSTRY EMBRACING THE GROWTH OF WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION … WARDEN MAKES OFFER SHE HOPES WILL SAVE HILLATON FOODS … PRODUCERS SIGN UP ON SUSTAINABLE BEEF … OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NSFA ANNUAL MEETING
Source: NSFA
The Annual Meeting of the NSFA is fast approaching and will take place on November 26 and 27 at the Best Western Glengarry, Truro. As a reminder, Friday, November 13 is the deadline to have county/commodity reports in to the office to be printed in the annual booklet. Any resolutions to be presented at the Annual Meeting need to be in by that date as well.
smackenzie@nsfa-fane.ca.

BEYOND THE HONEYCRISP APPLE
Source: New York Times
Take one bite of a Cosmic Crisp – dramatically dark, richly flavored, and explosively crisp and juicy – and it’s easy to see why it is already being hailed as the most promising and important apple of the future. Americans have been falling hard for new apples. (read more)

CONDO INDUSTRY EMBRACING THE GROWTH OF WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION
Source: The Globe & Mail
Viewed from the outside, the six-storey luxury condominium complex slated to go up at 1884 Queen Street East, Toronto will look more or less like any other well-tailored small development in a contemporary style. Its modestly gray fiber-cement cladding will likely help the building blend into the conservative Beaches neighborhood round about. Heartwood, as this project is called, won’t be calling attention to just how special it is. In fact, what makes it special will be almost completely hidden from sight. (read more)

WARDEN MAKES OFFER SHE HOPES WILL SAVE HILLATON FOODS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
There may be a glimmer of hope for Hillaton Foods Ltd. employees who are staring at unemployment when the plant shuts down at the end of the year. Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. caught employees and local officials off guard when it announced this week that the carrot processing and freezing plant near Canning will be shuttered as of Dec. 31. The company said that closure of the plant was needed after Environment Canada issued an order that prohibits waste water from being discharged into tidal waters. After looking at several options, none were sufficiently cost-effective to warrant keeping the plant open, the company said. (read more)

PRODUCERS SIGN UP ON SUSTAINABLE BEEF
Source: The Western Producer
Producers questioned what McDonald’s really meant when it announced last year that it wants beef from sustainable operations. A list of expectations has now been developed that isn’t as onerous or demanding as first expected, say two Alberta beef producers. Their operations participated in the pilot verification program, and they shared their experiences at the Livestock Gentec annual meeting in Edmonton Oct. 13.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADA TO REVIEW TPP PACT, SEEK PUBLIC INPUT
http://www.agcanada.com/daily/canada-to-review-tpp-pact-seek-public-input

AN ISLAND ORCHARD: HOW ONE COUPLE IS WORKING TOWARDS NEWFOUNDLAND FOOD SECURITY
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/crow-brook-orchard-increasing-food-security-1.3303953

NEW DRUG FOR INSULIN-RESISTANT HORSES IN DEVELOPMENT
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36687/new-drug-for-insulin-resistant-horses-in-development

CALGARY COMPANY LAUNCHES PAIN KILLER FOR CATTLE
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/

November 6, 2015

ANDREW YOUNGER, NOVA SCOTIA MLA, REMOVED FROM LIBERAL CAUCUS . . . BOSTON MARATHONER DONATES 2015 TREE FOR BOSTON . . . ATLANTIC PACKAGING ORDERS SECOND SLUDGE-TO-ENERGY SYSTEM . . . TRANSCANADA NIXES EXPORT TERMINAL IN QUEBEC FOR ENERGY EAST PIPELINE . . . WHERE WILL THE MONEY FOR BEEF RESEARCH COME FROM? A LOOK AHEAD TO 2020 . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ANDREW YOUNGER, NOVA SCOTIA MLA, REMOVED FROM LIBERAL CAUCUS
Source: Huffington Post
Nova Scotia’s environment minister was shown the door on Thursday amid revelations that he didn't show up to testify at a trial for a woman who was accused of assaulting him. Premier Stephen McNeil announced in a late night news conference that Andrew Younger was relieved of his cabinet duties and was also kicked out of the governing Liberal caucus. (read more)

BOSTON MARATHONER DONATES 2015 TREE FOR BOSTON
Source: NSDNR
A Nova Scotian who ran the 100th Boston Marathon is donating the Christmas tree that the province will give to Boston this year. Bill and Andrea MacEachern of Lorne, Pictou Co., are the donors of a large evergreen that will be given as a gift to Boston as part of the annual thank you to the city for help provided after the 1917 Halifax explosion.   (read more)

ATLANTIC PACKAGING ORDERS SECOND SLUDGE-TO-ENERGY SYSTEM
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Precision Energy Services has been awarded a contract to engineer, supply, and provide technical support for a second paper mill sludge-to-energy system for Atlantic Packaging in Toronto. PES previously supplied a fluidized bed combustion system to the Atlantic Packaging plant at 111 Progress Ave. in 2012. Atlantic Packaging owns and operates three paper facilities in the greater Toronto area.  (read more)

TRANSCANADA NIXES EXPORT TERMINAL IN QUEBEC FOR ENERGY EAST PIPELINE
Source; The Chronicle Herald
Quebec will no longer host an oil export terminal for TransCanada’s highly criticized Energy East Pipeline, the Calgary-based company announced Thursday. Six months after abandoning its project to create a terminal northeast of Quebec City along the St. Lawrence River, TransCanada said it would amend its proposal to the National Energy Board to include a new route for the pipeline. TransCanada plans to build a 4,600-kilometer pipeline to transport 1.1 million barrels of Alberta crude daily through Quebec to be refined in New Brunswick and shipped overseas. (read more)

WHERE WILL THE MONEY FOR BEEF RESEARCH COME FROM? A LOOK AHEAD TO 2020
Source: Real Agriculture
In January, the National Beef Strategic Planning Group published its strategic goals for 2020 in a paper that brought to light the full depth of funding issues being faced by the industry. “Since the National Check-off was introduced in 2002,” the report reads, “inflation and a reduced number of marketings resulted in less check-off collected, limiting resources.” (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FARMERS’ GUILDS: BUILDING A SHARING ECONOMY DOWN ON THE FARM
http://modernfarmer.com/2015/10/farmers-guilds/

DRESSED TO KILL – RIDER SAFETY IS ALWAYS IN FASHION
http://www.equineguelph.ca/news/index.php?content=463&utm_source=Enews_November_2015&utm_campaign=November+Equine+Guelph+Enews+2015&utm_medium=email

NEW WINTER WHEAT CULTIVAR SHOWS RESISTANCE TO RUST
http://www.agprofessional.com/news/new-winter-wheat-cultivar-shows-resistance-rust?utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=287a07e41a-FCC_Express_October_30_2015_EN_10_30_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-287a07e41a-18200761

CANAPORT LNG PLEADS GUILTY IN BIRD KILL CASE
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/irving-canaport-bird-kill-plea-1.3305351

November 5, 2015

LAWRENCE MACAULAY IS CANADA’S NEW MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE . . . CANADIAN YOUNG SPEAKERS FOR AGRICULTURE COMPETITION THIS WEEKEND . . . PARKS CANADA WANTS TO RESTORE BOREAL FOREST . . . CASCADES INVESTS $26.4 MILLION FOR NEW CORRUGATOR AT DRUMMONDVILLE . . . IN THE “CRADLE OF CACAO,” CHOCOLATE BRIGADES FIGHT FOR A BIGGER HARVEST . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

LAWRENCE MACAULAY IS CANADA’S NEW MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
Source: Farms.com
Eyes across Canada focused on Ottawa, Ontario as Justin Trudeau was officially sworn in as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister. Part of the ceremonies included Prime Minister Trudeau naming his cabinet – 31 ministers of various industries and public policies who will help Canada going forward. Lawrence MacAulay was officially sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on Wednesday morning. (read more)

CANADIAN YOUNG SPEAKERS FOR AGRICULTURE COMPETITION THIS WEEKEND
Source: Island Farmer
The Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture (CYSA) Competition will be held this Saturday at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario. The 31st edition of CYSA will see 30 competitors aged 11 to 24 from across Canada offer their insight and solutions regarding this year’s pre-selected topics. (read more)

PARKS CANADA WANTS TO RESTORE BOREAL FOREST
Source: Cape Breton Post
Parks Canada is proposing to reduce the moose population in a 20-kilometer section of North Mountain to help in the restoration of the boreal forest in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. “We’ve been studying this for 15 years and the scientific evidence is there to show the moose browse has caused the forest to convert to grassland,” said Parks Canada resource conservation officer Derek Quann.  (read more)

CASCADES INVESTS $26.4 MILLION FOR NEW CORRUGATOR AT DRUMMONDVILLE
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Cascades Inc. is investing $26.4 million at its Norampac corrugated board conversion plant in Drummondville, Que., to install a new corrugator that will double the plant’s production capacity. The expansion should be complete by mid-November, and the new corrugator will be operational as of January 2016. (read more)

IN THE “CRADLE OF CACAO,” CHOCOLATE BRIGADES FIGHT FOR A BIGGER HARVEST
Source: NPR
When cacao farmers like Emilio Rivera first heard of a government-backed initiative that would help them prune branches and leaves from their trees, they were skeptical. After all, a lush cacao tree with more, not fewer, branches meant more profits, the farmers said. That’s been the traditional way of thinking for generations of cacao farmers here in the Ecuadorian Amazon. But in recent years, as disease has worsened, yields have dropped pretty dramatically, and some, like Rivera, have begun embracing the initiative wholeheartedly. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

GUINNESS IS GOING VEGAN
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/05/business/guinness-is-going-vegan.html?module=WatchingPortal&region=c-column-middle-span-region&pgType=Homepage&action=click&mediaId=wide&state=standard&contentPlacement=5&version=internal&contentCollection=www.nytimes.com&contentId=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2015%2F11%2F05%2Fbusiness%2Fguinness-is-going-vegan.html&eventName=Watching-article-click&_r=0

MORE STATES WADE INTO LEGAL FIGHT ON GREENHOUSE GASES, THIS TIME DEFENDING OBAMA
http://www.trurodaily.com/Canada---World/Business/2015-11-04/article-4333337/More-states-wade-into-legal-fight-on-greenhouse-gases%2C-this-time-defending-Obama/1

OPEN-PEN AQUACULTURE IS BAD NEWS
http://www.thetelegram.com/Opinion/Letter-to-the-editor/2015-11-04/article-4331449/Open-pen-aquaculture-is-bad-news/1

SHOULD AN OYSTER FARM BE WILDERNESS OR AQUACULTURE? Q&A WITH AUTHOR SUMMER BRENNAN
http://modernfarmer.com/2015/11/oyster-war-summer-brennan/

November 4, 2015

WILDLIFE REP SAYS WATER MEETINGS ARE TOO RUSHED . . . REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2015 ACORN CONFERENCE! . . . HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ALL YOUR COSTS IN BACKGROUNDING? . . . SEX-SPECIFIC MOOSE LICENCES CONSIDERED BY NATURAL RESOURCES . . . CATTLEMEN’S GROUP SAYS NO REASON TO STOP EATING MEAT IN MODERATION . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

APPROVAL FOR QUARRY IN FALL RIVER REVOKED
Source: N.S. Dept of Environment
Environment Minister Andrew Younger announced today, Nov. 3, that effective immediately, he is revoking an operating approval issued to Scotian Materials Ltd. for a quarry under four hectares on Perrin Drive, near Fall River, Halifax Regional Municipality. In his review of one of the appeals filed, Mr. Younger found there was a lack of adequate public consultation prior to the decision to issue the approval. Reviews of the remaining appeals will continue. Mr. Younger has 60 days from receipt of the appeal applications to make a decision.  (read more)

MEETING TO EXPLORE ORGANIC OAT PRODUCTION
Source: Island Farmer
The PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative will be hosting a meeting with representatives of Grain Millers Inc. November 9 to look into possibilities for sourcing organic oats from Atlantic Canada. Anyone currently producing, or interested in producing, organic oats is asked to attend the event. The session will begin at 9 am at the Farm Centre. Anyone looking for additional information is asked to call Stephanie Palmer, the research director for the co-operative at 902-326-9134. (read more)

NOVA SCOTIA FARMERS SAY GOOD FOOD GOING TO WASTE
Source: CBC.ca
Nova Scotia farmers are calling on the province to establish a tax credit for producers to donate some of their crop to food banks. Feed Nova Scotia supports the idea, which has already been established in Ontario. Farmers in that province receive a 25 percent tax credit on donations to food banks and school nutrition programs.  (read more)

COMMUNITY FORESTS INTERNATIONAL CROWD-FUNDS FOR AFRICAN PARTNERS
Source: Sackville Tribune Post
Community Forests International (CFI), a Sackville-run organization, has launched a crowd-funding campaign to support agricultural training for staff and community members in Pemba, Tanzania. The campaign, launched Oct. 22 on indiegogo.com, is called Pemba Permaculture, and will raise the funds needed for 29 people to take a five-day course in sustainable agriculture. The course will be taught in their native language of Swahili, allowing those who don’t speak English to participate. (read more)

ONTARIO WOMAN IN HOT WATER FOR GIVING COOL WATER TO PIGS
Source: GlobalNews.ca
On the eve of a court appearance, an Ontario woman is unapologetic about providing water to sweltering pigs in a truck on their way to the slaughterhouse on a hot day earlier this year.
Animal rights activist Anita Krajnc is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday to face a mischief charge following a protest in June with her group, Toronto Pig Save, in Burlington, Ont. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

BEINN EIGHE’S DARK BEES COULD AID FIGHT AGAINST VIRUS
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-34710340

SHOULD YOU BUY EXPENSIVE FEED OR CUSTOM FEED YOUR COWS?
http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/2015/11/03/should-you-buy-expensive-feed-or-custom-feed-your-cows/?module=explore_widget&pgtype=section#_ga=1.205032467.242107720.1446604874?module=explore_widget&pgtype=section

WHY CHIPOTLE’S HARD LINE ON SWINE ANTIBIOTICS IS NOW BLURRY
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/11/03/451999164/why-chipotles-hard-line-on-swine-antibiotics-is-now-blurry

THE COSTS OF SOLAR ENERGY TO THE ENVIRONMENT
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/11/03/the-environmental-costs-of-solar-energy?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=opinion-c-col-right-region&region=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region

November 3, 2015

WILDLIFE REP SAYS WATER MEETINGS ARE TOO RUSHED . . . REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2015 ACORN CONFERENCE! . . . HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ALL YOUR COSTS IN BACKGROUNDING? . . . SEX-SPECIFIC MOOSE LICENCES CONSIDERED BY NATURAL RESOURCES . . . CATTLEMEN’S GROUP SAYS NO REASON TO STOP EATING MEAT IN MODERATION . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

WILDLIFE REP SAYS WATER MEETINGS ARE TOO RUSHED
Source: Eastern Graphic
At the first eastern P.E.I. Water Act Consultation held in Souris last week, Fred Cheverie, with the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Association (SAB), told the panel the entire process itself is flawed. “It’s very rushed, the timeline was just set out. We find it poorly organized and there’s timing issues,” he told the panel of Environmental Advisory Board members and the two dozen members of the public scattered about on chairs set up for at least twice as many people at the Legion on Main Street. (read more)

REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2015 ACORN CONFERENCE! 
Source: ACORN
Online registration will be closing in less than two weeks – but this doesn't mean you will miss out on the 2015 ACORN Conference! You can still register at the event – join us in Charlottetown for three days of over 50 workshops on organic food and farming, covering a great mix of farm topics, including soil, horticulture, fruit and value-added products, grains, pulses and field crops, and much more!
www.acornconference.org

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ALL YOUR COSTS IN BACKGROUNDING?
Source: AB Agriculture and Forestry
When it comes to making a decision on backgrounding calves, it’s important to look at all of the costs involved. “High forage prices this summer and fall have predominated farm discussions at coffee shops, auction markets and social media outlets the last few months,” says Ted Nibourg, farm business management specialist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre, Stettler, AB. “At this time of year the profitability of backgrounding calves also comes into question. Hay is usually a major component of backgrounding rations. However, focusing on just the feed costs can give the impression that backgrounding will be economically feasible this fall. While feed costs are a major part of any production system, they are certainly not the only ones. Numerous other costs are involved, and risk management has to be considered as well.” (read more)

SEX-SPECIFIC MOOSE LICENCES CONSIDERED BY NATURAL RESOURCES
Source: CBC.ca
The Department of Natural Resources is considering sex-specific moose licenses among other possible changes for the 2017 provincial moose-hunting season. According to documents obtained by CBC News through the Right to Information Act, hunters being regulated to harvesting moose of a specific sex would allow for a “modest increase in licenses through reduction in hunter success.” The documents show the province has been exploring four other options for moose hunting seasons in the years to come.   (read more)

CATTLEMEN’S GROUP SAYS NO REASON TO STOP EATING MEAT IN MODERATION
Source: FCC
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association says there are many theories why red and processed meat may be linked to cancer, but no scientific consensus has been reached. The association commented after the World Health Organization’s cancer agency said hot dogs, bacon, and other processed meats can lead to colon, stomach, and other cancers, and that red meat is probably harmful, too. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

MOVE OVER, YELLOW 6. MORE NATURAL COLORS FROM PLANTS ARE COMING
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/11/02/452561192/move-over-yellow-6-more-natural-colors-from-plants-are-coming

THE ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION OF CONSTRUCTED ECOSYSTEMS AS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
http://www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/news-events/events/2015/11/13/the_ecology_and_evolution_of_constructed_ecosystems_as_green_infrastructure.html

EARLTOWN WOODWORKER’S AWARD-WINNING CHAIRS HEW TO TRADITION
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1320319-earltown-woodworker’s-award-winning-chairs-hew-to-tradition

STUDY FINDS HUMAN DNA IN HOT DOGS
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/48821/study-finds-human-dna-in-hot-dogs/

November 2, 2015

SPRUCE-PINE-FIR KILN OPERATOR COURSE . . . LEARNING ABOUT LIVESTOCK CODES OF PRACTICE . . . SOIL: OUR COMMON GROUND . . . CAHRC WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE SURVEY . . . MI’KMAW PLACE NAMES DIGITAL ATLAS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SPRUCE-PINE-FIR KILN OPERATOR COURSE
Source: MCFT
Quality drying of S-P-F for dimension lumber and other end uses conventional and high-temperature. This course will provide a thorough review of the basic principles involved in lumber drying. The course will progress from a presentation of the fundamentals of wood drying to the day-to-day operation of a dry kiln. Emphasis will be on drying 2-inch S-P-F for dimension lumber, however, time will be dedicated to discussing drying requirements or implications for products such as MSR, glulam, and finger-jointed lumber. December 1-3, Maritime College of Forest Technology, Fredericton, N.B.
probichaud@cwfcof.org

LEARNING ABOUT LIVESTOCK CODES OF PRACTICE
Source: FCC
The second of two learning modules on the national livestock Codes of Practice, developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council, is about to be released by Food & Farm Care Ontario. The first module is on the code of practice for the care and handling of pigs, with modules on the code of practice for the care of beef cattle, dairy cattle, and sheep under development. The beef cattle module is the next to be released, which will happen shortly.
The modules are free to use until at least spring 2016 and apply to farmers across Canada.  (read more)

SOIL: OUR COMMON GROUND
The National Farmers Union will hold its annual national convention in London, Ontario from November 26 to 28, with “Soil: Our Common Ground” as its theme. Keynote speaker, Jeff Rasawehr, will speak on Managing Your Soil: Restoring balance, profits, and fulfillment. Jeff is a corn and soybean farmer from Michigan who has changed from conventional methods to a more biological system. He will relate his experience of restoring balance to his soil using innovations such as cover crops. With these changes he has reduced his farm from 3,000 acres to 900 and improved its profitability. (read more)

CAHRC WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE SURVEY
Source: NSFA
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has just launched a survey to help understand barriers to the advancement of women in the agriculture industry. Please complete the survey to help the Council address barriers that are identified by the industry. Input from both women and men is needed to ensure the actions we take reflect the true needs of agricultural women, their workplaces and industry organizations. (read more)

MI’KMAW PLACE NAMES DIGITAL ATLAS
Source: ACZISC
Mi’kmaw Place Names Digital Atlas and Website, Ta’n Weji-sqalia’tiek: The atlas and website were created to raise awareness of the deep connection the Mi’kmaq have to the landscape of Eastern Canada called Mi’kma’ki, the place of the Mi’kmaq. Mi’kmaw presence has been continuous for approximately 13,000 years B.P., and continues to the present day, as can be seen by the place names and archaeological information presented throughout their website. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ENHANCED ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLAN
http://peifa.ca/peifa-today-friday-october-30-2015/

PETE LUCKETT’S STORES TO BECOME ARM OF SOBEY’S
http://www.albertafarmexpress.ca/daily/pete-lucketts-stores-to-become-arm-of-sobeys?module=the-latest&pgtype=homepage?module=the-latest&pgtype=homepage

JUDICIOUS ANTIBIOTIC USE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN POULTRY?
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/36083/judicious-antibiotic-use-what-does-it-mean-in-poultry/

RISING TEMPERATURES KICK-START SUBARCTIC FARMING IN ALASKA
http://www.npr.org/2015/11/01/453337333/rising-temperatures-kick-start-sub-arctic-farming-in-alaska

October 30, 2015

SPOOKY SCIENCE STORIES,
 JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN . . . MUSEUM SCALES BACK STUDY ON DEADLY BAT FUNGUS . . . ISLAND FOOD PRODUCTS SHOWCASED IN TAIWAN . . . SUGAR MAPLE IS IN TROUBLE . . . WHY IS IT SO HARD TO SAVE GULF OF MAINE COD? . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SPOOKY SCIENCE STORIES, JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN
Source: The New York Times
Gather around your laptops and smartphones, friends. It’s time for the crypt keepers of our Science department to share some seasonally appropriate stories (spooky alert). You’re not afraid? Hmmmm. Some polls suggest that you are more anxious about what you’ll see here than you care to admit. The Survey of American Fears, published by Chapman University earlier this month, found that a third of the people it surveyed said they were afraid of reptiles and a quarter said they fear insects. (read more)

MUSEUM SCALES BACK STUDY ON DEADLY BAT FUNGUS
Source: CBC.ca
Researchers from the New Brunswick Museum will no longer be actively studying the White-nose fungus that has devastated the province’s Little brown bat, Northern myoti, and Tri-coloured bat populations. Don McAlpine, chair of the department of natural science at the museum, says there aren’t enough bats to continue to track. (read more)

ISLAND FOOD PRODUCTS SHOWCASED IN TAIWAN
Source: Island Farmer
The initial response of Taiwan shoppers to a host of Island food products being showcased at one of the largest organic food stores in that country has been extremely positive. Grain Essence Garden Inc. coordinated the display with Leezan, which has more than 115 stores throughout the country that sell a range of organic products. Grain Essence Garden, incorporated in 2011, is operated by Buddhist followers who came to the Island after the arrival of the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS), a monastery in Little Sands. (read more)

SUGAR MAPLE IS IN TROUBLE
Source: Modern Farmer
Maple syrup earns about a billion dollars a year in the US, centered in the top three syrup-producing states: Vermont, New York, and Maine. Though there’s been rumbling about the possibility of tapping sap from young saplings rather than mature trees, but for the most part, this is a fairly traditional industry, reliant on mature trees in the wild. That’s why the results of this study, conducted by researchers at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, are so concerning. (read more)

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO SAVE GULF OF MAINE COD? 
Source: NPR Cod was once so plentiful in New England that legend had it you could walk across the local waters by stepping on the backs of the fish. Now, though, this tasty species is in such trouble there that cod fishing is practically shut down. And scientists say it looks like rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine explains why regulators' recent efforts to help the cod while allowing fishing were a failure. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

SUPPORT FOR REPEAL OF COOL STRONG WITHIN U.S. BUSINESS COMMUNITY
http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/40659/support-for-repeal-of-cool-strong-within-us-business-community/

EU PARLIAMENT REJECTS NATIONAL BANS ON GM FEED
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/48814/eu-parliament-rejects-national-bans-on-gm-feed/

RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS IN OLDER HORSES UNDER-DIAGNOSED, RESEARCH SUGGESTS
horsetalk.co.nz/2015/10/29/respiratory-problems-older-horses-under-diagnosed/#axzz3q15o8jCm

GRAIN MIXED AND LIVESTOCK LOWER
http://www.thetelegram.com/Canada---World/Business/2015-10-29/article-4326223/Grain-mixed-and-livestock-lower/1

October 29, 2015

NORTHERN PULP TESTS DIRTY . . . FARM CENTRE GETTING READY TO TURN 40 . . . QUEBEC COMPANY DEVELOPING INSULATION FROM LIGNIN BIOPOLYMER . . . THAT SALMON ON THE MENU MIGHT BE A FRAUD – ESPECIALLY IN WINTER . . . NORTHERN COD COMING BACK . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NORTHERN PULP TESTS DIRTY
Source: The Chronicle Herald
The Northern Pulp mill is in emissions trouble again. The government has ordered the Abercrombie Point mill in Pictou County to complete an independent engineering review and evaluation for the entire power boiler system by Nov. 30. “They have to do an engineering study and report back to us on what capital or other improvements need to be made to the boiler to keep it consistently in compliance,” Environment Minister Andrew Younger said Tuesday afternoon. (read more)

FARM CENTRE GETTING READY TO TURN 40
Source: Island Farmer
It will soon be four decades since the Farm Centre first opened its doors. While it won’t match the gala that took place on November 18, 1975, Manager Phil Ferraro said the board of directors of the Farm Centre Association is currently working on an event to mark the occasion. He said the details should be worked out over the next few weeks. “We are not planning anything really grandiose, but we want to offer people a chance to look back,” Ferraro said. (read more)

QUEBEC COMPANY DEVELOPING INSULATION FROM LIGNIN BIOPOLYMER
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Enerlab 2000 will receive an investment of $500,000 over four years to pursue the development of iso-lignin, a biopolymer based on lignin. Laurent Lessard, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, said the iso-lignin technology is unique in the world and may be able to replace fossil fuels in the production of insulation panels. In all, $2.5 million will be invested in the project to commercialize this technology. Enerlab 2000, located in Saint-Mathieu-de-Beloeil, specializes in polyurethane insulation systems.  (read more)

THAT SALMON ON THE MENU MIGHT BE A FRAUD – ESPECIALLY IN WINTER
Source: NPR
Would you be able to tell if the wild Alaskan sockeye salmon you ordered for dinner was swapped out for a less expensive piece of farm-raised salmon? For the observant, the color difference between the two would likely be the first giveaway. (Sockeye has a deeper red-orange hue.) Or maybe you'd notice the disparity in the thickness of fillet. (Sockeye is flatter and less steaky in appearance.) (read more)

NORTHERN COD COMING BACK
Source: The Telegram
There is growing hope that the once decimated Northern cod stock is making a slow, but steady comeback, according to a new study that found the iconic species is growing in size and number off Newfoundland. George Rose, the report’s co-author, said acoustic surveys last spring indicated that the fish were getting bigger and more plentiful after 23 years of a government-imposed moratorium and halting growth. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CENTRAL BEEKEEPERS ALLIANCE MONTHLY MEETING
http://nfunb.org/en/events/event/central-beekeepers-alliance-monthly-meeting/

WILD OX DNA GIVES INSIGHT INTO COMPLEX CATTLE BREEDING
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/48808/wild-ox-dna-gives-insight-into-complex-cattle-breeding-history/

MODERN-DAY OLD MACDONALD GROWS AN AGROFOREST
http://worldagroforestry.org/newsroom/media_coverage/modern-day-old-macdonald-grows-agroforest

SAVOURY ICE CREAM FLAVOURS TIPPED TO BE BIG
http://www.dairyreporter.com/Ingredients/Savoury-ice-cream-flavours-tipped-to-be-bigThe

October 28, 2015

BEEF INDUSTRY TAKES WHO REPORT “WITH A GRAIN OF SALT” . . . NEW RECORD SET AT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF . . . CANADIAN FOOD SYSTEM AILING, SAYS CONFERENCE BOARD . . . COURT DENIES STAY OF ONTARIO’S NEONICOTINOID LAW . . . MAILBOX CONSTRUCTION HALTED . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

BEEF INDUSTRY TAKES WHO REPORT “WITH A GRAIN OF SALT”
Source: CBC.ca
“Dramatic and alarmist.” That’s the reaction of the North American Meat Institute to the World Health Organization's position that processed meat is a cause of cancer, along with cigarettes, alcohol, and asbestos. The WHO said that red meat probably causes cancer as well. In a statement, the North American Meat Institute went on to say that it felt the WHO “tortured the data to ensure a specific outcome.” (read more)

NEW RECORD SET AT PUMPKIN WEIGH-OFF
Source: Island Farmer
There is a new pumpkin king in P.E.I. and his name is Eddie Shaw. The Charlottetown grower set a new record for a pumpkin weighed on P.E.I. during the annual pumpkin weigh-off held over the Thanksgiving weekend. Shaw’s entry tipped the scales at 1,331.5 pounds, smashing the old record of 1,208 set by Clifford Picketts in 2008, by a wide margin. (read more)

CANADIAN FOOD SYSTEM AILING, SAYS CONFERENCE BOARD
Source: Ontario Farmer.com
The Canadian food industry is not as prosperous as it should be, nor does it have a good environmental record, according to the first report of its kind from the Conference Board of Canada. But Canada gets an A for food safety. Released at the Food & Drink Summit 2015 in Toronto, the report assesses Canada’s food and beverage sector performance in five areas against 16 leading Organization for Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.  (read more)

COURT DENIES STAY OF ONTARIO’S NEONICOTINOID LAW
Source: BetterFarming.com
The Ontario Supreme Court has denied Grain Farmers of Ontario’s request for a stay of a law that requires farmers to greatly restrict the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments next spring.  (read more)

MAILBOX CONSTRUCTION HALTED
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Canada Post has taken the first step in facilitating the Liberal promise to scrap the controversial community mailbox program introduced under the Harper government, but many Nova Scotians are stuck with the changes – at least for now. On Monday, the national mail carrier announced it was halting plans for construction of the mailboxes in anticipation of working with the new government. A Canada Post news release said all conversions planned for November and December, and those announced for 2016, would be placed on hold, but anyone converted beforehand, including those switched in October, will have to continue to retrieve their mail at the community boxes. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

GOOGLE 3D COW – EXPLORE THE SKELETAL STRUCTURE, VASCULAR, NERVOUS SYSTEM
http://www.thebullvine.com/news/cool-google-3d-cow/

IS OMEPRAZOLE SAFE FOR HORSES’ BONES?
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36630/is-omeprazole-safe-for-horses-bones

CALIFORNIA: STRICT LAWS FOR ANTIBIOTICS IN POULTRY
http://www.worldpoultry.net/Broilers/Health/2015/10/California-Strict-laws-for-antibiotics-in-poultry-2707827W/

MI’KMAW OPPOSE OIL EXPLORATION IN GULF
http://www.trurodaily.com/section/2015-10-27/article-4322964/Mikmaw-oppose-oil-exploration-in-gulf/1

October 27, 2015

COMMUNITY FOREST KEY TO INDUSTRY . . . GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW AQUACULTURE REGULATIONS . . . WEBINARS PLANNED FOR EARLY NOVEMBER . . . TACKLING FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE: LEVELLING THE ENERGY PLAYING FIELD . . . PRICING MEAT PRODUCTS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

COMMUNITY FOREST KEY TO INDUSTRY
Source: The Chronicle Herald
The future of the province’s forestry industry could depend on the success of its first community forest project. That’s the message from Will Martin, board chairman of the Medway Community Forest Co-op. The pilot project sees a community group managing a portion of forest near Caledonia with the aim of creating local economic benefits while adhering to practices that support multiple opportunities and environmental stewardship. (read more)

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES NEW AQUACULTURE REGULATIONS
Source: N.S. Dept of Fisheries and Aquaculture
A more responsible and transparent approach to aquaculture development, and greater clarity for industry, is the centerpiece of new aquaculture regulations released by government Oct. 26. Minister Colwell was joined by a member of the One Nova Scotia Coalition, which has identified responsible resource development as an important part of the province's economic future. The regulations represent fundamental changes to how companies can acquire a license and lease if they want to operate either finfish or shellfish farms in Nova Scotia.  (read more)

WEBINARS PLANNED FOR EARLY NOVEMBER
Source: Island Farmer
A pair of agricultural webinars is planned for early November. As part of the Agriculture More Than Ever series, Farm Credit Canada will be sponsoring a session November 4 entitled “Can We Talk? How to discuss genetically engineered crop technology with the public.” The session is free and begins at1 pm Atlantic time. (read more)

TACKLING FOSSIL FUEL SUBSIDIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE: LEVELLING THE ENERGY PLAYING FIELD
Source: International Institute for Sustainable Development
Subsidies for the consumption of fossil fuels were estimated at US$550 billion in 2013, according to the International Energy Agency. This report by IISD and the Nordic Council of Ministers modeled the impact of removing fossil fuel subsidies in 20 countries between 2015 and 2020. (read more)

PRICING MEAT PRODUCTS
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) 
“Direct marketing your meat products is a big change in focus for many producers,” says Kathy Bosse, new venture specialist, AF, Red Deer. “With a commodity-based approach, selling your finished animal is the last step. When you sell direct to market, there is a lot more involved. You also have to manage processing, packaging and delivery and think about consumer demand.” (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CAN HORSES EAT PUMPKIN?
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36628/can-horses-eat-pumpkin

WHO FINDS LINK BETWEEN PROCESSED MEAT AND CANCER
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/36051/who-finds-link-between-processed-meat-and-cancer/

WHAT THE FINDINGS ON RED, PROCESSED MEAT AND CANCER REALLY MEAN
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/cancer-red-meat-processed-1.3288601

THE WHO'S CLUMSY DECISION ON BACON SOWS UNNEEDED CONFUSION
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/editorials/red-meats-arent-instantly-fatal/article26995103/

October 26, 2015

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE . . . FEE PAYMENTS TO MARITIME BEEF TESTING SOCIETY . . . PROTEST PLANNED FOR PROPOSED MOOSE HUNT IN C.B. HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK . . . MEAT INDUSTRY BRACES FOR WHO CANCER RISK VERDICT . . . PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDES UPDATE ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SUPPORTING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE
Source: PEIFA
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has just launched a survey to help understand barriers to the advancement of women in the agriculture industry. Please complete the survey to help the Council address barriers that are identified by the industry. Input from both women and men is needed to ensure the actions we take reflect the true needs of agricultural women, their workplaces and industry organizations. (read more)

FEE PAYMENTS TO MARITIME BEEF TESTING SOCIETY
Source: Maritime Beef Test Station
The Test station continues to be the only multi-breed testing facility in Canada that performs this high level of genetic evaluation of bulls. The amount of information collected and analysis provided by using the GrowSafe System is second-to-none in the country. As you are aware, the last number of years have been challenging and we have made changes to the program and some fees. At a recent Board Meeting, we adopted a number of policies to ensure that the Test Station has sufficient operating cash to carry-out the test procedures. (read more)

PROTEST PLANNED FOR PROPOSED MOOSE HUNT IN C.B. HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Source: The Chronicle Herald
A local hunting guide is planning a protest against a proposed Mi’kmaq moose hunt that is set to go next month inside Cape Breton Highlands National Park. According to Mi’kmaq and park officials, a hyper-abundance of moose in the park is threatening forest regeneration and several endangered species of birds and animals that rely on boreal forest for habitat. But Dennis Day, a moose hunting guide who lives in Cape North next to the park, said the hunt should be cancelled because heavy snow last winter took a toll on the moose population. (read more)

MEAT INDUSTRY BRACES FOR WHO CANCER RISK VERDICT
Source: The Globe and Mail
As international health experts prepare to publish a report on potential cancer risks linked to red and processed meat, industry groups are bracing for a damaging blow to consumer confidence. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) gathered health experts in France this month to discuss available research on such meat, with a view to classifying them on its scale of cancer risks. The conclusions will be published on Monday (today, Oct 26). (read more)

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDES UPDATE ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP
Source: Gov’t of NL
As part of Budget 2015, the Provincial Government announced a new community sustainability partnership. Significant progress has been made on several key initiatives including the advisory committee to explore regional governance, water and wastewater operators, Crown lands reserves, and consultations regarding the blending of business and realty taxes. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

TIPS FOR PASTURE IMPROVEMENT
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/48783/tips-for-pasture-improvement/

ARE YOU WORMING YOUR HORSE CORRECTLY? 29 PERCENT OF OWNERS ARE NOT http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/horse-owners-not-worming-correctly-514759

DATA INTEGRATION COULD CHANGE THE WAY YOU FARM
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/fcc/agKnowledge/publications/agrisuccess/pdfs/agrisuccess-sep-oct-2015.pdf

FIVE MINUTES WITH DR. MICHAEL APLEY: WILL USING ANTIBIOTICS IN ANIMAL AGRICULTURE KILL YOU?
http://www.porknetwork.com/community/five-minutes/five-minutes-dr-michael-apley-will-using-antibiotics-animal-agriculture-kill

Sept 23, 2015

TRACTOR SAFETY COURSE . . . CANADA’S MARKETS REOPEN TO EU BEEF, 19 YEARS AFTER BSE CLOSURE . . . VEGETABLES TAKE ON OFFICE DOUGHNUTS WHEN FARMS CONNECT WITH WORKERS . . . SUPPLY MANAGEMENT AND THE POOR . . . LIBERAL GOV’T LIKELY TO BRING FEW AG CHANGES . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

TRACTOR SAFETY COURSE
Source: Dal Faculty of Ag
This course is open to young tractor operators who hold a NS Class 8 License, and current operators with a NS Class License who are looking for a safety refresher. Register no later than November 1.The course is scheduled for Nov 21 and 22 at the Dalhousie Agricultural Campus, Bible Hill, N.S. (read more)

CANADA’S MARKETS REOPEN TO EU BEEF, 19 YEARS AFTER BSE CLOSURE
Source: The Beef Site
The Canadian market has been closed to any EU beef, including deboned beef, since 1996. The move gives access to 19 member states that had access to Canadian markets before the BSE ban. The European Commission said this is an important recognition that member states have equivalent animal health standards, adding: “This is an important development and will further improve the trade relations with Canada on Sanitary and Phytosanitary issues.” (read more)

VEGETABLES TAKE ON OFFICE DOUGHNUTS WHEN FARMS CONNECT WITH WORKERS
Source: NPR
Employers have long known that one way to employees’ hearts is through their stomachs. But these days employers are plying employees not just with doughnuts, but with fresh vegetables, too – an effort to make sure those hearts are healthy. Tech companies are hiring professional chefs to prepare healthful lunches and snacks. And in Texas, a program called Farm To Work is making it easy and affordable for employees to pick up baskets of local produce at the office. It’s a new twist on community supported agriculture; call it workplace supported agriculture. (read more)

SUPPLY MANAGEMENT AND THE POOR
Source: Ontario Farmer
Supply management works like a regressive tax on the poor, according to a study by two agricultural economists at the University of Manitoba. A regressive tax is one that costs both rich and poor the same amount of money; a progressive tax charges the richer people more than poorer people. (read more)

LIBERAL GOV’T LIKELY TO BRING FEW AG CHANGES
Source: The Western Producer
As the Liberal government under the guidance of Justin Trudeau prepares to take control in Ottawa, stakeholders in Canadian agriculture were left wondering what the power transfer will mean for the industry. Keystone Agricultural Producers president Dan Mazier said the Liberals have reached out to build relationships with producer organizations over the past few years and he doesn’t foresee a difficult change with the power transfer. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

EL NIÑO HITS BLUEBERRIES HARDEST IN ARGENTINA
http://www.freshplaza.com/article/147903/El-Ni%C3%B1o-hits-blueberries-hardest-in-Argentina

SALTCAPES HARVEST GREETS THE HOLIDAYS EXPO
http://nssheep.ca/2015/10/15/979/

CASA WELCOMES NEW CHAIR AND TWO NEW MEMBERS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
http://casa-acsa.ca/node/5424

AUTUMN LONG TERM EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT EVENTING PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
https://nbea.ca/Home/Autumn-LTED-Program

October 22, 2015

RFP TO PROVIDE FARMER RECORD-KEEPING/PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS TRAINING . . . DWARF CITRUS TREE BUSINESS GROWING IN PICTOU COUNTY . . . NEW LABELS PROMOTE LOCAL WOOD PRODUCTS . . . COMMITTEE PROVIDING ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT . . . CONSUMERS WANT SUSTAINABLE BEEF, BUT DEFINING THAT MAY BE MURKY . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

RFP TO PROVIDE FARMER RECORD-KEEPING/PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS TRAINING
Source: PEI COPC
The PEI COPC is currently seeking Requests for Proposals to provide farmer training on: Small farm recordkeeping, data management, and profitability analysis. Among one group of PEI COPC members, namely market gardeners and new small farm entrants, there is felt to be insufficient capacity for accurate financial record keeping and profitability analysis. This is not uncommon amongst new entrants in highly diversified agriculture. (read more)

DWARF CITRUS TREE BUSINESS GROWING IN PICTOU COUNTY
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Nothing unusual about a farm with a sign at the end of the lane advertising asparagus, or raspberrie, or even, here at the edge of Pictou County, oatcakes. But the biggest image on the Carlson Family Farm sign is of a lemon tree. Anita Carlson started selling three kinds of citrus trees in August, at the Tatamagouche market and the historic Halifax market, for people to keep outside in the summer and inside in the winter. (read more)

NEW LABELS PROMOTE LOCAL WOOD PRODUCTS
Source: Farm Focus
Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre, Mary Lake Home Hardware, Select Nova Scotia, and Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) recently teamed up to label various local products. Customers at Mary Lake Home Hardware in Caledonia and Annapolis Home Hardware Building Centre can now easily spot a variety of Nova Scotian forest products. Picnic tables, lumber, roof trusses, wood pellets, sawdust, fiber fuel, and firewood are a few examples of local products that are now being labeled with special signs. (read more)

COMMITTEE PROVIDING ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT  
Source:  N.S. Dept of Fisheries and Aquaculture
A recently formed committee of community, First Nations, industry, and municipal government representatives is providing advice on regulating aquaculture in Nova Scotia.  The 13-member advisory committee met with Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell three times this summer to offer feedback on regulating aquaculture development in Nova Scotia.  (read more)

CONSUMERS WANT SUSTAINABLE BEEF, BUT DEFINING THAT MAY BE MURKY
Source: AGCanada.com
McDonald’s plans on using sustainable beef by 2016, and intends on sourcing at least part of it from Canadian producers. The fast food giant’s latest step toward sustainability is to define what exactly that means. Defining sustainability is important, according to a beef brand officer, because in some cases it’s something consumers want – in increasing amounts – though they don’t necessarily know what it is. Beef consumers are moving away from traditional definitions when it comes to defining quality, industry experts say. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

REMEMBERING RICHARD “DICK” LEHNERT 1942-2015
http://www.goodfruit.com/remembering-richard-dick-lehnert-1942-2015/

NEW MARITIME OFF-GRID MAGAZINE LAUNCHED
http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/living/2015/10/12/new-maritime-off-grid-magazine-launched.html

PESTICIDE REPORT: CALIFORNIA FRUITS, VEGETABLES SAFE TO EAT
http://westernfarmpress.com/vegetables/pesticide-report-california-fruits-vegetables-safe-eat

NATIONAL BIOENERGY DAY CELEBRATED IN U.S., CANADA
http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/12498/national-bioenergy-day-celebrated-in-u-s-canada

Sept 21, 2015

HOW WILL THE LIBERAL WIN AFFECT AGRICULTURE POLICY? . . . PREMIER WELCOMES SHELL TO NOVA SCOTIA’S OFFSHORE . . . DALE DEWAR FIRST P.E.I. WOMAN TO JOIN ELITE IN AG HALL OF FAME . . . HIGHER BEEF PRICES EXTEND CME LIVE CATTLE FUTURES ADVANCES . . . REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER CARD . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HOW WILL THE LIBERAL WIN AFFECT AGRICULTURE POLICY?
Source: iPolitics
The Liberals have won a majority government, defeating the decade-old Harper government. The night was not without its upsets and surprises – including several of note for Canadian agriculture. (read more)

PREMIER WELCOMES SHELL TO NOVA SCOTIA’S OFFSHORE
Source: N.S. Dept of Energy
Premier Stephen McNeil welcomed the arrival of Shell Canada’s offshore drilling vessel Stena IceMAX to Nova Scotia’s waters today, Oct. 20.The vessel, owned by Stena Drilling of Aberdeen, Scotland, arrived in the Shelburne Basin about 250 kilometers off southwestern Nova Scotia to begin Shell Canada’s $1 billion exploration program. The company submitted a successful bid for the area in 2012.  (read more)

DALE DEWAR FIRST P.E.I. WOMAN TO JOIN ELITE IN AG HALL OF FAME
Source: The Eastern Graphic
Back in the 1950s and ‘60s when Dale Dewar was showing her calf on 4-H achievement days little did she know it would be the beginning of a long and notable career in the agriculture industry on P.E.I. that would lead to another historical achievement. On Thursday, October 15, the former Deputy Minister of Agriculture will become the first Prince Edward Island woman inducted into the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame. (read more)

HIGHER BEEF PRICES EXTEND CME LIVE CATTLE FUTURES ADVANCES
Source: The Western Producer
Chicago Mercantile Exchange live cattle futures landed in positive territory for a third day in a row on Tuesday, driven by upward-trending wholesale beef values that may bode well for cash prices later this week, traders said. Packers are expected pay more for market-ready, or cash, cattle than last week following futures’ three-day rally and improved beef sales outlook. Last week, cash cattle fetched $134 to $137 per cwt. (read more)

REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER CARD
Source: Agricultural Alliance of NB
We would like to remind you that it is time to renew your RPAP card this November to continue receiving membership benefits and we encourage you to select the Alliance as your preferred general farming organization. Do not forget your RPAP/Farmer Purchaser’ Permit expires on October 31.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

THE SCOOP ON POOP – WHY MANURE MATTERS
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/48759/the-scoop-on-poop-why-manure-matters/

FARMING CAREERS PLACED ON ENDANGERED LIST
http://www.thebullvine.com/news/farming-careers-placed-on-endangered-list/

CHEMICALS IN SUNSCREEN ARE HARMING CORAL REEFS, SAYS NEW STUDY
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/10/20/450276158/chemicals-in-sunscreen-are-harming-coral-reefs-says-new-study

HIGH-STARCH DIETS’ EFFECTS ON STRESS RESPONSE IN HORSES
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36571/high-starch-diets-effects-on-stress-response-in-horses

October 20, 2015

WOODLOT MENTORSHIP FIELD DAY . . . PESTICIDES BLAMED FOR BEEHIVE DEATHS . . . A WALK IN THE WOODS – IT’S OPEN FOREST DAY IN HRM . . . IDENTIFYING PRE-CLINICAL MAP INFECTED CATTLE . . . INTEREST BUILDS IN GIVING FARMERS CREDIT FOR GROWING GREEN . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

WOODLOT MENTORSHIP FIELD DAY
Source: FNSWO
Join us on a walk through history, visit an Acadian Holy Well, and experience eight generations worth of family forestry management on the Bremnar family farm and 1,500 acres of woodland bordering the beautiful Avon River. Castle Frederick Farms, Falmouth, Hants Co., N.S., November 7, 10 am – 2:30 pm. (read more)

PESTICIDES BLAMED FOR BEEHIVE DEATHS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
As bee colonies die off across the Northern Hemisphere, scientists are scrambling to understand why. A new study co-authored by an Acadia University professor and a Dalhousie University graduate has shed some light on the problem. The research explored, for the first time, how queen bee health is affected by a class of pesticides called neonicotinoids. (read more)

A WALK IN THE WOODS – IT’S OPEN FOREST DAY IN HRM
Source: AtlanticForestry.com
You are invited to come to the woods Oct. 24 for scenic trails, information, and enjoyment. October is a beautiful time of year to go hiking in the woods. If the weather is cooperating, it is a bug free, comfortable time to enjoy the fall colors and all that Mother Nature has to offer. It is well documented that a significant portion of modern society does not get outside enough to enjoy and appreciate what is wild around us in the outdoors. In fact, “Nature Deficit Disorder” has been termed to describe a common phenomenon that reflects the many negative impacts of children not spending enough time outside in natural settings (without their electronic devices). (read more)

IDENTIFYING PRE-CLINICAL MAP INFECTED CATTLE
Source: Alberta Agriculture and Forestry
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne’s disease, a chronic infectious disease of ruminants. Infection normally occurs in the neonatal period when calves ingest an infectious dose of MAP. The clinical, irreversible, and ultimately fatal disease does not occur until years later. In the meantime, animals with preclinical Johne’s disease may look healthy while still shedding MAP in their feces, transmitting the disease to new animals. (read more)

INTEREST BUILDS IN GIVING FARMERS CREDIT FOR GROWING GREEN
Source: NPR
Like all business owners, farmers want to get paid for their work. Sometimes, that work creates problems for the environment, so regulators are advancing the idea of creating environmental markets to allow farmers to make money off of their conservation practices.
Under plans in development, farmers could generate environmental credits by farming in ways that store carbon, filter out water pollution, or preserve wildlife habitat. Those credits could be bought, sold, and traded by companies that need to balance out their own emissions or pollution. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ORGANIC TRANSITION: A BUSINESS PLANNER FOR FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FOOD ENTREPRENEURS
http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Books/Organic-Transition

COW-CALF PRODUCERS ON THE MOVE LIKE NEVER BEFORE
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/publications/fcc-express/fcc-express-archives/20151016.html?anchor=story2&utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=84310b26b7-FCC_Express_October_16_2015_EN_10_16_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-84310b26b7-18202745

CAN FAT HELP HORSES GAIN WEIGHT IN WINTER? 
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36587/can-fat-help-horses-gain-weight-in-winter

SUITS STACK UP OVER ALLEGED ROUNDUP CANCER LINK
http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/daily/suits-stack-up-over-alleged-roundup-cancer-link?module=the-latest&pgtype=homepage?module=the-latest&pgtype=homepage

October 19, 2015

WILD BLUEBERRIES: MORE THAN TASTE . . . ACORN: GROW A FARMER CANOLA IN THE MARITIMES . . . MORE WOMEN RESEARCHERS NEEDED “TO DELIVER FOOD SECURITY” . . . OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE SALMONELLA OUTBREAK . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

WILD BLUEBERRIES: MORE THAN TASTE
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Drinking wild blueberry juice could significantly improve cognitive ability in children, a new study suggests. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Reading in England, examined 21 children between the ages of seven and 10. They were given either a large dose of wild blueberry juice, a small dose, or a placebo. Claire Williams, a professor with the university’s psychology department, organized the study. “Wild blueberries are rich in flavonoids – compounds found naturally in foods such as fruits and their juices, vegetables and tea. They have been associated with a range of health benefits, including antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects,” Williams said in a news release. (read more)

ACORN: GROW A FARMER
Source: ACORN
Almost one week away! Calling all farmer innovators, web-developers, engineers, and those interested in contributing the future sustainability and resilience of local food systems! Register Now! ACORN: Grow A Farmer presents:  October 26 – FARMHACK: Tools and Innovations for the Small-Scale Farm, Truro, N.S.
www.growafarmer.ca

CANOLA IN THE MARITIMES
Source: FCC
Canola acreage has shrunk in the Maritime provinces in recent years, but research projects on every aspect of crop production aims to change that. In Nova Scotia, there has been no canola grown commercially for several seasons. In Prince Edward Island, acreage has dropped from 1,106 in 2013 to less than 700 in 2015. In New Brunswick there were 10,000 acres of canola fields in 2011. This year, it’s about 2,000. (read more)

MORE WOMEN RESEARCHERS NEEDED “TO DELIVER FOOD SECURITY”
Source: BBC
Policy and business leaders have used a major food conference to highlight the need for more women in the global agriculture sector. One of the speakers, Chelsea Clinton, told delegates that women were a “crucial, vital, and necessary” part of delivering global food security. Data shows that progress has been made in recent years, but there is still a long way to go to close the gender gap. The call for equality was made at the 2015 Borlaug Dialogue in the U.S. (read more)

OFFICIALS INVESTIGATE SALMONELLA OUTBREAK
Source: The Western Producer
While the risk to Canadians is low, the Public Health Agency of Canada is searching for the source of a salmonella outbreak. The federal agency said there are 34 cases of salmonella illness in eight provinces. The individuals became sick between June 12 and Sept. 20. Eight people have been hospitalized and all are recovering or recovered. No one has died. The source of infection has not been identified, but officials are still investigating. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

AGRICULTURE MUST BE INCLUDED IN GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE DEBATE
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/48739/agriculture-must-be-included-in-global-climate-change-debate/

FIVE WEANING RESOURCES FOR COW-CALF PRODUCERS
http://beefmagazine.com/blog/5-weaning-resources-cow-calf-producers

CALIFORNIA PASSES THE COUNTRY’S STRONGEST REGULATIONS FOR ANTIBIOTIC USE IN LIVESTOCK
http://modernfarmer.com/2015/10/california-antibiotic-livestock-regulations/

EQUINE HEART MURMURS: CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT OR JUST NOISE?
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/36573/equine-heart-murmurs-clinically-significant-or-just-noise