Farmers have until Dec. 11 to apply for the Nova Scotia Beef Development Program
A new program in Nova Scotia is designed to help beef producers expand operations and market more beef.
The provincial government announced the creation of the Nova Scotia Beef Development Program on Nov. 5.
This $2.3 million program will help farmers invest in cattle and other farm infrastructure to support herd size and production.
The program reflects the notion of all farms operating differently.
“Every beef operation is different, so we wanted this program to give producers the flexibility to invest in projects that make sense for their farm,” Agriculture Minister Greg Morrow said in a statement. “When our farms grow, that means more business in rural communities and a stronger economy for Nova Scotia.”
Perennia, Nova Scotia’s food development agency, will administer the program.
The program will provide a maximum of 25 per cent of approved eligible costs.
Funding will be distributed in three tiers.
A farm with a beef income, defined in the program as sales of live cattle or beef products, ranging from $70,000 to $249,000, would be eligible to receive up to $50,000.
Operations with between $250,000 and $499,999 in sales can receive up to $125,000. And farms with sales of $500,000 and greater can receive a maximum of $250,000.
Novia Scotia had 370 beef farms in 2025-26.
Along with the province’s 10 provincially licensed abattoirs, the industry processed 4,458 cattle for about $48 million of value in the beef sector.
“As a beef producer, I understand the investment, planning and commitment that go into growing a herd and building a sustainable farm business. Having access to programs that help producers make those investments can make a real difference in what’s possible for individual operations,” Alicia King, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, said in a statement.
Interested farmers must apply for program funding by Dec. 11.
Applications must include a description of the proposed project, how it will help address current challenges, and how it could help create new revenue streams for beef.