NB Cattle Producers
by Cedric MacLeod

Open your social media feed, watch the news, drive by a fast-food restaurant these days and you’ll see, hear, or read about the raging debate over the merits of animal-based foods. It is truly unfortunate to see two sides of the same industry (agriculture) hammering away at each other. This only serves to confuse the general public (our consumers) and creates division in a community that only represents two percent of the Canadian population. We owe it to ourselves to stick together and act from a united front. The question becomes, How DO we work together?

How do we build a long-term production model where annual cropland managers and beef cattle operators get on the same page and reap the benefits of collaboration?

I was fortunate to be an invited speaker at the 2019 P.E.I. Agronomy Workshop in late August and was struck by some numbers shared by Dr. Judith Nyiraneza from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada about building soil organic matter. Solid cattle manure was delivering the highest potential rate of organic matter addition to P.E.I. potato soils! What’s the impact of this reality? Solid cattle manure is a highly valued and sought-after commodity in the province. It was clearly stated during the workshop farm tours that P.E.I. needs more cattle manure, and to get it, you guessed it, the Island needs more cattle.

The Maritime Beef Sector Growth Strategy was designed to put more cattle on the ground across the Maritimes and support market growth for fed cattle and calves heading to feedlots in Ontario and Quebec. Atlantic Beef Products continues to call for more cattle as markets grow, and Ontario feedlots are calling for more calves to fill feeding spaces as the feedlot sector there continues to expand. Local and regional market growth is creating opportunities, so how do we capitalize on them?

On a New Brunswick pasture tour in August, co-hosted by the N.B. Soil and Crop Improvement Association and the Maritime Angus Association, we visited two farms in Carleton County that are setting a very clear example of how advanced management can drive growth.

Garvie Mountain Angus is using advanced genetics, superior herd health, and a structured pasture and forage production strategy to grow the herd and deliver the kind of high-health status, high-genetic-potential calves the market is calling for. The missing link in the management chain for these operators is the lack of carcass cut-out data that can be used to make more informed management decisions.

Ben and Loree Wohlgemuth and family (Green Leaf Harvesting) demonstrated what can be achieved with high grazing intensity. Loree and the children are offering fresh “servings” of grass to their herd of 30 cow-calf pairs every 12 hours. The result? A full season worth of grazing on only 16 acres, in a relatively dry year, and there was at least a month’s worth of lush, stockpiled grass ahead of the herd yet. Yes, you read that correctly: 30-cow-calf pairs on 16 acres, for the entire grazing season. If you are thinking that you couldn’t possibly afford the time to manage this way, consider the value generated by 10 minutes of daily labour investment, because that’s all it takes Loree and her children to manage it.

You are going to be hearing more about these kinds of opportunities as we move into a new project through the Maritime Beef Council and kick off three calf clubs and one feedlot club across the region. For the Maritime beef sector to thrive, we need to start aligning ourselves along the value chain and the clubs are being designed to support this effort. There is value to be had for all, but we need to adopt a spirit of collaboration to seize it.

Opportunity is knocking. Are you ready, willing, and able to open the door?

For more information on the production clubs, or to sign up for participation, contact the Maritime Beef Council through maritimebeef.ca, or contact your provincial cattle association.

(Cedric MacLeod is the NBCP’s coordinator of strategic opportunities. To contact the NBCP office, visit bovinsnbcattle.ca, phone 506-458-8534, or email info@bovinsnbcattle.ca)

PEI Cattle Producers

The P.E.I. Cattle Producers (PEICP) has lobbied on its members’ behalf to secure funding for various initiatives. Details of the funds are outlined below. Any producer who wishes to access the funding must meet the following minimum requirements:

* Be currently registered with the PEICP

* Have attended a Verified Beef Production (VBP+) course

* Must be in good standing with the PEI Cattle Producers Inc; this includes having paid dead stock fees and Check-Off levies

* Have a valid premise ID

*Attended a Humane Handling Workshop (not a requirement for all programs)

Applications must be delivered to the PEI Cattle Producers office. The deadline to submit applications and supporting documentation is Feb. 28, 2020, no exceptions. The application is currently being uploaded to our website, found under programs.

On-Farm Assurance – Beef

The objective of this program is to improve the uptake, knowledge, and education as it relates to assurance systems, such as Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+), traceability, biosecurity, and animal welfare.

RFID Readers

Fifteen RFID readers are available for producers / drovers. Producers are eligible for 50 percent funding up to a maximum of $1,333 per reader for completing Phase 1 of the VBP+ program. Or, 75 percent for up to $2,000 per handling system for producers who attend a Humane Handling Workshop and complete Phase 1 of the VBP+ program.

Drovers are eligible for 75 percent funding up to a maximum of $2,000 per RFID reader for attending a Humane Handling Workshop.

Handling Facilities

Fifty percent funding up to a maximum of $3,500 per handling system for producers who attend a Humane Handling Workshop and complete Phase 1 of the VBP+ program. The handling system is to be approved by the PEI Beef Specialist. Equipment can only be purchased from an authorized dealer.

VBP+ Audits

For first audit only, 75 percent of the cost of a third-party audit to become “Registered” under the VBP+ program – value of $318.75.

Biosecurity

Two biosecurity barn signs are available to any producer who completes Phase 1 of the VBP+ program. Signs are available through our office, so please contact us to get your signs.

(Amanda Miller is the executive director of the P.E.I. Cattle Producers. She can be reached at 902-368-2229 or by email at cattlemen@eastlink.ca.)

NS Cattle Producers
by Larry Weatherby

We weathered a very hot, dry summer, and we are hoping for a cooler fall ahead! The Nova Scotia Cattle Producers (NSCP) has a busy upcoming fall, as plans for future industry events and workshops continue.

The 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) was held in Calgary, Alberta, from Aug. 12-15. With the theme “Securing our Future,” it featured several speakers related to consumer demands, focusing on current and future opportunities, the growing protein market, and production challenges and opportunities. There was a focus on genetic selection and improvement, as well as pasture and forage management related to drought. There were also several presentations on animal health, focusing on vaccinations and safe handling techniques.

The CBIC is also the host of several industry meetings, including the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off Agency annual meeting, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and Young Cattlemen’s Council semi-annual meetings. Nova Scotia was well represented at the national conference with five participants, including Larry Weatherby, Bert Meyer, Victor Oulton, Geoff Larkin, and Brad McCallum.

The fifth annual Nova Scotia Elite Beef Expo was once again a part of the N.S. Provincial Exhibition, held Aug. 20-24 in Truro. Our 2019 winners were both Angus, and both were exhibited by Linden Hill Cattle Co. The Supreme Male Champion was Linden Hill Sensation 9F, and the Supreme Female Champion was Linden Hill Ms. Raven 18E. We wish to congratulate Linden Hill Cattle Co., as well as to thank all exhibitors for another great expo.

TEST STATION UPDATE

The Maritime Beef Testing Society (MBTS) will have a test once again this year. Consignment forms, which will be available on the website in early September, are due back in early October. Bulls will arrive at the Station on Nov. 1 and 2. The MBTS annual meeting will be held Nov. 22 at the AAFC Pavilion in Nappan. This year’s guest speaker is Jasper Munro from AgSights, who will discuss bull evaluation and selection.

The Test Station is happy to announce that it has worked with the NSCP and SPANS to secure funding to enhance the testing program at Nappan. Starting in 2020, it will offer ram evaluations (details to follow) and will be reviewing the bull testing program for any changes to the 2020-21 testing season.

PROGRAMS

The NSCP has secured funding for both the Nova Scotia Multi-Species Ultrasound Enhancement Project and Feeder Cattle Vaccination Screening through the CAP program. It has been proven that carcass quality genetics can be improved by utilizing ultrasound technology, so by having this service available to producers it is our hope to see an increase in overall regional carcass quality.

Safe and exceptional handling systems allow for a more efficient beef operation, ensuring less injury and increased overall productivity. Good handling equipment often equals reduced time and labour, decreasing production costs. If you are interested in improving your handling system, perhaps the new CAP program – The Cattle and Sheep Industry Enhancement Program – may be of interest to you. This is available to eligible producers, along with other programs such as Wildlife Damage Mitigation, from now until March 1, 2020. For a complete listing of all government programs, please visit novascotia.ca/programs/. Additionally, for resources relating to handling systems with cattle, please see the nscattle.ca website.

TRANSPORTATION

REGULATIONS

We would like to notify producers of the changes coming to livestock transportation regulations, beginning Feb. 1, 2020. Amendments to the Health of Animals Act, as well as the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) Code of Practice for the Transportation of Livestock and Poultry, are the reason for the updated regulations. The Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) changes for livestock transportation will be the new required minimum standard. Some of these changes include the transportation of young animals who have not yet been weaned, and distances and travel times for livestock to have adequate rest periods. For a complete list of all changes, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca/humane.

WORKSHOPS

The NSCP has teamed up with Amy Higgins of the Maritime Beef Council and Jonathan Wort of Perennia to deliver workshops regarding Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) and the changes within the transportation regulations. These will be held Oct. 1, 2, and 3 in Truro, Windsor, and Antigonish, respectively.

Also, along with the Sheep Producers Association of N.S., the NSCP will be hosting a workshop that will feature Perennia’s Jonathan Wort discussing forage feeding with both beef and sheep components. The workshop will be held on farms across the province in October and November. Please keep an eye out on our website, as well as our Facebook and Twitter, for more information on these upcoming events.

As usual, if you have questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact the office.

(Larry Weatherby is the chair of the NSCP. For any questions, comments or concerns, please contact the NSCP office by phoning 902-893-7455 or emailing office@nscattle.ca).

Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia
by Fred Hamilton

After the long, dry summer Nova Scotia weathered this year, I think we are all looking ahead to a cooler fall that is quickly approaching. The Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia (SPANS) is eagerly planning industry events and workshops for fall.

The 2019 All Canada Sheep Classic was held July 18-21 in Humboldt, Saskatchewan. This event brought together sheep breeders from across Canada for a show, sale, and hospitality.

The 38th annual Atlantic Sheep Sale took place Aug. 31 at the N.S. Provincial Exhibition Grounds. This sale, sponsored by the Purebred Sheep Breeders Association of N.S., was comprised of more than 20 consignors and nearly 100 various breeding stock.

The SPANS annual general meeting is set for Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the N.S. Federation of Agriculture building (7 Atlantic Central Drive, East Mountain, N.S.).

PROGRAMS

The Cattle and Sheep Industry Enhancement Program, under the new CAP Program, can help with the expenses of creating a well-designed handling system. Utilizing optimal handling techniques and equipment within sheep management practices often leads to less-stressed animals and fewer expenses, such as time and labour, and generates increased production.

The Wildlife Damage Mitigation Program aims to control damage to crops and/or livestock by wildlife. This is especially applicable within the sheep industry as predators such as coyotes can cause havoc on sheep farms. Some common solutions include guardian animals, adequate fencing, and motion detection equipment. These programs are open to eligible producers until March 1, 2020. For a complete listing of all government programs, please visit novascotia.ca/programs/. For additional information on handling systems with sheep, please see the nssheep.ca website.

WORKSHOPS

SPANS, along with the N.S. Cattle Producers, will be hosting a workshop that will feature Jonathan Wort of Perennia discussing forage feeding with both beef and sheep components. The workshop will be held on farms across the province in October and November.

In early November, SPANS will be working with Jonathan Wort once again as he delivers a presentation on ewe lamb management. The workshop will be held in the Valley and Tatamagouche regions, on Nov. 6 and 7. Please ensure you are checking the website and our Facebook and Twitter regularly for more information on these upcoming workshops.

We wish to notify all producers that transportation regulations for livestock are changing Feb.1, 2020. This was due to the combination of amendments made to the Health of Animals Act and the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) updated Code of Practice for the Transportation of Livestock and Poultry. The Health of Animals Regulations (HAR) changes will be the new required minimum standard for the transportation of livestock. Some changes to these regulations include transporting young animals who are not yet weaned, as well as the length of travel – so rest periods for the animals will be a factor for long-distance travel. For a complete list of all changes, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca/humane.

If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions for workshops, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

(Fred Hamilton is the chair of SPANS. For any questions, comments or concerns, please contact the SPANS office at 902-893-7455 or novascotiasheep@gmail.com).