December 8, 2014

WHY DID VITAMINS DISAPPEAR FROM NON-GMO BREAKFAST CEREAL? . . . PETITION RE CHANGES TO THE FISHERIES ACT . . . THE MACPHAIL WOODS RESTORE AN ACRE INITIATIVE . . . DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO N.B. FARMS . . . LOOKING FOR YOUR INPUT – TEMPORARY ROAD SIGNAGE SURVEY . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

WHY DID VITAMINS DISAPPEAR FROM NON-GMO BREAKFAST CEREAL?
Source: NPR
Remember when Cheerios and Grape-Nuts went GMO-free? That was about a year ago, when their corporate creators announced that these products would no longer contain ingredients made from genetically modified organisms like common types of corn, soybeans, or sugar beets. When they actually arrived on supermarket shelves, though, there was a mysterious change in their list of ingredients. Four vitamins that previously had been added to Grape-Nuts – vitamins A, D, B-12 and B-2 (also known as riboflavin) – were gone. Riboflavin vanished from Cheerios. (read more)

PETITION RE CHANGES TO THE FISHERIES ACT
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
Attached is a link (LINK TO PDF LETTER HERE) to an open letter to Prime Minister Harper asking that the Federal Cabinet not proceed with the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act which would exempt the aquaculture industry from regulations concerning the release of deleterious substances into the aquatic environment. An ad-hoc committee of concerned business leaders, fishing associations, scientists, and environmentalists is attempting to bring public attention to these changes and hopefully stop them. The intention is to gather the signatures of other prominent Canadians in their respective fields and to make the letter public in early 2015. If you are interested in adding your name to this initiative please respond by December 10.
AARresponse@gmail.com 

THE MACPHAIL WOODS RESTORE AN ACRE INITIATIVE
Source: Macphail Woods
Prince Edward Island was once home to ancient hemlock and White pine trees shading deep freshwater streams flowing to the sea. Though Black bears and lynx no longer ramble through our woodlands, there still are stunning examples of native forests in pockets across the province. Healthy Acadian forests are profoundly diverse and unique ecosystems, with tree species that can live up to 450 years. They are rich in wildlife, from Great Horned owls to Red-backed salamanders. These forests clean air and water, store carbon, provide excellent wildlife habitat, and offer a myriad of recreational opportunities.   (read more)

DISASTER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO N.B. FARMS 
Source: FCC New Brunswick farms damaged during July’s post-tropical storm Arthur are eligible to apply for assistance through a recently announced Disaster Financial Assistance Program. Paul Bradley with the province’s department of public safety says to qualify, farms must have yearly gross revenues of at least $4,800, but no more than $2 million, and employ no more than the equivalent of 20 full-time workers. It must also be an owner-operated enterprise where the individual owner-operator is acting as a day-to-day manager and owns at least 50 percent of the business. (read more)

LOOKING FOR YOUR INPUT – TEMPORARY ROAD SIGNAGE SURVEY
Source: NSFA
Farm Safety Nova Scotia submitted a resolution at the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) AGM in 2011. The resolutions requested CASA support the facilitation of a process for the development of new agricultural signage at the National level to address left-turning equipment and other traffic related safety concerns with farm equipment. This project has been undertaken by a committee of the Transportation Association of Canada.
CASA is asking for input on the proposed signage. Answers will help guide CASA in developing recommendations to improve safety on Canada’s rural roads. (read more) 

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

PULP TOWNS’ CHALLENGE: CREATING NEW INDUSTRIES FROM ASHES OF OLD 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/pulp-towns-challenge-creating-new-industries-from-ashes-of-old/article21983478/

FCC PRESENTS: A 2014 LOOK AT GLOBAL TRADE
http://www.agriwebinar.com/Preview.aspx?id=1d99c7e0-fc00-47d1-89aa-563a4661ffb5&utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=6c1a9b0bd8-A_A_Weekly_EN_December_4_201412_2_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-6c1a9b0bd8-19045821

NFU URGES WESTERN PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS TO PURCHASE CWB ASSETS
http://www.nfu.ca/story/nfu-urges-western-provincial-governments-purchase-cwb-assets

NEONICOTINOID PESTICIDE USE TO BE REDUCED BY 80 PERCENT IN ONTARIO
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/neonicotinoid-pesticide-use-to-be-reduced-by-80-in-ontario-1.2849318

December 5, 2014

TIGHT BUT FIRM FOOTING . . . CPC STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CANADA-SOUTH KOREA TRADE AGREEMENT . . . ATLANTIC BEEF PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT . . . TWO FOREST INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES AMONG CANADA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

TIGHT BUT FIRM FOOTING
Source: CFGA
In direct reference to comments made at our Annual General Meeting held in Bromont, Quebec on November 19, 2014, the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association (CFGA) is not in as grim a financial situation as suggested. “While it is true that the CFGA will be on a tight budget for this fiscal year, prudent management and a team approach over the past few years has allowed the association to build up a small reserve in addition to paying off the start up loan received from the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association,” says Doug Wray, Chair of CFGA. (read more)
 
CPC STATEMENT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CANADA-SOUTH KOREA TRADE AGREEMENT
Source: Ontario Pork
The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has been following with great interest developments in trade negotiations between Canada and South Korea and welcomes today’s news that the Canada- Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) will be implemented on January 1, 2015. “The completion of the CKFTA was of critical importance for the Canadian pork sector. South Korea has long recognized the quality of our pork and we look forward to rebuilding market share lost in recent years stated CPC’s Chair Jean- Guy Vincent. “The absence of an FTA with Korea was causing substantial and growing prejudice to the Canadian pork industry due to tariff rate disadvantages arising from all of our key competitors – the United States, the European Union and Chile – already having FTAs with South Korea in place.” (read more)

ATLANTIC BEEF PRODUCTS ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT
Source: Farm Focus
Atlantic Beef Products Inc. has appointed a new president, effective immediately (Dec. 3).
Russ Mallard served on the board of the Albany, Prince Edward Island, based beef plant for approximately three years, ending in 2012. “We continue to grow our production of fresh beef products and have achieved significant advances over the last couple of years, nearly doubling production and expanding in to ground meat operations,” states a news release from ABP board chairman Jim Casey. “With Russ Mallard’s industry experience, leadership, creative and adaptive sales approach, we know he will be a dynamic addition to head ABP and to grow our business.” (read more)

TWO FOREST INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES AMONG CANADA’S MOST POWERFUL WOMEN
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
On the list of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 for 2014 determined by Women’s Executive Network are Anne Giardini, president of Weyerhaeuser Co. and Nancy Marcus corporate vice-president, consumer marketing with Kruger Products. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

$9.7 MILLION IN GRANTS PLEDGED TO EXPAND DIVERSITY IN AGRICULTURE
http://farmfutures.com/story-97-million-grants-pledged-expand-diversity-agriculture-17-121103

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND CANADIAN GREENHOUSE, NURSERY AND FLORICULTURE SECTORS PARTNER TO PROTECT CANADA’S PLANT RESOURCES
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/biosecurity/notice-to-industry-2014-11-26/eng/1416942278467/1416942280858

BALAJI WAFERS TO START PRODUCTION OF FRENCH FRIES AND FROZEN SPECIALTIES
http://www.potatopro.com/news/2014/balaji-wafers-start-production-french-fries-and-frozen-specialties

MCKIBBEN RE-TOOLS ROLE IN CLIMATE ACTIVISM
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/life/green-mountain/2014/12/03/bill-mckibben-honored-redefines-role-org/19839881/

December 4, 2014

N.B. FRACKING BAN IN FAST LANE . . . STRIKE CLOSES TEMBEC’S TEMISCAMING MILLS . . . CAPE BRETON WORKPLACE SKILLS ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM . . . LEARNING ABOUT OLDER HORSES AT AAEP . . . PERMACULTURE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

N.B. FRACKING BAN IN FAST LANE
Source: The Chronicle Herald
The premier of New Brunswick says his government will introduce legislation for a moratorium on fracking for shale gas during the fall legislative session that begins Wednesday and he wants it passed by Christmas.The Liberals, who won a majority government in the September election, campaigned on a promise to bring in a moratorium, saying more information is needed before allowing shale gas fracking to continue. Premier Brian Gallant said his government will refuse to approve permits for hydraulic fracturing if the legislation is not passed by the end of the year. (read more)

STRIKE CLOSES TEMBEC’S TEMISCAMING MILLS
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
In response to Unifor Local 233’s decision to go on strike effective Nov. 26, Tembec has ceased operations at its Temiscaming, Quebec industrial complex, which comprises four main facilities manufacturing specialty pulp, high-yield pulp, multi-ply coated bleached board and powder and liquid phenolic resins. In addition to the production interruption, the strike will delay the commissioning activities now taking place on the high-pressure boiler and turbine. (read more)

CAPE BRETON WORKPLACE SKILLS ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM
Source: ThinkFarm
The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture in partnership with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture is pleased to offer a customized 40 hour training program free of charge to NSFA members, family members, or employees. Begins January 2015! (read more)

LEARNING ABOUT OLDER HORSES AT AAEP
Source: The Horse
The Horse team will travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the 2014 American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Convention. An annual pilgrimage to a new destination each year, the AAEP convention is a great place to catch up with our sources from around the country, make new connections for the future, and visit with friends and colleagues over some delicious local cuisine.  (read more)

PERMACULTURE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY 
Source: ACORN
2015 Permaculture Design Course at Motheroak Permaculture in Hants County, Nova Scotia. This will be offered as an eight-week work/trade internship program (no fees/no stipend), integrating Pc studies and design projects with our farm and intensive organic market garden work. Learn by doing. Max five people so apply early. Firm commitments only please. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WHEAT PEOPLE VS RICE PEOPLE
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/04/opinion/why-are-some-cultures-more-individualistic-than-others.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=c-column-top-span-region&region=c-column-top-span-region&WT.nav=c-column-top-span-region&_r=0

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

CLIMATE CHANGE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT TOOL
http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/climate_change/vultool.html

U.S. LIVESTOCK: SOFT CASH PRICE OUTLOOK SINKS CME LIVE CATTLE
http://www.agcanada.com/daily/u-s-livestock-soft-cash-price-outlook-sinks-cme-live-cattle

December 3, 2014

N.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS TREE INDUSTRY . . . SECOND ANNUAL “MILK MAKER” FORAGE COMPETITION . . . ASSISI ANIMAL HEALTH IDENTIFIES THE CAUSES OF EQUINE LAMENESS . . . LANDMARK 20-YEAR STUDY FINDS PESTICIDES LINKED TO DEPRESSION IN FARMERS OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

N.S. GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS TREE INDUSTRY
Source: N.S. DNR
The government is promoting Nova Scotia Christmas trees while making the holiday greener and brighter for charities. The Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Association presented trees to Lt.-Gov. J.J. Grant, Premier Stephen McNeil, Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill, and Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell Dec. 2. At an annual ceremony outside Province House, Lt.-Gov. Grant donated his tree to Camp Hill Veterans’ Hospital. Premier McNeil donated his tree to the Home of the Guardian Angel-Chebucto Family Centre. Mr. Churchill donated his tree to Bryony House, a shelter for abused women. All are in Halifax. Mr. Colwell donated his tree to Margaret’s House, Dartmouth, which provides meals to under-privileged adults. (read more) 

SECOND ANNUAL “MILK MAKER” FORAGE COMPETITION
Source: CFGA
This is the 2nd Annual Milk Maker Forage Competition sponsored by CFGA, Canadian Dairy XPO and the Ontario Forage Council. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your high quality hay! Deadline is Dec 31. Follow the link for applications and rules. (read more)

ASSISI ANIMAL HEALTH IDENTIFIES THE CAUSES OF EQUINE LAMENESS
Source: Digital Journal
Assisi Animal Health, developers of the Assisi LoopTM, a non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive healing and pain management device for horses, dogs, and cats, offers information to pet owners about the causes of lameness in horses. Equine lameness refers to a variety of conditions that result in the inability of a horse to move normally. (read more)

LANDMARK 20-YEAR STUDY FINDS PESTICIDES LINKED TO DEPRESSION IN FARMERS
Source: Modern Farmer
Earlier this fall, researchers from the National Institute of Health finished up a landmark 20-year study. About 84,000 farmers and spouses of farmers were interviewed since the mid-1990s to investigate the connection between pesticides and depression, a connection that had been suggested through anecdotal evidence for far longer. We called up Dr. Freya Kamel, the lead researcher on the study, to find out what the team learned and what it all means. Spoiler: nothing good.0 (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

LOTS OF WAYS TO SHOP LOCALLY IN NOVA SCOTIA
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1254958-taylor-lots-of-ways-to-shop-locally-in-nova-scotia

HOW BRITISH FARMERS KEEP FREE-RANGE EGGS AT THE TOP OF THE BASKET
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/33790/how-british-farmers-keep-freerange-eggs-at-the-top-of-the-basket

P.E.I. CATTLE PRODUCER’S DISTRICT MEETINGS
http://peifa.ca/peifa-today-tuesday-december-2-2014/

OXFORD COUNTY’S BRIGHT CHEESE AND BUTTER WINS MAJOR AWARDS IN BELLEVILLE AND TORONTO 
http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2014/12/02/oxford-countys-bright-cheese-and-butter-wins-major-awards-in-belleville-and-toronto

December 2, 2014

PERMACULTURE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY . . . NORTHERN PULP’S DRAFT INDUSTRIAL APPROVAL POSTED . . . CHICKEN FARMERS REACH NEW QUOTA AGREEMENT . . . INFORMATION SESSION ON CHANGES MADE TO N.S. ENVIRONMENT’S WATERCOURSE ALTERATION PERMITTING PROCESS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

PERMACULTURE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY 
Source: ACORN
2015 Permaculture Design Course at Motheroak Permaculture in Hants County, Nova Scotia. This will be offered as an eight week work/trade internship program (no fees/no stipend), integrating Pc studies and design projects with our farm and intensive organic market garden work. Learn by doing. Max five people so apply early. Firm commitments only please.  (read more)

NORTHERN PULP’S DRAFT INDUSTRIAL APPROVAL POSTED 
Source: NS Dept of Environment
The Department of Environment has posted a draft of the industrial approval being developed for Northern Pulp. The mill’s existing approval expires on Jan. 30. The draft includes tighter limits with reductions focusing on three key areas – air emissions, water usage, and wastewater effluent. The results, once implemented by the company, would put Northern Pulp in line with other mills in North America. Written comments on the draft industrial approval will be accepted until Jan. 5. (read more) 

CHICKEN FARMERS REACH NEW QUOTA AGREEMENT  
Source: FCC
Six years of intense negotiations have ended in the signing of a new national chicken quota allocation agreement. All provinces will get a slight increase, but Alberta and Ontario may receive a bit more based on population growth. Alberta withdrew from the old agreement in protest at the start of 2014, but was the first to sign the new deal. “I think everyone was reluctant to give up anything in terms of future growth,” says Dave Janzen, chair of the Chicken Farmers of Canada. “So, we ended up being stuck in this rut where everyone was just allowed to grow on a historical basis.” (read more)

INFORMATION SESSION ON CHANGES MADE TO N.S. ENVIRONMENT’S WATERCOURSE ALTERATION PERMITTING PROCESS
Source: NSEF
Did you know there have been changes to N.S. Environment’s watercourse alterations process that could have an impact on your farm? Effective October 1, 2014, the submission requirements for some watercourse alterations changed from applications for approval to notifications. Watercourse alterations refer to activities that alter the bed or bank of a fresh water body, such as installing a crossing. Activities that do not alter the bed or bank of a watercourse will not require any submission to Nova Scotia Environment. An information session on these changes is being hosted by the NSFA on Friday December 5, 10am -12pm at 60 Research Drive, Perennia Innovation Park, Bible Hill. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

AG MARKETS DIVERGED RATHER WIDELY MONDAY
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/news/markets/ag-markets-diverged-rather-widely-monday

WHO DETERMINES THE VALUE OF CARBON CREDITS?
http://westernfarmpress.com/blog/who-determines-value-carbon-credits

THE FRENCH DELICACY MADE OF 25 LAYERS OF PIG INTESTINES
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30229697

THE STATE OF THE BIRDS 2014 REPORT
http://www.stateofthebirds.org/newsroom/2014%20SotB_FINAL.pdf

December 1, 2014

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)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

2015 EQUINE CANADA DIRECTOR ELECTION CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
http://www.equinecanada.ca

P.E.I. LAND USE POLICY SYMPOSIUM RESCHEDULED
http://www.peicanada.com/island_farmer/article_8daf4450-7663-11e4-ad3d-8b0a9a0cee9c.html

INAUGURATION OF A CCNB ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECT IN SENEGAL
http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2014.11.1346.html

GET READY TO CELEBRATE! 
http://www.slowfood.com/international/food-for-thought/focus/245900/get-ready-to-celebrate-/q=91A45E?-session=query_session:18DE9CC11d53208245lN84DFFAC5

November 28, 2014

CANADIAN GENOMICS TACKLING REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES . . . NFU APPLAUDS ONTARIO GOVERNMENT’S APPLICATION OF PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE TO NEONICOTINOID USE . . . CAN BREEDERS CURE WHAT AILS OUR BREAST-HEAVY TURKEYS? . . . SAND CASTLES: THE REAL MONEY BEING MADE ON THE FRACKING BOOM . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CANADIAN GENOMICS TACKLING REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES
Source: Newswire.com
During a keynote address at Genomics: the Power and the Promise conference, the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology) highlighted that, with sustained federal investment in genomics, Canada has built a formidable research capacity in this cutting-edge field. He noted that Canada can use genomics to improve salmon breeding in Atlantic Canada, protect Canadian forests and forestry in Western Canada, and provide new understanding and treatments for children suffering from brain cancer across Canada. (read more)

NFU APPLAUDS ONTARIO GOVERNMENT’S APPLICATION OF PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE TO NEONICOTINOID USE
Source: NFU
The National Farmers Union welcomes the Ontario government’s announcement earlier this week that it is going to take concrete actions to protect pollinators, including limiting the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments in corn and soybeans. (read more)

CAN BREEDERS CURE WHAT AILS OUR BREAST-HEAVY TURKEYS?
Source: NPR Many Americans sat down Thursday to a wonderfully meaty, broad-breasted white turkey that grew to maturity in a remarkably short period: just 136 days, on average. We have decades of intense selective breeding to thank for the dramatic evolution of the average American turkey — from a scrawny 13.2 pounds in 1929, to a robust weight of nearly 30 pounds in 2012. A lot of that weight has gone straight to the breast, the meat we adore above all else. (read more)

SAND CASTLES: THE REAL MONEY BEING MADE ON THE FRACKING BOOM
Source: pacificfreepress.com
When it takes up to four million pounds of sand to frack a single well, it’s no wonder that demand is outpacing supply and frack sand producers are becoming the biggest behind-the-scenes beneficiaries of the American oil and gas boom. Demand is exploding for “frac sand” – a durable, high-purity quartz sand used to help produce petroleum fluids and prop up man-made fractures in shale rock formations through which oil and gas flows – turning this segment into the top driver of value in the shale revolution. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADA GETS SHAKING ON COMMERCIAL SEA SALT PRODUCTION
http://thechronicleherald.ca/artslife/1253840-canada-gets-shaking-on-commercial-sea-salt-production

P.E.I CATTLE PRODUCER’S DISTRICT MEETINGS
http://peifa.ca/peifa-today-thursday-november-27-2014/

TIMBER BUILDINGS COULD RISE TO 25 METRES IN AUSTRALIA 
http://www.workingforest.com/timber-buildings-could-rise-25-metres-australia/

DEERE SEES EQUIPMENT SALES FALLING FURTHER AS FARM INCOMES DROP
http://www.agcanada.com/daily/page/2

November 27, 2014

UNION AT TEMISCAMING REJECTS TEMBEC’S FINAL OFFER . . . WHY AMERICAN HONEY IMPORTERS ARE WARY OF “TURKISH” HONEY . . . ADDING VALUE PAYS OFF FOR FARM BUSINESS . . . BEE DEATHS DOWN, SAYS HEALTH CANADA’S NEONIC REPORT . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

UNION AT TEMISCAMING REJECTS TEMBEC’S FINAL OFFER
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Members of Unifor local 233 voted Nov. 19 to reject what was termed a final offer from Tembec concerning the collective agreement for workers at the company’s Temiscaming, Que., complex. The union says this vote puts them in a position to strike, but both parties were directed to meet with Quebec’s Ministry of Labour several days later. (read more)

WHY AMERICAN HONEY IMPORTERS ARE WARY OF “TURKISH” HONEY
Source: NPR
Turkey is a land of fine honey. Bees produce more of the sweet stuff in Turkey than in any other country except China. And Turkish consumers happily eat most of it themselves. Very little Turkish honey is exported. When it is, it usually commands premium prices. (read more)

ADDING VALUE PAYS OFF FOR FARM BUSINESS
Source: Grainews
Myron and Jillian Krahn don’t have a lot of opportunity to increase the land base of their southern Manitoba farm, but they do grab every opportunity they can to add more value to farm enterprises they do have. (read more)

BEE DEATHS DOWN, SAYS HEALTH CANADA’S NEONIC REPORT
Source: The Western Producer
Amidst all the noise surrounding Ontario’s decision to reduce the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments by 80 percent, Health Canada quietly released an update on its research into neonic insecticides and bee health yesterday. (read more)

DvL Publishing has learned of the death of Robert (Bob) Hutt, New Ross, N.S. Bob was a friend of Rural Delivery, and an asset to Ross Farm who will not easily be replaced. Our condolences go out to Bob’s family. Donations in his memory can be made to the Ross Farm Building Fund.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FEDS PROPOSE SIMPLER CROP VARIETY REGISTRATION
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/

OBAMA FORGES GREEN POLICIES WITH OLD LAW
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/27/us/without-passing-a-single-law-obama-crafts-bold-enviornmental-policy.html?ref=science&_r=0

NOVA SCOTIA FRACKING REPORT AUTHOR SLAMS BAN
http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1253658-nova-scotia-fracking-report-author-slams-ban

WASTEWATER FEARS FOR URBAN FARMS 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7563295.stm

November 26, 2014

RESEARCH PROJECTS ADDRESS AG LABOUR . . . DEAR JON STEWART: PUT DOWN THE ACTIVIST KOOL-AID . . . PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY USE OF BIOMASS CARBON NEUTRAL: EPA . . . DARTMOUTH’S OATHILL LAKE REBOUNDS . . . FARMERS STILL GET FAILING GRADE ON SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

RESEARCH PROJECTS ADDRESS AG LABOUR
Source: FCC 
Farmers across Canada have the chance to have their say about farm labour issues in two research projects co-ordinated by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. “We have a lot of successes in agriculture including our productivity, production practices, technology, market access and trade agreements,” says Doug Chorney, CAHRC vice-chair, noting human resources is one of the biggest concerns for Canadian farmers. “That is why the work we are doing is important to every farmer in Canada.” (read more)

DEAR JON STEWART: PUT DOWN THE ACTIVIST KOOL-AID
Source: PorkNetwork
I understand the “Daily Show” is a satirical television program, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie threatening to veto (again) a ban on gestation crates provides excellent fodder to poke fun at the potential presidential candidate. But Mr. Stewart, you didn’t do yourself – or your audience – any favors. On Nov. 19, your five-minute segment focusing on gestation crates missed its mark and only further emphasizes the widening gap between urban consumers and pork producers. (read more)

PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY USE OF BIOMASS CARBON NEUTRAL: EPA
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Domtar Corporation announced its support of the position taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that carbon dioxide emissions from sustainably managed sources of biomass should be considered “neutral” when accounting for greenhouse gas emissions. (read more)

DARTMOUTH’S OATHILL LAKE REBOUNDS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Oathill Lake in Dartmouth is making a comeback, conservation advocates said Tuesday.
The urban water hole has rebounded nicely thanks to solar-powered technology that’s been pushing its near-eutrophic water problem out of the lake. A eutrophic lake is one that’s so rich in nutrients it has produced too much plant growth, killing animal life by depriving the body of water of oxygen. (read more)

FARMERS STILL GET FAILING GRADE ON SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION
Source: Alberta Farmer
Canadian farmers need to make safety a higher priority, says the executive director of the Canadian Agriculture Safety Association. “We need to convince farmers to embrace a safety culture that is part of their daily routine,” Marcel Hacault told the association’s recent annual meeting. On average 104 people die in accidents on Canadian farms annually, he said. Nearly half were the farmer or a family member. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ATLANTIC PROVINCES ACZISC MEETINGS
http://coinatlantic.ca/index.php/meeting-minutes-and-other-reports

HORSE DEATHS SPARK RECALL AT FLORIDA ANIMAL FEED MARKET
http://www.local10.com/news/horse-deaths-sparks-recall-at-florida-animal-feed-market/29909382

HOW ARE LIVESTOCK MARKETS FARING?
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/46989/market-analyst-how-are-livestock-markets-faring

LIVE BLOG: AGRIBITION – CANADA’S BIGGEST LIVESTOCK SHOW
http://www.producer.com/2014/11/agribition-canadas-biggest-livestock-show/

November 25, 2014

BRIGHTER ECONOMIC OUTLOOK DOESN’T SHINE EVERYWHERE THROUGHOUT THE U.S. … IGNITING GROWTH – CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES … RUSSIA TO BLOCK CANADIAN PORK OVER RACTOPAMINE … LOBSTER FISHERY RECEIVES CERTIFICATIONOTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

BRIGHTER ECONOMIC OUTLOOK DOESN’T SHINE EVERYWHERE THROUGHOUT THE U.S.
Source: FCC
In my recent presentation to a large group of food processors at Food Trends 2014 in Toronto, I emphasized the brighter economic outlook in the U.S., where GDP is projected to grow in 2015 at an annual rate of 2.9 percent. In the discussion and questions afterwards someone pointed to an interesting puzzle: If the economy in the U.S. carries such momentum, why are we seeing little pick-up in their food demand? (read more)

IGNITING GROWTH – CAPTURING OPPORTUNITIES
Source: ThinkFarm
Innovation event being offered in New Minas on Friday, December 12. This one-day “Igniting Growth – Capturing Opportunities” workshop is a launching pad for initiating significant improvements in agri-business innovation in N.S.  (read more)

RUSSIA TO BLOCK CANADIAN PORK OVER RACTOPAMINE
Source: The Pig Site
The Russian food safety and veterinary authority, Rosselkhoznador, said that over a 10 month period it has recorded an increasing number of incidents where pork from Canada had tested positive for a number of contaminants including ractopamine. Rosselkhoznador said that on each occasion it had notified the Canadian authorities of the breech of food safety regulations, but despite intense negotiations about developing measures to prevent contaminated meat coming on to the market in Russia, the Canadian meat sector and veterinary authorities had failed to meet the guaranteed performance standards and food safety requirements. (read more)

LOBSTER FISHERY RECEIVES CERTIFICATION
Source: PEIcanada.com
The Prince Edward Island lobster fishery has received eco-certification through Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). This will support new and increased access for Island lobster into key markets around the world and ensure the industry remains strong in an increasingly competitive global market. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ROBOTIC MILKING SYSTEM INTRODUCED AT NL FARM
http://www.thewesternstar.com/Video/35493/Robotic-milking-system-introduced-at-farm

SWEEPING NEW RACEHORSE DRUG RULES APPROVED IN NEW YORK
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34932/sweeping-new-racehorse-drug-rules-approved-in-new-york

FROM KALE TO PALE ALE, A LOVE OF BITTER MAY BE IN YOUR GENES
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/10/01/352771618/from-kale-to-pale-ale-a-love-of-bitter-may-be-in-your-genes

GLOBAL IMPORTANCE OF URBAN AGRICULTURE “UNDERESTIMATED”
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30182326

November 24, 2014

NSFA AGM THIS WEEK! . . . FARMERS WANT SUPPORT, RECOGNITION TO PROTECT SPECIES AT RISK . . . CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA SIGNS NEW ALLOCATION AGREEMENT . . . HARPER GOVERNMENT TRADING AWAY DEMOCRACY THROUGH CETA . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NSFA AGM THIS WEEK!
Source: NSFA Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture Annual Meeting Agenda, Glengarry Convention Centre, Truro, November 27-28. Follow the link for details. (read more)

FARMERS WANT SUPPORT, RECOGNITION TO PROTECT SPECIES AT RISK 
Source: FCC
Ontario farmers may be among the best allies for the province’s species at risk, but they say they need financial and moral support to keep it up. Results of a new survey from the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, which administers the Species At Risk Farm Incentive Program on behalf of the province, shows most of the 250 respondents think the lion’s share of environmental conservation responsibility falls on them.  And more than 90 percent think the public is unaware of how species at risk affects farmers.  (read more)

CHICKEN FARMERS OF CANADA SIGNS NEW ALLOCATION AGREEMENT
Source: Farm Focus
Chicken Farmers of Canada (CFC) signed a new allocation agreement Nov. 20 that will see 55 percent of future growth allocated based on provincial comparative advantage factors. This landmark agreement has been over six years in the making. Challenges, starts and stops, and roadblocks were ever present but, at the end of the day, have been overcome through this new agreement. Negotiations were most intense from 2012 through 2014. (read more)

HARPER GOVERNMENT TRADING AWAY DEMOCRACY THROUGH CETA
Source: NFU
The National Farmers Union (NFU) says that the investment protections and investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) mechanism in the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will impede the implementation of agricultural policy that is in the public interest. The report Trading Away Democracy: How CETA's investment protection rules threaten public good in Canada and the EU released this week by a dozen social justice and environmental groups in Canada and Europe, draws attention to the Investor State Dispute Settlements (ISDS) mechanism, which is similar to NAFTA’s Chapter 11, in the Canada-EU trade agreement. The ISDS mechanism in CETA would be used to force federal or provincial governments to financially compensate investors or corporations for profits “lost” when policy created in the public interest is deemed to reduce market opportunities for the companies involved. (read more)
 
OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

KENTUCKY REPORTS FOURTH EQUINE WNV CASE OF 2014
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/34911/kentucky-reports-fourth-equine-wnv-case-of-2014

SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY START TO WIN ON PRICE VS. CONVENTIONAL FUELS
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/business/energy-environment/solar-and-wind-energy-start-to-win-on-price-vs-conventional-fuels.html?ref=science&_r=0

POOP-POWERED BUS HITS BRITISH ROADS
http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2014/11/21/poop-powered-bus-hits-british-roads/

A BUS ISN'T THE ONLY THING THAT CAN BE POWERED BY POOP
http://www.npr.org/blogs/goatsandsoda/2014/11/23/365802136/a-bus-isnt-the-only-thing-that-can-be-powered-by-poop

November 21, 2014

SOYBEAN HARVEST AT RISK AS WET WEATHER PERSISTS . . . PARKS CANADA DELAY DISPUTED MOOSE HUNT . . . FARMWORKS INFO SESSION COMING TO TATAMAGOUCHE . . . GLOBAL WARMING MAY AFFECT PEST-PARASITE RELATIONSHIP . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SOYBEAN HARVEST AT RISK AS WET WEATHER PERSISTS
Source: PEICanada.com
Most farmers have hung up their hats for the year as this winter quickly closes in, but for soybean growers in West Prince and across the Island the year’s harvest is in jeopardy. Soybeans are a relatively new crop to P.E.I., and require dry weather in order to be harvested. But so far this fall the weather has been notoriously wet, meaning that roughly 30,000 of acres of soybeans are still to be taken in. Now with the new snowfall many farmers may not be able to harvest at all, and their crops will be lost. (read more)

PARKS CANADA DELAY DISPUTED MOOSE HUNT
Source: The Chronicle Herald
An aboriginal moose hunt set to begin next month in Cape Breton Highlands National Park has been postponed for a year. The move follows complaints by non-native hunters who felt they should have been allowed to participate in the hunt, which Parks Canada was arranging with the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources. (read more)

FARMWORKS INFO SESSION COMING TO TATAMAGOUCHE
Source: Truro Daily News
An information session on the FarmWorks Community Economic Development Investment Fund is hitting Tatamagouche this weekend. The session begins at 1 pm Nov. 23 at the Tatamagouche Centre and will touch on how the fund is supporting food producers. The fund has raised more than $720,000 and has provided capital to 30 Nova Scotian food-related businesses. On the agenda will be questions such as what FarmWorks is, as well as what a CEDIF is, what the purpose of the CEDIF is, and some of the advantages of investing locally. (read more)

GLOBAL WARMING MAY AFFECT PEST-PARASITE RELATIONSHIP 
Source: The Grower
Warming global temperatures may affect the pest-parasite relationship, limiting the benefits of parasitoid wasps that typically keep pests in check. The disruption is caused by phenological mismatch – that's when the life stages of one organism change and are out of sync with its predators or parasites. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NEW APPROACHES TO FROST CONTROL
http://www.goodfruit.com/new-approaches-to-frost-control/

THE MILK KEEPS COMING 
http://www.agweb.com/article/the-milk-keeps-coming-catherine-merlo/

PERFECT STORM FOR A PELLET AND FIREWOOD SHORTAGE
http://biomassmagazine.com/articles/11107/perfect-storm-for-a-pellet-and-firewood-shortage

CLIMATE FUND RECEIVES $9.3BN PLEDGE
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30132554

November 20, 2014

P.E.I DAIRY DAY . . . GLV SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE SALE OF PULP AND PAPER DIVISION . . . PANAMA FINES GM FISH COMPANY WITH CANADIAN OPERATION FOR VIOLATING ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS . . . UGLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE FINALLY FINDING A HOME . . . TWO NFU BOARD MEMBERS RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

P.E.I DAIRY DAY
Source: PEIFA
Current topics for today’s dairy producer. December 2, 2014, 9:30am - 3pm, Rodd’s Royalty Inn, Charlottetown. (read more)

GLV SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE SALE OF PULP AND PAPER DIVISION
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Shareholders of GLV adopted a resolution approving the sale of GLV's Pulp & Paper Division to 9027173 Canada Inc., a corporation owned by Richard Verreault, the president and chief executive officer of GLV and Laurent Verreault, the executive chairman of the board of GLV, members of the founding family of GL&V. A resolution approving the company’s name change from GLV Inc. to Ovivo Inc. was adopted as well. (read more)

PANAMA FINES GM FISH COMPANY WITH CANADIAN OPERATION FOR VIOLATING ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS
Source: EAC
The Government of Panama has fined the company AquaBounty for breaching numerous national environmental laws during its ongoing research and development of a genetically modified (GM) Atlantic salmon. The GM fish eggs were shipped from Canada, provoking fears of environmental contamination in both countries. “This is an incredibly risky technology that threatens the future of wild Atlantic salmon,” said Lucy Sharratt of the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN). “These corporate violations expose how easy it would be for containment of this GM fish to fail.” The small U.S. company AquaBounty operates a facility in Prince Edward Island, Canada, where it produces GM salmon eggs that are shipped to Panama for further research and development. At the end of last year, the Minister of the Environment approved the production of the GM fish and fish eggs in Canada, but the company also hopes to get approval soon to produce the GM fish in Panama, and to sell the fish on the market in Canada and the U.S. If approved for human consumption in Canada or the U.S., the salmon would be the first GM animal in the world to be produced for food. (read more)

UGLY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ARE FINALLY FINDING A HOME 
Source: The Globe and Mail
For years, the ugly ducklings of the harvest gathered by Alberta’s Red Hat Co-op – crooked cucumbers, scarred and mottled tomatoes, and sunburnt peppers – were shipped to the dump or sold to Hutterite colonies at cost; hundreds of pounds of perfectly tasty produce bypassing the market, all because it wasn’t pretty enough for retail shelves. (read more)

TWO NFU BOARD MEMBERS RECOGNIZED FOR LEADERSHIP
Source: NFU NB
The National Farmers Union in New Brunswick is honored to announce that two of its board members have been recognized as leaders through 21inc in 2014 – 2015. Rébeka Fraser-Chiasson and Emily Shapiro participated this month in a province wide tour with the other 19 recognized leaders from New Brunswick. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

THE LARGEST LIVING THING ON EARTH IS A HUMONGOUS FUNGUS
http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20141114-the-biggest-organism-in-the-world

WHAT MAKES A GOOD GRAZER?
http://www.thebeefsite.com/articles/4095/what-makes-a-good-grazer

NATIVE BEES TO THE RESCUE (WITH OUR HELP)
http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/Magazine/2014/Summer2014/news_in_brief.html#bees

EXXONMOBILE CANADA LTD. IS THE NEWEST MEMBER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA LNG ALLIANCE
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/business-news/exxonmobile-canada-ltd-is-the-newest-member-of-british-columbia-lng-alliance/

FOREST SERVICE OKS FRACKING IN LARGEST NATIONAL FOREST ON EAST COAST
http://www.commondreams.org/news/2014/11/18/unbelievable-terrible-forest-service-oks-fracking-largest-national-forest-east-coast

November 19, 2014

PLAN ACCORDINGLY WHEN CATTLE PRICES ARE STRONG . . . WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE KEYSTONE XL OIL PIPELINE . . . 2015 NSCP MEETING DATES . . . ALBERTA FARM RECEIVES POLLINATOR AWARD . . . PROJECT TARGETS ACIDIC WATER . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

PLAN ACCORDINGLY WHEN CATTLE PRICES ARE STRONG
Source: FCC
The bulls are in the cattle market, but farmers hoping to cash in by expanding their cow herds need to protect themselves from unforeseen risks, say market experts. After more than a decade of depressed prices, the sun is once again shining on the cattle industry. “It’s been phenomenal,” says Brian Perillat, manager and senior analyst at Canfax, a division of Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. “I don't know many people who can say they expected this strong of a market by any means.” (read more)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE KEYSTONE XL OIL PIPELINE
Source: NPR
The remaining portion of the Keystone pipeline project, if completed, will be fewer than 1,200 miles long – just a fraction of the existing 2.6 million miles of oil and gas pipelines running beneath our feet in the United States. But the pipeline, which would stretch from Alberta, Canada, to the Gulf of Mexico, is at the center of a years long, contentious debate among politicians, energy companies, and environmentalists. (read more)

2015 NSCP MEETING DATES
Source: NSCP
The NSCP would like to announce details regarding our Zone and Annual Meetings, please go to our website for further details.  There will be elections in Zones 1 and 4 as well as two Director-at-Large positions at the Annual General Meeting on February 21, 2015 at the Best Western Glengarry in Truro.  Please make an effort to attend the Zone and AGM as we will provide several updates on projects we have been working on as well as proposed amendments to the NSCP Marketing Plan. (read more)

ALBERTA FARM RECEIVES POLLINATOR AWARD
Source: CFA The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is proud to congratulate Michael, Laura, and Takota Coen of Grass Roots Family Farm for being the 2014 recipients of the Canadian Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Award. The award, which is supported by the CFA, the Pollinator Partnership and the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association, collects nominations from across Canada and is given annually to recognize the contributions Canadian farmers make towards protecting our country’s pollinators and pollinator habitats. (read more)

PROJECT TARGETS ACIDIC WATER
Source: The Chronicle Herald
The federal government has committed money for remediation work that would reduce acid levels in an important fish habitat that also feeds into the Town of Bridgewater’s water supply. South Shore-St. Margarets MP Gerald Keddy announced $15,000 in funding Tuesday for the Bluenose Coastal Action Foundation to develop a remediation plan for an inactive shale pit in the Petite Riviere watershed. The watershed is also home to the only surviving native population of the endangered Atlantic whitefish. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FARM SAFETY NOVA SCOTIA’S ANNUAL MEETING
http://www.farmsafetyns.ca/annual-general-meeting/

CFWDR: TRAIN-THE-TRAINER WORKSHOP ON SAFE FARM PRACTICES
http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1103817697589-394/Train-the-Trainer+Workshop+Schedule+-+NS.pdf

STOPPING THE NEXT AMPHIBIAN APOCALYPSE
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/15/opinion/stopping-the-next-amphibian-apocalypse.html?ref=science&_r=0

BIRD FLU CULLING TO BEGIN AT NAFFERTON FARM
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30092393

November 18, 2014

NSCP PRODUCER OF THE YEAR . . . MARITIME ANGUS ASSOCIATION AGM . . . THREE BILLION GALLONS OF FRACKING WASTEWATER PUMPED INTO CLEAN CALIFORNIA AQUIFIERS . . . SPANS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NSCP PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Source: NSCP
The Board of the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers is happy to announce that starting in 2015 we will be naming an annual “Producer of the Year” award. The objective of the award is to annually recognize a Nova Scotia beef producer or dealer for the outstanding contributions they make to the provincial cattle industry. The award recipient will be selected by a committee based on an established set of criteria. (read more)

MARITIME ANGUS ASSOCIATION AGM
Source: MAA
Just a reminder of our Annual Nova Scotia Angus Association meeting: next Sunday November 23, starting at 2 pm in the community room of the Fundy Trail Sobeys store on Robie Street, Truro, N.S. Please let Betty Lou Scott know if you are able to attend. She plans to order some “munchies” for the meeting so she needs to know how many to expect. The meeting will probably not be very long; with no junior show or major event coming up in 2015 we will have a very basic agenda. Discussion of our Angus shows and participation in them will be one topic we need input on. (read more)

THREE BILLION GALLONS OF FRACKING WASTEWATER PUMPED INTO CLEAN CALIFORNIA AQUIFIERS
Source: Zero Hedge
Dear California readers: if you drank tapwater this morning (or at any point in the past few weeks/months), you may be in luck as you no longer need to buy oil to lubricate your engine: just use your blood, and think of the cost-savings. That's the good news. (read more)

SPANS PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Source: SPANS The Board of the Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia is happy to announce that starting in 2015 we will be naming an annual “Producer of the Year” award. The objective of the award is to annually recognize a Nova Scotia sheep producer for the outstanding contributions they make to the provincial sheep industry. The award recipient will be selected by a committee based on an established set of criteria. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FOR THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY, A LONG ROAD BACK
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/18/science/monarchs-may-be-loved-to-death.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=mini-moth&region=top-stories-below&WT.nav=top-stories-below&_r=0

HOW TO MAKE A FAUX CHEDDAR IN ONE HOUR
http://www.npr.org/2014/11/13/363349698/how-to-make-a-faux-cheddar-in-one-hour 

FCC REPORT SHOWS CANADA IS WORLD’S TOP PER CAPITA AG TRADER
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/about-fcc/media-newsroom/news-releases/2014/fcc-report-shows-canada-is-worlds-top-per-capita-ag-trader.html?utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=3dff08d85f-A_A_Weekly_EN_November_13_201411_11_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-3dff08d85f-19045821

ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINT OF POULTRY MEAT AND EGGS
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/articles/3222/environmental-footprint-of-poultry-meat-and-eggs

November 17, 2014

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY MUST KICK DANGEROUS ANTIBIOTIC HABIT . . . EXPANDED SAWMILL AND NEW EQUIPMENT HELP IMPROVE COMPANY’S PRODUCTIVITY . . . WINNERS OF 2014 CANADIAN YOUNG SPEAKERS FOR AGRICULTURE COMPETITION ANNOUNCED . . . HAVE YOUR SAY! . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY MUST KICK DANGEROUS ANTIBIOTIC HABIT
Source: The Globe and Mail
As the saying goes, bad habits are incredibly hard to break. Usually an unpleasant revelation is needed to wake people up to the need for change. In health care, where antibiotics have been improperly seen as the first line of defense against infectious disease rather than the last resort, that moment came in 2011 when researchers discovered a strain of gonorrhea capable of resisting all known recommended antibiotics. Public health officials had no choice but to accept the error of their ways and change strategy. Today, in order to save antimicrobials for the future, they have been relegated to be the last resort. And now, it seems, it’s agriculture’s turn. (read more)

EXPANDED SAWMILL AND NEW EQUIPMENT HELP IMPROVE COMPANY’S PRODUCTIVITY
Source: Farm Focus
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has invested $473,300 in the project that involved a building expansion and the installation of advanced technology. On Nov. 10 Tobique-Mactaquac MP Mike Allen toured the facility on behalf of ACOA Minister Rob Moore. Company Vice-President of Operations Roland Doré pointed out that an obsolete circular saw and carriage had been replaced with a new high efficiency band saw and carriage. A new scanner technology system had also been added to improve wood usage. These upgrades will increase the profitability of the various lines of wooden dowels that are manufactured at the company’s sawmill, and help the plant remain competitive. (read more)

Noah Burnett, Junior CYSA winner

WINNERS OF 2014 CANADIAN YOUNG SPEAKERS FOR AGRICULTURE COMPETITION ANNOUNCED
Source: Real Agriculture
Saturday, November 8, the 2014 Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition crowned its winners at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto.

Noah Burnett from Cormack, Newfoundland, took first place in the Junior competition with his speech discussing why he will choose a career in agriculture.  (read more)

HAVE YOUR SAY!
Source: NSFA
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has launched a Labour Market Information (LMI) research survey to examine Canada’s agricultural workforce from every commodity and region. Producers across Canada are encouraged to participate in the survey, whether they are farming full-time or part-time, alone or with help. The Conference Board of Canada is conducting the survey on behalf of the Canadian Ag HR Council and is seeking participation from farm owner-operators, agricultural workers, and agribusiness stakeholders from November 12 through to January 22, 2015. (read more)

The staff and contributors at AtlanticFarmer.com would like to express our sympathy to Donna Langille and her family on the death of her husband Jim Fraser last week. Jim and Donna lived and worked together on their farm in Bayhead on the north shore of Nova Scotia.

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

BIG DATA COMPANIES AGREE: FARMERS SHOULD OWN THEIR INFORMATION
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/11/16/364115200/big-data-companies-agree-farmers-should-own-their-information

ENVIRONMENTALISTS SECRETLY HOPING THEY ARE WRONG
http://marketplace.troymedia.com/2014/11/14/environmentalists-secretly-hoping-they-are-wrong/

PAPERWEEK CANADA
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/events/event-details.aspx?id=53183&utm_source=PP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PP-EN11122014&e=438qvsM3oyW6x08yM2vx

FOSSIL FUEL PROMISES ARE BEING BROKEN, REPORT SAYS
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-29985382

WANT TO GROW THESE APPLES? YOU'LL HAVE TO JOIN THE CLUB
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/11/10/358530280/want-to-grow-these-apples-youll-have-to-join-the-club

November 14, 2014

SAFETY PROGRAM TARGETS YOUNG FARMERS . . . DETERMINE YOUR RISK WITH EQUINE GUELPH’S COLIC RISK RATER . . . EXPECT LOWER POWER BILLS . . . NEW MARKETS OPEN FOR CANADIAN SHEEP PRODUCTS IN MEXICO . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SAFETY PROGRAM TARGETS YOUNG FARMERS
Source: The Western Producer
A farm safety program is focusing on younger producers. Carolyn Sheridan, the clinical director of AgriSafe, told the Safety and Health in Agricultural and Rural Populations (SHARP) conference in Saskatoon Oct. 20 that the AgriSafe network’s overall goal is to support the growing network of trained health-care providers and safety workers. (read more)

DETERMINE YOUR RISK WITH EQUINE GUELPH’S COLIC RISK RATER
Source: Equine Guelph
Does your exercise program change with the onset of fall and winter? Sudden changes in diet and routine are among the top colic risk factors. As horses shift from a high moisture diet (grass) to a low moisture diet (hay), the risk of colic is increased. Don’t believe the absence of hot weather is a reason to make fewer trips to the water troughs or water buckets; horses will be seeking water to aid in the digestion of that dry hay.  (read more)

EXPECT LOWER POWER BILLS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Electricity customers overall will still see lower bills on Jan. 1 even if Nova Scotia Power’s nearly $100-million unpaid fuel bill is factored into rates starting in 2015, Energy Minister Andrew Younger says. Younger was responding Thursday to a new plan by the power company, which is proposing that its fuel costs be passed on to some customer classes starting April 1. They include the residential and general demand groups. (read more)

NEW MARKETS OPEN FOR CANADIAN SHEEP PRODUCTS IN MEXICO 
Source: Canadian Sheep Federation
The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) is pleased to announce that, thanks to the efforts of the Market Access Secretariat (MAS), Canadian sheep and goat meat, offal, and viscera from animals without any age restriction can now be shipped to Mexico. Prior to today’s announcement, there were restrictions on these products that limited Canada’s ability to export mutton to that country.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

USDA SEEKS INPUT ON NEW BEEF PROMOTION ORDER
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2014/11/0249.xml&navid=NEWS_RELEASE&navtype=RT&parentnav=LATEST_RELEASES&edeployment_action=retrievecontent

SEEKING SOLUTIONS TO ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
http://www.thedairysite.com/news/46911/eurotier-seeking-solutions-to-antibiotic-resistance

COLCHESTER 4-H CLUBS HOSTING ANNUAL FUNDRAISER ON SATURDAY
http://www.trurodaily.com/News/Local/2014-11-13/article-3939092/4-H-clubs-hosting-annual-fundraiser-on-Saturday/1

CHINA OPENS UP TO CHILEAN LIVE CATTLE AND BEEF
http://www.themeatsite.com/meatnews/26138/china-opens-up-to-chilean-live-cattle-and-beef

November 13, 2014

DAYLIGHTING SAWMILL RIVER . . . AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY MUST WORK HARD TO KEEP OLDER WORKERS SAFE . . . HOW TO INCREASE PROFITS WITHOUT INCREASING FARM SIZE . . . CONVEYOR PROJECT AND LIGNIN NET DOMTAR SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

DAYLIGHTING SAWMILL RIVER
Source: EAC
The Sawmill River in Dartmouth was buried in 1972 after hurricane Beth caused localized flooding in downtown Dartmouth. The replacement of the culvert presents a perfect opportunity to daylight parts of the river. The EAC and the Sackville Rivers Association will be presenting to the Harbour East Marine Drive Community Council on Thursday November 13 at 6 pm at the Dartmouth Sportsplex.  The public is welcome to attend this meeting.  (read more)

AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY MUST WORK HARD TO KEEP OLDER WORKERS SAFE
Source: Island Farmer
The agriculture industry must accelerate its efforts to ensure the safety of older workers, says the executive director of the PEI Federation of Agriculture. John Jamieson said the number of serious accidents involving older farm workers is on the increase.  (read more)

HOW TO INCREASE PROFITS WITHOUT INCREASING FARM SIZE
Source: FCC
Today’s moderate-sized farms can be very profitable Learn how to add profitability to your existing production base. Summerside, P.E.I, Nov 17; Centreville, N.B. Nov 18. (read more)

CONVEYOR PROJECT AND LIGNIN NET DOMTAR SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
Domtar Corporation was recognized by the American Forest & Paper Association as a leader in sustainability with two 2014 AF&PA Sustainability Awards. Domtar received the Innovation in Sustainability Award for its BioChoice™ lignin and the Leadership in Sustainability Award for Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reductions for its barge unloading and conveyor project. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADA UNDER PRESSURE AFTER U.S., CHINA AGREE TO CURB GREENHOUSE GASES
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-under-pressure-after-u-s-china-agree-to-curb-greenhouse-gases-1.2832640

USDA SEEKING FEEDBACK ON ANIMAL DISEASE REPORTING, RESPONSE
http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-news/USDA-seeking-feedback-on-animal-disease-reporting-response--280071912.html

HARPER GOVERNMENT INVESTS TO INTRODUCE NEW TENDER FRUIT AND FRESH GRAPE VARIETIES
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=902659

BVD VACCINATIONS IMPROVE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE
http://www.thebeefsite.com/articles/4090/bvd-vaccinations-improve-reproductive-performance

November 12, 2014

CHANGES TO N.S. ENVIRONMENT’S WATERCOURSE ALTERATION PERMITTING PROCESS . . . IS THAT A LARK I HEAR? A NIGHTINGALE? SURPRISE! IT'S A BAT . . . OIL AND AGRICULTURE: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION? . . . SHOULD THE FDA REGULATE THE USE OF “NATURAL” ON FOOD PRODUCTS? . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CHANGES TO N.S. ENVIRONMENT’S WATERCOURSE ALTERATION PERMITTING PROCESS  
Source: NSFA
Did you know there have been changes to N.S. Environment’s watercourse alterations process that could have an impact on your farm? Effective October 1, 2014, the submission requirements for some watercourse alterations changed from applications for approval to notifications. Watercourse alterations refer to activities that alter the bed or bank of a fresh water body, such as installing a crossing. Activities that do not alter the bed or bank of a watercourse will not require any submission to Nova Scotia Environment. The department will be hosting an information session December 5. (read more)

IS THAT A LARK I HEAR? A NIGHTINGALE? SURPRISE! IT’S A BAT
Source: NPR
Bats produce “pings” or “clicks,” right? They make these high-pitched sounds, too high for us to hear, but when their cries ricochet off distant objects, the echoes tell them there’s a house over there, a tree in front of them, a moth flying over on the left. And so they “see” by echolocation. That’s their thing. They are famously good at it. (read more)

OIL AND AGRICULTURE: WHAT’S THE CONNECTION?
Source: FCC
Weaker economic data is coming out of China, Europe, and Japan. A jittery world economy, combined with a large available supply of oil, has put pressure on oil prices. The West Texas Intermediate price benchmark has declined nearly 25 percent from a peak in June. Energy accounted for about 10 percent of Canada’s economy (as measured by gross domestic product) and nearly 20 percent of Canada’s exports in 2013. Hence lower oil receipts can definitely impact the health of the Canadian economy. But what does this mean for Canadian agriculture? (read more)

SHOULD THE FDA REGULATE THE USE OF “NATURAL” ON FOOD PRODUCTS?
Source: New York Times
Though the “organic” label has been strictly defined and regulated since 2002, the Food and Drug Administration has declined to define the frequently used term “natural.” The FDA’s nonbinding advisory opinion states that “natural” means “nothing artificial or synthetic (including colors regardless of source)” or anything in the product that “would not normally be there,” but this opinion cannot be legally enforced. (Crystal Light Natural Lemonade, for instance, has artificial color but no lemon in its ingredients.) (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADIAN WASTE TO RESOURCE CONFERENCE
http://www.canwastesectorsymposium.ca/

ATLANTIC CANADA’S SALMON FARMING INDUSTRY IS “JOB CREATION MACHINE”
http://www.intrafish.com

CARGILL TO CLOSE MAN. GRAIN ELEVATORS IN 2015
http://www.manitobacooperator.ca/2014/10/30/cargill-to-close-man-grain-elevators-in-2015/?utm_source=FBC+Publications&utm_campaign=6c269f814e-Manitoba+Co-operator+daily+enews+Oct+31,+2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2da8244677-6c269f814e-88122225&wwparam=1415375348&utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=4e47f99866-FCC_Express_Novmber_7_2014_EN_11_07_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-4e47f99866-18202745

P.E.I. NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE TRAINING SESSION
http://peifa.ca/peifa-today-monday-november-10-2014

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING IN NOVA SCOTIA
http://www.nsagrologists.ca/News-and-Events

November 10, 2014

NFU IN N.B. WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR . . . JENNIFER SYGO: SMALL FARMERS IN CANADA ARE A DYING BREED, BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR OUR FOOD SUPPLY? . . . EXPERTS WATCHING FERTILIZER MARKETS . . . STUDY FINDS NO LINK BETWEEN WIND TURBINE NOISE, PERCEIVED HEALTH EFFECTS . . . GENETICALLY MODIFIED POTATO IS APPROVED BY U.S.D.A. . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NFU IN N.B. WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Source: NFUNB
The National Farmers Union in New Brunswick is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Wildeman as Executive Director, effective October 8. Amanda grew up in Alberta and has called New Brunswick home for nearly 10 years. She graduated from St. Thomas University before getting a Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Peace. Amanda has extensive hands-on experience working for farmers in this province. She brings new energy and enthusiasm to her role as executive director of one of N.B.’s two general farm organizations. (read more) 

JENNIFER SYGO: SMALL FARMERS IN CANADA ARE A DYING BREED, BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR OUR FOOD SUPPLY?
Source: The National Post
Where have all the farmers gone? More than 80 percent of the world’s farmers farm on less than five acres of land, often for little financial benefit, yet their hard work means access to healthy food for the rest of us. Family farming is so vital to the health of our food and ecosystem that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) named 2014 the International Year of Family Farming. (read more)

EXPERTS WATCHING FERTILIZER MARKETS 
Source: FCC
Fertilizer prices so far have resisted pressure from declining commodity values, but experts say while uncertainty clouds forecasts, the outlook appears bearish. “We were thinking prices should follow corn prices, but they haven't,” says Jennifer Stoby, Alberta Agriculture’s inputs market analyst. “A lot of the fertilizer prices are staying quite stable.”
She notes world markets are demanding more fertilizer products – Brazil was a big buyer of phosphate and potash – while natural gas production in Trinidad and Tobago is lower. “And the U.S. buys a lot of nitrogen from those areas,” Stoby says. (read more)

STUDY FINDS NO LINK BETWEEN WIND TURBINE NOISE, PERCEIVED HEALTH EFFECTS 
Source: The Globe and Mail
A Health Canada study has found no evidence to support a link between exposure to wind-turbine noise and health effects reported by people living near the towering structures. The Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study, conducted over a four-month period in 2013, involved more than 1,200 residents in Southwestern Ontario and P.E.I. whose homes were located at various distances from almost 400 of the electricity-generating structures in 18 wind-turbine developments. (read more)

GENETICALLY MODIFIED POTATO IS APPROVED BY U.S.D.A.
Source: New York Times
A potato genetically engineered to eliminate a potentially harmful ingredient that emerges in the high heat required for French fries and potato chips has been approved for commercial planting, the Department of Agriculture announced Friday. The potato’s DNA has been altered so that less of a chemical called acrylamide is produced when the potato is fried. Acrylamide has been shown to cause cancer in rodents and is a suspected human carcinogen. The newly designed potato also resists bruising. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NEW COOL VICTORY AT WTO GOOD NEWS, BUT BATTLE FAR FROM OVER
http://www.producer.com/2014/10/new-cool-victory-at-wto-good-news-but-battle-far-f
rom-over/

THE BEST COVER CROP FOR FALL 
http://www.rodalenews.com/best-cover-crop-fall

2014 AG EXCELLENCE CONFERENCE, NOV. 19-21 IN WINNIPEG
http://www.fmc-gac.com/content/agricultural-excellence-conference

FARM EXPERIENCED WORKER AVAILABLE
careerac@dal.ca

FIVE UNUSUAL FARM DIVERSIFICATIONS TO INSPIRE YOU
http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/09/11/2014/147459/5-unusual-farm-diversifications-to-inspire-you.htm