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: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.