News Release Archive

AGRICULTURE/MARKETING--FORAGE SUPPLY SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
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Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine today released
results of a forage supply survey indicating the average reported
forage shortfall for Nova Scotia livestock producers is about 25
per cent. 

"The survey shows that the drought has affected all regions of
the province, especially mainland Nova Scotia," said Mr.
Lorraine. "Obviously, the dry weather has taken a toll on many
producers' forage supplies, and department staff, including our
livestock and crop specialists and our agricultural
representatives, continue to work closely with producers to offer
advice in dealing with the situation."

Mr. Lorraine cautioned, however, the survey may not represent the
entire forage situation in the province. Only 164 of 1,200
surveys sent to beef, dairy and sheep producers were returned. Of
the 164 respondents, 124 reported forage supply shortages of
between 10 and 50 per cent. The remaining 40 reported an adequate
supply.  

"In general, those producers facing a shortfall are more likely
to respond to a survey like this, which can impact the results,"
said Mr. Lorraine. "But we did the survey to get an assessment of
the feed supply on individual farms across the province and how
extensive a shortfall producers may be dealing with going into
the winter months. We will continue to evaluate the situation on
a more provincewide basis."

Precipitation data show certain areas of the province received
significant moisture in August to provide for more fall forage
growth, which should be of some help. This is positive news in
light of one of the driest summers on record, said Mr. Lorraine.

The minister said department staff continue to monitor the
situation closely, and he encourages producers who have not done
so to still send in their survey and to contact the toll-free
feed service line that has been operating since mid-August.

The service was established in partnership with the Nova Scotia
Federation of Agriculture and Grain and Forage Nova Scotia and
enables producers to list livestock feed (hay, haylage, etc.) for
sale, make inquiries as to what is listed for sale, or place
their name on a list of those wanting to buy feed.  

The service is now taking listings for other feed types (i.e.
corn silage) and is also listing companies willing to transport
forage from other provinces. Twenty-one of the 45 listings for
producers with forage to sell are from New Brunswick and Prince
Edward Island.

The line currently has 103 listings --45 to sell feed and 48 to
buy.

The toll-free line will continue to operate as long as there is a
need for the service. The number is 1-888-423-1222 and is
available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding
noon to 1 p.m. The service's current listings are available on
the Department of Agriculture and Marketing's website at
http://www.nsac.ns.ca/NSDAM/pt/agron/haylist.htm

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Contact: Bill Thomas
         Agriculture and Marketing
         902-893-6566
         e-mail: wthomas@gov.ns.ca

NOTE TO EDITORS: A copy of the 1997 forage supply survey is
available by calling collect 902-424-4492.

ngr                  September 17, 1997                11:35 am