Atlantic Beef & Sheep

Many people will recall the old one lane bridges throughout Nova Scotia, as it always seems exciting when approaching one...will the old boards hold?...will another vehicle reach it before I will?...is it wide enough? This lovely old bridge is from the area of Dunmore, Antigonish county.

Carleton County Spring Show and Sale to be held April 15-17 by Heather Jones The 67th annual Carleton County Spring Show and Sale (CCSSS) has been modified to meet Covid-19 restrictions and will be held very, very prudently next week. A total of 27 steers and market heifers will be judged and sold. But not at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre in Florenceville-Bristol, New Brunswick.... CCSSS president Trevor Welch said the board of directors are doing our best to continue the (67-year) tradition, while following all the government regulations regarding people (social distancing), and the movement of cattle. The safety and health of our exhibitors and buyers are our top priority. He said, We did not want to cancel the event if at all possible. We did speak with many past buyers and supporters and received many positive responses to continue and hold the sale. Welch also pointed out that 4-H exhibitors (and open exhibitors as well), have a lot of time and money invested in these animals, and we hope by continuing the tradition, even in these trying times, it will be a positive experience. On April 13, veteran Hereford breeder Mike Goodine of Mactaquac, N.B., will visit each individual farm and judge the show entry. Jardine Auctioneers in Fredericton will hold the online sale from April 15-17. It will be a ‘timed event’ over two-and-a-half days (kind of like eBay, with bidders placing maximum bids on an animal) with a ‘horse race format’ finish, Welch explained. Bidders can register on Jardine’s website and will receive a log-in ID and password. He is optimistic about the show and sale. We are hopeful that it will be as much of a success as it can be, given the state of the country during this time. See more

Recommendations for delivering cattle during pandemic Prior to transporting cattle, consult provincial guidelines and be aware of all associated risks. That advice tops the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) recommendations for cattle being shipped during the Covid-19 outbreak. For those delivering: ... Plan ahead and proceed with caution as many restaurants, gas stations, hotels, and other services are closed or working under reduced hours. Pack adequate food, water, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, medications, cell phone charger, spare tire, and fuel. Travel during daylight hours when possible. Phone ahead to confirm delivery date, time, location, and any special requests. Do not shake hands, maintain a social distance of two metres (six feet), and limit interaction time. Limit the number of people travelling to one person, but consider an additional driver to assist with longer trips. Do not enter facilities unless necessary and only with authorization. Avoid interaction with farm pets (dogs, cats, etc.) and leave yours at home. Do not deliver cattle if you are sick, even with mild symptoms. Stop, drop the cattle off, and roll on (Stop, Drop, and Roll) For those receiving cattle: Ensure biosecurity protocols are in place for farm visitors and information is shared with employees regarding Covid-19. Limit or restrict visitors to the farm or business operation. Provide clean locations to wash hands and/or hand sanitizer for visitors. Consider documenting visitors: including time, date, and purpose. Do not allow visitors into facilities or house unless necessary. Provide signage directing visitors to specific areas on farm. Request non-essential travellers to remain in the vehicle. Provide a secure washroom facility (when possible) that will be sanitized after each use. If providing food and/or beverages for travellers, use disposable cups and plates. Communicate to employees who may be first point of contact of delivery schedule. International: At this time (March 27), breeding cattle are able to move without interruption across the U.S. border with the appropriate documentation. Paperwork and health testing previously required is still in effect. Both commercial trucks and private farm operations transporting cattle are permitted to cross with valid identification and documentation. The CCA advises, Before departing, we recommend confirming documentation and reservations directly with authorities at the port where you will be crossing.