Messenger News Letter - September 2011

T HEMessenger M ESSENGER The SEPTEMBER 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 To View The Agenda goto the OSMA Website or In the September Ontario Sheep News

OSMA 2011 PHOTO CONTEST Enter your sheep and lamb photos today Deadline: September 30, 2011 Visit the OSMA website for details Or In The September Ontario Sheep News

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

September 2011

BOARD DECISIONS / ACTIONS

NEXT SCHEDULED BOARD MEETING October 12

Face to Face Board Meeting

NEW PROVINCIAL ELECTED District 3 District 6 District 9 District 11

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DIRECTORS

Luann Erb Josephine Martensson-Hemsted Election on September 19 Colleen Alloi

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A synopsis of Board decisions follow:

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A synopsis of information from the meeting follows –

BOARD MEETING – August 19

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Congratulations and welcome to everyone

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By-Laws #1 revisions will be decided upon at the October meeting OSMA will be involved as an observer during the OASC federal RMP discussions OSMA offered $3,500 to CSF as it conducts a national organizational review The Board supported OSMA working with other commodities on a traceability infrastructure pilot project OSMA will recommend that producers apply for participation in the 2011 (Ontario) RMP

Finances for current fiscal year remain on budget.

The Board approved the budget for 20112012 The amended OSMA Policies Manual will become effective Nov 01

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Ontario Livestock Poultry Council (OLPC) has been incorporated OSMA is planning an industry consultation meeting on Dec 7th The Board will approve a Traceability Statement at its October meeting Effective October 2011 the Directors will complete a meeting effectiveness evaluation after each Board meeting The Advocacy Team will re-start work on Ewe Finance and Financial Protection

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

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

September 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/predation.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.

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

For more information click on the following link:

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

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)

through-put sites where animals from different herds co-mingle.

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

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

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

September 2011

2) Food Safety and Traceability 3) 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/gr owingforward/2011-index.htm

2) Business Development

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

FARM CREDIT CANADA

Currently: The Agriwebinar season is complete at the moment. Information on upcoming speakers and topics will be posted at a later date.

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

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

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

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

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 in September. You can register your business’ profile at http://www.ontariofresh.ca/ or by calling 1-888-2499399 or 647-426-8420.

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

September 2011

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

CANADA’S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW Sept 13 - 15 Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock Open Daily 8:30 am – 5:00 pm The Outdoor Farm show is featuring Sheep and Goats again on all three days of the show. Be sure to check out the Lamb Carcass Competition and visit the OSMA booth in the Sheep and Goat Pavilion.

For more information please see the September issue of OSN. http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/

WESTERN FAIR Sept 9 – 18 Western Fair Grounds, London We are looking for volunteers again this year. Mo Delves of District 1 puts this event on with only a only a small hand of volunteers. If you are planning to attend from Districts 1 – 5 and you would like to volunteer at the booth for a few hours, please call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 Ext. 27 or email general@ontariosheep.org. Thank you.

LUCKNOW 4-H SHEEP CLUB INVITATIONAL Sept 17 Lucknow Fall Fair - Current 4-H members (9-21 years old) to participate in their 4-H Sheep Invitational. Each exhibitor is allowed one entry of either a breeding ewe or market lamb, with the lamb being purebred or crossbred. For contest rules and entry forms refer to the OSMA website, www.ontariosheep.org. For further information or inquires please email Joan Finlay at finn@tnt21.com.

INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH Sept 20 – 24 Location: Chute á Blondeau District 10 is putting on the Sheep Booth at this year’s plowing match. As this is a huge undertaking, they are looking for volunteers to help out. If you are

interested in volunteering, please contact Gary Lapier at 613-989-2792 or rockyhylandfarm@ripnet.com.

For more information on the plowing match go to: www. plowingmatch.org (t) 613- 675-2929 or 1-800661-7569 (519-767-2928)

PREDATION WORKSHOP Sept 21 OSMA Predation Workshop 2 for Sheep, Cattle & Goat Producers – 7:30 pm at Ops Community Centre, Lindsay. Brent Patterson, Research Scientist/Wolves & Deer, Professor Trent University will help better understand the natural history of coyotes and inform more effective ways to deal with coyote depredation. An update of findings from research relevant to livestock will be presented.

Jack Kyle, OMAFRA Grazier Specialist will speak on “Grazing Sheep with Minimum Risk”. A Producer Panel will also discuss their views and experiences with predation. Free – sponsored by OSMA & Victoria Stewardship Council, MNR. For more information, email Judy Dening at theshepherdsgate@explorer.net.

SHEEP INFRASTRUCTURE WORKSHOP Sept 27 – 28 Two day Course sponsored by the Large Flock Operators and The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food, and Rural Affairs, limited to 20 participants. The Program is targeted toward people in the planning cycle for building large scale, commercial scale infrastructure as part of an expansion plan in their sheep enterprise.

For more information visit the OMAFRA website (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/she ep/20081211.htm)

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

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

Doubletree by Hilton, Toronto

September 2011

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

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LOOKING AHEAD ……….

Oct 28 & 29 OSMA AGM – Look for details in the September issue of OSN Nov 2 Ruminant Feed Industry Day Nov 3 – 6 Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium 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.

Nov 4 – 13 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, 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.

Nov 15

Atwood Sheep Seminar

Nov 17

Napanee Sheep Seminar

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

District 1:

District 3:

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

Contact: District Secretary - Mike Beuerman 519527-2676 or email: mike_beuerman@ hotmail.com

Contact: District Secretary: Marlene Raymond at 519-683-6635 or District 1 Website: OSMA_district_1.tripod.com

District 2: COMING EVENTS: Sept 15 District 2 AGM – 7:30 pm at Sprucedale Agromart, Hanover; Elections for District Executive and OSMA AGM delegate nomination Contact: District Secretary - Anita DeJong 519534-1211 or email: anitabrian@gbtel.ca

District 4: Last Saturday of every month: Breakfast at 9 am at Devine’s in Jarvis. Join us for sheep chat, good people and good food.

Sept 20 District 4 AGM – 7:30 pm at the Kohler Ag Center, Kohler; Elections for District Executive and OSMA AGM delegate nomination; For more information contact Nancy Ireland at 905-701-6026 or flyingewe@teksavvy.com

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

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

District 5: Meetings are usually last Wed. of every month, Location TBA 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

September 2011

nomination. All lamb, wool and sheep milk producers encouraged to attend. Contact Linda Huizenga / fhuizenga@sympatico.ca or call 613-4771393 Contact: District Secretary – Kenton Dempsey phone: 613-969-8154 or e-mail: Kenton.Dempsey@sympatico.ca

District 9: COMING EVENTS: Sept 19 District 9 AGM – 7 pm at JR Restaurant, Almonte; Elections for District Executive; Provincial Director and OSMA AGM delegate nomination

District 7:

Contact: District Secretary – Sara Loten phone: 613-264-0539 or e-mail: loliver@storm.ca

Contact: District Secretary – Cynthia Palmer phone: 705-295-3351 or e-mail: cjpalmer@nexicom.net

District 10:

District 8: COMING EVENTS: Sept 19 District 8 AGM – 7 pm, Westdale Park Public School, 12 Richmond Drive, Napanee.

Guest speaker, Dr. Doug McLeod, (vet with CFIA).

Topic is Importance of Traceability. Elections for District Executive and OSMA AGM delegate

District 10 Website: www.osmadistrict10.ca/ Contact: District Secretary – Laurie Maus phone: 613-527-1897 or e-mail: lauriemaus@xplornet.com

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

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 Southwestern Sheep Farmers Formerly known as Middlesex Sheep & Lamb Producers

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 Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

September 2011

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 - Lamb Nutrition and RecipesCurrent Initiatives Sheep Production Information Research Projects - Virtual Farm Tour News - Links - Kids Corner Events

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

September 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