“The Farm Loan Board was
interested in helping the farmer.”
- Derek MacNeil, Barraville Holsteins

“They get to know you and your business;
see it first hand and understand your challenges.”
- Ian Tuttle/Ruth Tuttle, Cumberland County, NS

“The Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board
has given me the tools I need to be successful.”
- Luke denHaan, Annapolis Valley, NS

“The Farm Loan Board
is more understanding of what we were doing
in this sector and understood what I was trying to do.”
- Glenn Dodge, Bent Ridge Winery Ltd.

“Van Meekeren Farms chose to obtain financing
from the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board
because they understand the financial needs of
agricultural businesses, and have a suite of products
available to meet those needs.”
- Stephen Van Meekeren, Van Meekeren Farms Ltd.

“The biggest difference between the
Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board
and other lenders is the products they offer are better suited
to agriculture - they understand agriculture.”
- Michael Lightfoot, Kings County, NS

Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board

Exhibition Grounds

A rendering shows the Exhibition grounds in Bible Hill, NS that includes existing infrastructure, and upcoming renovations, refurbishment and construction on the grounds.

The Bible Hill exhibition grounds have been a part of agriculture in Nova Scotia since the first exhibition was held on the grounds over 80 years ago.

The annual exhibition is an agriculture-based community event, showing the latest in innovation and excellence in agriculture from around the province. It provides the general public with an opportunity to get up close with 4-H participants, livestock, equipment and learn about farming and its history in Nova Scotia, with the Farm Equipment Museum operated on-site. The property is also home to the largest harness racing track in Nova Scotia with regular racing, simulcasts and para-mutuel betting.

The 65-acre property is second to none for agricultural and community events with its central Nova Scotia location, ample parking and partially serviced campground lots.

The Province of Nova Scotia, in conjunction with the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, have made investments into the property to unlock its full potential as a community based event space. Refurbishment of the Grandstand is well underway and is currently anticipated for completion in Spring 2022, a new horse barn is planned to begin construction in 2022 and other improvements in the other facilities on-site to improve efficiency, lifespan and to modernize, are also planned for 2022.

A refurbished grandstand will continue the legacy of harness racing in Bible Hill and brings a modern facility to continue to attract new generations of harness racers and viewers.

With the ongoing upgrades and renovations, the Farm Loan Board is pleased to be welcoming interested parties to review an upcoming request for proposals (“RFP”) and submit a bid for the overall management of the exhibition grounds and hosting of events.

Proponents will be required to maintain the history and spirit of the property as an agricultural and harness racing destination, while also unlocking the property’s full potential as a driver of economic and community development. An exhibition, agricultural based events and harness racing will continue to be hosted on the property, and the property will continue to be home to the Farm Equipment Museum and Colchester 4H.

The Board has released its RFP for the property and looks forward to reviewing proposals. The RFP closes February 28th, 2022 at 4:00 PM Atlantic Time and can be viewed online at Nova Scotia Procurement.

Any questions regarding the RFP process should be submitted via the process outlined in the "Submission Guidelines and Deadlines section" in the RFP.

Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board
Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board
Truro - Head Office

74 Research Drive
Bible Hill, NS B6L 2R2

Tel: 902-893-6506
Fax: 902-895-7693

Kentville - Field Office

Kentville Agricultural Centre
32 Main Street
Kentville, Nova Scotia, B4N 1J5

Tel: 902-679-6009
Fax: 902-679-4997