Messenger News Letter - October 2011

T HEMessenger M ESSENGER The OCTOBER 2011

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

Inside This Issue         

OSMA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING October 28 & 29th

Board Decisions / Actions OSMA News Programs Religious & Ethnic Holidays Programs / Workshops Upcoming Events District Information OSMA Reaching Out Internal/External Committee’s

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

BOARD DECISIONS / ACTIONS

NEXT SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING Early December

Face to Face Board Meeting

NEW PROVINCIAL ELECTED District 3 District 6 District 9 District 11

DIRECTORS

Luann Erb Josephine Martensson-Hemsted Allan Burn re-elected Colleen Alloi

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Congratulations and welcome to everyone

BOARD MEETING – October 12 A synopsis of Board decisions follow: -

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Governance: The Board continues to refine, approve, and implement policies Resolutions: Five resolutions coming from Districts will be addressed at the AGM on October 29. They cover the topics of: Annual grants; Tag colours; Pink tags; Tag cost; Releasing personal information.

Finances: The Board accepted the audited year end report that shows a surplus of $27, 136 income over expenses for the year ending August 31. Delegates will be provided to delegates prior to the AGM. During the

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coming months the Governance Committee will further develop the roles and operation of the Audit Committee. The Board appoints KPMG as auditor for 2011-2012.

Topics for the December Board agenda will include: OSMA’s working relationships with other sheep organizations; approval of OSMA’s By-Law #1; an OSMA position statement for Traceability; governance consultant report CSF: Dennis Fischer, Chris Kennedy, and Murray Hunt will attend the CSF AGM which also includes a round table and a session on the CSF renewal process. The OSMA representatives to CSF for 2011-2012 will be Dennis Fischer and Josephine MartenssonHemsted.

Industry Consultation: OSMA will organize and list (using public support) an across industry consultation meeting early in 2012.

The process will include a pre-meeting survey, all stakeholder input and a tentative outcome plan Some other items addressed by the Board include: number and functioning of OSMA teams; support for industry associated events; and support for genetic evaluations via Toronto Stock Yards Land Development Board

PROGRAMS Ontario’s Risk Management Program (RMP) For Sheep Producers Please visit the Ontario Sheep website (www.ontariosheep.org) for press release and more future information on the program.

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

PREDATION AND WILDLIFE DAMAGE Ontario is increasing the compensation farmers can access for damage caused by predatory wildlife.

Through the new Wildlife Damage Compensation Program livestock producers will receive improved compensation when their livestock are injured or killed by predatory wildlife.

The new program expands the current list of wildlife

species and variety of livestock that farmers can be compensated for, and increases the maximum compensation rates for farmers.

For more information visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/pre dation.htm

RELIGIOUS & ETHNIC HOLIDAY’S For more information on the Holidays please click the link below to go to the OSMA website: Religious & Ethnic Holidays - http://www.ontariosheep.org/ - Market Information – Market Reports

PROGRAMS - WORKSHOPS CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL LOANS ACT (CALA) PROGRAM The CALA program builds on and replaces the previous Farm Improvement & Marketing Cooperative Loans Act (FIMCLA) program.

The CALA program is a financial loan guarantee program that provides farmers easier access to credit.

Farmers can use these programs to establish, improve and develop farms.

For more information click on the following link:

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program > Programs and Services or http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.php - Choose programs & services – Choose Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program.

LIVESTOCK AUCTION TRACEABILITY INITIATIVE (LATI) The Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative (LATI) will provide contributions to assist primarily in the alteration of animal handling structures, which will enhance traceability capabilities at high-risk, high through-put sites where animals from different herds co-mingle.

For more information click on the following link: LATI or http://www4.agr.gc.ca/ - Choose programs & services – Sort A-Z then choose Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

GROWING FORWARD A commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial government that supports the development and implementation of best practices in four key areas: 1) Environment and Climate Change 2) Business Development 3) Food Safety and Traceability

4) Biosecurity For more information: Call 1-888-479-3931; e-mail growingforward@ontario.ca Or visit their website by copy and paste of the following link: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growin gforward/2011-index.htm

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

Date

Speaker

Nov 3

Topic Study of Farm Business Management Planning Behaviours in Ontario

Nov 7

John Molenhuis – OMAFRA

Better Planning – Better Decisions

Nov 14

Larry Martin – George Morris Centre

Thoughts on Managing Financial Ratios, Debt and Financial Risk

Nov 21

David Kohl – Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Global Economic Impacts on the Farm & Ranch

Nov 28

Brian Sterling – OnTrace

Traceability – What You Need to Know & What’s Happening

Dec 5

Jane Eckert

Winning Web Sites That Mean Business

Dec 12

Merle Good, Alberta Agriculture, Food & Rural Development

Looking Forward Through a Rearview Mirror: Planning For The Future

Visit the website to access over 100 archived webinars, and to subscribe to their mailing list.

Website: http://www.agriwebinar.com/

FARM CREDIT CANADA Where do you want your operation to be in five years? Do you know how to get there?

For information on upcoming workshops visit: www.fcc.ca/workshops or call 1-888-332-3301

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

ONTARIOFRESH.CA LAUNCHES IN THE FALL Registration is now open for Ontariofresh.ca, the new free website and online community that is being created to expand the market for buyers and sellers of local Ontario food. The aim is to make connections across the food service value chain, linking bulk buyers, chefs, restaurants, caterers and distributors as

well as growers and producers. Throughout the spring and summer, information will be collected and profiles built to prepare for the full www.Ontariofresh.ca launch. You can register your business’ profile at http://www.ontariofresh.ca/ or by calling 1-888-249-9399 or 647-426-8420.

UPCOMING EVENTS For more information on any upcoming event please visit the OSMA website at: Events (http://www.ontariosheep.org/Events.aspx)

RUMINANT FEED INDUSTRY DAY Nov 2

GREAT LAKES DAIRY SHEEP SYMPOSIUM Nov 3 – 6 It will be held at the Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma, California USA. For more information please see the September issue of OSN or contact Eric Bzikot at 519-848-5694.

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR Nov 4 – 13 , Exhibition Place, Toronto. We are looking for volunteers again this year. Please call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org.Visit http://www.royalfair.org/ for all the details.

SHEEP SEMINARS For more information visit OSMA website or goto http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/she ep/20091110.htm

Nov 15

Atwood Sheep Seminar

Nov 17

Napanee Sheep Seminar

ONTARIO YOUNG FARMERS FORUM – FARM TO FORK Nov 20 – 21 Airport

Doubletree by Hilton, Toronto

Open to all young farmers and people involved in agriculture between the ages of 18-40.

For more information, go to www.oyff.ca or contact the JFAO office at 519-780-5326, or for fastest response e-mail info@oyff.ca

OMAFRA SHEEP INFRASTURCTURE WORKSHOP Nov 29 & 30 OMAFRA Sheep Infrastructure Workshop - For more information visit OSMA website or goto http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/she ep/20081211.htm

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

DISTRICT INFORMATION Note: For further information and details about your District please contact your District Secretary

District 1:

District 5:

Meetings are usually held the first Thursday of every month at Coldstream Community Centre, just north west of London, Ontario at 8:00 PM

Meetings are usually last Wed. of every month, Location TBA

COMING EVENTS: Nov 3 District meeting at Rutherford Dec 6 District meeting and Christmas party at Wyoming Church Contact: District Secretary: Michelle Prudom at 519-845-3998 or District 1 Website: OSMA_district_1.tripod.com

District 2: COMING EVENTS: Nov 3 District 2 Meeting 7:30 pm at Sprucedale Agromart, Hanover Contact: District Secretary - Kyle Harrison 519369-3954

District 3: Contact: District Secretary - Neil Mesman 519504-3089 or email: bigskyfarms@everus.ca

Contact: District Secretary - Lene Band phone: 905-877-2969 e-mail: lhband@hotmail.com

District 6: Contact: District Secretary – Grant Cowan phone: 705-436-2236 or e-mail: gcowan@gtcnet.ca

District 7: Contact: District Secretary – Donna Aziz phone: 905-852-9252

District 8: Contact: District Secretary – Linda Huizenga phone: 613-477-1393

District 9: Contact: District Secretary – David Bentley phone: 613-256-1628

District 10:

District 4:

District 10 Website: www.osmadistrict10.ca/

Last Saturday of every month: Breakfast at 9 am at Devine’s in Jarvis. Join us for sheep chat, good people and good food.

Contact: District Secretary – Gary Lapier phone: 613-989-2792

Contact: District Secretary - Sharon Petheram 519443-5844 or email: petherdale@gmail.com

District 11: Contact: District Secretary – Debra Garner phone: 705-563-2761 or e-mail: dgarner@ontera.net

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

Other District Organizations: Victoria County Sheep Producers.

Third Wednesday every month starting at 7:30 Sunderland Co-op Boardroom at Oakwood Location Membership is $20 per farm per year. Contact: Doug Walden - 705-324-7478

Chairman - George Molson, 519-695-2936, Secretary/Treas – Marilyn Walker, 510-287-5637, Grey Bruce Sheep Management Club Location: Grey Gables in Markdale Western Ontario Lamb Producers District 2 and 3 area

Southwestern Sheep Farmers Formerly known as Middlesex Sheep & Lamb Producers

Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association

OSMA REACHING OUT OSMA Website – www.ontariosheep.org Have you visited OSMA’s new website yet. If you haven’t, please take a moment to check it out. The following are just a few of things you will find.

About Ontario Sheep - Messenger Programs, Services - OSN Market Information - Locators – Lamb, Guardian Animals, and Breed Sheep Production Information - Lamb Nutrition and RecipesCurrent Initiatives - Virtual Farm Tour Research Projects News - Links Events - Kids Corner

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

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

Important Dates for Mandatory RFID Tags For more details, see attached CSF Notification called “Sheep Industry Continues Toward Mandatory RFID Tags”

 Starting July 1, 2011 Ketchum Kurl lock and Allflex dangle tags will no longer be available for sale to sheep producers as Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) tags. Retailers will have until Oct. 1, 2011 to sell any remaining stock.  All animals born or tagged after January 1, 2012 are encouraged tagged with approved CSIP RFID tags  Approved CSIP RFID tags include the Shearwell Data Ltd SET tag and the Allflex RFID Button Tag.  If you tag an animal which will still be in the population as of January 1, 2013 (i.e. breeding stock) with a non‐RFID tag, that animal will be non‐compliant after January 1, 2013. As a result, you will be required to retag the animal with a CSIP approved RFID tag and cross‐reference with the old identification number if the animal is to leave the farm after January 1, 2013.  After December 31, 2012 the Ketchum Kurl lock #3 and the Allflex dangle tags will be officially removed from the list of approved tags for the CSIP and will no longer be accepted at sales, abattoirs or by CFIA as official CSIP tags for shipping, transfer or sale of sheep in Canada.

For more information, please go to www.cansheep.ca

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

October 2011

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMMITTEES 2010/2011 Standing Committees Audit Committee: Fraser Hodgson*, Colleen Acres, Judy Dening, Members at Large – Jason Emke, Jennifer Peel Awards & Nominations Committee: Colleen Acres*, Christopher Kyle, Fraser Hodgson Board Training Committee (Ad Hoc): Chris Kennedy*, Dennis Fischer, Judy Dening, Neil Mesman By-Law and Regulations (Ad Hoc): Allan Burn*, Neil Mesman, Christopher Kyle, Murray Hunt Governance Committee: Christopher Kyle*, Neil Mesman, Dennis Fischer, Markus Wand, Murray Hunt Research Committee: Markus Wand*, Fraser Hodgson, Colleen Acres, Murray Hunt ___________________________________________________________________________________ Standing Teams Advocacy: Murray Hunt**, Chris Kennedy, Dennis Fischer Breeding Stock: Murray Hunt**, Colleen Acres, Christopher Kyle, Ruth Gilmour, Darryl Hopkins, Gary Brien, Brian Atkinson, Jim Groves, Ted Skinner Education: Murray Hunt**, Judy Dening, Christopher Kyle, Ruth Gilmour Organization: Murray Hunt**, Allan Burn, Neil Mesman, Ruth Gilmour Predation: Chris Kennedy**, Murray Hunt**, Mark Lenover, Allan Burn, Judy Dening, Dick Kuiperij, Leah Riddell, Al Whitlam Promotion: Murray Hunt**, Markus Wand, Neil Mesman, Ruth Gilmour R & D: Murray Hunt**, Colleen Acres, Fraser Hodgson

External Representatives 2010 – 2011 Agricultural Adaptation Committee, Livestock Seat: Judy Dirksen (OVA); Oliver Haan (ON Pork) CFFO: Fraser Hodgson Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF): 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 Toronto Stock Yard & Land Development Board: Allan Burn

* Chair

** Leader or Co-Leaders