Governments Invest in Work by Beef Sector to Improve Animal Health and Rate of Return

News Release

November 22, 2014 – Nappan, Nova Scotia – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong (Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley), on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Nova Scotia Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell, today announced an investment of $89,100 in a project by the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers to improve animal health, farm safety and increase producers' return on investment in the province's beef sector.

The association is contributing about $130,000 to the Safe Handling of Cattle Program, in addition to the federal and provincial funding being provided under the Canada-Nova Scotia Growing Forward 2 Agreement.

Quick facts

There are about 450 registered cattle producers in Nova Scotia, and around 700 producers in total.
The program will provide producers with up to 40 per cent of the cost, up to a maximum of $1,000 per application, of purchasing equipment that helps maximize the safety of cattle and handlers during transportation and during health procedures where the animal needs to be kept still. This equipment includes neck extending head gates, cattle squeezes and crowding tubs.
Under Growing Forward 2, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Provincial Government have committed $37 million over five years for programs that will benefit the local industry.

Quotes

"Our Government recognizes the importance of the Canadian beef industry in creating jobs and growing the economy. This investment provides beef producers in Nova Scotia with the support they need to remain competitive while growing their business."
- Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong

"I challenged the industry to come forward with a program that would help meet their needs. I'm pleased to see what they came forward with."
- Nova Scotia Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell

"Adequate cattle handing equipment reduces stress on animals as well as reduces the risk of producers being injured by an excited animal. Animals that are preconditioned properly with vaccinations, dehorning and castration have a market premium of about 4.5 to 6.5 cents per pound. This means that these animals are worth about $30 to $40 more at market weight, not to mention perform better in the feedlot."
- Larry Weatherby, Chair of the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers

Contacts

Emily Hogeveen
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada

Krista Higdon
Communications Nova Scotia
902-424-8860
E-mail: krista.higdon@novascotia.ca

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Governments Invest in Work by Beef Sector to Improve Animal Health and Rate of Return

News Release

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