A course for swine producers interested in improving their production practices and ultimately profitability of their operation.  The hog industry includes a variety of operations from youth show projects to purebred breeding stock to commercial meat operations.  The hog industry includes a variety of operations from youth show projects to purebred breeding stock to commerical meat operations.

There are six lessons in the course which cover:

• basic production information
• reproduction
• nutrition
• health
• marketing
• financial issues

Upcoming Course
The next course is scheduled to begin on February 3, 2016. Click here to receive a Registration Reminder

Please sign up for email notification if you would like to receive a notice when the course registration opens in early November.

How Does The Course Work?
Lessons are mailed weekly for six weeks. The first lesson will be mailed or emailed on February 6. Postal participants will receive a CD of materials.
Read weekly lesson materials and complete worksheet.
Return worksheet and any questions to Dave Hartman at the Penn State Extension office in Columbia County.
Worksheets ask questions about your individual operation. You will receive personalized comments and suggestions for ways to improve your operation. If you don’t own hogs yet, simply answer the questions based on what you plan to do.

Cost Of The Course
Internet/email $50.00
Postal service $85.00

What’s In It For Me?
You will gain a better understanding of the basics of swine production.
You will learn how to feed to meet the nutritional needs of swine.
You will learn about the reproductive process in swine.
You will learn how to keep swine healthy and how to correct health problems.
You will learn effective ways to market your hogs.
You will learn how to properly handle financial issues related to swine production.

For more information, please visit the Penn State Extension Website

**Please note that this course is offered from a US source and there may be variances in production recommendations**

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: August 10, 2015 to August 14, 2015

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: August 3, 2015 to August 7, 2015

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: July 27, 2015 to July 31, 2015

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: July 20, 2015 to July 24, 2015

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: July 13, 2015 to July 17, 2015

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: July 3, 2015 to July 10, 2015

Please note that there are a few changes to the collection of on-farm mortality, through the NSFA Dead Stock Program. Currently, there is only collection in the Valley Area, (West Hants, Kings and Annapolis Counties) which is offered by Ervin Sanford and he can be contacted at (902) 691-2072. The NSFA Dead Stock Committee is working to provide the collection service to Central Area as well, but there are no updates at this time.

Effective immediately including the May 2015 period, farmers using the service will receive a monthly invoice directly from the NSFA Dead Stock Program. To ensure cash flow to support the program, it is important to note that any outstanding receivables will result in a disruption to your on farm pick up of dead stock.

Effective July 1st, 2015 there will be changes to the dead stock collection rates. New to the program is a minimum amount of $50 per trip for pick up. Also, in order for the Dead Stock Program to be sustainable an increase of 4.5 cents to 12 cents per pound (for collection of dead stock over 400 lbs) is necessary.

The Dead Stock Committee and the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture appreciates your support of the program. We feel this program provides a valuable service for the industry in the areas that we are able to provide the collection of dead stock.

We thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Dead Stock Committee or staff at the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.

Nova Scotia Weekly Market Report: June 22, 2015 to June 26, 2015