If you ask Daniel Muir to offer words of wisdom to young farmers, he will tell you to seek the advice of the older generation.
“They have done everything you are doing now and can share advice on what works, what doesn’t, and save you a lot of time and headache.”
Growing up on a commercial Simmental cow calf farm in Merigomish, Nova Scotia – Daniel saw the importance of agriculture in our society.
“The spectrum of our everyday life that relies on agriculture to operate, from clothing to food supply. Being part of an industry that is critical to our society and everyday life is a rewarding feeling.”
His family raises 25 head of breeding cattle, the calves are raised to feeder size and sold off farm. All sires come from other Maritime farms that use The Maritime Beef Test Station, to evaluate bull performance. They also grow approximately 80 acres of pasture and forages.
Obtaining a B.Sc. from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (now Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture), Daniel is now employed as a Traceability Coordinator with the Department of Agriculture. While he currently works off farm, he still spends much of his free time doing seasonal activities, such as; planting, cropping and sire selections. An active member of the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists, a past young leader participant of the Canadian Cattlemen’s, as well as a past representative on the Young Cattlemen’s Council – Daniel is heavily involved in the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia.
What he loves about farming is the connection to the animals. His wife is a veterinarian, which makes animals a big part of everything they do. Cattle comfort and welfare are very important on their farm.
In the future, Daniel would like to have an onsite abattoir on their farm. He feels strongly that the demand for safe, local products is increasing.
Daniel appreciates the broadening scope of agriculture in Nova Scotia and finds it refreshing to see.
“All the farms have niche markets or are g