April 22, 2015

WHEN DANISH COWS SEE FRESH SPRING PASTURE, THEY JUMP FOR JOY . . . OVERSIGHT OF AQUACULTURE TO BE STRONGER, MORE TRANSPARENT . . . SMURFIT-STONE MILL NEEDS TO BE TORN DOWN BATHURST TELLS OWNERS . . . HOMEGROWN SUCCESS . . . SINCLAIR WORRIED LOSS OF SUPPLY MANAGEMENT WOULD BE BAD FOR P.E.I. . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

WHEN DANISH COWS SEE FRESH SPRING PASTURE, THEY JUMP FOR JOY
Source: NPR
“They're running a little late,” chides an elderly gentleman, tapping his watch at 12:02 pm. He's come to this farm near the Danish city of Ikast, along with about 1,500 others, to celebrate what has become something of a national holiday in Denmark. It’s the Sunday in mid-April when thousands of organic dairy cows at 75 farms across the country are released into the green fields of spring. At exactly noon. Eh hem. Ah, but here they come! (read more)

OVERSIGHT OF AQUACULTURE TO BE STRONGER, MORE TRANSPARENT 
Source: Haligonia.ca
Changes to the Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act made on April 21 signal a more transparent and rigorous approach to regulating aquaculture in Nova Scotia. “Today we’re beginning the process to implement the advice we received in the recent Doelle Lahey report,” said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Keith Colwell. “We need stronger oversight and to release information more proactively, and this is the first step to make that a reality and build trust between the public, government and the industry.   (read more)

SMURFIT-STONE MILL NEEDS TO BE TORN DOWN BATHURST TELLS OWNERS 
Source: CBC.ca
Bathurst city council is demanding owners of the old Smurfit-Stone mill site, Green Investment Group, tear down the abandoned structure. City officials posted a notice at the site alerting current owners to demolish some structures, saying if they don’t, the city will. City Manager Andre Doucet says they are tired of promised new projects that never materialize. “It has to be approved by the province of New Brunswick whatever is going to happen there, plus there’s the unpaid taxes, which is a very substantial amount,” he said. The unpaid taxes are in the hands of Green Investment Group and now total almost a million dollars. GIG abandoned the site after buying it, and stripping anything of worth from it. (read more)

HOMEGROWN SUCCESS
Source: NSFA The Nova Scotia Homegrown Success Program is now open and accepting applications. The program will close April 30, with the exception of the Business Development category, which will remain open until the funds have been committed. (read more)

SINCLAIR WORRIED LOSS OF SUPPLY MANAGEMENT WOULD BE BAD FOR P.E.I.
Source: Island Farmer
Trade deals like the Comprehensive Economic Agreement with the European Union and the Trans-Pacific Partnership would erode supply management while providing few benefits to the majority of Canadians, maintains Scott Sinclair of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. The Georgetown resident was slated to be one of the keynote speakers at the recent annual meeting of District 1 Region 1 of the National Farmers Union. However, inclement weather conditions prevented him from attending and his speech was delivered by Edith Ling, the women’s district director. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

Discover how much you can save with our Instant Savings Calculator
http://www.efficiencyns.ca/instant-savings-app/?utm_source=campaigner&utm_medium=email&utm_content=tips-instant-savings-calculator-switch-apr2015&utm_campaign=re-switch-apr2015

Getting Product to Market
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/agnw23552

Organic Cows Show No More Mastitis than Conventional 
http://www.thedairysite.com/news/47815/organic-cows-show-no-more-mastitis-than-conventional/

Food Supply and Drug Resistance.mp3
http://www.aginfo.net/index.cfm/report/id/Line-on-Agriculture-30835

April 21, 2015

CFGA WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR . . . HOW NOW BROWN COW: SMALL FAMILY DAIRIES STILL EXIST . . . P.E.I. EXPORT LEADER IN ATLANTIC CANADA . . . DEADLINE FOR AGRISTABILITY APPROACHING . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

CFGA WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
The Canadian Forage & Grassland Association (CFGA) is pleased to announce Cedric MacLeod, of Fredericton, New Brunswick has been selected as their new Executive Director. “We are very excited to have Cedric coming on as our Executive Director,” says Doug Wray, CFGA Chair. “He brings a strong background in forages, and experience working in organizations to successfully advance their goals and agendas. We look forward to his leadership as we promote the forage and grassland industry and address the challenges and opportunities going forward.” (read more)
 
HOW NOW BROWN COW: SMALL FAMILY DAIRIES STILL EXIST
Source: TheBullvine.com
“Of everything I do, this is my favorite,” says Ryan Sloop as he walks down a stock lane, leading a group of Brown Swiss from his family’s dairy to one of the farm’s many grazing pastures. The herd follows behind him, eager to get to a fresh stand of grass. Zealous though they are, all of them are trained to follow Sloop’s lead. When he reached the entry to that morning’s paddock, Sloop steps aside and let the cows stream into the pasture. When they settle down to graze, Sloop appraises the action. “That’s a good sound,” he says, “Heads down – grass going in, milk coming out.” (read more)

2015 Event Prize and Sponsor Award Recipients (pdf)

P.E.I. EXPORT LEADER IN ATLANTIC CANADA
Source: Journal Pioneer
David Chaundy, senior economist for the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) said the Island’s success is because of its diversity. “Aerospace and pharmaceuticals would be the ones that would stand out,” Chaundy said. The fledgling forestry industry had little impact on P.E.I.’s export market but did in other Atlantic Provinces. “We’ve done a couple of report cards because P.E.I. didn’t get impacted by the decline in the forestry,” Chaundy said. “It’s not suffered some of the decline that some of the other provinces have and because it’s more diverse in some of the non-resourced based, it’s benefited in terms of that.” (read more)

DEADLINE FOR AGRISTABILITY APPROACHING
Source: NSFA
AgriStability is a margin-based program that allows producers to protect their farm operations against large declines in farm income. A program payment is triggered when a producer’s margin (allowable revenue less allowable expenses) in the program year drops below their average margin from previous years (historical reference margin). Existing participants should have already received their Enrolment Notice in the mail while new participants are required to contact the Program Administrator by April 30 to request to participate in the AgriStability program. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CME LIVE CATTLE FUTURES TUMBLE AGAIN AS FUNDS SELL OFF
http://www.producer.com/daily/cme-live-cattle-futures-tumble-again-as-funds-sell-off/

SINO-FOREST DEFENCE LAWYERS’ BILL A ‘STAGGERING’ $41-MILLION
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/the-law-page/sino-forest-defence-lawyers-bill-a-staggering-41-million/article24037063/

HEALTH CANADA LAUNCHES CONSULTATIONS ON GLYPHOSATES AS DEBATE CONTINUES
http://files.ctctcdn.com/0b875b89001/4a676b78-170d-489d-8b78-6d866ad007d4.pdf

INSECT PROTEIN TO HELP SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PIG SECTOR?
http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/39452/weekly-overview-insect-protein-to-help-support-sustainability-of-the-pig-sector/

April 20, 2015

FAVOURITE FARMER … LAWSUIT SEEKS FORCED PESTICIDE REVIEW … BIOENTERPRISE CORPORATION EXPANDS INTO THE MARITIMES … CFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS DISCUSSES SECTOR PRIORITIES AND UPCOMING FEDERAL ELECTION … OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

FAVOURITE FARMER
Source: NSEF
David Newcombe of Cornwallis Farm Ltd. was nominated by Brianna Graham for a Favourite Farmer Contest. More information about the nomination program can be found on the Alltech website. (read more)

LAWSUIT SEEKS FORCED PESTICIDE REVIEW
Source: Ontario Farmer
Environmental groups have revived a lawsuit against the federal government because the Health Department changed its mind about reviewing the safety of difenoconazole, usually used as a seed-treatment fungicide. The rules say Canada must undertake a review whenever a nation that’s a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) bans a pesticide. (read more)

BIOENTERPRISE CORPORATION EXPANDS INTO THE MARITIMES
Source: Bioenterprise
Bioenterprise Corporation has announced that it will be opening its newest office in Charlottetown, P.E.I. Bioenterprise has established a three-year strategic partnership with the Prince Edward Island ADAPT Council for the commercialization of agricultural technologies and innovations. “We are looking forward to working with P.E.I. ADAPT. They have been at the heart of agri-innovation in the Maritimes for more than a decade,” explains Dave Smardon, President and CEO of Bioenterprise Corporation. “Their knowledge and network throughout the east coast as well as their commitment to advancing agri-businesses is invaluable to Bioenterprise and our new office in the Maritimes,” he says. (read more)

CFA BOARD OF DIRECTORS DISCUSSES SECTOR PRIORITIES AND UPCOMING FEDERAL ELECTION
Source: CFA The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) Board of Directors met in Ottawa April 7-9 to discuss policy priorities for the agricultural sector, including priorities farmers across Canada would like to see on party platforms in the upcoming federal election. “The CFA brings together farmers in every province and various commodities across Canada. Although the Canadian agriculture sector is diverse, priorities to sustain and strengthen Canadian farms were clear and unanimous throughout last week's discussions,” said CFA President Ron Bonnett. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

HALIFAX SEAPORT MARKET DIVERSITY QUESTIONED AFTER ETHNIC VENDORS MOVED UPSTAIRS
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1281262-halifax-seaport-market-diversity-questioned-after-ethnic-vendors-moved-upstairs

RESEARCHERS DEVELOP ARTIFICIAL EQUINE SKIN
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35660/researchers-develop-artificial-equine-skin

CANADA CONNECTION? MORE THAN TOURISM FOR SOUTH JERSEY
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/canada-connection-more-than-tourism-for-south-jersey/article_f569f73d-3c19-5904-bfe6-bd51a8281bc0.html

LAST MINUTE ELECTRONIC CHECKLIST
https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag-knowledge/technology-and-innovation/last-minute-electronic-checklist.html?utm_source=Subscribe+to+FCC+Email&utm_campaign=6098dcf553-FCC_Express_April_17_20154_17_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ecca3657d7-6098dcf553-18200761

April 17, 2015

LEND A HAND TO NATURE THIS EARTH DAY . . . CATTLE AT THE NSPE . . . NEW MAP OF CANADA SHOWS MORE ARCTIC SEA ICE . . . DAY-NEUTRAL STRAWBERRY SEASON EXTENSION USING LOW-TUNNEL ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS . . . CANADA BLOCKING POULTRY FROM MONTANA, SOUTH DAKOTA . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

LEND A HAND TO NATURE THIS EARTH DAY
Source: NCC
It’s April: a time when the sun shines a little brighter, birds chip louder, and all around there’s a good vibe emanating from nature. With Earth Day (April 22) just around the corner, there are many ways to celebrate, give back, and lend a hand to nature. Conservation organizations like the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) encourage citizens to participate at all levels on this day and beyond. Just as drops of water make a mighty ocean, each small pledge for the environment can be a contribution to improving ecological conditions in your corner of the country, wherever it is. And making a commitment is as easy as one, two and three! (read more)

CATTLE AT THE NSPE
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
There will not be a dairy show or a beef show at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition in Truro in 2015. Dairy and beef cows will be exhibited, accompanied by information pieces that will assist in the general education of attendees. Fair officials feel the public will be better served by this change.

NEW MAP OF CANADA SHOWS MORE ARCTIC SEA ICE 
Source: The Globe & Mail
In at least one way, the federal government’s new map of Canada pales by comparison to its predecessor, thanks to a generous splash of white across the top. The change has to do with the way Arctic sea ice is represented relative to the previous version of the map. At a glance, the update – unveiled on Wednesday – makes it seem as though there is more ice now than there was in 2006, when the previous edition was published. Whereas the older version of the map showed only that part of the sea ice that permanently covered Arctic waters year round at that time, the new edition uses a 30-year median of September sea-ice extent from 1981 through 2010. September sea ice hit a record low in 2012 and is projected to decline further. The change means there is far more ice shown on the 2015 version of the map than on its predecessor. (read more)

DAY-NEUTRAL STRAWBERRY SEASON EXTENSION USING LOW-TUNNEL ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS
Source: Organic Friends’ E-Zine
For the last two years, our main objective was to conduct day-neutral strawberry trials using a low tunnel organic production system. To make fresh, locally grown strawberries available for an extended season, we established six day-neutral strawberry cultivars in raised beds using plasticulture with and without tunnels. We harvested day-neutral strawberry fruit from mid-July through mid-October 2013/2014 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) Morris site, the University of Minnesota St Paul campus site, and two farmer-cooperator sites.  (read more)

CANADA BLOCKING POULTRY FROM MONTANA, SOUTH DAKOTA
Source: FCC
Canada is blocking cross-border shopping for raw poultry, eggs and live birds from another border state, after H5N2 avian flu was confirmed in central Montana. CFIA expanded restrictions that block travellers to Canada from H5N2-positive states from bringing in live birds, hatching eggs, eggs, yolks, egg whites, feathers, poultry manure, poultry litter, laboratory materials containing poultry products or byproducts, and any poultry meat other than “fully cooked, canned, commercially sterile meat products.” As of early April, Canada’s restrictions apply to such products from both Montana and South Dakota, on top of previously announced restrictions on those products from the border states of Minnesota, Washington and Idaho, and from California, Kansas, Arkansas, Missouri and Oregon. The restrictions also apply to commercial imports of live poultry, birds, and raw or untreated poultry products from the specific quarantine zones within the affected states. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ENSURE SUFFICIENT COW/CALF NUTRITION WHILE GRASS IS DORMANT
http://www.agriculture.com/news/livestock/ensure-sufficient-cowcalf-nutrition_3-ar48244

WHY THE FDA HAS NEVER LOOKED AT SOME OF THE ADDITIVES IN OUR FOOD
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/04/14/399591292/why-the-fda-is-clueless-about-some-of-the-additives-in-our-food

HORSE HEALTH TRACKER EMPOWERS HORSE CAREGIVERS
http://www.equineguelph.ca/news/index.php?content=440&utm_source=Special_Bulletin_New_App&utm_campaign=horse+health+tracker+app&utm_medium=email

WARNING OVER AEROSOL CLIMATE FIX
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-32334528

April 16, 2015

U.S., SAUDI FIRMS TO BUY FORMER CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD . . . NOVA SCOTIA INVESTS TAX DOLLARS FOR MINK FARM RESEARCH . . . NEW DISEASE IN BLUEBERRIES RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT LOSSES . . . GROUP: N.S. DOING WELL ON CUTTING EMISSIONS . . . TANYA HOWE DAMSGAARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

U.S., SAUDI FIRMS TO BUY FORMER CANADIAN WHEAT BOARD 
Source: The Globe and Mail
The company formerly known as Canadian Wheat Board has found a buyer. A joint venture between food company Bunge Canada and SALIC Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co., will pay $250 million for a majority stake in grain trader now known as CWB. The joint venture known as G3 Global Grain Group said on Wednesday the rest of the grain trader will be held by farmers. (read more)

NOVA SCOTIA INVESTS TAX DOLLARS FOR MINK FARM RESEARCH
Source: Assoc for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals
Nova Scotia is continuing to ignore the issues plaguing their landscape to court the financial possibilities of the fur industry with a $500k investment into research. “Both financially, and with respect to farm management, Aleutian disease has been our biggest challenge for more than 50 years,” Matt Moses of the Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association told The Chronicle Herald. “If we were able to pinpoint which segment of DNA within the animals determines their tolerance to the virus, that would be big.” (read more)

NEW DISEASE IN BLUEBERRIES RESULTING IN SIGNIFICANT LOSSES
Source: The Island Farmer
While Sclerotina Berry Drop is a relatively new disease impacting the blueberry crop, a scientist who helped identify the fungus suspects it has been lurking in the shadows for some time. Dr. John Sutton is a plant health consultant based in Ontario, who has been conducting field trials in P.E.I. since 2010. Right from the beginning, he noticed there were black dots about the size of a pinhead on the flowers, berries, and leaves. For the first two years, he said they essentially ignored the spots but then they decided to look into the matter further.  (read more)

GROUP: N.S. DOING WELL ON CUTTING EMISSIONS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Nova Scotia is rarely held up as a champion of environmental progress. So enjoy the following statement. “Pretty good, actually,” Catherine Abreu said of Nova Scotia’s record on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The energy coordinator for the Ecology Action Centre in Halifax acknowledged the irony of someone in her position praising the province as a leader on the climate change front. Nova Scotia and Quebec are the only provinces on track to meet post-Kyoto accord goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to at least 10 percent below 1990 levels. (read more)

TANYA HOWE DAMSGAARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Source: Howe Family Farm
The Howe family has set up a memorial scholarship in memory of Tanya Howe Damsgaard open to upper year university students who are pursuing a career in agriculture, pharmacy, or the sciences. We are currently accepting applications to award the first scholarship for the 2015-2016 academic year. The application deadline in June 1, 2015.   (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

GRAPE GROWING ON THE SOUTH SHORE OF N.S. – SATURDAY, APRIL 18 
http://www.modl.ca

BRAZIL APPROVES COMMERCIAL USE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED EUCALYPTUS
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/news/brazil-approves-commercial-use-of-genetically-modified-eucalyptus/1003570998/438qvsM3oyW6x08yM2vx/?ref=enews_PP&utm_source=PP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PP-EN04152015

PREDICTING CALVING ON A LIFTING TAIL
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/47797/predicting-calving-on-a-lifting-tail/

HORSE HEALTH TRACKER EMPOWERS HORSE CAREGIVERS
http://www.equineguelph.ca/news/index.php?content=440&utm_source=Special_Bulletin_New_App&utm_campaign=horse+health+tracker+app&utm_medium=email

April 15, 2015

INCREASE EXPECTED FOR CANADIAN WHEAT ACRES IN 2015 . . . THE DIFFERENCE BRANDING YOUR FARM CAN MAKE . . . N.S. PLANT BOOK AVAILABLE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

INCREASE EXPECTED FOR CANADIAN WHEAT ACRES IN 2015 
Source: Community Wire
According to Statistics Canada, 2014 national wheat production (excluding durum) decreased by 22.26 percent when compared to 2013. Harvested area decreased by 10.28 percent and average yield decreased by 13.35 percent. The results of 2014 came from a combination of aspects such as the late harvest and excessive moisture affecting the amount of acres seeded in eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “The Canadian Outlook for Principal Field Crops” released earlier this year from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada forecasts that wheat production will slightly increase to 24.24 million tonnes in the 2015-16 season. The small increase of wheat forecasted from 2014 to 2015 will come from a four percent increase in spring wheat. (read more)

THE DIFFERENCE BRANDING YOUR FARM CAN MAKE
Source: FCC Branding a grain and oilseed operation is an unlikely move in Canadian agriculture, but an Allam Farms Partnership in Ardrossan, Alta., near Edmonton, has done just that – and they're getting tangible results. “Our brand is not necessarily our logo or something we put on the side of a truck,” Chris says. “It’s more of our personality and who we are and how we act. It has to do with our culture and how we treat others farmers, the way we treat the land, the way we treat people we do business with.” (read more)

N.S. PLANT BOOK AVAILABLE
Source: Nova Scotia Museum  
An interesting and informative resource, “NS Plants” can be downloaded from the Museum website. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

URBAN EGG LOVERS SKIRT BYLAWS WITH CHICKENS FOR RENT 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/urban-egg-lovers-skirt-bylaws-with-chickens-for-rent/article23960174/

RAW MILK VENDING MACHINES TAKE OVER EUROPE
http://www.thebullvine.com/news/raw-milk-vending-machines-take-over-europe/

U.S. CUTS POULTRY EXPORT FORECAST DUE TO H5N2
http://www.worldpoultry.net/Broilers/Health/2015/4/US-cuts-poultry-export-forecast-beacuse-of-H5N2-1745894W/

EXPLORING WILD PLANTS AND FOOD SECURITY IN CUMBERLAND & COLCHESTER
http://www.acornorganic.org/events/calendar/exploring-wild-plants-and-food-security-in-cumberland-colchester

April 14, 2015

STRONG FIRST QUARTER FOR CANADIAN CATTLE . . . APPEALS ON APPROVAL RECEIVED . . . FIRMS CHARGE AHEAD WITH COMPLAINT . . . STARTUP WEEKEND P.E.I. FOOD & FARM EDITION . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

STRONG FIRST QUARTER FOR CANADIAN CATTLE
Source: FCC
The Western Canadian feeder cattle market kept on rising during the first three months of 2015. The average price increase for 500 to 600 pound steers was 12 percent over the first quarter, which works out to a gain of more than $35 per hundredweight. That’s a slightly lower price than the same period in 2014 (up $41 per hundredweight). However, it’s well above the $30 per hundredweight increase in all of 2013.  (read more)

APPEALS ON APPROVAL RECEIVED 
Source: N.S. Dept of Environment
The Department of Environment has received three appeals on Northern Pulp’s 2015 industrial approval. The deadline for submissions was Thursday, April 9.   Appeals were received from Northern Pulp, Pictou Landing First Nation, and a community group called Clean the Pictou Air. Under the Environment Act, the minister has 60 days, until June 9, to consider the appeals and make a decision. If an appellant does not agree with the minister’s decision, they can appeal to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. In the meantime, the mill’s 2015 industrial approval remains in effect. Appeals are subject to release under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) process. (read more

FIRMS CHARGE AHEAD WITH COMPLAINT
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Two American pulp and paper mill owners are charging ahead in their quest to have tariffs placed on supercalendered paper entering the United States from Port Hawkesbury Paper Corp. At a preliminary-injury inquiry Friday, the United States International Trade Commission voted to refer the case to the Commerce Department for further investigation. Lead by American supercalendered paper manufacturers Madison Paper Industries and Verso Corp., the Coalition for Fair Paper Imports is alleging that Nova Scotia has unfairly subsidized Port Hawkesbury Paper Corp. (read more)

STARTUP WEEKEND P.E.I. FOOD & FARM EDITION
Source: P.E.I. ADAPT Council 
The P.E.I. ADAPT Council is pleased to announce that we are planning our first StartUp Weekend event in Charlottetown at the P.E.I. Farm Centre on May 1–3.  “Startup Weekend is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, teams, and communities. Come share ideas, form teams, and launch startups”  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SPRING TURNOUT
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35619/tips-for-a-successful-spring-turnout

WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH THE SIZE OF THE COW HERD
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/newslett.nsf/all/cotl23537

NEW COALITION FORMED TO CHALLENGE SCHOOL CLOSURES
http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/News/2015-04-08/article-4104750/New-coalition-formed-to-challenge-school-closures/1

GERMAN EGG MARKET: ORGANICS UP, SMALL COLONIES DOWN
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/poultrynews/34755/german-egg-market-organics-up-small-colonies-down/

April 13, 2015

SNOW DAMAGE ADDS UP TO MILLIONS . . . INVENTORY GLUT TURNS LUMBER STOCKS WOODEN . . . FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROTECTS BAT, ANGERS INDUSTRY . . . ONTARIO FARMS QUARANTINED IN SCRAMBLE TO CONTAIN BIRD FLU . . . WOOD HARVESTING PROJECT CONTINUES . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

SNOW DAMAGE ADDS UP TO MILLIONS 
Source: FCC
Snow damage to agricultural infrastructure in Nova Scotia is adding up to millions of dollars in losses. The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and Greenhouse Nova Scotia report heavy snowfall amounts during February and March resulted in more than $8.5 million of damage to agricultural structures. More than $3.5 million of that is to greenhouses. The cost of efforts to reduce the amount of damage done by snow, like shoveling snow off roofs, is not included in the $8.5 million tally.  (read more)

INVENTORY GLUT TURNS LUMBER STOCKS WOODEN
Source: The WorkingForest.com
Canadian lumber stocks have been in a major tailspin since mid-February, but it may be a while longer until they bottom, says Martin Roberge, portfolio strategist at Canaccord Genuity. “Do not chase down broken lumber stocks,” he said in a note to clients Thursday. “While we have a positive view on the U.S. housing market, U.S. imports of Canadian wood products continue slowing down due to a glut in U.S. wholesale lumber inventories.”
The S&P/TSX forest products index has fallen 23 percent since peaking on Feb. 12 and it now trades below its 40-week average on both absolute and relative terms to the broader TSX composite. (read more)

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROTECTS BAT, ANGERS INDUSTRY
Source: NPR
They may not be the most attractive creatures in the world, and they scare the life out of many people, but you have to feel bad for the bat. Millions of them are dying across the Northeast, the Midwest and parts of the South, from a disease called White Nose Syndrome, named for a white fungus that crusts their faces. Seven species of bats are being decimated by White Nose Syndrome; the hardest-hit species is the Northern Long-eared bat. Last week, the federal government listed it as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. (read more)

ONTARIO FARMS QUARANTINED IN SCRAMBLE TO CONTAIN BIRD FLU
Source: The Canadian Press
Eight poultry farms in southwestern Ontario have been placed under quarantine as agricultural authorities scramble to contain an outbreak of a bird flu virus found on a turkey farm near Woodstock. The virus, of the H5 subtype, has been found on one farm in an area densely populated with poultry operations. The other farms have been quarantined because of their proximity to the affected farm, officials said Tuesday. Japan and Taiwan have already barred poultry from Ontario in response to this outbreak, Mayers said. Meanwhile, 10 countries continue to ban poultry from Canada because of the H5N2 outbreak that hit British Columbia. (read more)

WOOD HARVESTING PROJECT CONTINUES
Source: The Labradorian.ca
Elders, seniors, and other residents of North West River, Sheshatshiu, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay soon have an easier time accessing wood for domestic use. Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, has announced the province will be seeing wood brought directly into these communities so that it is available to people who have difficulty accessing it near the project’s work sites. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

FARRIERS DISCUSS FAVORED PRODUCTS
http://www.drf.com/news/horse-health-farriers-discuss-favored-products

LINGERING WINTER HELPS ONTARIO GROWERS WAIT OUT SLUGGISH MARKET
http://www.thepacker.com/news/lingering-winter-helps-ontario-growers-wait-out-sluggish-market

AGRICULTURAL WASTE COULD BE USEFUL AS BIOFUEL
http://www.thecropsite.com/news/17475/agricultural-waste-could-be-useful-as-biofuel/

LILYDALE FINED $160,000
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/

April 10, 2015

2015 CARLETON COUNTY SPRING SHOW & SALE . . . PARASOL WG APPROVED FOR ORGANIC CANADIAN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION . . . NATIONAL GYPSUM OK TO EXTEND MINING IN MILFORD STATION . . . HARRISON LEWIS CENTRE SCYTHING WEEKEND . . . TWO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR STUDIES RELATED TO AGRICULTURE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

2015 CARLETON COUNTY SPRING SHOW & SALE
Source: CCSS&S
The Annual Carleton County Spring Show & Sale will be held at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre (the Arena), Florenceville-Bristol, N.B., April 13-15. Activities begin on Monday evening with weighing and tagging of the animals at 5 pm followed by the 4-H Judging Competition at 7:30 pm. (read more)

PARASOL WG APPROVED FOR ORGANIC CANADIAN VEGETABLE PRODUCTION
Source: Nufarm Agriculture Inc.
Canadian organic horticultural growers have a new copper hydroxide available for use in vegetable production. Parasol WG is now compliant with Canadian Organic Standards. All product manufactured after 2013 contains only substances that appear on the Organic Production Systems Permitted Substances Lists and is suitable for use in organic agriculture. Parasol WG is a wettable granular formulation of copper hydroxide used to control various fungal diseases in beans (dry and edible), potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and sugarbeets. An easy-to-use, dust-free formulation, Parasol WG controls Bacterial Spot, Cercospora Leaf Blight, Common Bacterial Blight, Early and Late Blight, and Halo Bacterial Blight. (read more)

NATIONAL GYPSUM OK TO EXTEND MINING IN MILFORD STATION
Source: The Chronicle Herald
National Gypsum (Canada) Ltd. in Milford Station, N.S. received clearance this week to extend operations. That means about 60 jobs at the mine will be secure for the foreseeable future, plant manager Jeff Newton said in an interview. The provincial Environment Department said it was approving an environmental assessment of an extension of operations at the site under the terms of the Environment Act. National Gypsum is in the clear to proceed into an additional 144 hectares at the site. (read more)

HARRISON LEWIS CENTRE SCYTHING WEEKEND
Source: HLC
Come to the Harrison Lewis Centre the weekend of June 20-21 to learn the ins-outs-ups-downs-and around the corners of scything under the swift blades of Peter and Helene Redden.  The husband and wife team are well known for their skill in using, building, and maintaining scythes and other traditional hand-held implements used to put up hay and grains. 
HLC@eastlink.ca

TWO SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR STUDIES RELATED TO AGRICULTURE
Source: NFU NB
The National Farmers Union in New Brunswick is now accepting applications from high school graduates from N.B. farm families for two scholarships for studies related to agriculture. The NFU offers a $500 scholarship toward a diploma program to a grad who is a son or daughter of registered N.B. agricultural producers. In addition, a $1,000 NFU in N.B. Scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in agriculture or related studies, who is from a farm family registered through Service N.B. as a member of the NFU in N.B.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

EQUINE BIOSECURITY RISK CALCULATOR
http://www.equineguelph.ca/Tools/biosecurity_2011.php?utm_source=HEALTHflash+Spring+2015&utm_campaign=Spring+2015+HEALTHflash&utm_medium=email

ABOUT N.B. ORGANICS
http://www.acornorganic.org/resources/newbrunswick

NUCLEAR WASTE FACILITY DROPS TOWNS AFTER PROTEST 
rabble.ca/news/2015/04/coincidence-or-success-nuclear-waste-facility-drops-towns-after-protest

WHAT HAS REALLY HAPPENED IN AUSTRALIA SINCE DAIRY DEREGULATION?
http://www.dairyfarmers.ca/farmers-voice/farm-policy/what-has-really-happened-in-australia-since-deregulation

April 9, 2015

4-H NEW BRUNSWICK PROVINCIAL COMMUNICATIONS COMPETITION . . . FARMER HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF THE BACK TO AG PROGRAM . . . N.B. FARMERS HOPING FOR WARM TEMPERATURES AFTER HARSH WINTER . . . NEW TECHNIQUE MAY BE EXPLORED TO CONTROL WIREWORM . . . COMPETITION AND ANTIBIOSIS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

4-H NEW BRUNSWICK PROVINCIAL COMMUNICATIONS COMPETITION
Source: 4-H NB
4-H members will be in Florenceville-Bristol, N.B. on April 25 to compete in the 2015 4-H Provincial Communications Competition. Communication is an important part of the 4-H program in New Brunswick. 4-H members complete and present a prepared speech or demonstration at their 4-H Club level usually during the months of January and February, leading up to the Provincial level competition. The competition will get underway with registration at 9am at the Florenceville Baptist Church, followed by the opening remarks at 9:30 am. Competition will get underway following the opening remarks and will continue throughout the morning, followed with a lunch and presentation of awards to winners at the conclusion of the event.  andreacallahan1968@hotmail.com

FARMER HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF THE BACK TO AG PROGRAM
Source: CASA
The Back to Ag program was envisioned to help farmers get back to the work they love – farming. André Veilleux, a maple syrup producer from Quebec, is doing just that thanks to his new stand-up wheelchair. On March 1, 2008, André’s life drastically changed when a maple tree he was felling crushed him, severing his spinal cord, fracturing six vertebrae, and resulting in paraplegia. André would never walk again. His drive and focus have seen him recover in many ways, but he still found some work difficult. “It took two years for my rehabilitation, he says.  “And I began to move forward, but every time I wanted to do something, I still needed help.” Through some research, André discovered what exactly he needed – a wheelchair that would help him to stand.  casa-acsa.ca

N.B. FARMERS HOPING FOR WARM TEMPERATURES AFTER HARSH WINTER
Source: GlobalNews.ca
New Brunswick farmers are still reeling from the effects of a harsh winter. At La Fleur du Pommier apple orchard, staff says high snowdrifts and heavy snow are ripping their trees apart. Hundreds of trees throughout the orchard have limbs dangling from their trunks. Leopold Bourgeois is the orchard’s co-owner. “Just the weight of the snow, in some places we had 10 feet in the orchard,” he said. “So just the weight and it compacts and grabs the branches and pulls down as it settles.” (read more)

NEW TECHNIQUE MAY BE EXPLORED TO CONTROL WIREWORM
Source: Island Farmer
A technique known as RNA Interference is showing promise in fighting a number of medical conditions and Dr. Robert Coffin is convinced the technique could also play a role in helping to control wireworm. Dr. Coffin, who worked with both the provincial Department of Agriculture and Cavendish Farms, is now a private consultant. He made a pitch for what he hopes will be his latest project during a recent wireworm research seminar held at Red Shores. “We are about to enter a new era in control of insect pests,” he told the growers. “We have to use our brains to outsmart these wireworms.” (read more)

COMPETITION AND ANTIBIOSIS
Source: AARD
Competition and antibioses are two of the ways biocontrol agents can help control plant pests. “Producers are familiar with the concept of competition, as in crowding out weeds in a field using row spacing, stand density, etc.,” says Dustin Morton, commercial horticulture specialist, Alberta Ag-Info Centre, Stettler. “Biocontrol agents can also be used as competition. This could include using Pseudomonas bacteria to block potential entryways for fireblight in fruit crops or Bacillus subtilis to outcompete powdery mildew. While these micro-organisms do not attack or infect the pest itself, their presence may be enough to deter other more problematic species. Alternatively, these agents might infect the plant of concern, inducing a defense response that allows the plant to fend off an attack from another more dangerous pathogen or insect.”  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NEW ASSOCIATION FORMED TO HELP REVIVE HARNESS RACING IN N.B.
http://globalnews.ca/news/1924548/new-association-formed-to-help-revive-harness-racing-in-n-b/

HOMEGROWN SUCCESS PROGRAM SESSION IN BRIDGEWATER - APRIL 14
http://novascotia.ca/agri/programs-and-services/financial-funding/growing-forward2/
 
UNBSJ PROFESSOR URGES CAUTION ON RURAL SCHOOL CLOSURES
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/unbsj-professor-urges-caution-on-rural-school-closures-1.3024746

HOLD THE MAMMAL: DARING TO MAKE DAIRY-FREE CHEESE FROM NUTS
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/04/07/397860392/hold-the-mammal-daring-to-make-dairy-free-cheese-from-nuts

April 8, 2015

4-H CARLETON COUNTY SPRING SHOW AND SALE . . . NSWOOA BOARD WARNS OF RISKS FROM WOODLOT “CONVERSION” . . . BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP AT BEAR RIVER FARMS . . . . ANGLERS MUST RETURN ATLANTIC SALMON THIS YEAR . . . MUWIN COOKS UP UNITED KINGDOM EXPORT CIDER PLANS . . .OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

4-H CARLETON COUNTY SPRING SHOW AND SALE
Source: NB 4-H
4-H members from the Western District 4-H Clubs will be taking part in the Carleton County Spring Show and Sale on April 13-15 at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre in Florenceville-Bristol, N.B. This year 17 of the animals at the show and sale are being raised by 4-H members. The 4-H Judging Competition set for 7:30 pm April 13. On April 14 the 4-H Showmanship Classes begin at 10 am and Conformation Classes will take place beginning at noon. On April 15 the Awards Presentation will take place on the arena floor beginning at 11 am with the sale of animals to begin at 1pm.  sbhunter@mccain.ca

NSWOOA BOARD WARNS OF RISKS FROM WOODLOT “CONVERSION”
Source: NSWOOA
“Conversion” of woodlots to non-forestry use may have serious consequences.
Directors of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association are concerned about reports that some logging contractors have been encouraging landowners to sign “development agreements” to convert their woodlots to non-forestry use before a biomass harvest. The practice is being used as a cover for contractors who want to ignore wildlife and watercourse regulations. The harvester gains a small amount of wood that should have been left standing in wildlife clumps or alongside streams, ponds, or salt water. For family forest owners, however, there are financial, environmental, and legal risks. (read more)

BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP AT BEAR RIVER FARMS
Source: ThinkFarm
The spring edition of our annual Biodynamic Workshop takes place Sunday, April 26 from 11am until 4pm. Our workshops are “hands on” and take place rain or shine. They are suited for newcomers and for advanced farmers and cover different subjects than the fall edition. Bear River Farms is located between Digby and Annapolis Royal; directions will be sent out after registration. (read more)

ANGLERS MUST RETURN ATLANTIC SALMON THIS YEAR
Source: GlobalNews.ca
Recreational fishermen in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia will only be allowed to fish for Atlantic salmon on a catch-and-release basis this year. The restriction on keeping Atlantic salmon has already been in place in Prince Edward Island and on some parts of the Miramichi river system. The federal government says annual salmon counts have reached some of the lowest numbers on record after similarly low counts in 2012 and 2013. (read more)

MUWIN COOKS UP UNITED KINGDOM EXPORT CIDER PLANS
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Muwin Estate Wines Ltd. of the New Ross area has set its sights on cider-loving consumers in the UK. “About 75 percent of the world’s cider consumers are in the United Kingdom and there is a growing demand there for Nova Scotia ciders,” Dominic Rivard, co-owner of Muwin Estate, said Tuesday. Some details about the four-year-old company’s growth strategy in the UK were revealed after a $147,000 loan was announced by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. Domestic and international sales have nearly tripled in recent years and resulted in increased employment. Cider is a top seller, but the company also makes fruit wines. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

ORGANIC MEADOW CO-OP SEEKS FINANCIAL PROTECTION
http://www.betterfarming.com/online-news/organic-meadow-coop-seeks-financial-protection-60780

DOES THROAT SPRAY REACH HORSES’ UPPER AIRWAY STRUCTURES?
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35584/does-throat-spray-reach-horses-upper-airway-structures

ANTIMICROBIALS: A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT
http://www.thebeefsite.com/news/47724/antimicrobials-a-privilege-not-a-right/

THE BIOTECH ROAD LEADS TO A HORTICULTURAL HORIZON
http://www.thegrower.org/readnews.php?id=7n1k3q3p3t5y

April 7, 2015

MARITIME BEEF PRODUCERS COLLABORATE . . . ECADAL SURVEY OF OCEAN SCIENCES . . . N.B. ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP FINDS SUCCESS SELLING CARBON OFFSETS . . . SHELTERBELT PLANNING AND DESIGN . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

MARITIME BEEF PRODUCERS COLLABORATE 
Source: FCC Beef producers from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island were in Moncton March 27 and 28 for the Maritime Beef Council’s first hosting of the Maritime Beef Conference. “It was a great meeting with an awesome speaker lineup and there were a lot of new faces in the room,” says Cedric MacLeod, chair of New Brunswick Cattle Producers. MacLeod was encouraged to see a number of young producers attend the meeting. (read more)

ECADAL SURVEY OF OCEAN SCIENCES 
Source: ACZISC
The Ocean Sciences Board of the U.S. National Research Council, with input from the ocean sciences community, has released the report “Sea Change: 2015-2025 Decadal Survey of Ocean Sciences” that identifies eight strategic research priorities for the next decade that will continue to advance scientific understanding of the ocean. It also assesses the infrastructure needed to support this research, and makes recommendations for aligning current and planned infrastructure and budgets with science priorities in order to reach research goals.  (read more)

N.B. ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP FINDS SUCCESS SELLING CARBON OFFSETS
Source: NSWOOA
Community Forests International, a Sackville-based forestry and environmental group, has been making about $70,000 per year on their 71 hectare woodlot by selling carbon offsets to five Canadian companies. These companies are paying CFI to manage this land sustainably.  (read more)

SHELTERBELT PLANNING AND DESIGN
Source: AARD
Trees and shelterbelt planting is a long-term investment that requires careful planning and design.  “You have to ask yourself what you want to accomplish by planting trees or shelterbelts on your property,” says Toso Bozic, agroforestry/bioenergy specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “You should involve all family members in this process to bring in their ideas, thoughts and values.”  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

BREWERY MARKET EXPANSION WON’T HURT FARMERS’ MARKET, KILLAM SAYS
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1279098-brewery-market-expansion-won%E2%80%99t-hurt-farmers%E2%80%99-market-killam-says

CALIFORNIA’S WORST DROUGHT IN 1,200 YEARS IN PICTURES
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32150064

APP RECORDS HORSE BODY CONDITION SCORE 
http://agrinews-pubs.com/Content/News/Latest-News/Article/App-records-horse-body-condition-score-/8/6/12363

ENDANGERED BUTTERFLY SPECIES RECORDS 10-YEAR HIGH
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-32145984

April 6, 2015

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY DEAD STOCK COLLECTO . . . TACKLING A SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY FOR ATLANTIC SALMON FARMING . . . HARPER GOVERNMENT IMPROVES CASH ADVANCE PROGRAM FOR 2015 . . . CATTLE PRODUCERS HOLD MEETING . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY DEAD STOCK COLLECTOR
Source: NSFA The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture currently administers a  Dead Stock  Collection  Service for the Valley and Colchester County, East Hants and Cumberland County areas of Nova Scotia. The Federation’s Dead Stock Committee is currently looking for any individuals/businesses interested in  providing a dead stock collection service to farmers in the  central area of the province.  (read more)

TACKLING A SUSTAINABLE INDUSTRY FOR ATLANTIC SALMON FARMING
Source: Globe and Mail
In a clearing near Port McNeill, B.C., an experiment is under way. Inside an unassuming steel-clad building, thousands of Atlantic salmon swim in circular tanks. When those fish are big enough – in about 12 months, when they have grown from 100-gram smolts to between three to five kilograms in weight – they will be harvested, having never touched the ocean. Their waste will be processed into garden soil. Water, almost all of which is recirculated, comes from nearby wells and the plant is highly automated. (read more)

HARPER GOVERNMENT IMPROVES CASH ADVANCE PROGRAM FOR 2015
Source: FCC
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz highlighted major enhancements to the Advance Payments Program (APP) designed to improve and streamline administration, provide greater flexibility and more repayment options, and ease access to the program for producers. On February 27, 2015, the Government announced the coming into force of the Agricultural Growth Act, which makes improvements to the Advance Payments Program (APP). The Act modernizes and strengthens federal agriculture legislation, supports innovation in the Canadian agriculture industry, and enhances global market opportunities. (read more)

CATTLE PRODUCERS HOLD MEETING
Source: Island Farmer
PEI Cattle Producers will be holding its annual meeting April 7 at the Farm Centre starting at 7 pm. Guest speakers for the event will be Greg Hardy of Atlantic Beef Products and producer Vernon Campbell, who will talk about the pilot program on lean beef production. (read more)

NOVA SCOTIA: 393,000 GREEN TONNES OF BIOMASS FOR ELECTRICITY
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
N.S.Power recently reported that the biomass boiler used to generate electricity for the province consumed 393,423 green tonnes of biomass in 2014, its first full year of operation.. N.S.Power spokesperson David Rodenhiser told CBC News the company went outside the province to buy 23 percent of its total biomass when it was cheap. “We've imported some secondary biomass, largely sawmill bark, from Quebec,” he said. “And there’s also been some primary biomass that we’ve purchased from lands that were being cleared for agricultural purposes in New Brunswick.” (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

CANADA TO DEVELOP NEW EQUINE BIOSECURITY STANDARDS
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/04/02/canada-to-develop-new-equine-biosecurity-standards/#axzz3WUGw72Uw

ORGANIC ENTREPRENEURS SPEAKER SERIES & ACORN’S AGM APRIL 8
http://acornorganic.org/events/calendar/AGM2015?utm_source=MadMimi&utm_medium=email&utm_content=April+ACORN+Organic+Enews+2015!&utm_campaign=20150401_m125143857_April+ACORN+Organic+Enews+2015!&utm_term=here

SOME MAPLE SAP HEADED FROM TREE TAP TO BEER TAP
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1278677-some-maple-sap-headed-from-tree-tap-to-beer-tap

EFFICIENCY NB OFFICIALLY JOINS NB POWER
http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/News/2015-04-05/article-4101253/Efficiency-NB-officially-joins-NB-Power/1

April 2, 2015

FUNDS FOR FOOD – FARMWORKS IS CULTIVATING FOOD PRODUCERS . . . NSWOOA AGM SET FOR 25 APRIL IN GREAT VILLAGE . . . THE REVIVAL OF LAMB HAM: A COLONIAL TRADITION RENEWED . . . PUBLIC KEPT IN DARK ON AQUACULTURE ISA AND ESCAPES IN N.B. . . . HOT CROSS BUNS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

FUNDS FOR FOOD – FARMWORKS IS CULTIVATING FOOD PRODUCERS
Source: FarmWorks
FarmWorks, Nova Scotia’s Community Economic Development Investment Fund (CEDIF) cooperative directing financial assistance to farms and farm-related enterprise, has reached its first million! A fourth offer of FarmWorks shares has raised $312,400 from Nova Scotians interested in supporting food producers and growing the provincial economy. This brings the three-year total to $1,033,400 and to date loans have been granted to 34 businesses across the province. funds from the new offer will be loaned to applicants who meet FarmWorks criteria of excellent business planning, and homegrown production and sales.  (read more)

NSWOOA AGM SET FOR 25 APRIL IN GREAT VILLAGE
This year’s annual general meeting of the Nova Scotia Woodlot Owners and Operators Association will be held Saturday, April 25, at the Masonic Hall in Great Village, N.S.
http://nswooa.ca

THE REVIVAL OF LAMB HAM: A COLONIAL TRADITION RENEWED
Source: NPR
Roast rack of lamb or a platter of smoked, glazed ham — which dish should be the centerpiece of the Easter table? Lamb is rich in religious symbolism: A sacrificial lamb was first served by Jewish people on Passover, and Christians often refer to Jesus as the Lamb of God. But ham feeds more guests and makes tastier leftovers. Soon, we may not have to choose. Third-generation country-ham curemaster Sam Edwards, of Surry, Va., and shepherd Craig Rogers, owner of Virginia’s Border Springs grass-fed lamb farm, are resurrecting the “lamb ham.” The spring delicacy was a fixture of American foodways in colonial times, gracing the tables of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. (read more)

PUBLIC KEPT IN DARK ON AQUACULTURE ISA AND ESCAPES IN N.B.
Source: ASF
The Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF) is questioning why both the Federal Government and the Provincial Government in New Brunswick are not being more transparent about disease and escapes of farmed Atlantic salmon within the New Brunswick Aquaculture Industry. The industry is off to a rocky start in 2015 with reported disease and confirmed escapes, but the public is being kept in the dark by both levels of government according to ASF.  According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website, Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) was confirmed in Atlantic salmon on February 25, 2015 at an undisclosed New Brunswick location.  (read more)

HOT CROSS BUNS
Source: AtlanticFarmer.com
“Perfect for your Good Friday breakfast. ”

10 ounces whole milk
1lb 2 ounces flour
21/2 ounces sugar
11/2 teaspoons fast-action yeast
2 ounces butter
1 egg, beaten
5 ounces sultanas
1 apple, cored and chopped
2 oranges, zest only
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
sunflower oil, for greasing the bowl
FOR THE CROSS:
21/2 ounces flour, plus extra for dusting
FOR THE GLAZE:
3 tbsp apricot jam

Bring the milk to the boil and then remove from the heat and leave to cool until it reaches hand temperature.
Mix the flour, sugar, yeast, butter, and egg together in a bowl, then slowly add the warmed milk until it forms a soft, sticky dough. 
Add the sultanas, chopped apple, orange zest, and cinnamon, then tip out of the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for five minutes, or until smooth and elastic. 
Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave to rise for approximately one hour, or until doubled in size. 
Divide the dough into 12 even pieces, and roll each piece into a smooth ball on a lightly floured surface. Arrange the buns on a baking tray lined with parchment, leaving enough space so that the buns just touch when they rise and expand. Set aside to rise for another hour. 
Heat the oven to 425°F. 
For the cross, mix the flour with about five tablespoons of water in small bowl, adding the water one tablespoon at a time, so that you add just enough for a thick paste. Spoon into a piping bag with a small nozzle. Pipe a line along each row of buns, then repeat in the other direction to create crosses. 
Bake for 20-25 minutes on the middle shelf of the oven, or until golden brown.
Gently heat the apricot jam to melt, then sieve to get rid of any chunks. While the jam is still warm, brush over the top of the warm buns and leave to cool. Gently rip the buns apart to serve, revealing temptingly soft edges. 

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

SPRING HEALTH PREPARATIONS
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35497/spring-health-preparations

NEW OCEAN FISH SPECIES IDENTIFIED
http://www.lifewatch.be/en/2015.03.12-WoRMS-LifeWatch-press-release

LINGONBERRIES THE NEXT SUPER FRUIT?
http://www.atlanticfarmfocus.ca/Agriculture/2015-04-01/article-4097789/Lingonberries-the-next-super-fruit/1

THERE’S AN APPLE THAT WILL NEVER BROWN FOR SALE IN CANADA. WHAT HEALTH RISKS DO GMO FOODS POSE? 
https://ask.theglobeandmail.com/theres-an-apple-that-will-never-brown-for-sale-in-canada-what-health-risks-do-gmo-foods-pose/

April 1, 2015

HOMEGROWN SUCCESS PROGRAM LAUNCHED . . . 4R PROGRAM TO RELEASE RESULTS OF FIELD TRIALS . . . RICHIBUCTO-VILLAGE RESIDENT MAKES BIG DONATION TO NATURE CONSERVANCY . . . SUPPLY MANAGEMENT AT RISK IN NEGOTIATIONS FOR TRANS-PACIFIC TRADE PARTNERSHIP . . . PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS SUPPORT NEW BRUNSWICK OYSTER PRODUCERS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

HOMEGROWN SUCCESS PROGRAM LAUNCHED
Source: ThinkFarm
Programs and Business Risk Management is pleased to announce the launch of the 2015-16 Homegrown Success Program. Regional information sessions to discuss the program parameters and delivery will occur over the next two weeks. The program application and guidelines are available on the Growing Forward 2 website. (read more)

4R PROGRAM TO RELEASE RESULTS OF FIELD TRIALS
Source: Island Farmer
The results of the second year for the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program will be unveiled at a news conference planned for April 1 at the Rodd Royalty Inn. In this year’s field trials, on 4R Advocate and agronomist Steve Watts of Genesis Crop Systems Inc., expanded the demonstration plots from five to 13 farms while generating significant interest from agriculture, environment, and community stakeholders. (read more)

RICHIBUCTO-VILLAGE RESIDENT MAKES BIG DONATION TO NATURE CONSERVANCY
Joey Caissie, of Richibucto-Village, has donated 27 acres of important habitat along the South Richibucto Beach to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The sand dunes are a breeding ground for the nationally endangered Piping plover, Black and Wood ducks and Blue-winged teals. They are also home to a rare plant called Beach pinweed, which is only known to occur at a handful of sites on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (read more)

SUPPLY MANAGEMENT AT RISK IN NEGOTIATIONS FOR TRANS-PACIFIC TRADE PARTNERSHIP
Source: The Chronicle Herald
Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan waved a block of Gouda at United States trade representative Michael Froman in late January. “Canada won’t negotiate,” the former Republican vice-presidential candidate lectured. “We need to address these trade barriers.”
So what do the cheesy theatrics at a congressional committee meeting into a long-discussed trade deal that is still being negotiated between North American and Asian economies matter to the dairy parlors of Nova Scotia? They might mean the end of the system by which this country’s dairy industry is managed. (read more)

PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS SUPPORT NEW BRUNSWICK OYSTER PRODUCERS
Source: NB Dept of Ec Dev, Ag, Aquaculture and Fisheries
Seven projects in New Brunswick’s oyster industry will benefit from a combined investment of $1.2 million from the provincial and federal governments. “New Brunswick’s shellfish industry has been an exciting area of growth over the last few years,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Bill Fraser, who is also minister responsible for the Miramichi Regional Economic Development and Innovation Fund. “We praise the ingenuity of these companies as they contribute to the economic fabric of our rural coastal communities and help move New Brunswick forward.” (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

U.S. LIVESTOCK: CME LIVE CATTLE FUTURES FINISH LOWER
http://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/daily/u-s-livestock-cme-live-cattle-futures-finish-lower

EU MILK QUOTA ABOLITION THE “CLOSING CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY” OF DAIRY
http://www.dairyreporter.com/Regulation-Safety/EU-milk-quota-abolition-the-closing-of-a-chapter-in-the-history-of-dairy-EC

U.S. PLAN TO COMBAT AND PREVENT ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA
http://www.thepigsite.com/swinenews/39300/us-plan-to-combat-and-prevent-antibioticresistant-bacteria/

RESTRICTIONS COMING ON GLYPHOSATE USE IN U.S.
http://www.producer.com/daily/restrictions-coming-on-glyphosate-use-in-u-s/

March 31, 2015

U.S. TO BAN ANTIBIOTICS FOR GROWTH PROMOTION . . . SEARCHING FOR CHIMNEY SWIFTS . . . WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH FERTILIZER PRICES . . . FOOD IS A GROWING EXPORT OPPORTUNITY FOR CANADIAN PRODUCERS . . . N.B. GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES COMMISSION TO ADDRESS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

U.S. TO BAN ANTIBIOTICS FOR GROWTH PROMOTION
Source: OntarioFarmer.com
The United States intends to ban antibiotics as growth promotants by 2020. It’s part of a five-year, $1.2-billion plan unveiled by president Barrack Obama’s administration. The 63-page plan calls for the development of “non-traditional therapeutics, vaccines, and innovative strategies to minimize outbreaks caused by resistant bacteria in human and animal populations,” such as prebiotics and probiotics. (read more)

SEARCHING FOR CHIMNEY SWIFTS
Source: NSWOOA
In June 2010, I was doing a bird survey in northern New Brunswick in a patch of forest that had recently been harvested, leaving behind a few White pine snags. Suddenly, two dark shapes appeared in the sky above me, flickering through the air like blowing leaves. The next moment, the shapes plummeted from the sky into a tall pine snag and disappeared. That was my first introduction to the Chimney swift, a fascinating and rare bird native to eastern North America. (read more)
 
WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH FERTILIZER PRICES
Source: AARD
Producers may have noticed slight increases in fertilizer prices since December, as the Canadian dollar has continually slid down to the 79-cent mark. Todd Bergen-Henengouwen, project assistant with Alberta Agriculture explains why, and what to expect in terms of where fertilizer prices are heading.  (read more)

FOOD IS A GROWING EXPORT OPPORTUNITY FOR CANADIAN PRODUCERS
Source: ExportWise
For the past 20 years, Earl Geddes has travelled to more than 45 countries exploring and developing markets for Canadian foods, both in his current role as President of Progression Consulting and formerly as CEO of Canadian International Grains Institute and in senior market development capacities at The Canadian Wheat Board. We asked Mr. Geddes for his views on global drivers influencing growth opportunities for Canadian food suppliers, and what growers should do in order to explore their export potential. (read more)

N.B. GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES COMMISSION TO ADDRESS HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
Source: The Sackville Tribune Post
The provincial government has appointed a commission to study the issue of hydraulic fracturing and determine whether conditions outlined by the government can be met. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

17 APRIL: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEASANT AND FARMER STRUGGLE AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL COMPANIES AND FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS
http://www.viacampesina.org/en/index.php/actions-and-events-mainmenu-26/17-april--day-of-peasants-struggle-mainmenu-33/1770-on-17th-april-we-struggle-against-transnational-companies-and-free-trade-agreements

SCYTHING WEEKEND AT THE HARRISON LEWIS CENTRE JUNE 20-21
HLC@eastlink.ca

NOT JUST SUGARY-SWEET, HARD CIDER MAKES A COMEBACK
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2015/03/28/395983010/not-just-sugary-sweet-hard-cider-makes-a-comeback

FARMER HERDS SHEEP WITH A DRONE IN LATEST SIGN OF ROBOTS TAKING OVER
http://www.cbc.ca/news/trending/farmer-herds-sheep-with-a-drone-in-latest-sign-of-robots-taking-over-1.3015287

MIST-COLLECTING PLANTS MAY “BIOINSPIRE” TECHNOLOGY TO HELP ALLEVIATE GLOBAL WATER SHORTAGES
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/03/150330141350.htm

March 30, 2015

IN NEW YORK STATE, FRACKING BAN FUELS SECESSION TALK . . . LAMB PRODUCERS SEEK VALUE-ADDED NICHE . . . PORK PRODUCERS NOT YET REGISTERED WITH PIGTRACE CANADA ENCOURAGED TO DO SO . . . COOL NO IMPACT ON CANADIAN CATTLE TRADE . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

IN NEW YORK STATE, FRACKING BAN FUELS SECESSION TALK
Source: LA Times
From this village of dairy farms and friendly diners, Carolyn Price can see across the border into Pennsylvania, and it is a bittersweet view. The rolling hills a few miles away are as green as the ones here, and the Susquehanna River is icy and beautiful on both sides of the state line as it meanders toward the Atlantic. Price sees something else, though: towns brimming with money extracted from the gas-rich Marcellus Shale, where the high-pressure drilling method known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, has spurred an economic boom. (read more)

LAMB PRODUCERS SEEK VALUE-ADDED NICHE 
Source: FCC Canadian lamb producers are working to find a niche in the global market place. Australia and New Zealand are dominant in the export of lamb carcasses and products with minimal processing. Canada wants a different slice of the market by selling value-added products, such as lamb burgers, sausages, and kabobs. (read more)

PORK PRODUCERS NOT YET REGISTERED WITH PIGTRACE CANADA ENCOURAGED TO DO SO
Source: Farmscape.ca
The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board is encouraging any pork producer in the province who is not yet set up to report hog movements to contact Sask Pork or PigTrace Canada to be issued a premise identification number. Effective July 1, 2014 under changes to Canada's Health of Animals Regulation to accommodate swine traceability, both the shipper and receiver of pigs must report the movement of those animals to the PigTrace Canada database within seven days. (read more)

COOL NO IMPACT ON CANADIAN CATTLE TRADE
Source: TheBeefSite.com
The President of the U.S. National Farmers Union recently presented the findings of a study into the effects of Country-of-Origin Labelling (COOL) on cattle trading with Canada at a U.S. House Committee on Agriculture hearing. The econometric study showed COOL did not have a negative impact on Canadian cattle exports to the U.S. Roger Johnson also urged the committee to wait for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to rule on COOL, as Canada and Mexico cannot retaliate if no damages are found. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NEW FARM GROUP IN EAST PRINCE WORKING TO PROTECT ENVIRONMENT
http://www.peicanada.com/island_farmer/article_cab40384-ccd7-11e4-99af-3b7b914bb49e.html

GREENHORN TO GARDENER: N.S. FARMERS DON’T HIBERNATE IN THE WINTER
http://thechronicleherald.ca/thenovascotian/1277512-greenhorn-to-gardener-n.s.-farmers-don%E2%80%99t-hibernate-in-the-winter

WVU STUDENT'S INVENTION HELPS FARMERS TRACK LIVESTOCK
http://www.agweb.com/article/wvu-students-invention-helps-farmers-track-livestock-NAA-associated-press/ 

ILLEGAL WORKERS FOUND ON EASTERN ONTARIO GOAT FARM
http://www.betterfarming.com/online-news/illegal-workers-found-eastern-ontario-goat-farm-60735

March 27, 2015

2015 NAPPAN BULL VIDEOS AVAILABLE . . . OTTER PONDS AGM POSTPONED! . . . HOPES GROW FOR CLIMATE-PROOF BEANS . . . WE NEED YOUR BEANS . . . NIGEL’S ADAPTABLE BEAN SOUP . . . WHY THERE'S A BIG BATTLE BREWING OVER THE LEAN MEAT IN YOUR DIET . . . AMAZON FOREST BECOMING LESS OF A CLIMATE CHANGE SAFETY NET . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

2015 NAPPAN BULL VIDEOS AVAILABLE
Source: NSCP
Videos of all bulls on test at the Maritime Beef Test Station are available now. The Test Station is currently putting all data together and will release the list of bulls eligible for the sale later this week. The full Sale Catalogue will be available on March 30. The 42nd annual Breeding Stock Sale will be held on April 4 starting at 1pm. For those who cannot attend in person, the sale will be streamed live and phone bidders can register in advance. (read more)

OTTER PONDS AGM POSTPONED!
Source: NSWOOA
The latest weather forecast indicates that freezing rain or snow is likely Friday night in Mooseland. Therefore, the directors of Otter Ponds Demonstration Forest have decided to postpone their annual general meeting for two weeks. The AGM has been rescheduled to 6 pm, Friday, April 10, at the Mooseland Community Centre in Mooseland. Join us to learn more about the past year’s accomplishments at OPDF, and our plans for the future. We hope to see you there! (read more)

HOPES GROW FOR CLIMATE-PROOF BEANS
Source: BBC
A breakthrough in the development of temperature-resilient beans could help sustain a vital source of protein for millions of people around the globe. The news offers a glimmer of hope for many farmers in developing nations. Climate projections suggest that 50 percent of the countries’ bean production will be lost by 2050 if farmers do not have access to the new variety of bean. The discovery was made by plant breeders at CGIAR, a global agricultural research group. (read more)

WE NEED YOUR BEANS
Source: Rural Delivery
Bean recipes, that is. Our May issue is full of beans, and we need some bean recipes for our Household Notes column. We want to know what you do with dry beans. Do you bake them, make soup, salads, loaves, or cakes? Please send your favorite recipe right away, with a note telling us why it’s a favorite. You can send them to dvlmagazines@gmail.com. Here is a tasty and simple recipe from BBC’s Nigel Slater, just to get you in a bean frame of mind. 

NIGEL’S ADAPTABLE BEAN SOUP
Source: BBC
2 onions 
2 carrots 
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
3-4 ripe tomatoes 
1 bay leaf
a few large handfuls of pre-cooked cannellini beans
vegetable stock 
a few slices of orange peel
1 Parmesan rind
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 handful chard stalks (and leaves if young)
fresh parsley, chopped
French stick, to serve

Roughly chop the onions and carrots. Warm a little olive oil in a large pan on a low heat and add the onions and carrots. Chop the tomatoes and add them to the pan with a bay leaf. Add the cannellini beans, followed by the vegetable stock – enough to cover. I like to add a couple of bits of orange peel at this stage, followed by the Parmesan rind. 
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper and let the soup bubble. Chop the chard stalks and add to the liquid. (You could use any other greens you like.) Add plenty of chopped parsley, then add the chard leaves. Serve with some toasted French stick or ciabatta and a drizzle of olive oil. (read more)

WHY THERE’S A BIG BATTLE BREWING OVER THE LEAN MEAT IN YOUR DIET
Source: NPR
Never underestimate the power of a footnote. When a panel of nutrition scientists tasked with updating the government’s guidelines on healthy eating released its 500-plus-page tome on Feb. 19, one particular 52-word footnote threw a wrench into the conventional wisdom on lean meat. It caught the meat industry’s eye, and it’s created a controversy. It’s no surprise that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which get updated every five years, are political. They have huge implications for the food industry, as well as myriad government programs like school lunches. But this year, the biggest beef is over meat – not just red meat, but poultry, too. The footnote, along with some other words, have worked the industry into a lather that’s going to be frothing for months. (read more)

AMAZON FOREST BECOMING LESS OF A CLIMATE CHANGE SAFETY NET
Source: New York Times
The ability of the Amazon forest to soak up excess carbon dioxide is weakening over time, researchers reported last week. That finding suggests that limiting climate change could be more difficult than expected. For decades, Earth’s forests and seas have been soaking up roughly half of the carbon pollution that people are pumping into the atmosphere. That has limited the planetary warming that would otherwise result from those emissions. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

WOOD PELLET PRODUCER WORKING TO MEET DEMAND
http://www.atlanticfarmfocus.ca/Forestry/2015-03-26/article-4091106/Wood-pellet-producer-working-to-meet-demand/1

FSC DEMANDS RESPECT FROM RESOLUTE
http://www.pulpandpapercanada.com/news/fsc-demands-respect-from-resolute/1003539384/438qvsM3oyW6x08yM2vx/?ref=enews_PP&utm_source=PP&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PP-EN03252015

ATLANTIC 4-H CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN DEBERT
http://novascotia4h.ca/2015-atlantic-4-h-senior-members-conference/

ELGIN HAS A PED OUTBREAK
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/

March 26, 2015

U.S. BEGINS TRADE INVESTIGATION OF SUPERCALENDERED PAPER FROM CANADA . . . A TOP WEEDKILLER COULD CAUSE CANCER. SHOULD WE BE SCARED? . . . DAIRY FARMER DUMPS $100K WORTH OF MILK, BLAMES MARINE ATLANTIC . . . INNOVATION PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS . . . OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

U.S. BEGINS TRADE INVESTIGATION OF SUPERCALENDERED PAPER FROM CANADA
Source: Pulp & Paper Canada
The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation of imports of supercalendered paper from Canada, at the request of The Coalition for Fair Paper Imports, an ad hoc association of two U.S. manufacturers of supercalendered paper – Madison Paper Industries and Verso Corp. Media reports from the past few months indicate that the main target of the coalition is Port Hawkesbury Paper in Nova Scotia. (read more)

A TOP WEEDKILLER COULD CAUSE CANCER. SHOULD WE BE SCARED?
Source: NPR An international committee of cancer experts shocked the agribusiness world a few days ago when it announced that two widely used pesticides are “probably carcinogenic to humans.” The well-respected International Agency for Research on Cancer published a brief explanation of its conclusions in The Lancet and plans to issue a book-length version later this year. The announcement set off a wave of feverish reaction, because one of these chemicals, glyphosate, is a pillar of large-scale farming. Better known by its trade name, Roundup, glyphosate is the most popular weedkiller in the world. (read more)

DAIRY FARMER DUMPS $100K WORTH OF MILK, BLAMES MARINE ATLANTIC
Source: CBC.ca
Brent Chaffey, owner of New World Dairy in St. David’s, Nfld-Lab, said ice delays forced him to throw out around 100,000 liters of milk over the weekend that he had intended for shipment. “In the last 72 hours we've had to dump just short of 100,000 liters,” he told CBC’s Corner Brook Morning Show. “That’s slightly more than $100,000 in value.” Chaffey says while he agrees that this year has had the worst and thickest ice the Gulf has seen in 30 years, he doesn’t buy Marine Atlantic’s arguments. According to Chaffey, the ferry service has become less reliable over the years. (read more)

INNOVATION PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
Source: NSDA
Nova Scotia farmers are encouraged to apply for innovation support through $1.2-million proposal-based programs. The support is available through the innovation part of Growing Forward 2 in Nova Scotia. “Our farmers play a key role in helping to grow the Nova Scotia economy and we want to support and promote programs that help them be more competitive and innovative,” said Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell. The innovation theme of Growing Forward 2 supports and promotes market-oriented, consumer-driven initiatives that will improve the competitiveness and profitability of Nova Scotia’s agriculture, agri-food, and agri-based product sector.  (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

NEW BREED AIMS TO MEET MARKET FOR SMALL CHRISTMAS TURKEYS
http://www.themeatsite.com/meatnews/27138/new-breed-aims-to-meet-market-for-small-christmas-turkeys

FANCY A GREAT WORKOUT? TRY HORSING AROUND
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/565975/Horse-riding-benefits

FRACKING ON PUBLIC LAND EQUALS 21 PERCENT OF U.S. EMISSIONS
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/26208

March 25, 2015

NORTHERN PULP DENIES CLOSURE RUMOUR … THE POISON PLANT PATCH … GALLANT TO CO-LEAD CANADIAN ENERGY STRATEGY WORKING GROUP … NSFA COLLECTS INFORMATION TO LOBBY FOR DISASTER RELIEF … NFU RESCHEDULES ANNUAL MEETING … OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST...

NORTHERN PULP DENIES CLOSURE RUMOUR
Source: The Chronicle Herald
The Northern Pulp mill is here for the long haul. “Rumours that our mill is closing any time soon are simply not true,” said Bruce Chapman, general manager of the Pictou County kraft pulp mill. Emphatically denying that the Abercrombie Point mill is considering such a drastic step, Chapman said it is rumour mongers who are tainting the air. “There are people who take rumours and embellish them in a way that hurts our business. This type of pollution should be eradicated as best we can. This rumour has no basis in fact.” (read more)

THE POISON PLANT PATCH
Source: Nova Scotia Museum
Poison Ivy, Monkshood, Buttercup, Destroying Angel are all examples of toxic plants or mushrooms that can cause vomiting, convulsions, diarrhea, heart failure, contact dermatitis or death. The deadly beauty of common wildflowers of the Northeast is illustrated here, in addition to the medical symptoms of poisoning. Learn more about the alkaloids, resins, oils, and toxic proteins found in house plants, annuals, perennials or native wildflowers. More than 50 plants, mushrooms and algae are included. (read more)

GALLANT TO CO-LEAD CANADIAN ENERGY STRATEGY WORKING GROUP
Source: The Sackville Tribune Post
Premier Brian Gallant has joined Alberta Premier Jim Prentice, Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Paul Davis,s and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger to lead the development of a Canadian energy strategy. “Job creation is our top priority as a government, and the energy file is a very important part of our plan to help grow the economy here in New Brunswick and across the country,” said Gallant. “I am very honoured to co-lead the development of a Canadian Energy Strategy.” (read more)

NSFA COLLECTS INFORMATION TO LOBBY FOR DISASTER RELIEF
Source: NSFA As Atlantic Canada digs out from another storm, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture continues to collect information from farmers who have experienced losses caused by this year’s winter weather. As of March 22, the estimated cost of damage to agricultural structures from snow is well over $3,000,000. Damaged structures include greenhouses, livestock barns, maple sap collecting systems, and machine storage buildings. The cost of mitigating snow damage is not included in the estimated damage costs. (read more)

NFU RESCHEDULES ANNUAL MEETING 
Source: Island Farmer
The National Farmers Union has rescheduled its annual meeting from March 24 until the last day of the month. The meeting, which begins at 10 am, will be held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Charlottetown. The morning session will feature the business meeting and an address from National Women's President, Coral Sproule. A representative from the Worker’s Compensation Board will also be on hand to talk about coverage available to the agricultural community. (read more)

OTHER NEWS OF INTEREST

BIOSECURITY AND VISITORS ON THE FARM
http://www.grainews.ca/2015/03/19/biosecurity-and-visitors-on-the-farm/

U.S. SEES ANOTHER DROP IN FED CATTLE NUMBERS
http://www.ontariofarmer.com/sitepages/

STROLLING OF THE HEIFERS WEEKEND: JUNE 5, 6 AND 7, 2015
http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com/our-parade-and-weekend/

EQUIMANIA! CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AT CAN-AM
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/35509/equimania-celebrates-10-years-at-can-am