Please forward your submissions to the NSAC E-Bulletin to the newsdesk at (news@nsac.ca) for inclusion in the next edition, which run on Monday and Thursday of each week. Remember you can post notices anytime on the NSAC Forums at http://nsac.ca/forums

Staff and Alumni Ice Cream Social

Take a break from your work tomorrow afternoon and stroll over to the Alumni Gardens for a cool and tasty ice cream cone!

The Development and External Relations office will be serving up the refreshing treat as a break for NSAC staff and alumni to enjoy.

When: Friday, Aug 27
Time: 3 p.m. sharp (before the ice cream melts!)
Where: Alumni Gardens

New Face on Campus

Jo Ann Fewer, former Executive Director of the Colchester Regional Development Agency, will join NSAC as an AgraPoint employee, beginning Monday, August 30th as Coordinator of Business Development and Planning, Partnerships and External Engagement. 

Ms. Fewer will report to the Vice-President Research, Extension and Outreach, Dr. Richard Donald and will be located in the former HR offices in Cumming Hall.

The Modern Shepherd

NSAC is pleased to offer The Modern Shepherd beginning in the fall of 2010. Originally developed through a partnership between SPANS, AgraPoint and NSAC, this program is designed to assist new and existing sheep producers improve practices and increase sheep production in Atlantic Canada.

The Modern Shepherd will combine in-class sessions with hands-on practical activities and tours to allow participants to experience all aspects of raising sheep, from choosing sheep, breeding, lambing and marketing.

“This course was excellent for new producers and producers with experience, producers with only a few ewes and producers with large flocks.  There is something in this course for everyone.” - 2007 Participant

For more info please visit the CDE website at nsac.ca/cde for more information

click here to view the poster

Business Loan Program

The Students in Business Program helps students start their own business. The program offers business loans (up to $5,000), training and counselling to help students start and expand businesses. Since 2004, hundreds of Nova Scotia students have participated in Students in Business and the success rate holds at 96 per cent!

We are offering our students the Business Loan program again this year. This program has helped high school, college and university students across Nova Scotia launch successful businesses and entrepreneurial ventures in a safe and nurturing environment.  The program is not intended to conflict with academic pursuits or create lifelong business owners. It is designed to provide a safe opportunity to try entrepreneurship.This unique program is supported by both provincial and federal governments in hopes of expanding the entrepreneurial culture right here in Nova Scotia. Whether or not the students involved continue in self employment, no one will argue the benefits of the entrepreneurial spirit, in work, in study and in life.  

The program is delivered in this region by Northern Opportunities for Business Limited.  We are pleased to have this offering in our economic development portfolio as we agree with the long term goal for enhancing small business as part of a sustainable growth strategy for Nova Scotia.

Parents and community groups/organizations play a key role helping students learn about the program. Students receive encouragement and direction from their parents and they interact with a variety of community groups on a regular basis. 

For more information click here or visit our website studentsinbusiness.ca

Surf and Turf Golf Tournament 2010

The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Surf) and Department of Agriculture (Turf) are teaming up once again to host the 2010 Surf and Turf golf tournament in support of United Way.  This year's event is  is Friday, September 10th at Mountain Golf Course, just outside of Truro. The cost is $50.00 for all the fun you can handle!

This tournament has been a major contributor for the department's United Way Campaign.  It is a fun scramble, so skill is not a concern!. We accept teams of four or individual registrations and would welcome any individuals or teams from NSAC.

For something a wee bit different this year, there is a theme for the golf, so haul out your favourite Hawaiian shirt!

For more information or to register, please contact Linde Greening with Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture

greenijl@gov.ns.ca

Seminars

Please note the following upcoming seminars presented by two candidates for the position of Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Agricultural Genetic Diversity at NSAC.

Dr. Sean Myles
"Collecting, Analyzing and Exploiting Genomic Diversity for Agricultural Improvement"
11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 8
Alumni Hall

Dr. Eveline Ibeagha-Awemu
"Genetic Diversity in Cattle: Relationship with Breed Variability, Milk Fatty Acid Profiles and Response to Mastitis Pathogens"
11:00 a.m., Friday, September 10
Alumni Hall

All are welcome!

Langille Athletic Centre

The Langille Athletic Centre is re-opening for the new year August 29 at 6 p.m.  From August 29 - Sept 6 (inclusive) , we are offering a trial membership free for staff and community members. Bring your workout gear and appropriate footwear and give it a try.  Memberships for 2010-2011 will go on sale Sept 7. For more information contact 893-6661.

Celebration of Small-Scale Farming

The NS Department of Agriculture's THINKFARM Program and Central Regional Office, in partnership with Agrapoint and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development, is sponsoring a Celebration of Small Scale Farming, to be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Halifax County Exhibition Grounds
(Middle Musquodoboit). This event features farmer-led workshops on a variety of topics of interest to small-scale farmers.

The registration fee covers the cost of admission to the event plus a coupon for use with the food vendors. A single admission is $15 and includes $5 in coupons. A family admission is $30 and includes $10 in coupons. Children under 12 are free.

Food will be available for purchase from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. from O’Connells Family Farm, Nature’s Script Farm, and Spicy Cravings.

For more information, visit www.gov.ns.ca/thinkfarm