Rooted in Tradition, Embracing the Future
Set not far from the seaside coast in Mabou, Cape Breton, Bayview Dairy Farm is showing what it means to farm for the future. Owned by Rodney Beaton, the operation is proving that environmental sustainability and financial practicality don’t have to be at odds. They can work hand in hand.
Since taking over the family farm in 2011, Beaton has made it his mission to modernize operations. With funding support from federal and provincial clean technology programs, Bayview upgraded many of the farm’s systems, dramatically cutting energy costs and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Goodbye Diesel, Hello Electric
The journey started with 355 solar panels installed across the barn roof1. From there, Bayview swapped out several diesel-powered systems for electric alternatives—including a manure pump, feed cart, Total Mixed Ration mixer, and a versatile telehandler2.
These updates have reduced the power bill and maintenance on the farm, and Rodney notes that the electric telehandler, with its extendable arm and interchangeable attachments, has replaced multiple machines, saving time, fuel, and labour.
Helping Hands
Bayview’s clean energy transition is a story of partnerships in action. Efficiency Nova Scotia’s Kraig Porter, Energy Manager for Agriculture, helps farmers like Beaton navigate energy assessments, emissions calculations, and available funding. His position is funded under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership3.
Regional NSDA offices also serve as key connectors, helping producers tap into clean technology programs and navigate funding opportunities.
A Growing Movement
Bayview is one of the many Nova Scotia farms that have undertaken clean tech projects—with help from Kraig Porter, over 500 projects have been completed since 2017. Together, these projects have cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 11,600 tonnes, and helped producers avoid over $3 million in energy costs annually.
Programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership and the 2025 Advancing Clean Technologies Program will continue to help the sector grow.
Cultivating Change by Sharing Knowledge
Drawing on his own experience, Beaton now offers consulting services to help other producers explore clean tech options that make sense for their operations.
With strong partnerships and a growing appetite for innovation, Nova Scotia’s farms are powering a more sustainable future. Bayview Dairy Farm is proof that smart investments in clean technology don’t just make sense—they make a difference.
Funding Programs
1. Solar panel funding was through the Nova Scotia’s Advancing Clean Technologies Program which was jointly delivered by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture (NSDA) with Dalhousie University from 2021-23. In addition, funding was received from the Federal Agricultural Clean Technology Program.
2. Funding for the electric alternatives was through the 2023-24 Advancing Clean Technologies Program delivered by NSDA, funding by the NS Climate Plan.
3. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.