N.S. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD ANNOUNCED … SAFE CATTLE HANDLING GRANTS FOR N. S. BEEF FARMERS … CHICKEN CONFIDENTIAL: HOW THIS BIRD CAME TO RULE THE CULTURAL ROOST … SUCCESSION THROUGH AUTOMATION …OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

N.S. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD ANNOUNCED
Source: NSFA
The 6th Annual Nova Scotia Environmental Stewardship Award was awarded to Kevin Veinotte and family from Out To Pasture Farm located in West Northfield, Lunenburg County, at NSFA’s AGM banquet on November 27. “The Veinotte family are deserving winners of this award.” Says Dennis Boudreau, President of NSFA, who was on hand for the award presentation. “They are true leaders in the agriculture community and demonstrate environmental stewardship to their full potential.” (read more)

SAFE CATTLE HANDLING GRANTS FOR N. S. BEEF FARMERS
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
The equipment covered under the Safe Handling Equipment program for Nova Scotia beef producers announced Nov. 22 at Nappan includes: Neck Extending Head Gates, a pair of vertically oriented shoulder bars separated by a space wide enough to accommodate the animal's neck and narrow enough to prevent passage of the shoulders; Crowding Tub, confining areas funneling cattle into a cattle alley; and Cattle Squeeze Chute, an animal handling crate with adjustable side allowing the animal to be firmly secured. Through the program producers will tap into $89,100 in provincial and federal funding under Growing Forward 2. Successful applicants will receive up to 40 percent of the cost of equipment, “to a maximum of $1,000 per application.” The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2014. Applicants must be registered farmers grossing at least $10,000 and members in good standing with Nova Scotia Cattle Producers. Further information will be available through NSCP, at nscattle.ca, or phone 902- 893-2293.

CHICKEN CONFIDENTIAL: HOW THIS BIRD CAME TO RULE THE CULTURAL ROOST
Source: NPR If you looked at Earth from far off in the solar system, would it look like it’s run by humans – or chickens? There are about three times as many chickens as people on this planet. And while horses and dogs are often celebrated as humankind's partner in spreading civilization, a new book argues it’s really the chicken. (read more)

SUCCESSION THROUGH AUTOMATION
Source: FCC
While some dairy farmers consider the installation of a robotic milker a step toward a freer schedule, one Nova Scotia farm is also using automation as a stride toward succession. Caseydale Farms Limited in Burlington, N.S., about 60 km north of Halifax, is operated by
29-year-old Chris Casey and his father, Brian. And it’s always been a matter of when – not if – Chris would take over the farm. Chris grew up in the barn working alongside his father and grandfather, Keith. (read more)