A major event for beef producers across the Atlantic region is being held this coming weekend in Nappan, Nova Scotia. The Atlantic Beef Expo will feature the latest in beef technology and trends in the industry. It's aimed "for everyone with a steak in the beef industry."
The Expo begins on Friday evening at the Wandlyn Inn in Amherst with a seminar on cattle quality. The guest speaker is Dr. Bob Hough from the American Red Angus Association. Two Prince Edward Island producers will lead a discussion on what feedlots are looking for when buying cattle.
A technology field day will be held in Nappan on Saturday featuring a wide range of demonstrations including handling facilities, cattle selection and grading and different types of balers and wrappers for silage. Participants will also have an opportunity to see the new bunker silo at the Research Farm. The Atlantic Veterinary College will demonstrate the use of ultrasound for marbling and ribeye, and officials from Hub Meat Packers will discuss selection of finished cattle. These and many other demonstrations will be held at 30 minute intervals throughout the day to allow participants to take in as much as possible.
A special feature of the field day will be a demonstration by Alberta cattleman Dylan Biggs on handling cattle without creating stress.
Interested producers can register for both the seminar and field day, or they can join the Expo on Saturday morning in Nappan, which is just 40 minutes from the Confederation Bridge. For more information, call Shane Murphy, beef specialist with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry at 368-5611.