NB Cattle Producers
Top forage management tips
by Allison Finnamore

Quebec-based forages and dairy production expert Robert Berthiaume participated in the New Brunswick Cattle Producers’ fall regional meetings. He says there are a few key messages producers in the region need to be mindful of with forages and grassland for livestock feeding:

1. Treat your hayfields and soil like cows. Just as a cow needs replenished reserves and adjusted nutritional needs throughout her life cycle, so too do soil and hayfields.

NS Cattle Producers
Update on conferences, sales, and shows
by Larry Weatherby
    The political landscape of the past couple of months has been a little turbulent and we have recently seen an uncharacteristic change in markets. This is something we will have to continue to monitor and deal with, as the trade policies with our neighbours to the south continue to change. 

PEI Cattle Producers
by Rinnie Bradley
    The Prince Edward Island Cattle Producers held their spring district meetings in February. These meetings provide an opportunity for producers to meet with their representatives. A review of the anticipated expectations of the new traceability regulations as well as the changes to the use of antibiotics in animal health care were some of the topics covered.

NS Cattle Producers
by Larry Weatherby
   We are now into November with the leaves full of colour and the temperatures beginning to cool off, but from the results of the first two feeder sales, it looks like calf prices are warmer than expected. This is good news as many of the prices took their traditional dip through the summer months. The past few months have been very productive for the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers as we have wrapped up some of our summer projects and have started to work on fall and winter projects as well as plan for the winter zone and annual meetings.

NS Cattle Producers
by Larry Weatherby
    As I write this, we are gearing up for quite a spring. So far we have had a decent spring and, across the province, many farmers have already got a good start on spreading manure, fixing fences, and getting ready for the planting season. The provincial election will be over by the time you read this. The election will have been key for the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers (NSCP) as the focus of our conversation with candidates was on working together to continue to improve production and marketing conditions for our farmers.

NB Cattle Producers Association
by Allison Finnamore
    The New Brunswick Cattle Producers is looking for nominations for its Beef Producer of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to NBCP members in good standing who demonstrate innovative or special farm practices, have completed an environmental farm plan, have a positive farm appearance, and are involved in promoting industry development. 

NS Cattle Producers
by Larry Weatherby
    As I am writing this we are getting very close to the end of November, and outside the window the ground still has tinges of green. But most cattle will be coming in off pasture in the next couple of weeks as the days get shorter and cooler. We have gone through three feeder sales this fall and though prices are considerably lower than this time last year, they are still stronger than previously predicted.

Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia
by Fred Hamilton
    Summer has been busy on the farm getting pastures ready and making hay. It has also been a busy time for the Sheep Producers’ Association of Nova Scotia (SPANS) – completing workshops and starting several research projects for the year ahead. First, I would like to thank everyone who attended the health workshops in June at my farm as well as the Super 8 in Windsor.

NS Cattle Producers
by Larry Weatherby
    Although the weather is starting to warm up we are starting to see cattle prices cool down.  Feeder prices are starting to settle back after climbing over the past year. We have also seen fat cattle prices drop off with futures prices almost flat for the remainder of the spring and summer.
    It has been a very busy spring for the new board of the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers.

Maritime Beef Test Station
by Kenny Thompson
    Bull sale time is quickly approaching as the snow falls here in Nappan.  Sale date is April 2 at 1pm and we are looking forward to having 50-60 top quality bulls and 30-plus high end heifer consignments. Interested producers can follow the bulls’ progress on our website, if you have any questions about the bulls or heifers please contact the station or feel free to drop in and take a look.