Messenger News Letter - December 2010

T HEMessenger M ESSENGER The D ECEMBER 2010

2010-11-13 NovemberNovember 2010 Volume 1, Issue 1

Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, ON, N1K 1B1 www.ontariosheep.org Tel: 519-836-0043

Inside This Issue Happy Holidays From the OSMA Staff

Very Important Information to All Producers: It is imperative that all lambs and sheep leaving your farms be properly tagged. Animals detected by CFIA ( the Canadian Food Inspection Agency) without tags are now receiving fines of $1300.

These fines are being charged to everyone involved in the sale.

Therefore the producer, the transportor and the Salesbarn are each receiving a $1300 fine for every sheep or lamb without a tag.

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Board Decisions / Actions Programs Projects General Interest Religious & Ethnic Holidays Programs / Workshops Upcoming Events District Information OSMA Reaching Out Contacts / Resources Internal/External Committee’s Benchmarking Project

Failure to comply may soon result in Salebarns refusing to accept lambs and sheep for sale.

Please pass this information onto any other producers you know especially those who do not have email access.

AGM Photo Contest “Where’s Our Maaaaa?”

by Lorraine Stevenson-Hall

AGM Photo Contest “Awaiting Motherhood”

By Shanna Armstrong

Invitation – Producers, industry partners and anyone or organization interested in serving the Ontario Sheep Industry are encouraged to contact either OSMA Directors or the office with ideas, comments, questions or suggestions that may be beneficial to Ontario Sheep as it carries out its mandates.

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BOARD DECISIONS / ACTIONS BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE 2011

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January 26

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Face-to-Face

BOARD MEETING – December 9 Key outcomes from this meeting are: - The Board decided to engage an outside firm to fully document, by May 2011, all policies, procedures and positions of OSMA - The Board named all OSMA committees and representatives for 2010-2011 (see page 12) - The Board took part in an in depth training on the roles and responsibilities of directors, staff and the Board - The Board forwarded resolutions passed at the AGM to CSF - The Board discussed the methods of handling tag sales in Ontario and responded to a CSF questionnaire on tag sale methods

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The Board received one producer’s input on how to fund the organization in the future Directors will be analyzing the Strategic Plan with any changes to be decided at the January meeting The Board named Chris Kennedy, Markus Wand, and Murray Hunt to meet with the FPMC for the annual update from OSMA to FPMC The Board heard staff plans to promote SFIP starting in February, 2011

BOARD CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR 2010-2011 At the recent OSMA AGM a new Board Chair and Vice Chair were elected. Congratulations to both.

Chair: Vice Chair:

Chris Kennedy Dennis Fischer

PROGRAMS

CANADIAN SHEEP INFORMATION PLATFORM Overview The Canadian Sheep Industry is in the process of studying data systems and programs that currently exist in Canada containing animal and flock data. The purpose for the study is to arrive at ways of linking or combining the current and any future data systems into one electronic information platform. This initiative is being lead by the Alberta Lamb Producers , CSF, OSMA, and the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board and the d'Fédération des producteurs d'agneaux et moutons du Québecagneaux et moutons du Québec.

Study Committee: The study committee met in both July and August.

At the present time there is a group working on plans and costs associated with making Sheep Central (Alberta based) the National Data Platform.

OSMA’s Involvement: Plans are that OSMA will be involved and one of the owners of the national data.

Contacts / More Information: Murray Hunt, OSMA: mhunt@ontariosheep.org 519 836 0043 Jennifer MacTavish, CSF: jennifer@cansheep.ca 1-888-684-7739

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BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

SFIP- SHEEP FLOCK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

OSMA is working with its partners in the Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition. At this time OASC is developing extensive facts on commodity costs of production and trade implications of a revised Agri Stability Program.

Thank you to the 10 producers that volunteered to test the new web based system.

OSMA is presently working on establishing cost of production numbers for sheep. After that OSMA will need to work with OMAFRA in establishing a program for sheep producers.

At the AGM in October there was great interest in SFIP. Inquiries came from producers who were active previously but let their record keeping lag a bit as well as new producers who are new to SFIP. Keeping records is a very important component to animal production, whether that is sheep, cattle, pigs etc.

Determining which animals to keep as replacements or which animals to cull cannot successfully be done by eye. Let the production records tell the results.

To receive an enrolment package contact OSMA at 519-836-0043 ex. 26 or ssorbara@ontariosheep.org.

PROJECTS

SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH PROJECTS Starting this summer OVC (Ontario Veterinary College) and OMAFRA will be carrying out two projects: 1) Johne’s Disease – prevalence, risk and impact in small ruminant dairy industries and 2) Q-Fever – prevalence in small ruminants and farm workers.

Further details can be obtained by contacting: Jocelyn Jansen – 519-846-3414 or Jocelyn.jansen@ontario.ca

RFID TAGS MANDATORY The Federal Government has committed to have National Traceability Programs in place by December 31, 2011 to allow for the tracing and tracking of products and food animals from farm to consumer.

To meet these requirements for a national traceability system, CSF has voted to adopt mandatory RFID tags.

Further details can be obtained by contacting: CSF at 519-824-6018 or info@cansheep.ca

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GENERAL INTEREST Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Congratulations to Algoma Sheep and Lamb Producers – Algoma District Sheila Harris, Collen Alloi and Heather Jansa are sheep and lamb producers who recognize that cooperation can be profitable. The three have worked together to co-ordinate lambings and build a yearround farm gate market for lamb. This also helps keep area meat shops and a local health food store continually supplied with a consistent product. Their

lamb cookbook has sold 300 copies and their wool is processed together into yarn and blankets that give customers a wider range of colours. With their profits, the group has purchased a large shared freezer and a shrink wrapper, so they can sell individual cuts of lamb, rather than just sides. Their collaboration has increased sales and reduced costs. These shepherds know how to promote Ontario lamb and keep customers flocking to their businesses.

HELP FOSTER NEW INTEREST IN WORKING WITH LIVESTOCK The veterinary technology degree is a two-year college program that covers topics such as animal handling, data entry and records management, nutritional management, nursing care, surgical assistance, laboratory procedures and medication administration.

Most veterinary technicians (VTs) are employed in small animal veterinary clinics, pharmaceutical sales or medical research.

However, some are employed in large animal or equine veterinary clinics where they may go out to farms to perform calf dehorning (with lidocaine block), vaccinating, ultrasound, bandaging, ovulationsynchronization and milk sample collection for culture, in response to directions from a veterinarian.

Unfortunately colleges with veterinary technician programs have decreased their large animal teaching components over the past decade.

There is inadequate exposure to farm animals or management in most programs. Without exposure to practical experience with livestock, few VTs will develop an interest in an agricultural career path.

A large variety of livestock farms employ VTs as herdspeople. VTs are excellent at keeping records and giving extra care to young, sick or injured animals.

The Ontario Association of Veterinary Technicians and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food are compiling a list of farms throughout Ontario who would accept a VT for either a paid or volunteer position. The list would be provided to veterinary technicians and technician students within the province. In most cases the VTs will have limited farm experience, so farm staff should be willing to teach production and management practices and common disease problems and treatments. Terms and length of the position would be negotiated between the owner and the student.

If interested please contact Kathy Zurbrigg, OMAFRA, with your name, address, phone and/or email and commodity type.

Kathy Zurbrigg (phone) 519-846-3418, (fax) 1-888602-6911, Kathy.zurbrigg@ontario.ca

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RELIGIOUS & ETHNIC HOLIDAY’S

2011 Holidays Mawlid al-Nabi Prophet’s Birthday Feb 15 Passover April 19-26

Meat Islamic Holiday Jewish Holiday

Easter

Western Roman April 24

Start of Ramadan Month of Fasting Aug 1

• • • • •

The Halal slaughtering is the acceptable way of processing.

No indication of specific age, sex or weight.

Preferences are for lambs of 30-55 lbs live weight, that are milk fed and fat.

Meat should be prepared by Kosher slaughter Traditional market is for lambs 30-45 lbs live weight, milk fed and fat, or for a suckling kid weighing 18-35lbs live weight.

Eastern Orthodox April 24

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Traditional market is for lambs 40-55 lbs which are milk fed and fat, o r suckling kids in the 25-50lbs live weight range.

Islamic Holiday

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Weaned market lambs 60-80lbs are preferred as well as male and female kids with all their milk teeth (not older than 12 months).

Look for more information in the OSN And on OSMA website: www.ontariosheep.org

PROGRAMS - WORKSHOPS GROWING FORWARD Growing Forward is a commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial government that supports the development and implementation of best practices in four key areas: Environment and Climate Change; Food Safety and Traceability; Business Development; and Biosecurity.

Business Development for Farm Businesses Helping producers improve their business planning by incorporating self-assessment and action plan development with a range of cost-share advisory services and skills development opportunities to help reach their farm business goals.

For more information on Growing Forward Call 1-888-479-3931 or e-mail growingforward@ontario.ca

Planning for Business Success - What's New 2011-2012 Support for leadership and governance skills - with the increasing complexity of modern farms

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businesses, these are the management skills that producers need to grow more profitably.

priorities and develop action plans aimed at reaching your business goals.

More Advanced Business Plans - up to $20,000 in cost-share funding to support the development of up to three business plans for a farm business.

For more information and a list of future workshops: http://www.ontariosoilcrop.org/default.htm

More opportunities for new farmers - improved costshare opportunities to help new farmers set their business goals, improve their farm-related skills and develop actionable business plans.

The Place to Start* Growing Your Farm Profits Workshop is the place to start: A two-day workshop that will help you assess your current farm management practices, identify

On Farm Food Safety CD OMAFRA has a new user-friendly CD to make food safety practices easier for you. It contains the entire Advantage Good Agricultural Practices manual plus tools to help you implement food safety on any farm.

Call 1-877-424-1300 to get your free copy of the Advantage iGAP CD.

AGRIWEBINAR – LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS Presented by The Canadian Farm Business Management Council.

Tune in Mondays at Noon EST to take part in this informative, innovative and inspiring series.

Date Jan. 17 Jan. 24

Speaker Pierrette Desrosiers QC Andrew Campbell ON

Jan. 31 Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 28

Dave Engdahl SK Danny Klinefelter USA Elaine Froese MB Denis Larouche QC

Topic Motivating your staff with emotional intelligence Farming the Web – How to Use the Internet, Social Media, and Smartphones on Your Operation The Importance of Financial Analysis and How to Use It 10 Best Management Practices Doing the Tough Things Right Farm Management Groups: The Formula for Profitability

For a complete list of speakers and topics, to access over 100 archived webinars, and to subscribe to their mailing list, visit http://www.agriwebinar.com/ “The webinars give a different perspective on many current topics. They provide information and direction which one would have great difficulty obtaining on their own.”

ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANYONE! - Participate in Live Broadcasts - View Archived Presentations - Download as a Podcast

Agriwebinars are: - FREE - 1 hour in length with Q&A - Bilingual - Accessible through any internet connection

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FARM CREDIT CANADA Where do you want your operation to be in five years? Do you know how to get there? Find out with FCC workshops. In each workshop, you'll focus on a specific farm management skill that you can use in your operation.

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Advanced Commodity Marketing Management Commodity Marketing Management Estate Planning Farm Financial Management – Statements and Ratios

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Farm Financial Management – Profitability and Budgeting High Performance Management Hiring and Keeping Employees Transferring the Farm The Ultimate Farm Management Challenge: Working with your family Vision and Goal Setting

For more information: www.fcc.ca/workshops 1-888-332-3301

SHEEP INFRASTRUCTURE WORKSHOPS April 6 & 7, 2011 – Kemptville Area (TBD) Two day Course sponsored by the Large Flock Operators and OMAFRA – limited to 20 participants.

This program targets people in the planning cycle for building large scale, commercial scale infrastructure as part of an expansion plan in their sheep enterprise.

Workshop is intended to give ideas, show latest concepts, test out participant’s ideas and examine relative costs. Includes stops at several commercialsized operations that are using some of the concepts covered as well as some choosing not to use the featured concepts. This will allow participants to mix and match what portions of the workshop will best

suit their needs for their facilities and make informed decisions on expansion. **This training opportunity is eligible for cost-share funding through the Growing Forward Business Development for Farm Businesses program.** For more information and to register: Toll free: 877-424-1300 Local: 519-826-4047 Email: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca or

www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/sheep/200 81211.htm

EXPLORING YOUR NEW FARM DREAM (January/ February 2011) This 5-part course developed by Farm Start helps new and aspiring farmers explore their new farm dream – from developing the vision and self-assessment, to networking and exploring funding and market opportunities. The NFU New Farm Project is excited to bring this popular course to Kingston in response to demand in Eastern Ontario.

For more information on the course, and to register, please visit the Farm Start Explorer Course page at http://www.farmstart.ca/explorer/.

Where: Kingston Sustainability Centre, 193 Princess Street.

When: Tuesdays (6:30pm – 9:30pm), Jan 18, Jan 25, Feb 1 (snow day), Feb 8, Feb 15 Farmer Panel Discussion: Saturday February 5 (9:30am – 4pm) Course cost: $300. Please note there are a few bursaries available to applicants in need in the Kingston area (within 100 km) to cover part of the cost of the course – contact Ian Stutt at the NFU New Farm Project for details (http://www.newfarmproject.ca/contact-us/).

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UPCOMING EVENTS 45 TH ANNUAL GREY BRUCE FARMERS WEEK 2011 45th Annual Grey Bruce Farmers Week, Elmwood Community Centre, Elmwood Ontario , January 5 -10.

For more information, go to www.greyagservices.ca or call 519-986-3756.

January 7

• •

January 8

Speaker Line-Up: • • •

Dr. Allyson MacDonald, Mobile Veterinary Services, Preventative Health in the Periparturient Doe Anton Slingerland, Goat Producer, Artificial Insemination Program Kendra Keels, Industry Development Manager, Ontario Goat, Ontario Goat Update

Sheep Day and Eco Afternoon

Speaker Line-Up: •

Goat Day

Christoph Wand, Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goat Nutritionist – OMAFRA, Goat Nutrition Panel – TBC

• • • •

Dr. Dan Morrical, PhD, Sheep Extension Specialist, Iowa State University, Genetic Improvement Does Not Cost, It Pays! and Feeding Ewes For Higher Production Murray Hunt, Ontario Sheep, Ontario Sheep Update Dr. Andrew Peregrine, University of Guelph, Controlling Internal Parasites of Sheep in Canada Courtney Denard, Scrapie Update Producer Panel, Predator Control

CENTRAL ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL CONFERENCE (Formerly Simcoe County Ag Info Days)

Jan 5 - 7 Georgian College, Barrie Campus January 6 – Sheep Day Presenters include Dr. Jocelyn Jansen, Bill McCutcheon, Rebecca Parker, Alex Meister, Chris

Buschbeck, and Phil Smith For the latest information go to www.centralontarioagconference.ca (site will be live shortly)

DISTRICT INFORMATION District 1: District 1 Committee: Director: Fraser Hodgson District Chair: John Sipkens District Vice Chair: Bill Duffield District Sec/Treas: Marlene Raymond Meeting Dates: Jan: No meeting May 5: Paul Luimas speaking on sheep feeding trial at Ridgetown College Meeting at Ridgetown College

June: Aug: Sept:

No Meeting Farm Tour Annual Meeting @ Coldstream

Meetings are usually held the first Thursday of every month at Coldstream Community Centre, just north west of London, Ontario at 8:00 PM District 1 Website: OSMA_district_1.tripod.com Contact: Marlene Raymond at 519-683-6635

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District 2:

District 6:

District 2 Committee: Director: Dennis Fischer District Chair: Vince Stutzki District Vice Chair: Sarel Smit District Secretary: Anita DeJong District Treasurer: Jason Emke

District 6 Committee: Director: Markus Wand District Chair: Peter Harvey District Secretary: Grant Cowan District Treasurer: Karen Harvey

District 3: District 3 Committee: Director: Neil Mesman District Chair: Bill Jeffrey District Vice Chair: Luann Erb District Sec/Treas: Mike Beuerman Meeting Dates: For More Information: Contact Mike Beuerman – 519-527-2676 or email mike_beuerman@ hotmail.com

District 4: District 4 Committee: Director: Chris Kyle District Chair: Nancy Ireland District Secretary: Sharon Petheram District Treasurer: Norman Johnson

District 5: District 5 Committee: Director: Andrew Gordanier District Chair: Jason Oosterhoff Vice Chair: Bill McCutcheon District Secretary: Lene Band District Treasurer: Dianne Orr Meeting Dates: Jan. 26: 8:00 pm – Gencor, Guelph Guest speaker Cecelia Curtis – ruminant Nutritionist from Floradale Feed Mills will talk about nutrition for the pregnant ewe.

Feb. 23: 8:00 pm – Gencor, Guelph Guest speaker – Dr. Rob Swackhammer D.V.M. Topic is “Improving the Survivability of Lambs”

District 7: District 7 Committee: Director: Judy Dening District Chair: Leslie Dyment District Vice Chair: Rebecca Parker District Secretary: Cynthia Palmer District Treasurer: Phil Smith

District 8: District 8 Committee: Director: District Chair: District Vice Chair: District Secretary: District Treasurer:

Chris Kennedy Linda Huizenga Jim Sabin Kenton Dempsey Pat Purvis

District 9: District 9 Committee: Director: District Chair: District Vice Chair: District Secretary: District Treasurer:

Allan Burn Ganesh Raj Christopher Moore Sara Loten Karen Wright

District 10: District 10 Committee: Director: Colleen Acres District Chair: Fred Baker District Secretary: Laurie Maus District Treasurer: Greg Stubbings Meeting Dates: Jan. 15: 1-4 pm – Coyote Control for Shepherds Dunvegan Recreational Hall – 19053 County Rd. 23.

Speaker Daniel Blondin, an Eastern Ontario Trapper and Evaluator, will give a presentation on legal options for coyote control, what makes a property vulnerable to coyotes and the process for evaluation

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger of sheep kills. For more information and to RSVP contact Laurie Maus at 613-527-1897 or info@hawkhillfarm.ca Everyone welcome.

District 10 Website: www.osmadistrict10.ca/ Contact: Colleen Acres – 613-826-2330

District 11: District 11 Committee: Director: Mark Lenover District Chair: Jim Johnston District Secretary: Debra Garner District Treasurer:

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Other District Organizations: Victoria County Sheep Producers.

Third Wednesday every month starting at 7:30 LindsayLivestock Exchange Membership is $20 per farm per year.

Contact: Rebecca Parker Email: middlekingdom@sympatico.ca Middlesex Sheep & Lamb Producers Chairman - George Molson, 600 Trillim Drive, Lot 2, Con 2, Newbury, ON N0L 1Z0, 519-695-2936, Secretary/Media - Mels van der Laan, R3- McEwen Drive, Denfield, ON N0M 1P0, 519-666-2423, Email: dutchtexel@execulink.com, Treasurer - Marilyn Walker, RR 1, Glencoe, ON N0L 1M0, 519-287-5637

OSMA REACHING OUT QUESTIONS OR IDEAS

OSMA STRATEGIC PLAN

Anyone with questions or ideas for OSMA to consider are encouraged to send an email to admin@ontariosheep.org. Staff will acknowledge receipt and attempt, in a timely fashion, to provide an answer or comment.

Copies of the Strategic Plan and Direction can be obtained by contacting Jennifer Johanson – 519-836-0043 or email - admin@ontariosheep.org

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION It is important for Ontario Sheep to have current contact information for all sheep producers in order to keep you up to date on current events.

• Do you have a new email address • Has your address changed Please contact us by calling 519-836-0043 or emailing: admin@ontariosheep.org

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

CONTACTS / RESOURCES PROGRAMS, SERVICES and RESOURCES • Agricultural Information Contact Centre: 1-877-424-1300 or e-mail ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca • Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council Agriculture related training opportunities: http://agritalent.ca • Environmental Farm Plan: dates www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs/workshops/programscalendar.htm • The Farm Line: 1-888-451-2903 - A confidential emotional support and referral service • Growing Your Farm Profits: /www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs/gyfp091.htm • Growing Forward Information Line: 1-888-479-3931 or e-mail growingforward@ontario.ca • Nutrient Management Line: 1-866-242-4460 or e-mail nman.omafra@ontario.ca • OMAFRA Website: www.ontario.ca/omafra • OMAFRA Cost of Production Calculators: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/busdev/bear2000/Budgets/budgettools.htm • OMAFRA Financial Resources and Support Services for Families - Call: 1-800-461-6132

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INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMMITTEES 2010/2011 Standing Committees

Governance Committee: Christopher Kyle *, Neil Mesman, Dennis Fischer, Markus Wand, Murray Hunt Audit Committee: Fraser Hodgson *, Colleen Acres, Judy Dening, Members at Large – Jason Emke, Jennifer Peel Research Committee: Markus Wand *, Mark Lenover, Fraser Hodgson, Colleen Acres, Murray Hunt By-Law and Regulations (Ad Hoc): Neil Mesman *, Allan Burn, Christopher Kyle, Murray Hunt ___________________________________________________________________________________ Standing Teams Advocacy: Chris Kennedy, Dennis Fischer, Murray Hunt * Education: Judy Dening, Christopher Kyle, Murray Hunt *, Ruth Gilmour R & D: Mark Lenover, Colleen Acres, Fraser Hodgson, Murray Hunt * Organization: Allan Burn, Neil Mesman, Murray Hunt *, Ruth Gilmour Promotion: Andrew Gordanier, Dennis Fischer, Neil Mesman, Murray Hunt *, Ruth Gilmour Predation: Chris Kennedy, Mark Lenover, Allan Burn, Judy Dening, Dick Kuiperij, Leah Ridell, Al Whitlam, Murray Hunt * Breeding Stock: Colleen Acres, Christopher Kyle, Ruth Gilmour, Murray Hunt *, Darryl Hopkins, Gary Brien, Brian Atkinson, Jim Groves

External Representatives 2010 – 2011 Agricultural Adaptation Committee, Livestock Seat: Judy Dirksen (OVA); Oliver Haan (ON Pork) CFFO: Fraser Hodgson Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF): Mark Lenover *, Andrew Gordanier, Dennis Fischer CSF-CSIP: Dennis Fischer Environmental Representative: Chris Kennedy Farm Innovation Program: Murray Hunt National On-Farm Food Safety Working Group: Murray Hunt Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council (OACC): Andrew Gordanier *, Murray Hunt Ontario Federation of Agriculture : Judy Dening OFPMC Sheep Advisory Committee: Will be determined at a future date OLPC: Murray Hunt OSMA Ontario Scholarship Committee: Education Team Predation Leader: Chris Kennedy Presidents Council: Chris Kennedy Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (Sheep Committee): – Christopher Kyle *, Lene Band Sheep Flock Improvement Program Advisory (SFIP) Committee: Bob Comfort, Bill Duffield, Wayne Oosterhoff John Steele, Rebecca Parker, Scott Prudom

* Lead

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Ontario Sheep Benchmarking Project We are looking for sheep producers with 250+ breeding ewe flocks who are interested in participating in our Ontario Sheep Benchmarking Project. There is no cost to participate. Thirtytwo producers participated in year one and we would like to increase that number to at least 40 in 2011.

What is involved?

Participation involves completing two paper surveys, a production management survey and a financial template. The management survey is comprised 64 questions covering demographic information, sheep production practices, farm management practices, feed management, and marketing. This survey is completed once during the first year of participation. Only changes to management practices are noted in subsequent years.

The financial information is gathered on-farm by contracted surveyors and some Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs extension staff. The 2010 financial data will be gathered between February and April 2011.

There is also an online managerial (personality type) survey which takes 20 minutes to complete.

A hard copy version is also available.

What are the benefits?

Participating producers will receive a composite summary of data gathered from all farms as well as an individual report relating to their operation. The composite data will be used to develop a set of agricultural performance benchmarks and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which you may use to: • compare your operation’s performance with other Ontario sheep operations; • highlight your strengths and weaknesses; • identify problem areas that require investigation; • gauge the overall scope for improvement; and • provide a focal point for business management decisions and performance review.

You will also be offered a complimentary copy of the AgExpert software and IT support for one year to facilitate the production of standardized financial reports.

Funding for this project was provided in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Adaptation Council’s CanAdvance Program.

Contact Ruth Gilmour at general@ontariosheep.org or Susan Fitzgerald the project coordinator (susan.tfio@sympatico.ca, 519-669-3350) if you are interested in participating.