February 2025 POULTRY • FENCING • BOOK REVIEW PROVINCIAL PROFILE: NOVA SCOTIA RADIANT RED ZINNIAS ARE LEADING THE WAY AT REVIVAL SEEDS IN NOVA SCOTIA’S ANNAPOLIS VALLEY
A ONE-MAN SHOW IS SO 2024 I made a trip east in February, it was nice to be among like-minded people and hear their stories. I attended the 2025 Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network Conference in Truro to get educated and connected, then a meeting with the Extended Learning group at Dalhousie University for learning inspiration. I then visited with our new writer Montana P. on my way south for a visit with family. It was a wonderful trip – I learned so much about the diversity of agriculture in Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Region. About the vibrant people involved, ingenious ideas and enterprising operations. People building farms and foodways for themselves, their families and their communities. It is not a one person show but a family, a community and an active network coming together and supporting each other. Not one but a collective of voices and entities trading knowledge and sharing ideas. That may sound rather rosy but there has been some hard times in Nova Scotia agriculture. But the overwhelming reality is the hard work being done by many to improve the small picture, to keep the big picture moving forward. Welcome to Small Farm Canada “Lite”. An electronic magazine short with stories and information that tag-teams with SFC magazine to keep the conversation going between printed issues. We’ll also reshare past stories, get provincial perspectives and touch on things to come! For more on “Lite” email Editor@SmallFarmCanada.ca. EDI TORIAL Cover photo Byrka Family Revival Seeds Mosher Corner, NS IN THIS ISSUE February 2025 | Vol. 1 Issue 1 8 A TALE OF TWO BLOOMS 4 NEWS & NOTES N.S. lifting ban on fracking & uranium, French fry lipstick, YA breaking barriers & California bee shortage. 6 GIZMO THE FENCE POST DRIVER ARTICLE BY DAN KERR A SFC Replay Story from January-February 2021. 11 BOOK REVIEW: THE BASICS OF REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE BY ROSS MARS REVIEWED BY JANET WALLACE Chemical-free, nature-friendly and community-focused food. 15 FEAR NOT THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS STORY BY DAN NEEDLES Dan appreciates his Canadian farm lacking even a single poisonous creature that wants to kill him. Kohlrabi, AKA German turnip, is a cool season biennial. Despite it’s appearance it’s related to cabbage. It is not a root crop, the stem of the white or red varieties are harvested and enjoyed for their light peppery taste. The leaves are also highly nutritious. EDITOR Julie Harlow | 1-866-260-7985 ext 272 Julie.Harlow@SmallFarmCanada.ca ADVERTISING SALES 1-866-260-7985 Sales@SmallFarmCanada.ca DESIGN | Andrea Williams CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashleigh Benedict | 1-866-260-7985 x252 Subscriptions@SmallFarmCanada.ca MARKETING & OPERATIONS Denise Faguy | Denise.Faguy@Farms.com PUBLISHER | Farms.com Canada Inc. PRINT: The print magazine for Small Farm Canada is published six times each year by Farms.com Canada Inc. Subscription rate for one year: $24.95 (+tax). Single copy price is $5.95. SUBSCRIBE NOW! DIGITAL: Small Farm Canada Lite is published 6 times each year, tandeming the Small Farm Canada magazine print issues. Contact Info@ SmallFarmCanada.ca for your free subscription. Your privacy is important to us. Occasionally we may send you information from reputable companies whose products or services we believe may be of interest to you. If you would prefer to have your name removed from the list, contact us at Info@ SmallFarmCanada.ca. Contents copyrighted by Farms.com Canada Inc. and may be reprinted only with permission. Copyright © 2025 Farms.com Canada Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1710 4955 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Small Farm Canada, or Farms.com Canada Inc. endorse any advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the omission of any scheduled advertising. 90 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca PROUD TO BE CANADIAN OWNED! We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Get social with Small Farm Canada Amy Hill of Snowy River Farms in Cooks Brook, NS presented at the Atlantic Canadian Organic Regional Network Conference River Made Farmstead Parry Sound, ON
3 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca Your Small Farm & Homesteading Store www.BerryHill.ca I 1-800-668-0372 Canadian Family Owned Since 1946 TWO-WHEEL TRACTORS One tractor to power over 75 attachments. Attachments sold separately. Browse & build your perfect combination today. I just wanted to thank Small Farm Canada for running the article on avian flu from the small farm that had suffered from it. It is just so important to hear from poultry owners that have managed to go through something like that, you can read all the help books in the world but to be able to know exactly what someone went through is so important. I don’t have email or a computer, but I just wanted to leave a message to thank the editorial department and of course the young woman who went through it, I am just so grateful for her writing the story to help the rest of us understand. Every time I hear a hen cough or sneeze my heart just goes crazy wondering if it is possibly flu. I wish you could team up with a veterinarian, there are so few of them now that deal with poultry and farm animals. I wish you could team up with a veterinarian to write a column for small farm people. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR LEFT PAGE: REVIVAL SEEDS | JULIE HARLOW | NAT - ADOBE STOCK | RIVER.MADE.FARMSEAD | RIGHT PAGE: MONTANA PINEYRO | J UKOV STUDIO - ADOBE STOCK Transcribed phone message from anonymous caller regarding story written by farmer and flock owner Montana Pineyro in the January-February issue of Small Farm Canada magazine. Get your print subscription to Small Farm Canada magazine and we will send you the January/February issue as a bonus! - Julie IN THE NEXT ISSUE: MARCH/APRIL 2025 - GARDEN ISSUE Booking deadline: Thursday, February 6, 2025 Ad material due: Thursday, February 13, 2025 We also love all kinds of crops and gardening and so do our readers from the back 40 to the market garden, fruit and veg to flowers and flax. Machinery, specifically to meet the needs of a small farmer, will also be a feature in Spring 2025 as well as Dan Kerr with his tips and DIY guidance on use, maintenance and repairs in every issue.
4 February 2025 Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program A Place of Peace Ignatius Jesuit Centre Build a foundation to start a successful farm enterprise 4 Terms (April - November) Weekly webinars Periodic field days & in-person trainings Flexible! Sign up for single trainings or full program! efao.ca/ifnftp NEWS & NOTES NFU NOVA SCOTIA CONDEMNS THE NS GOVT ON FRACKING & URANIUM DECISION “Bill 6 threatens Nova Scotia’s food sovereignty. The National Farmers Union of Nova Scotia (NFU NS) condemns the provincial government’s lifting of the long standing bans on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and uranium exploration—as it erases the right of people to define and control our food systems by increasing the risks of contamination to this province’s soil, air and water. As climate change escalates, temperatures rise and droughts lengthen, clean groundwater will become increasingly valuable in the agricultural sector. Our food system is being jeopardized by mining industry desires for short term corporate profit. Impacts from fracking and uranium mining will extend beyond the environment and bleed into our communities, worsening the affordability crisis and degrading our attempts to feed ourselves by undermining our struggling and steadily decreasing population of farmers, farm workers and food producers. In response to economic uncertainty and the threat of tariffs, we call on the NS government to bolster food sovereignty and build up local food systems and infrastructure that will improve the wellbeing of Nova Scotians and the unceded land upon which we live and grow. Increased funding to the NS Loyal program in the new budget is wholly insufficient to compensate for the negative consequences of fracking and mining on the agricultural sector”. Source: National Farmers Union Nova Scotia TOP: AUNTSPRAY - ADOBE STOCK | BOTTOM LEFT: @IDAHOPOTATOES | BOTTOM RIGHT: DOMNITSKY - ADOBE STOCK CRAZY FOR FRIES Kiss of French is no ordinary lip balm. Launched by the Idaho Potato Commission for Valentine’s Day, it is unlike traditional lip products, it’s made with mashed Idaho potatoes. The potatoes are blended into a hydrating formula that softens lips while delivering a subtle fryinspired essence. “French fries aren’t just a favourite—they’re a full-on obsession,” said Jamey Higham, IPC President & CEO. “Americans consume over 9 billion pounds of fries each year, and when they want the best, they turn to Idaho® potatoes. With ‘Kiss of French’, we took that love and turned it into something unexpected and unforgettable.” Source: @idahopotatoes
5 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca AQUACULTURE SUPPLIES LAKE & POND SUPPLIES Est. 1989 Your Pond & Lake Professionals Since 1989 For a complete line of solutions anytime Visit our Updated Website: FishFarmSupply.ca How Does Pond Dye Work? Aquatic plants, just like plants on land, need light to grow. In ponds we address light penetration into the water by adding pond dye. Pond dye essentially creates a higher re ective surface on your pond so that less light reaches the bottom, where plants start to grow every spring. It works best at depths greater than six feet and will not be as e ective in the shallow areas around the edges of your pond. Pond dyes work on the premise that plants grow poorly without light so blocking it will reduce your growth in the main body of the pond. Pond dyes are available in blue, which you commonly see at golf courses, and black, which give a more natural Muskoka water look. Pond dyes are most e ective if added early in the spring as soon as the ice is o the pond and before growth starts. They are non-toxic and are safe for humans, pets and wildlife alike. To decrease plant growth in ponds you could also explore nutrient management straties by using probiotics and manual removal. We discuss these topics and more in our FREE Pond Resource Guide. It is lled with years of experience helping our customers and will help you understand the problems you are experiencing and why they happen. Please contact us if you would like one sent out or you can drop by our store to pick one up and discuss the challanges you are having. Your Pond & Lake Professionals Since 1989 With approximately 2/3 of new farmers in Canada not coming from family farm backgrounds, many have limited access to inter-generational knowledge. This makes it tougher to manage unpredictable weather changes, assess soil conditions, predict market demands, volatility, and to adapt. This capacity is essential for new farmers, to stay afloat in a changing agricultural landscape. Young Agrarians 4-Part Webinar Series ‘Breaking Barriers: Building Future Farmers’ ran between November 2024 and March 2025. This series explored the biggest challenges new and young farmers face today as they begin their growing journey. Each session invited a range of speakers to explore one of the big four barriers growers face: land access, wrap-around supports, access to capital, and knowledge. The first three sessions, land, supports and capital are available on Young Agrarians Policy Hub now with knowledge to follow soon at https://youngagrarians.org/ policy/. Source: Young Agrarians CURIOUS ABOUT FARMER MENTORSHIP? LOOKING FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT? UNSURE WHERE TO START? https://youngagrarians.org IN NEED OF BEES IN CALIFORNIA Could Canada find an edge through bees? It is conceivable that if Canada as the 51st State, joined the Union and then presented a coalition with the State of California, that together we could control the U.S. government. Or maybe not, but it is fun to think about! It is not fun to think about the plight of California growers due to lack of bees, here is more. On the ‘Voice of California Agriculture’ podcast, Placer County beekeeper Jason Miller discussed the bee shortage facing California almond growers this year as farmers scramble to find enough bees to pollinate the year’s crop. With a shortage of pollinators and rising prices for bees, Miller said the theft of bee boxes has become a greater concern. “We have dealt with some very large bee thefts,” he told podcast host Gary Sack on the California Farm Bureau-produced show. The episode also discussed the importance of export markets for California farmers. Source: California Farm Bureau TOP: BLAMBCA - ADOBE STOCK | YOUNG AGRARIANS
6 February 2025 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 519-669-2192 Email us @ efsaudersales.ca or vISIT US AT OUR WALLENSTEIN LOCATION Rotary Plow Power Harrow * * * * * Chipper/Shredder Precision Depth Roller SALE ENDS MAY 31, 2025 GIZMO, THE FENCE POST DRIVER ARTICLE & PHOTO BY DAN KERR SFC MARCH-APRIL 2022 When the Boss and I moved onto the farm she bought a pair of Styrofoam swords so that disagreements when moving could be sorted in a quick painless best out of three. When it came time to decide where to put the first row of grapes, and she walked out with the swords, I knew what was about to happen. THE PROBLEM I love auctions, especially with homemade gadgets, so at one many years ago I purchased a homemade fence post pounder. It was built from leftovers of a plumbing job, no doubt. It was comprised of a piece of two-inch pipe about four feet long with a sixteen- inch bung of two-inch diameter rod welded inside. The beast weighed about 50 pounds, but at that time I was a young weight trainer who could lift a Buick, so didn’t care. Over the years I would cringe even thinking of having to use this beast. I eventually cut off about two feet of pipe and eight inches of the bung to lighten it and making it acceptable for small jobs. When we decided to expand on our already expanded vineyard, I had to modify my plans as this beast had gained some weight over the years. THE SOLUTION Another one of my Dad’s sayings was: “Don’t do anything by hand that you can get a machine to do.” In this case it proved to be very good advice. My first attempt involved just holding the fence “T” bar PRACTICAL
7 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca TOP: NATHAN - ADOBE STOCK vertically of my tractor under the bucket and push it into the ground. This did not work as the bucket on my B7200 does not lift high enough. This led me to the idea that an add-on to the bucket would be required. THE DESIGN I first thought of a design or set-up for the three-point hitch. But without push down capabilities, it wouldn’t work on my tractor, so I refocused my thoughts back to the loader and using connections that are already there. There were holes already drilled at the top on both sides of the bucket, originally used to hold brackets that assist with the removal of the loader. I then used a piece of tubing measuring 12”x2”x2”x5/16” and drilled a hole through it about one inch from an end. I slipped the existing bolt through the hole with a 1 inch diameter piece of pipe as an inside spacer and threaded it back into its original hole with flat washers on both sides allowing it to swing. Mounting the GIZMO on the top of the bucket allowed an extra 14 inches of height which was more than enough to get the fence post vertical and with the hydraulics I would simply push the post into the ground. THE TEST We lined up the tractor and the Boss oriented each post so that the holes in the post were on the row side allowing the line wire to be threaded through. Once lined up she set the post by sliding it into the Gizmo, holding it vertical. When all lined up, she stepped back and I applied downward pressure to the loader and the post slid into the ground. With the resistance off balance it slightly twisted the loader during the process. To prevent permanent twisted damage to the loader, I added some concrete blocks in the bucket of the loader as ballast. Moving along, the second post struck a rock and the post bent immediately which meant a trip to the shop to straighten it out. I would recommend CAUTION here to go slow while proceeding. I would also caution that once the post is loaded into the gizmo, vertical and all lined up should the assistant back well away in the event of a failure as none of the parts are heat treated and we are all aware what damage steel shrapnel can cause. The Boss also expanded her orchard by adding several plumb trees along with the apples and we were able to use the gizmo for that job as well. As for the foam swords, as I was explaining to the Boss that I believed her hormones were out of whack, that old saying “it’s only a game until someone gets poked in the eye” was immediately brought to my attention! FENCING OPTIONS ARTICLE BY MATHEW MURPHY Fencing plays a crucial role in farming, helping to protect livestock and manage land efficiently. To complement Dan Kerr’s fence post driver article (page 6), we’ve put together a useful guide covering different fencing options. For a great starting point, the Nova Scotia New Farmer website offers a detailed guide on livestock fencing. WIRE FENCING Wire fencing remains one of the most popular choices, but there are many variations to suit different needs. EDGE WHOLESALE DIRECT – A BC-based distributor shipping Canada-wide, offering fencing wire and posts. RED BRAND – Specializing in field fencing, barbed wire, and electric fencing, plus installation guides and tips. ELECTRIC FENCING Electric fencing is an efficient and versatile option for many farms. The Manitoba government has an excellent resource covering the basics. GALLAGHER – Provides energizers, posts, wires, and accessories. LOCKJAWZ – Offers insulators, clips, and reconditioned energizers. PATRIOT DATAMARS – Supplies energizers, clamps, and planning advice. LIVE FENCING For a more natural and visually appealing option, live fencing is a great DIY-friendly choice. LEARN MORE. NVK NURSERIES – An Ontario-based supplier with living fence solutions and additional resources. Click on company names for more info!
8 February 2025 READER QUESTION TO HATCHERIES: Hi there. We are looking for moss eggers. Do you have a breeder that will ship them? - Cam EGG BLOOM Nestboxes can be set up so that eggs roll away into a compartment after being laid. The compartment serves to keep the eggs clean and away from potential pecking but accessible for gathering. These features also help to maintain the bloom on the egg. The bloom is laid down before the egg is laid, (but after it is coloured as all eggs start white and colour depending on breed). The bloom is a protective layer that seals the eggshell to prevent bacteria like salmonella from entering the egg. It consists of glycoproteins, lipids, polysaccharides and inorganic phosphorus. Some hens lay a heavier bloom, and some are a bit lighter, but generally between ten and thirty micrometers thick. Maintaining the bloom is important as it acts as a barrier to infection, for health of the chick. Washing will compromise the bloom. If an egg bloom gets wet or even rubbed away, the seal is broken. If eggs are for human consumption, they need to go into the refrigerator if the bloom is compromised. If your eggs are unwashed with bloom intact, they can sit on your counter at room temperature for up to a month! BLUEBERRY BLOOM The white waxy coating on blueberries is called the bloom. It’s a natural part of the fruit that protects the berries from insects, bacteria, and the sun. The bloom also helps keep blueberries fresh and plump. If you can see it, it means the berries have been picked in nice, dry conditions. Blueberries with this dusty white bloom will be firm and plump. They will also have a greater shelf life. The bloom is a natural part of the fruit and is safe to consume. Benefits of the bloom: • Helps protect the berries from insects and bacteria. • Helps seal in the fruit’s natural moisture. • Blueberries with the bloom are firm and plump and have a greater shelf life. • The bloom is a sign of freshness and quality, blue berries are ripe and ready to eat. • The bloom comes off easily while washing. It’s safe to eat. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT A TALE OF TWO BLOOMS... EGG SHORTAGES Like California and pollinator shortages, the U.S. is also experiencing an egg shortage and thus inflated prices for eggs across the country. The main culprit to the supply shortage is highly pathogenic avian influenza. The outbreak has impacted nearly 110 million birds, including laying hens, since early 2022. It is the worst outbreak of bird flu in U.S. history. HPAI has been detected in 48 states, with key egg-producing states like Utah with significant losses. Forbes.com says, “the egg shortage highlights vul�- nerabilities in industrial farming systems. As the USDA and other sources have reported, the heavy reliance on large-scale operations makes the food supply chain especially susceptible to disruptions like disease outbreaks.” IN PRAISE OF SUPPLY MANAGEMENT For all it’s economic dirty laundry, supply management may be Canadian consumers biggest friend when it comes to managing avian influenza in both poultry flocks and dairy cattle across the Nation. The information and location data kept by poultry and dairy supply management administering authorities acts as both mechanism for prevention for a high percentage of dairy and poultry as well as disease mitigation and recovery. Although we have also been afflicted with HPAI in poultry in Canada, authorities have access to clear, highly organized and current information about the location and size of each commercial poultry flock coast to coast. Our flock and herd sizes also tend to be smaller, which in this case, less intense is a pro! proAction, Fingers-crossed, knock on wood et al., at present our dairy herds in Canada have not been impacted by avian influenza. This is in sharp contrast to the U.S. with herd movement, free-market and a federal system that is struggling to organize itself and resources, on a stateby-state basis, to manage this devastating disease. As you can imagine, ditching supply management and opening the borders at this time could be a very risky move for food security, food safety, disease mitigation and inflation for Canadians when it comes to eggs and dairy. If you can help Cam out let us know at Editor@SmallFarmCanada.ca - Juilie RED BRICK ROOST CLICK FOR A COOL TOOL TO HELP KEEP THE BLOOM ON YOUR FRESHLY LAID EGGS.
9 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca WELCOME TO THE SFC FAMILY, BERRY HILL! Berry Hill Limited has a wide range of products for farming and self-sufficiency. For seeding or weeding, cooking, canning, dehydrating and preserving. They can also fill out the garden shed, poultry coop or rabbitry and help with dairy and cheesemaking supplies! And to top it off Berry Hill Limited now carries Small Farm Canada magazine! Welcome Berry Hill to SFC’s distribution team at both St. Thomas, ON (bricks and mortar retail location) and online at www.BerryHill.ca. The products are great and so is the advice. Thanks to Jamie Fox of Berry Hill Limited for helping with chicken and rabbit over-wintering tips in the March-April 2025 issue of Small Farm Canada magazine, on sale now. NEW ADDITION & UPDATED LISTING TO THE 2025 SFC POULTRY GUIDE: FOREST BORDERS FARM Vancouver Island, BC Phone: 250.748.5855 (can also text) Email: info@forestborders.com Forest Borders Farm is a small-scale family run farm located on Vancouver Island. Offering hatching eggs and chicks. Will ship hatching eggs. Specializing in Canadian BRESSE. Iinteresting layers, dual purpose and hybrids. Pick-ups at gate. Here is an update from Wild Acres, BC: WILD ACRES We are a small, family-owned breeder farm specializing in heritage chickens and Indian Runner ducks. We offer pre-orders of hatching eggs for farm gate pick-up by appointment. Hatching eggs are also available for shipping to BC, YT, AB, SK, and MB, with a minimum order of one dozen eggs. Please note, that we no longer sell chicks, ducklings, or adult birds. All orders must be placed through our online store. SEED GUIDE UPDATE – NEW SEED DEALER: CICADA SEEDS PO Box 357, Errington, BC, V0R 1V0 Grow@cicadaseeds.ca cicadaseeds.ca Perennial vegetables for the homesteader, backyard gardener, or permaculturalist. Low maintenance varieties you can plant once and harvest for years. Herbs and flowers too. Seeds grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers. TOP: BERRY HILL
10 February 2025 35 Howard Ave, Elmira 519-669-5500 NOLT’S COMPACT MULCH LAYER CROP CARE PICK ASSIST TAR RIVER ROTO TILLERS 41”-81” width In-stock 1. 3 & 5 row. Also a good selection of Seed Rollers and Replacement Parts. JANG PUSH SEEDERS We’re helping you grow with these great brands: Weeding, planting & harvesting with ease! GOOD FOR A TIGHT BUDGET SOLAR CHARGED CROP CARE SPRAYERS From 25-750 gallons. Also Specialty Sprayers. CALL US FOR A FREE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GROWING SUPPLY CATALOGUE AZS BRUSHER Call with your fruit and vegetable washing needs.
11 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca Regenerative agriculture has become a hot topic in the last decade, particularly after huge agribusiness corporations, like General Mills, became involved in the field. For some farmers, regenerative agriculture means avoiding tillage while relying on genetically modified crops, herbicides and pesticides. This is not the type of farming covered in The Basics of Regenerative Agriculture, which focuses on “beyond organic” regenerative agriculture. Author Ross Marrs explains that the term “regenerative agriculture” was coined by Robert Rodale in the 1980s “to distinguish a kind of farming that goes beyond sustainable.” After all, keeping a depleted farm at a level of depletion can be considered sustainable whereas the goal of regenerative farming is to improve the farm ecosystem. For Ross Mars, the issue of “ethical integrity” is involved. He states “there is a moral imperative to fix the problems we find ourselves in.” Mars provides an interesting and comprehensive overview of plant and soil science and goes beyond the basic information on nutrients, soil structure, etc. He delves into the role of soil microorganisms and root exudates (the mix of sugars, amino acids and other substances released from the roots of living plants). In the plant section, he describes the rhizophagy cycle, which involves bacteria entering living plant cells and bringing nutrients into the plant. He explains that in nutrient-limiting soils plants secrete root exudates that “act as signal molecules that attract a diverse community of microbes.” The plants then increase their production of exudates which leads to more growth of the microorganisms, including bacteria which “absorb various nutrients from the soil so they are, in effect, nutrient storehouses.” The section on using plants in regenerative systems covers a range of topics from agroforestry, alley cropping, plant guilds (as described in permaculture design) and cover crops. For livestock, Mars describes various approaches to pasture management and handling animals. He also provides a comprehensive definition of integrated pest management. If you’re looking for specific details, such as what to plant where or how to control a certain pest, this isn’t the book for you. There are examples of such details in the text but unfortunately many are Australian. The goal of the book is, as the title suggests, to cover the basic principles of regenerative agriculture, and Mars does an excellent job at that and often goes beyond the basics by providing technical explanations of the science behind the farming practices. THE BASICS OF REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE: CHEMICAL-FREE, NATURE-FRIENDLY AND COMMUNITY-FOCUSED FOOD BY ROSS MARS REVIEWED BY JANET WALLACE BOOK REVIEW 1-800-387-RAIN Providing Irrigation Solutions since 1954. 2515 Pinegrove Road, Delhi ON N4B 2X1 www.vandenbussche.com Transplanters & Diggers Smart Farming Seeding Success TOP: GAJUS - ADOBE STOCK | MIDDLE: ROSS MARS AVAILABLE AT INDIGO/CHAPTERS
12 February 2025 A LITE LOOK AT NOVA SCOTIA ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW FARMING NOVA SCOTIA Dairy is the top revenue-generating sector, followed by fur (mink) and chicken. Other important contributors to Nova Scotia’s farm gate are eggs, cattle, blueberries, vegetables, floriculture, Christmas trees and apples. LUNENBURG COUNTY IS CONSIDERED THE “BALSAM FIR CHRISTMAS TREE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD” The cool, humid winter climate is ideal for growing balsam firs, the Christmas tree of choice in large parts of North America because of their lush foliage, fragrant Christmasy aroma and low needle loss. Each year, Nova Scotia’s Christmas tree growers sell and ship over 350,000 balsam fir trees throughout Canada and the U.S. BOXING ROCK BREWERY There are over 40 craft breweries in Nova Scotia. SFC made a stop at one, Boxing Rock in Shelburne. We loved the beer and their sense of humour – personal favourite on tap was Shuck Off!! The brew comes with a great story too. Sea captains who sailed into Shelburne had a special use for a big harbour rock. If they had crew members that couldn’t get along, they might set them out on Boxing Rock. The captain’s instructions: “Shake hands and share a beer, or box until one of you drops. We’ll be back before high tide to pick up one or both of you.” ATV CULTURE In September 2022, the Nova Scotia government made the ATV Road Access Pilot Project permanent through the Road Access Act. This means that certain roads across the province are now legally open for ATV use, allowing riders to connect to trail systems and access services more easily. DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY, EXTENDED LEARNING An in-person meeting with Dalhousie Extended Learning on their Truro campus, was a real treat. Dalhousie Extended Learning offer a range of courses and options for learning. They have a suite of established courses like the Master Gardener Training Program but flex depending on need. Course development is often initiated by industry like training in meat processing or managing lameness in dairy cattle. Or could also be based on a social enterprise like Bridge Into Agriculture – connecting African Nova Scotians to potential foodways past and present. There is a lot to learn in N.S. ag. WILD BLUEBERRIES Are a long-term perennial crop that has developed for millennia in the lowlands, sandy plains and mountain tops of Nova Scotia. Wild blueberries are incredibly diverse, sometimes with a hundred or more varieties within a single field. There is no need for cultivating new varieties with this diversity plus they wouldn’t be wild if we did! The variety within fields also makes for a depth of MAGR80 - ADOBE STOCK | FARZAN - ADOBE STOCK | FARZANEH - ADOBE STOCK | DGILLUSTRATION12U - ADOBE STOCK | SLOWBUZZSTUDIO - ADOBE STOCK | MIKA_48 - ADOBE STOCK | JULIE HARLOW | MD MOJAMMEL - ADOBE STOCK | BOXING ROCK BREWERY NS BALSAM FIRS BOXING ROCK BREWERY ANNAPOLIS FINE CHEESE
13 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca flavour that can’t be achieved in a single blueberry variety. 95 per cent of wild blueberries from Nova Scotia’s 630 growers, go for processing and Nova Scotia is also home to the world’s biggest wild blueberry processor! NS FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE Despite their vital role in Nova Scotia, farms have been struggling. The last time farms in Nova Scotia collectively posted a positive net income was 2016 and losses in 2023 totalled almost $44 million. Nova Scotia is the only province in Canada that has had this challenge persist for so long. “With a recent election and the government setting its mandate for the next four years, a strong vision for agriculture and agri-food is essential. As Minister Morrow returns to Agriculture, we as an industry are ready to hit the ground running and collaborate on meaningful solutions.” - Carolyn Van Den Heuvel, Executive Director PERENNIA Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation is a provincial development agency with the mission to support growth, transformation and economic development in Nova Scotia’s agriculture, seafood, and food and beverage sectors. They have a wide variety of resources to advance projects and provide assistance from people to publications, fact sheets and videos, labs and a commercial pilot plant. SAFFRON The reason for its high price tag is due to its nature, it is strictly harvested by hand. It also takes about 1,000 flowers to harvest just one ounce of saffron. The saffron threads are derived from the stamens of Crocus sativus, A.K.A. the “saffron crocus”. Native to the Middle East and Asia and also grown organically by Coastal Grove Farm in Shelburne County. MARITIME OX PULLING Oxen may be a rare sight in Canada now, but they still have deep roots in Nova Scotia at Ross Farm and where many exhibitions still feature ox-pull competitions. According to the Small Farmer’s Journal, competitions are one reason the working cattle numbers are on the increase. COOPERING Coopering has kind of a tawdry past including the practice of transferring goods from one vessel to another at sea, often by those engaged in smuggling. Although it is now often related to the carrying of goods in barrels or casks, and the making of them. It is an old trade that is being resurrected by craft distilleries (12 craft distillers in N.S.), gardeners and handicraft aficionados alike. One that has been on waterfront in Shelburne for generations. HASKAPS – THE BLUEBERRY THAT WENT TOO FAR? I was confused while passing an old hay field on the South Shore when I was told it had been planted to haskap berries. Do they grow under the same conditions as wild blueberries? It made me wonder… and the answer is no. The big difference between the two is their growing requirements. Blueberries need acidic soil and haskaps will grow just about anywhere making it a backyard favourite. DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY | PERENNIA | ROSS FARM | JULIE HARLOW | KOLESNIKOVSERG - ADOBE STOCK FB MARITIME OX PULLING GROUP ROSS FARM LAHAVE RIVER BERRY FARM COASTAL GROVE FARM SHELBURNE BARREL FACTORY WATCH AN OX PULL HERE! WATCH THIS OLD BRITISH PATHĖ FILM ABOUT COOPERING!
14 February 2025 Is there any single food more versatile than eggs? Quiche, frittata, omelette, egg salad sandwiches, pancakes and French toast are just a few of the simple ways we can enjoy eggs. Eggs are also what dietitians call a nutrient dense food. “This is a food that has a lot of nutrients but not a lot of calories,” says Egg Farmers of Canada Nutrition Manager, Kim Kesseler. One large egg has 6.5 grams of high-quality protein and only 70 calories. They are a complete source of all nine amino acids that your body needs and also a source of Vitamins A, D, E, B12, iron, folate, selenium, lutein, zeaxanthin and choline. While there was confusion around the role of dietary cholesterol in the 1980s and 1990s, Kesseler says eggs have minimal impact on blood cholesterol and can be safely eaten as part of a healthy diet across the lifespan by most people. Eggs also fit very well with the recommendation to eat less processed food. Because they keep for weeks when refrigerated, it’s convenient to whip up some eggs whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Hardboiled eggs can also be a convenient and wholesome snack for the field packed alongside whole wheat crackers and raw vegetables. Not sure if your eggs are fresh enough to eat? Kesseler says there is a simple test. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom when placed in a bowl of water while an old egg will float. Another indication of freshness is that the yolk of a fresh egg will sit up high in the frying pan while the yolk of an older egg will be flatter. What are the most common questions fielded by staff at Egg Farmers of Canada? People want to know the difference between white and brown eggs. The answer? Aside from the colour of the eggshell, there is little difference between brown and white eggs. The eggshell colour depends on the breed of the hen. (I like the blue egg colour of the Ameraucana breed.) Another popular question is how long scrambled eggs should be cooked in the microwave. Microwaved scrambled eggs are ready in just a few minutes. Mi- crowave on Medium-High at 70 per cent power for one minute and 30 seconds to one minute and 45 seconds, stirring several times during cooking. Cover and let stand for 30 seconds to one minute before serving. Eggs will look slightly moist, but will finish cooking upon standing. Loaded with potatoes, this recipe for a Spanish Omelette is hearty enough for brunch, lunch or dinner. For more ideas on how to prepare eggs, the Egg Farmers of Canada has more than 650 recipes on their website at www.eggs.ca. EGGS: VERSATILE & HEALTHY ARTICLE BY HELEN LAMMERS-HELPS SFC MARCH-APRIL 2022 SPANISH OMELETTE Reprinted with permission of Get Cracking® (Egg Farmers of Canada) eggs.ca Prepare: 15 minutes Cook: 40 minutes | Serves: 6 INGREDIENTS • 4 tbsp (60 mL) olive oil, divided • 4 Yukon gold potatoes thinly sliced into ¼-inch (5 mm) rounds, about 1 pound (500 g) • 1 onion, very thinly sliced • 1 1/4 tsp (6 mL) salt, divided • 8 eggs • 1 tsp (5 mL) hot sauce • 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 3/4 cup (175 mL) finely chopped red sweet pepper INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil in large non-stick or cast iron frying pan over medium heat. Add potatoes, onion and 3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt and sauté for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile whisk eggs, hot sauce, parsley, and remaining salt and pepper in medium bowl. Set aside. 2. After potatoes and onion have cooked for 10 minutes, add garlic and red pepper. Cook until potatoes are tender and onions are lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add potato mixture to the bowl with eggs. Stir to combine. 3. Heat remaining 2 tbsp (30 mL) oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add potato mixture and spread into an even layer. Cook until eggs start to set on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook until almost set, 8 to 10 minutes. Run a spatula around the edge and gently shake the pan to loosen the omelette. 4. Place a large plate over the pan. Carefully flip the pan over so the omelette falls onto the plate. Slide omelette back into pan. Cook until bottom is lightly browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip omelette onto plate and cut into wedges. FOOD TOP: IGOR DUTINA - ADOBE STOCK | MIDDLE: EGG FARMERS OF CANADA
15 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca FEAR NOT THE SNAKE IN THE GRASS STORY BY DAN NEEDLES ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW NEEDLES SFC MARCH-APRIL 2022 I have always been grateful that here on my farm in Southern Ontario there isn’t a single poisonous creature that wants to kill me. Sure, there are nasty wasps lurking on the underside of every metal surface in August. Skunks turn up in the most startling places, like between my feet at the workbench. And there is the odd patch of poison ivy in the fencerows. That’s about it. Australia has at least 30 of the world’s most dangerous animals, including snakes and spiders that infest every farm from Sydney to Perth. Another dozen species lurk in the water, including the cute little duckbill platypus that has a hook on its hind foot that can put you in hospital. I spent a year there in 1970, working on dairy farms and sheep stations, when the most popular tune on the radio was “The Redback Spider on the Toilet Seat” by Slim Newton. All the farms I worked on still had outhouses and I was warned to give the seat a good bang before I sat down. Fatalities from spider bites even then were fairly rare, but country people were always watchful. One day, while building a large stack of square bales out in the open, I felt a burning on my ankle and whipped off my boot. A green spider the size of a quarter jumped out and disappeared down a crack between the bales. My boss pointed out the two neat little puncture wounds on my ankle and sent me in to the house to let Gramma have a look. Gramma examined the wound carefully and quizzed me on the colour of the spider. “A green one, was it?” she drawled. I nodded. “Well, Danny...you moight get sick,” she said. “But you wouldn’t doy.” She advised me to keep my pants rolled down over my boots and sent me back out to work. I never had another close encounter with a spider of any variety, or any snake for that matter. Eventually, my nervousness about poisonous creatures subsided. But a few months later I was travelling up the coastal highway of Queensland and a farmer invited me to join his crew cutting a field of sugar cane. The work required me to stick my head in the canopy and slash at the roots of the cane plants with a machete, then slice off the tops and throw big armfuls up on the wagon. The ground underfoot was covered with black ashes. During the smoke break, I asked my employer if there had been a fire. “Oh yeah,” he said. “You gotta burn the field before we cut it. You wanna get rid of the snakes, right?” I thought about that for a minute and then I asked, “So, that works, does it? It gets rid of the snakes?” “Pretty much. You do see the odd one.” After the break, I tried shoving my head back into the canopy but I found it just wouldn’t go. The farmer watched me for a bit and he started to chuckle. “You don’t have any poisonous snakes in Canada, do you?” I said we did have the Massasauga rattlesnake in Ontario. But they weren’t that dangerous. The man raised his eyebrows in astonishment and turned to the others. “Did you hear that? The Canadian says they only have one poisonous snake in Canada . . . and it rattles!” They all roared with laughter. He turned back to me. “A lot of folks tell us they don’t like snakes and I can’t blame ‘em.” He paid me for the morning’s work and I drove on, up into the Cape Yorke peninsula, habitat of the dreaded Taipan viper, crocodiles and the venomous box jellyfish. But I never saw one of those either. I did have one brush with death on that trip when I climbed up on a retired racehorse and went for a canter around the pasture. I coaxed the old thing into a gentle turn and she heeled over like a sailboat in a stiff breeze. Then she kept heeling until she fell right over. It was a close call but I escaped with only a temporary sprain of my knee. Statistics confirm that horses, cows and drownings kill far more people every year in Australia than snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks and jellyfish and everything else combined. So if you do go to Australia, be sure to swim between the flags and, if you go to a farm, never, ever get on a horse. LARKSPUR SUPPER CLUB
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