Ontario Sheep News - December 2010

industry highlights

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production innovations

Vol. 29 - Issue 4

december 2010

NEWS

OntarioSheep 2010 Producer Education Day & AGM Wrap-up

From the Outdoor Farm Show Grober Lamb Trial Results Lamb Carcass Competition Winners

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December 2010

4 Chair Report Looking Forward to Working Together

5 Editorial

You Cannot Manage What You Do Not Measure 6 General Manager’s Report Profit is a Positive Word

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Market Report

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Message from Minister Mitchell

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Industry Updates

9 Memorial Donation to Three 4H Sheep Clubs 10 Overview of Programs and Projects 11 Measurements to Manage By

Okay, from the top again. You were a bit flat on the Fa la la la la.. (photo by Kyle McDonnell) OSMA Board Provincial Directors

12 Entrepreneur Panel 14 Research 16 Review of 2010 CSBA Meeting 18 Optimizing Nutrition in Lambs 22 OSMA’s 25th Anniversary 24 2010 SFIP Winners 25 2009-2010 Business Meeting and Resolutions 26 2010 Market Lamb Carcass Competition 27 Economic Workshop 28 Upcoming Events 29 Keeping Warm in Last Year’s Fashion Faux Pas 30 Religious & Ethnic Holidays and Demand for Lamb and Goat Meat 32 Spinning, Waving and Marketing… A Look at A Master Spinner 33 Sheep Industry Statistics 34 2010 Financial Report 42 Selecting Ontario Rams on Data…Not Eye Appeal 43 OSMA’s New Website Unveiled 44 Royal Winter Fair Overview 46 Livestock Guardian Dogs: Outstanding in Their Field – Robyn Baxter – 2010 Scholarship Winner 48 2010 Photo Contest 50 District News Cover Photo: Karen Hayward: Winter Beauty, winner of fall 2010 Photo Contest Deadlines for submissions to the Sheep News: For March Issue - deadline February 1st • For June Issue -deadline May 1st For September Issue - deadline August 1st • For December Issue - deadline November 1st Ontario Sheep News is published by Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and is distributed quarterly to all registered producers. Non-producers may subscribe in writing to the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. Subscription rates: Non-producers $15.00 for one year, $25.00 for two years. Prices include GST. Please make cheques payable to: Ontario Sheep News, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1. Editorial and advertising inquiries should be made to the OSMA. Ontario Sheep News is the official publication of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. Contents of this publication may be reproduced only by permission of the Editor and with credit acknowledged. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the publisher or the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 District 11

Fraser Hodgson Dennis Fischer Neil Mesman Chris Kyle Andrew Gordanier Markus Wand Judy Dening Chris Kennedy Allan Burn Colleen Acres Mark Lenover

Telephone (519) 786-4176 (519) 363-3819 (519) 462-2423 (519) 632-7602 (519) 925-6502 (705) 724-2314 (705) 324-3453 (613) 389-0554 (613) 264-0801 (613) 826-2330 (705) 563-2966

OSMA staff Murray Hunt General Manager 519-836-0043 manager@ontariosheep.org Ruth Gilmour (temporary) Liaison Officer Ruth Gilmour Office Manager/Communication

Co-ordinator, OSN Editor Jennifer Johanson OSN Assistant

OSMA Office: 519-836-0043 Jillian Craig Sheep News Assistant Roselen Marcy Sheep News Assistant

OSMA Office: 519-836-0043 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1 Phone: (519) 836-0043 Fax: (519) 836-2531 E-mail: general@ontariosheep.org Website: www.ontariosheep.org www.lambrecipes.ca Market Line: (519) 836-0043 Publications Mail Registration Number: 40033529 ISSN 0844-5303 december 2010 Date of Issue: December 2010 Submitting photos to OSMA for use in publications (e.g. magazine, promotional/educational materials). Photos will be accepted with the following information attached separately: your name, full mailing address, phone number, permission to use the photo for print purposes (in addition, if there are any individuals in the picture they should be identified and permission to print their picture must be secured either directly (if adults) or (if children) from a parent or guardian). When emailing photos, pictures must be a minimum of 200 dpi (300 dpi preferred) and each picture should be clearly identified with the required information provided as outlined. Photos will NOT be returned and all entries become the property of OSMA to be used or reproduced at the discretion of OSMA. (Whenever possible, credit will be given to photographer if used.)

chairman’s report

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Looking Forward to Working Together Chris Kennedy

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t the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Annual meeting, held in Guelph on the 30th October I became the new Chair of your organization. Markus Wand, after guiding us through two very busy and interesting years, felt it was time that he spent more time on the family farm in Powassan that he runs with his parents. He has done an excellent job as Chair. He still has one more year in his three year term on the Board, and I am sure will be contributing some of his hard earned wisdom to our discussions. Thank you, Markus, you leave big shoes to fill.

For those who don’t know me here is a short introduction.

I grew up in England, and worked for a few years on sheep farms in England and Scotland, acquiring a degree in Agriculture along the way. Like many immigrants to Canada I came looking to farm for myself, and settled on Amherst Island, at the east end of Lake Ontario. We bought our first fifty sheep in 1974. Now my farm, Topsy Farms, runs about 1000 ewes on a pasture based system. We have a large freezer lamb trade, and sell to local butcher shops. The rest of the lambs go to the Ontario Stockyards. We also have an on farm Wool Shed, selling blankets, yarn, knitted goods and sheepskins.

I joined the Board in 2000. Since then I have worked mainly on environmental issues, as a member of the Provincial Nutrient Management Advisory Committee, and on predation, and as the OSMA representative to the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

I feel that this is an exciting time for the sheep industry.

There is a great potential for us to create a really profitable business in Ontario; for me the important word is profitable.

Much as many of us might like working with sheep, unless we can make money it can be no more than an expensive hobby. To increase profit we need to either increase revenue or decrease expenses, and I believe that OSMA’s role is to help sheep producers do both.

I think that at the moment the lamb market is a sellers market, with more buyers chasing lamb than there is lamb available. Prices are strong, and I feel that any major increase in prices for lambs would make Ontario lamb uncompetitive with off-shore lamb. Although Ontario lamb is a different product from off-shore lamb, too great a price differential will still lead to buyer resistance.

Where the opportunity for increased revenue lies is in improved production practices by sheep farmers, so more lambs per ewe come to market. This was the first concern of producers that came out in the Ontario Sheep Industry Survey that OSMA ran in 2009. Top of the production challenges were high mortality rates in lambs and low lambing percentages. These challenges were directly addressed in the November sheep seminars in Atwood and Napanee put on by OMAFRA this year, with the theme of “Keeping Lambs Alive”.

Last year the seminars were on genetic improvement, which will have a direct effect on both lamb survivability and lambing percentage. Without genetic testing there can be no genetic progress in production traits. Any milk producer who used a bull just because it “looked good” would soon be out of business, and the same should be true of sheep producers buying or selecting breeding stock. OMAFRA has downloaded the Sheep Flock Improvement Program (SFIP) to OSMA, and this provides a tremendous opportunity for us to improve and broaden the scope of the program, so that more stock with production figures are available to producers.

Murray Hunt, our general manager, has extensive experience with performance testing in the dairy industry, and we look forward to working with him on bringing sheep genetics in Ontario into the 21st century. OSN

Editorial policy: Ontario Sheep News represents an important vehicle for two-way communication between the OSMA Board and its member producers. Ontario Sheep News welcomes and encourages letters from producers as a means of enabling producers to communicate both with the Board of Directors and other producers on issues of importance to OSMA and the entire sheep industry. Ontario Sheep News also invites suggestions for articles from producers and other industry participants. Letters to the editor of Ontario Sheep News may be on any sheep industry topic, including OSMA policies, programs or procedure. Letters may address previous Ontario Sheep News Articles or letters to the editor, and the editor may comment briefly on the accuracy of any information contained in letters. Letters should be of general interest to other readers of Ontario Sheep News, should not exceed 300 words, and may be edited for style or grammatical errors. All letters must include the author’s name, postal address and telephone number for author verification. Letters printed will indicate the author’s name, town, and title if applicable. Potentially defamatory or libelous material, or personal attacks on individuals, will not be permitted. Subject to space limitations, Ontario Sheep News will attempt to print all letters which meet the criteria indicated above. Where more than one letter is received on the same topic, Ontario Sheep News may print only a representative sample of letters. If a producer feels that the editor has inappropriately edited or not printed a letter, he or she may submit a written request to the Board of Directors for a review to determine whether there has been any violation of Ontario Sheep News’ editorial policy.

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from the editor

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december 2010

You Cannot Manage What You Do Not Measure Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor

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urray and I have a deal. I attend the November Seminar in Atwood and he attends the one in Napanee. I get the better end of that deal because I don’t have to make it an overnight trip. If the truth were known, I have no sense of direction and he is afraid that if he sent me to Napanee, he would never see me again. From our office, Atwood is literally “Drive straight for one hour, turn left for 5 minutes”. That’s so simple I don’t even have to select “Reverse Directions” in MapQuest.

This year OSMA was asked to do a little “infomercial’ about SFIP at the Atwood and Napanee seminars. It was a great venue for SFIP as the focus of the seminars was on keeping lambs alive or rather, “Optimizing Lamb Survival and Prospects for Profit”.

If you were lucky enough to attend, I think you would agree with me that the speakers were excellent. We are now putting together a comprehensive article from the Seminars for the March Issue of the Sheep News.

As I listened to the various speakers and watched their PowerPoint presentations the one strength that remained consistent were their facts, their statistics. Most statements were either backed up with numbers or a study or else there was an apology or explanation as to why there were no statistics. It made me realize that this was the perfect ‘atmosphere’ for producers to see first hand how important data is in making decisions about industry. Now, imagine having data that could assist you in making decisions about your own flock. That is where SFIP comes in.

Let’s look at what benefits producers on the SFIP program see: As a producer you will: 1. Be able to monitor the performance of your flock.

2. Be given data that will allow for wise culling decisions, selection decisions and data to compare flock sires.

3.

You will be able to compare performance of ewes by examining how fast your lambs grow.

4. Average daily gain can be objectively measured and recorded over the years to track improvements in your flock.

5. You can select ewes that produce more lambs and wean more lambs. All of this means that you will earn more

money because you are raising more lambs per ewe. SFIP gives you a scientific, not subjective way of selection and other producers on the SFIP program will tell you that it is the fastest way to improve your economic outlook.

As an informational resource, one producer who has been on SFIP for many years put together a spreadsheet of 2009 lambs that went to market. Most were cross lambs with a terminal sire father. It was designed to show producers the cost effectiveness of buying a tested animal. They wanted to show that their lambs consistently bring in a better price than the average lambs sent to market, in their case, Cookstown.

The chart showed that on average they have seen a $13.73 increase per lamb sold over the market price. These are very impressive results.

The immediate future is that the SFIP program is about to become web-based. This means you will be able to sign onto a web site, type in your password and record your information. From there you will be able to print a number of predesigned reports anytime about your flock as well as certificates showing information about your animals. These certificates are also a great marketing tool. You will see the web based system up and running within the next few months. For those of you who still prefer the paper system, we will be accommodating that as well.

Over the next year or so, we hope to bring you a database system that will include flock management, biosecurity, traceability and on farm food safety. These are all of the tools necessary to assist you in your farm businesses.

That’s a brief overview of the program. Please consider becoming involved, as it is all designed for your benefit.

As this year ends, I would like to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and to those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, Happy Holidays. Also best wishes for a wonderful New Year. Take time for family and friends. OSN

letters to the editor are welcome The OSN welcomes letters to the editor.

Please email: general@ontariosheep.org or mail to: Ontario Sheep News, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph ON NIK 1BI. OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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general manager’s report

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Profit is a Positive Word Murray Hunt

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orty years ago, produce, produce, produce was the buzzword in our agricultural circles. Farmers spoke in terms of how much milk their best dairy cow produced on the best day of her life. 4H’ers learned to judge ewes by the one that raised the best single lamb based on the lamb’s conformation or fields of corn by those with the tallest stalks. In agricultural college, students heard from their lecturers that North America would feed the world by just pouring on the fertilizer and spray. Fuel was not a limiting factor as it cost less than $0.65 per gallon of gasoline. Machinery was not expensive, at least by today’s standards, and soil compaction and no-till crops were not on the scene. It was production that mattered the most.

For the time period three decades ago the mantra of government production specialists and university professors was do everything at least cost. Feeding animals had to be at least cost per animal per day or per year.

Producers with the least cost figures were hailed as the best.

During this time oil prices started to rise but not so much as to slow the move to bigger, faster and larger equipment.

It was high interest rates that caused farmer’s anxiety or loss. However least cost proved not to be the answer, just like maximum production was not the answer for farmers the decade before.

After least cost, farmers and Canadian agriculture came to recognize: that North America could not feed the world; that our environment needed to be considered and protected; that having government doing everything for producers is not necessarily no cost or the best model for private enterprise development; that producers and other stakeholders bear responsibility for the animals and produce coming off Canadian farms; that the quality of food that people consume is important; that farmers need to take every opportunity to cooperate and collaborate within and across commodities and that strength and success comes when all elements are combined for mutual benefit.

The OSMA Board, in 2008, saw the need to better understand the economics of sheep farming in Ontario.

Along with the help of a few visionary shepherds and 6

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OMAFRA sheep related specialists, OSMA started to work with four flocks to benchmark ways to maximize profit on our sheep farms. This was followed in 2009 with a more formal study of management practices, production levels, revenue and expenses on thirty-two farms where the sheep enterprise formed the major part of the farm’s energies, resources and returns. Some very preliminary findings from the study were reported on October 29th at the OSMA Producer Education Day. Now more details relative to the 2009 results will flow back to the participating flocks with some suggestions on preliminary Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Even though called performance, it is the profit indicators that are the goal.

More years with more lambing periods, cropping seasons and marketing periods will be added for 2010 and 2011.

In the end all Ontario sheep producers will benefit from knowing what factors are the most important for all sheep enterprise scenarios to generate profit. In fact any Ontario sheep producers depending on lamb production for major revenue generation are encouraged to contact the OSMA Office to learn details and hopefully sign up to take part in the Benchmarking Study in 2010 and 2011.

OSMA exists to help producers make a profit from their farms and for consumers to have high quality safe product throughout the year. So for OSMA, profit is a positive and necessary word basic to the success of the sheep industry in the next decade. OSMA, our industry and individual sheep producers would greatly benefit from twenty to thirty more producers signing on to the Benchmark Study.

At this time, I would also like to welcome Chris Kennedy as the new OSMA Chair and extend a thank you to outgoing Chair, Markus Wand. In the same way, I would like to welcome Dennis Fischer to his new role of Vice Chair and thank Judy Dening for all her hard work and dedication as the outgoing second Vice Chair. Judy shared the role of Vice Chair with Chris Kennedy. This year the Board has opted to have only one Vice Chair. I looked forward to working with Chris and Dennis in their new roles as well as with all your dedicated Directors in 2011.

I extend Seasons Greetings to all of you and may your 2011 be prosperous and profitable. OSN

market report

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The Ontario Market Report Full market information can be found every week in the Ontario Farmer and online at www.ontariosheep.org under “Market Information”. The graphs shown here show the trends in pricing and volume of the last 6 months in Ontario. OSN

You can also listen to the weekly information by calling 519-836-0043 and press 6 to go to the market line.

Market information for OLEX, the Ontario Stockyards, Brussels and Embrun are recorded every week. You can also find archived weekly summaries on the Market page.

   

  Website www.sheltersolutions.ca

Email info@sheltersolutions.ca

Address 360 King Street Unit #5 Palmerston ON N0G2P0



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A Message from the Honourable Carol Mitchell

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n behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am pleased to contribute to this issue of Ontario Sheep News.

I want to thank the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency for the support it provides the sheep, lamb and wool industry.

I know you are working hard for your members through various initiatives, from producer education to promotional campaigns.

Our agriculture and food sector is very important to Ontario’s economy. And, thanks to the hard work of farmers like you, Ontario has built a world-wide reputation for highquality food.

Throughout this great province, more and more businesses and organizations are choosing to carry and sell delicious local foods. We have consumers who are committed to buying Ontario food every time they enter a grocery store, restaurant, or farmers’ market. I am so very pleased to see the local food movement gaining ground, and I can assure you that the Ontario government is committed to continuing its support of local food initiatives.

There are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of your industry.

You have tremendous potential for growth.

With careful planning and preparation, I am confident that you will continue to succeed as you seek profitability and prosperity.

I wish you all the best for the future.

Sincerely,

Carol Mitchell Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Industry Updates Bob Connelly Retires

Bob Connelly, OSMA’s License Fee Officer retired at the end of September after eleven years with Ontario Sheep. During this time Bob witnessed many changes and in many ways became our “in house” historian.

His sense of humour and quick wit was always welcomed and is greatly missed. Bob had the ability to collect past due money from even the most reluctant customer. He leaves very large shoes to fill indeed.

Bob will enjoy his retirement with his two daughters and grand children who live close to him and his wife Cathy. Bob said many time before walking out the door, “When a man retires he needs two things, a wife who is still working and control of the TV remote”.

We wish Bob all the best in retirement and hope every box he opens in his basement contains a long forgotten collectible.

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New Chair and Vice Chair for 2011

We welcome our new Chair, Chris Kennedy and Vice Chair, Dennis Fischer as our newly elected leaders of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Board of Directors.

Chris is the Director for District 8 and Dennis is the Director for District 2.

Both are considered to be ‘veterans’.

We wish them all the best in their new positions as they worked toward building a better OSMA organization.

Chris Kennedy

Dennis Fischer

Memorial Donation to Three 4H Sheep Clubs

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iddlesex Southwestern Sheep Producers were on hand, as Juliane and Laura Dowbiggin presented a 500 dollar memorial donation to each of three 4H sheep clubs in our area.

Elgin sheep club 4H leader Bruce McKinnon is joined by Juliane and Laura with articles purchased from the memorial donation.

Alan Dowbiggin was an active member of our association and an keen supporter of 4H. Donations were made to Elgin, Glencoe and Ilderton at a sheep show held at the Melbourne fair grounds in preparation for the Western Fair in London.

ANIMAL HEALTH

The association had another successful season, with a wide variety of guest speakers, such topics as composting, solar energy, tree planting and the right way of managing your ewes to get the maximum return on your investment; in other words produce more lambs per ewe to send to market.

As partners in biosecurity, farm visitors are an important part of keeping Canada’s animals healthy. Animal diseases are easily transferred by people, equipment, and vehicles—making biosecurity a team effort between agricultural producers and service personnel.

The year ended with a lamb b.b.q. in August, held at Poplar Hill Park. This was a sold out event, were 600 pounds of home grown local lamb was served with all the trimmings, including many fancy home baked deserts to 500 connoisseurs with discriminating taste.

Sincere thanks to Bonduelle for the donation of corn nibblets and John Cameron for the 600 ready wrapped baking potatoes.

Of course the event would not be possible without our new barbecue chair Tony Giesen and the fifty plus volunteers which made the b.b.q. a success. Last year the organization donated $1,150 to three 4H sheep clubs in Middlesex & Southwestern Ontario.

Our association has a membership of thirty five and meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month at the Coldstream Community Centre at 7:45p.m.

At the October 21st meeting Dr. Mario Baracaldo, DVM, MVSc, Dip. spoke about Act on Animal reproduction.

STARTS ON THE FARM Here are some helpful suggestions to share with farm visitors:

SHARE YOUR BIOSECURITY PLAN.

Stress how important it is to understand, respect and enforce these risk-reducing practices.

ASK VISITORS TO PLAN AHEAD.

Explain that contacting producers before arriving ensures visits are appropriately scheduled.

PROMOTE AWARENESS.

Explain the importance of avoiding contact with animals, housing areas, and feed and water, when possible. Ask them to work from clean areas towards dirty ones.

ASK VISITORS TO MAKE A COMMITMENT TO BIOSECURITY. Before visiting, they should ask themselves: • Is this visit necessary?

• Where do I park and sign in?

• Do I have everything I need to perform my service?

• Do I know how to enter production zones?

• Am I following effective cleaning measures for equipment and personal wear?

Biosecurity is the best investment we can make to help keep Canada’s animals healthy.

1-800-442-2342 www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity

For info call interim secretary Mels van der Laan @ 519-666-2423 OSN OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0 CFIA ADV 0302-10-BWOntario_Sheep News-4.5x7.5-Pro-EN.indd 1

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10/29/10 5:52:48 PM

Two Outstanding Days T

here is really no other words to describe the Producer Education Day, AGM and Economic Workshop other than outstanding. Held at the Holiday Inn in Guelph, the largest gathering to date, producers enjoyed discussions about benchmarking, learned about Grober lamb trials, the lamb carcass competition at the Outdoor Farm show, were entertained and educated by an Entrepreneur Producer Panel and about the latest in research.

The Friday evening banquet was a very special event as OSMA celebrated it’s 25th Anniversary by honouring the “Founding Fathers” Jack James, Walter Renwick and Garth Noecker. There was a presentation for all these gentlemen.

Shanna Armstrong of Jameshaven Dorsets accepted the award for her father, Jack James. Linda and Bob Reid, daughter and son in law of Walter Renwick accepted for Walter. Garth Noecker, still a part time producer in District 5 accepted his award and entertained the audience with some wonderful stories of how the industry got started. In fact, all those accepting the awards shared both humorous and heartwarming stories and each of us in attendance are very grateful for their openness.

Michael Baxter accepted the scholarship award for her sister Robyn. You can read Robyn’s submission in this issue.

Murray Hunt presented the SFIP winners with their awards accompanied with help from Delma Kennedy.

Rebecca parker and Bill Duffield presented Delma with flowers and a personalized gift, thanking her for her many years of

contributing to SFIP. The SFIP program was transferred from OMAFRA to OSMA on April 1st of 2010.

The following day, the OSMA business meeting took place and ran quite smoothly. Two resolutions were brought to the voting delegates.

In the afternoon, Dan Nudell ran an Economic Workshop to assist producers who are focusing on an accelerated lambing program. A workbook has been developed with special thanks going to AMI for assistance in funding.

In total, there were more exhibitors than ever before, numbering 15. We cannot thank them enough for their support to our producers and to our industry.

The food was phenomenal. Each meal highlighted lamb.

The two lunches featured Moroccan Lamb and Curried Lamb.

A new feature to the AGM was a hot breakfast on Saturday morning. Special thanks goes to those who assisted us ‘behind the scenes’ as they say. Leslie Dyment helped out with the photos, Janice Craig at the reception area and once again, Karen Hunt did a wonderful job for us taking notes. This small staff appreciates all of your efforts, ladies.

As has become our custom, this December issue features a synopsis of the Producer Education Day and the AGM. It is brought to you so that every producer who was unable to attend can still be kept up to date. OSN

Overview of Programs and Projects G eneral Manager, Murray Hunt started the Producer Education Day by giving an overview of the many programs and projects that OSMA has been involved with and working on. Strategic directions for OSMA include advocacy, education, research and development, organization, promotion and communication. Some services that OSMA provides to producers include the Sheep Flock Improvement Program, Maedi Visna, and the Ontario Sheep Health Program.

OSMA has put emphasis on advocacy which includes, predation issues, and working with various organizations including OMAFRA, OIMP, CSF, Alberta Lamb Producers, Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, CSBA, the Ontario Ag Sustainability Coalition and general farm organizations.

Education is also important and OSMA has offered producer education days, workshops and courses to producers. OSMA has also been working closely with the OMAFRA sheep team and supports many other events such as the November Seminars, Grey Bruce Week and this past August, the WOLPA day featuring Janet McNally.

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Various studies are in progress including research on parasites, genetic evaluation, Q Fever, and corn silage.

Development is ongoing in such areas as benchmarking, bio-security, the meat probe, national data platform, financial protection, traceability, ewe finance, on-farm food safety and web-based management software.

On the organizational front, OSMA collects license fees, offers training and district development, governance, develops staff expertise, deals with by-laws and regulations and is presently updating our policies, positions and procedures.

Ontario Sheep continues to promote Ontario lamb and wool through distributing recipe cards, flyers and brochures. OSMA is also present at such events as the Outdoor Farm Show and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Whenever possible, the staff and Board work to promote our high quality product.

Industry news continues to be available to producers through the Ontario Sheep News Magazine, the Messenger and on the new website. OSN

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Measurements to Manage By Presented by Dan Nudell at the AGM

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t the AGM, Dan Nudell, a research scientist for North Dakota State University, p r e s e n t e d preliminary survey results on the benchmarking study. He also p r e s e n t e d economic results as well as a discussion of the project and how these findings benefit producers. There were 33 surveys completed and Dan talked mostly about the combined survey findings.

Out of the 33 producers surveyed, the average age was 44.

A good majority of these producers had an income which was not directly related to the farming operation. 19 of these producers were on an accelerated lambing system. It seemed clear that none of these producers wanted to decrease in numbers or exit the sheep industry with 19 saying they wanted to expand their flock. 30 of these producers were using a computer as a farm management tool with the majority having a high speed internet connection. This computer was mainly used for bookkeeping and accounting as well as to check current market lamb prices.

When asked which performance aspects are used when selecting genetics for the flock, the number of lambs born per ewe, the milking ability and the number of lambs weaned per ewe were the three top choices. Performance aspects recorded on flocks included lambs born per ewe, lambs weaned per ewe and lamb mortality, to name a few. 21 producers extended the grazing season by mainly grazing the flock on hay aftermath.

Producers market their lambs through several marketing channels. Ten producers indicated that they sell private treaty (directly on-farm) averaging 265 lambs per farm.

Nine producers indicated that they sold direct to a packer averaging 1,982 lambs marketed. Seven producers have forward-selling contracts averaging 459 lambs. Most producers (26 respondents) sell at least part of their production at a community sales barn with an average 328 lambs marketed.

Ten producers also reported direct to consumer sales averaging 24 lambs per respondent.

Economic results were also presented by Dan from a summary report by John Molenhuis. It was found that on average, surveyed producers had 485 ewes and an average of 1.38 lambs / ewe. These producers had also indicated an average feed cost of $131 / ewe and an average feed cost of $95 / lamb.

The majority of producers surveyed had weigh scales as well as a race and handling area,...

The majority of producers surveyed had weigh scales as well as a race and handling area, the handling areas were covered, uncovered or portable depending on the operation.

From the period of 2004 to 2009, 24 producers out of 33 had problems with predation, mainly by coyotes. 30 survey respondents had a predation management program in place with most using a combination of prevention methods. Some of these methods included using livestock guardian animals, high tensile electric fence and high tensile 6 inch page wire fence.

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By participating in the benchmarking study, a producer will gain a better understanding of the resources in their operation, learn how decisions in one area of the operation affect the entire farm and be able to better track the farms performance.

Benchmarking results can also help you learn what the critical management points are which saves you time to do other activities, benchmarking can also increase overall profitability.

For more information on the benchmarking study, please refer to the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org. OSN

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Entrepreneur Panel

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panel of producers from the various sectors of the Ontario Sheep industry; dairy, meat, wool, purebred sales attended the Producer Education Day and discussed their approach to marketing their products.

Special Thanks for Stu Cardiff for supplying the Producer Education Day participants with their yoghurt and Feta Cheese at the afternoon break.

Both are sold under the Krinos Brand.

Here are the highlights of the discussion: The panel consisted of: Stu Cardiff of Shepherd Gourmet Dairy Dana Thatcher of Thatcher Farms Eric Bjergso – GM of Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Bob & Gail Irvine of Rocky Lane Farm

1. Tell us about your operation.

Stu: I am the owner of Shepherd Gourmet Dairy and you can find our products under private labels at Costco’s across Ontario and Canada. Our Feta is the #1 selling Feta cheese in Ontario. We currently make 24000 kg of cheese every week Dana: Our farm is a family farm. It started when I went on maternity leave and my husband thought I needed some more work. We raise beef cattle, pigs, sheep and chickens and everything we grow, we sell in our on site store.

We have our own butcher and we cut and vacuum pack everything that we sell. We also sell at the Guelph Farmers Market.

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Eric: The Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers has been in business since 1918. There are two sides: wool marketing services and the retail division (livestock supplies and animal health equipment). Wool has not been a great revenue generator – 80% of wool production goes to China. We have been selling there for 12 years.

Bob and Gail: We have purebred sheep. Our land base is not great for crops but we can raise good hay and a bit of grain. It seemed the sheep would do well there so we have had sheep since 1978. We have a closed flock and are members of the SFIP program.

2. What is your vision for your sector of the sheep industry?

Stu: Our main goal is going forward. We would like to displace imports and at least triple our numbers.

Dana: Everyday is a growing opportunity. There are a lot of opportunities online and we would like to see buying local become a way of life – instead of just a trend.

Eric: We envision better times ahead for wool. We would like farmers to give a little more attention to the wool and it will give better returns.

Bob: More benchmarking as talked about earlier (in the day).

Below left to right: Stu Cardiff, Dana Thatcher, Eric Bjergso, Bob Irvine, Gail Irvine

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3. W hat percentage of your resources are spent on: Production? Marketing? Management of operation? Financial? b) How long is your workweek?

Stu: It all depends on the stage of your business. Seven years ago we spent 90% of time on marketing – now people knock on our door. Production is roughly 70%, marketing about 5% and 10% goes to financial. We work 7 days a week.

Dana: Production is 100% of our time. When we first started we spent money on advertising. Later, people started coming to us to do news stories – this is really cheap advertising. We work about 15 hours a day.

Gail: We divided production and management 35% for each.

We try to attend all seminars on new technologies. We spend about 20% of our time on marketing but we rely mostly on word of mouth and honesty. Our work week is 7 days and 60 hours.

Bob: We spend a lot of time doing AI, embryo transfers, sorting etc. We spend time keeping track of which animals will breed out of season – we cull the ones who won’t. As far as finances are concerned, as long as the sheep bring in more than I pay out, I’m happy.

4. What are your limiting factors?

Stu: Not enough time to achieve priorities and not enough sheep milk to meet growth expectations.

Dana: Not enough hours in a day. We’re not big enough to hire but hopefully that will come. It would be nice to have a new farm and a bigger barn.

Eric: The success of our organization in wool and retail is directly dependent on the success of the sheep industry.

We are concerned about the decreasing number of sheep producers.

Bob: Our age is our most limiting factor. Another is having enough animals to supply the demand.

5. W ho are your customers? (i.e. age, gender, ethnicity, social status) Stu: Ethnic to start out but now mainstream – feta is a growing market.

Dana: Everyone and anyone.

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Eric: Primarily the sheep producers but we also sell our livestock equipment line to horse, swine and cattle farmers.

Gail: We have a variety of customers but the biggest are commercial producers.

6. D o you have a financial strategy? How important is it? Any details you might want to share? Or how do financial institutions view your enterprise?

Stu: I spent 15 years working for TD banks. I was always an entrepreneur and always had a strategy. We strive to do our job and work efficiently.

Dana: Our strategy is to pay Floradale and the Wool Growers on time. Everything we make is going back into the farm.

Eric: We try to have a marriage between wool marketing and retail – utilizing the same staff in both parts. Try to have a positive relationship with your banker.

Bob: To bring in more than we put out.

7. I f you were going to start again, how would you do it differently?

Stu: It was slow to start but when the decision is right and the strategy is right, we go forward. I’m not a hindsight person.

The past is like a small rearview mirror – most of the time it’s looking ahead.

Dana: Marry for money!

Eric: Do what you do best. woolgrowers.

We owe our success to the

Gail: Reduce the amount of manual labour. We should have made the warm room 20 years earlier.

8. H ow could OSMA help serve other producers who are starting out in your sector?

Stu: Infrastructure support – help to develop markets.

Dana: Infrastructure is needed. More case studies – more information on feeding programs.

Eric: Introducing and keeping young people in the industry.

Bob: For purebred producers, it is important to have OSMA, CSF and CSBA all working together. Murray should / could develop a common policy to grow the industry – we don’t need 16 different ones. OSN OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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Research

We were fortunate enough to have four Researchers present their work to us at the Producer Education Day. Below are the abstracts from that research.

This can also be viewed on our website at www.ontariosheep.org.

Corn Silage Presenter - Paul Luimes Some farmers are considering incorporating corn silage into lamb diets. We ran a preliminary trial on 60 lambs to determine growth performance and efficiency of 0%, 25% and 50% corn silage diets. Though we were unable to maintain similar levels of crude protein across the treatments, the lambs did grow to the calculated potential given the protein they were supplied. Even given the shorter supply of crude protein, the 25% corn silage diet was able to put gains on the lambs in a slightly more economical fashion than the 0% corn silage diet. The trial will be repeated with tighter control on crude protein supply to determine what level of corn silage could be economically incorporated into a lamb feeder trial. Predictions of feed intake will also be presented that show a slight decrease in dry matter intake with greater levels of corn silage inclusion.

Determination of the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in Ontario sheep flocks with indicators of gastrointestinal parasitism Presented by: Laura Falzon Researchers: Laura Falzon, Paula Menzies, Andria Jones Dept Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; Andrew Peregrine, Krishna Shakya, Jacob Avula – Dept Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; John vanLeeuwen – Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island; Jocelyn Jansen – Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Objectives: Determine the prevalence of drench failure to ivermectin Determine the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in flocks with drench failure by using a fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) Identify risk factors associated with drench failure and anthelmintic resistance Establish and validate the Larval Development Test for anthelmintic susceptibility in Ontario 14

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Summary: Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasitism is a severe and increasingly important production-limiting disease on sheep farms around the world. For many years, GINs have been controlled around the world using anthelmintics that belong to three major drug classes: benzimidazoles (e.g. fenbendazole), tetrahydropyrimidines (e.g. levamisole) and macrocyclic lactones (e.g. ivermectin).

Within Canada, ivermectin is licensed for use in sheep.

However, levamisole is not readily available; fenbendazole is commonly used off label. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) to all three major drug classes has been reported in many parts of the world, and was first reported in Ontario in 2007. However, the prevalence of AR in Ontario is, as yet, unclear. Such information is urgently required to generate management guidelines for sheep producers to control the impact of AR and to minimize the risk of the resistant parasites spreading further. Fifty flocks will be enrolled over two summers. On a monthly basis for the grazing season, the producers shall send in 15 fecal samples from lambs or ewe lambs in their first grazing season and the fecal egg counts determined . Once the mean fecal egg count reaches a 200epg threshold, ivermectin will be sent out to the producers. Two weeks after treatment, fecal samples shall be re-submitted to assess the egg count reduction. If drench failure results (i.e. egg count reduction is <90%), a Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test will be performed using ivermectin, fenbendazole and levamisole at the licensed doses. This will allow us to determine whether drench failure was due to AR or other mismanagement practices. A questionnaire will be administered to the producers to identify management practices associated with AR. In order to generate a tool for use by vets, a Larval Development Test is being validated in the OVC laboratory to quantify AR in vitro. This method will provide results more quickly, at less cost and with less labor, than the FECRT. Information generated from this project will permit us to provide producers with better advice on management practices, in turn reducing the impact and spread of AR. Time Frame: Start date: May 1st 2009; End date: Sep 30th 2011.

Funding: This project is funded by the Animal Health Strategic Investment fund (OMAFRA – University of Guelph agreement); the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Merial

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The Epidemiology of Over-Wintering of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Ontario Sheep Production Systems Presented by: Laura Falzon Researchers: Laura Falzon, Paula Menzies, Andria Jones - Dept Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; Andrew Peregrine, Krishna Shakya, Jacob Avula – Dept Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph; John vanLeeuwen – Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island; Jocelyn Jansen – Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Objectives: Determine both group-level and individual-level factors that affect parasite over-wintering and periparturient egg rise (PPER) in ewes Determine if strategic timing of anthelmintic treatment reduces PPER in ewes Determine factors affecting the over-wintering survival of GIN, including Haemonchus contortus, on pasture under central Canadian conditions Determine if over-wintered L3 H. contortus larvae on pasture are capable of establishing a patent infection in naïve lambs Summary: Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasitism is a severe and increasingly important production-limiting disease on sheep farms. Major sheep-rearing countries have developed integrated strategic parasite control programs based on climate and type of animal management. Central Canada is substantially different from other countries in that flocks frequently use out-of-season rather than just spring lambing, and winter conditions are more severe, thus influencing the epidemiology of GIN both in adult ewes and on pasture. This project will improve understanding of factors that affect these two potential major sources of gastrointestinal nematodes responsible for parasitic infection in sheep: over-wintering of hypobiotic larvae in adult ewes and the subsequent periparturient egg rise (PPER) which contaminates spring pasture, resulting in infection of naïve lambs; and over-wintering of infective L3 larvae on pasture from contamination in the previous grazing season. The first – over-wintering in ewes – will be investigated by selecting six flocks on an accelerated lambing system. On each of these flocks, 20 pregnant and 20 non-pregnant (control) ewes will be selected, and both blood and fecal samples will be collected following a pre-determined time-line for three lambing seasons (Winter – Spring – Fall). Nutritional and Lamb Productivity Information will also be collected. In the second year, a Clinical Trial will be performed on three of these farms; pregnant ewes will be treated with different dewormers on the 120th day of gestation. Fecal samples will then be collected on the day of treatment and at two other time-points, to determine the suppressive effect of the anthelmintic drugs on the PPER. For the second factor – pasture - the effect of winter climate on survival of infective

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GIN larvae, including Haemonchus contortus, will be studied on three farms across Ontario. One acre plots of pasture grazed that season by infected sheep will be assessed from the fall after removal until the spring before turn –out.

Data recorders will monitor, at hourly intervals, air and soil temperature, air humidity and soil moisture. Presence and type of GIN larvae will be assessed by larval pasture and soil sampling. Infectivity of larvae present on pasture in the spring will be assessed by grazing naïve tracer lambs.

All information gathered from these studies will be used to develop a strategic integrated parasite control program for both organic and conventional sheep flocks in central Canada. This, in turn, will reduce the level of disease and reliance on anthelmintics, improving the productivity of this sector.

Time Frame: Start date: Jul 1st 2009; End date: Apr 2012.

Funding: This project is funded by OMAFRA – New Directions, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and the Organic Science Cluster

Cysticercus Ovis Infection and the Canadian Sheep Industry: An Emerging Problem Presenter - Brad De Wolf Bradley D. De Wolf 1*, Paula I. Menzies1, Andria Q. Jones1, Andrew S. Peregrine2, Jocelyn T. Jansen3, Jennifer MacTavish4.

1Department of Population Medicine and 2Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 3Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Guelph, Ontario, Canada and 4Canadian Sheep Federation, Guelph, Ontario Canada.

Cysticercus ovis is the intermediate stage of a canine tapeworm, Taenia ovis, which produces cystic lesions in the skeletal and cardiac muscle of sheep. If numerous, these lesions can result in condemnation of the entire carcass. In 2008, an outbreak of C. ovis occurred in Canada with the numbers of condemnations seen at Ontario provincial, and federally inspected, abattoirs increasing significantly from previous years. Confirmation of C. ovis was determined based on microscopic examination of the muscle lesions and dimensions of the parasite’s rostellar hooks. Historically, while the number of lambs slaughtered in Ontario abattoirs remained constant between 2003 and 2008, the proportion of all carcasses condemned due to C. ovis increased from 0% to 50%, respectively. The rise in carcass condemnations due to Continued on page 17.

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2010 CSBA Meeting Submitted by Darryl Hopkins

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he CSBA Ontario AGM was held Friday, October 29, 2010 at the Holiday Inn, Guelph in conjunction OSMA’s AGM. Approximately forty people were in attendance, reports were given by current CSBA directors, Brian Atkinson and Darryl Hopkins. Brian’s two year tenure is finished in December and he made the decision not to run again. We thank him for all his hard work and we welcome Colleen Acres the newly elected CSBA member. I look forward to working with Colleen to serve the needs of the CSBA members of Ontario and to move the industry forward.

The last three months have brought up some very interesting points and conversations concerning the past relationship between OSMA and CSBA representatives in Ontario. There, in the past, has been a lack of understanding and communication between the two sides. With nothing in writing of past agreements, generations and personnel changes, it became difficult to continue on as each side thought of its position and responsibilities differently than the other. In saying that, we agree that it is in everyone’s best interest, especially the Ontario Sheep Industry, to move forward.

Ontario has the highest number of CSBA members of any province in Canada and, therefore, should have the strongest provincially recognized purebred association. It is the intent of current and future CSBA directors to revamp the “Purebred Affairs Committee” and work alongside OSMA and its staff to accomplish this for the betterment of the Ontario Purebred Sheep Industry.

It has been made clear that OSMA and CSBA need to work closer together with more open forms of communication. OSMA has agreed to allow CSBA Ontario to submit articles to be printed in the Sheep News to meet our goal of communicating more openly with CSBA members. We will also be utilizing the OSMA website and newsletter (The Messenger). We look forward to working with them.

Stacey White is the new General Manager of the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association. Stacey developed a passion for the sheep industry during his teenage years growing up on a grain farm in Saskatchewan. A flock of 30 Romanov-­ cross ewes helped pay his way through veterinary college. After

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graduating in 1997, Stacey moved to Alberta where he worked in a variety of practices. He has lived and worked in Toronto for the past seven years.

Stacey pursued his interest in organizations, personal development and teams by obtaining a Master’s degree in Leadership and Training in 2003 and a certificate in Executive Coaching in Stacey White 2010. He intends to use his skills, in cooperation with producers, the CSBA board, industry-­ related organizations and government, to advance the Canadian sheep industry.

Stacey is thrilled to accept a position that melds his upbringing, formal education, work experience and strong belief in the sheep industry. He looks forward to serving the purebred sheep industry and building relationships with individuals and organizations throughout Canada and the rest of the world.

Below are highlights from the minutes of the CSBA Meeting held at the Holiday Inn in Guelph on October 29th. All CSBA members were sent an invitation to attend this meeting by mail.

Leading the Meeting: Darryl Hopkins, Brian Atkinson Recording: Ruth Gilmour, Murray Hunt • 2009 – 846 annual paid memberships + 51 life members •O ntario leads the provinces with 236 members, U.S. accounts for 208, and Quebec 144 • 2009 – 10 812 registrations, 5 690 transfers •2 010 All Canadian Classic Show and Sale – 161 animals sold, Ewes averaged $558, Rams $619, 11 Ewes and 9 Rams sold for prices over $1000 •P rofit of $7 350 – ½ each to SEMRPQ and CSBA 2011 Classic will be July 22-24 in Drake, Saskatchewan

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•C athy Gallivan 2010 AGM

resigned

as

secretary/treasurer

at

•N ew position of General Manager has been filled by Stacey White and he is currently working on transition with Cathy.

•N ew Breeds – Canadian Finn sheep Association voted to disband their association and join CSBA. Canadian breeders of California Red sheep (currently registering in US) applied for membership in CSBA. Still working out details with federal government, but should be approved soon.

•C SBA members who use a double set of Allflex (CSIP) tags to identify their registered sheep can now obtain replacements for lost tags.

• 2011 AGM to be held March 5, 2011 in Truro, Nova Scotia Motions Made: Motion - CSBA (Ontario) request a subsidy from Scrapie Canada to assist in Scrapie genotyping and it be extended to all CSBA members. (Riva Berezowski/ Mels Van der Laan). Carried

Motion - S crapie Canada, CSF and CSBA find a way to set a uniform Scrapie program with U.S. for breeding sheep (Jim Driscoll/ Chris Kyle). Carried Motion - D ue to restrictions at the border on small ruminants, it is requested that CSBA lobby Canadian Goats to establish a national traceability program. (Jason Emke/ Mels Van der Laan). Carried Motion - C SBA Board to consider a full paid membership of CLGA (Riva Berezowski / Mels Van der Laan). Defeated Discussion of CSBA and OSMA working more closely together with ideas of a “Purebred Affairs Committee”.

Motion - O ntario CSBA members petition OSMA to establish a team under the Strategic Plan (Bob Irvine / Ted Skinner) Carried Election of Director: Brian Atkinson’s term is finished at the end of December, and his position will be replaced by Colleen Acres.

Meeting Adjourned.

Motion - A request go to Scrapie Canada for an explanation regarding the existing funding of the new Scrapie Prevalence Study and why there is not funding available for genotyping (Joanne Skinner/ Murray Emke). Carried

Continued from page 15~ research C. ovis suggests that the prevalence of this infection on Canadian sheep farms is increasing. Until recently, it was not possible to trace a condemned lamb carcass in Ontario back to the animal’s farm of origin. Through development of the Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP), and direct intervention from the Canadian Sheep Federation, it has been possible to address this problem.

Research has shown that between 2009 and 2010, lambs condemned in Ontario due to C. ovis originated from

the Canadian provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. The data suggest that, in recent years, C. ovis has spread across Canada and that endemic transmission through domestic dogs and/or wild canids is now occurring in multiple provinces. Within Ontario, the data indicate that endemic transmission occurred for the first time in 2009 Funding from the Animal Health Strategic Investment, the Gartshore Sheep Research Fund and cooperation from the Canadian Sheep Federation. OSN

Special Thanks to Leslie Dyment for taking these photos at the Producer Education Day and AGM.

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Optimizing Nutrition in Lambs … Right From the START! Kathleen Shore, Grober Nutrition and Cecelia Curtis, Floradale Feed Mill Limited Background The market for lamb meat has been steadily rising since 1986 and the national breeding flock has increased by 38% over the same period. Currently, domestic production only meets 41% of the demand. There is tremendous opportunity for industry growth and this combined with a strong market price for lambs has made entering the industry financially viable. Apart from market price and feed costs, one of the major variables affecting profitability of sheep production is the number of lambs marketed per ewe per year. Increased emphasis on choosing breeding stock that exhibit high prolificacy and adaptability to accelerated programs has led to the necessity of raising more lambs on milk replacer. However, hand raising multiple lambs from birth and getting them past the milk fed stage is often a challenge. Ewes are also challenged by these multiple births, leading to higher rate of illness and poorer milk production which translates into sick lambs and higher losses. Many studies report lamb losses of over 20%, which include stillbirths and animals less than 2 months of age. Dr. Paula Menzies from the University of Guelph reported in 2007 that this rate of loss can translate into lost revenue of over $4,000 a year.

In the spring of 2010, Grober Nutrition and Floradale Feed Mill Limited combined efforts to evaluate overall performance of milk replacer fed lambs. Thirty-five Rideau Arcott lambs (3-10 days old) were housed at the Grober Young Animal Development Center (GYADC) located in Woodstock, Ontario. Lambs were raised on milk replacer fed via two different milk delivery systems, weaned and grain fed to meet a heavy-weight market.

Raising lambs successfully with milk replacer Milk replacer is a well-balanced diet for lambs that can be delivered following colostrum and fed until weaning. It is especially helpful in relieving the ewe from raising multiple lambs. Grober has specialized in milk replacers for the past 30 years including products designed specifically for lambs.

Historically, producers found it difficult to justify raising lambs on milk replacer. Some of the challenges included: the cost of milk replacer, the increased labour required and often an associated higher morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the belief that milk replacer fed lambs could not compete with ewe-fed lambs in overall growth and performance post-weaning made this management practice less attractive.

In the last decade, introduction and use of automatic milk feeding machines and self-feeders have addressed the labour issue. Furthermore, implementation of specific management practices (early weaning) has made rearing lambs on milk replacer a much more practical, profitable and successful alternative.

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This study investigated the viability of milk replacer feeding in lambs from prolific breeds. Grober utilized two different methods of delivering milk replacer.

Lambs were split into three groups whereby Figure 1 Automatic milk feeding machine.

2 groups had access to an automatic milk feeder (Figure 1) and 1 group had access to a mob feeder (milk bar) (Figure 2). Automatic feeders are an ad-libitum feeding system giving lambs access to milk 24 hours a day with no Figure 2 Mob feeder, milk bar, used. limitation. Mob feeders are a system that allow for controlled access to milk replacer, similar to pail feeders with multiple nipples. A 16% texturized creep ration was offered ad-libitum to all groups starting Day 1.

Small amounts of hay were also offered until weaning.

Within the 2 groups fed by automatic feeder, 1 group was housed on shavings and 1 group was housed on an elevated slatted (piggy deck) floor. The slatted floor, which allows manure to flow through, is commonly used to manage the continuous flow of lambs through the nursery. This approach has been used in veal calf rearing for many years as a method of handling the watery manure common to milk fed animals. However, success is very much related to the amount of air volume within a barn.

Ammonia can build up and then rise which may have a negative effect on animal health and performance.

Mob feeder lambs were fed according to the following schedule: 3 feedings/day for 14 days, followed by 2 feedings/ day for 10 days and finally 1 feeding/day for 8 days. Milk replacer was mixed at a rate of 180 grams/litre by dissolving the powder in ½ the required water (50⁰C) and then adding the remaining water to bring milk to body temperature (39⁰C). A paint mixer attached to a cordless drill was used to prepare the milk. All utensils were cleaned and dried after each use.

Individual lamb weights and total milk replacer intakes were measured; feed efficiency and cost of gain were determined (milk

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Table 1 S ummary of treatment groups and their respective feed intake and cost of gain.

Figure3 Feed:gain ratios of lambs on different treatments during the milk replacer fed phase and 2 weeks post weaning.

replacer and creep feed costs based on May 2010 retail prices).

This section evaluates performance during the milk replacer fed period and 2 weeks post weaning.

Feed efficiency (feed:gain ratio) measures how much feed it takes for 1 kg of gain, a smaller value demonstrates a more efficient lamb. Lambs fed by automatic feeder on shavings drank the most milk replacer and gained the most weight. This translated into the most efficient feed:gain ratio before and after the milk phase (Figure 3). Lambs within this group showed a steady rate of gain and the least growth check (loss of body weight) at weaning time (Figure 4). Weaning on the automatic feeder was abrupt with no step down phase. The better rate of gain post weaning may illustrate that these lambs were not adversely affected by early weaning (37.8 days).

Lambs on the piggy deck were not far behind the lambs on shavings, but did experience a growth check at weaning (34.8 days) (Figure 4). This may be related to lower milk replacer intake and also to the stress of being moved at weaning to a pen that had shavings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; many changes at weaning will contribute to stress which is directly correlated to reduced weight gain.

Lambs on mob feeders consumed the least amount of milk replacer and did not perform as well as the other two groups fed by the automatic milk feeder. This poorer performance was reflected not only in body weight differences, but also in decreased feed efficiency. Ultimately the cost to raise these lambs was higher (Table 1). Establishing an optimal feeding protocol

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Figure 4 Body weight gains for milk replacer fed lambs between the different feeding systems. was the biggest challenge when using the mob feeders. There is significantly more labour involved with raising lambs on mob feeders (on average 1-2 hours per day versus 20 minutes for feeding and animal health checks for the automatic milk feeder).

However it is a significantly lower capital investment when compared to an automatic milk feeder. The intense drinking speed of lambs (jumping all over one another to reach the mob feeder) did lead to some bloat. This was reduced when milk replacer was offered and left over a 2 hour period. These lambs may have performed better if weaned later, given a longer time to consume each meal or offered more feedings per day. The results demonstrated that there is a positive relationship between the amount of milk consumed and the cost per kilogram of gain (Table 1). Providing a strong start to lambs through good nutrition will set them up for great success through the next stages of development.

Milk replacer is an excellent program for providing well balanced nutrition to the young lamb and will help eliminate the pressure on the prolific ewe. However, understanding how to successfully use this feed and produce strong, healthy lambs is an important step. Young lambs are born with the enzymes needed to digest milk â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the data collected through this trial highlights that while milk replacer appears an expensive investment, it is the most digestible feed necessary for proper growth and development. Ensuring lambs get enough milk will improve performance beyond weaning.

Continued on page 20.

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Continued from page 19~ Optimizing

Nutrition in Lambs â&#x20AC;Ś Right From the START!

Early wean phase (weaning to 18 kg bodyweight) In the case of milk replacer fed lambs, the higher cost of milk replacer powder in comparison to creep ration makes it more cost effective to wean these lambs early. Although lambs can be weaned off milk as early as 20 days, their ability to digest and utilize the dry feed (creep ration) needs to be considered.

Newborn lambs do not have a functional rumen, but the intake of dry feed in early life plays a key role in the initiation of rumen development. A palatable creep ration and fresh, clean water must be accessible and adequately consumed for proper growth. Early weaning of lambs from milk replacer should not be dependent upon a specific age but rather attaining a minimum bodyweight. Results from this trial, as well as anecdotal comments, suggest that lambs achieving a minimum bodyweight of 9 kg (20 lbs) coupled with total milk replacer intakes of 9-11 kg are generally the most successful candidates for early weaning.

Lambs were sorted 2 weeks post-weaning based on sex and bodyweight and assigned to one of four pens designated to finish on either a corn or barley based ration. The feeding protocol for this study was established to mimic ewe-fed market lambs.

Ewe-fed lambs are generally weaned at 60 days of age with an approximate weaning weight of 16-18 kg (breed dependent).

Lambs on trial were weaned early at â&#x2030;&#x2C6;36 days and 9.3 kg.

To minimize stress associated with weaning, the same 16% texturized creep ration provided during the milk replacer phase was fed ad libitum to all pens until average pen bodyweight reached 16-18 kg. Throughout this phase of the trial, bodyweight and total pen feed intakes were measured (Figure 5).

Creep/grower phase (18 kg to 27 kg bodyweight) Creep ration intake was minimal for the first few weeks while intake of milk replacer was high. However, creep ration intakes increased around weaning time. This increasing creep ration intake is a strong indicator of rumen development and provides an excellent opportunity to begin incorporating less expensive, whole grains into the lambsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ration. When the average bodyweight of the pen attained a minimum of 16 kg, lambs on trial were transitioned onto the whole-grain creep ration. The whole-grain creep ration was formulated to maintain the same nutrient profile as the texturized creep ration to continue promoting frame growth and muscle development. The 16% whole grain creep ration contained a mixture of equal portions of whole barley and whole corn, combined with a pelleted supplement. The transition protocol enabled lambs to become accustomed to whole grains before starting pens on either barley or corn based grower/finisher diets. Bodyweight gains and feed intake continued to be measured in order to determine when the pen was ready for transition to the grower/finisher phase.

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Figure 5 Body weight and feed intake throughout the early wean phase for all groups.

Grower/finisher phase (27 kg bodyweight to market) Feed represents up to 70% of the total costs of raising lambs to market with grains comprising up to 80% of the grower/finisher diets. Considering the volatility of grain markets, evaluating performance differences between a corn and barley-based ration may influence feed management decisions. As part of the grower/finisher phase of the trial, each ram and ewe-lamb pen was assigned to one of two different rations (corn-based or barley-based). Both rations were fed ad-libitum and consisted of the whole grain combined with a pelleted supplement, formulated to 14% crude protein with identical mineral vitamin profiles.

During the grower/finisher phase, bodyweights were measured every 2 weeks until lambs were marketed. Total grain intakes for each pen were measured weekly to approximate individual intake. The objective was to finish lambs at 45-50 kg. Lambs were marketed through the Ontario Lamb Marketing Inc. (OLM) program and carcass characteristics assessed.

Ontario Lamb Marketing Inc. grades carcasses based on muscle and fat depth score. Muscle score is a subjective measurement taken visually over the shoulder, loin and leg. A range of 1 through 5 is used: 1 = deficient muscle, 3 = adequate muscle and 5 = well-muscled. Fat depth or GR (grade ruler) tissue measurement is taken at the 12th rib, 11 cm from the midline using a calibrated knife. Scores determine a carcass grade index which reflects payment schedule: a higher index will gross higher returns.

Overall, feed:gain ratio of ram lambs fed the barley based ration was comparable to that of corn-fed ram lambs (Table 2). However, a 10% lower market weight, with similar number of days to market, translated into lower gross returns for the barley-fed group (Table 3). Ewe-lambs on both the corn and

2010 Annual General Meeting

Table 2 Summary of ration treatments, body weights, feed intake, days to market, and average daily gains. (MR=Milk replacer)

barley based rations had almost identical ADG over the grain-fed period and were marketed at similar weights. However, ewelambs on the corn ration had a slight advantage in feed:gain ratio and their gross returns were greater. Since ewe-lambs were marketed at similar weights, these higher returns can be attributed to differences in carcass quality, specifically the fat depth measurement. Ewe-lambs had significantly higher fat depth measurement as compared to ram-lambs. Furthermore, fat depth in barley fed ewe-lambs was greater than corn fed ewe-lambs Table 3 Cost analysis based on grain treatments.

2010 Annual General Meeting

which impacted gross returns significantly. Observations from this study indicated that ewe-lambs marketed through OLM may benefit from being shipped at a lighter bodyweight to avoid these increased fat depth measurements.

Concluding Comments Grain costs vary dramatically from year to year. Since grain comprises 80% of the grower/finisher ration, it will have the greatest impact on overall feed costs. Throughout the grower/ finisher phase of this trial total feed costs were higher for the corn based ration. However, the average return ($) over feed for lambs consuming the corn ration (as opposed to barley) indicates greater profitability. While there was a definite trend numerically in favour of lambs on corn based rations, this was under a certain set of conditions. As conditions change (costs, availability and quality of grain) this trend may also change. Overall, this set of trials demonstrated lambs can be successfully reared on milk replacer using different feeding systems. Moreover, post-weaning growth and performance are in line with current industry standards making this management practice not only viable but profitable. OSN

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OSMA’s 25th Anniversary Here is the speech made by OSMA GM Murray Hunt at the banquet held on the eve of the Producer Education Day as part of our 25th Anniversary Celebration.

T

his year marks the 25th Anniversary year of the O.S.M.A., the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.

Evolving from its predecessor, the Ontario Sheep Association, OSMA came into existence as a result of an OSA. AGM resolution requesting that the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Board develop and implement a marketing plan for sheep. In response to that resolution a commission was appointed to put together a framework, which was to become the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.

Over the past number of months, the OSMA Board and staff have considered several ways that we could celebrate this twenty-five year achievement with producers. There are so many people who have come together over the past 25 years and put their energy, time and talent into building OSMA that it would be impossible to thank each one of you personally.

Then somehow, the answer became obvious. We must go back to our roots, to our beginning. Now in our 25th year, as this organization is thriving more than it ever has before, there is even more reason to recognize those who made major contributions.

Here tonight, we would like to honour the three “founding members” of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, three men that the Minister of Agriculture appointed some 27 years ago to the commission. They are Jack James, Walter Renwick and Garth Noecker.

We have invited the family members of Jack James and Walter Renwick, now deceased to accept awards for Jack and Walter We are also very pleased to also have Garth Noecker attend tonight as well.

Garth Noecker was a member of the Ontario Sheep Association Board of Directors as a representative of District 5 before the Commission. In fact, as Chair of the Marketing Committee for the OSA it was Garth who made the original motion to

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have the study requested. The commission started in the spring and was completed in late fall. He had a number of adventures along the way including flying with Walter Renwick in Walter’s plane and being forced to land due to bad weather at a small strip in Hearst, Ontario. From there he and Walter hitch-hiked to Espanola to meet up with Jack James and Dorothy Sloan for one of the public hearings with producers.

When the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency was formed, Garth sat on the first Board of Directors. After that he returned to part time sheep farming and today you can still find Garth attending the occasional District 5 meeting. (Garth Noecker delighted the audience with some wonderful stories of how he, Jack and Walter worked together).

Walter Renwick was a man with a great many sheep credentials. He was the first Chair of WOLPA, the Western Ontario Lamb Producers Association, a Director and Chair of the Ontario Sheep Association and a Chair of the Canada Sheep Council.

He was appointed to be the Vice Chair of the first Board of Directors on the newly organized Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. In 1994, OSMA selected Walter to be “Shepherd of the Year”.

Walter passed away in 1995. Among the many memories that have been recorded about Walter is his dependability.

A memorial article in the Sheep News recalls that OSMA could always depend upon him to be generous with excellent advice on sheep management, to leave his own business to attend government meetings for the good of the national sheep industry, to include the words “this industry must survive and thrive” in any dialogue with the Minister or any government representatives. OSMA staff could depend on him to engage in complicated negotiations and lobbying and present OSMA’s case clearly and concisely without notes. In fact, apparently it was rare to ever see a pencil or paper in his hand.

2010 Annual General Meeting

(Walter’s daughter Linda and her husband Bob Reed accepted the award for Walter both with poignant and humorous recounts of Walter).

Jack James was appointed by the Minister of Agriculture to Chair the commission putting together the framework of what is now the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.

When OSMA was formed, Jack became the first Chair of the new organization.

If you have the opportunity to read the early issues of the Sheep News, you will find that Jack was quite a visionary.

Jack started Sheep News himself as he felt strongly that OSMA needed to communicate with its members to provide them with both information on OSMA activities as well as industry events and information. So much of what OSMA is doing today or striving toward is there in his early writings and editorials.

Jack’s wife Lois recalled to us some ventures that Jack started many years ago. In the 70s and 80s their flock was on accelerated and we had established a F1 Finn/Dorset cross ewe flock to increase multiple births, were part of a major research project with Agriculture Canada and United Breeders (now Semex) on synchronized lambing, sponging ewes and using AI in the late 70s and 80s, technology that has started to be used commercially on a larger scale in the last decade.

He was also the producer representative who worked with the government in the selection, organization and release of the three Agriculture Canada Arcott flocks of sheep of which

the Rideau Arcotts has made a major contribution to the Canadian sheep industry.

In the mid1990’s he helped establish the Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario and served as its first chair.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

Upcoming Sales Tuesdays 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

In the years Thursdays before his death, he 8:00 a.m. had devoted most Drop Calves, Veal, Pigs, of his volunteer Lambs, Goats & Sheep efforts to his and Lois’s daughters’ Fridays activities and youth 10:00 a.m.

- leading 4-H sheep Stockers and dairy clubs in both Carleton and CO N FID EN CE, Russell counties, TR U S T & S ER V ICE chairing all sorts of county and www.brusselslivestock.ca regional 4-H activities and coaching sports teams including organizing tournaments, extensive fund raising for events and even organizing and fund raising for the Canadian Junior Broomball Championships. He thoroughly enjoyed working with youth,

519-887-6461

(We honoured Jack James and were very happy to have his daughter Shanna Armstong, now a delegate from District 9 accept his award). OSN Photo Credit: Janice K. Marshall

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2010 Winners of the Sheep Flock Improvement Program (SFIP)

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he 2010 AGM took time to recognize the outstanding achievements of those participants who excel in the SFIP program.

Rebecca Parker and Bill Duffield, presented flowers and a gift to Delma Kennedy for her dedication and work with SFIP over the past many years (see photo). OSN

The award for the Highest Maternal Index for Polled Dorset went to Robert & Shirley Graves with the Highest Growth Index for the same breed going to Robert & Gail Irvine.

For Texels, the award for the Highest Maternal Index went to Tom Wood while the Highest Growth Index went to Bill McCutcheon. Dick & Marilyn Kuiperij received both the Highest Maternal Index and Highest Growth Index awards for their Rideau Arcotts. Likewise, Bill & Lynn Duffield took home both the awards for the Suffolk breed. We look forward to new participants and next year’s awards in this worthwhile program.

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Micheal Baxter accepted the Scholarship award for her sister Robyn who was unable to attend. Robyn is the daughter of Kathryn and Glen Baxter of Lindsay.

Here Judy Dening, District 7 Director presents makes the presentation.

2010 Annual General Meeting

2009-2010 Business Meeting and Resolutions

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very successful business meeting was held on October 30th, 2010. The Financil Report from September 1, 2009 to August 31st 2010 were presented as well as the budget for the upcoming year. Markus Wand presented his Chair Report.

OSMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new auditors are KPMG and they were available to address any producer concerns. The Financial Statements can be found in this issue of Ontario Sheep News.

2010 Resolutions were presented, discussed and voted on.

Below are the resolutions put forth this year. There were two resolutions and both were carried.

Directly below them are the actions taken on the resolutions from the previous AGM (2008-2009) Resolutions from District 2: A motion by Vince Stutzki and seconded by Kevin Seeley that all sheep breeding stock that have pink tags as of December 31, 2011 to be grandfathered and exempted from RFID requirements. CARRIED Resolutions from District 7: Whereas Ontario sheep producers wish to care for and raise their animals in a responsible and economical way and whereas Ontario sheep producers are aware that producers in other countries have access to drugs, hormones, vaccines and other medications that Ontario producers do not have access to thereby allowing those producers of have an advantage in operating their sheep enterprises.

Whereas some of the currently approved Canadian medications are limited in their effectiveness due to anthelmintic resistance. Therefore be it resolved that the District 7 Committee asks that the OSMA Board take action to: 1) D evelop a list of medications approved for various uses in other countries and make that list available to Ontario sheep producers,

Report To 2010 OSMA AGM on Resolutions From November 28th, 2009 Annual Meeting OSMA has taken the following actions on the resolutions passed at the Annual Meeting of delegates on November 28, 2009.

1. C ontinuity of Local Executives The OSMA Board considers this to be a sound practice for districts to follow and has recommended it to Districts for their consideration.

2. Predation The OSMA Board named a Predation Team in April. That Team is working on all fronts that relate to predation including an Ontario compensation program and tools available to producers to use. Currently is working with government to have a working group that has all players involved. OSMA thanks all producers who provided input to the OMAFRA discussion paper on Managing Agriculture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wildlife Conflicts. As more details are considered or known OSMA will update sheep producer.

3. S heep Management Courses The Education Team of OSMA is working with other industry stakeholders, including CSF to provide, produce and offer courses that producers can participate in.

4. N utritional Value of Corn Silage For Growing and Finishing Lambs OSMA decided to fund research at Ridgetown Campus University of Guelph to study this matter.

(A presentation was given on how this project is progressing at the Research section of the Producer Education Day). OSN

2) M ake Canadian authorities and sheep related organizations aware of the need for producers to have access to an expanded list of medications, 3) F ind and inform producers of ways that they can bring to Canada medications that are approved effective and safe in other countries but which importing companies may not deem profitable enough for them to license and make available in Canada. CARRIED

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Photo Credit: Johanna Ramaker

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‘And the Winner Is…’

Wrap up of the 2010 Market Lamb Carcass Competition Christoph Wand – Beef Cattle & Sheep Nutritionist, OMAFRA

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Market Lamb Carcass Competition (MLCC) made its debut at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show on September 14, 15 & 16 2010 in Woodstock, with 10 entries of 10 slaughter lambs

each. These 100 Lambs were on display for the duration of the show and then slaughtered on Friday, Sept 17th.

The goal was to hold a competition which engaged commercial and purebred sheep producers, judging on the basis of carcass quality on the rail.

The competition was hosted by Canada’s Outdoor Farm show and sponsored by the Large Flock Operators, the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, Ontario Lamb Marketing Inc., Floradale Feed Mill Ltd., Holly Park Packers and Nithwood Dairy Goat/Sheep Equipment. The participants and lamb description are given in Table 1.

The producers were invited to the cooler after the slaughter on September 17th where all carcasses were rail-graded by Bill McCutcheon (Ontario Lamb Marketing Inc.) and placing based Table 2 Category

An aerial view of the Market Lamb Carcass Competition, set among the other exhibits in Livestock Central. Photo courtesy of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show.

Table 1

Lamb Description

Av. Carcass Weight

Texel x Charollais

23.1 kg

Ile de France x Rideau

23.3 kg

Texel x Rideau

23.4 kg

Liz and Phil Smith Breezy Ridge Rideaus

Rideau

25.5 kg

Vince and Heather Stutzki ElmCrest Farms

Rideau

23.2 kg

Consignor Ted & Joanne Skinner Cedar Creek Charollais Andrew Gordanier Jason Oosterhof Simonhof Farms

David and Dianne Orr Mike and Linda Thompson Mik-Lin Farm

Rideau and Texel x Rideau

24.1 kg

Rideau

24.0 kg

Lori and Jamie Heffer Heffer Farms

South African Meat Merino x Dorset/Suffolk

23.5 kg

Bill Batty Glenburnie Farm

Suffolk x Border Cheviot

20.6 kg

Rideau

24.2 kg

Pieter and Elly van der Veen VanderView Farm 26

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Measurement and Scoring

GR Measurement / Tissue Depth (pen average): 0 - 4 mm

75%

5 - 6 mm

90%

7 - 10 mm

100%

11 - 16 mm

90%

17+ mm

75%

Muscle Score (pen average): shoulder, loin, legs in any order: 2,2,1

% of Total Score 40

40

60%

2,2,2

70%

3,2,2

80%

3,3,2

90%

3,3,3

100%

4,3,3

105%

4,4,3

110%

4,4,4

115%

5,4,4

120%

5,5,4

125%

5,5,5

130%

Carcass Weight Variation Score = 20 - (2 x carcass wt CV)

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*where CV = StdDev / Mean x 100 **Index is based on (GR measurement + muscle score) / 2 DISQUALIFIED FROM CONTENTION • Pen with 1 or more carcasses less than 20.0 kg • Pen with 2 carcasses over 27.0 kg • Pens with any lambs over 12 months (ossified) • If not eligible for Homegrown (source and farm-of-origin not verifiable) • No CSIP eligible RFID tag

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Economic Workshop

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fter the Annual General Meeting on October 30th, an economic workshop was held for producers. Many producers stayed to listen to the presentation and w o r k e d through the economic workbook which was given out. Dan Nudell led the presentation and answered various questions from producers.

Some OMAFRA staff members were also on hand to help answer questions and guide

producers as they worked through this excellent resource.

Many thanks to the OMAFRA staff and other helpers.

This workbook outlines production and financial data for an accelerated lambing flock and the calculations needed to measure financial progress. A producer can use the formulas provided to review their own flock’s financial situation. The goal is to try and improve production efficiency and financial efficiency in order to have a successful farm business.

The economic workbook will soon be available online at www.ontariosheep.org, be sure to download it and work through this resource at home, if you we not present for this practical workshop. OSN

John Molenuis and Dan Nudell

on the scoring system in Table 2 and the and carcass weight variation (coefficient of variation or ‘CV’). All grading results were the basis of payment.

The top four grading groups of animals won the following prize money for the entrant: 1st - $1000, 2nd - $600, 3rd $300 and 4th received $100. These placing were achieved and scored as follows:

Personally, I would like to express my appreciation to all the participants and sponsors that placed their personal trust in this project; I know it was a leap of faith on your part. Thank you. OSN

1. Heffer Farms - 103.5 points 2. Simonhof Farms - 101.5 points 3. Andrew Gordanier – 101.1 points 4. Cedar Creek Charollais – 100.3 points Informal plans have begun to repeat this event next year; potential participants can expect a few changes such as entry deadlines, carcass weight limits (lighter lower limit) and revised slaughter/settlement arrangements. Also in discussion has been a common platform for presentation, keeping in mind the venue is a show, after all.

Carcasses from the competition in the cooler, with improving muscle score from left to right. Photo courtesy of Ted Skinner.

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Upcoming Events 45th 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.

Preliminary Summary of Speakers January 7 Goat Day 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 • Christoph Wand, Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goat Nutritionist – OMAFRA, Goat Nutrition • Panel – TBC January 8 Sheep Day and Eco Afternoon Speaker Line-Up: • 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

The 2010 Central Ontario Agricultural Conference is scheduled to take place on January 5th, 6th, and 7th at Georgian College – Barrie Campus. On Wednesday January 5th, the focus is on Dairy, Beef and Poultry. On the 6th, the focus will be on Organic/ Farm Fresh Marketing, Maple Syrup and Sheep. The Friday will focus on Crops and Horses. The Sheep Program is as follows: Room C 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM – Keeping the Flock Healthy – Minimize your Problems and Stress Dr. Jocelyn Jansen OMAFRA – Disease Prevention Veterinarian 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM – Flock Management and Accelerated Lambing: Bill McCutcheon – Mulmur Vista Farm and Ontario Lamb Marketing Inc. 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – Lunch 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM – A Beginners Guide to Shepherding: Rebecca Parker – Cedar Creek Scanning 1:45 PM to 2:30 PM – Dairy Sheep – Milk, Meat and Wool: Axel Meister and Chris Buschbeck DVM – Partners in Wool Drift Farm a pasture based flock of East Freisen Dairy Sheep 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM – Grazing Corn – Pasturing Grain Corn as a Feed Source for Your Sheep Flock: Phil Smith – Breezy Ridge Farm Registration at the door: $35 Includes hot dinner $25 Registration only For more information go to www.CentralOntarioAgConference.ca

Coyote Control

Coyote Control for Shepherds January 15th 1pm to 4pm, Dunvegan Recreational Hall, 19053 County Road 24, Dunvegan Ontario. 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 of sheep kills. For more information and to RSVP contact Laurie Maus at 613-527-1897 or info@hawkhillfarm.ca Everyone welcome. OSN

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Photo Credit: Lene Band

Keeping Warm in Last Year’s Fashion Faux Pas Jillian Craig

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hen the temperature drops on a cold winter night and you are expecting lambs, you may want to consider using lamb sweaters. Putting sweaters on newborn lambs helps to keep them warm and helps conserve body heat, which may reduce losses over the lambing period.

There are several options when it comes to keeping your lambs warm.

Photo credit: Janice Craig

Cutting sleeves off of an old sweater you have lying around is a cheap, effective way to keep lambs warm. One old sweater can usually make four lamb sweaters, since each sleeve can be cut in half. Cut two holes in the sleeve for the front legs, making sure the holes are big enough to allow room for movement.

Sweaters for ram lambs should be cut in a ‘U-shape’ around the bottom to allow the lamb to urinate without getting the sweater wet. The sleeves should remain open at the back so lambs do not soil the sweater. Ewes do not seem to mind that their lambs are walking around clothed in last year’s failed fashion trends.

If you don’t have any old sweaters and you have children in sports, you could use their old hockey socks to make lamb sweaters. These mini ‘jerseys’ put a new spin on sibling rivalry during the hockey season. These can be made in the same way as the lamb sweaters.

Of course you could always buy lamb coats, or ‘lamb woolovers’ from places such as Woolgrowers. These coats are relatively inexpensive and are approximately $4.50 each. Be creative in coming up with ideas on what to use to keep your lambs warm, plastic bags (don’t use if the ewe decides to eat the plastic); pant legs from sweat pants, and even homemade sewn sweaters can work.

Any of these ideas will help to keep lambs warm during the cold winter temperatures for the first few hours or even first few days of life. OSN

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Religious & Ethnic Holidays and Demand for Lamb and Goat Meat 2011 Holidays

Meat

Mawlid al-Nabi Prophet’s Birthday, February 15

Islamic Holiday

• The Halal slaughtering is the acceptable way of processing.

• No indication of specific age, sex or weight.

Passover March 19-April 26

Jewish Holiday

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

• Meat should be prepared by Kosher slaughter

Western Roman April 24

• Traditional Italian Market is for a suckling kid weighing 18-35lbs live.

• There is growing demand for larger suckling kids, market kids and curry goats by various ethnic families who also celebrate western Easter.

Eastern Orthodox April 24

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

Easter

Start of Ramadan Month of Fasting, August 1

Islamic Holiday

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

Rosh Hashana September 29 - 30

Jewish Holiday

• Forequarters from weaned lambs 60-110 lbs are wanted.

Islamic Holiday

• Most desired lambs are between 60-80 lbs live weight. The most desired goat is usually a young animal weighing between 50-70lbs.

• Either animal is usually acceptable and male animals are preferred. It is also important that the animal be without any blemishes.

Eid ul-Adha Festival of Sacrifice, November 6

Islamic Holiday

• The traditional lamb for this holiday is a yearling although large market lambs and older sheep are also used.

• The animals must be blemish free, however the definition varies. For some this means the animals should be healthy with no broken horns, open wounds or lameness. For others, it should not be castrated nor have even a torn ear.

• Age is the main concern and the weight is ideally between 60-80 lbs.

Dasara / Navaratri October 6

Hindu Holiday

• Females are not usually acceptable for this holiday.

• The size of the carcass varies.

Chanukkah December 21 - 28

Jewish Holiday

• The meat preferences are the same as Passover, which are lambs 30-55lbs live weight, milk fed and fat prepared by Kosher method of slaughter.

Muharram /Islamic New Year November 26

Islamic Holiday

• Mutton is one of the dishes for this festive.

• There is no restriction of age or weight for this day except the animal should be healthy and good looking.

Christmas December 25

Christian Holiday

• Milk fed lambs are preferred

Eid ul Fitr Festival of Fast Breaking, August 31

Various Caribbean holidays through the year

Caribbean

• Curried goat from intact market kids or bucks accompanied by a goat soup using the rest of the goat carcass is a traditional dish for Caribbean’s.

Cinco de Mayo and other Hispanic holidays

Hispanic

• Some Mexican families desire a small Cabrito kid to celebrate Mexico’s independence day from Spain.

Others prefer a large market kid or yearling barbecued whole over a pit.

• Goat stew (Seco de Chivo) is a popular dish for other Latin American cultures for holidays such as Christmas.

• The Hispanic market for goats is for 20-35 lb live weight milk-fed kids for Cabrito, and larger animals for Seco de Chivo.

Various Chinese holidays through the year

Chinese

• The Chinese market for goat is limited to the six colder months.

• The preferred weight range is 60-80 pounds live, and goats in good health are required.

Various Filipino holidays through the year

Filipino

• Goat is one of the livestock animals that are very popular among Filipinos.

• Goat meat is cooked in several ways like stew or roasted.

• Healthy looking >60 lbs goat is what Filipinos always look for.

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CIDR 330

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® Registered trademark of Interag; Pfizer Canada Inc. licensee. CDR330 JADP01 1010 E

Spinning, Weaving and Marketing…

A Look at A Master Spinner Jillian Craig

A

few months ago, I met with Betty Wilkinson at the Fenelon Fair. She is a wool spinner and weaver and I was delighted to have the opportunity to talk with her.

Betty tries to promote spinning and weaving by talking to women’s institutes, talking to grade 3 students, since Betty grew up in Toronto and now lives in Rosedale, the school curriculum north of Lindsay, in district 7. She has been a spinner for 35 includes a section on years. Betty had always wanted to weave and she completed pioneers.

Betty also the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners Course at Humber attends heritage day events College in 1979. This was a multi-level course and offered a as well as the occasional certificate upon completion. This same course has now moved fair. In addition to this, to Sir Sandford Fleming College and is currently offered as a Betty teaches spinning summer program. Betty is a Master Spinner and has studied and basic weaving from all different fiber types. For demonstrations she mostly uses her studio.

Students sheep wool, however she also spins with alpaca and llama start off by using a drop fiber, cotton, silk and even hemp. Betty uses wool from both spindle since it is easier to learn on and it goes slower. If you Leslie and Craig Dyment and Mary and Don Grant. Betty are interested in taking up spinning, Betty recommends that prefers to spin with either Corredale or Romney wool and she you have to be prepared to take at least 10 to 15 minutes spins on a reproduction of an Icelandic spinning wheel. each day practicing on a drop spindle to develop hand-eye coordination. Once you become more advanced, those new found skills are transferred to the spinning wheel. Betty says that a second-hand spinning wheel costs approximately $150 to $200 to purchase, Basket Feeders for Sheep - SHB F Hoop spacing 7-1/4” and advises students to check to make sure F 1-1/4” square tube frame F 1-1/2” x 1/4” flat hoops that it is functional before buying. One of F Stackable her handmade stuffed sheep takes 3 hours F For round bales up to 5’ x 5’ of spinning and another 9 to 10 hours of F Also available with pan underneath to feed grain and catch leaves knitting to make.

Mar-Weld Inc.

WTF Walk-through Hay & Grain Feeder F Basket rod spacing is 2-3/4” F Feeds hay and grain F 8” alley through centre of the feeder F Remove doors and pin feeders together to create a row F Also available in 1 sided fenceline style

Collapsible Feeder - 3CF

F 3” rod spacing F Completely collapsible F All straight bars F Closer spacing allows hay to come out but keeps chaff out of the wool F Also available with 7” spacing Call for a free brochure and a dealer near you.

2690 Manser Rd. RR#1, Milbank Ontario N0K 1L0•(519) 698-1151•Fax (519) 698-1152 Call for a free brochure of all our feeders and handling equipment including wire mesh gates.

32

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Anything from throws and blankets to vests and triangular shawls have been created by this talented spinner. In order to dye the wool, Betty takes advantage of natural products such as, indigo, golden rod, walnut hulls and solar dying. She says that there is vibrancy to nature dying that is not present with commercial dying. Her products are marketed through the studio in her home as well as at the Fenelon Train Station Co-op, Kinmount Artisan Centre and at various craft sales.

Betty says that, “spinning and weaving are very satisfying since, you start off with a raw commodity and get a nice end product”. OSN

Sheep Industry Statistics

A

s of July 1, 2010, the number of sheep has dropped 1.9% to 1.0 million head on Canadian farms, from July 1, 2009. 325,900 sheep were slaughtered from January 1, 2010 to July 1, 2010. This number is down 4.5% from 2009 during the same period of time. Sheep imports are up 10.8% from January to July 2009, the number of sheep imported from January to July 2010 is 18,500.

The following tables summarize sheep inventories for the current year.

Sheep Inventories July 1, 2009

January 1, 2010

July 1, 2010

January to July 2010

Thousands of Head

July 2009 to July 2010

Percentage Change

Canada

1,062.6

803.0

1042.2

29.8

-1.9

East

642.6

489.0

629.2

28.7

-2.1

Atlantic

42.1

30.0

43.7

45.7

3.8

Quebec

285.5

240.0

275.5

14.8

-3.5

Ontario

315.0

219.0

310.0

41.6

-1.6

West

420.0

314.0

413.0

31.5

-1.7

Sheep and Lambs on Farms--Ontario Rams

Ewes

Replacement Lambs

Market Lambs

Total

Thousands of Head January 1 2009

6.9

150.9

20.0

37.2

215.0

2010

7.0

152.5

21.5

38.0

219.0

2009

7.0

160.1

28.4

119.5

315.0

2010

7.1

159.5

28.5

114.9

310.0

July 1

For more information on these statistics along with others, please visit the Statistics Canada website at http://www. statcan.gc.ca/pub/23-011-x/23-011-x2010001-eng.htm. Or visit the Ontario Sheep website at www.ontariosheep.org OSN Source: Statistics Canada, 2010, Sheep Statistics, Catalogue no. 23-011-X, vol. 9, no. 2.

Manitoba

71.0

54.5

63.0

15.6

-11.3

Saskatchewan

114.0

87.5

114.0

30.3

0.0

Alberta

177.0

127.0

181.0

42.5

2.3

British Columbia

58.0

45.0

55.0

22.2

-5.2

Sheep and lambs: number by class â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Canada, July 1 2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Thousands of head Sheep and lambs, total

1,190

1,151

1,096

1,062

1,063

1,042

Breeding sheep and lambs

735

713

680

665

666

655

Replacement lambs, under 1 year

105

98

96

94

93

93

Ewes, 1 year or older

603

590

558

547

549

539

Rams, 1 year or older

27

26

26

24

23

23

Sheep and lambs for marketing

456

438

416

397

397

387

Lamb crop 1

864

870

803

807

828 2

624

1. January to December lamb crop.

2. For current year, January to June lamb crop only.

Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.

Source: Livestock and Food Section, Statistics Canada.

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

33

34

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Year ended August 31, 2010

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

Financial Statements of

Telephone Fax Internet

(519) 747-8800 (519) 747-8830 www.kpmg.ca

Waterloo, Canada October 1, 2010 KPMG LLP, is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative.

KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP.

Chartered Accountants, Licensed Public Accountants

The financial statements as at August 31, 2009 and for the year then ended were audited by another firm of Chartered Accountants.

In our opinion, except for the effect of adjustments, if any, which we might have determined to be necessary had we been able to satisfy ourselves concerning the completeness of the grants and license fees referred to in the preceding paragraph, these financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Organization as at August 31, 2010 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

In common with many not-for-profit organizations, the Organization derives revenue from grants and license fees, the completeness of which is not susceptible to satisfactory audit versification.

Accordingly, our verification of these revenues was limited to the amounts recorded in the records of the Organization and we were not able to determine whether any adjustments might be necessary to revenue, deficiency of revenue over expenses, current assets and net assets.

We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

We have audited the statement of financial position of Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (the "Organization") as at August 31, 2010 and the statements of operations, changes in net assets and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Organization's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

To the Members of Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency

AUDITORS' REPORT

KPMG LLP Chartered Accountants 115 King Street South, 2nd floor Waterloo ON N2J 5A3 Canada

These are the financial reports of September 1st, 2009 to August 31st, 2010. Each year it is the responsibility of OSMA to ensure that all producers receive this information.

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

35

On behalf of the Board:

Director

Director

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Total liabilities and net assets

Commitments (note 6)

Net assets: Restricted Unrestricted

Current liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue Due to Scholarship Fund

Liabilities and Net Assets

Total assets

Equipment (note 4)

Current assets: Cash Short-term investments (note 3) Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses

Assets

$

$

$

$

1,133,825

555,023 200,355 755,378

93,709 282,087 2,651 378,447

1,133,825

3,168

271,566 746,045 102,597 10,449 1,130,657

2010

$

$

$

$

1

871,847

570,886 202,061 772,947

96,266 2,634 98,900

871,847

7,529

236,588 515,339 100,807 11,584 864,318

2009

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses

Expenses: Annual general meeting Audit and accounting Bad debts Board and committee Depreciation District grants and education Legal Office (Schedule) Ontario Sheep News Program (note 8) Promotion Related organizations (note 9) Salaries, benefits and subcontracting Staff travel Staff recruiting Training

Revenue: License fees (note 7) Grants (note 8) Ontario Sheep News Toronto Stock Yards capital revenue Other income

$

$

(17,569)

13,250 4,200 643 87,203 4,361 8,955 4,092 66,617 39,732 159,097 24,746 41,196 310,620 17,036 2,393 882 785,023

493,098 121,706 19,213 124,485 8,952 767,454

2010

Year ended August 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009

August 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009

Statement of Operations

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

Statement of Financial Position

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

$

$

2

6,361

9,937 7,200 4,469 90,982 5,025 7,500 1,269 66,189 37,019 186,023 22,385 35,860 294,590 9,341 17,500 295 795,584

500,243 141,063 22,174 122,332 16,133 801,945

2009

36

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

555,023

$

Balance, end of year

570,886 (15,863)

$

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses

Balance, beginning of year

Research and development fund

$

$

200,355

(1,706)

202,061 $

Operating fund

Total 2010

Total 2009

$

755,378 $

(17,569)

772,947 $

3

772,947

6,361

766,586

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

271,566

Cash, end of year

34,978

(230,706) 17 (230,689)

$

4

236,588

429,239

(192,651)

(2,964) (260,445) 516 (262,893)

5,025 38,524 (573) 24,385 (3,480) 70,242

6,361 4,361

$

2009

(1,790) 1,135 (2,557) 282,087 265,667

(17,569)

236,588 $

$

Cash, beginning of year

Increase (decrease) in cash

Investing: Addition to equipment Change in short-term investments Increase in Due to Scholarship Fund

Operations: Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses Item not involving cash: Depreciation Change in non-cash operating working capital: Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Deferred revenue

Cash provided by (used in):

2010

Year ended August 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009

Year ended August 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009

Statement of Cash Flows

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

Statement of Changes in Net Assets

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

37

1.

5

A number of volunteers contribute a significant amount of their time each year. Because of the difficulty of determining the fair value, contributed services are not recognized in the financial statements.

(c) Contributed services:

Restricted contributions are recognized as revenue in the year in which the related expenses are recognized. Deferred revenue represents that portion of revenue in respect of unperformed services at the financial position date.

Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured.

The Organization follows the deferral method of accounting for contributions.

(b) Revenue recognition:

The Research and Development Fund accounts primarily for special program activity of the Organization.

Revenues and expenses related to the general operations of the Organization are reported in the Operating Fund.

The financial statements of the Organization are maintained on an accrual basis in accordance with the principles of fund accounting. Accordingly, all financial transactions have been recorded in two funds: Operating Fund and Research and Development Fund.

The financial statements are prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles.

(a) Fund accounting:

Significant accounting policies:

Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (the "Organization") is a not-for-profit organization incorporated, without share capital, under the laws of Ontario. The Organization operates as a producer organization, representing all aspects of the lamb, sheep and wool industries in the Province, through marketing, information, advocacy and education. The Organization is a not-for-profit under the Income Tax Act and, accordingly, is exempt from income taxes provided certain requirements of the Income Tax Act are met.

Year ended August 31, 2010

Notes to Financial Statements

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

1.

33%

Rate

Long-lived assets, including equipment, are amortized over their useful lives. The Organization periodically reviews the useful lives and the carrying values of its long-lived assets for continued appropriateness. The Organization reviews for impairment long-lived assets (or asset groups) to be held and used whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable.

Impairment of long-lived assets:

Straight-line

Computer and office equipment

6

 The Organization has elected to use trade date accounting for regular-way purchases and sales of financial instruments.

 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities are classified as other liabilities

 Short-term investments are classified as held-for-trading

 Cash is classified as held-for-trading  Accounts receivable are classified as loans and receivables

The Organization has classified its financial instruments as follows:

(g) Financial instruments:

(f)

Basis

Depreciation is provided using the following

Asset

Purchased equipment is recorded at cost. method and annual rate:

(e) Equipment:

Short-term investments are recorded at market value.

(d) Short-term investments:

Significant accounting policies (continued):

Year ended August 31, 2010

Notes to Financial Statements, continued

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

38

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

3.

2.

1.

7

Short-term investments are comprised of a guaranteed investment certificate with an interest rate of 0.90% that matures on July 22, 2011.

Short-term investments:

Effective September 1, 2009, the Organization adopted the CICA amendments to section 1000 of the CICA Handbook. These amendments clarified the criteria for recognition of an asset or liability, removing the ability to recognize assets or liabilities solely on the basis of matching revenue and expense items. Adoption of these recommendations had no effect on the financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2010.

(ii) Amendments to Section 1000 financial statement concepts:

Effective September 1, 2009, the Organization adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") amendments to the 4400 Section of the CICA Handbook. These amendments eliminate the requirement to show net assets invested in capital assets as a separate component of net assets, clarify the requirement for revenue and expenses to be presented on a gross basis when the not-for-profit organization is acting as a principal and require a statement of cash flow. Adoption of these recommendations had no significant impact on the financial statements for the year ended August 31, 2010, with the exception of the removal of investment in capital assets of $7,529 and an increase in unrestricted net assets of $7,529.

(i) Amendments to accounting standards that apply only to not-for-profit organizations:

Change in accounting policies:

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the carrying amount of accounts receivable, equipment, deferred revenue and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(h) Use of estimates:

Significant accounting policies (continued):

6.

5.

4.

$

51,730

Cost

$

$

2010

3,168

Net book value $

2009

7,529

Net book value

2011 2012

12,673

$

8

6,612 6,061

$

The Organization is committed to minimum annual operation lease payments as follows:

Commitments:

The maximum credit risk exposure for all of the Organization's current financial assets is the carrying value of those assets.

(b) Credit risk exposure:

The carrying value of cash, accounts receivable, short-term investments and accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair value due to the relatively short periods to maturity of these items.

48,562

Accumulated amortization

(a) Fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities:

Financial instruments:

Computer and office equipment

Equipment:

Year ended August 31, 2010

Year ended August 31, 2010

Notes to Financial Statements, continued

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

Notes to Financial Statements, continued

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

39

8.

7.

277,521 210,356 2,762 2,459 493,098

$

$

OMAFRA - Sheep Performance OMAFRA - SFIP Ontario Lamb Promotion - #9166 Maedi Visna Health Program Benchmarking II - ADV - 899 SFIP #1079 - AAC PSRMP #787 Risk Project CanAdvance Speaker Inv.ADV Meat Probe Project ORD #012 Obstacles in Expansion ORD - 070 Financial Protection Program Gastro Parasites/Organic Sheep Ontario Sheep Seminars HomeGrown - ADV0157 Sheep Benchmarking Student - COP Water Quality Specialist Other

6,525 5,178 6,946 5,021 42,665 13,500 6,450 5,000 14,165 5,655 10,601 121,706

$

2010 Grant revenue $

During the year, the Organization managed the following programs:

Grant revenue and program expenses:

The wool license fees are included within the Research and Development Fund.

Auction fees Slaughter license fees Direct license fees Wool license fees

License fees: 2010

$

$

$

$

9

159,097

1,167 20,802 5,800 4,665 68,363 5,000 6,367 15,000 2,000 2,773 3,308 15,385 8,467

2010 Grant expenses

500,243

283,606 205,119 7,998 3,520

2009

8.

2,791 77,179 20,238 500 450 2,019 21,600 10,800 5,486 141,063

$

$

2009 Grant revenue

$

$

186,023

3,417 18,969 14,418 15,361 7,350 450 6,666 40,684 15,168 5,486 20,000 7,803 9,266 1,430 1,900 17,655

2009 Grant expenses

10

The Organization entered into an agreement with the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2007.

Under the terms of the arrangement the Organization is administering the Private Sector Risk Management Partnerships ("PSRMP") Program. As a result, the cash inflows and cash outflows have been presented on a net basis within the statement of operations. The cash inflows for the year, which were reflected in the statement of operations, amounted to $403,296 (2009 $374,511).

Maedi Visna Health Program Scrapie Canada PSRMP #787 Risk Project Sheep Benchmark Student - C.O.P. AI/Embryo Trans #ADV-461 CanAdvance Speaker Inv. ADV Ontario Sheep Seminars Meat Probe Project ORD #012 Obstacles to Expansion ORD - 070 Admin Ont Veal - ORD - 071 Gastro Parasites/Organic Sheep HomeGrown - ADV0157 Financial Protection Program CORD IV Market Info Website Ag Mgt Institute, Benchmarking Other

Grant revenue and program expenses (continued):

Year ended August 31, 2010

Year ended August 31, 2010

Notes to Financial Statements, continued

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

Notes to Financial Statements, continued

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

40

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

Agricultural Adaptation Council Canadian Sheep Federation Christian Farmers Ontario Agricultural Commodity Council Ontario Farm Animal Council Ontario Federation of Agriculture Ontario Independent Meat Processors Ontario Livestock and Poultry President's Council Ontario Agricultural Sustainability Coalition 41,196

$

$

$

35,860

150 31,939 250 500 1,253 500 1,018 250 -

2009

11

The presentation of certain balances of the previous year have been classified to conform with the financial statement presentation adopted for the current year.

150 33,406 250 500 1,250 525 917 448 250 3,500

$

2010

During the year, the Organization paid the following membership fees to related organizations:

Related organizations:

10. Comparative figures:

9.

Year ended August 31, 2010

Notes to Financial Statements, continued

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

Rent Insurance Supplies and rentals Telephone Bank charges and interest Computer maintenance and supplies Building equipment and maintenance Postage Miscellaneous

Year ended August 31, 2010, with comparative figures for 2009

Supplementary Schedule of Office Expenses

15,298 10,637 16,885 5,908 1,248 8,211 1,841 5,457 1,132 66,617

$

$

2010

ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY

$

$

12

66,189

15,298 10,086 14,488 6,323 930 7,606 2,713 6,915 1,830

2009

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency would like to extend a special thank you to all of the Sponsors and Exhibitors who helped us achieve a successful 2010 Producer Education Day and Annual General Meeting

Platinum Sponsors Animal Pro Products

Exhibitors Quality Seeds Ltd. CFFO PMT Inc. Animal Pro Products University of Guelph Farmers Farmacy OMAFRA Cedar Creek Scanning Masterfeeds Inc. Shurgain, Nutreco Canada Inc. Floradale Feed Mill Ltd.

Gold Sponsors

Small Ruminant Research Program, (University of Guelph) Shurgain, Nutreco Canada Inc.

PDK Shearing CCWG Zuidervaart Agri-Import Canadian Lamb Company Initiative Grober Nutrition

Silver Sponsors

Door Prizes

Grober Nutrition

Animal Pro Products

Bronze Sponsors

Best Baa Dairy

Floradale Feed Mill Ltd.

Masterfeeds Inc. CCWG

PMT Inc. CCWG

Special Thanks to AMI for their funding to assist us in the Economic Workshop

Photo Credit: Patricia Heseltine OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

41

Selecting Ontario Rams on Data...

Not Eye Appeal Bill Duffield o quote Guy Flora’s editorial in The Shepherd “The show ring is an antiquated method of trying to pick the best animals in a breed, but it is useful only in picking a ‘good’ animal based on cosmetic qualities.”

T

Data can be used in many different ways. In my experience, the methods listed below are the best for selecting superior rams.

1. Maternal Index This index is mainly used for selecting ewe lambs for flock improvement. Occasionally it will be utilized to select rams in registered flocks or in a mainly maternal flock.

Reference the Maternal Index within the Sheep Flock Improvement Program (SFIP) for the chosen breed. The important Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs), contained in this index, are weaning weight, maternal weaning weight, post weaning weight, and number of lambs weaned. Back fat and loin eye depth EPDs are also available to review. If a flock is weak in one of the aforementioned EPDs, then the owner could put more emphasis on selecting that criterion. The improvement of the number of lambs weaned is a very low number so gains in this area are very slow.

In Ewebyte a breeder can look at the two annual EPD graphs for a flock: maternal index and 50 day gain. For further information initially go to http://www.sheepgenetics. org.au/lambplan/ Click on the left side of page “Getting Started”, then click on “ASBVs”, and finally “Understanding Maternal Index”.

The Ontario website is also a valuable reference to see the top animal Maternal Index for a particular breed. http://www. omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/sheep/facts/info_sfip.htm Genovis is another website to reference giving performance testing information for all animals across Canada in the program. http://www.genovis.ca/_en/Performances.aspx?cat=2

2. Terminal Index I use this index considerably more than the Maternal Index in my flock. Suffolks are noted to be used for terminal sires and for improving registered flocks. Terminal Index contains approximately 60% of the 100 day weight EPD + 20% reciprocal of the fat depth EPD + 20% of the eye muscle depth EPD. The reason for the reciprocal of fat depth is so the animals are not credited for being extremely fat. At Codan Suffolks, we weigh each lamb at birth, in addition to the 50 day weight. All lambs are weighed including a runt to be able to give a proper perspective of the farm. With these 42

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

results I can start the Terminal Index. I prefer this index over the Growth Index.

Terminal Index is the exact data for each animal weighed at approximately 100 days of age. The animal is also scanned for back fat and loin eye depth. In comparison, the Growth Index at 100 days is the exact weight of the lambs plus the average of a breed’s fat depth and loin eye depth EPDs..

The Terminal Index ranks the animals at approximately the same level that Lambplan (Australian data collection system) would in their Carcase Plus Index. Lambplan data contains the following information: Post Weaning Weight EPDs, Post Fat Depth EPDs, and Loin Eye Depth EPDs. The Australian system uses AEBVs (Australia Expected Breeding Values).

These values are double an EPD number.

I examine all three EPDs separately per year. This allows me to see if I am dropping or increasing in the desired EPDs. Once I noticed that over a number of years there was a decline trend in my post weaning loin eye depth. To correct this I used a stud ram with higher values in those areas.

When choosing studs for the following year, I reference Ewebyte for selection of ram lambs. This allows me to see each ram’s results in each category and to rank them with the Terminal Index and the Carcase Plus. The Ewebyte program can also be used for the annual graphs on Growth Index, Terminal Index, Loin Eye Depth, and Fat Depth. If a ram has a major visual physical defect I would not use him.

One final item that we do not use is Average Daily Gain (AVG) as this was an old data measurement of the late 1970’s.

A person should not select a ram that has excellent data when the animal has a major visual physical fault.

Below the chart shows the improvement of Codan Suffolks flock over the years.

OSMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Website Unveiled

A

t the Annual General Meeting in October, the new website was revealed to all producers in attendance.

This bold new website has many exciting features. It contains a lamb locator, but also has a guardian animal and breed locator. Upcoming news and events are highlighted on the main page to keep you up to date with the latest news in the sheep industry. A resource library has also been added, which contains helpful information. Whether you are just starting in the sheep industry or have been a producer for a few years, be sure to check out this great resource.

Market information, current initiatives, programs and services as well as research can also be found on this site.

Local sale barns and abattoirs can be located in your district for your convenience. Many helpful links can be found, including associate members, district websites, and member organizations.

For the consumer, there are lamb recipes, a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;kids cornerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and virtual farm tours.

Be sure to visit www.ontariosheep.org to view the new website and participate in the online poll survey.

It is a work in progress so please be patient as we work towards the high standard that we have set our sights on. OSN

OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

43

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

T

he Royal Winter Fair was held on November 5 to14, 2010. Hot on the heels of the AGM and Producer Education Day, the Royal was once again successful and that is due to largely those producers who jumped in and helped out OSMA staff by volunteering. We would like to thank the following producers for their assistance: Lene Band, Judy Meadows, Catherine Chournaboy, Bert and Janet Niewenhuis, Michele and Gil Minty, Corinna Wain, Theo Kissler, Wayne and Jane Oosterhoff, Allan Burn, Phil and Liz Smith, Rebecca Parker and Ed Hughes.

Judy, Nicole and Steve Shelley thrilled many audiences as they watched them shear sheep. It is always a favorite. Judy and Nicole are also to be thanked to stepping in a assisting at the OSMA Educational booth when needed.

Judy Meadows brought her special talent of spinning to the Fair on the first Saturday. Next year, we hope to have more spinners available. Please let us know if you are willing to share this special talent with others. Those who attend the Royal love to watch the shearing, spinning and visit our very active booth.

Congratulations to the following winners of the Royal Sheep Show.

Suffolk Champion Ewe – Atkinson Up at Top 74 E owned by Brian Atkinson Reserve Champion Ewe – Nelson Lori 9W owned by Trenholm Nelson Champion Ram – Atkinson 110W owned by Atkinson International Reserve Champion Ram – Ridgeline 1X owned by Lee Brien North Country Cheviot Champion Ewe – New Haven Kathleen D owned by Dave Fawcett Reserve Champion Ewe – New Haven Julie 7X owned by Dave Fawcett Champion Ram – Cass 5X owned by Allan Cass Reserve Champion Ram – Allan Cass Lincoln Champion Ewe – Shadow Rock 26W owned by Ann Moffat Reserve Champion Ewe – Gates RG 68X owned by Ronald Gates Champion Ram – Gates RG 88W owned by Ronald Gates Reserve Champion Ram – Shadow Rock 17 W owned by Ann Moffat

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Dorset Champion Ewe Tall Oaks 195W owned by Donald J. Emke Reserve Champion Ewe - Brien G & L 90W owned by Gary & Luanne Brien Champion Ram – Brien G & L 84W owned by Gary& Luanne Brien Reserve Champion Ram – Atkinson 77W owned by Brian Atkinson Hampshire Champion Ewe – Bell’s Pride 63W owned by Gregory Bell Reserve Champion Ewe – Joanne CE 5W owned by Emke & Wright Livestock Champion Ram – Bell Stanley 4X owned by Bell Hampshires Reserve Champion Ram – Todd H & J 15X owned by The Todd Sheep Company Southdown Champion Ewe – Gates W.E. & Son 37W owned by W.E. Gates & Son Reserve Champion Ewe – Todd H & J 38X owned by The Todd Sheep Company Champion Ram – Todd H&J 76X owned by the Todd Sheep Company Reserve Champion Ram – Gates W.E. & Son 8W owned by W.E. Gates & Son Texel Champion Ewe – MacKinnon Wild Rose 344W owned by MacKinnon Livestock Reserve Champion Ewe – Brien G & L 8X owned by G&L Brien Champion Ram - Bell Stanley 4X owned by Bell Hampshires Reserve Champion Ram – MacKinnon Xyon 359X owned

by Doug & Melissa Jansen Bred by Bruce MacKinnon Oxford Champion Ewe – Leoflora Bonboniere 722W owned by Ferme Leoflora Inc. Reserve Champion Ewe - Doll RR CE 116W owned by Emke & Wright Livestock Champion Ram – Leoflora Tuscon 721W owned by Ferme Leoflora Inc. Reserve Champion Ram – Sartell 440 owned by Woodstock Farm

CURRENT PRODUCERS ON MAEDI-VISNA Any Other Breed Champion Ewe – Highlanders Wave 31W owned by Ferme Highlander Farm Breed: Leicester Reserve Champion Ewe – Bell Maegan 165W ET owend by Bell White Dorpers Breed: White Dorper Champion Ram – Benlock 51X owned

by Benlock Livestock Breed: Charollais Reserve Champion Ram – Marovine 1056W owned by St. Charles Sur Richelieu Breed: Romanov Market Lamb Class (Sponsored by OSMA) Champion Market Lamb – William Mark Reserve Champion Market Lamb – Shayrina Sheep Farm

Fleece

Grand Champion Fleece – Gillian Mullins – A Naturally Coloured Fine Fleece Reserve Champion Fleece – Wind Dancer Farm – Fine White Fleece

Spinning

Sheep to Shawl 1st Shuttlebug Guild, Greenwood 2nd Guelph Handweavers & Spinners Drop Spindle 1st Bonnie Havlicek, Michegan 2nd Marguerite Newell, Toronto

PRODUCER NAME Robert & Gail Irvine Joanne T Ted Skinner Robert & Shirley Graves Perry & Christina Sisson Heather & Robert Kelly John & Eadie Steele Glen & Sharon Duff Neil & Heidi Bouman Axel Meister William MacTaggart Gordon Walker Garry & Beth Collins Tina Harrington Colleen Acres Gerald & Joanne Hunter Bethane Jensen Francis & Elaine Winger George & Diane Kydd Darryl & Rachel Stoltz Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Ted Brown Fred Baker Gary Lapier Jennifer Woodhouse Karen Hayward William Jeffrey Harry & Eleanor Pietersma Rebecca Parker Emmerson & Lisa Turney Dave Wagler Henry Stam Laura Robson Cory & Jennifer Beitz Dave Wagler Henry Stam Laura Robson Cory & Jennifer Beitz

FARM NAME Rocky Lane Farm Cedar Creek Charollais Century Lane Farm Sisson Sheep Farm Greenwood Farm Duff Farms Wooldrift Farm MacTaggart Suffolk Orchardview Farm Collins Horned Dorsets Stonehill Sheep Maple Meadow Farms Hunterdown Farm Shepherd’s Fold Highlands of Tara-Grey Excel Ewe Genetics Cedar Ridge Farm Brown Woolies Farm Hawkwind Farm Rocky Hyland Farm Trillium Woods Sheep Elysian Fields Middle Kingdom Farm Wo-Nikk-El Heights Cedar V-Ewe Farms Robson Acres Beitz View Acres Cedar V-Ewe Farms Robson Acres Beitz View Acres

TELEPHONE 705-292-7207 905-263-2102 613-831-2656 705-277-2887 519-369-5396 705-696-1491 519-856-9935 519-750-9928 519-538-2844 519-824-3878 519-287-5085 519-934-3239 519-794-3732 613-826-2581 613-283-7565 519-887-9948 519-323-3531 705-277-1274 519-887-8216 519-371-7314 905-877-2323 613-989-5352 613-989-2792 519-599-5379 519-371-8487 519-234-6872 613-652-2044 705-277-1711 519-848-6877 519-275-3187 519-271-4919 705-932-3216 519-367-2589 519-275-3187 519-271-4919 705-932-3216 519-367-2589

CURRENT PRODUCERS ON ONTARIO SHEEP HEALTH PROGRAM PRODUCER NAME Bill & Lyne Duffield Robert & Gail Irvine Francis & Elaine Winger John & Eadie Steele George & Diane Kydd Colleen Acres Darry & Rachel Stoltz Anne Dockendorff Wietza & Leny Raven

FARM NAME Codan Suffolks Rocky Lane Farm Highlands of Tara-Grey Maple Meadow Farms Excel Ewe Genetics Silver Rapids Farm Green Hill Farm

TELEPHONE 519-899-2663 705-292-7207 519-323-3531 705-696-1491 705-277-1274 613-826-2581 519-887-8216 705-724-9183 519-928-2705

SHEEP PRODUCERS ON THE SCRAPIE PROGRAM To view a full list of class placing please visit www.royalfair.org

The Western Fair

This is a 10-day event and Mo has been doing this for a number of years to ensure that the Ontario Sheep industry is represented. It is a truly selfless act and a big endeavour. We thank him and those who assisted him! OSN

PRODUCER NAME Bill McCutcheon Axel Meister Bill & Lynne Duffield Francis & Elaine Winger Mels & Ruthanne van der Laan Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Peter Carrie & Susan McDonough Glen & Judy Porteous Paul Dick & Tina Harrington Nicole Heath Bryan & Janice Lever Brad & Gerald Miller Roger & Julie Harley Robert & Shirley Graves & Sons Sara & Jamie Scholtes Joshua & Melissa Groves Chris Wiltshire Leigh Nelson & Luc Pouliot Karen & Jim Hayward Robert & Laurie I’Anson Chris Kennedy

FARM NAME Mulmar Vista Farms, Grand Valley, Ontario Wooldrift Farm, Markdale, Ontario Codan Suffolks, Wyoming, Ontario Mount Forest, Ontario Cold Stream Ranch, Denfield, Ontario Cedar Ridge Farm, Owen Sound, Ontario Smokey Creek Farm, Arthur, Ontario Stonehill Sheep, Chatsworth, Ontario Veliraf Farm, Conn, Ontario Windblest Farm, Lanark, Ontario Miller Farms, Kerwood, Ontario Keene, Ontario Century Lane Farms, Stittsville, Ontario Harmony Marsh Farm, Bailieboro, Ontario VanGro Farms, Brantford, Ontario Iternal Impressions, Bath, Ontario Bent Willow, Kapuskasing, Ontario Trillium Woods Sheep, Shallow Lake, Ontario St. Catherines, Ontario Topsy Farms, Stella, Ontario OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

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Livestock Guardian Dogs: Outstanding in Their Field Robyn Baxter

The OSMA Scholarship Winner of 2010 is Robyn Baxter from Lindsay ON. Her essay, entitled Livestock Guardian Dogs: Outstanding in Their Field, explores the challenges of predation and the pros and cons of guardian dogs.

O

ver the past few years, the livestock industry has been frequently concerned with the growing issues of predator control. Many areas in Southeastern Ontario have been faced with an extreme increase in predator activity and livestock claims. One area in particular is The City of Kawartha Lakes. This is where my family has a large sheep operation with a firsthand account of coyote concerns.

Many sheep producers in this area have had great losses in their flocks due to the over taking of the bold coyotes and wolves. After having lost approximately fifty sheep and lambs in the summer of 2005, our farm attempted to initiate different predator control methods. There are many new technologies designed to assist with predator control, such as; noise makers and electric fence.

Like many livestock producers, everything was attempted from donkeys, to a new scope on appropriate firearms. And still the coyotes came hunting our animals, something had to be done. With nothing left to lose, it was decided to turn to a different venture. Livestock guardian dogs were introduced to the farm, and unbelievably the coyotes quickly found another food source. With relief upon us, our hearts soon sank when faced with a grueling new issue; the community.

If a successful means of predator control is established, then it should be supported by the community and government; to create the ideal level of control. In order to demonstrate the need for greater support of guardian dogs the following subjects will be touched upon; the effectiveness and disadvantages of livestock guardian dogs, the community reaction and local issues, as well as steps needed to create an overall successful predator control method. Many livestock producers have different means of predator control that prove to be successful; however any whom have a guardian dog have a difficult time denying their efficiency.

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It can been seen throughout the City of Robyn Baxter Kawartha Lakes that there is great success with livestock guardian dogs, mainly due to their recent increase in popularity. This new popularity is more than a mere a fad that will pass, they are a reliable predator control method (and that is very appealing to many livestock producers). Guardian dogs have been in many countries for centuries, but with new research into different predator controls, dogs were introduced to Ontario farmers. There are several different breeds: Akbash, Great Pyereense, and Mareema for example. They are differentiated by slight size differences and ranging in color from bright white to soft tans and browns, all have one feature in common; their instinct to protect. These dogs do come with some disadvantages; all of which surround finances. Any animal purchased is an expense to the buyer, and once on the farm it will then cost money to feed and care for the animal. Other expenses may also include; spade and neutering, vaccinations, and micro chipping (a new advancement in animal registration and recognition). All of these are paid for by the farmer themselves; it can be a very costly venture when a team of two dogs or more are the most affective. Although guardian dogs can be expensive, in the long run the cost can be less then the great financial loss due to coyote damage. The dogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; amazing skill of keeping coyotes at bay is astonishing.

After speaking with some local farmers, they state that they noticed with in the first week of their dogs being active the coyotes would no longer even attempt to enter the surrounding area, let alone the farm itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self. Coyotes are an extremely adaptable predator, and will even adjust the size of their litters according to the environmental conditions and food supply. Once a dog is placed with a flock the coyotes will attempt to continue to feed there, seeing how far they can push the new protector. If working with two or more dogs, this becomes the most efficient team. One dog will distract the predator while the other will attack the predator. They have even been known to actually attack and kill coyotes. The dogs usually sleep during the day and are active throughout the night, the coyotes will learn the dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s routine and attempt to still sneak in when the dogs are off guard to make a kill. Proving they are not a 100% perfect fix to a predator problem, but they do allow for a more

reasonable amount of predator activity. Overall, the livestock guardian dogs have created a large amount of thriving sheep production operations.

Once having discovered the great reliability of guardian dogs, sheep producers began to increase their use of them on their farms. However, not everyone in the community was impressed with livestock guardian dogs’ efficiency, and large protection territories. Our dogs in particular were the subject of many controversial articles and conversations. Within the city, many concerns were raised, including by-law officers not comprehending the responsibilities of guardian dogs and how they can not be tied, in order for them to be successful protectors. It came down to situations where we had discussions with the “dog catcher” on guardian dog breeds and how the dogs are not at large when they are at the end of the driveway with out a leash. When the dogs first began patrolling the area, there were several problems with neighboring homes placing out garbage at night attracting our dogs as well as more predators to the area. Then the wandering of our dogs created a chain of phone calls notifying us that there was a “big white fluffy dog” wandering near their home. On a few occasions our dog was picked up by bylaw officers and placed in the pound; very inconvenient when trying to keep constant protection for our flock. A dog does not have an understanding of property boundaries, only their instincts can guide them. For livestock guardian dogs their instincts tell them to protect against predators.

When compost or garbage is inappropriately disposed of, this attracts predators; meaning the dogs will soon come as well. If the government is trying their best to get predator problems under control, it is unsupportive when farmers receive a fine for having their guard dog “at large”, when really the dogs has proven to be one of the best forms of protection so far. Over time the community has become more understanding of the dogs and their valuable abilities, but it was not achieved without a fight. These are merely a few of the issues caused by the by-law on dog regulation that does not create an exception for working dogs. These issues are not at all benefitting the attempts made by sheep

Ella, one of our Great Pyereense Guardian Dogs

farmers and the municipality to control predators. Proving the municipal government should provide more support, for a successful means of predator control.

The issues surrounding livestock guardian dogs can easily be dealt with if the government were to consider it a new advancement in live stock protection technology.

Money can be spent readily on dead stock claims and new hunting and trapping laws, why not direct it to assisting producers with proper financial support towards purchasing a livestock dog or supporting the producers through proper bylaws permitting farm working dogs to do their job. Rather then allowing a community to develop a negative outlook on “white fluffy dogs”, simple education on the dog’s job and breed can make a difference to eliminate some of the challenges to sheep producers who own such dogs. There are also other concerns that indirectly relate to many of the problems with guardian dogs, that have increased predator activity. Poor or inappropriate composting methods of food scraps, used by urban dwellers and many rural placed homes, create an attraction of animals such as raccoons, fox, coyotes and wolves. Which in turn draws the guardian Continued on page 49.

Association Directory Ontario Dairy Sheep Association Larry Kupecz, President, 312 Wellmans Road, RR#3, Stirling ON K0K 3E0 www.ontariodairysheep.org Phone/Fax: (613) 395-4491 Email: kupecz@xplornet.com Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario c/o Irwin Jackson, RR#4 Rockwood, Ontario N0B 2K0 • (519) 856-4490

ontario katahdin sheep Association Barbara Burdzy (519) 236-7368 Email: bbfarm@hay.net Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association Grant Preston, 26 Wilson Crescent, Dundalk, Ontario N0C 1B0 • (519) 923-6341 Rideau Association of canada Neil Post, 34 Wilton Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1E 7L6 (519) 820-2810 • Fax: (519) 846-2225 Email: info@rideausheep.org • www.rideausheep.org

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Photo Contest Results

C

ongratulations to the winners of this year’s photo contest. Voting for the winners of this photo contest took place at the AGM, where all attendees received a ballot and voted for their first, second and third choice pictures. OSMA staff does not vote as they are the only ones who know the names of the entries.

This year, first place goes to “Winter Beauty” taken by Karen Hayward. The second place entry is “Snuggle” taken by Dawn Steutker and the third place winner is “Minding the little ones” by Johanna Ramaker. OSN

1st place!

2nd place!

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3rd place!

Continued from page 47 ~ Livestock

Guardian Dogs: Outstanding in Their Field

dogs to wander and patrol a larger area then just their farm or flock, their instincts are too strong to keep harnessed to just a 200 acre radius when there is increased predator activity nearby. Other attractions such as putting garbage out the night before garbage day, create an attraction for predators to urban areas and thus creating a larger increase in predator activity to surrounding farms and livestock producers. How is it that a person can call and complain about a dog running at large, if it is they themselves creating the increase in predators and therefore attracting the dog to that area. All of these small adjustments can easily be made by directing greater attention to educating communities on proper methods and therefore assisting to control the easily adaptable coyote. If there is a successful means of predator control discovered, then the municipal government should make appropriate adjustments to accommodate the needs to ensure that method is truly successful, and not allow for greater complications to develop, on the basis of law and community.

Livestock guardian dog use can be concluded to be a great asset to the new developments in predator control. However, greater support by the government will be required in future developments in the use of such protection animals.

It is obvious that they are not the average dog and their employment should be taken in to consideration when being prosecuted by a community. With proper assistance, there are many complications that can be eliminated; making livestock guardian dogs an extremely reliable form of livestock protection. Further research is required to achieve the perfect predator control, but it is also not an issue that will ever truly be eliminated, due to the unique balance required in our ecosystems. No matter what approach is taken to further the use of guardian dogs, they

9 week old Great Pyereense Puppy

too will never achieve 100% protection and may continue to be at odds with a community, however hopefully future educating will eradicate the current issues discussed above.

It is an extremely large challenge to create a program that will satisfy all involved, however, with correct government participation, current issues can be improved to the highest achievable success. Thus, if a successful means of predator control is established, then it should be supported by the community and government, to create the ideal level of control. Concluding that it is not only the responsibility of the farmer to develop new and better livestock protection, if it is to truly be a flourishing system, participation from the community, municipality, and government are necessary.

We will then be one more step closer to gaining complete control of the predation issues affecting sheep producers across Ontario. OSN

Pr od u c e r R e m i t t ances

Regulations made under the authority of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Act require that producers pay to the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency a licence fee per head for all sheep and lambs sold other than to a sales barn or abattoir (includes breeding or farmgate sales). This applies to private livestock auctions as well. Unless such licence fees are paid either to the sales yards, abattoirs, or OSMA, these sales are not legal under the regulations. If such sales apply to you, please fill out the following and forward your payments within one month to:

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;1B1 Sheep/Lamb: Fee is $1.80 per head plus 13% HST

Producer #___________________

Name:_____________________________________________________________

Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________ Prov.:________________Postal Code:________________________ Date of Sale:________________________________ Date Remitted:______________________________________ # of sheep/lamb sold:________________________ Lic. Fees (x $1.80=) $_________________________________ ___________________________________________

Pay by phone using Visa or MasterCard 519-836-0043

Plus 13% HST

$________________________________

Total Remitted $________________________________ OSN D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 0

49

district news

n

District 1

Counties of Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, and Elgin Meeting Dates: January: No meeting May 5: Paul Luimas speaking on sheep feeding trial at Ridgetown College Meeting at Ridgetown College June: No Meeting August: Farm Tour September: 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 Website: OSMA_district_1.tripod.com Contact: Marlene Raymond at 519-683-6635 Director Fraser Hodgson 519-786-4176 Chair John Sipkens 519-845-3710 Vice-Chair Bill Duffield 519-899-2663 Secretary/Treasurer Marlene Raymond 519-683-6635

District 2

Counties of Grey and Bruce Meetings usually held the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Glen Porteous at glenporteous@hotmail.com or Keith Grein at mk.grein@bmts.com Director Dennis Fischer 519-363-3819 Chair Vince Stutzki 519-363-6683 Vice-Chair Sarel Smit 519-369-1365 Secretary: Anita DeJong 519-534-1211 Treasurer: Jason Emke 519-364-0044

District 3

Counties of Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Oxford Meeting Dates: January 20: 7 :30 pm – Rostock Hall, Rostock Guest Speaker – Joceyln Jansen – Zoonotic Disease & Abortion February 17: 7 :30 pm – Rostock Hall, Rostock Guest Speaker TBA March 17: 7 :30 pm - Rostock Hall, Rostock Topic TBA April 14: 7 :30 pm – Rostock Hall, Rostock Guest Speaker – Jack Kyle – Extended Grazing For more information contact one of the committee members.

Director Neil Mesman 519-462-2423 Chair Bill Jeffrey 519-234-6872 Vice-Chair Luann Erb 519-393-5512 Secretary/Treasurer Mike Beuerman 519-527-2676

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december 2010

District 4

County of Brant, Regional Norfolk and Niagara Director Chair Vice-Chair Secretary: Treasurer:

Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, HaldimandChris Kyle Nancy Ireland

519 632-7602 905-701-6026

Sharon Petherma Norman Johnson

519-443-5844 905-562-4905

District 5

County of Wellington and Dufferin and the Regional Municipalities of Halton and Peel Meeting Dates: January 26: 8:00 pm – Gencor, Guelph Guest speaker Cecelia Curtis – ruminant Nutritionist from Floradale Feed Mills will talk about nutrition for the pregnant ewe.

February 23: 8:00 pm – Gencor, Guelph Guest speaker – Dr. Rob Swackhammer D.V.M. – topic is “Improving the Survivability of Lambs” Director Andrew Gordanier 519-925-6502 Chair Jason Oosterhoff 519-928-5689 Vice Chair Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626 Secretary Lene Band 905-877-2969 Treasurer Dianne Orr 519-928-5302

District 6

County of Simcoe, District Municipality of Muskoka and the District of Parry Sound Central Ontario Agricultural Conference Jan 5th, 6th and 7th. Please see Upcoming Events for more information.

Director Markus Wand 705-724-2314 Chair Peter Harvey 905-729-3196 Vice Chair Secretary Grant Cowan 705-436-2236 Treasurer Karen Harvey 905-729-3196

District 7

County of Metropolitan Toronto, Regional Municipalities Counties of Victoria, Peterborough, and Northumberland Director Judy Dening Chair Leslie Dyment Vice-Chair Rebecca Parker Secretary Cynthia Palmer Treasurer Phil Smith

of York and Durham, 705-324-3453 705-359-1376 705-277-1711 705-295-3351 905-478-4280

District 8

Counties of Lennox and Addington, Hastings, Prince Edward, Frontenac and Leeds Director Chris Kennedy 613-389-0554 Chair Linda Huizenga 613-477-1393 Vice-Chair Jim Sabin 613-477-3443 Secretary Kenton Dempsey 613-969-8154 Treasurer Pat Purvis 613-353-5094

District 9

Counties of Renfrew and Lanark, and the Township of West Carleton and the City of Kanata in the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton September 17: Annual General Meeting, 7:30 p.m. - at Almonte Legion Elections: District Committee; Guest Speaker Chair, Markus Wand Director Allan Burn 613-264-0801 Chair: Ganesh Raj 613-832-1317 Vice Chair: Christopher Moore 613-832-2182 Secretary: Sara Loten 613-264-0539 Treasurer Karen Wright 613-267-7930

Classifieds

District 10

Counties of Russell, Prescott, Glengarry Stormont, Dundas and Grenville, and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, except the Township of West Carleton and the City of Kanata Website: www.osmadistrict10.ca/ Contact: Colleen Acres – 613-826-2330 Director Colleen Acres 613-826-2330 Chair Fred Baker 613-989-5352 Secretary Laurie Maus 613-527-1897 Treasurer Greg Stubbings 613-774-4563

District 11

Counties of Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay, Cochrane, Algoma, Sudbury, Temiskaming, Nippising and Manitoulin Director Mark Lenover 705-563-2966 Chair: Jim Johnston 705-647-7160 Secretary: Debra Garner 705-563-2761 OSN

Want to place an ad?

Call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 for ad rates.

Duff Farms Rideau Yearlings & Lambs

Top Genetic Selection • SFIP & EweByte based • Maintaining 3 ram lines High Health Status • Closed Flock since 1995 • Maedi Visna Status “A” • National Scrapie Program • Ontario Sheep Health Program Glen & Sharon Duff R R #2, Rockw ood, O N , N 0B 2K 0 519-856-9935 Email: rideausheep@sympatico.ca VASECTOMIZED ROMANOV “TEASER” RAMS. Effectively bring more ewes into estrus out of season, seasonal ewes breed earlier, more ewe lambs bred in their first season. Reliable out of season with highest libido. Charlie Renaud, Prolific Acres Sheep Farm, Phelpston, ON. charlierenaud@3web.com. (705) 322-2140. www.prolificacressheepfarm.com.

Livestock Guardian Dogs 3/4 Maremma 1/4 Great Pyrenees, Prepare now for next year’s pasture and predator season. Both parents are excellent guardian dogs. $400.00. Brantford (519) 750-9928

Livestock Guard dog spring born pups. Vet checked, 1st & 2nd shots, dewormed. www.qualitysheep.com • 519-887-8216 2 Mature Maremma Guard Dogs – Working Pair., JD 435 baler, hyd tie, kicker, $7,700., Scale $400., 120x40 coverall barn $13,000., water bowls, bulk feeders, creep gates. Janice @ 705-749-2699

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51

Classifieds Emke Cheviots

Best Wishes to All The Customers Using Our Genetics Logan Emke

849 25 S.R. Brant RR #1, Elmwood, ON N0G 1S0 Office Manager: Missy Emke-Wright 519-364-5087 m_wright17@hotmail.com www.emkelivestock.webs.com

Want to place an ad?

Call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 for ad rates.

MAREMMA WHITE PUPS FOR SALE Pure white coats

• Awesome Sheep Guard Dogs • Will alert Sheep and stand their guard while Sheep run for cover • Far better than Donkeys or Llamas • All Pups raised in Barn with Sheep

Chris Buschbeck & Axel Meister R.R. #3, Markdale, Ontario, Canada N0C 1H0 Telephone (519) 538-2844 Fax (519) 538-1478 Email: wooldrift@bmts.com

Emke livestock Quality Suffolk Sheep

Your Support of Our Breeding Stock is Appreciated.

Murray Emke & Family

849 25 S.R. Brant RR1 Elmwood, ON, N0G 1S0 Office Manager: Missy Emke-Wright m_wright17@hotmail.com 519-364-5087 • www.emkelivestock.webs.com

“Quality Breeds Quality”

PDK

S HEARI N G Shearing and Tutoring Available

Phone (519)

348-4266

Cell (519) 274-2050

e-mail: peter_kudelka@sympatico.ca

PETER KUDELKA

Box 39, Mitchell, Ont. N0K 1N0

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Contact: LOUIS KONTOS 801 DANFORTH AVE., TORONTO, ONTARIO M4J 1L2

TEL: (416) 469-0733 OR (416) 469-1577 FAX: (416) 462-1564

Call Ken Burgess 705-527-9058

CLUN FOREST REGISTERED SHEEP

• Breeding Stock & F1 Crosses • Closed Flock, Maedi/Visna-Negative • Prolific & High Yielding • Extensive Production Records • Semen and Embryos Approved for Export

Wholesale and Retail Meats We buy Lambs & Sheep for Slaughter

PROLIFIC, TRUE TYPE PERFORMANCE RECORDED Closed Flock Don & Wilma Duncan RR1, 807117 Oxford Road 29 Drumbo, ON, N0J 1G0,

This space is available at the reasonable rate of $34 per issue.

Call or email us for our price list.

519-463-5511

CEDAR CREEK CHAROLLAIS Lower Your Feed Costs With Exceptional Growth Rates Based on SFIP Data Our 2006 Ram Lambs Averaged 0.45 kg ADG We have a Closed Flock, Maedi Visna Tested with “A” Status Ted Skinner & Joanne Jones 2910 Concession Rd. 7, RR 5, Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K6 Phone: 905-263-2102 Fax: 905-263-4388 E-mail: charollais@live.ca

BRITISH MILKSHEEP are a modern breed established in England in the 1980s. The breed averages 300% lambing and the lambs grow quickly to produce heavy weight, lean carcasses as currently in vogue. While being excellent dairy sheep, they are also effective meat flock improvers. In commercial flocks, half-breds usually produce 0.5 lamb per ewe more. Their milking ability ensures vigorous growth of the extra lambs. British Milk Sheep can increase the profitability of your flock.

Available in Ontario from

E&E Bzikot, RR1 Conn Tel./Fax (519) 848-5694 E-mail: ee.bzikot@sympatico.ca

lomanco hampshires Flock on R.O.P. since 1963 St ri vi n g to p r o d u ce b a l a n ced she e p w i th th i ck n es s , m u s cl i n g , le n gt h & co r r ectn es s .

MANASAN FARM

1 5 0 Laber g e, Danville, QC t el ( 8 1 9 ) 839- 3350 F ( 8 1 9 ) 839- 1202

Visitors always welcome f www.manasan.qc.ca

EMKE OXFORDS and

Dorsets and Suffolks Traditional Breeding Stock Well muscled for superior carcass quality. Australian and British Bloodlines Closed Flock ROP Tested

Keith and Mary Lamont R.R. 2, Acton, Ontario L7J 2L8 519-853-1975 E-Mail: lamont@sentex.net www.www.thistlestonefarm.com

Orchardview Farm

Texel Sheep • Top Quality Rams & Ewes • Add Carcass to Any Breed • Maedi Visna Tested

Breeding Stock Available Gordon Walker & Family R.R. #2, Glencoe, Ont. N0L 1M0

(519) 287-5085

Premier breeder at the 2008 Royal Texel Show

MAPLE MEADOW FARMS Est. 1923

Hampshires Suffolks Dorsets Rideau Arcotts Rams and Ewes (SFIP tested) Commercial Ewe lambs (Suffolk – Rideau) (Dorset Rideau) Maedi Visna Monitored 6830 Belmeade Road • Osgoode ON K0A 2W0 Phone: 613-826-2581 • Fax: 613-826-1076 www.maplemeadows.ca

HAMPSHIRES

Thank you to All Who Purchased Breeding Stock in 2010.

We Wish You Much Success.

Craig & Missy Emke

525 8th Concession, RR#1 Elmwood, ON, N0G 1S0

519-364-6840 • m_wright17@hotmail.com www.emkelivestock.webs.com

PUREBRED SOUTHDOWNS Purebred Southdown rams and breeding ewes available

$10

Charles Cunningham 1153 Bruce Rd. 9, Wiarton, ON

519-534-2651 Cell: 226-668-3445

CEDAR CREEK SCANNING

PUREBRED SOUTHDOWNS

Ultrasound Pregnancy Scanning for Sheep, Goats and Alpacas OLIBS Accredited Rebecca Parker, Vet Tech.

858 Hwy 7A East, RR#1, Bethany ON, L0A 1A0

Purebred Southdown rams and

Telephone: (705) 277-1711 Mobile: (905) 259-1102 breeding ewes available E-mail: middlekingdom@sympatico.ca Charles Cunningham Best time to scan is between 45 and 1153 80 days afterRd. introduction of ram.

Bruce 9, Wiarton, ON

519-534-2651 Cell: 226-668-3445

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BREEDER

DIRECTORY

booroola

Prolific Acres Sheep Farm Increase your flock’s lambing rate in only 1 generation with the Booroola gene (prolificacy gene). 1 copy (B+) causes the ewe to have 1 more lamb per lambing. Homozygous (BB) rams pass on 1 copy (B+) to all progeny. BB Rams & High% B+ Texel Rams available. Vaccinated flock, very detailed flock records. Charlie Renaud, 2780 Flos Rd. 5 W., RR#1, Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0. 705-322-2140 CharlieRenaud@3web.com www.prolificacressheepfarm.com.

Charollais

Cedar Creek Charollais Ted Skinner & Sons, 2910 Conc. 7, R.R. #5, Bowmanville, ON, L1C 3K6. Phone 905-263-2102 Fax 905-263-4388, charollais@live.ca. Heavy muscling, SFIP & MV tested. Increase your dressing percentage.

dorper

RAM H Breeders Ltd. Dorper sheep, rams, ewes, and lambs available. Flock has been South Africa inspected, typed and certified - Sept. 2003. Call Ray or Ann Marie Hauck 403-932-3135.

Cochrane, Alberta am@ramhbreeders.com www.ramhbreeders.com Cedar View Dorpers Jeff and Karen Wright, 5615 Hwy. 43, RR5 Perth Ontario, K7H 3C7, 613-267-7930, jkwright@storm.ca www.cedarviewdorpers.com Smokey Creek Farm Susan McDonough & Peter Carrie (519) 848-2400, 8886 Concession 7 R.R.4 Arthur, ON, N0G 1A0. Participants in Sheep Flock Improvement Program & Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Registered purebred Dorpers available. smcdonough@highspeedfx.net or www.smokeycreekfarm.ca.

Ken Burgess Ontario Dorpers. Prized meat sheep. Purebred full blood Dorpers & Katahan Cross Dorpers from Prize Genetics. Special qualities: awesome weight grain, heavy muscling, easy lambing, no shearing, superior foraging. Call Ken Burgess 705-527-9058 or email at ontariodorpers@aol.com. Also white Maremma pups for sale – awesome Sheep guard dogs.

Iile de france

Clarence Nywening 12618 Baseline Road, Thamesville, Ontario N0P 2K0. Telephone: 519-692-5161. 7/8 and 94% ram lambs.

Henry & Evelyn Stam 2700 Line 45 RR # 1 Gadshill, ON N0K 1J0 Telephone 519-271-4919 email hestam@quadro.net • 86% and 94% ram lambs Prolific Acres Sheep Farm. Heavily muscled, Out of season, broody dams, hardy fast growing lambs, durable lamb coat, 1.8 lambing avg. Registered Flock. Registered and IDFxRI Rams available. Charlie Renaud, 2780 Flos Road 5 West, Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0.

(705) 322-2140. charlierenaud@3web.com www.prolificacressheepfarm.com

North Country Cheviots

Springhill North Country Cheviots. Performance Tested. Winner of Get of Sire at the RAWF. Yearling Rams, Ram Lambs and Ewe Lambs for Sale. Scrapie Tested Sires either QR or RR. Lloyd Skinner 905-263-8167. Call at Mealtimes or Evenings.

Polled Dorset

Jameshaven Dorsets - Canada’s longest established Polled Dorset Flock. ROP and Scrapie resistance tested. Medium Frame, well-muscled purebred Dorsets selected for out of season lambing and maternal traits. Fall and winter born ewe and ram lambs available. New address, same reliable genetics. Shanna and Tyler Armstrong and Jenna James, 865 Garden of Eden Road, Renfrew Ontario K7V 3Z8 Ph. 613-433-8255 pinnaclehaven@gmail.com Peter Hyams Somerset Farm. RR1 Eldorado, ON, K0K 1Y0. Phone 613-473-5244. Strong maternal lines possessing feed efficiency. Heavily muscled rams that get fat on grass. Ewes with depth and capacity. Closed Flock on accelerated system. ROP/SFIP Tested.

Robert & Gail Irvine Rocky Lane Farm, R.R. #4 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X5 rgirvine@ nexicom.net. Phone 705-292-7207 Fax 705-292-0460. MV & ROP tested. British and Australian Genetics. Selected for maternal traits and muscling. Accelerated system. New NZ genetics out of Ohio and Takitimu.

Robert and Shirley Graves and Sons Century Lane Farm, 5576 Faulkner Trail, Stittsville, K2S 1B6, 613-831-2656, clf@atechmicro.com, MV negative, Oxford Down quality breeding stock also available.

Stoneybrook Farm Jillian Craig , 1246 Cty Rd 121, Fenelon Falls, On, K0M 1N0. stoney_ brook_farm@hotmail.com. Phone (705) 887-6789. Purebred and Commercial stock. Oxford Down and Shropshire also available. Terminal sires geared for commercial flocks.

Rideau Arcott

Francis & Elaine Winger R.R. # 4, Mount Forest, ON, N0G 2L0, 519-323-3531, fwinger@everus.ca. Purebred and commercial, closed flock SFIP, maedi-visna tested.

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Wendell Palmer Canaan Farm., 6749 Homestead Cres., Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 2H8. Phone/ Fax: 905-358-6146. canaan@vaxxine.com www.vaxxine.com/canaan Participant testing and performance programs. Closed flock. Rams always, high EPD’s / Semen / Embryos.

Rambouillet & Newfoundland F1 crosses. On the health program.

Duff Farms Glen & Sharon Duff, RR # 2, Rockwood, ON, N0B 2K0. 519-856-9935. rideausheep@sympatico.ca Top Genetic Selection - currently maintaining 3 ram lines, SFIP and ewebyte information-based. High Health Status - closed flock since 1995, maedi visna tested and participating in the Ontario Sheep Health Program.

Golden Fleece Farms Ruco Braat. 171 Lakeview Rd., Bailieboro, ON, K0L 1B0 705-939-2366. goldenfleece@nexicom.net. Purebred Rideau Arcotts Closed Flock.

Don McCutcheon & Sons Mulmur Vista Farms, R.R. # 2, Shelburne, ON, L0N 1S6. Don McCutcheon 519-925-5371. Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626. Purebred Rideau closed flock ROP tested.

romanOv

Prolific Acres Sheep Farm The only true “out of season” breed. Shedding coat.

Short-tailed, No docking required. Very vigorous newborns. Easy lambing. Registered.

Commercial, % and Vasectomized “Teaser” Rams. Vaccinated flock, very detailed flock records. Charlie Renaud, 2780 Flos Rd. 5 W. RR#1 Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0. 705-322-2140.

CharlieRenaud@3web.com www.prolificacressheepfarm.com

Shetland Sheep

Chassagne Farm. The original flock for North America, imported directly from UK in 1980; available in 11 recognized colours; sheep, fleeces and yarns available. Contact: Carole Precious, Chassagne Farm, Puslinch, Ontario. c.precious@hotmail.com, home: (519) 651-2160, fax: (519) 651-0799.

Shropshire

Muriel Burnett Burndale Farm 1314 Killarney Bay Road, RR#1 Cameron, ON, K0M 1G0.

705-887-6512. Purebred and Commercial. Meaty, Versatile, R.O.P. Tested.

Suffolk

Sunrise Farm Joel & Irene Thomas, RR#2, 477285 3rd Line, Shelburne, ON L0N 1S6. sunriseangus@sympatico.ca British type, Ram & Ewe lambs available with good performance.

Bred for meat & milk. Please call 519-925-5661.

Burke & Janet Doran 660 2nd Line R.R. #1 Bailieboro, ON K0L 1B0. Phone 705-939-1146 British Type Purebred Suffolks. Closed Flock.

Stonehenge Suffolks Doug and Kim Smith, RR 2, Wroxeter, ON, N0G 2X0. PH 519-291-9767.

British Bloodlines. Purebred and crosses available.

George Armstrong Armsview Farms, R.R.#1, Newburgh, Ont. K0K 2S0. 613-378-2467. armsview@sympatico.ca Quality Suffolks For Sale.

Don & Florence Pullen Shillalah Suffolks, Box 715, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0. 519-233-7896.

Bred for traditional meat type and high production. Several British bloodlines now available.

Our stud rams carry the R gene for Scrapie resistance. Closed flock.

Trillium Woods Sheep Karen Hayward, RR#1, 262 141 Shallow Lake, ON N0H 2K0.

Phone: 519-371-8487. Cell: 519-379-3017 Email: trilliumwoods@sympatico.ca Breeding Stock, Scrapie Monitored.

Texel

Cornerstone Texels Steve, Janet Jones & Sons, RR.# 2 Dutton, Ont. NOL 1JO. Fullblood & Upgrade Texel Rams and Ewes. Always available. Enquiries welcome. Phone 519-762-0613 or Cell 519-859-2622 Please visit our website www.cornerstonegenetics.com info@cornerstonegenetics.com Black Walnut Lane Ron and Adele Service, Millgrove, On, L0R 1V0, 905-689-0698.

3/4, 7/8 and full Texel ram and ewe lambs available. info@blackwalnutlane.com www. blackwalnutlane.com Cold Stream Ranch Mels @ 519-666-2423. dutchtexel@execulink.com or visit our website www.dutchtexel.on.ca. Registered Texels and % rams – Introduced N.Z. genetics – OPP tested – In 5th year voluntary National Scrapie Program.

Orchardview Farm Gordon Walker & Family, R.R.#2, Glencoe, Ont. N0L 1M0. 519-287-5085.

Texel Rams and Ewes for sale. Add Maedi Visna Tested.

Mulmur Vista Farm Don McCutcheon & Sons, R.R. # 2, Shelburne, Ont. L0N 1S6. Don McCutcheon 519-925-5371. Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626. Texel Rams available from French and Dutch Bloodlines. Embryos available.

Paul Cardyn 351 Ch Bellevue Coaticook, Quebec, J1A 2S1. 819-849-6496. Full blood Texels.

Super meaty! Dutch, French and British bloodlines. ROP & OPP tested. Also Rouge de ‘l’Ouest. pcardyn@vetcoaticook.ca

Peel Mutual ad mock up 1

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You work hard to increase your farm's production.

Let Peel Mutual Insurance Company work hard at protecting your farm's assets. Peel Mutual Insurance Company has been insuring farm and rural property for over 130 years. With more than 35 agents and brokers in Central Ontario, call 1-800-268-3069 for a representative near you. www.peelmutual.com