Sept. 12, 2014

HARBOURSIDE, NOVA SCOTIA LANDS TO OPERATE PORT MERSEY COMMERICAL PARK

Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
Harbourside Commercial Park, a provincial Crown corporation, will acquire the land and assets of ReNova, and Nova Scotia Lands will operate the Port Mersey Commercial Park, located on the former Bowater Mill site.

"This is a big step forward in a process that started back in 2012 as part of the response to the closure of the Bowater mill," said ReNova CEO Jeff Larsen. "This transaction moves us closer to being able to wind up operations at ReNova, and we expect that will happen within the next few months."

Located in Brooklyn, Queens Co., the Port Mersey park gives Nova Scotia businesses a place to create and develop new, innovative products from the province's natural resources.

Government is providing Harbourside with $3.8 million to purchase ReNova's assets, and $2 million to Nova Scotia Lands to operate the park. 

The Innovacorp Demonstration Centre is also housed in the park. The demonstration centre brings together high-potential, early-stage companies in the bioresources industry, and helps them commercialize their technologies, in particular forestry innovation, for the global marketplace.

Government is providing $624,000 to Innovacorp to operate and recruit businesses to the demonstration centre.

"There's a healthy pipeline of interest in the demonstration centre, and that's exciting for the site and industry," said Innovacorp president and CEO Stephen Duff. "Imagine what we can accomplish by bringing together the brightest minds and creating environments where new businesses can test their products before bringing them to full market scale."

Four companies have leases with the Port Mersey park, and Innovacorp has had expressions of interest from more than a dozen businesses for its demonstration centre.

Port Mersey is the newest commercial park on Nova Scotia's South Shore. It is an 88-acre facility with a 550-foot active wharf, a robust power grid and a large supply of industrial water.

Harbourside Commercial Park manages more than 300 acres of land that used to be the Sydney Steel Plant for commercial, industrial and office uses.

Sept 12, 2014

REMINDER: SAVE THE DATE FOR THE KENTVILLE RESEARCH STATION’S OPEN HOUSE! . . . ORGANIC HARVEST MEAL . . . AMERICANS CHALLENGE CANADA’S EU CHEESE TRADE DEAL . . . 4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM PLANS FARM TOUR . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

REMINDER: SAVE THE DATE FOR THE KENTVILLE RESEARCH STATION’S OPEN HOUSE!
Source: NSFA
Bring the whole family to Explore the Science of Agriculture during an Open House at the Kentville Research Centre. Come see what our scientists are working on and get a glimpse into the future of agriculture while touring our fields and labs. Saturday, September 13, 2014, 9am to 4pm.  (read more)

ORGANIC HARVEST MEAL
Source: PEI Certified Organic Producers Co-op
Who doesn’t love a good celebration, with good food, and good people? That’s why we are inviting you to join us for a celebration of organic food on P.E.I.  It will be held at the P.E.I Brewing Company on Sept 21, 2014. Chef Adam Loo from the Merchantman Pub and his colleagues from the Murphy’s Group of Restaurants will be preparing the finest organic foods that P.E.I. has to offer.  More details to be released. (read more)

AMERICANS CHALLENGE CANADA’S EU CHEESE TRADE DEAL
Source: Farm Focus
Americans are challenging Canada’s free trade agreement with the European Union because it reduces their access to the Canadian cheese market. First, they complain that Canada is reducing the quota for U.S. cheeses that can enter the country under reduced tariffs by 800 tonnes a year. That goes to Europeans. Second, they complain that the Canada-EU deal bans the use of several names for cheeses to be marketed in Canada. (read more)

4R NUTRIENT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM PLANS FARM TOUR
Source: Island Farmer
The 4R Nutrient Stewardship tour will be holding a farm tour September 18. P.E.I. was the first province to sign on to the program in 2012, which is spearheaded by the Canadian Fertilizer Institute. The Island partners include the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture, the potato board, and the Kensington North Watershed Association. The goal of the program is simple – helping to ensure producers apply fertilizer at the optimum rate. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WHITHER THE DIVERSITY OF LIFE ON EARTH? NSF, PARTNERS AWARD $23 MILLION FOR STUDIES OF PLANET’S BIODIVERSITY
http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=132506&org=NSF&from=news

CALGARY STOCKYARDS–STRATHMORE MARKET REPORT
http://www.calgarystockyards.com/?q=node/15

HEALTHIER FOODS HELPING SOBEYS BOOST BOTTOM LINE IN RECENT RESULTS
http://www.trurodaily.com/Canada---World/Business/2014-09-11/article-3866323/Healthier-foods-helping-Sobeys-boost-bottom-line-in-recent-results%3A-executive/1

U.S. LIVESTOCK: CME LIVE CATTLE SLUMP ON CASH PRICE OUTLOOK
http://www.agcanada.com/daily/u-s-livestock-cme-live-cattle-slump-on-cash-price-outlook

Sep 11, 2014

COASTAL COMMUNITIES AND THREATS FROM THE OCEAN … BUSINESS EXCELLENCE SKILLS FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS … TSILHQOT’IN LAND CLAIM DECISION COULD AFFECT FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANIES … PREMIER PROMOTES NOVA SCOTIA AS CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATOR … GREEN PARTY UNVEILS PLAN TO CREATE NEW FORESTRY ACT … OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

COASTAL COMMUNITIES AND THREATS FROM THE OCEAN
Source: The Sierra Club
Please join the SMU School of the Environment Seminar for our first seminar of the new academic year! All are welcome! “Coastal Communities and Threats from the Ocean” by Barbara Paterson. Wed. Sept. 17, 4pm in Loyola Building room 173.  (read more) 

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE SKILLS FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS
Source: ThinkFarm
Back by popular demand, FMNS will run the Business Excellence Skills for Farmers’ Market Vendors training program in many regions this fall (Mid-October to end of November):HRM (Halifax) – weekdays; Annapolis Valley (Berwick) – six full day sessions held on weekdays; South Shore (Mahone Bay); Yarmouth and area (Yarmouth); Cape Breton Island and area (Location TBD). Each training can accommodate – and will require – 12 individuals. This is without a doubt excellent training and there is nothing else like it. You will gain the skills and ideas needed to take your business to the next level – whatever you dream of that being. (read more)

TSILHQOT’IN LAND CLAIM DECISION COULD AFFECT FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANIES
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
A recent Supreme Court decision on the land claim of the Tsilhqot’in Nation changes the landscape and forest products companies may get caught up in the turmoil, warns Aboriginal legal expert James O’Reilly. (read more)

PREMIER PROMOTES NOVA SCOTIA AS CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATOR
Source: Premier’s Office N.S. 
Premier Stephen McNeil highlighted Nova Scotia’s leadership in clean energy to delegates at a new leaders’ conference of the World Economic Forum today, Sept. 10, in Tianjin, China. Nova Scotia is committed to generating 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, like tidal and wind power, by 2020. Premier Stephen McNeil highlighted Nova Scotia’s leadership in clean energy to delegates at a new leaders’ conference of the World Economic Forum today, Sept. 10, in Tianjin, China. Nova Scotia is committed to generating 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, like tidal and wind power, by 2020. (read more)

GREEN PARTY UNVEILS PLAN TO CREATE NEW FORESTRY ACT
Source: CBC.ca
The Green Party is taking a stand against the state of forestry production in New Brunswick. Leader David Coon announced Monday the party would cancel current contracts, signed by the Alward government, and create a new sustainable Forestry Act. Their aim is to give back some control to independent mills in New Brunswick. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

THIS BREEDER IS WORKING ON “ORGANIC READY” CORN THAT BLOCKS GMO CONTAMINATION 
http://civileats.com/2014/09/05/this-breeder-is-working-on-organic-ready-corn-that-blocks-gmo-contamination/#sthash.e0SK75xe.dpuf

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN FOOD SUPPLY STILL HIGH
http://westernfarmpress.com/markets/survey-consumer-confidence-food-supply-still-high

PROFIT TRACKER: FEEDING MARGINS ABOVE $220 PER HEAD
http://www.agweb.com/article/profit_tracker_feeding_margins_above_220_per_head_NAA_Greg_Henderson/

GOOD THINGS IN STORE FOR PELLETS
http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/10850/good-things-in-store-for-pellets

Sep 10, 2014

GULF OF MAINE INITIATIVE . . . WILDLIFE COMMITTEE UPDATE   . . . WILL HOG PROFITABILITY LEAD TO EXPANSION? . . . ORGANIC WEEK 2014 . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

GULF OF MAINE INITIATIVE
Source: Environment Canada
The Gulf of Maine Initiative aims to maintain a healthy ecosystem that supports long-term sustainability and economic growth. This initiative will fund projects that improve the understanding and monitoring of the ecosystem health, plus define and reduce the stressors specific to the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Funding will be made available for planning, coordinating, researching, and monitoring activities that will provide a strong science foundation and information for more strategically informed decisions and actions on habitat conservation, responsible development, and sustainable ecosystem health. 
 GMI-IGM@ec.gc.ca

WILDLIFE COMMITTEE UPDATE  
Source: NSFA
Following a recent meeting of the Agriculture Wildlife Issues Committee, and with the various reports from farmers of damage from wildlife, we hope this note offers a bit of an update and some guidance on what you can do if you are experiencing issues with nuisance wildlife. There seem to be lots of deer around the countryside as we motor through and they can be caught grazing on the crops, fields of vegetables, and jumping the trellises to the apple orchard and the stories of bear destruction and sitings are becoming way too common for farmers. (read more)

WILL HOG PROFITABILITY LEAD TO EXPANSION?
Source: FCC As of July 1, Canadian hog numbers were 1.3 percent higher than a year ago, according to Statistics Canada. Record profitability in the sector seems to have finally restored some confidence in the industry. With profits estimated to hit as much as $100 per head, the question for producers is, how long will this profitability last? To understand where we are heading, we need to realize how we got here. (read more)
 
ORGANIC WEEK 2014
Source: ACORN Many restaurants and retailers across Canada are celebrating organics with week-long events from September 20-28! With hundreds of individual events showcasing the benefits of organic agriculture and its positive impacts on the environment, there is indeed much to celebrate.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

2015 OVERALL CATTLE NUMBERS ESTIMATED TO RISE
http://www.thecattlesite.com/news/46496/2015-overall-cattle-numbers-estimated-to-rise

U.S. GETS MIDDLING MARKS ON 2014 “STATE OF BIRDS” REPORT CARD
http://www.npr.org/2014/09/09/347131720/u-s-gets-middling-marks-on-2014-state-of-birds-report-card

YOUNG CITIZEN SCIENTISTS REVEAL URBAN BEE “SURPRISE”
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29122851

CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS INDUSTRY UNDERSCORES COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENT
http://www.workingforest.com/canadian-forest-products-industry-underscores-commitment-environment/

Sep 9, 2014

ENERGY EAST PIPELINE WOULD PUT WATERWAYS AT RISK, SAYS COUNCIL OF CANADIANS . . . GOT MANURE? WHAT'S IT WORTH? . . . SUPPORT FOR POULTRY HOUSING ALTERNATIVES . . . YOUNG HORSE DIGESTIVE HEALTH . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ENERGY EAST PIPELINE WOULD PUT WATERWAYS AT RISK, SAYS COUNCIL OF CANADIANS
Source: NSFA
TransCanada's proposed 4,500-kilometer Energy East pipeline poses too much risk to waterways to be approved, the Council of Canadians says. The $12-billion pipeline would carry 1.1 million barrels of crude oil per day from terminals at Hardisty, Alta. and Moosomin, Sask. to refineries in Montreal, the Quebec City region, and Saint John, N.B. (read more)

GOT MANURE? WHAT’S IT WORTH?
Source: PorkNetwork
Got manure? Do you wish you had more manure? Do you have too much manure? Got a plan for your manure? Is spreading manure a necessary chore, or is it an opportunity to enhance your bottom line? (read more)

SUPPORT FOR POULTRY HOUSING ALTERNATIVES
Source: FCC The ongoing drive for new livestock housing approaches on Canadian poultry farms has prompted a major research gift to the University of Guelph. Last week, Burnbrae Farms announced it was giving $500,000 to the University of Guelph to establish the Burnbrae Farms Professorship in Poultry Welfare. (read more)

YOUNG HORSE DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Source: The Horse
Priming the young horse’s digestive tract for healthy growth and development takes careful planning, observation, and sometimes intervention. Owners and managers of young horses must ensure adequate colostrum intake and passive transfer of immunity at birth, reduce stress and resulting gastrointestinal (GI) illness at weaning, and meet the nutritional requirements associated with times of rapid growth along the way. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

STUDY REVEALS CALF MANAGEMENT ADDS TO PROFIT POTENTIAL
http://southwestfarmpress.com/livestock/study-reveals-calf-management-adds-profit-potential

FIVE TIPS TO JUMP-START CALF HEALTH THIS CALVING SEASON 
http://www.farms.com/news/5-tips-to-jump-start-calf-health-this-calving-season-81305.aspx

THE ONLY WAY IS UP
http://www.ttjonline.com/features/the-only-way-is-up-4345756/

A NEW CHALLENGE FOR WILDERNESS: TO INTERVENE OR NOT TO INTERVENE?
http://www.earthisland.org/journal/

Sep 8,2014

FARMERS BATTLE LATE BLIGHT . . . SAVE THE DATE FOR THE KENTVILLE RESEARCH STATION’S OPEN HOUSE! . . . ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 ACORN CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW! . . . CONCERN REMAINS DESPITE N.S.’ AWARDING OF COMMUNITY FOREST PROJECT . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

FARMERS BATTLE LATE BLIGHT
Source: FCC New Brunswick’s potato crop is developing well with minimal insect activity, according to regular crop updates released by the province’s Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. However, growers are battling late blight, which, according to Potatoes New Brunswick executive director Matt Hemphill, was first reported in Maine and has now spread to New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. “Producers have ample experience in dealing with disease and best management practices will prevail,” Hemphill says. (read more)

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE KENTVILLE RESEARCH STATION’S OPEN HOUSE!
Source: NSFA
Bring the whole family to Explore the Science of Agriculture during an Open House at the Kentville Research Centre.  Come see what our scientists are working on and get a glimpse into the future of agriculture while touring our fields and labs. Saturday, September 13, 2014, 9am to 4pm, Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre, Kentville, N.S. (read more)

ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR THE 2014 ACORN CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW!
Source: ACORN
Online registration for the 2014 ACORN Conference is now available. Register now to secure your pass for three days of over 50 workshops covering a great mix of farm topics, including farm wellness and management, rare breeds, season extension, grains, pulses and field crops, fruit and berries, and much more! Until Sunday September 28 all online registrants will receive a significant discount off their registration fee, so don't miss this great opportunity! (read more)

CONCERN REMAINS DESPITE N.S.’ AWARDING OF COMMUNITY FOREST PROJECT
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Nova Scotia’s community forest pilot project has been awarded, but some people remain concerned the province isn’t acting quickly enough to encourage sustainability. A three-year agreement for the pilot project was recently reached with the Medway Community Forest Co-operative involving 15,000 hectares. The group includes people connected to science, recreation, industry, and conservation. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

BETTER WITH BUTTER? HERE’S WHY AMERICANS ARE CONSUMING MORE. 
http://www.npr.org/sections/food/

SOWING THE SEEDS FOR AFRICA’S GREEN REVOLUTION
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29079578

BARNRAISER AIMS TO BE “KICKSTARTER” FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD
http://modernfarmer.com/2014/09/barnraiser/

WEBINAR: ALTERNATIVES TO SOYBEAN MEAL FOR DAIRY CATTLE RATIONS IN ATLANTIC CANADA
http://peifa.ca/

Sept 5, 2014

WOODLOT COMMUNITY SEEKS OPEN DIALOGUE ON FORESTRY ISSUES . . . BEEF RESEARCH COUNCIL PUTTING OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS . . . CANADA: EASTERN GROWERS PLANT NEW PEAR . . . CANADIAN VAULTERS REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN PAS-DE-DEUX . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

WOODLOT COMMUNITY SEEKS OPEN DIALOGUE ON FORESTRY ISSUES
Source: The Chronicle Herald
On Aug. 27, the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association hosted an open meeting on the current situation with the Northern Pulp mill and the future of our communities. Although it may have seemed odd to some that the NSWOOA would be the ones to call a meeting like this, our organization was clear that people’s concerns needed to be expressed and that it was time to consider an alternative future than the one we were heading towards. (read more)

BEEF RESEARCH COUNCIL PUTTING OUT THE WELCOME MAT FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS
Source: Alberta Farmer Express
Worried by the prospect of losing rising young stars, the Beef Cattle Research Council is reaching out with a mentorship program that matches scientists new to the Canadian cattle scene with industry vets. (read more)

CANADA: EASTERN GROWERS PLANT NEW PEAR
Source: Fresh Plaza
More pears are being produced on the rainy eastern side of North America, and the big reason is that growers can plant a nice Bartlett-like variety that is virtually immune to fire blight. The new production is taking place in Canada – the two provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia – where the variety Harovin Sundown is being grown by a half-dozen growers and marketed as a club variety. (read more)

CANADIAN VAULTERS REACH NEW HEIGHTS IN PAS-DE-DEUX
Source: Equine Canada
Canadian Vaulters were definite crowd pleasers during the FEI World Pas-de-Deux Championship, held during a high energy evening time slot on September 4 at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, France. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

HOW TO BE CURIOUS ABOUT THE GREEN REVOLUTION 
http://foodfirst.org/how-to-be-curious-about-the-green-revolution/

PARTS OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA HIT WITH FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON
http://globalnews.ca/news/1542251/parts-of-southern-alberta-hit-with-first-snow-of-the-season/?utm_source=Other&utm_medium=MostPopular&utm_campaign=2014

EARTH HOUR CHALLENGE NOT WORTH TIME OR MONEY: HALIFAX STAFFERS
http://thechronicleherald.ca/metro/1234086-earth-hour-challenge-not-worth-time-or-money-halifax-staffers

WHY PERDUE GOING ORGANIC COULD MEAN CLEANER WATER
http://modernfarmer.com/2014/08/purdue-goes-organic/

BLUEBERRY PRICES UP AS DOMESTIC DEALS WIND DOWN
http://www.thegrower.com/news/Blueberry-prices-up-as-domestic-deals-wind-down-273945691.html

Sep4,2014

OPPOSE DEFSEC 2014 ARMS TRADE SHOW . . . GOVERNMENT TO PROHIBIT HYDRAULIC FRACTURING . . . FULL-CIRCLE-RESPONSIBILITY . . . HONOURING OUR ROOTS SOWING OUR FUTURE . . . WILD POLLINATOR HABITAT ENHANCEMENT WORKSHOP . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

REMINDER – OPPOSE DEFSEC 2014 ARMS TRADE SHOW  
Source: noharbourforwar NO TO THE MERCHANTS OF DEATH! NO TO WAR PREPARATIONS! ALL OUT TO OPPOSE DEFSEC 2014 HALIFAX ARMS TRADE SHOW! Thursday, Sept. 4, 4pm, Cunard Centre, 961 Marginal Road - near Pier 23, behind the Westin Hotel, past the Seaport Farmers’ Market. CANADA NEEDS AN ANTI-WAR GOVERNMENT! GET CANADA OUT OF NATO! noharbourforwar@hotmail.com

GOVERNMENT TO PROHIBIT HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
Source: N.S. Dept Of Energy
Energy Minister Andrew Younger announced today, Sept. 3, the government of Nova Scotia will introduce legislation this fall to prohibit high volume hydraulic fracturing for onshore shale gas. “Nova Scotians have overwhelmingly expressed concern about allowing high volume hydraulic fracturing to be a part of onshore shale development in this province at this time,” said Mr. Younger. “Our petroleum resources belong to Nova Scotians, and we must honour the trust people have put in us to understand their concerns. We will therefore introduce legislation to prohibit using this technique to stimulate onshore shale projects.” (read more)

FULL-CIRCLE-RESPONSIBILITY
Source: Equine Guelph
In an ideal world, horse owners prefer the thought of their aged senior dying a peaceful, natural death. Unfortunately, many owners are faced with the difficult decision of having to put down their beloved equine due to humane or medical reasons. While planning ahead for the inevitable may be somewhat painful, understanding the process and knowing ahead of time who to turn to for help will make the decision easier, especially when our minds are clear and free of emotion. (read more)

HONOURING OUR ROOTS SOWING OUR FUTURE
Source: Acorn
Register now for The 2014 Acorn Conference and Trade Show! Early-Bird (ie Discounted!) registration is available until Sunday, September 28. Don’t miss this great opportunity to participate in the largest event supporting organic food and farming in all of Eastern Canada! (read more)

WILD POLLINATOR HABITAT ENHANCEMENT WORKSHOP
Source: ThinkFarm
There is still space available in the Wild Pollinator Habitat Workshop, Monday and Tuesday, September 29 and 30, 2014 in Montague P.E.I. If you are interested in learning about who the wild pollinators are, seeing firsthand the research that is happening, and gain skills for assessing your site for the wellbeing of wild bees please sign up on or before Monday September 8! The day and half is filled with great speakers, tours, and more! (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

GLOBAL WOOD PELLET DEMAND TO REACH 50 MILLION TONNES BY 2024
http://www.risiinfo.com/risi-store/do/product/detail/global-pellet-demand-outlook.html

CANADIAN SHOW JUMPING TEAM THROUGH TO TEAM FINAL AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
http://www.normandy2014.com
 
RESOLUTE PERMANENTLY CLOSES LAURENTIDE MILL IN SHAWINIGAN
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/news/resolute-permanently-closes-laurentide-mill-in-shawinigan/1003234482/438qvsM3oyW6x08yM2vx/?ref=enews_PP&utm_source=PP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PP-EN09032014

JBS TO PURSUE $1.8B FOOD UNIT IPO WITHIN WEEKS
http://www.agcanada.com/daily/jbs-to-pursue-1-8b-food-unit-ipo-within-weeks

Sep3,2014

HR COURSE OFFERED . . . N.S. COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AGM . . . CANADIAN VAULTING TEAM MAKES HISTORY . . . THE CANADIAN BEEF HERD CONTINUES TO SHRINK AS PRICES REACH RECORD LEVELS. . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HR COURSE OFFERED
Source: NSFA In our continuing effort to bring workplace education to our members, I would like to let you know of an HR Course we are sponsoring along with the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. We still have three spaces left for this course so act quickly.  (read more)

N.S. COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AGM
Source: NSCMHF
Sunday, September 21, 2014, 1 pm, Sobeys Store Community Room, Elmsdale, N.S. Take Exit 8 off Hwy 102 at Elmsdale/Lantz. Agenda: President’s & Committee Reports, Treasurer’s Report, Election of 2014-2015 Board of Directors & Executive. All Are Welcome !!! (read more)

CANADIAN VAULTING TEAM MAKES HISTORY
Source: Equine Canada
The Canadian Vaulting Team made history on September 2 at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, FRA. These Games marked the first time in history that Canadian Vaulters have had a full squad compete. (read more)

THE CANADIAN BEEF HERD CONTINUES TO SHRINK AS PRICES REACH RECORD LEVELS
Source: FCC
Statistics Canada says there are one percent fewer beef cows on farm this summer compared to a year ago. The number of beef heifers retained for breeding was down 3.5 percent. Sandy Russell, an analyst with Spring Creek Land & Cattle Consulting in Outlook, Sask., says it’s a case of demographics trumping economics. A large number of cattle producers are in their 50s or 60s. They view this as an ideal time to downsize or exit the business. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FACTORY FARMING AND SICK CHICKEN: CHEAP MEAT’S REAL PRICE
http://www.organicauthority.com/factory-farming-and-sick-chicken-cheap-meats-real-price/

WILDLIFE FALLS PREY TO OUR INSATIABLE NEED FOR NATURAL RESOURCES 
http://rabble.ca/news/2014/08/grrr-wildlife-falls-prey-to-our-insatiable-need-natural-resources

MOST CALIFORNIA PRODUCE IN 2013 HAD LITTLE, NO PESTICIDE RESIDUE 
http://www.thegrower.com/news/Most-California-produce-in-2013-had-little-or-no-pesticide-residu-273666961.html

OFFICIALS REMAIN TIGHT-LIPPED ABOUT RAW MILK LAW-BREAKER
http://www.betterfarming.com/online-news/officials-remain-tight-lipped-about-raw-milk-law-breaker-56444

Sep2, 2014

HEALTH CANADA PULLING LAST OF CITRONELLA-BASED BUG SPRAYS . . . EATING 50% LOCAL IN SEPTEMBER!. . . . JAMAICA HAS APPROVED ALL IMPORTS OF CANADIAN BEEF . . . NATIONAL FARMERS UNION IN N.B. SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED . . . NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HEALTH CANADA PULLING LAST OF CITRONELLA-BASED BUG SPRAYS
Source: CBC
Health Canada is pulling the last of citronella-based bug sprays off the shelves by the end of December because of “the absence of adequate safety data.” The essential oil has been used as an insect repellent in Canada for decades. The move has left scientists who advised Health Canada on the issue befuddled by the ban. So are many consumers who prefer natural bug sprays over ones with synthetic chemicals like DEET. (read more)

EATING 50% LOCAL IN SEPTEMBER!
Source: FANS
Last September, Alicia Lake – a local food advocate, eater and backyard gardener – founded the 50% Local September Club, inviting Cape Bretoners to join her in eating a diet of (at least) 50 percent locally grown food. More than 200 Cape Bretoners stepped up to the plate. They used Facebook as an online hub but also got together at farmers’ markets, restaurants and around the kitchen table. This September, Alicia, along with other local food advocates, is inviting all Nova Scotians to join the 50% Local Food Club to help increase support for our food producers and farmers while celebrating the wonderful food and beverages produced here. (read more)

JAMAICA HAS APPROVED ALL IMPORTS OF CANADIAN BEEF
Source: Farm Focus
Effective immediately, Canadian producers can export beef to Jamaica, with full access now restored after the closure of this market in 2003 due to BSE. Canada Beef Inc. estimates that the Jamaican market for Canadian beef is annually worth roughly $4.5 million, or 1.5 million pounds of beef. Jamaica is Canada’s second largest market for agricultural exports within the Caribbean region, only after Cuba. (read more)

NATIONAL FARMERS UNION IN N.B. SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED
Source: NFUNB
The National Farmers Union in N.B. is pleased to announce the winners of the 2014 NFU in N.B. Scholarship and David Frost Memorial Scholarships, awarded to N.B. high school graduates pursuing an education in agriculture or a related field. NFU in N.B. director and selection committee chair, Harold Culberson of Waterville, Carleton County, made the announcement at the National Farmers Union annual regional convention in Florenceville-Bristol on August 12.
nfuinnb@gmail.com  

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
Source: NSFA Farm Safety Nova Scotia will be hosting a Special Meeting of its members, registered farm members of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. The NSFA Council of Leaders meeting will recess for this meeting. Notice is hereby given that a special meeting of the Society of Farm Safety Nova Scotia will be held at the Best Western Glengarry, Truro, N.S. on September 17 at 1pm for the purpose of considering and passing amendments to the by-laws. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ALL OUT TO OPPOSE DEFSEC 2014 ARMS TRADE SHOW – SEPT 4, 4PM
noharbourforwar@hotmail.com

SEMINAR SCHEDULE FOR SECONDARY WOODWORKING SHOW ANNOUNCED
http://www.CanadaWoodworkingEast.ca

N.S. FRACKING MORATORIUM SHOULD CONTINUE
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/n-s-fracking-moratorium-should-continue-panel-recommends-1.2749380

CROP YIELDS RETURN TO NORMAL: STATSCAN
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/publications/fcc-express/fcc-express-archives/20140829.html?utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=9e4ccfd7cb-Express_August_29_2014_EN_8_29_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-9e4ccfd7cb-18200761#story

Aug 29, 2014

PANEL REPORT SAYS NO FRACKING IN NOVA SCOTIA FOR NOW . . . LAUREN BARWICK SCORES CANADA'S FIRST MEDAL AT THE 2014 GAMES . . . PROPOSED AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES REGULATIONS . . . EATING 50% LOCAL IN SEPTEMBER! . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

PANEL REPORT SAYS NO FRACKING IN NOVA SCOTIA FOR NOW
Source: Global News
An independent review panel has released a report saying hydraulic fracturing – better known as “fracking” – might be viable for Nova Scotia in the future, but for now it shouldn’t be allowed. The report, compiled by a panel led by Cape Breton University president David Wheeler, says more research needs to be conducted before it is allowed to continue. (read more)

LAUREN BARWICK SCORES CANADA’S FIRST MEDAL AT THE 2014 GAMES
Source: Equine Canada
Canada’s Lauren Barwick finished on the podium today in the bronze medal position and earned Canada’s first medal of the Games following her Individual Championship Test during the fourth day of para-dressage competition on Thursday, August 28, at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, France. (read more)

PROPOSED AQUACULTURE ACTIVITIES REGULATIONS
Source: ACZISC
The department of Fisheries and Oceans has released proposed Aquaculture Activities Regulations which aim to “resolve uncertainties in the application of various federal acts, eliminate overlap and duplication issues, and reflect the unique circumstances of aquaculture.” October 22, 2014 is the deadline for comments.   (read more)

EATING 50% LOCAL IN SEPTEMBER!
Source: FANS
Friends of Agriculture in Nova Scotia (FANS) is supporting the 50% Local Initiative. FANS would like to encourage FarmWorks directors, advisors, and shareholders to participate in the 50% Local Food Club. It’s easy to join up by registering on the 50% website and if you check on the website and/or on Facebook during September you’ll find information about producers, retailers, restaurants, recipes, and farm and food-related events. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NIGHT OF THE CEMETERY BATS 
http://www.npr.org/2014/08/28/343445602/night-of-the-cemetery-bats

IS FAST FOOD MAKING US DEPRESSED?
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140826-is-fast-food-making-us-depressed

FCC AGAIN EXTENDS LOAN PLAN FOR YOUNG FARMERS
http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/daily/fcc-again-extends-loan-plan-for-young-farmers

ON LABOR DAY, LET’S CELEBRATE FARM AND FOOD SYSTEM WORKERS
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joann-lo/on-labor-day-lets-celebra_b_5712131.html

Aug 28, 2014

GROCERY STORES OR FARMERS’ MARKETS: WHICH OFFER SAFER FOOD? . . . ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014 . . . RESOLUTE’S CALHOUN UPGRADE WILL HANDLE HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD PULP . . . NO SUCH THING AS “WASTE WOOD” . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

GROCERY STORES OR FARMERS’ MARKETS: WHICH OFFER SAFER FOOD? 
Source: The Globe & Mail
With summer in full swing, many Canadians bypass the four walls of the grocery store and head straight to the open ambience of the fresh air market. There, a plethora of locally grown produce can be found as well as a smorgasbord of select sweets, pastries, condiments, and artisan treats. Crowds congregate en masse to find the best of the best in anticipation of what can only be described as gastronomical joy. While local markets are by no means a novel concept, a resurgence has occurred of late thanks to the so-called locavore movement. (read more)

ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014
Source Equine Canada
August 28 will be the second day of the Individual Championship competition. Canada’s team members, Lauren Barwick of Langley, BC, who was third in the Grade II Team Test on August 26, will ride Equine Canada’s 13-year-old Oldenburg mare, Off to Paris. Robyn Andrews of St. Johns, NL, will ride her horse, Fancianna, a 13-year-old Friesian Andalusian cross in the Grade Ia Individual Championship test. (read more)

RESOLUTE’S CALHOUN UPGRADE WILL HANDLE HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD PULP
Source: Pulp&Paper Canada
Resolute Forest Products broke ground on a US$105-million upgrade project at its Calhoun, TN, pulp and paper mill on Aug. 19. The project includes a continuous cooking system and additional fiberline equipment from Andritz. According to Resolute, the new digester replaces eight older ones, and will help the mill produce more pulp at higher quality. The Lo-Solids digester from Andritz will be designed to switch between hardwood and softwood pulp production, producing 1,400 ADST of bleachable softwood and 1,659 ADST of bleachable hardwood pulp per day. (read more)

NO SUCH THING AS “WASTE WOOD”
Source: NSWOOA
Deadwood has long been considered as “waste wood” with no true value. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth. Deadwood is the life of a forest, and reducing levels of deadwood in forests can reduce soil nutrients, soil organic matter, forest productivity, wildlife habitat, and forest carbon storage.  (read more) 

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

DEVICE HAS HAD SUCCESS IN OUSTING GEESE
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/2014/08/27/device-has-had-success-in-ousting-geese

“TWO SIMPLE RULES” EXPLAIN SHEEPDOG BEHAVIOR
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28936251

HIGH PRICES AREN'T SCARING CONSUMERS AWAY FROM THE MEAT COUNTER
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/08/26/343403757/high-prices-arent-scaring-consumers-away-from-the-meat-counter

CAPE BRETON BIVALVE FLEXES ITS MUSSELS
http://halifaxchronicle.can.newsmemory.com/?token=ZcmDwrOQ8lsvr8aHa90NLQ%3d%3d

Aug 27, 2014

CANADIAN REINING TEAM TAKES EIGHTH AT ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014 . . . WINTER WHEAT TIPS . . . RUSSIA EYES NEW FOOD IMPORTERS TO SUSTAIN SUPPLIES . . . HONEYBEES’ GENES HIGHLY DIVERSE, NEW RESEARCH SHOWS . . . STUDY ON DARK CUTTERS AIMED AT BOOSTING THE BOTTOM LINE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CANADIAN REINING TEAM TAKES EIGHTH AT ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014
Source: Equine Canada
The Canadian Reining Team stepped up to the plate, placing eighth overall at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy, FRA after earning a combined score of 642 points in the Team competition on August 26. As a result of their fantastic runs, all four riders placed in the top 35, qualifying them for the individual consolation round on August 28. (read more)

WINTER WHEAT TIPS
Source: AARD
“Winter cereal crops, including winter wheat, fall rye, and winter triticale, are excellent for inclusion in a crop rotation,” says Mark Cutts, crop specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Stettler. “Winter wheat should be direct-seeded by early September, depending on the area of the province, and is usually harvested several weeks earlier than spring wheat the next year.”  Cutts says the general trend is, as you move from southern Alberta to northern, the seeding late becomes earlier. “For example, in Lethbridge you might be looking at a seeding date around September 10 to 20, whereas around Vermilion seeding dates will be sometime in late August to early September.” (read more)

RUSSIA EYES NEW FOOD IMPORTERS TO SUSTAIN SUPPLIES
Source: The Beef Site
The Russian ban on meat and food products is starting to bite and could have a dramatic effect on the global food market, writes Chris Harris. Already Russia seems to be turning to third countries away from those named in the ban for supplies. With the U.S., Canada, the EU, Australia, and Norway out of the picture, Russia is looking to Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, and China to supply its needs. (read more)

HONEYBEES’ GENES HIGHLY DIVERSE, NEW RESEARCH SHOWS
Source: farmprogress.com
Researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden have presented the first global analysis of genome variation in honeybees in a new study published in Nature Genetics that found a “surprisingly high” level of genetic diversity in honeybees, the Entomological Society of America reports. The genetic study indicates that the species most probably originates from Asia – not from Africa as previously thought. (read more)

STUDY ON DARK CUTTERS AIMED AT BOOSTING THE BOTTOM LINE
Source: Alberta Farm Express
In the quest for ever-improving beef quality, scientists are taking a new look at an age-old challenge: dark cutters. Those are the animals that get the B4 grade and discount, and exhibit the unsightly darker-red color and associated toughness in the meat, along with reduced shelf life. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FRENCH CHOCOLATE INDUSTRY UP IN ARMS AGAINST NEW HEALTH WARNINGS
http://bakeryandcereals.food-business-review.com/news/french-chocolate-industry-up-in-arms-against-new-health-warnings-210814-4349651

EATING INNOVATION: THE ART, CULTURE, SCIENCE, AND BUSINESS OF ENTOMPHAGY
http://rabble.ca/whatsup/eating-innovation-art-culture-science-and-business-entomphagy

CATTLE DISEASE GUIDE
http://www.thedairysite.com/diseaseinfo/

TIMBER TRADES JOURNAL ONLINE
http://www.ttjonline.com/

Aug 26, 2014

Aug 26, 2014

FARMER OF THE YEAR NAMED DURING PORT ELGIN EXHIBITION . . . NATIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP PLANNED FOR CAPITAL . . . ROTHSAY RENDERING PLANT TO DEAL WITH “EXCESSIVE ODOURS” . . . CATTLE OUTLOOK: NO SUMMER SLUMP . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ARMER OF THE YEAR NAMED DURING PORT ELGIN EXHIBITION
Source: SackvilleTribunePost.com
A local potato producer has been named Farmer of the Year during the Port Elgin Exhibition, which was held last week at the exhibition grounds in Port Elgin. Owners of Timber River Eco Farms, Pirmin Kummer, along with his wife Katrine and two of their three sons, Finnegan and Benjamin, accepted the award during the official opening of the exhibition last Thursday evening. (read more)

NATIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIP PLANNED FOR CAPITAL
Source: Island Farmer
It feels like the big show has just ended at Red Shores Charlottetown, but in less than a week, another show will take centre stage. The National Driving Championship, presented by Standardbred Canada, P.E.I. Harness Racing Industry Association, P.E.I. 2014 inc., and Red Shores, goes on August 26, with eight drivers from around Canada representing their respective regions. (read more)

ROTHSAY RENDERING PLANT TO DEAL WITH “EXCESSIVE ODORS”
Source:  Truro Daily News
Excessive odors emanating from the Rothsay rendering facility have prompted a directive from the province for submission of an action plan to deal with the issue. The directive from the Department of Environment, (DOE), issued July 15, calls for an investigation by the plant to determine “the cause of the generation of the excessive odours being produced by the facility.” (read more)

CATTLE OUTLOOK: NO SUMMER SLUMP
Source: AGWeb.com
This summer’s record cattle prices have been made possible by record consumer prices. Retail prices for choice beef were record high during July for the sixth consecutive month. The average grocery store price for a pound of choice beef in July was $5.951 (US). That was up 3.4 cents from the month before and 62 cents higher than a year ago. The average price for a pound of fresh beef, regardless of grade, was a record $5.559 during July. That was 5.1 cents higher than the previous record, which was set the month before. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CALIFORNIA QUAKE MEANS BIG DAMAGE FOR NAPA VALLEY WINERIES 
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/08/25/343110579/california-quake-means-big-damage-for-napa-valley-wineries

GREENLAND ICE LOSS DOUBLES FROM LATE 2000S
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28852980

INTERSAW/BIOMASS EXPO SEMINAR SCHEDULE
http://www.InterSawScie.ca

CULTURE, BRANDING, AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/publications/fcc-express/fcc-express-archives/20140822.html?utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=917c03c120-8_22_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-917c03c120-18200761#story6

Aug 25, 2014

APPLE INDUSTRY GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY PROGRAM . . . IMPORTANT MEETING ON FOREST INDUSTRY . . . URBAN AREAS ARE HIVES FOR WILD BEES . . . DR. OETKER BUYS MCCAIN PIZZA . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

APPLE INDUSTRY GROWTH AND EFFICIENCY PROGRAM
Source: NSFA
The Apple Industry Growth and Efficiency Program (AIGEP) is a partnership between Government of Nova Scotia and apple growers that will encourage innovation through orchard renewal. This program will help apple growers with their initial capital investment to plant their orchards with new, higher value varieties that will help the industry to innovate, grow and be more profitable.  (read more)

IMPORTANT MEETING ON FOREST INDUSTRY
Source: NSWOOA
The Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association invites you to attend a public meeting on the future of the forest and communities, 7pm to 9pm, Aug. 27, at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. (read more)

URBAN AREAS ARE HIVES FOR WILD BEES
Source: BBC
A study has found a “considerable richness” of wild bee species in most types of urban habitats. French researchers recorded almost a third of the nation’s 900 species of wild bees living in towns and cities. (read more)

DR. OETKER BUYS MCCAIN PIZZA
Source: OntarioFArmer.com
Dr. Oetker has bought the frozen pizza business from McCain Foods. No financial terms were disclosed. Dr. Oetker built a new plant in London, Ont., to serve the North American market. McCain is selling its brands, including Ellio’s in the United States, and a two-year license to use the McCain brand name in Canada. It is also getting McCain production facilities at Grand Falls, New Brunswick. McCain said pizza represents a small portion of its North American business and the move will allow it to focus on other areas. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADIAN OLYMPIAN BELINDA TRUSSELL CHOSEN AS CET FLAG BEARER FOR OPENING CEREMONIES AT ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES 2014
http://www.normandy2014.com

NEW SEEDER ATTRACTS ATTENTION WITH INNOVATION
http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/publications/fcc-express/fcc-express-archives/20140822.html?utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=917c03c120-8_22_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-917c03c120-18200761#story2

RALPH LOGLISCI TELLS THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE FDA’S SYMBOLIC STEPS TO LIMIT LIVESTOCK ANTIBIOTICS
http://politicsoftheplate.com/

RESEARCHER WITH INTEREST IN FEED VALUE OF WOODY PLANTS IS ASI SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
http://www.sheepusa.org/NewsMedia_SheepIndustryNews_PastIssues_2014_August2014_ResearcherWithInterestInFeedValueOfWoodyPlantsIsAsiScholarshipWinner

Aug 22, 2014

ON FARM COMPOSTING RESCHEDULED . . . TURBINE TURNING AGAIN AT HISTORIC MILL . . . COMPANY PLANS PELLET PLANT FOR MIRAMICHI . . . CAN QUINOA TAKE ROOT ON THE “ROOF OF THE WORLD”? . . . MICHIGAN PAPER MILL ESTABLISHES ON-SITE PCC PLANT . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ON FARM COMPOSTING RESCHEDULED
Source: NSFA The On Farm Composting Course that was previously advertised has been rescheduled for September 17 & 18, 2014. The course is being put on by Dal AC. (read more)

TURBINE TURNING AGAIN AT HISTORIC MILL
Source: The Chronicle Herald
A water-powered turbine has been fully restored to working condition just this week at one of western Nova Scotia’s few remaining riverside sawmills. The Bangor Sawmill Museum opened in 2001 when the unique but dormant water-powered turbine was repaired. But extreme flooding in 2010 damaged the turbine again. The Bangor Development Commission, a volunteer board of 12 directors, has worked for years to restore the sawmill to its former glory. (read more)

COMPANY PLANS PELLET PLANT FOR MIRAMICHI
Source: SunFM
If everything goes according to plan, a new pellet plant will be up in running in Miramichi by late 2016 or early 2017. At an announcement this week at the Rodd Miramichi River, Premier David Alward announced that the government has secured 378,000 cubic meters of wood to supply a new plant that would be built by Northern Energy Solutions. (read more)

CAN QUINOA TAKE ROOT ON THE 'ROOF OF THE WORLD?
Source: NPR 
For thousands of years, quinoa barely budged from its home in the Andes. Other crops – corn, potatoes, rice, wheat, and sorghum – traveled and colonized the world. But quinoa stayed home. All of a sudden, quinoa is a trendy, jet-setting “superfood.” And as we’ve reported, some American farmers are trying to cash in on its new-found popularity. (read more)

MICHIGAN PAPER MILL ESTABLISHES ON-SITE PCC PLANT
Source: Daily News
Omya and NewPage kicked off operations at the precipitated calcium carbonate plant located at the NewPage Escanaba, Mich., paper mill site with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 14. The Escanaba mill previously purchased PCC from another supplier. With the PCC plant on-site, the mill saves on transportation costs. The lime needed for the PCC manufacturing process is purchased from suppliers located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

VITAMIN D TIED TO ALZHEIMER’S RISK
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/08/14/vitamin-d-tied-to-alzheimers-risk/?_php=true&_type=blogs&ref=health&_r=0

CALIFORNIA DROUGHT HAS WILD SALMON COMPETING WITH ALMONDS FOR WATER
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/08/21/342167846/california-drought-has-wild-salmon-competing-with-almonds-for-water

GLOBAL WARMING SLOWDOWN “COULD LAST ANOTHER DECADE”
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28870988

CANADA’S WHEAT, CANOLA PRODUCTION DIP BELOW EXPECTATIONS 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/canadas-wheat-canola-production-dip-below-expectations/article20149557/

Aug 21, 2014

SHEEP SHEARING DEMONSTRATION, BOOK LAUNCH . . . HORSE VIRUS FOUND IN SDG . . . WHAT ARE THE DIRTY DOZEN AND THE CLEAN FIFTEEN . . . SFI TO BRING TOGETHER GLOBAL FORESTRY AND BRAND LEADERS IN MONTREAL . . . URBAN FARMS BUILD RESILIENCE WITHIN SINGAPORE'S FRAGILE FOOD SYSTEM . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SHEEP SHEARING DEMONSTRATION, BOOK LAUNCH
Source: NSFA Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell will attend a sheep shearing demonstration and participate in the launch of Explore Farming in Nova Scotia as part of the Meet Your Farmer at the Mall events on Friday, Aug. 22, at Micmac Mall.  The sheep shearing demonstration will take place at 1 pm. The book launch will take place at 1:30 pm in The Bay Courtyard.  Mr. Colwell will be joined by farmer Ruth Mathewson, Suzanne Blatt, entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Kim Stokdijk, representative of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. (read more)

HORSE VIRUS FOUND IN SDG
Source: Standard-Freeholder.com
The Eastern Ontario Health Unit has reported that a horse in the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry has tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV). The virus is normally found in wild birds, but through transmission of infected mosquitoes, the virus can spread to horses and humans. (read more)

WHAT ARE THE DIRTY DOZEN AND THE CLEAN FIFTEEN
Source: David Suzuki Foundation
The dirty dozen and the clean 15 refer respectively to the fruits and vegetables that are the most and least contaminated by pesticide use, according to the Environmental Working Group. Pesticides are toxic by design! Different pesticides have been linked to a variety of health problems, including hormone disruption, cancer and brain toxicity. But for most people, switching to organic produce is a gradual process. Because organic foods tend to be more expensive than their counterparts, making informed choices in the produce aisle helps minimize pesticide consumption while keeping the budget in check! (read more)

SFI TO BRING TOGETHER GLOBAL FORESTRY AND BRAND LEADERS IN MONTREAL
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® Inc. (SFI®) will bring together stakeholders across a broad spectrum – from landowners to brand owners – to discuss and determine actions related to forests at the SFI Annual Conference. This year’s event will be held September 16-18 in Montreal, and will address green building, advancements in forestry research, and other emerging forest issues that help shape North America’s future forests. (read more)

URBAN FARMS BUILD RESILIENCE WITHIN SINGAPORE'S FRAGILE FOOD SYSTEM
At a local FairPrice Supermarket in central Singapore, you’ll find baby carrots grown in Bakersfield, California — the same ones for sale at my local grocery store in Washington, D.C. Such well-traveled vegetables aren’t unusual in the tiny island state, which imports more than 90 percent of its food from some 35 countries. Singapore may be one of the most affluent countries in the world, but it depends heavily on others for basic foodstuffs. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ANTARCTIC HIDES EXTREME ECOSYSTEM
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-28853387

MCCAIN FOODS SELLS NORTH AMERICAN FROZEN PIZZA BUSINESS TO DR. OETKER 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/mccain-foods-sells-north-american-frozen-pizza-business-to-dr-oetker/article20132791/

EUROPEAN ETHANOL PRICES RECOVER FROM FOUR-MONTH LOW
http://www.biofuelsdigest.com/bdigest/2014/08/20/european-ethanol-prices-recover-from-four-month-low/

SUN MAY BE SETTING ON SOLAR CITY
http://halifaxchronicle.can.newsmemory.com/?token=ZcmDwrOQ8lt3MfzHVETfcg%3d%3d

Aug 20, 2014

ON FARM COMPOSTING RESCHEDULED . . .SAYUR MANIS: DELICIOUS, BUT DEADLY, GREENS FROM BORNEO . . .CANOLA GROWERS TURN TO MORE PROFITABLE HEMP . . .PELLET PLANT FEASIBILITY STUDY LAUNCHED IN THE MIRAMICHI . . .OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

ON FARM COMPOSTING RESCHEDULED Source: NSFA The On Farm Composting Course that was previously advertised has been rescheduled for September 17 and 18, 2014. http://www.nsfa-fane.ca/

SAYUR MANIS: DELICIOUS, BUT DEADLY, GREENS FROM BORNEO
Source: NPR
Sayur manis has all the traits of a “superfood.” It’s packed with protein, antioxidants, and other nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and a compound called lutein, a key pigment in human retinas. It’s easy to grow, at least in the tropics. It’s the kind of thing health-food nuts would put in smoothies. But sayur manis smoothies are a bad idea; though it can be eaten raw, doing so in even moderately large quantities has proven deadly. Sayur manis is hardly alone in this; the same chemicals with health benefits might also do damage. Despite years of research, scientists still don’t understand the toxicity mechanism. (read more)

CANOLA GROWERS TURN TO MORE PROFITABLE HEMP 
Source: The Globe & Mail
Jim Rogers admits it: He’s not sure how this experiment of his will work out. Rogers is a lifelong farmer – a wheat-and-canola kind of guy. But he is dabbling in something new. He sowed hemp in some fields this year, hoping to cash in on a growing slice of Canada’s agriculture industry. Mr. Rogers did the math before he put seeds in the ground and figures his hemp crops could be worth much more than traditional crops. At today’s strong prices, experts say farmers can earn twice as much growing hemp as they can growing canola. (read more)

PELLET PLANT FEASIBILITY STUDY LAUNCHED IN THE MIRAMICHI
Source: NBDNR
The provincial government’s forestry plan has stimulated a $400,000 private investment from Northern Energy Solutions to examine the potential of constructing a pellet plant in the Miramichi region. The company has received a letter of intent from the Department of Natural Resources stating that if the project is feasible, the company will receive 378,000 cubic meters of softwood from forestry Region 3 (Nepisiguit-Miramichi). (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WORM GRUNTING: THE AGE-OLD TRADITION OF CHARMING WORMS OUT OF THE GROUND
http://modernfarmer.com/category/plants-and-animals/

P.E.I. WELCOMES OPENING OF DEEP ROOTS DISTILLERY
http://www.gov.pe.ca/agriculture/index.php3?number=news&newsnumber=9761&dept=&lang=E

STUDY: US PEDV COULD BE LINKED WITH ANIMAL FEED
http://www.pigprogress.net/Health-Diseases/Research/2014/8/Study-US-PEDv-could-be-linked-with-animal-feed-1578336W/

CME LIVE, FEEDER CATTLE FUTURES UP FOR A THIRD STRAIGHT DAY
http://www.producer.com/daily/cme-live-feeder-cattle-futures-up-for-a-third-straight-day/

INDUSTRY CONSIDERS 2014 APPLE ESTIMATES
http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Industry-considers-2014-apple-estimates-271877721.html

Aug 19, 2014

HOW TO GET TO THE FACTS IN MIRACLE PRODUCT CLAIMS . . . DSM TO INVEST, GROW IN NOVA SCOTIA . . . GET A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WITH THIS 10-YEAR OUTLOOK . . . CAVENDISH REPEATS CALL FOR END OF MORATORIUM AFTER MCCAIN CLOSURE . . . FARM PRODUCTION EXPENSES CLIMB 8.6 PERCENT IN CALIFORNIA . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HOW TO GET TO THE FACTS IN MIRACLE PRODUCT CLAIMS
Source: AB Agriculture and Rural Development
An Alberta Agriculture specialist says that producers should be wary of unproven claims of fertilizer performance. “Even before the federal government changed the rules for registration of fertilizer products, there were plenty of fertilizer products with lofty claims of improved yield,” says Harry Brook, crop specialist, Ag-Info Centre, Stettler. “Since the regulations have changed, fertilizers merely have to be proven safe, not even effective, and there are a multitude of new fertilizer products with a wide variety of claims. How do you know which ones are true and which are not? (read more)

DSM TO INVEST, GROW IN NOVA SCOTIA
Source: Nova Scotia Business Inc
DSM Nutritional Products, part of Royal DSM NV, a global leader in developing, manufacturing, and marketing essential nutritional ingredients for health markets, announced Aug. 18 it is investing at least $30 million in new capital in its Mulgrave facility. “DSM evaluated multiple locations across the Americas for an expansion within our nutritional products division,” said Stephan Tanda, managing board member of DSM, responsible for its nutrition business group. “With NSBI’s support, along with Nova Scotia’s talented and educated workforce and leading universities in the research and development of marine sciences, Nova Scotia was the right choice for this investment.”  (read more)

GET A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WITH THIS 10-YEAR OUTLOOK
Source: FCC
Plan strategically as FCC Chief Ag Economist J.P. Gervais shares a 10-year outlook from the OECD-FAO for the world ag economy. (read more)

CAVENDISH REPEATS CALL FOR END OF MORATORIUM AFTER MCCAIN CLOSURE
Source: The Island Farmer
The biggest potato processor in the province is using the closure of its major rival as an opportunity to restate its case for an end to the 2002 moratorium on deep water wells. McCain Food announced plans to close its lone Island plant in Borden-Carleton at the end of October, leaving 121 people out of work. The company blames declining demand for French fries on the part of North American consumers, increased efficiency at its other plants through Canada and a strong Canadian dollar for the closure. (read more)

FARM PRODUCTION EXPENSES CLIMB 8.6 PERCENT IN CALIFORNIA
Source: Western Farm Press
California’s total farm production expenditures totaled $36.6 billion in 2013, up 8.6 percent from the 2012 revised estimate of $33.7 billion. At 10 percent, California had the largest percentage of the 2013 U.S. total expenditures. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FARM SAFETY NOVA SCOTIA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
http://www.farmsafetyns.ca

HUMAN COMBINE PULL FOR CFGB ON CTV NEWS
http://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=414267&fb_action_ids=10204610095321233&fb_action_types=og.recommends

GERMANY SAYS “NEIN!” TO CHLORINE CHICKENS FROM THE U.S.
http://modernfarmer.com/2014/08/chlorine-chickens/

GASPEREAU SCHOOL SAYS THANKS TO LONGSPELL FARM
http://grapevinepublishing.ca/2832/gaspereau-school-says-thanks-to-longspell-farm