industry highlights
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production innovations
Vol. 31 - Issue 2
june 2012
NEWS
OntarioSheep Create a Successful Relationship
With Your Vet
Keeping Sheep Cool When It’s Hot The Key to Top Pasture Performance P M 4 0 0 3 3 529
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
DORPERS
TIRED OF SHEARING? Sheep you’ve been dreaming of...
JOIN THE CHANGE TO DORPERS Meat Buyers want Dorper and Dorper X Lambs High Carcass Values Ray & Ann Marie Hauck www.ramhbreeders.com
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SC_2008_Spring.indd Sec2:38
Tel/Fax: 403-932-3135 am@ramhbreeders.com
SHEEP CANADA
20/03/2008 10:09:03 AM
OSN
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June 2012
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Chair Report
Three Provincial Director Positions
5 Editorial Rethinking Maedi Visna 6 GM Report
Addressing Our Industry’s Dilemma
7 Market Report 8 Keeping Sheep Cool when it’s Hot 10 4-H Club Updates 11 Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Scholarship 12 2012 CSBA Spring Update You can’t be more ‘Ontario Lamb’ than this! 14 La Ferm Albé: Marketing from (Photo: Lamb in the Trilliums by Karen Hayward) the Farm Gate OSMA Board 15 Predators’ Threats Alone Cut into Animal Populations: Study Provincial Directors Telephone 16 Tips for Creating a Successful Relationship District 1 Fraser Hodgson (519) 786-4176 with your Veterinarian District 2 Dennis Fischer (519) 363-3819 District 3 Luann Erb (519) 393-5512 18 What Does Scrapie Mean to Me? District 4 Rob Scott (519) 758-0584 20 Collaborating by Communicating District 5 Andrew Gordanier (519) 925-6502 21 The Facts on the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark District 6 Josephine Martensson Designation as Species at Risk -Hemsted (705) 487-2466 District 7 Judy Dening (705) 324-3453 22 The Key to Top Pasture Performance District 8 Mark Ritchie (613) 634-1212 23 New Resources for Sheep Producers District 9 Allan Burn (613) 264-0801 24 Attention all Wool and Dairy Producers! District 10 Colleen Acres (613) 826-2330 District 11 Colleen Alloi (705) 248-3287 25 Introducing our Latest App..The BaaApp 26 Where do you buy your Rams? OSMA staff Murray Hunt General Manager 29 2011 Genetics Survey manager@ontariosheep.org 30 Extension Program Promotes Healthy Sheep and Goats Jane Harlaar Liaison Officer 31 Religious & Ethnic Holidays Ruth Gilmour Office Manager/Communication Co-ordinator, OSN Editor 32 The Ontario Predation Project Continues… Jillian Craig Project Coordinator 34 Annual AGM & District AGM Information Sheep News Assistant Roselen Marcy Administrative Assistant 36 Wrap Ups Sheep News Assistant 38 Auction Markets and Abattoirs Jennifer Johanson Executive Assistant 39 Changes on the Sheep Industry’s Progress Philip Kirkbride Sheep News Assistant / Multi Media Towards Mandatory RFID Tags 40 Upcoming Events Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY 41 OSMA’s Photo Contest 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1 Phone: (519) 836-0043 42 District News Fax: (519) 836-2531 43 Tea Tree Oil Beats Fly Strike and Sheep Lice – Preliminary E-mail: general@ontariosheep.org Research out of Australia Website: www.ontariosheep.org www.lambrecipes.ca Market Line: (519) 836-0043
Cover Photo: StoneyBrook Farm, photo: Jillian Craig
Publications Mail Registration Number: 40033529 ISSN 0844-5303
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
june 2012 Date of Issue: June 2012
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 + HST for one year, $25.00 + HST for two years. 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.
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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june 2012
Four Provincial Director Positions Dennis Fischer, Chair
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s the old saying goes time does not stand still for anything. It just seems like yesterday that my wife and I were planning our trip to Australia and New Zealand to see our daughter who is attending University in Australia. Our trip has come and gone and it was a wonderful and exciting experience and yes, we were able to spend a week with our daughter. Planting has been finished and haying season is upon us. Similarly to our busy lives time does not stand still at OSMA either. Soon it will be District Annual General Meeting (AGM) time again and with this a new policy is in place to elect the position of Provincial Director. This year there will be District elections for Provincial Directors in Districts 1, 4, 7, and 10. Last August your Board of Directors approved a new Board Governance Manual that took many hours of committee and Board review time. The new procedure beginning this year requires interested candidates state their intention, in writing to let their name stand for the position of provincial director at least 15 days prior to the date of their District AGM. This also includes any Provincial Directors who are choosing to run for re-election for another term in their district. The written notice is to be provided to the OSMA General Manager, Murray Hunt who will, in turn will notify the chair of the relevant District committee. The purpose of this is so that producers can be informed of who is prepared to let their name stand for election of Provincial Director to represent the district. It is also hoped that this will allow producers to speak to potential candidates before the election if they so choose or to be better prepared to address any questions on the evening of the AGM to any or all candidates running for the position. Provincial Directors are required to attend at least 8 board meetings a year in addition to sitting on various internal and industry committees. Once an individual is elected to the board of directors it is their responsibility to represent the sheep industry as a whole. This is a departure from the norm
for those producers who have spent many years serving their fellow producers as part of their District Executive. Their role changes significantly as they no longer work at the district level but rather at the provincial level. The District Chair oversees the District and is supported by the rest of the District Executive. The Provincial Director of each district now represents the Ontario sheep industry as a whole but is obviously still very committed to the success of their district. However, being on a district executive is not a prerequisite for running for the role of Provincial Director. Newly elected directors will be given a governance manual prior to their first board meeting for review and some documents will need to be signed such as a confidentiality agreement. It certainly takes some time and commitment by individuals to sit at the provincial board table but it can be very rewarding and gratifying. If you are considering running in your district for provincial director or for the executive of your district, I would encourage you to call your current provincial director with questions about being an OSMA Provincial Director or call a member of your district executive and get some answers about running for your District Executive. All of these roles are extremely important and your commitment to the industry is appreciated. Remember this is your opportunity to bring your skill set forward and help shape the future of our industry in Ontario. OSN
Dennis Fischer, OSMA Chair
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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june 2012
Rethinking Maedi Visna Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor
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aving Maedi Visna in your flock is like continuously putting money in a pocket with a hole in it.
Have you ever seen the commercial about high blood pressure? They call it the ‘Silent Killer’. It can be controlled through various means but left uncontrolled it can lead to many very serious consequences, even death. In some ways Maedi Visna is the same. It can be controlled from the standpoint that you must eradicate it from your flock to keep your flock healthy but left uncontrolled it can lead to many serious consequences, certainly death of the animal, a flock that is virtually worthless because the animals cannot put on weight, as MV is a chronic wasting disease. You will spend much energy and money trying to get them finished for market but with very little success. Over time there will be little doubt by even the most untrained eye that you have an ill flock. Unlike high blood pressure, Maedi Visna is contagious. This chronic pneumonia is airborne. Surprisingly there are many producers who don’t know very much about MV so here is a brief description from our website that really says it all: Maedi Visna is a debilitating viral disease that can undermine the economic viability of a sheep flock. The name Maedi-Visna is an Icelandic description of the two major forms of the disease (Maedi=progressive pneumonia and Visna=wasting). Although it is ultimately fatal, most of the economic loss attributed to this disease is due to decreased milk production; lowered weaning weights; increased incidence of severe arthritis and wasting; higher than average number of respiratory infections; and decreased ewe fertility. Over the past few years we have seen an increase in the number of animals with MV. Most disturbing is the number of new producers who have bought breeding stock to start their flocks only to find out that the flocks are riddled with MV. It is heartbreaking to watch producers get flocks of 300+ tested at considerable expense to the producer only to find out that they have more than 200 sheep infected. They must cull every infected sheep to eradicate but the
others have been exposed so their worries are not over and more testing will be necessary. It is a hard way to learn about the importance of buying from reputable breeders and the need to establish good biosecurity measures. This brings us to the OSMA Maedi Visna program. OSMA has run a MV program for at least a decade. For a great many years, testing costs were subsidized by CFIA and the cost was incredibly low at $2.50 per test. The subsidy was taken away about 3 years ago and the cost became very high. Tests were sent to Quebec. This past year OSMA and the University of Guelph embarked on a project to find a MV test that works on the strain of MV in Ontario as well as a test that is reasonably priced. We thank the producers who participated in the program. The end result was the finding of a test that the University believes is the best for Ontario and the cost is $9.00 per animal. We are in the final steps of revamping the program and we must thank the University of Guelph for all their help. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. Paula Menzies for her incredible work on the new protocol. She has been our greatest resource in our handling of this disease for many years now. If there is only one message that I can leave you with, it would be this: DO NOT BUY BREEDING STOCK FROM FEEDLOTS. The more sheep that move through a farm that does not quarantine and test animals, the more chance that those animals may pick up a condition that you do not want on your farm and certainly you do not want to start your flock with poor quality animals. We will have a more in-depth article outlining the new Maedi Visna program in the September Sheep News. Please take time to read and consider how you might be able to best safe guard your flock going forward. 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 M a r c h 2 0 1 2
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general manager’s report
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june 2012
Addressing Our Industry’s Dilemma Murray Hunt
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SMA, its sister producer organizations and its stakeholders in the lamb and sheep industries over at least the past decade have been experiencing significant growth in demand for Canadian lamb and breeding stock but there has been an ever increasing widening gap between supply and demand. The fact is every animal going to market has a buyer, the price gap between high and low quality is not as high as it should be and overall prices have been and will continue to be strong. The reality is that low quality, either meat or breeding stock, is over rewarded in the market place. Currently Canada produces 43% of the domestic demand for lamb. Of course breeding stock prices compete with meat prices with quality breeding animals often going for meat. Slightly over half the meat lambs are slaughtered in Ontario, with 62% coming from Ontario and 37% from other provinces. So the dilemma is why is there not more uptake of sheep farming to fill the demand for Canadian produced lamb? Unlike beef and pork which produce for export, Canada imports 57% of the lamb consumed. In fact just last week I learned that the UK wants to export lamb to Canada. Every month I am asked by an agricultural industry associate – ‘why is the lamb industry not making progress to being more self sufficient?’ So how do we proactively address our dilemma? I offer to you, lamb and sheep producers, the following items for your consideration: 1. Are you interested in having a profitable lamb and sheep enterprise? If you are then plan every year to attend sheep information days held throughout the province and follow the information OSMA provides through its website (www. ontariosheep.org), the monthly newsletter (The Messenger) and the quarterly magazine (Ontario Sheep News). 2. Do you have a state-of-the-art advisory group to assist you? The past is not the future. No longer is it best to find an older shepherd who for the past forty years had a hundred ewes and did it without any outside advice. Every progressive sheep producer needs to have a team of advisors who can provide sound and economical advise on nutrition, management, health, genetics, marketing and business management. 3. Are you planning for what consumers will demand of Canadian lamb in 2017 and beyond? The top dollar lambs will need to be young, be traceable, have food safety, have been raised under monitored biosecurity, been feed a balanced nutritious diet, have the proper amount of fat cover and satisfy processors wanting a high meat to total carcass ratio. 4. Are you marketing your lamb to maximize your revenue? Recent analysis shows that producers are more profitable
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when they plan to produce for higher price markets. What that means will depend on many factors. Producers are encouraged to follow prices on OSMA’s market line. 5. Do you know your actual cost of production? Feeling proud that you believe you are making a profit from your sheep enterprise is not longer good enough. In today’s world performance records are a must have. As is the need to analyze your records so you can manage effectively. Sheep farming is no different than any other industry. How do your total costs, including labour cost, per kg of lamb marketed compare to the norm in Ontario? 6. Are you annually increasing your profits by buying and using replacement or breeding stock of superior genetic merit? Ability to gain weight, freedom from disease, sound body conformation and known performance recorded parentage are all basic must haves when buying breeding stock. Buying animals without known information to back them is a recipe for problems. Genetics is the fourth most important Key Performance Indicator in the OSMA Benchmark Study. 7. Have you considered a new forage and pasture program for your farms that would give you 20% more profit? Forages, cost effect harvest of quality forage and effective use of land as pastures have been found in the OSMA Benchmark Study to be the second most important Key Performance Indicator. 8. Are there ways that you could reduce wastage on your farm by 50-75%? We often notice feed being wasted around feeders but wastage can also occur when rations are not balanced, when a farm has excessive equipment or when recommended procedures are not followed 100%. 9. Does it seem that you work long hours for little reward? Time management is frequently lacking in businesses that do not succeed. The farms I visit that appear to be successful plan, have an effective sheep handling and housing infra-structure, have the proper ratio of mechanized to labour tasks, handle animals as groups, routinely capture performance data and routinely take time for self, family and community. One area that producers should not skimp labour on is monitoring ewes at lambing time. Selling an extra 0.25 lambs per ewe per year could result in an extra $30 profit per ewe per year. 10. Are you farming based on a self sufficiency methodology or by using your pencil? Until the last couple of decades farmers were not considered farmers if they did not produce the vast majority of their inputs. Many sheep producers still adhere to the theory. Recent analysis shows that producers that do what they do well and that sublet jobs or services that they are not equipped for or that they do not do well with are more profitable. However it
market report
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june 2012
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.
Continued from page 6 ~ Addressing
Our Industry’s Dilemma
is not just a matter of not doing some things . It allows the opportunity to carry more animals, to buy inputs more economically, to incorporate technology … all this because you use your pencil to enhance profitability. 11. Are you an independent or cooperative type of person? Some of us work best on our own while others work well with others and find benefit from collaborating with others. Know what type of a person you are and act accordingly. 12. Could increasing your flock size by 50% in fact double your profits? When a business is not profitable the managers frequently attempt to become profitable by reducing costs. However businesses that are successful in turning a loosing business into a profitable one often do that by specialization, by outsourcing and by increasing revenue. My experience in advising livestock enterprise in Canada and abroad is that success depends on driving up revenue while keeping costs under control. 13. Profit oriented business people spend an hour per day learning something new, are you doing that? There is a large amount of information about sheep farming available on the Internet. Often when I phone sheep
producers over the noon hour they tell me that were just searching various websites while eating their lunch while waiting for my call. Noon or night webinars are becoming very popular. We all can improve. 14. Do you speak positively about the industry, the products you produce and the people in the industry? This applies for all of us in the great industry. The next time you hear negativity stop for ten seconds and then turn to a positive approach. Both the Ontario and Canadian lamb and sheep producer organizations place industry expansion as paramount to a successful future. The industry will be successful if it can spend the majority of its resources on growth and producer profitability rather than on labouring over our dilemma of why more volume is not coming to market. If you plan to grow by 25% or more over the next three years, OSMA wants to hear from you. Phone, write or email the office and give us your name. OSMA is presently designing programs focused toward owners that are planning to expand their production. Every thing starts with producers and their leaders seeing the glass as half full and then taking the opportunity to be profitable in lamb and sheep production. OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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Keeping Sheep Cool When It’s Hot Robert Chambers, P Eng, Engineer, Swine and Sheep Housing and Equipment, OMAFRA, Elora
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s mentioned in the previous article, happy sheep and lambs are essential to having a productive and profitable flock. Animals perform at their peak when they are in their thermo neutral zone. Generally speaking, as sheep evolved in a desert environment, they handle hot dry temperatures well. However, they can experience heat stress and a corresponding loss in production.
out of the animal. By doing this we lower the animal’s Effective Temperature, that is even though the animal has the potential to be in a heat stress condition due to the ambient temperature, effectively the animal “feels” comfortable because its core temperature is near normal as incoming heat transfer in minimized and heat transfer out of its body is maximized.
Heat stress occurs when the environmental temperature rises above point where the animal is producing more heat from digestion and/or receiving more heat from its surroundings than it is releasing to the surrounding environment. Its first reaction to this situation is the blood vessels in the skin surface enlarge so as to increase blood flow and the skin’s surface temperature. This increases the heat transfer rate to the environment. Sweating and increased respiration functions to increase the water vapour output and consequently latent heat output. This is the point of Heat Stress Alert.
Conduction is heat transfer between contacting bodies at different temperatures, the higher the temperature differential the more rapid the conduction. Heat transfer from the body core to the skin surface occurs by conduction through the body tissue and also by convection associated with blood flow. Producers can aid in maximizing conduction out by ensuring that the manure pack is kept to a minimum depth and dry. Deep, damp manure packs start to compost and release heat and moisture. As the stomach is the heat generation centre by giving the animals minimal bedding allows them to transfer heat to the cooler ground below when they lay down. Slatted floor systems for dry ewes and feeder lambs work well in hot weather as the animal is in direct contact with the floor surface when lying down and therefore maximizing conduction. Bunk and pen space should also be increased if possible so that the animals can eat and lay down without having to touch one another. Anybody that has traveled on public transit during rush hour in a major city during a heat wave can relate to this.
The upper critical temperature is the limit to a radical change in heat production. The animal is in Heat Stress Danger. At this point the respiration increases in intensity (panting) it reduces its feed intake to slow the internal heat of digestion (sensible heat) being produced. This causes the animal to reduce its growth, i.e. feeder lambs, or milk production i.e. lactating ewes. As the animal’s internal temperature increases it reaches a point where it can no longer increase moisture loss through mainly increased respiration and sweating. This is the Heat Stress Danger point. The ability for the animal to remove more heat than it is producing and/or receiving is maxed out. The animal may pant harder but the evaporation rate is almost constant. Hot, high humidity weather is detrimental to animals and humans, because the principle heat transfer method to cool the body, evaporation, is reduced by this type of weather. The core temperature begins to rise. This rise in body temperature triggers increased biochemical reactions which further increase heat production (the van’t Hoff effect). Without relief, the cycle leads to death, though for only a few hours causes no lasting harm in most animals. Sheep gain and loose heat to the their surrounding environmental temperature in 4 ways, Conduction, Thermal Radiation, Convection and Evaporation in order to maintain their ideal core body temperature of 39oC. Under heat stress conditions the goal is to minimize heat coming into the animal from the surroundings and maximize heat transfer 8
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Radiation heat transfer to the animals can be minimized by providing shade for those animals outside. Shade can reduce the incoming solar heat load by 30% to 50%. Sheep with a medium to long fleece also benefit from the insulating effect of the wool from the radiant heat load from the sun. Sheep housed indoors can also have a radiant heat load. With naturally vented barns if the eve overhangs are short the sun can shine into the barn warming both the animals and the barn space. Another common issue is the as the sun shines on the metal roofs of single story barns, a dark coloured or tarnished roof can rise as much as 15oC above the ambient air temperature. If the underside of the roof is uninsulated, this heat can radiate down in the barn space or heat an unvented attic that then radiates down. By adding insulation (R5 minimum) to the underside of the steel roofing the radiant heat load is lowered considerably. Enclosed attic spaces should have a minimum ventilation of 1 ft2 of total opening for 300 ft2 of ceiling area. Half of this area is the exhaust located on the peak and/or gable ends and half along the roof eave and /or soffit areas. If we have a barn that’s 120’ by 60’, flat bottom truss and insulated ceiling, the roof vent exhaust
total minimum area would be 12 ft2, distributed along the peak and the soffit vent continuous slot minimum opening of 0.6” on each side. Gable end vents are only recommended for buildings less than 50’ long unless used in combination with ridge vents. Convective heat is transferred to or from the animal by the mass movement of fluid, in this case by air. Air moving past an animal provides a cooling effect, sometimes referred as the wind chill effect. Table 1 shows the air speed effects on effective temperature in Swine. Freshly sheared sheep would have a similar effect decreasing with increasing fleece length. For sheep in pasture having access to the top of hills or wind swept areas on hot days and/or underneath large trees such as maples or oaks that provide shade as well cause the wind to accelerate as it passes under and around the foliage will assist to decrease the effective temperature. Sheep kept in barns can benefit from natural or mechanical induced wind speed. Naturally ventilated barns should have minimum opening of 5% of the floor area on each side of the building. For example for a barn 60’ by 120’ with a 12’ sidewall, the minimum clear opening should be 3’ and rough opening of at least 4’ to account for the curtain folding. Many barns have even larger openings to take full advantage of breezes on the hot days. Naturally ventilated barns are located with the ridgeline on a southeast to northwest axis so as to be perpendicular to the summer breezes that come predominately out of the south, southwest and west during the summer in southern Ontario. Barns should be sited so that they are not in the wind shadow of trees or other buildings. This shadow distance extends 10 times the height of the obstacle downwind. For example a tree line that has a height of 40’ would have a wind shadow extending 400’ from it.
Producers can also enhance the system by adding circulating fans to provide the wind chill effect. Naturally ventilated barns that have hot weather issues due to location or design can also benefit from the additional air movement that circulating fans provide. Figure 1 shows the proper placement of basket or panel fans in a barn. Large overhead HVLS (High Volume Low Speed fans can also provide the required air speed of approximately 300’ per minute. These systems should be on a thermostat so they shut off when not required to ensure animal comfort and electrical efficiency. New born and young lambs should be protected from the direct path of this air as they run the risk of being chilled if exposed to these air speeds, even at warm temperatures. Latent heat transfer or moisture removal through respiration and the skin surface is the most important of heat transfer in hot weather for sheep. Every lb of water that is evaporated requires 1000 BTU’s of energy from the animal. More importantly, as the temperature warms up, the ability of the animal to transfer energy out of its body through sensible heat transfer is reduced. The latent heat transfer rate approximately triples as the environment warms up along with a corresponding increase in water consumption. By providing cool, fresh, readily available drinking water drinking, producers can ensure that this important cooling system is fully functional. Guides suggest that there should be 1ft2 of water surface per 40 head on animals. For pasture supply systems by burying the supply line in the ground this keeps the water much cooler and more palatable that pipes placed on the surface. Figure 1. Placement of Panel or Basket Fans in a Free Stall Barn.
Table 1. Air Speed Effects on Effective Temperature for Swine Air Speed (ft/min)
Air Speed (km/hr)
Effective Decrease in Temperature (°C)
30
0.55
-4
90
1.65
-7
300
5.5
-10
Source: McFarlane,J.M. 2000. How Do Your Pigs Really Feel? Effective Temperature for Pigs. Animal Environment Specialists, Inc., Marysville, Ohio. Producers with mechanically ventilated barns should have a ventilation system that delivers one air exchange per minute during hot weather. For example a 50’ by 60’ bank barn with a 10’ ceiling should have a combined fan capacity of at least 30 000 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). This system with reduce the heat build-up from the animals and will keep the temperature of the barn within one degree C higher than the outside temperature.
Source: Dairy Housing and Equipment Systems, Managing and Planning for Profitability, Natural Resource , Agriculture and Engineering Service, NRAES-129. In summary by increasing the animal’s heat transfer rate from its body and reducing the amount of environmental heat transferring into the animal from its surrounding environment we can reduce it’s effective temperature. That is, even though the animal should be in heat stress, the animal’s heat balance is such that it “feels” cooler. This allows the animal to continue eating and maintain production. OSN OSN M a r c h 2 0 1 2
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Evolution of the Glencoe 4-H Club Pre Show
Jim Redick and Margaret May, Glencoe 4-H Sheep Club Leaders
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or many years, the Glencoe 4-H Sheep club participated in a pre show at the Ridgetown Fairgrounds sponsored by the Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario and organized by Gary and Luanne Brien. This was an excellent opportunity for 4-H club members and their lambs to have a practice run before the actual Achievement Program. There have been a few changes to the show, but the tradition continues. Now, the show is typically held on the first Sunday in August. Trucks and trailers start to roll into the Melbourne Fair grounds before 9 am. This is an excellent location as we are under a roof in case of rain or hot sun and there is lots of room for trucks, trailers and spectators. Registration is open until 9:30 am for 4-H club members in Middlesex, Elgin, Kent, and Lambton Counties. The day opens with a famous “Quiz” all about sheep, including a diagram of the parts of the lamb—a favourite of many 4-Hers past and present! All 4-Hers judge a class of ewes
and everyone gives reasons on the class. Then everyone shows their 4-H project in both a breed conformation class or market lamb class as well as a showmanship class. Proper showing attire is mandatory. Lambs come to the show trimmed and ready for show. We divide the showmanship classes up by age group to try to equalize the playing field. A judge volunteers his time to come and spend time with members to point out improvements that could be made in showmanship skills before the local Achievement Program. There are no prizes for the winners—just the glory on the day!! For the past couple of years, the host club, Glencoe, has paid for a market lamb and had it barbecued and served on a bun for lunch. Families bring salads and desserts to round out the meal and everyone enjoys the lamb. In 2011, we had 50 4-Hers participate, and this year we are expanding to include clubs from Highgate and Alvinston as well as from Glencoe, Ilderton, West Elgin, Aylmer, and Brigden. The SouthWest Sheep Breeders have made a generous donation this year that will cover the cost of purchasing the lamb and having it barbecued and carved. Thank you Sheep producers for your support of the 4-Hers. We invite all who are interested to bring your lawn chair and join us on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at the Melbourne Fairgrounds. Please bring a potluck salad and a dessert and your own cold drinks. We look forward to a great day. OSN
Beaver Valley 4-H Sheep Club May Meeting Tashi Eaton, Beaver Valley Sheep Club Member
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n Friday, May 11th Beaver Valley 4H Sheep Club went to Hurricane Hill Farm. Our meeting was titled “All About Handling”. The members were put into three different groups each with a different station. The stations were: hoof trimming and guessing the age of the sheep by its teeth, how to tie a quick release knot and how to figure out if a sheep is too fat or too skinny The sheep that were there were rare, Icelandic sheep. The 10
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owner said that they were the best sheep she had ever tasted and that the taste of the meat is very mild. Also, she told us the history of the Icelandic sheep and that there are only 8 breeders in Ontario. The members also learned Icelandic sheep are very expensive. This meeting was fun and educational. Our next meeting is planned to be on Friday, June 15th. OSN
Taking Care of Your 4-H Lamb Stephanie Craig, Senior Manager, Communications, 4-H Ontario
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y now, most 4-H Members have chosen their 4-H project lambs, but often that’s the easiest part of the 4-H project. Taking care of your project lamb, until achievement day, is a 4-H Member’s most important task. Here are some helpful tips to take excellent care of your 2012 4-H project lamb.
Give your lamb a comfortable home.
A fenced paddock or pasture will encourage exercise and allow your lamb to graze; you’ll save on feed costs too. You like room to run and be active, and so do lambs. Lambs are capable of living outside but require shelter and protection at night. Be sure that the indoor area your lamb uses is well bedded to keep them clean and dry.
Give your lamb plenty to grow.
Fresh water is key. The most important part of feeding your 4-H lamb is ensuring access to fresh water. Lambs don’t get to carry around reusable water bottles like people, so you need to make sure they always have free access to water all the time. Giving your lamb free choice to as much hay or pasture as they can eat is a good idea too. Lambs can eat up to 3 lbs. per day!
Keep an eye on your lamb’s overall health.
A good rule of thumb is that a healthy lamb is an alert and active one. A neat thing about lambs is that their wool acts sort of like a thermometer of a lamb’s health. Their wool should be thick and fluffy. Wool lacking in sheen, or that looks grimy, indicates poor lamb health. Patchy wool is a sign of parasites or fever. Just like checking your temperature to tell if you’re sick, you need to check your lamb’s wool!
Make friends with your lamb.
Catching a lamb can sometimes be the trickiest hurdle. Don’t get discouraged if your lamb runs away from you. To catch a lamb, crowd them into a small area and don’t chase them. Move slowly and gently. You need to reassure your lamb that you are not going to hurt it. If you’re having trouble catching your lamb try feeding them out of your hand, or hold a bucket while they eat. This will help your lamb get comfortable with your presence. Hopefully these tips help “ewe” get through your 4-H year with ease! OSN
Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Scholarship
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his year’s OSMA Scholarship awards the amount of $500.00 to any student attending their first or second year of a university, college or apprenticeship program in the fall of 2012. To apply, download the form found on the homepage of www.ontariosheep.org or contact the OSMA office. This year we are looking for the best submission on one of the following four questions. The submissions must come to the OSMA office with postage dating no later than Friday, September 7th, 2012. Your name will be removed from your submission before being judged. This keeps the submissions anonymous. The winning selection will be notified on or before September 14th, 2012. Here is some more information:
Requirements:
Applicants must be registered as an OSMA producer or have a Parent/Guardian registered as an OSMA producer as of April 30th, 2012 or belong to a 4-H Sheep Club. Applicants must also be attending their first or second year of a university, college or apprenticeship program in the fall of 2012 (not limited to agriculture). Applicants must be 21 years of age or younger.
Submission Requirements:
Please select and submit only one of the following: 1. 4-H has taught me leadership. Explain why. 2. I do the following to keep my sheep healthy. 3. Good breeding stock is the foundation of all healthy flocks, true or false and why? 4. In the past, flock records were recorded on paper or recipe cards. This method of recording is not good enough today. Please state why. • Articles should be a minimum of 250 words in length • You may include pictures, diagrams…etc • Be creative and enjoy this learning opportunity • Your submissions will be judged on creativity as well as content • Top articles will be published in the Ontario Sheep News Magazine For more information, please contact Jillian Craig at: Phone: 705-879-5111 or 519-836-0043 Email: jcraig@ontariosheep.org OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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2012 CSBA Spring Update The Year in Review 2011 was a successful year for the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association. Significant optimism in the sheep industry and higher lamb prices have created increased demand for registered purebred breeding stock. The numbers of registrations and transfers rose in 2010 and continued to rise in 2011. The Board worked very hard to appropriately move towards goals laid out in the Business Plan. Significant accomplishments for 2011 include the following: • Memberships increased by 2% (950) • Registrations increased by 6% (12544) • Transfers increased by 4% (6295) • Profit of $18,000 • Officially amalgamated with the Canadian Finnsheep Association • Recognized the California Red Sheep and the Bluefaced Leicester for registration • The All Canada Classic was held in Drake, SK. 225 sheep were shown and 221 sold for an average price of $574 for ewes and $870 for rams. • Prepared an Information Package for New Breeders, which is available on the website • Reviewed the Terms and Conditions of Sale for purebred sheep, which is available on the website • Committed money towards the national extension of GenOvis (genetic evaluation program) • Distributed newsletters (email) to members on a quarterly basis • Updated and printed breed books • Developed and printed posters • Purchased a handbook on conformation from CEPOQ for printing in 2012 • Reviewed and amended the Constitution • Funded The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Agribition and 5 provincial level 4-H shows • Funded research projects in Nova Scotia and Ontario
Annual Meeting The Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association hosted the CSBA’s Annual General Meeting, lunch and farm tours in Calgary on March 17th. The meeting included an 12
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excellent presentation by auctioneer, Bob Balog, on marketing purebred livestock. The CSBA thanks Glen Parker and the local breeders for their time and effort in hosting a successful meeting. The minutes of the AGM and the President’s Report are included with this newsletter. The 2011 Auditor’s Report was also discussed at the AGM and is available on the CSBA website (www.sheepbreeders.ca). The Board held its annual directors’ meeting from March15-18. The following key areas were discussed: 1) Genetic evaluation: GenOvis is Canada’s national sheep genetic evaluation program. It is a home-based test system that allows sheep breeders to identify and select animals with high genetic potential. Enrollment with GenOvis ensures significant improvement of flocks’ genetic quality, which will increase the efficiency of Canadian sheep farms. GenOvis is available to sheep breeders in all parts of Canada. The CSBA has allocated funding to national GenOvis education over the next 3 years and strongly encourages producers to enroll. For more information, please visit the GenOvis website (www.genovis.ca), email (genovis@cepoq.com), or phone (418) 856-1200 ext. 226. 2) National Flock Integrity: Parentage testing is an important part of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s purebred sheep industry. The CSBA requests parentage testing on every 500th animal submitted for registration. If producers choose not to comply with the CSBA’s request within one year, their membership may be suspended. The CSBA recognizes that the cost of having the tests performed can be significant. On top of covering the cost of the DNA testing at the laboratory, the CSBA will now provide a $100 grant (previously $60) to producers who have successfully completed and passed the parentage testing. 3) Constitution: The Board reviewed the constitution and submitted 16 amendments to the members for voting. 15 of the amendments passed. One amendment failed due to a technical error with the ballot boxes. The amendments have been submitted to the government for final approval and the updated constitution will be posted on the website. 4) Scholarship: The CSBA will be offering a $500 annual Continued on page 13.
Continued from page 12 ~ 2012
CSBA Spring Update
scholarship to students who are CSBA members or close relatives of members. The first scholarship will be offered for the fall 2012 college or university semester. The application form can be found on the CSBA’s website under Industry Involvement. Applications must be received at the CSBA office by August 1, 2012. 5) International associations: In order to register progeny of imported semen or embryos with the CSBA, the Board must review an international association to be sure that it meets the CSBA rules of eligibility. For example, the association must be able to demonstrate a pedigree extending back at least 4 generations, the use of permanent identification (tags or tattoos), and a breed standard that matches the CSBA’s standard for that breed. If grading up occurs within the association, special consideration is required. There is a list of Recognized International Associations listed under Member Resources on the CSBA’s website. The board will be reviewing the list in 2012. If members are interested in importing from an association that is not on the list, a request to review the associations should be submitted to the Board.
2012 All Canada Classic “Set Sale and Join the Fun” in Truro, NS for the 2012 All Canada Classic on June 14-16th! The Nova Scotia Purebred Sheep Breeders’ Association and the CSBA have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming Classic. This year, 59 consignors from 9 provinces have entered 275 sheep. This year’s group includes the following breeds: Border Cheviot, Border Leicester, Dorper, Dorset (polled and horned), Charollais, Clun Forest, Hampshire, North Country Cheviot, Oxford, Romanov, Shropshire, Southdown, Suffolk and Texel. Many producers have provided comments on GenOvis indexes, genotyping and imported genetics. If you require additional information, please contact the CSBA office. In order to stay on the CLRC’s mailing list, it is important to have a current CSBA membership and active email address. Please renew your membership now by contacting the CLRC on-line at www.clrc.ca or by calling Lorna Woolsey at 1-877-833-7110 ext. 306. OSN
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La ferme Albé: Marketing from the Farm Gate Jillian Craig
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icheline Bégin and Luc Alarie own and operate La ferme Albé in Alfred, Ontario; halfway between Montreal and Ottawa. They have 125 breeding ewes mainly consisting of Katahdin and North Country Cheviots. The couple own 150 acres of land of which 50 acres is cash crop and 80 acres is used for pasture and hay. Lamb is the primary product marketed on this farm to a variety of customers; fresh eggs are a secondary product and are marketed at the farm gate. Lambing occurs annually in February and March with approximately 150 lambs marketed per year. These lambs weigh 80 to 100 pounds and are all sent directly to a local abattoir. Each lamb is weighed before leaving the farm, which helps the couple predict the weight of the carcasses. Micheline is present when the butcher cuts the carcasses to ensure that the work is consistent and to her satisfaction. By doing this she can guarantee a quality product which is cut right every time. She uses the Ontario Sheep cutting chart which she finds very useful. The butcher allows Micheline to do the wrapping. The couple market chops, roasts, and regular cuts. Other specialty products include lamb liver paté, lamb sausages, and various other ready to cook homemade products depending on the season. All of these products are sold from La ferme Albé all year round. From May through to October consumers can find La ferme Albé’s lamb products at local farmers’ markets. These include the Ottawa Farmers’ Market Orleans on Fridays, the Cumberland Farmers’ Market on Saturdays and the Ottawa Farmers’ Market Brewer Park (previously Lansdowne Park) on Sundays. In order to help promote their lamb products, Micheline and Luc have had a website since the beginning of 2001, www.fermealbe.ca. This website is in both English and French to accommodate consumers. Micheline says that the website “is very useful, it brought us many customers over the years and still does the job”. When asked if the couple likes the breeds that they have, Micheline comments that she loves the Katahdin sheep for the ease of care and worm resistance. But she says they have a poor growth rate and as a result they will not be keeping their Katahdin ram.
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www.fermealbe.ca
The couple are impressed with their North Country Cheviots for their good growth rates, the carcass conformity and yield. However they do admit that this breed is challenging Micheline and a lamb to handle. In the future, Micheline and Luc are looking to introduce either Hampshire or Dorset rams to improve the carcass yield while keeping the same growth rate. The couple runs the farm by themselves only hiring in help during the haying season. The production tasks such as care and management of the animals and the field work are all done by Luc. This shepherd has been full-time on the farm since 2006. Micheline’s role is to oversee the accounting, paper work, public relations, marketing and food processing of homemade lamb products. She has a part time job during the winter and spring working as a program representative for the Environmental Farm Program delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA). From May to December Micheline is full time on the farm. When asked if they would like to expand the size of their business, Micheline and Luc want to expand to the point where they can still handle the business and farm by themselves. In the spring of 2013 they are planning on expanding to 150 ewes. The couple does not want to have full time employees since they would have to increase the Continued on page 15.
Predators’ Threats Alone Cut into Animal Populations: Study
E
ven when predators can’t reach their prey, the fear of a potential attack is enough to significantly affect wildlife populations, a new study finds.
Researchers at the University of Victoria say their study’s results confirm years of speculation, finding that wild animals, believing themselves to be at risk of being torn apart by predator species, experience a condition “similar to post-traumatic stress in humans” and it affects the animals’ reproductive abilities. The study looked at song sparrows nesting in British Columbia’s southern Gulf Islands, fenced off from predators but made to listen to predator noises. “Our results suggest that the perception of predation risk is itself powerful enough to affect wildlife population dynamics and should be given greater consideration in vertebrate conservation and management,” UVic biology professor Michael Clinchy said in a release. “This has important implications for conservation and wildlife management because it suggests that the total impact of predators on prey populations will be underestimated if the effect of fear itself is not considered,” he said. “This means that the adverse effects of introduced predators are likely worse than previously imagined and the disturbance to native ecosystems due to the loss of native predators has Continued from page 14 ~ La
probably been greater than we previously thought.”
“Sound of fear” Clinchy and lead study author Liana Zanette of the University of Western Ontario protected every song sparrow nest in the study with both electric fencing and fish netting, preventing attacks from natural predators such as hawks and raccoons. Cameras were also trained on the nests 24/7, showing no eggs or nestlings were directly killed by predators during the observation period. The researchers then played different sounds to different groups of birds throughout the four-month breeding season. One group would hear sounds associated with natural predators, while the other heard “non-threatening natural sounds.” “The birds that were hearing the predator sounds produced 40 per cent fewer offspring -- simply due to the sound of fear -- that’s a very significant decrease,” Clinchy said. “What this shows is that predators significantly affect the population sizes of their prey not just by killing prey but by scaring them as well.” OSN Source: Online version of Country Guide, December 26, 2011, www.country-guide.ca
ferme Albé: Marketing from the Farm Gate
operation and production significantly in order to pay for workers. Farm help does come in the form of a llama who is with the sheep at all times to help prevent the threat of predation. Luc uses a Border Collie to help him gather the flock from the field. Micheline and Luc did not have a farm background but both shared a love of animals and a passion for agriculture. Beginning as hobby farmers with six ewes in 2001, Micheline and Luc set a goal to make a living from their farm. This successful couple increased their flock slowly as their experience and knowledge grew. They were double-finalists at the Gala of Excellence of Prescott-Russell (Farm Business and Jury Special Award) in 2007. Micheline and Luc did not win overall but say that
it was a great honour to be finalists alongside other great businesses. Micheline and Luc have also entered their hay at the Ottawa Seed Feed and Forage Championship Show since 2009. Their hay has had won second placings in various categories against strong competition. These shepherds have also completed the Environmental Farm Plan as well as Growing Your Farm Business Workshops. OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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Tips for Creating a Successful Relationship with your Veterinarian Rex Crawford DVM – Past President of the Small Ruminant V eterinarians of Ontario
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ne of the most important advisors on every successful sheep operation should be the veterinarian. Creating a successful relationship between veterinarian and producer takes some work from both sides. All sheep producers should work to create a relationship with their veterinarian in non-emergency situations. Many veterinarians in Ontario have the skills and knowledge to help producers with many aspect of their operation – from vaccinations and parasite control to reproduction, culling, and nutrition programs. Progressive producers should seek out a veterinarian who wants to work on Health Management programs, and be willing to pay for the expert consultation they can provide. Unsuccessful attempts at working with veterinarians can occur, and have left some producers with the impression that veterinarians “don’t know anything about sheep.” Compared to other species, our treatment success rate can seem low, mostly because it is difficult to detect a sick sheep until it is very ill. In many veterinary practices only one veterinarian may have a strong interest in sheep medicine, and 3 o’clock Sunday box 1051 cookstown, ontario afternoon may location: hwy 89 and hwy 400 not find the “best” sheep veterinarian available to help you. In most practices all vets cattle • sheep, lambs, goats should be expected veal • horses to handle emergency stockers • bred cows cases, but may kkkk not be the best Sheep, Lambs and Goats ones to ask about Ask for ongoing problems, Brian Pascoe or management issues. The best value a veterinarian Murray Morrison or can provide is to put Wayne Small in place logical and effective prevention Visit our web site at: and www. ontariostockyards.on.ca programs, provide mentoring Email: info@ontariostockyards.on.ca and consulting on disease identification
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and treatment plans. In commercial situations, a veterinarian visit may easily cost more than an individual sheep, but identifying the disease and learning how to treat others properly can say hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run. There are often key parts of a problem, such as ventilation problems in a pneumonia outbreak that we cannot properly diagnose through telephone calls. The Veterinarians Act, which regulates veterinarians, stipulates rules which veterinarians must follow to keep their licenses to practice. The most important rule is that veterinarians must have a proper relationship with a client before they can give advice or dispense medication. This means that a veterinarian needs to visit your farm at least once a year to legally sell you any medications – even ones that you can also buy at the feed store. Veterinarians have an understanding of how medications work, and common diseases that affect sheep that the person working for the farm supply store does not have. Finding the right veterinarian may take some work on the part of producers. Talking to other producers in your area may help find a terrific sheep vet that you have never heard of. Calling around to different large animal practices and asking if any vets at the practice have an interest in sheep is a great way to start. In many areas there are keen young veterinarians who would like to become sheep vets, but need a way to start their learning curve. The Ontario Veterinary College gives a great foundation of knowledge, but cannot turn out experts in any field, especially one as small as sheep medicine. In some areas, groups of producers may need to look into creating a relationship with a consultant veterinarian for flock health programs, while keeping a local veterinarian involved for emergency situations. As flock sizes increase, expecting the closest “cow vet” to the farm may not always be the best solution. The Small Ruminant Veterinarians of Ontario (SRVO) is an organization whose primary goal is to improve the knowledge of sheep veterinarians in the province. With approximately 90 members from all over Ontario, the group holds continuing education events for vets to stay current and learn from experts from all over the world. The group also has a list-serv that allows veterinarians to consult with one another on different or unusual cases. SRVO is open to new members, and we strongly encourage OSMA members to make sure their veterinarian joins SRVO. OSN Note: For more information about SRVO, please refer to the website at www.srvo.ca
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What Does Scrapie Mean to Me? Corle na Patterson, National Scrapie Coordinator
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crapie has been in the public eye lately, generating a lot of questions about what scrapie means to you as a producer. More specifically, sheep and goat producers alike are asking how scrapie can affect their operations and what they can do to protect themselves.
Unfortunately the only way to tell for sure if an animal has scrapie is to test a section of the brain which is only possible when the animal is dead, and so infected animals can live and spread the disease in flocks and herds for years without being detected.
Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats; a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) of the same classification as BSE in cattle, Chronic Wasting Disease in deer and elk, and Creutzfeldt-jakob disease in people.
Scrapie has been a reportable disease in Canada since 1945 and disease control measures have been in place since that time. In 2005 the Canadian Food Inspection Agency launched a national scrapie surveillance program, through which samples are collected from farms, auction markets, animal health labs, deadstock facilities and slaughter facilities for scrapie testing. If a positive case of scrapie is identified, the CFIA takes precautionary actions by investigating the farm where the case was identified, farms that purchased animals from the premises and farms that sold the scrapie positive animal to the infected farm. Different disease control measures are applied throughout the process, depending on the potential risk that each premises poses. Disease control actions taken as part of a scrapie investigation may include the following: initial and detailed investigations, quarantine of animals and possibly premises, destruction and disposal of genetically susceptible animals exposed to the disease, cleaning and disinfecting of premises and surveillance testing for five years. For more information about what can be expected as part of a scrapie investigation, visit the CFIA website: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/ disemala/scrtre/farenqe.shtml
The abnormal prion protein that causes scrapie is transmitted through direct contact with infected animals, or contact with an infected environment (as the infectious agent can live for some time in the environment). Scrapie can be difficult to identify in live animals because of its lengthy incubation period and because there is no 100% reliable live animal test for the disease. Scrapie is most commonly spread at birth through contact with the placenta and birthing fluids; although the scrapie prion has been found in other bodily fluids and tissue. .Healthy animals become infected by eating or licking contaminated materials in the birthing environment. The infectious prions that cause scrapie build up in the Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd. body over time and symptoms generally develop in the later stages of disease Tuesdays development. 9:00 a.m. Infected animals don’t usually, Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows and in fact rarely, Thursdays demonstrate disease 8:00 a.m. symptoms upon Drop Calves, Veal, Pigs, initial infection. Lambs, Goats & Sheep However, an infected animal Fridays can shed the 10:00 a.m. infectious prion at Stockers any time during the incubation C ONFIDEN C E , phase and spread T RUST & SE R VI C E the disease even it may not 519-887-6461 though p h y s i o logically www.brusselslivestock.ca appear ill.
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So how does a producer protect themselves from this disease and the potential risk of losing animals to scrapie? As we’ve discussed, scrapie is a difficult disease to diagnose, and there is no treatment for scrapie. But the disease can be controlled, and producers can take steps to reduce the risk of scrapie occurring on their farm. Some basic biosecurity practices that can help manage disease risk are animal ID and record keeping (traceability), separating females during the lambing or kidding season, maintaining clean birthing environments including safely disposing of birthing materials and bedding and disinfecting equipment and premises, and avoid using equipment on multiple animals. Basics of disease risk management programs, like those for scrapie, include limiting acquisitions of animals to minimize the risk of introducing scrapie from another farm. Consider limiting the purchase of replacement animals to those from a flock or herd undertaking disease risk control measures (like those enrolled on the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program) and avoid sourcing animals of unknown disease status. Scrapie testing is another important component to disease control. In the case of scrapie, deadstock testing is
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encouraged for animals over 12 months of age that have died or been killed on farm. There are a number of labs in Canada that can conduct scrapie tests and a list of these labs can be found on our website: www. scrapiecanada.ca, or samples can be submitted at your district CFIA office for testing under the national surveillance program. The genetic make-up of sheep affects their susceptibility to classical scrapie, where animals with specific genotypes show greater resistance to developing the disease. Scrapie resistant sheep can be used in a breeding program to pass on resistance to their progeny which will, over time, reduce the risk of a flock developing the disease. For example, the use of a 171RR genotype ram will both generate scrapie resistant offspring as well as prevent the shedding of abnormal prion at lambing, even from any scrapie-infected ewes. For more information on breeding for scrapie resistance, visit: www. scrapiecanada.ca. The Canadian Sheep Federation administers the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (VSFCP) as part of the National TSE Eradication Plan. The VSFCP is a scrapie risk management program for Canadian sheep and goat producers, designed to help enrolled producers reduce the risk of developing scrapie in their flocks and herds. Additional program benefits include increased trade opportunities both within Canada and beyond, and program participation allows for increased opportunities to import live animals
from the United States. Over a number of years of program participation, enrolled producers can have their flock or herd recognized as being at a much lower risk for scrapie than other flocks or herds that are not certified under the program. To help defray the cost of participation, the VSFCP offers various reimbursements to producers for activities required by the program. For more information about the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program please visit our website at: www.scrapiecanada.ca or give us a call at 866-534-1302. There are a number of scrapie programs ongoing in Canada that work on different and separate levels to help protect our domestic sheep and goat populations from this devastating disease. The CFIA carries out scrapie investigations under the Health of Animals Act, targeting positively identified cases of scrapie and working to eliminate the disease from known potential sources. National surveillance should NOT be confused with industry scrapie initiatives like the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Programs like the VSFCP are designed by sheep and goat producer groups to help enrolled producers reduce and manage the risk of developing scrapie on their farms. The actions, authorities, and measures taken by various programs are very different…and work independent of each other. The one commonality between initiatives is the goal of eliminating scrapie from Canada in the interest of the industry as a whole. For more information please contact Scrapie Canada at admin@scrapiecanada.ca or by calling 1-866-534-1302. You can also visit the website, www.scrapiecanada.ca OSN Funding for the National TSE Eradication Plan is provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) Agricultural Flexibility Fund, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Opinions expressed in this document are those of the Canadian Sheep Federation and not necessarily those of AAFC or the CFIA.
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Collaborating by Communicating Susan Fitzgerald
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he Canadian lamb industry only fills 43% of the domestic demand for lamb, demand that continues to grow. Over the last two years, the demand for lamb in Canada has increased by 10%. However, per capita consumption has decreased each year since 2007 primarily due to insufficient supply According to the 2005 Canadian Food Trends to 2020 study, lamb consumption is predicted to increase by 40% by the year 2020. With the current consumer trend toward “buying local”, this appears to be a huge opportunity that is being missed by Ontario lamb producers and all other members of the lamb supply chain. As a result, a committee was formed to identify the business and production challenges that are hindering the Ontario lamb sector (from farm through to retail) from being as successful as we believe it could be in terms of size, viability and competitiveness. This committee includes: Murray Hunt, Jim Wheeler, Anita O’Brien, Christoph Wand, Dave Bender, Rex Crawford, Ron Campbell and Ruth Gilmour. A broad cross section of the lamb industry was invited to attend a meeting on April 19, 2012 to discuss the future of the Ontario lamb industry. As a result of this industry meeting several key themes were identified: 1. Market Information and Projections There is a need for statistics and projections relating to World, Canadian and Ontario lamb production, consumption, imports and exports. This includes information on ethnic markets and the diverse segmentation within those markets. An essential starting point for any industry undergoing change, whether positive or negative, is an understanding of its strengths and weaknesses relative to its key competitors. In general, lamb supply stakeholders are looking for market intelligence which will help them to recognize and react better to opportunities as they arise (ability to make informed long-term production decisions). 2. Lamb Quality and Promotion There were a lot of comments related to carcass quality, paying producers based on defined carcass characteristics, and making a connection between consumer preferences and production practices. Essentially, the industry is looking to enhance the image of Ontario lamb with consumers so that is becomes the product of choice, e.g. quality, consistency, uniqueness (what sets Ontario lamb apart), ability to identify Ontario lamb from lamb produced elsewhere. This can be done by defining the characteristics preferred
by consumers, which will be different depending on the particular market segment targeted, and then paying producers to provide those characteristics. This could mean a premium for meeting specifications or, alternatively, discounts for substandard carcasses. 3. Financial Knowledge and Confidence Cost reduction and supply security were recurrent priorities. While producers are currently experiencing strong prices for live lamb, they are still wary of the market’s stability. Concurrently, processors appear to be struggling with slim margins and plant inefficiencies. Service suppliers also noted lack of profitability. A need to benchmark industry production and management processes to assure best practice was noted and the lack of business management skills was a repeated comment. This was usually in reference to producers. There was strong support from attendees at the meeting to avoid increasing, and preferably decrease, the regulatory burden on agribusinesses to ensure market responsiveness and production flexibility. 4. Production Issues, Education and Training There was a general consensus from the attendees at the industry meeting and in the feedback received via the surveys that the focus of outreach activities should be commercial producers and those who wish to expand with a commercial focus in mind. Fostering a learning culture for innovation and building cooperation were common themes. While most of these comments were referencing producers, they could just as easily apply to the service and processing sectors. In summary, the feedback received from Ontario lamb supply chain stakeholders suggests they are looking for direction on and support for: • adopting a global lamb market orientation while targeting Ontario-specific opportunities; • developing improved marketing capabilities so that the Ontario lamb industry becomes market-led rather than production-driven; • fostering and disseminating information on technical/ production developments and innovations; and, • encouraging collaboration amongst stakeholders to improve competitiveness. The OSMA Board will be using this feedback to set new strategic directions. A full report is being written and will be available to producers soon. OSN Source: This article was summarized from a report written by Susan Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald and Co. She can be contacted at Susan.tfio@sympatico.ca “Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.”
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The Facts on the Bobolink and Eastern Meadowlark Designation as Species at Risk Gerald Rollins, Ontario Cattlemen’s Association
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he Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has recognized the role agriculture plays in providing habitat for bobolink and eastern meadowlark, and the conflict this causes between habitat conservancy efforts and normal farming practices. In recognition of the need to balance the protection of these birds with the interests of Ontario farmers, the Ontario government has granted producers a three-year exemption to current bobolink species and habitat protection provisions under the Endangered Species Act until October 31, 2014 and has proposed that the eastern meadowlark be added to this exemption. This exemption is in place for agricultural operations ONLY. The successful recovery of bobolink and eastern meadowlark will require the support and participation of the agricultural community. This exemption will allow farmers to continue their current agricultural practices without fear of liability (for 3 years). You will NOT be fined or charged for cutting your hay and accidentally killing or damaging a bobolink or an eastern meadowlark or their nest. The Ontario government has created a Bobolink Round Table Advisory Group to provide advice and recommendations on how to best develop a long-term plan and recovery strategy that recognizes the needs and concerns of all stakeholders. The purpose of this advisory group is to seek collaborative, win-win solutions to balance the needs of agriculture and grassland bird conservation before the exemption expires. This advisory group is comprised of agricultural associations, biologists, nature groups, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and MNR and is co-chaired by the former Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) President, Bette
Jean Crews and Jon McCracken from Bird Studies Canada. Gerald Rollins (OCA Director) sits on this advisory group for the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association. OCA is concerned about the lack of detail outlining options for stewardship programs and compliance incentives to be tied with this exemption. Grassland agriculture, particularly the province’s cow-calf sector, plays a critical role in providing habitat for bobolink and eastern meadowlark. Bobolink The advisory group is currently investigating ways to conserve these grassland species without delaying or creating a negative impact on agricultural commerce, particularly haying. We are confident that a mutually beneficial solution will be reached. Both MNR and OMAFRA are well aware of the importance of agriculture to the sustainability of these birds. You can’t sustain Eastern Meadowlark bobolink and eastern meadowlark without grassland agriculture, which is why the province has enlisted our input on this issue. OSN
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The Key to Top Pasture Performance
Jack Kyle, OMAFRA Grazier Specialist, Lindsay
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he pasture season is in full swing as you read this article. Commodity prices are at some of the highest levels we have seen, it is important to realize the full opportunity for your livestock enterprise in these times. What steps have you taken to maximize your pasture returns for this year? Pasture is the lowest cost feed source available, and the opportunity for improved production is significant on most farms. Pasture performance will be significantly increased with a good rotational system and attention to detail on both the forage and livestock management. A well managed pasture will be very competitive with any other crop use that you might consider for that land base. Promoting good grass growth is the most important part of a successful grazing program. There are many other components to a successful grazing program but improved grass growth is critical to get the most livestock production from the pasture. If you manage the grass on your farm to get maximum growth and then optimize the harvest of this growth, you will achieve significant results. Well managed rotationally grazed pastures will produce 25-35% more forage than a continuously grazed pasture. With any annual crop we take great steps to get optimum growth and plant development. We select varieties, fertilize to crop needs and control pests. Harvest should not happen until the crop has reached the ideal harvest stage. How species are managed is as important as what species are present in the pasture. Species differ somewhat in their growth habits, but all species can provide both good quality and quantity of forage. Manage your pastures to the advantage of the species present. Grasses should be grazed when the third leaf is fully emerged. This will be a different calendar date for orchard grass (early) versus brome grasses (late).
The key steps to maximize both forage and livestock production is to manage the forage for optimum growth and optimum bite size for the animals grazing. The optimum harvest time for grasses is after the third leaf has emerged and before the seed head has emerged. To get optimum growth from the forage plants they need to be in a rapid growth state for as much of the growing season as possible. Maintaining a grazing forage height between 10 cm (4 inches) and 30 cm (12 inches) will allow the plants to maintain good growth and capture all the available sunlight to drive the photosynthesis. This plant height will also maintain a substantial root system 22
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that will be able to gather water and nutrients throughout the summer and minimize a summer dormancy period should we get into hot dry weather. To maintain this level of forage growth the pasture manager needs to move livestock to fresh grass every couple of days. Re-growth will take about 25 – 40+ days depending on the season. If the recovery period is 40 days and you are moving every 2 days then you will need 21 paddocks to allow for adequate recovery time between grazings. If too much pasture is offered at a time then selective grazing will take place and the less desirable plants will not be grazed and become mature. After a plant is grazed it needs time to rest and re-grow, this is the key point of pasture management - rest and recovery. From an animal management standpoint maximizing bite size is the key to good productivity. Sheep bite at a rather constant rate for about 10 hours each day. The variable that you can control is the size of the bite. By providing pasture that is the optimum size for the animal to bite (10-30 cm) you will have taken the first big step to maximize intake. The second step is to have fresh forage on offer at all times. Livestock are not going to eat forage that has been laid on or fouled with manure or urine. The longer the animals are in a given paddock the greater the percentage of forage in that paddock that is going to be unpalatable because of what has been done to it, thus the importance of frequent moves to fresh pasture. Fencing is the tool that will allow you to manage your livestock to provide re-growth time for the grass and manage the quality and quantity of forage available for your livestock. Temporary or semi- permanent double wire electric fence will allow you to control your livestock to achieve improved pasture performance from both the forage and the livestock. Moving livestock to fresh pasture every 1-2 days will optimize plant growth by allowing the plants adequate rest and recovery time, (it takes 15-20 days to recover from grazing in the early part of the season and 30-45+ days in late summer). These same 1-2 day moves will encourage optimum bite size by the livestock – readily available fresh forage. This combination of readily available forage will give maximum forage production and maximum animal performance. By applying these two principals to your pasture system you will make pasture a profitable part of your farm operation. Jack Kyle can be contacted at: Jack.kyle@ontario.ca OSN
A Helpful New Resource for Sheep Producers: Rotational Grazing in Extensive Pastures
R
otational Grazing in Extensive Pastures highlights and reviews the practices and principals of a managed rotational grazing system. The management principles for pasture are very similar whether it is a very productive pasture on class 1 land or if it is a more extensive pasture that is not as productive due to soil limitations. Although the focus of this publication is on beef production, sheep producers will find that most of the ideas presented will help them improve their pasture management practices and increase productivity.
This resource can be found on the OSMA website as well as on the Ontario Soil and Crop Association website at www. ontariosoilcrop.org by going to the Resources tab and then clicking on the Publications tab. OSN
Gidgets and Gizmos
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ften on our farms we have unique inventions which help solve everyday problems or make our chores easier.
Mineral Feeder
StoneyBrook Farm Keep your mineral dry and contained. One piece of 4 inch sewer pipe, three feet long, glue a 4 inch “Y” pipe to the bottom and glue a 4 inch cap on the bottom of the “Y” pipe. Fill the feeder with mineral or loose salt and place a 4 inch cap (do not glue) on the top to protect from the elements, birds, etc. Secure with wire, aluminum ties or metal ties. If you have a gidget or gizmo that you want to showcase—please send a picture or two and include your name, farm name, name of your creation and a brief description. You can either: Email to: jcraig@ontariosheep.org
Mail to: Ontario Sheep Attn: Jillian 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1
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*OSMA does not endorse any Gidgets and Gizmos presented, these are merely producer ideas and inventions. Use at your own risk. *All pictures become property of OSMA; credit will be given when possible. OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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Attention all Wool and Dairy Producers!
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SMA will be adding a section to the www.ontariosheep.org website which will help consumers locate wool and dairy products. If you market from the farm gate or at farmers’ markets please take advantage of this opportunity to promote your products. Anything from wool blankets, mitts, clothing or sheep cheese, yoghurt, ice cream... can be included.
If you are interested in having your business featured please send in the following information: your farm or business name, your name, logo, two sentences about your business, link to your website and your contact information. Producers who market lamb at the farm gate or at farmers’ markets should go to the lamb locator on the OSMA website to add your business. This information should be sent to rmarcy@ontariosheep.org or call 519-836-0043. We will also be including businesses that sell lamb in the very near future using this same format.
Sample Ad Bo Peep Wool Shop, Little Bo Peep.
Come to our wool shop to buy unique items including knit sneakers, wool blankets and much more. Something for everyone! Please contact www.bopeepwoolshop.ca for a complete product line.
*This is a sample ad only, not a real site or shop. OSN
New Awards The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency is pleased to announce the development of two new awards that will be presented annually. They are the Ontario Shepherd Award and the Long Service Award. The first of these (Ontario Shepherd Award) will be presented to one Ontario Shepherd annually who exemplifies the values of leadership and responsible sheep husbandry. The award will recognize significant contributions to the advancement of Ontario’s sheep industry. The Long Service Award will be presented to one or two individuals annually who have been involved in the sheep industry for a lengthy period of time. The individuals chosen for the award will be honoured during the OSMA AGM Banquet. Nomination forms and criteria will be available from the OSMA office and on the OSMA Website by the end of June 2012. Stay tuned for more information! 24
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We call it a BaaApp Coming Soon! A New Market App Philip Kirkbride By September we hope to have a new App for producers when wanting to access the latest market information. Producers will be able to access on our new phone BaaApp any of the Ontario Auction Markets sales information over the last four weeks. They will also be able to access info on any weight category. Here is a snapshot of the four screens that will be available. More info to follow in our September issue of Sheep News. OSN
New Premises ID Registration Company
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s of April 1, 2012 OnTrace will no longer be the official Ontario Premises Registrar for agriculture and food parcels of land in the province. Beginning on that date, registrations will be processed by a private, forprofit firm. Angus GeoSolutions Inc. (AGSI) was selected by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to develop, implement, operate and expand the new Provincial Premises Registry (PPR), the official registry for obtaining an Ontario Premises Identification Number.
Photo: Cat Laxton, Marley Hill Farm
The new PPR is officially available March 30, 2012 at www. ontarioppr.com. Agri-food business owners and operators can register their premises securely online, easily and for free. Registrations are also available by calling the toll free number: 1-855-MY PPR ID (1-855-697-7743). The website and call centre services are available in English and French. Each premises needs to be registered only once. If your premises has already been registered with OnTrace, that Premises ID is still valid and there is no need to register again. However, changes to existing premises should be registered so that Premises IDs can be updated. For example, land sold or a change in agri-food activity would need to be updated in the PPR. OSN
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Where do you buy your Rams? Jillian Craig
W
hen looking to purchase a new ram keep in mind that he is an investment. Your ram makes up half of your flock so you should be spending more money for one that is healthy, performance tested and structurally sound. Three well-known producers have provided their input below.
Meet the Shepherds Colleen Acres and her husband, Dwayne Bazinet, own and operate Maple Meadow Farms in Osgoode, Ontario. For more than three quarters of a century Maple Meadow Farms has been breeding quality sheep, producing superior seed stock for the commercial and purebred industry. They currently have 450 breeding ewes. Purebreds consist of Hampshires, Suffolks, Rideau Arcotts and Polled Dorsets. The majority of the flock consists of commercial ewes of various crosses of these breeds. Gary Brien is a third generation sheep producer and has been involved with purebred sheep and cash crop farming all of his life. He farms in Ridgetown, Ontario and has worked full time on the farm for the past three years. The farm maintains a flock of 50 Polled Dorsets as well as 30 Texel ewes. The majority of ewe lambs are marketed as purebreds and the top 20% of rams are sold to commercial breeders as yearlings. Gary worked off the farm as a livestock research technician for University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus for 26 years. The majority of the work was on feed stuffs and animal nutrition. He was also an instructor of the experiential sheep management course at Ridgetown Campus as well as working with students in the Veterinary Technology course and sheep management.
Ted and Joanne Skinner own and operate Cedar Creek Charollais which is located in Bowmanville, Ontario. They currently have 75 purebred Charollais ewes, 20 purebred Rideau Ewes and 30 F1 Rideau Dorset Cross. The main purpose is to sell purebred Charollais rams to commercial flocks in order to improve carcass quality. 26
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1. W hat should be the top five criteria for a commercial producer when buying a ram?
One of Colleen’s Hampshire rams.
Colleen Acres: • Know your goals and needs. Is the ram for market lambs, or to keep replacement ewes or both? How many ewes will be bred, so how many rams are needed? What age and size are the ewes, which determines what breed and size of ram to use. • Limit your risks by aiming for a scrapie genotype of QR or RR. Know the health status of the farm, know the vaccination and deworming schedule and products used on the animals you purchase, isolate new introductions to your farm. • What do I want to improve in my flock? Understand that by using performance information you will reach these goals. Whether it is stronger maternal traits or quicker growing/ finishing lambs, understanding EPDs / Genovis reports and using the data to make smart selections will help you make the improvements you want/need Gary Brien: • Buy from a reputable breeder that will stand behind his product. NEVER BUY OUT OF A SALE BARN! There is a reason that it is there. • Pick a ram that suits what you are looking for. If you just want to raise meat lambs; buy a ram of a different breed than your ewes. Heterosis works! If you are buying a ram to raise replacement females, remember that the ram’s genetics make up 50% of the lamb’s genetics, but 80% of a flock’s genetic improvement comes from the ram. • Buy a ram that is an improver not just a multiplier. This is money well spent. • Pick a ram that passes your three “S” test. • If you are going to turn a ram in with over 15 ewes, buy a yearling ram or older. Ted and Joanne: • The ram should be a performance tested terminal sire in order to not only produce the best meat quality but also to get top price at the market. Terminal sire offspring tend to grow faster which will cut down on feed costs. • Always purchase from a farm with a good health program. • If purchasing from a breeder, the ram should be screened from the top rams with the highest performance levels in the flock. • The ram should have good physical qualities ex. Teeth, testicles, legs, & body confirmation. • When weighing up the cost, always remember your ram will have the most influence on the future generations of your flock.
2. What do you look for when purchasing a ram? Colleen Acres: We have used both AI and live rams. Important to us is performance information, scrapie genotype of QR or RR and strong emphasis on breed type and conformation. Health status of the flock is also a strong point of consideration. Gary Brien: When purchasing a ram we follow the three “S” test. STRUCTURE: Natural thickness as well as lots of mass. In order to achieve this they have to have width in the chest floor and a good spring of rib. They also must have long deep loin and long level rumps with good tail sets. Sheep have to have these traits to be good converters of grain and roughages. As prices increase for feedstuffs this becomes most important. SOUNDNESS: They must be sound both structurally and reproductively. Feet, legs and pasterns in addition to having a sound mouth are equally important to overall soundness. Rams also have to be sound reproductively, i.e. two ample sized testicles that hang away from the body but are not pendulous. SIZE: When we talk about size everyone thinks height, when really we should think volume or mass. We try to pick middle of the road sires that will help increase the amount of mass our sheep have. Rams that we select must also represent the breed characteristics of their breed.
“...the ram’s genetics make up 50% of the lamb’s genetics, but 80% of a flock’s genetic improvement comes from the ram” ~ Gary Brien Ted and Joanne: When sourcing new stud rams we look to improve those traits that we feel need improvement. By using programs such as GenOvis & EweByte we measure growth rates & loins for selection of Charollais sires. Maternal traits as well as growth rates are important for the selection of Rideau and Dorset sires. Performance measurements are a great tool but the ram must be physically correct and in good health.
3. What health programs do you follow on your farm?
This Charollais ram lamb was conceived in England in Mar/1995 and frozen as an embryo. Sixteen years later Oct/2011 the embryo was thawed and put into a recipient ewe at Cedar Creek Charollais (Ted and Joanne Skinner). On Mar 17/2012, CC35Z was born weighing 6.1 kg. His 50 day adj wt was 28.4 kg”
Ted and Joanne: We are enrolled in the Maedi Visna program and have achieved “A” status since 2004. We have scrapie genotyped all of our stud rams. No one enters our barns without wearing plastic boots. By trying to eliminate some diseases from our flock we know we can sell our customers a better product (breeding stock).
4. D o you have a closed flock? Please comment on why or why not. Colleen Acres: Only rams meeting our high health status requirements are brought onto the farm. New entries are kept in an isolation area for a 4 week minimum. Gary Brien: We are not a closed flock because all of the flocks we sell into are not closed. I am not convinced that this is a long term solution to disease management. Sheep raised in a closed environment can be more prone to catch all the diseases in the flock they were introduced to. A prime example of this is introducing OLIBS lambs into flocks that have soremouth. Good nutrition, good barn hygiene and ventilation and a healthy immune system with normal exposure to diseases may provide a long term alternative to closed flocks.
Colleen Acres: We are enrolled in the Ontario Sheep Health Program. Our farm has a monitored flock for Maedi Visna and provides scrapie genotype results for rams that we sell. The farm practices strict biosecurity protocols.
Ted and Joanne: Yes we are a closed flock, any animal that leaves the farm cannot return. It eliminates one way of introducing a potential health issue. We produce all of our own females. Most of our rams have come from AI or embryo. When purchasing a ram from another flock they must have the same health status as ours or better.
Gary Brien: We scrapie genotype all the rams that we sell, and do try to make sure that they carry at least one “R” in their makeup.
Thank you to the panel of producers who provided their insight on this topic. OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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CURRENT PRODUCERS ON THE GENOVIS PROGRAM Colleen Acres Maple Meadow Farms • 613-826-2330 Bill & Lynne Duffield Codan Suffolks • 519-899-2663 William Mactaggart Mactaggart Suffolks • 519-824-3878 Lloyd Skinner • Spring Hill Farm • 905-263-8167 Robert & Shirley Graves Century Lane Farm • 613-831-2656 Michael Huffman St. Benedicts Acres • 613-756-9016 Muriel Burnett • Burndale Farm • 705-887-6512 Philip & Elizabeth Smith Breezy Ridge Farm • 905-478-4280 Robert & Gail Irvine Rocky Lane Farm • 705-292-7207 Ted Skinner • Cedar Creek Charollais • 905-263-2102 Bill McCutcheon Mulmur Vista Farm • 519-928-9626 John & Eadie Steele John & Eadie Steele • 705-696-1491 Francis Winger • Francis Winger • 519-323-3531 Peter Hyams • Somerset Farm • 613-473-5244 David & Anne Hartley • Hartley Farm • 519-369-2438 Greg Stubbings Gilmer-Stubbings Farm • 613-774-4563 Pamela Shepherd Thunder Hill Farm • 905-986-1874 Tina Harrington • Stonehill Sheep • 519-794-3732 Ted Brown • Brown Woolies • 905-877-2323 Tim & Laurel Farquhar • 519-665-7813 Donna Aziz • Roly Poly Farms • 905-852-9252 Chris Kennedy • Topsy Farms Ltd. • 613-389-0554 Ross & Clementine Savasi J & J Farms • 705-652-7477 Matt Swart • Generation Farms • 519-887-6317 Michelle Woodhead Emily Ridge Farm • 705-793-2241 Bruce & Dawn MacKinnon • 519-878-7707
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CURRENT PRODUCERS ON MAEDI-VISNA PRODUCER NAME Robert & Gail Irvine Joanne T Ted Skinner Robert & Shirley Graves Heather & Robert Kelly John & Eadie Steele Glen & Sharon Duff Neil & Heidi Bouman Axel Meister William MacTaggart Gordon Walker Garry & Beth Collins Tina Harrington Gerald & Joanne Hunter Bethane Jensen Francis & Elaine Winger Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Ted Brown Gary Lapier Karen Hayward William Jeffrey Harry & Eleanor Pietersma Emmerson & Lisa Turney Cory & Jennifer Beitz Kevin McComb Shelagh Finn Ryan Schill
FARM NAME Rocky Lane Farm Cedar Creek Charollais Century Lane Farm Greenwood Farm Duff Farms Wooldrift Farm MacTaggart Suffolk Orchardview Farm Collins Horned Dorsets Stonehill Sheep Hunterdown Farm Shepherd’s Fold Cedar Ridge Farm Brown Woolies Farm Rocky Hyland Farm Trillium Woods Sheep Elysian Fields Wo-Nikk-El Heights Beitz View Acres Lamb Lady Farm Circle R. Livestock Ltd.
TELEPHONE 705-292-7207 905-263-2102 613-831-2656 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 613-283-7565 519-887-9948 519-323-3531 519-371-7314 905-877-2323 613-989-2792 519-371-8487 519-234-6872 613-652-2044 519-848-6877 519-367-2589 519-348-8331 647-932-7102 519-669-4146
CURRENT PRODUCERS ON ONTARIO SHEEP HEALTH PROGRAM PRODUCER NAME Bill & Lyne Duffield Robert & Gail Irvine Francis & Elaine Winger John & Eadie Steele Colleen Acres Darry & Rachel Stoltz Anne Dockendorff Wietza & Leny Raven Shelagh Finn
FARM NAME Codan Suffolks Rocky Lane Farm Maple Meadow Farms Excel Ewe Genetics Silver Rapids Farm Green Hill Farm Lamb Lady Farm
TELEPHONE 519-899-2663 705-292-7207 519-323-3531 705-696-1491 613-826-2581 519-887-8216 705-724-9183 519-928-2705 647-932-7102
SHEEP PRODUCERS ON THE SCRAPIE PROGRAM PRODUCER NAME Axel Meister Bill & Lynne Duffield Francis & Elaine Winger Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Peter Carrie & Susan McDonough Glen & Judy Porteous/Paul Dick & Tina Harrington Jorn Steunebrink Roger & Julie Harley Robert & Shirley Graves & Sons Joshua & Melissa Groves Chris Wiltshire Karen & Jim Hayward Robert & Laurie I’Anson Jaime Neeb Bridget Misener Mark Comfort Shelagh Finn Krista Harrington Dan Lane
FARM NAME Wooldrift Farm, Markdale, Ontario Codan Suffolks, Wyoming, Ontario Mount Forest, Ontario Cedar Ridge Farm, Owen Sound, Ontario Smokey Creek Farm, Arthur, Ontario Chatsworth, Ontario Zurich, Ontario Keene, Ontario Century Lane Farms, Stittsville, Ontario VanGro Farms, Brantford, Ontario Eternal Impressions, Bath, Ontario Trillium Woods Sheep, Shallow Lake, Ontario St. Catherines, Ontario Wellesley, Ontario Oak Glen Farm, Holstein, Ontario Comfort & Standring, Ingleside, Ontario Lamb Lady Farm, Palgrave, Ontario Harrington Lane Farm Ltd., Campbellville, Ontario Flock Ewe Meats Inc., Campbellville, Ontario
2011 Genetics Survey Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist, OMAFRA, Elora
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n 2011, a genetics survey was done to gather information for the research project “Genetic evaluation and selection tools for profitability improvement in Canadian sheep production” underway at the University of Guelph with funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and the Centre D’expertise en Production Ovine du Quebec. The response to the survey was excellent with a total of 375 surveys completed. 78 GenOvis participant surveys and 297 industry surveys were filled out. The average flock size of those participating was 208 ewes with representation from 9 different provinces. In general the survey illustrated that there are still many different production systems and breeds of sheep being used across Canada. A few important highlights are: • 83% of general industry respondents are interested in buying performance tested animals provided they are the breed they use and tested for traits that are important on their farm.
• 61% of GenOvis respondents are satisfied with the current indexes. Thank you very much to all those producers who filled out the survey and provided feedback and many valuable comments. The summary of the survey results can Photo credit: Bergerie de l’estrie be viewed on the Canadian Sheep Breeders website at the following link: http://sheepbreeders.ca/pdf/2011-GeneticsSurveyResultsFinal-EN.pdf or contact Delma Kennedy, delma.kennedy@ ontario.ca for a copy. OSN
• 62% of all respondents have an annual production system • 61% of all respondents use pasture and confinement. • 56% of all respondents say the main objective of their flock is to produce market lambs. • 41% of all respondents sell market lambs live with many selling lambs graded, direct as cuts or direct as freezer lambs or some combination of these. • The top three breeds represented across all respondents are: Dorset, Rideau and Suffolk sheep. • 56% of general industry respondents buy performance tested animals. • 83% of general industry respondents would use a performance tested ram finding website. • 81% of GenOvis respondents would prefer standard indexes rather than customizable indexes.
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Extension Program Promotes Healthy Sheep and Goats
Controlling parasites essential for growing Ontario industry Andrew Vowles
“S
ick sheep seldom survive” sounds like a tonguetwister. But managing flocks threatened by parasites is no parlour game for Ontario producers of sheep and goats. Helping farmers keep food animals healthy and promoting sustainable ways to combat parasitic diseases are the goals of a new veterinary extension program co-organized by Prof. Paula Menzies, Population Medicine. Under the outreach program launched this past winter, she and other experts from on and off campus have taken a parasite management message to sheep- and goat-producing regions of rural Ontario. During daylong workshops, the team has spoken to a total of about 150 producers and veterinarians in Floradale, Napanee and New Liskeard. “It’s really important that we work with both veterinarians and producers to educate them regarding controlling these important disease agents,” says Menzies, who co-ordinates small ruminant research and belongs to a ruminant health management group on campus.
The sessions focus on managing infection from gastrointestinal (GI) roundworms that can cause anemia, diarrhea, weight loss and even death in sheep flocks and goat herds. The goal is to help farmers stem production losses and reduce prevention and treatment costs. The outreach sessions stress management ideas that also mesh with organic farming practices, including managing pasture contamination, monitoring for parasites and selective use of deworming remedies to prevent worms from developing resistance to treatment.
Mar-Weld Inc. Basket Feeders for Sheep - SHB
F Hoop spacing 7-1/4” F 1-1/4” square tube frame F 1-1/2” x 1/4” flat hoops F Stackable F For round bales up to 5’ x 5’ F Also available with pan underneath to feed grain and catch leaves
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.
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Menzies says research shows parasites on some Ontario sheep farms are resistant to dewormers. “We need to give veterinarians and producers the tools to control gastrointestinal parasites so that they do not harm the livestock and yet minimize the need to use drugs.” Besides contributing to the province’s agricultural economy, she says, sheep and goat production is integral to the sustainability of the rural agricultural community. Traditionally, these animals provide wool, meat and milk on the farm. Although not a major livestock sector in Canada, sheep and goat farms are increasing in Ontario in number as well as in products (lamb, cheeses from goat and sheep milk, specialty fibres). “We only need to look at the changing ethnic mix immigrating to Ontario,” says Menzies. “A lot of people are coming from countries where it’s more common to eat lamb or drink goat’s milk than to eat beef or drink cow’s milk.”
Menzies works with pathobiology professor Andrew Peregrine; PhD student Laura Falzon, Population Medicine; and Jocelyn Jansen and Anita O’Brien, small-ruminant specialists with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Also on the team are commodity groups and industry partners. The program is funded by the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program run by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada. The group plans to survey producers and veterinarians to see how the outreach program has improved parasite control. “Training is one thing; uptake is another,” says Menzies. More effective control measures are especially important for sheep. Referring to that tongue-twisting mantra about diseased animals, she says: “Sheep work hard not to let you know they are sick, so it’s our job to watch them closely. Hiding how sick they are is part of their survival technique: don’t let the predators know you are weak.” She adds: “The value of an individual animal doesn’t often merit a lot of individual treatment. More important is to keep the entire flock healthy. Can we stop the group from getting sick?”
Even goats are more vulnerable than suggested by myths of cast-iron stomachs. Yes, the creatures are intensely personable and curious, but they don’t actually eat everything in sight. Besides being picky eaters, they differ from sheep and require extra protection from parasitic diseases. Along with three other faculty members and OVC’s staff veterinarian, Menzies belongs to U of G’s Ruminant Field Service. That practice tends cows, sheep and goats on area farms; DVM students accompany practitioners during their final-year curriculum. The outreach program for sheep and goat producers stems from a three-year research project headed by Peregrine, Menzies and population medicine professor Andria Jones on control of GI parasites in sheep; they’ve written a parasite control handbook. The Guelph group belongs to the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada (OACC), formed in 2001 to support organic farmers. OACC also includes other researchers at Guelph – and at U of G’s Alfred and Kemptville campuses – who study other aspects of organic production. OSN Source: http://atguelph.uoguelph.ca/2012/05/extension-program-promoteshealthy-sheep-and-goats/ posted on May 16, 2012
Religious & Ethnic Holidays and Demand for Lamb and Goat Meat 2012 Religious Holidays
Meat
Start of Ramadan Month of Fasting July 20
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).
Eid ul Fitr Festival of Fast Breaking August 19
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.
Rosh Hashana September 17 - 18
Jewish Holiday
• Forequarters from weaned lambs 60-110 lbs are wanted.
Dasara / Navaratri October 24
Hindu Holiday
• Females are not usually acceptable for this holiday. • The size of the carcass varies.
Eid ul-Adha Festival of Sacrifice October 25
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.
Muharram /Islamic New Year November 15
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.
Chanukkah December 9 - 16
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.
Christmas December 25
Christian Holiday
• Milk fed lambs are preferred
For more information and dates on Ethnic Holidays please visit www.ontariosheep.org OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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The Ontario Predation Project Continues... Kaiti Nixon, M.Sc. Candidate, Trent University
The Ontario Predation Project is a collaborative project between OSMA, Trent University and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. We are researching different aspects of predation on Ontario sheep farms through partnerships with volunteer producers across the province.
M
aybe you knew this already, but sheep producers are a varied group of people. And their farms are equally diverse! As I am learning, this fact makes it really hard to “classify” any particular farm. But variety is the spice of life, and working with this unique group continues to be a great experience. Each farmer (and farm) brings a new perspective and history of experiences, all of which is helping guide our research. Over the last few months the project has changed in response to feedback from producers, and so I would like to tell you about what is happening this summer. In December we mailed out a survey in the Sheep News, asking for information about your farms and predation
experiences. In the March issue, I wrote about the initial survey results. We had responses for flocks from 4 to 1500 ewes, 6 months to several generations of farming sheep, and farms that ranged from 5 to 5000 acres. In total, we collected 181 surveys from across Ontario. I have included a map of the respondents to show that despite the small sample size we did succeed in getting a nicely dispersed response (Image 1). Additionally, this map shows which respondents indicated they had lost sheep to coyotes in 2011 (red circles). Thirty percent of respondents reported losses to coyotes, and these were quite evenly distributed across the province. This summer, we will be completing the bulk of our data collection. There are two main projects on the go – one is to collect more detailed landscape information and the other to evaluate several non-lethal prevention devices. Essentially we are looking at two different aspects of predation: what may be bringing coyotes to your farm, and what you can do to help keep them away.
Image 1. This map shows the distribution of survey respondents across the Southern part of the Province (there were no respondents from the Northern area). Red circles indicate that at least one lamb or sheep was lost in 2011, yellow triangles indicate that no animals were lost in 2011. Sheep flock figures adapted from OMAFRA Statistics: Livestock by County http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/ english/stats/livestock/index.html
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The landscape data collection will happen in two ways. The first is for me to visit a farm, travel the fencerows and through the pastures, measure the vegetation type and density, and chat with the producer about where the sheep are throughout the season and year. The second uses aerial photographs, and I have included a sample here (Image 2). This randomly selected area shows how you can clearly see things like fencerows and roads. This photograph is also geo-referenced – meaning that any point in the photograph has an accurate latitude and longitude –
which allows us to get reasonably precise measurements of distance among features. For example, we can measure the average distance from a pasture to roads, buildings, even neighbouring towns, and see if there are any relationships with the level of predation on the farm. This might make you think about my earlier comment on diversity among farms, and how different management practices can affect predation. In the survey, we collected information about a suite of farm characteristics, and are using these to “describe” one farm in comparison to the other. A purebred flock of 20 ewes is likely going to live a different lifestyle than a mixed breed flock of 500 ewes, and if we know what the differences are, we can account for them statistically in the analysis.
Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario Annual Show & Sale Carsons Sales Arena - Listowel, Ontario
Saturday, July 7, 2012 Show 10:00am • Sale 1:00pm
Offering Top Quality Purebred Genetics and a fine selection of Commercial ewes! Promoting Ontario Genetics for Nearly 20 Years Jim Driscoll, President Irwin Jackson, Treasurer/Contact
(519) 638-5703 (519) 856-4490
www.psbo.ca • psbo@live.com • PSBO-Facebook
Image 2. This sample of an aerial photograph shows how we can view and identify landscape objects on a large scale. The yellow represents (what will be) field notes and a more accurate measurement will be made using geographic positioning data. This photo was chosen at random, and the notes made are fictitious. Aerial photograph provided by Groupe Alta and property of Geomatique EMCO, Inc.
During the prevention device trials, volunteer producers will try three different deterrents on their farm over the summer. We are trying to answer two questions. The first is how effective are these devices at deterring coyotes in different landscapes. To answer that, we are recruiting farms that have had regular losses to coyotes and we will monitor losses with and without the devices this year. The second question asks if the effectiveness changes depending on the time of year - are coyotes easier to deter earlier in the season than later in the fall? We know that their life cycle means that pups are weaning now through July, and in August and September they will be starting out hunting with the parents. To answer that question, we are evaluating the devices in groups at 3 different times in the season. This trial will give
feedback that accounts for different management practices, which can help someone make a decision based on their own unique situation before spending more on prevention. Parts of this project have proven to be somewhat challenging, partly because farms are very different, and partly because farmers are very busy. If you know of someone who might be interested in predation research, or this is the first you are reading of this project, please contact me as we still have areas that need more participation. As of the writing of this article, we are also still in need of volunteers to test preventative devices on their farm. The ideal candidate will have had losses to coyotes yearly for the last 3 to 5 years, but this may be flexible depending on your situation. Finally, I want to say thank you to all of my participants so far who have volunteered their time and invited me to visit their farm. I look forward to presenting the preliminary results at the OSMA AGM this fall, and working with OSMA to share the final results with producers across the province next year. OSN
“Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP). In Ontario, this program is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.” OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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OSMA Producer Education Day and AGM The Annual General Meeting and Producer Education Day will be held on Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th, 2012. Once again it will be at the Holiday Inn in Guelph. Please look for complete details on the OSMA website www.ontariosheep.org and in the next Messenger. Complete details will be posted, sent to the districts and advertised the last week of June.
Consider Taking a Role on Your District Executive
O
nce again District AGM’s are here! Here are the positions you could consider running for. A more in depth look at these positions can be found on the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org under
District Chair
This position provides leadership to District sheep producers and ensures open two-way communication between District producers and the OSMA Board of Directors. The District Chair is also responsible for making sure that meetings run smoothly and on time.
District Vice-Chair
This position provides support for the District Chair and steps in for the Chair when necessary. This person should be a strong committee member and provide assistance wherever it is needed.
Secretary/Treasurer
This can be separated into two positions or held by the same person. The Secretary/Treasurer is responsible for keeping meeting minutes and in the event that they are the Treasurer as well, keeping the District finances in order. This person is the main liaison between the OSMA office and the District Committee.
Photo Credit: Kyle McDonnell Goderich
Provincial Director This year elections for District Director will be held in Districts 1, 4, 7 and 10. The election in District 4 was due to a resignation during the normal three-year rotation. The role of a Provincial Director is to promote the best interest of the entire sheep industry in Ontario and work to fulfill the Mission Statement of OSMA. A Provincial Director must be a team player and previous board or committee experience is an asset.
To find out when your District AGM is taking place or if you have any questions regarding the different executive positions, please go out the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org or call the office at 519-836-0043. OSN 34
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Wrap Ups District 8 Farm Tour Despite the cold and rain about 40 members of District 8 came out to our first 2012 farm tour held at BenAcres Farm in South Frontenac. Jim Bennett was a gracious and informative host. Taking us through his lambing barn, his ram barn and his large barn housing his ewes and sorted growing market lambs. Many questions were answered and many young and new farmers came out. Some for the first time. Kaiti Nixon Spoke to us about her predation research and all in all it was a great day. Our next tour will be at Dana Vaders on May 26th at 1:00. Check our Facebook page (Ontario Sheep Producers District 8) for more info.
Ottawa Valley Farm Show This year’s show took place March 13th to the 15th at the new CE Centre near the Ottawa airport. It was an excellent facility and everyone was housed in one building under one roof. In the past at Landsdowne Park we were split into 3 buildings and the breed displays (which we are part of) were upstairs in one building. With the new location we had far more walk buy traffic and as a result had far more people stop talk and take literature. We also were very lucky to have a corner location for our booth and were back to back with Woolgrowers.
Earlton Farm Show: OSMA District 11 producers and area consumers had an opportunity to enhance their knowledge about sheep, at this year’s Earlton Farm Show. District 11 had a booth at the fully booked, 2-day trade show, held April 13 & 14. Producers manning the booth were able to answer questions, hand out recipe booklets, breed posters and other materials to the more than 1,800 estimated to have attended the event. An exhibit of live animals was a great hit with both school children and adults alike. For producers there were workshops on sheep nutrition and biosecurity. Cecelia Curtis(Ruminant Nutritionist- Floradale Feeds) discussed ewe nutrition from flushing to lactation. Emphasis was placed on assessing ewe body condition and adjusting rations at critical stages of production. Dan Ferguson(OCA) & Barry Potter (OMAFRA) were a tag team, 36
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informing producers of the costs associated with a disease outbreak and providing key points to minimize the risk. “Keeping disease out is an excellent way to keep your flock healthy and productive.” More info on biosecurity can be found at www.agbiosecurity.ca May also offered District 11 producers, in the Temiskaming Region, educational opportunities in small ruminant internal parasites, plus a fencing demonstration and pasture walk. The OMAFRA run internal parasite workshop drew over half of the 25 attendees from 200 km or more away. This fantastic session provided producers with much take home information to reassess their management practices. On May 10th, sheep and cattle producers alike listened while Jim Johnston of Pasture Hill Supply demonstrated electric fencing techniques to “keep animals where they are supposed to be.” He went on to discuss optimization of pastures through rotational grazing, and used an actual example of how best to divide an odd shaped field broken up by ravines and a creek. Daniel Tasse (OMAFRA) provided a demonstration of soil sampling and used an actual soil report to discuss fertilizers.
North Wellington Co-Op Sheep Day 2012 The 2012 North Wellington Co-op Sheep Day was held on March 10 at the Mount Forest & District Sports Complex. This event is always an excellent opportunity for sheep producers to network with other producers and learn what’s going on in the industry. This years topics included Vaccinating Programs with Dr. Jocelyn Jansen of OMAFRA, Proper care of pasture and hay fields with Don McLean, Agronomist. Cost Effective Forages with Ken DeBoer, Ruminant Animal Specialist with Masterfeeds. OSMA General Manager Murray Hunt gave an update of happenings at OSMA and in the industry and Anita O’Brien of OMAFRA gave a state of the industry update. Finally, there was a panel discussion called “The Big Jump” - Transitioning from small flock to large flock that featured Mike Thompson, Vince Stutzki and Anita O’Brien.
Ontario Small Ruminant Internal Parasite Seminars Parasite seminars were held in March and May in three different locations including Floradale, Napanee and New Liskeard. The one day interactive sessions were very successful with many producers and veterinarians in attendance. Keynote speakers included Anita O’Brien, Andrew Peregrine, Jocelyn Jansen, Paula Menzies and Laura Falzon. During the breaks producers could view parasite specimens and eggs under microscopes and ask questions about them. FAMACHA training was also given to all in attendance. (More information on this system can be found in the March edition
of Sheep News). At the end of the day producers were given official certificates stating that they had successfully completed a course in the use of the FAMACHA Anemia Guide to assist with the control of Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm). Each producer was also given an official FAMACHA Anemia card. Producers received an informative book on Parasites (Handbook for the Control of Internal Parasites of Sheep and Goats). This book will be available online in coming months. Books will also be available for purchase in the fall. More information on the parasite seminars will be featured in the September edition of Sheep News. The workshops were videotaped and the presentations will be made available after September. Thank you to all involved who helped make these sessions successful and educational for producers.
be a goal. Shepherds need to live with worms, not eradicate them. It is easier to cull the most problematic adults than try to breed for the most resistant adults. Resistant adult sheep spread fewer eggs. Resilient adults just seem to not be affected by the parasites but still can spread lots of eggs. Therefore it is better to have resistance than resilience. The short message is, if you did not get to the first two sessions try to make it to the last session in May. It is definitely worthwhile.
District 3 Farm Tour Wrap up District 3 executive would like to thank Gary and Janice Loney for hosting an open house at their farm on March 17 1-3pm. Their farm is located in Oxford County on Hwy 119 near Uniondale. They rent a large barn that was previously used for turkeys and house 375 rideau ewes with lambs. The sheep are all fed and housed in this barn year round and lambs are marketed 80-100lbs. They work the flock on an accelerated lambing program feeding them dry and wrapped chopped hay. The Loney’s provided visitors with plastic slip on booties for biosecurity and offered coffee and donuts. D3 had a table set up with producer information and Scott Thomson from Kenpal Farm Products Inc. was also present with a table set up displaying feed information for producers. OSN
Laurie Maus on her Facebook page Livestock Management Info Swap included the following: I attended the superb workshop in Napanee on parasite control. There were about 80+ people in attendance. It is hard to know where to start. In a nutshell, we cannot rely on drugs alone anymore. Parasite resistance to the commonly used drugs is widespread in Ontario. You have two choices: confinement farming and avoid the parasites, or a comprehensive, integrated parasite management program with monitoring, pasture management and rotation, treatment as required not on a schedule and ensuring a refugia of susceptible parasites either in the animals or on pastures. Animals should be monitored using a suite of tools: dag scores, weight loss, body condition scoring, fecal egg counts, and FAMACHA. The vast majority of the parasites are not in the animals but rather on the pasture. Lambs and young stock that have yet to develop immunity are the greatest source of pasture contamination and are the most vulnerable. Even adults will lose immunity if they do not have low level exposure so total eradication should not
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Auction Markets and Abattoirs
B
elow is a listing of all Auction Markets and Abattoirs that currently auction and process sheep and lamb. As industry partners we value their contribution to the Ontario Sheep industry. If you would like more information on their locations please go to http://www.ontariosheep.org/MarketInformation/SaleBarnsAbattoirs.aspx. If the company that is killing sheep for you is not listed here, please call the OSMA office at 519-836-0043 X 25 OSN Name
Abattoir LeFaivre Inc. Abingdon Meat Packers Ltd. Agram 2005 Meats Inc. Al Madina Halal Meat Packers Alvinston Custom Butchering Ltd. Aman's Abattoir Beeton Meats Belle Vallee Meats & Abattoir Bentinck Packers Ltd. Bilal Farms Inc. Birch Lake Abattoir Brian Quinn's Meats Ltd. Buchler Farms & Abattoir Charles Quality Meats Ltd. Cole Bros. Meat Processing Cornell Meats Country Meadow Meats Creative Meats Desormeaux Slaughter-house & Meats Inc. Doug's Meats Dresden Meat Packers Ltd. Elora Road Meats Ewe Dell Family Farm FGO Organic Processing Ltd. Gord's Abattoir Ltd. Green's Meat Market & Abattoir Ltd. Grey County Meats Griffiths Country Meats Hank De Koning Ltd. Hanson Meats Harriston Packing Company Ltd. Hay's Custom Cutting Ltd. Highgate Tender Meats Ltd. Highland Packers Ltd. Hilts Butcher Shop Ltd. Horan's Meats Horizon Meat Packers Inc. Ideal Meat Products Ltd. J.J. Meat Distributing Inc. Joe Savage & Fils Abattoir Inc. Johnson Meats Julius Meat Packers Inc. Ken R. Mogk L & M Meat Distributing Lambton Meat Products Len and Patti Butcher Block Lloyd Miedema & Sons Ltd. Louro Bros. Meats Ltd. Lynch's Slaughterhouse Manilla Halal Meats Matar Meats McGarroch of Micksburg Custom Butchering Metheral Meats Metzger Meat Products Miedema's Country Meats Miedema's Meat Market Ltd. Miky's Smoke House Millgrove Packers Ltd. Mister Beef Inc. Mount Brydges Abattoir Ltd. Newmarket Meat Packers Ltd. Northeast Meat Packers Northern Meat Packers and Abattoir Ltd.
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Abattoirs
City St. Isidore Caistor Centre Georgetown Brinston Alvinston Wellington Beeton Kenabeek Hanover Kanata Massey Yarker Magnetawan Waterloo Picton London Owen Sound Warren Crysler Schomberg Dresden Mildmay Woodslee Zurich Leamington Wingham Maxwell Oxdrift Port Dover Cayuga Harriston Campbellford Highgate Stoney Creek Norwood Ramore Shelburne Owen Sound Toronto St. Albert Aylmer St. Anns Tavistock Woodbridge Wyoming Lindsay Waterford Ayr Mallorytown Oakwood Osgoode Pembroke Glen Huron Hensall Exeter Embro Joques Waterdown Pakenham Mount Brydges Newmarket Coldwater Trout Creek
Phone No (613) 679-4698 (905) 957-2223 (905) 877-6082 (613) 652-1301 (519) 898-2821 (613) 399-2173 (905) 729-2771 (705) 647-7419 (519) 364-3538 (613) 488-2268 (705) 865-3395 (613) 377-6430 (705) 387-3367 (519) 886-7931 (613) 476-6955 (519) 652-2748 (519) 376-5663 (705) 967-2006 (613) 987-2148 (905) 859-0599 (519) 683-2585 (519) 367-2261 (519) 723-4456 (519) 236-7717 (519) 326-2503 (519) 357-2912 (519) 922-2400 (807) 937-6716 (519) 583-0115 (905) 772-5053 (519) 338-3330 (705) 653-3388 (519) 678-3383 (905) 662-8396 (705) 696-2172 (705) 236-4498 (866) 577-7797 (519) 372-0636 (416) 425-7382 (613) 987-2070 (519) 773-9208 (905) 957-7162 (519) 462-2280 (905) 775-6775 (519) 845-3358 (705) 328-2100 (519) 443-8844 (519) 632-7364 (613) 659-2861 (705) 357-3004 (613) 821-7929 (613) 732-7181 (705) 466-3135 (519) 262-3130 (519) 235-4978 (519) 475-4010 (705) 362-8590 (905) 689-6184 (613) 624-5222 (519) 264-1873 (416) 364-2671 (705) 325-8257 (705) 723-5573
Abattoirs Name Northern Quality Meats Ltd. Ontario Halal Meat Packers Inc. Otonabee Meat Packers Ltd. Palmateer's Abattoir Ltd. Peel Sausage Abattoir Pine Ridge Packers (2003) Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. Ralph Bos Meats Ltd. Ranchland Meats Ltd. c/o Moores Meats Reiche Meat Products Ltd. Rideau Meats Rua Meats Ltd. Russell Slaughterhouse Inc. Ryding- Regency Meat Packers Ltd. Sanabil Halal Meat Farm Smokey Joe's Meat Packers Sprucedale Quality Meats Inc. St. Helen's Meat Packers Ltd. Stayner Meat Packers Ltd. Taylor's Custom Meats The Beefway The Burt Farm Thunder Bay Meat Processing Co. (1986) Ltd. Tilbury Abattoir and Meats Tom Henderson Custom Meat Cutting Town & Country Meats & Abattoir V.G. Packers Valtoudis Brothers Meat Packers Vanessa Meats & Deli Walkerton Meat Market Wallace Beef Inc. Wall's Pork Shop Wayne's Meat Products Inc. Weiland Meats Ltd. Willie's Meats Ltd. Windcrest Meat Packers Ltd. Zehr's Country Market
Aylmer Stockyards Inc. Brussels Livestock Exchange D.H. Hickson Ltd. Denfield Livestock Exchange Inc. Embrun Livestock Exchange Ltd. Hagersville Auction Centre Kawartha Lakes Co-operative Auction Market Inc. Keady Livestock Market Ltd. Lindsay Livestock Exchange Ontario Livestock Exchange Inc. Ontario Stockyards Inc. Renfrew-Pontiac Livestock Ltd. Selby Livestock & Auction Centre Talbotville Livestock Exchange Temiskaming Livestock Exchange Vankleek Hill Livestock Exchange Ltd
City Bruce Mines Milton Peterborough Tweed Drayton Blackstock Emo Strathroy Holland Centre Pembroke Smiths Falls Foxboro Russell Toronto Mississauga Peterborough Sprucedale Toronto Stayner Roseneath Kincardine Gore Bay Murillo Tilbury Chesterville Ridgetown Simcoe Claremont Vanessa Walkerton Glenburnie Oxdrift Hagersville Petrolia Troy Port Perry Dashwood
Auction Markets 8933 Walker Road, Aylmer P.O. Box 59 Brussels 2508 County Road 8, Campbellford 12952 Sixteen Denfield Mile Road, P.O. Box 340 Greely 97 First Line, Hagersville
Phone No (705) 782-4224 (905) 875-0270 (705) 743-8547 (613) 478-3801 (519) 638-3444 (905) 986-4932 (807) 482-3028 (519) 245-1574 (519) 374-4530 (613) 732-3773 (613) 283-3477 (613) 962-7915 (613) 445-2005 (416) 767-3343 (905) 563-1700 (705) 740-1169 (705) 685-7747 (416) 769-1788 (705) 428-3006 (905) 352-2367 (519) 396-2257 (705) 282-0328 (807) 935-2911 (519) 682-3028 (613) 448-3471 (519) 674-3732 (519) 426-2000 (905) 640-4616 (519) 446-3897 (519) 881-0781 (613) 536-6379 (807) 937-4357 (905) 768-3633 (519) 882-1215 (519) 647-3160 (800) 750-2542 (519) 237-3668
(519) 765-2672 (519) 887-6461 (705) 653-3660 (519) 666-1140 (613) 821-2634 (905) 768-5601
580 Woodville Road,
Woodville
(705) 439-4444
117012 Grey Road 3, 2138 Little Britain Road, P.O. Box 443 P.O. Box 1051 18156 Highway 17, P.O. Box 453 10666 Trafalgar Road, 883006 Highway 65 E,
Tara Lindsay Waterloo Cookstown Cobden Napanee Georgetown New Liskeard
(519) 934-2339 (705) 328-3500 (519) 884-2082 (705) 458-4000 (613) 646-7335 (613) 354-6260 (519) 631-1850 (705) 647-5415
378 Notre-Dame,
St. Chrysostome
(613) 678-3008
Update on the Sheep Industry’s Progress Towards Mandatory RFID Tags Canadian Sheep Federation
I
n preparation for mandatory traceability in the livestock sector, the Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF), government and industry have been working together to add RFID (radio frequency identification) tags to the list of approved Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) identifiers. Recent adjustments to the RFID implementation plan will allow sheep producers to transport sheep and lambs bearing Ketchum Kurl-lock tags past December 31, 2012. Here are the details: • Producers are encouraged to apply RFID tags to lambs born during 2012, however, sheep producers may use up their existing stocks of pink Ketchum Kurl-lock tags until a future date is established when the tags will be revoked from the official CSIP list and no longer accepted at auctions or abattoirs. • Producers may ship culled breeding stock that already bear a Ketchum Kurl-lock tag until the revocation date is established.
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will conduct audits to determine the numbers of sheep and lambs appearing at auctions, slaughter plants and collection points with pink Ketchum Kurl-lock tags. • The tag revocation date will be established when CFIA audits show that less than 10% of the sheep and lambs on offer on a consistent basis bear Ketchum Kurl-lock tags. • The Ketchum tag revocation date will be communicated to sheep producers and industry partners in a timely manner. Mandatory traceability remains a work in progress; the CSF and its partners continue look after the interests of Canadian sheep producers. If you have any questions about this new RFID information please call the CSF office at 519-824-6018 or email them at info@cansheep.ca. OSN
English Lamb Promoted in Canada
T
English red meat industry body Eblex is promoting British lamb at Agrifood expo SIAL Canada in Montreal and Toronto.
he organization said the lamb market in Canada had potential to grow, despite an annual consumption of 1kg per capita.
Jean-Pierre Garnier, Eblex export manager, said: “Canada is a totally new market for us. Market research we have commissioned shows a clear potential for lamb exports, particularly as product availability from New Zealand and Australia, which traditionally supply this market, has declined.
“Preliminary contacts with importers are positive and we can expect a good response, particularly in Ontario where 56% of lamb is consumed. However, above all, we expect the taste and presentation of our lamb to win new supporters.” Canada imports about 50% of its lamb, totaling around 12,000 tonnes. OSN Source: Melodie Michel, May 9, 2012, http://www.globalmeatnews.com/IndustryMarkets/English-lamb-promoted-in-Canada
Association Directory Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario c/o Irwin Jackson, RR#4 Rockwood, Ontario N0B 2K0 • (519) 856-4490
Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association Glen Porteous, 703037 Walker Sideroad RR#1, Chatsworth ON N0H 1G0 • (519) 794-4549
ontario katahdin sheep Association Barbara Burdzy (519) 236-7368 Email: bbfarm@hay.net
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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Upcoming Events District 4 Farm Tour
Sunday June 24th - Visit to the Scott farm in Brantford District 4 Gallagher fencing, new computerized weigh scales and scanning, long horn cattle and more. Please join us for our end of the year get together at the Scott farm in Brantford on June 24th Meeting at 10am, demo’s to follow. We’ll be having lunch featuring Scott Lamb and Scott beef. Please call Nancy for more information and directions to farm 905-701-6026.
District 1 Upcoming Meetings and Events
June and July - observing summer so no activities August 11 (tentative date) - Sheep Farm Tour (details to follow) September 6 - Annual Meeting for D1 at Rutherford Fire Hall Oct - (no date confirmed yet) - Sheep Conditioning at Barb Dickenson’s farm in Sarnia November 1 - Rutherford Fire Hall December 6 - Christmas meeting and pot luck at Wyoming church
Kingston Sheep Dog Trials, 25th Anniversary Canadian National Championship
August 10 – 12 Among the 2012 attractions will be the Birds of Prey and Jungle Cat World shows, Flyball and Agility demos, K9 Unit and sheep shearing demos, the Craft and Artisans fair, Sheep to Shawl Competition and auction – all attractions that appeal to kids and adults alike! And introducing a special 25th Anniversary feature The Celebrity Chef Trials. For more information and to register go to: www.kingstonsheepdogtrials.com.
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
September 11 – 13 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is held at Canada’s Outdoor Park in Woodstock ON. Watch for details about the 2012 show at www.outdoorfarmshow.com
2012 International Plowing Match
September 18 – 22 The 2012 IPM is being held in Roseville, Ontario in Waterloo county. Check out www.ipm2012.ca for more information.
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2012 Fibre Week at Olds College Alberta
June 22 – June 29 This fibre extravaganza is put on by Olds Photo courtesy: Beth Wood College in collaboration with Shuttleworks Ltd. The week includes topics covering all things fibre from Beginner Spinner classes to Master Spinner Certification. weaving, dying, knitting, and many other topics. Other events include wellness sessions, meditation, a fleece auction, fashion show and merchants mall. This is a ‘don’t miss’ event if you are a fibre fanatic. For more information, please go to www.oldscollege.ca/fibreweek or call 1-800-6616537 ext. 4677.
Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario Annual Show and Sale
Saturday July 7, 2012 – The show and sale will be held at the Carson’s Sales Arena. Show to start at 10:00 am and Sale will start at 1:00 pm. Top Quality Purebred Genetics and a fine selection of commercial ewes. Call Jim Driscoll for more information at 519-638-5703 or email psbo@live.com.
Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association 6th Terminal Sire Ram Sale
Saturday July 21st, 2012 – Sale Time 1 pm at Carson’s Sales Arena – Listowel, Ontario. For more information please contact Glen Porteous at 519-794-4548 or Porteous@bmts. com or Karen Hayward at 519-371-8487.
District 10 Performance Tested Sale
This event has been canceled due to lack of entries.
District 3 Farm Tour
On Saturday, June 23 Marg and Rick Steele of Blyth have offered to host an open house at their farm. We will begin with a BBQ at noon and then have a guest speaker on hay or pasture production at 12:30-1:30pm and then proceed to walk the 65 acres of hay and pasture land. They have 160 ewes and practice rotational pastures. If possible please RSVP for the BBQ to Neil Mesman 519-504-3089 or email neil.mesman@me.com or text before June 20th. The farm tour address is RR 3 Blyth 38689 Moncrieff Rd. N0M 1H0 (10km west of Blyth, closest town is Auburn). OSN
It’s here again!
The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 2012 Photo Contest The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency photo contest is open to all who wish to enter, which means that you don’t have to be involved in the sheep, lamb or wool industries to participate. The only rule is that your photograph must include sheep or lamb(s). Entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, September 28th, 2012. Photographs will be judged on clarity, content, composition and appeal. Winners will be announced in the December Sheep News. Impress us again. You always do!
We are looking forward to seeing your photos that highlight our industry! Three Grand Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st Grand Prize of $250.00 to the best photo overall 2nd Grand Prize of $75.00 to the 2nd best photo overall 3rd Grand Prize of $50.00 to the 3rd best photo overall. IMPORTANT – WHEN TAKING DIGITAL PHOTOS, PLEASE TRY FOR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS – We have wanted to put many photos on the cover of the Sheep News but have not been able to due to low resolution. Ideally, a photo should be 2 meg or more. Thank you. CONTEST RULES: • Photographs will not be returned and all entries become property of OSMA to be used or reproduced at the discretion of OSMA. (Whenever possible, credit will be given to photographer if used). • All entries must be 5” x 7” or 8” x 10” colour or black and white prints. • Entries must be submitted in the name of the person who took the photograph.
• Only two entries per person will be permitted. • Entries should not be mounted on cardboard or cardstock. • Only photographs that have been taken within the past five years may be entered. • Entries must be submitted by mail – email not accepted. • It is recommended that photographs be submitted on photographic paper if printed on a home printer. This improves your chances of winning as regular bond paper produces a poorer quality photo. • If possible, please ensure that animals in the photos are properly tagged SUBMISSIONS: Include the following information with your submission. (Please do no write directly on the back of the photograph.) • Title of photo • Photographer’s name • Mailing address • Phone number • E-mail address • Approximate location/ date of the photo ENTRIES ARE TO BE MAILED TO: 2012 Ontario Sheep News Photo Contest Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 130 Malcolm Road Guelph, ON N1K 1B1 Any questions, call Ruth Gilmour at the OSMA office, 519-836-0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org
We look forward to seeing your submissions!
Pr o d 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 N1K 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 J u n e 2 0 1 1
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district news
District 1
District 7
519-786-4176 519-845-3710 519-899-2663 519-845-3998
District 2
Dennis Fischer Vince Stutzki Sarel Smit Kyle Harrison Jason Emke
519-363-3819 519-363-6683 519-369-1365 519-369-3954 519-364-0044
District 3
Counties of Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Oxford Director Luann Erb Chair Ian Van Blyderveen Vice Chair Keith Taylor Secretary Neil Mesman Treasurer John Rock
District 4
County of Brant, Regional Norfolk and Niagara Director Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer
519-393-5512 519-424-3894 519-349-2273 519-504-3089 519-467-0092
Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, HaldimandRob Scott Nancy Ireland
519-758-0584 905-701-6026
Sharon Petheram Norman Johnson
519-443-5844 905-562-4905
District 5
County of Wellington and Dufferin and the Regional Municipalities of Halton and Peel Director Andrew Gordanier 519-925-6502 Chair Daina Hunter 519-843-5441 Vice Chair Ted Brown 905-873-5855 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 Director Josephine Martenssen- Hemstead 705-487-2466 Chair Peter Harvey 905-729-3196 Vice Chair Markus Wand 705-724-2314 Secretary Grant Cowan 705-436-2236 Treasurer Karen Harvey 905-729-3196 42
OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
june 2012
Look for your district news and events under Upcoming Events in this issue.
Counties of Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, and Elgin Director Fraser Hodgson Chair John Sipkens Vice-Chair Bill Duffield Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Prudom
Counties of Grey and Bruce Director Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer
n
County of Metropolitan Toronto, Regional Municipalities Counties of Victoria, Peterborough, and Northumberland Director Judy Dening Chair Rebecca Parker Secretary Donna Aziz
of York and Durham, 705-324-3453 705-277-1711 905-852-9252
District 8
Counties of Lennox and Addington, Hastings, Prince Edward, Frontenac and Leeds Director Mark Ritchie 613-634-1212 Chair Debi Stoness 613-264-6206 Vice-Chair Jim Sabin 613-477-3443 Secretary Linda Huizenga 613-477-1393 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 Director Allan Burn 613-264-0801 Chair Christpher Moore 613-832-2182 Vice Chair Shanna Armstrong 613-552-6365 Secretary David Bentley 613-256-1628 Treasurer Judy Senior 613-832-2480
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 Director Colleen Acres 613-826-2330 Chair Fred Baker 613-989-5352 Secretary Gary Lapier 613-989-2792 Treasurer Greg Stubbings 613-774-4563
District 11
Counties of Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay, Cochrane, Algoma, Sudbury, Temiskaming, Nippising and Manitoulin Director Colleen Alloi 705-248-3287 Chair Jim Johnston 705-647-7160 Vice Chair Mark Lenover 705-563-2966 Secretary Debra Garner 705-563-2761 OSN
Tea Tree Oil Beats Fly Strike and Sheep Lice – Preliminary Research out of Australia Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Australia
T
he war against fly strike and lice infestations in sheep has taken a positive turn with new research showing that tea tree oil is very effective in treating both of the afflictions.
against adult flies, which prevented eggs being laid on the wool for up to six weeks.
The research, coordinated by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), found that tea tree oil was highly successful in both preventing lice infestations and killing blowfly maggot larvae.
“Tea-tree oil could be effective as a preventative treatment for wounds caused by mulesing, tail docking or any wound likely to be struck. It has also been shown to have antibacterial properties and is suggested to have wound healing effects,” Dr James said.
Dr Peter James from the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), who was the study’s lead researcher, said the effect tea tree oil had on lice infestations was particularly encouraging.
“The appealing aspect of using tea tree oil as an insecticide is that it is a natural product. We are seeing more consumer demand for the use of naturally sourced products in food and fibre supply chains.
“Our lab trials showed that a 1 percent tea tree oil formulation reliably produced a 100 percent kill rate of lice and lice eggs, but we were very pleased to see that our pen trials generated the same results,” Dr James said in a RIRDC statement issued today.
“The use of many natural products on a commercial scale has often been hampered by its variable quality but tea tree oil is very well placed in this regard as its composition is specified under an international standard, ISO 4730. This ensures the supply of a consistent product, which is essential when using a product as an insecticide.
“We carefully inspected the two week shorn sheep at two, six, 12 and 20 weeks after being dipped in the 1 percent tea tree oil formulation and at all points no lice were found in the wool. “We also tested sheep with longer wool and the results showed that by jetting both 1 and 2 percent tea tree oil formulations louse numbers reduced by 94 percent in comparison to controls at two weeks after treatment.” The laboratory-based fly strike research used formulations consisting of 1 percent tea tree oil which reliably led to a 100 percent kill rate of first stage maggots. The research also demonstrated that tea tree oil had a strong repellent effect
Classifieds
“Getting the formulation exactly right is vital and it’s something that will require more research. It’s not as simple as mixing tea tree oil with water and applying it to your sheep; it’s a complex and exact science. More research needs to be conducted before we can definitively say that tea tree oil is a viable treatment for fly strike and lice infestations however these initial findings are very encouraging.” OSN Source: http://www.rirdc.gov.au http://theland.farmonline.com.au/news/state/livestock/sheep/tea-tree-oil-beats-flystrike-and-sheep-lice/2430587.aspx
Want to place an ad? Call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 for ad rates.
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 OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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Classifieds Emke Cheviots 2012 North Country Cheviot lambs for sale. 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
We have a limited number of East Friesian X Arcott ewe lambs for the dairy sector.
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
44
OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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,
519-463-5511
South African Meat Merino Prolific crosses with supreme carcass quality Don & Wilma Duncan RR1, 807117 Oxford Road 29 Drumbo, ON, N0J 1G0,
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
EMKE OXFORDS and
HAMPSHIRES
Looking for a ram to add more weight to your next lamb crop?
Contact us.
Craig & Missy Emke
525 8th Concession, RR#1 Elmwood, ON, N0G 1S0
519-364-6840 • m_wright17@hotmail.com www.emkelivestock.webs.com
This space is available at the reasonable rate of $44 per issue. Call or email us for our price list.
Son Risen Farm Specializing in Heritage Breeds with Traditional Breed Types
Dorsets and Suffolks Traditional Breeding Stock Well muscled for superior carcass quality. Australian and British Bloodlines Closed Flock ROP Tested
Purebred Border Cheviots & Shropshires. Also available F1 crossbreds
Andy & Jane Pearson 4102 Line 16 RR#7 • St. Marys ON • N4X 1C9 519-284-4239 sonrisen@gmail.com
Keith and Mary Lamont R.R. 2, Acton, Ontario L7J 2L8 519-853-1975 E-Mail: lamont@sentex.net www.thistlestonefarm.com
DEJONG ACRES Quality Commercial Breeding Stock
CEDAR CREEK SCANNING
Ultrasound Pregnancy Scanning for Sheep, Goats and Alpacas OLIBS Accredited Rebecca Parker, Vet Tech. 858 Hwy 7A East, RR#1, Bethany ON, L0A 1A0 Mobile: (905) 259-1102 E-mail: middlekingdomfarm@gmail.com
Best time to scan is between 45 and 80 days after introduction of ram.
Arcott/ Dorset Maternal Hybrid
Duff Farms
Strong Prolific Mothers = Higher Profits
Top Genetic Selection • SFIP & EweByte based • Maintaining 3 ram lines
Replacement Ewe Lambs Available Year Round 125 January Born Ewe Lambs Available This Spring Brian, Anita, Rayleen and Nicole DeJong 463028 Conc 24, Wiarton ON
519-534-1211
info@dejongacres.ca www.dejongacres.ca
Rideau Yearlings & Lambs
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
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: 613-826-2330 • Fax: 613-826-1076 www.maplemeadows.ca
Great Pyrenees Puppies for sale: Raised with sheep, excellent guard dogs and vet checked. Call Francine Rock at 519-467-0092 or email firberkley@gmail.com. OSN J u n e 2 0 1 2
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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
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 Gordon Alblas 775 Sager Road, Branchton, Ontario N0B 1L0 Phone: 519 448-4215. Email: gordsjerseys@yahoo.ca 94% Ile De France ram lambs with high growth rates and out of season breeding.
Katahdin
Roly Poly Farms. S11835 Lakeridge Rd. RR#1 Sunderland, ON L0C 1H0. Phone 905 852 9252. Email: rolypolyfarms@yahoo.com. Superior genetics, winners of GenOvis (SFIP) Achievement Awards in both Maternal Growth Index and Growth Index in the category of “All Other Breeds”. Three different sire lines. Limited number of performance tested 2011 ewe lambs and ram lambs available.
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 Robert & Gail Irvine Rocky Lane Farm, R.R. #4 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X5 rgirvine@nexicom.net. Phone 705-292-7207, MV & ROP tested. Selected for maternal traits and muscling. Accelerated system. New genetics out of 4 elite New Zealand rams. Century Lane Farm Robert & Shirley Graves, 5576 Faulkner Trail, Stittsville, ON, K2S 1B6, 613-831-2656, rgraves@storm.ca Breeding & Performance. Geared for the Commercial Producer, Registering sheep since 1967, ROP Tested Flock since 1976, OSMA Maedi-Visna Flock Project – ‘A’ Status, Participants of the CFIA Scrapie Certification Program – Level ‘B’
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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. 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. Mulmur Vista Farm Bill McCutcheon, R.R.#2, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0, 519-928-9626, Email: wmccutcheon@sympatico.ca. Purebred Rideau closed flock, SFIP tested, Scrapie level certified. Lamb Lady Farm. Shelagh Finn, 9090 Five Sideroad Adjala, RR#1 Palgrave ON, L0N 1P0, 647-932-7102, email: lamblady.finn@gmail.com. Purebred Rideau, Closed Flock, GenOvis Performance Proven, Ontario Sheep Health Program, Maedi-Visna status negative, Scrapie Flock Certification Program, Breeding Stock available. LM Bauman Inc. Purebred Rideau Lambs. Closed Flock. RR#1 St. Clements ON N0B 2M0. Call Levi at 519-501-7191
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 Rd. RR#1 Cameron, Ont. K0M 1G0. 705-887-6512. Purebred and Commercial for sale. Some British Genetics. GenOvis 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. 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. www.facebook.com/trilliumwoodssheep
Texel
Cold Stream Ranch Mels @ 519-666-2423 – dutchtexel@execulink.com or visit our website www.dutchtexel.on.ca. Registered Texels and % rams – New genetics introduced 2011 – OPP tested – completed 5 years 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. Maedi Visna Tested. Mulmur Vista Farm Bill McCutcheon, R.R.#2, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0, 519-928-9626, Email: wmccutcheon@sympatico.ca. Texel Rams available from French and Dutch Bloodlines. Embryos available, closed flock, SFIP tested, Scrapie level certified. 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
MISSING
Request to all producers, processors and industry partners
It is imperative that the 31 Shropshire sheep gone missing from the farm of Montana Jones be found. On April 2nd, the CFIA notified the public of a breach of quarantine related to scrapie control measures in Trent Hills, Ontario. The act of unlawfully removing these sheep from the farm of Montana Jones has put the entire Canadian livestock industry at risk. If you know anything about this or have any leads that might pertain to this case, please notify Crime Stoppers. OSMA has received many calls and letters of concern from producers especially those in the area in which the sheep were taken. These producers deserve the right not to live in fear of the unknown. Canada is a great country. The sheep industry has great potential. The common good must be served. Thank you.
CRIME STOPPERS 1-800-222-8477 SHROPSHIRES