Rural Delivery

In the September issue of RD, check out Joan Allaby’s profile of the EnerGreen Builders Co-operative in Sackville, N.B. It’s a great snapshot of energy-efficient home construction options, and an interesting example of local carpenters and other tradespeople joining forces to operate as a co-op. http://www.rurallife.ca/letting-the-sun-shine-in

Dry conditions across the Atlantic provinces this summer had many landowners thinking that it would be nice to have a pond or even multiple ponds for irrigation or livestock watering, and also for fire safety. Here’s a useful article on the topic by Rupert Jannasch, originally published in the Sept. 2016 issue of Rural Delivery. http://www.rurallife.ca/pondering-a-pond

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

https://www.cbc.ca//made-to-last-more-than-100-years-old-c

Come on out this Saturday Feb 8 for the PEI Winter Woodlot Tour at Bluefield High School, P.E.I. Bring the whole family to the seventh PEI Winter Woodlot Tour. A fun, family-friendly event aimed at celebrating Island wildlife, forest ecosystems, and sustainable woodlot use. Come and participate in activities including snowshoeing and trail walks, free sleigh rides, maple syrup and chainsaw maintenance demonstrations. Learn about watershed and forest management, enjoy free hot apple cider, and much more! See www.winterwoodlottour.ca for details - please check for storm cancellation before coming.

From this time last year, here’s our Garden Gleanings column on the topic of herbs another one by Cape Breton urban gardener Nicole Dixon: http://www.rurallife.ca/gg-herbs