The Canadian Junior Limousin and Shorthorn Associations hosted another successful Stars Leadership Conference in Nova Scotia this February. This year’s event saw record participation, with 40 juniors attending from across Canada.
The event kicked off with early arrivals viewing the pre-sort sale at the Atlantic Stock Yards in Murray Siding. The official conference itinerary began with a Friday tour of Dalhousie University’s agriculture campus in Truro.
Participants explored the Ruminant Animal Centre, learning about the campus’s research and management practices. Dr. Ghader Manafiazar presented on sustainable livestock production and greenhouse gas emissions, which provided insights into strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of cattle farming while maintaining efficiency and profitability.
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The afternoon featured inspiring talks from Ellen Crane, knowledge mobilization co-ordinator with the Canadian Beef Research Council, who shared her journey in the agricultural sector, and Katie Trottier, ruminant livestock specialist at Perennia Food and Agriculture, who offered insights into her career path.
On Saturday, the group traveled to Nappan for a full day of interactive learning. The first stop was a tour of the Maritime Beef Test Station. Jacy McInnis, beef and sheep carcass ultrasound technician, conducted a carcass ultrasound demonstration, showcasing how the technology assesses meat quality and enhances breeding decisions.
Next, participants visited John Duynisveld, beef research biologist at the AAFC Research Centre. He introduced attendees to the centre’s kelp feed supplementation studies, which aim to improve cattle nutrition and reduce methane emissions.
The conference wrapped up with a tour of Balamore Farm in Great Village, hosted by the Cooper family. The juniors enjoyed a hospitable lunch while learning about the farm’s cattle and strawberry divisions.
The organizers extend a sincere thank you to all participants, sponsors and hosts who made the conference a great success.
