INCOME TAX TIME ON THE FARM

Source: ThinkFarm
Tax Time on the Farm, a ThinkFarm workshop, will be held on Monday, March 24 from 6-9 pm in Berwick and on Tuesday, March 25 from 6-9 pm in Bible Hill. This workshop was designed for beginning farmers who don't work with an accountant but reports from the pilot offerings in Cape Breton are that it would be useful for farmers at any business stage, including those who work with a bookkeeper or accountant. The registration fee is $11.50 ($10+HST). (read more)

WHO SAYS FOOD PORN HAS TO BE DOMINATED BY JUNK FOOD?

Source: NPR
It’s one of our guiltiest pleasures on the Internet, and though some of us may not like to admit it, chances are, we’ve done it. Some are even addicted. That's right, we’re talking about the endless consumption and distribution of food porn. Photos of fatty foods like grease-laced bacon and glistening donuts abound to satisfy our virtual cravings, yet their healthier counterparts – fruits and veggies – just haven’t been getting as much love online. But why should the junk food guys have all the fun? (read more)

IRVING MILL TO GET UPGRADE A DAY AFTER NEW BRUNSWICK LIFTS SOFTWOOD CAP

Source: The Globe and Mail
 Irving Pulp and Paper is planning to spend about $450 million to modernize a mill in Saint John, making the announcement a day after the New Brunswick government lifted a cap on the amount of softwood it will make available to the forestry industry from Crown land. (read more)

EPA’S PROPOSED RULES ON WATER WORRY FARMERS

Source: NY Times
Water rarely flows in one of the streambeds – it really seems to be little more than a small ditch – that Dean Lemke points out to a visitor on his 800-acre farm in Dows, Iowa. “I wouldn’t even call it a stream,” he said. “There is only water flow in it when it rains.” (read more)

TALK MUST LEAD TO ACTION ON FARM SAFETY

Source: UFCW Canada
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) have set the theme as “Let’s Talk About It.” Yet, once again these two industry lobby groups have excluded from the conversation direct calls for legislative and regulatory safety provisions for the agriculture sector. It is a fatal and shameful exclusion in the face of the facts the industry and governments are well aware of. (read more)

BULLS ALL AROUND: GOOD NEWS FOR CATTLE PRODUCERS

Source: Agriculture.com
Is the cattle cycle swinging back around to the high side? Recent record-high cattle prices will likely start making that happen soon, says one longtime livestock economist. It’s been a while since cattle herd numbers have been as low as they are now; more than 60 years to be exact, according to Purdue University Extension ag economist Chris Hurt. Specific to the beef herd, it's at its smallest since 1962 and in the seventh year of the most recent downturn in numbers. (read more)

MINISTER OLIVER CALL CANADA A 21ST CENTURY ENERGY SUPERPOWER

Source: Natural Resources Canada
The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today attended the East Coast Energy Conference where he delivered a speech highlighting the Canada-U.S. energy relationship and Canada’s enormous potential as an energy superpower. During his address, Minister Oliver emphasized Canada’s interest in enhancing North American energy security, jobs, and environmental protection. (read more)

OHIO LOOKS AT WHETHER FRACKING LED TO TWO QUAKES

Source: NY Times
Ohio officials said Tuesday that an oil and gas well near the site of two small earthquakes was undergoing hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, when the quakes occurred. The State Department of Natural Resources ordered work halted at the well and six others in Poland Township, near the Pennsylvania border, on Monday after the two earthquakes earlier in the day. The quakes, of magnitude 2.6 and 3.0, caused no damage or injuries but were felt in nearby towns. (read more)

SMALL STUDY SAYS MILK NO HELP FOR LACTOSE INTOLERANCE

Source: LA Times
A pilot study failed to show something many people believe – that drinking raw milk reduces the symptoms of lactose intolerance or malabsorption. The condition is common worldwide, and can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. But the specific prevalence of lactose intolerance is not known, the researchers from Stanford University said. (read more)

FRACKING “COULD HARM WILDLIFE”

Source: BBC
Fracking has the potential to devastate wildlife habitats across the UK, says research commissioned by leading wildlife and countryside groups. The report Are We Fit to Frack? was launched by six organizations including the National Trust and the RSPB. It was reviewed by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology and is supported by a cross party group of MPs. (read more)

P.E.I. WELCOMES PROGRESS ON CANADA-SOUTH KOREA FREE TRADE

Source: P.E.I. Dept. of Innovation and Advanced Learning

 The Government of Prince Edward Island welcomes progress on free trade between Canada and South Korea, says Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach. “In recent years, Prince Edward Island has seen growth in its trade with the Korean market and this will only be helped by the recently signed trade agreement,” said Minister Roach. “During our recent trade mission to Korea, I was struck by the opportunities for Prince Edward Island to do business in their marketplace. The agreement will further open doors for businesses from every sector of our economy.” (read more)

SAFETY STARTS WITH COMMUNICATION

Source: NSFA

A new Farm Safety Nova Scotia workshop highlights the importance of communication between farmers, their families and workers. According to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, 1,975 accidental agricultural deaths were recorded in Canada from 1990 to 2008. Among those fatalities, 47 percent were farmer/owner operators and 14 percent were their children, with 104 annual average deaths on farms, or 12.9 people per 100,000 farm employees. More recent statistics are anticipated later this year.  (read more)

GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN R&D AT NORTHUMBERLAND CO-OP

Source: N.B. Dept. of Economic Development

The provincial and federal governments are helping Northumberland Co-operative Ltd. develop a value-added, milk-based drink to meet increasing demand for quality and healthy beverages. “Value-added food is an important priority growth sector in New Brunswick,” said Human Resources Minister Robert Trevors. “Our investment will assist Northumberland Co-operative Ltd. in a research and development project to potentially produce a single-serve, value-added drink in Miramichi.” (read more)

PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION OF PORK IN EU FORECAST TO RISE

Source: themeatsite.com

Following two successive years of contracted beef and pork domestic supply and demand, EU meat production and consumption is expected to recover in 2014. Increased productivity in the pig meat sector could allow production to recover, following the strong decline in the sow herd observed in 2012 and 2013 linked to the implementation of the new EU welfare rules for sows, according to the British Pig Executive (BPEX). (read more)

 

TAKING GOOD CARE OF FARM ANIMALS

 Source: LaHave Bakery

Ever wanted to learn more about raising animals? Want to know how to responsibly and ethically care for them? Taking Good Care of Farm Animals on A Hobby Farm is a lecture on natural behaviors, housing, and handling of chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and cattle. A practical presentation by Jane Morrigan, M.Sc., P.Ag. Saturday, March 22 from 2-4:30pm at the LaHave Bakery. Call 902-688-2908 to register. $10 per Adult, kids free. (Read more)

 

NEW “FARM SCHOOL” PERFECT NEXT STEP FOR ASPIRING FARMERS

Source: ACORN

The ground may still be covered in snow but gardeners and farmers are looking to their seed catalogues and dreaming of spring. This is also the time that young and aspiring growers plan the next step of their farm dream, and for many that begins with accessing the necessary training and education through on-farm experience and mentorship.ACORN has developed the Grow A Farmer Apprenticeship Program to draw on the expertise of long-established Maritime organic farmers in providing a new and multi-faceted learning opportunity for those keen to farm. (Read more)

MICHAEL SCHMIDT TAKES RAW MILK FIGHT TO ONTARIO’S TOP COURT

Source: CBC.ca

A dairy farmer determined to defend his right to provide raw milk urged Ontario’s top court Wednesday to recognize that laws around pasteurization were outdated, unjust, and infringed on basic freedoms. Michael Schmidt made his stand during a hearing before Ontario’s Court of Appeal, as supporters packed two courtrooms to witness the latest step in a long-running legal battle between the 59-year-old farmer and the government. (Read more)

BILL C-18 ­– THE AGRICULTURAL GROWTH ACT

 Source: Food Secure Canada

Bill C-18, the Agricultural Growth Act, was introduced by Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz in early December 2013. The Act proposes changes to nine pieces of federal legislation – seven under the oversight of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and two under Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. (Read more)

ALMOST 500 FOODS CONTAIN THE “YOGA MAT” MAT COMPOUND. SHOULD WE CARE?

Source: NPR

That compound found in commercially baked bread – yep, the one that’s in yoga mats, too – is in the news again. A report from the Environmental Working Group finds that the compound, azodicarbonamide, is found in close to 500 food products, from Pillsbury Dinner Rolls to Little Debbie products to Wonder Bread. (read more)

 

DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR GROW A FARMER PROGRAM

Source: ACORN

Whether you’re interested in growing organic vegetables, livestock, grain, or seeds, the Grow A Farmer Apprenticeship Program has an option for you! As more placements are confirmed for this year’s full-season program, some remaining options are available to participate, so we have extended the deadline to Friday March 28 at 5pm. (read more)