N.S. purchases new community pasture

Jun 14, 2022

The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board purchased 125 hectares of land in Pictou County

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Nova Scotia government is adding to its community pasture resources.

The ministry of agriculture, through the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, has purchased 125 hectares (308 acres) of land in Cape John, Pictou County for $1.1 million.

This is in addition to another 352 hectares (869 acres) of land already owned in the community.

The loan board “supports the development of sustainable agriculture and rural agribusiness in Nova Scotia through responsible lending,” its website says.

The Crown corporation developed the community pasture program during the 1950s.

The Farm Loan Board owns the pastures and leases them to independent co-operatives.

With this most recent purchase, Nova Scotia cattle ranchers have access to more than 2,500 hectares (6,177 acres) of pasture.

These community pastures help established producers, new farmers and local consumers, said Greg Morrow, Nova Scotia minister of agriculture.

“We are working with the Farm Loan Board to help cattle farmers reduce their cost of production of local beef in Nova Scotia and reduce barriers to entry for new farmers by expanding community pasture land,” he said in a statement. “By helping farmers reduce costs, we are supporting affordable, local food for Nova Scotians.”

Farmers see the benefits of having community pastures.

Moving some livestock to the community pasture allows for home farmland to grow more food, said John Tilley, a beef producer and user of the Cape John Community Pasture.

“The value of the community pasture to our farm is twofold: by sending part of my herd to the community pasture each summer, it frees up land on the farm so I can grow more forage crops to feed animals over winter and thereby expand the size of my herd,” he said in a statement. “Also, we feel secure that our animals are well cared for on the community pasture by experienced staff.”

Nova Scotia has six other community pastures in the province:

Roxville, Digby County (117 hectares/289 acres)
Minudie, Cumberland County (1,033 hectares/2,552 acres)
Little Harbour, Richmond County (87 hectares/214 acres)
Maple Brook, Inverness County (257 hectares/635 acres)
Cape Mabou, Inverness County (231 hectares/570 acres)
Cheticamp, Inverness County (304 hectares/751 acres)

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.