ALARMS RAISED ABOUT LYME DISEASE IN N.S . . .TELECOM COMPANY TO RUN TRIAL OF WHEAT STRAW PAPER . . .KINGS COUNTY FARMS HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY . . .4-H YOUTH PROGRAM REBRANDS AND HEADS INTO NEXT CENTURY . . .OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ALARMS RAISED ABOUT LYME DISEASE IN N.S.
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Certain species of ticks found in Nova Scotia are primary carriers of borrelia, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Veterinarians across the province are dealing with unusually high numbers of tick bites and Lyme cases this spring. “We are seeing quite a few bites and new cases of Lyme," said Dr. Dana Power, owner of Annapolis Animal Hospital in New Minas. “We diagnosed probably six or seven cases in my practice last year. This year, we’ve got at least seven or eight new ones already." She said Nova Scotia is a hot spot for ticks, especially around the South Shore. “We carry a very high population of deer ticks with the borrelia bacteria," said Power. “This is a high-risk area for Lyme disease." (read more)

TELECOM COMPANY TO RUN TRIAL OF WHEAT STRAW PAPER
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Sprint will test the use of paper made from wheat straw in a two-month pilot project, a company executive said recently during the Sustainable Brands conference. According to a report in the Guardian newspaper on June 4, explained that Sprint is seeking an alternative to wood-based paper. “Wheat straw is ready for prime time. Hopefully we will pave the way for creating national demand,” said Keanon Swan, manager of strategic partner relationships and postal alliance at Sprint, according to the Guardian story. (read more)

KINGS COUNTY FARMS HARNESSING THE POWER OF TECHNOLOGY
Source: NovaNewsNow
A software development company born out of a shared desire to strengthen regional food systems is introducing farmers to some new tools of the trade The Kings County-based company, aptly named HarvestHand New Media Communities, offers Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) producers management software that is meant to increase profitability while building valuable connections among farmers and their shareholders. HarvestHand’s software has been a game changer for Patricia Bishop, who owns and operates TapRoot Farms in Port Williams with her husband, Josh Oulton. (read more)

4-H YOUTH PROGRAM REBRANDS AND HEADS INTO NEXT CENTURY
Source: Global News
The century-old youth program “4-H” is modernizing, with leaders spending Thursday trying to push the program into the next century. The program started in 1913 in Roland, Man., with a foundation in agriculture but quickly spread across Canada as a popular youth development and leadership program. “4-H is about setting kids up to be successful in life and building confidence, responsibility, and the opportunity to contribute to their community and to caring and contributing young leaders,” said 4-H Canada’s CEO Shannon Benner. (read more)