Osn june2013 final by Ontario Sheep Farmers

industry highlights

production innovations

Vol. 32 - Issue 2

june 2013

NEWS

OntarioSheep New Economic Workbook

for Annual Lambing Photo Contest, Awards, Scholarship and More Let us Tweet about Your Business

P M 4 0 0 3 3 529

CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE WOOL GROWERS LIMITED

Improve Your Sheep Nutrition Management Skills

Course Information

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Carleton Place - 1-800-488-2714 Cookstown - 1-866-458-4800

SERVING ONTARIO’S SHEEP PRODUCER WWW.WOOL.CA

Online Course

This general interest online course has been developed for by Dr. Paul Luimes, shepherds researcher at the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus, to improve their sheep has farm operations Topics covered include:      

Feed types Nutrients Digestive Physiology Nutrient Requirements Ration Formulation Feed Management

Improve nutrition management on your sheep farm by learning the fundamentals of nutrition. Use this knowledge to: Optimize profitability been developed for  

Boost animal health Improve product (meat) quality

Course fee:

$50.00 + HST

Course Registration opens May 1, 2013. For more information or to register online visit:

www.ridgetownc.com/bdt/ce_sheep.cfm This project is funded in part through the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI). The AMI is part of the Best Practices Suite of programs for Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

General interest course only – no University of Guelph credentials

OSN 4

June 2013

Chair Report OSMA Representatives to Tour the Districts

5 GM Report My Homecoming Greeting

6 Editorial Your Ideas.... Dare to Share

Market Report

C. Burnetii (Q Fever) Found in Wild Rodents

10 Increasing Prolificacy…A Sure Bet 12 Gadgets and Gizmos 13 Are you at Risk of Having Condemned Carcasses? 14 Predation Prevention Conference

If it’s this much trouble teaching them to ‘Come’ then I can’t imagine what ‘Fetch’ is going to be like. Photo Credit: Cat Laxton

15 The Coyote Car 16 4 Awards Offered by OSMA 17 Dana & Adam Thatcher Win 2013 Outstanding Young Farmer Award 18 This History of Arcotts 19 Helping You Work Out Your Cost of Production 20 To Breed or not to Breed for Parasite Resistance 22 2013 Annual General Meeting 23 Young Sheep Farmer Prefers Her Rubber Boots…and A Little Bling 24 A WORD About Sheep Benchmarking 25 OSMA Photo Contest 26 Health Program Listing 27 We Want to Tweet About Your Business 28 Upcoming Events 29 Wrap Ups 30 Auction Markets and Abattoirs 31 Religious & Ethnic Holidays 32 Canadian and Ontario Lamb Abattoir Statistics 34 District News 35 Classifieds 38 Breeder Directory Cover Photo: Chris Boettcher – Brussels, Ontario Deadlines for submissions to the Sheep News: For March Issue - deadline February 1st • For June Issue -deadline May 1st For September Issue - deadline August 1st • For December Issue - deadline November 1st

Ontario Sheep News is published by Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and is distributed quarterly to all registered producers. Non-producers may subscribe in writing to the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. Subscriptions rates: Non-Producers $20.00 + HST for one year, $30.00 + 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.

OSMA Board Provincial Directors District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 District 11

Fraser Hodgson Dennis Fischer Luann Erb Rob Scott Andrew Gordanier Josephine Martensson -Hemsted Marc Carere Mark Ritchie David Bentley Andrew Harrison Colleen Alloi

Telephone (519) 786-4176 (519) 363-3819 (519) 393-5512 (519) 209-3944 (519) 925-6502 (705) 487-2466 (705) 324-2432 (613) 634-1212 (613) 256-1628 (613) 675-2087 (705) 248-3287

OSMA staff Jennifer MacTavish General Manager manager@ontariosheep.org Jane Harlaar Liaison Officer Ruth Gilmour Office Manager/Communication Co-ordinator, OSN Editor Jillian Craig Project Coordinator Sheep News Assistant Roselen Marcy Administrative Assistant Sheep News Assistant Jennifer Johanson Executive Assistant Nancy Stonos OSN Assistant Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1 Phone: (519) 836-0043 Fax: (519) 836-2531 E-mail: general@ontariosheep.org Website: www.ontariosheep.org www.lambrecipes.ca Market Line: (519) 836-0043 Publications Mail Registration Number: 40033529 ISSN 0844-5303 june 2013 Date of Issue: June 2013 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

june 2013

OSMA Representatives to Tour the Districts

Dennis Fischer, Chair

hrough the spring we have seen a change in staff at OSMA. Bill Ingratta stepped down as the interim General Manager with the hiring of Jennifer MacTavish. I want to thank Bill for his commitment to OSMA. He provided the organisation the pragmatism, support and counsel, required for a seamless transition into a permanent General Manager. I also want to welcome Jennifer as OSMA’s new General Manager. Many of you may already know Jennifer as she worked with OSMA a number of years ago. She brings extensive management experience and industry expertise to the position. We are excited to have her join the OSMA team.

This past March the OSMA Board of Directors began their strategic planning process. The process of developing a robust strategic plan is an important one as it ultimately sets the course for the organization. A strong strategic plan is the formalized road map that spells out where the organization is going and how it will get there. It is the management tool that the Board and staff will use to focus its energy, resources and time. For OSMA’s strategic plan to be a robust one, that meets organizational and producer needs, it is important that we get producer input. To that end, OSMA representatives will be touring the province this summer to present the draft plan to producers and solicit their input. Draft versions of the strategic plan will be distributed to the Districts prior to the meetings. The goal is to ensure that the Districts have time to review the document and be in a position to provide OSMA with constructive input. For producers who are unable to attend the meeting, they are more than welcome to send in their written comments to the office and/or answer survey questions that will be circulated.

7th Terminal Sire

Ram Sale

Saturday, July 27th, 2013 11:00am to 2:00pm at Carson’s Sales Arena, Listowel, ON Auctioneer - Gary Brien

Including registered Suffolk Sired Ewes and Commercial Suffolk Sired Ewe Lambs

One of the things that producers will be asked to comment on is what a success looks like to them and what kinds of activities OSMA can engage in to help them be successful. What issues are you facing on-farm? What roadblocks are in the way of your success? We understand that prices are low, and that producers are finding it difficult to cover their costs of production, which is why it is even more important that we hear from you. Your input will enable OSMA to develop a strategy that we can use to proactively and successfully help the industry navigate through the turbulence. Part of ensuring that as producers you are heard is getting engaged in the District elections. We have four OSMA Board members up for election this year: Dennis Fischer (District 2); Andrew Gordanier (District 5); Mark Ritchie (District 8) and; Colleen Alloi (District 11).

Presented by The Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association For Catalogue please go to www.ontariosuffolk.com fb: Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association Or contact Glen Porteous at 519-794-4549 or 519-270-9214 Sponsor: Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers

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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general manager’s report

june 2013

My Homecoming Greeting Jenn MacTavish

t’s been ten years since I last worked for OSMA. Coming back for me has been a bit of a homecoming. This is where I started my career and where my passion and commitment to the industry first began. I’m excited about the opportunity to be back and working directly with producers. The issues that are facing the sector are growing increasingly complex as producers are trying to navigate their way through low prices while simultaneously dealing with government regulations and programs. Coming into this position, I knew OSMA would be dealing with issues around food safety, traceability, animal welfare, and access to medications. I have, though, been spending time getting up to speed on some of the Ontario-specific programs and issues such as the Risk Management Program. Ensuring that the industry provides input and guidance on the development of programs and regulations related to these issues is a key priority for OSMA as part of its on-going advocacy work. Over the last two months the OSMA office has also been developing its Strategic Plan. And, as Dennis has spoken about in his article, we will be holding meetings with producers over the course of the summer to get your input. Having a solid plan in place that will enable OSMA to not only deal with some of the immediate issues the industry is facing, but also to help position the industry for long-term sustainability and profitability. For this to happen though, we do need producers to get engaged and provide input and feedback. The more information you are able to provide us, the better we are at representing you. Part of our job is ensuring that sheep producers are visible in Ontario agricultural landscape. To that end, over the past two months we have been in to see Premier/ Minister Wynne and Deputy Minister Stark in relation to the Risk Management Program. Additionally OSMA participated in the 7th Annual Foodland Ontario’s Farmers’ Market at Queen’s Park. During this event Premier/ Minister Wynne indicated that the event was an excellent reminder of the importance of supporting Ontario agriculture. OSMA served fresh Ontario lamb on top of Ontario fresh

mixed greens with a homemade Greek dressing and locally grown garnish. In total 675 samples of Ontario Lamb – and accompanying recipe cards - were distributed to politicians, delegates, provincial legislative staff, industry representatives as well as passer-bys. OSMA would like to thank Country Meat Cuts for their excellent service, cooking and presentation of Ontario Lamb. I am looking forward to stepping into the role of General Manager at OSMA and working with you, other producers and the Ontario sheep industry as a whole. OSN

Premier & Minister of Agriculture Kathleen Wynne with OSMA GM Jenn MacTavish at the recent Foodland Ontario Farmer’s Market at Queen’s Park

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. OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

from the editor

june 2013

Your Ideas.... Dare to Share Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor

“Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need to open the door is just one more good idea.” Jim Rohn

t’s true. Ideas can be life-changing. Some of the most important life-changing ideas and inventions that we know of today are very simple and were not the product of geniuses as we often think but of simple folk like ourselves. One of the most life-changing inventions in agriculture was the plow. No one knows who actually invented it but we all know it revolutionised farming. Another simple idea was barbed wire. Once the inventor, a 60 year old New Hampshire rancher came up with the idea of how to mass produce barbed wire, it made him a fortune. That was back in 1873 and because of its low cost, today it remains a first choice for farmers (and border guards too!). My all time favourite invention is Velcro. Did you know that the inventor came up with the idea for Velcro while pulling burrs off of his dog’s mane? In a previous life, I worked in manufacturing and our company had a program called “Make It Happen”. We manufactured freezers and other appliances. The program was simple. Employees would submit ideas on how to cut costs and save money on the product. It made sense because it was the employee who knew his or her job and work station best. The idea for the program came about because many employees were always coming forward with ideas to save money. The premise of the program was simple and saved the company a fortune. Submissions included using less nuts or bolts, changing nuts or bolts and materials to a less expensive kind, eliminating or revamping processes and even changing lengthy manufacturing processes. Some people came up with ideas to change bar-coding or to have one large sticker that compiled the data of six stickers. The ideas that came forward were truly amazing and most of them so simple that engineers were embarrassed. The employees would receive a

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 J u n e 2 0 1 3

percentage of the savings over the next three years. One of the best outcomes was that people became very excited about their jobs and started to take great interest in how the product was made, what happened before the product got to their work station and what happened after it left. The program ran for many years and everyone was more engaged and motivated as they were acknowledged. We should all be looking for ideas that make our workplace better in some way. In the case of producers, it is your farms. We see ideas happening around us all the time. This past year the Sheep News has included our ‘Gadgets and Gizmos” article that highlights little inventions that producers have come up with. It is very popular with producers because we like other people’s ideas just about as much as we like going through old attics or barns. For those of us old enough to remember ‘The Jetsons’ cartoon show, it is obvious that what we saw as the futuristic impossibility of people speaking face to face is now known as Skype. So anything is possible. You never really know where an idea is going to take you. Albert Einstein said, “For an idea that does not first seem insane, there is no hope.” Those are actually very comforting words because it takes great courage to put ideas forward. Personally, I have often wondered why they don’t invent hay that will grow twice as tall (and thicker) or a feed that makes the sheep chew twice as long. Or maybe both!!! We must be prepared to challenge everything and eliminate that which doesn’t work. And don’t be fooled by researchers either. They use a fancy word for their ideas. They call them ‘proposals’. Vulnerability is what makes us all human and also holds us back from commitment and from sharing thoughts and ideas. Fear has held back many good ideas. I will leave you with the suggestion that you take a bit of time to listen to speaker Brene Brown on YouTube. She is part of the TED talks program and she speaks about ‘The Power of Vulnerability. She makes two very profound statements. The first is the statement that “Vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity, innovation and change”. The second is that when someone is in struggle, the most powerful words that they can hear are “Me too”. Remember that we are always open to your ideas and suggestions. OSN

market report

june 2013

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.

Rideau Focus – Save the Date

ideau Focus has been a well received and attended event for the last two years. The 3rd Annual Rideau Focus will take place on Saturday August 17, 2013 from 1 – 4 p.m. Once again it will be held at Breezy Ridge Farm near Sutton, Ontario. This year’s event promises a number of speakers and industry booths. Delma Kennedy of OMAF will be speaking on the topic of “How to choose your most profitable ram” and presenting an update on the selection for worm resistance project. Following, on the results of the Sheep Benchmarking Program, which revealed that the most profitable sheep operations make use of pasture and alternative crop grazing as a significant part of their feeding program, Jack Kyle, OMAF Grazier Specialist will be speaking on “How to work in pasture for the dry ewe”. The new bioFlock online record keeping program will be reviewed and there will be a new look at forage species for sheep. There will also be a roundtable discussion on how to best utilize the advantages of the Rideau breed.

This unique event is for all sheep producers interested in profitability and is a great opportunity for producers to get together to discuss what has been working for the Rideau producer and what we need to focus on in the future to enhance profitability. Rideau Focus has been well supported

in the past by Gallaher Fencing, Maple/Pickseed, Sunderland Co-op, Brussels Ag Services and Grober Animal Nutrition. This year, a new participant, Kline Irrigation – a New Zealand pasture irrigation system – will be a featured display. After last year’s extreme drought conditions, this may be of great interest to many producers. Please contact Phil Smith at 905-478-4280 for more information. OSN

ONTARIO STOCKYARDS INC. Box 1051, 3807 Hwy. 89, Cookstown, ON L0L 1L0 Office: 705.458.4000 Fax: 705.458.4100 E-mail: info@ontariostockyards.on.ca Website: www.ontariostockyards.on.ca

BRIAN PASCOE

Res: 705.878.7026 Cell: 705.878.6918

WAYNE SMALL

Phone: 705.435.1423 Cell: 705.435.8275

Total Livestock Marketing OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

C. burnetii (Q fever) Found in Wild Rodents

n a recent study conducted in Algonquin Park, DNA was collected from deer mice, woodland jumping mice, Southern red-backed voles, Southern and Northern Flying squirrels and Northern American red squirrels. All of these species were found to have some prevalence of infection of Coxiella burnetii which can cause Q fever. Eastern chipmunks were not found to be infected with C. burnetii. Reservoir species can act as vectors and are considered to be carriers of disease. Rodents can contribute to the transmission of C. burnetii. Studies discovering wild reservoir species of zoonotic disease are important in order to understand the risk of pathogen exchange between wild and human populations.

There was a wide range of prevalence across the seven different species studied with woodland jumping mice having the highest prevalence of infection. There have been no reports of Q fever in humans from Algonquin Park; however Q fever symptoms are often unreported due to the non-specific nature of clinical symptoms. It is important to know whether tourists are at risk of acquiring Q fever from wildlife that may carry the

pathogen. While there is no evidence of humans becoming infected with Q fever from Woodland Jumping Mouse interactions with wildlife, little is known about the risk of transmission from wildlife in North America. Land use changes as well as habitat alteration modify wildlife population dynamics and migration patterns. This increases potential contact between wildlife carrying zoonotic pathogens (including C. burnetii) and domestic animals and humans. For the full scientific paper entitled, “Prevalence of Bacterium Coxiella burnetii in Wild Rodents from a Canadian Natural Environment Park” conducted by Thompson, et al. please visit www.ontariosheep.org click on Sheep Production Info, Resource Library and look under the Q fever category. OSN

Source: Prevalence of Bacterium Coxiella burnetii in Wild Rodents from a Canadian Natural Environment Park. Thompson, et al. Zoonoses and Public Health, 2012, 59, 553-560

Upcoming District AGM’s Consider Taking a Role on Your District Executive

nce again the District AGM’s are approaching. Here are the positions you should consider running for:

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 whenever it is needed.

PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR This year elections for Provincial Director will be held in Districts 2, 5, 8 and 11. 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. Previous board or committee experience is an asset.

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 Treasurer as well, keeping the District finances in order. This person is the main liaison between the OSMA Office and the District Committee. OSN

To find out when your District AGM is taking place or if you have any questions regarding the different executive positions, please go to the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org or call the office at 519-836-0043. 8

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RFID Systems: A Powerful Management Tool Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) management systems can help sheep producers boost flock productivity and profitability, according to a recent study conducted by the Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF). The three-year study involved more than 81 co-operating producers from across Canada. “One of the goals of the National RFID Technology Project was to evaluate how RFID management systems can help producers manage their operations to improve flock performance and profitability,” says Andrew Gordanier, CSF Chair. “We found that benefits can be realized if producers use these tools to become better flock and financial managers.”

Costs and productivity can be managed, lamb prices cannot. Focus on what can be managed. In the study, producers used RFID tags, hand-held tag readers, and flock management software to collect detailed animal information. They also used a spreadsheet-based cost of production tool called “Flock Snapshot,” to evaluate their financial situation and to track many other parameters including ewe productivity, death rates, profit per lamb marketed, labour input and return on investment.

Improving flock productivity Tracking flock productivity is one of the most immediate benefits producers find when using RFID management systems. It is easy to identify which ewes consistently produce multiples and get them to market; and which rams produce vigorous, fast-growing lambs. In addition, when lambing and health information is recorded, the good mothers and those with the fewest health problems stand out. RFID tags and flock software make it easier to identify animals with low prolificacy, health or behavior problems for culling purposes. Putting all of this knowledge to use can improve overall flock

productivity – a major contributor to flock value and profitability.

Boosting profitability

found potential management benefits that could offset the costs of investing for long-term business sustainability in equipment and software.

The profitability of an operation is balancing expenses with income. In the study, top-producing flocks spent 48 percent less per lamb on production and earned more per lamb than bottomproducing flocks. This difference in cost of production between top- and bottom-producing flocks shows the amount of improvement possible with attention to management. Controlling costs was the dominant contributor to a positive bottom line. Feed and labour costs made up approximately 66 percent of total production costs. Top-performing flocks spent 54 percent less on feed and 35 percent less on labour per lamb sold when compared to bottom-performing flocks. High ewe productivity, resulting in more marketable lambs, was another major contributor to the greater profitability of the top-performing flocks.

Effective and efficient “These tools were not available to previous generations and can save enormous amounts of time,” says Gordanier. “They also provide more detailed and more accurate data than we’ve ever been able to gather efficiently before. This is incredibly valuable to a producer who wants to run a profitable enterprise.”

The size of flock also makes a difference. Flocks of all sizes can be profitable, but on average, larger flocks have the ability to spread costs over more animals and to make more money than smaller flocks.

In addition to using RFID systems as a management tool to deliver greater productivity and profitability, the technology enables more seamless and efficient traceability for animal health and disease control. All of this adds up to steps in the right direction to move the Canadian sheep industry forward.

Another facet of the study evaluated the costs and benefits of using RFID management systems. Flock owners with 150 ewes or more (which produce 67 percent of Canada’s lamb crop)

www.cansheep.ca

Comparing flock performance Researchers averaged the data from all farms participating in the National RFID Technology Project over three years and produced a number of ‘models’ based on performance and flock size. This information shows producers how their operations compared with others including where their operations were performing well

Canadian Sheep Federation Fédération Canadienne du Mouton

and focused on areas where improvements could be made. Top flocks out-performed bottom flocks in: � �

Marketable lamb rate – 22% more Feed – 54% less

Time spent per lamb – 40% less Cost of production – 48% less � Lamb mortality – 7% less � �

� �

Price per lamb – 7.5% more Prolificacy – 11% more

This project was made possible by funding from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through its Canadian Industry Traceability Infrastructure Program (CITIP). AAFC is pleased to participate in this project and is committed to working with its industry partners to increase public awareness of the importance of the agri-food industry to Canada.

Increasing Prolificacy… A Sure Bet!

Vincent Demers Caron, M.Sc., research assistant 1 Franç ois Castonguay, Ph.D., sheep researcher 1 , 2 Table 2. Simulated annual gross margin of a 500 ewes herd with Doris Pellerin, Ph.D., professor 1

prolificacy levels varying from 1.5 to 2.4 lambs born per lambing in an accelerated lambing system

ost stakeholders in the sheep industry agree that the profitability of sheep farms, their development and the sustainability of the industry depends on an intensification and regularization of lamb production. This requirement to produce lambs in sufficient quantities on a regular basis encourages producers to adopt production systems that, while increasing the productivity of farms, substantially increase the costs of production. The reality is that it is difficult for sheep operations to be profitable. In order to guarantee the development of the sheep industry, it is essential to identify the production factors that significantly influence the NET INCOME of sheep businesses. A large number of production parameters can influence the performance and profitability of a sheep business: the litter size at birth, lamb mortality, weight gain of lambs before and after weaning, carcass quality, fertility in and out of season, the choice of reproduction techniques for out-of-season breeding, etc. Moreover, all of these elements are generally interrelated, which makes it difficult to precisely quantify the impact of a change in one of these parameters on net income. One parameter that is quickly singled out for improving farm income is the number of lambs born per ewe per lambing, or prolificacy. However, it is difficult to quantify the actual Table 1. Simulated annual productivity of a 500 ewes herd with prolificacy levels varying from 1.5 to 2.4 lambs born per lambing in an accelerated lambing system Prolificacyz 1.5

1.8

2.1

2.4

Number of lambs born/ewe

1.87

2.24

2.62

2.99

Perinatal mortality (%)

7.8

9.4

11.1

13.0

Birth-to-weaning mortality (%)

9.6

11.6

14.1

16.4

Number of lambs weaned/ewe

1.69

1.98

2.25

2.50

Kg of lamb weaned/ewe

32.2

36.3

40.2

43.8

Number of lambs sold/ewe

1.53

1.82

2.09

2.34

New crop lambs sold (%)

12.9

21.1

23.7

27.5

Light lambs sold (%)

20.2

20.0

Heavy lambs sold (%)

66.9

58.9

56.3

52.5

Kg of lamb sold/ewe

64.0

72.9

82.5

90.2

z Number of lambs born/lambing. y 0 to 3 days. x 0 days to weaning. 10

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Prolificacyz 1.5

1.8

2.1

2.4

Revenues ($/ewe) New crop lambs

20.52

37.72

48.67

63.19

Light lambs

34.81

41.41

47.58

53.28

Heavy lambs

161.49

171.13

188.24

196.80

Cull ewes and rams

9.66

Wool

1.81

Rams purchased

- 3.90

Total revenues

224.39

257.83

292.06

320.84

Feed – Ewes and rams

130.77

132.18

133.45

134.50

Feed – Lambs

65.51

72.91

82.63

90.98

Marketing

21.40

24.09

27.03

29.36

Miscellaneousy

17.89

Electronic identification

3.78

4.45

5.09

5.70

Bedding

5.87

6.04

6.21

6.36

0.00

0.88

2.15

3.83

Variable costs ($/ewe)

Artificial rearing labour

0.00

1.87

3.66

5.25

Total variable costs

245.22

260.31

278.11

293.87

Gross margin ($/ewe)w

- 20.83

- 2.48

13.95

26.97

Pen area adjustment

z Number of lambs born/lambing. y Includes ultrasonography pregnancy diagnosis, hormonal control of estrus, veterinary and medicine and shearing. x An adjustment for the additional pen area needed is included as a variable cost. w Gross margin = total revenues – total variable costs.

effect of a net increase in prolificacy on the profitability of a business. A “gross” gain of 0.3 lambs born/lambing, by using prolific ewes for example, does not necessarily translate to a “net” gain of 0.3 new lambs sold. There are several interactions with other production parameters which can also influence the ultimate profitability of this increase in prolificacy. For example, increasing the number of lambs born/lambing can reduce birth weight, increase mortality rate and decrease growth rate; all of these factors representing a loss for the producer. Added to this are the additional costs for feeding lactating ewes and extra lambs, an increased number of hours worked and the space necessary to raise additional lambs. Therefore, is this increase in prolificacy ultimately beneficial for the sheep enterprise or not? Given the complexity of the calculations required to accurately

answer this question, we focused on developing a software tool that acts as a flock simulator.

What we did... Simulovins The simulation software, named Simulovins, was developed specifically for the project, in collaboration with the staff at the Centre des ressources pédagogiques (CRP) of the Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation de l’Université Laval à Québec. Rest assured! This software is not another attempt to develop a sheep flock management software program! This software simulates the functioning of a sheep flock by taking into consideration, among other things, the number and breeds of ewes and rams, the mating system, reproductive performance (fertility, prolificacy) in and out of season, the performance of lambs of different crosses (growth, mortality rate and quality of the carcasses), the production system (number of groups, interval between lambings), input costs, the types of products and their prices, etc. All of this information enables the software to make calculations of productivity and profitability, essential factors in comparing simulation results.

Animals and production system With the help of Simulovins, four commercial flocks of 500 breeding females, managed under an intensive system of three lambings in two years, were simulated with prolificacy rates of 1.5 (low), 1.8 (intermediate), 2.1 (high) and 2.4 (very high) lambs born per ewe per lambing.

What we learned...

The simulations produced the kind of flock dynamic we expected: stable number of ewes and ewe lambs from one year to the next, the movement of non-pregnant females from one group to another, etc. In the simulated flocks, ewes attained an average of 1.24 lambings per ewe per year.

Ultimately, were more kilograms sold? Several indicators of productivity are shown in Table 1. Due to a lambing interval less than 12 months, the number of lambs born/ewe/year increased by 0.37 between each level of prolificacy (+0.3 lambs born/lambing). The number of lambs weaned annually per ewe increased with prolificacy. However, this difference was more significant for the increase in prolificacy from 1.5 to 1.8 than from rates of 1.8 to 2.1 or 2.1 to 2.4 because of higher mortality rates in larger litters. Ultimately, the increase in the weight of lambs sold was less pronounced than the increase in the number of lambs because the proportion of new crop lambs was larger, to the detriment of heavy lambs.

Now let’s talk money! The increase in prolificacy had an initial effect of increasing revenues from the sale of lambs, increasing total revenue from $224 to $321/ewe (Table 2).

2.4 lambs born/lambing). Differences in the feeding programs for ewes of low prolificacy and very high prolificacy occur during late gestation and lactation. Since the dam was allowed to rear up to two lambs, no ewes or ewe lambs were fed a lactation ration to permit the rearing of three or four lambs. This systematic policy of putting extra lambs on artificial feeding helped minimize additional feeding costs for the more prolific ewes. Lamb feed costs did not increase proportionally to the number of lambs sold (Table 2). Again, the larger number of new crop lambs sold in relation to heavy lambs explains this difference since the feeding cost for a heavy lamb is more than three times the cost of a new crop lamb. The 114m² of additional space required for the flock with 2.4 lambs born/lambing as compared to 1.5 led to an increase in costs of $5/ewe. Therefore, in the context of our simulation, the increase in prolificacy from 1.5 to 2.4 lambs born/lambing increased revenue more significantly than the increase in variable costs observed. Annual gross margin was improved by $23,882 (Table 2). For the simulated flock, the prolificacy level at which revenues equaled variable costs was somewhere between 1.8 and 2.1 lambs born/lambing with each ewe lambing 1.24 times per year.

Continued on page 12.

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In terms of variable costs (Table 2), increased prolificacy resulted in a minimal increase in the feed cost of breeding animals (from $131 to $135/ewe, for prolificacy rates of 1.5 to OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

Continued from page 11 ~ Increasing

Prolificacy… A Sure Bet!

And what if the context were different? As previously mentioned, the results obtained apply only to the simulated production environment, which is why it was worthwhile to study the relationship between the flock’s prolificacy and gross margin when other production parameters vary. A sensitivity analysis was done by varying one by one the following variables: the mating interval, the fertility rate, the mortality rate of lambs, the growth rate of lambs, the price of lambs and feed. Some factors reduced the benefit of an increase in prolificacy (i.e., the low price of lambs) while others had the opposite effect (i.e., a reduction in the mortality rate of lambs). Yet overall, no changes made in the sensitivity analysis completely cancelled out the benefits of increasing the number of lambs born per lambing.

Summary

The results of this study show that the profitability of sheep producers could be improved by increasing the prolificacy of flocks. However, it must be concluded that this improvement in prolificacy does not seem to be the only solution to sheep producers’ profitability problems. In the future, it would be interesting to recalculate this simulation with certain modifications. For example, in this study, the artificial rearing policy was deliberately severe, with only two lambs per ewe. This helped to avoid scenarios that were too optimistic; gains would have probably been higher if a certain portion of the ewes were allowed to raise three lambs without resorting to artificial rearing.

And going forward…

industry, it is essential to identify the production factors that significantly affect business net income. The ultimate objective of the Simulovins project is to be able to identify the best farming practices that have the most impact on the net income of sheep farms to improve their profitability. Identifying major production factors will help prioritize extension services for sheep producers and direct research work toward improving these priority factors. Our research team is currently working on the next phase of the project. As part of the current study, we want to investigate the effect that several other parameters have on profitability, namely mating interval, carcass classification, fertility rates and mortality of lambs… To be continued…

Acknowledgements

This project was possible due to the financial contribution from the MAPAQ’s Programme d’appui financier aux associations de producteurs désignés – volet 4 « Initiatives ». This study was conducted in cooperation with Jean-Michel Gagnon, Sébastien Rivest and Faouzi Benjelloun (Centre des resources pédagogiques, U. Laval) and Mireille Thériault (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada). We would also like to thank the Fédération des producteurs d’agneaux et moutons du Québec and the Centre d’expertise en production ovine du Québec and SoftAgro for their support. Thanks to Delma Kennedy for English revision of this article. OSN 1. Département des sciences animales, Université Laval, Québec, QC; 2. Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Sherbrooke, QC. To view the full article please go to www.ontariosheep.org and click on Sheep Production Info > Resource Library > Reproduction and Breeding go .ontariosheep.org and click on Sheep Production Info > Resource Library > Reproduction and Breeding

In order to guarantee the advancement of the sheep

Gadgets and Gizmos

ften on our farms we have unique inventions which help solve everyday problems or make our chores easier.

Insulator Spacer

Submitted by: Stoneybrook Farm Space your insulators evenly by using one inch hard PVC pipe. Cut to desired length and stack the PVC on a step in post. For extra security add a hose clamp to the top of the steel post to ensure the insulators remain in place. This is perfect for pastures with hills or gullies; or for sheep that try to run through the fence. 12

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If you have a gadget or gasmo 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. Thank you for your submissions! You can either: Email to: jcraig@ontariosheep.org Mail to: Ontario Sheep Attn: Jillian 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario • N1K 1B1

OSN

* OSMA does not endorse any Gadgets 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.

Are you at Risk of Having Condemned Carcasses?

Jillian Craig, BSc. Agr., Project Coordinator OSMA

ou raise your lambs to a target weight and then send them to an auction and assume your lambs are being enjoyed by consumers wanting high quality Ontario lamb. However, this is not always the case. 10% or more of lamb carcasses from Canadian abattoirs are condemned due to Sheep Measles or C. ovis. C. ovis or the intermediate larval life stage of the parasite infects the muscle of sheep or lambs. Once a dog consumes this meat, larvae may develop into an adult tapeworm known as Taenia ovis. In six to nine weeks eggs will be shed in dog feces. These eggs can survive for three to five months on pasture and can disperse up to 80 metres across pasture. Lambs can continue the cycle. Once a lamb is infected with C. ovis there is no treatment to remove the cysts. Sheep and dogs do not show symptoms of infection. It is only apparent in sheep or lambs once slaughtered due to the presence of cysts or white spots in the muscle. There are no human health risks; however the meat is unsightly to consumers. The carcass is condemned to prevent a bad image. Recently, one Ontario sheep producer purchased a livestock guardian dog and did not de-worm this dog upon arrival. A few months later the producer sent four lambs direct to a local abattoir. The owner of the abattoir phoned the producer with news that all four carcasses had been condemned due to C. ovis. This cost the producer over $800 in losses. All of the lambs on the farm were infected, costing the producer much more than the initial loss at the abattoir. They now de-worm dogs regularly and have not had a problem since. There are several ways to prevent your sheep from being infected. Ensure proper deadstock disposal and management, this will help eliminate scavenging by your dogs, neighbouring dogs, and other wild canids. Be sure to de-worm all dogs (especially newly purchased dogs). Talk to your veterinarian to see which de-wormer would best suit your operation. Typically it is recommended to de-worm dogs monthly. De-wormer options for dogs include: • Droncit injectable; (Praziquentel) • Droncit tablets; (Praziquentel)

Figure 1: Total number of sheep carcass condemnations due to Cysticercus ovis infection that occurred at Ontario provincially inspected abattoirs, and federally inspected abattoirs across Canada, from 2003 to 2011. * Up to March 31st 2011 only. Source: Cysticercus ovis in Canadian sheep: Research Summary. DeWolf, et al.

• Lopatol tablets; (Nitroscanate) • Drontal Plus tablets; (Praziquentel + Pyrantelpamoate + Febantel) • Cestex tablets (Epsiprantel) If you do feed meat to your dogs there are two options which should be followed. Either freeze the meat to -10 degrees Celsius for seven days or cook the meat to an internal temperature of 72 degrees Celsius. This will ensure that any cysts present are killed. Putting in place a good management strategy will not only improve the quality of your lamb but it will also benefit the industry and prevent economic losses to all involved. For more information please visit www.ontariosheep.org Factsheets can be found in the Resource Library under C. ovis. OSN Sources: 1. Canadian Sheep Federation. Ovine Cysticercosis A.K.A Sheep Measles. http://www. ontariosheep.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=cCv5KuLOE30%3d&tabid=95 2. D eWolf, et al. Cysticercus ovis in Canadian sheep: Research Summary 3. Jansen, et al. Cysticercus ovis Condemnations in Sheep –An Emerging Problem in Canada.

Canada’s only national sheep magazine We’re so sure you’ll like Sheep Canada, we’ll refund your money if you don’t! 1 Year: $22 (+HST=$24.86) Get a second year for only $16! 2 Years: $38 (+HST = $42.94) Get a third year for only $12! 3 Years: $50 (HST=$56.50)

To subscribe, send your name and address with payment to: Sheep Canada magazine, 1489 Route 560, Deerville, NB E7K 1W7 or call 1-888-241-5124 to pay by VISA/MC OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

Predation Prevention: Mark Your Calendar August 7, 2013

Regency Room • Holiday Inn • 150 George Street North • Peterborough Registration Deadline: July 29, 2013

lan on attending the one day Livestock Predation Prevention Conference scheduled on Wednesday, August 7, 2013. An agenda can be found below:

8:00am

Registration and coffee

8:30am

elcome and Opening remarks – Mark Ritchie, W Chair of OSMA Predation Committee

8:40am

rends in Predation – Anita O’Brien, Sheep T and Goat Specialist, OMAF

9:10am

nderstanding Coyotes and Wolves – U Brent Patterson, Research Scientist, MNR and Adjunct Professor, Trent University

10:00am B lack Bears in Ontario – Lorraine Norris, Sr. Fish & Wildlife Technical Specialist, Ministry of Natural Resources 10:30am Break 10:45am U nderstanding Avian Predators: ravens, eagles – Mike Bodenchuk, District Supervisor, USDA Wildlife Services, Texas State Director 11:30am E valuating Your Farm’s Predation Risk - Brent Patterson and Kaiti Nixon, MNR and Trent University 12:00pm Lunch 12:45pm Panel Discussion: Overview of various deterrents – Andy Millar, Sunny Meadows Charolais, Mark Ritchie, Footflats Farm, and Dennis Yellowlees, Yellowlees Family Farm

2:00pm Highlights of Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program and the Protection of Livestock and Poultry from Dogs Act – Nancy Noecker, Beef Cow Calf Specialist, OMAF 2:30pm Removal Options: Your rights and responsibilities under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act - David Critchlow, Provincial Enforcement Specialist, MNR Peterborough 3:00pm

Break

Concurrent Sessions: 3:15pm and 3:45pm and 4:15pm (you will be able to attend any three of the six listed) •K ill Identification – coyotes and other predators – Chris Kennedy, Livestock Valuer • Fencing for Predation Control – Mark Ritchie, Footflats Farm •E ffective Trapping and Snaring – John McKelvey, Critter Gitter • T argeted Hunting and Coyote Calling – Darcy Alkerton, Hunter and Trapper • Livestock Guardian Animals – Dogs – Ryan Van Loon, •N oise and Light Deterrents – Kaiti Nixon, MNR/Trent University 4:45pm Drop off feedback sheets Adjourn

If you are interested in attending please RSVP to OSMA. The registration form can be found on www.ontariosheep.org The cost of the conference is $67.80. E-mail: admin@ontariosheep.org Phone: 519-836-0043 OSN

Support for this project was provided by Agriculture-Wildlife Conflict Strategic Funding.

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An Innovative Idea:

The Coyote Car

Karen & Dennis Yellowlees, Yellowlees Family Farm

he “coyote car” was borne out of our frustration of cyclical coyote kills in our sheep flock while on pasture. In researching deterrents, we found that most commercial units were static and limited in their range. With most of our kills being in the daytime we wanted to add sound deterrent along with light deterrent for day and night time predation. Out of our wish list we have developed our “Coyote Car”. The base unit is a car that was still functional that we diverted from its journey to the scrap yard. To this unit we added a solar panel, rate controller and a deep cell battery to power the radio. An external speaker was wired in to distribute the sound outside of the vehicle. Talk radio seems to replicate human activity. The coyote car is moved within the pasture on all pasture visits to further indicate human activity.

As well, solar powered spot lights were attached to the car to give night light for further deterrent. An added benefit to the coyote car is its ability to store fencing and sheep supplies that are needed at the pasture location. We put the coyote car into the pasture location part way through the 2012 pasture season. Coyote kills, pre- coyote car were 18 and post implementation 2. We think a good indication of its potential as a deterrent tool. The coyote car is being used on short term rental property where deterrent fencing is not feasible and the proximity to non-farm rural residents and their companion pets, leaves us with liability concerns of using dog guardians. The coyote car gives us an economical, flexible and mobile deterrent tool that we will continue to refine. OSN

Dennis Yellowlees will be at the predation seminar on August 7th to talk about the Coyote Car as well as other predation strategies.

Retirement Dispersal Sale Online Auction - August 3 to 10

Put Ram H Fullblood Dorpers to Work For You Ram H Kracker

Selling RAM H Kracker All fullblood Dorper RAMS All fullblood Dorper EWES Working Great Pyrenees Production Equipment Catalogue online July 20

Twins - Milk - Growth - Muscle - $$$$$ Join the Change to Dorpers To register, Viewing and/or Bidding Please call Ram H Breeders res: 403-932-3135 Ray & Ann Marie Hauck cell: 403-540-0029 am@ramhbreeders.com www.ramhbreeders.com SUMMER 2013

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Page 11

4 Awards Offered by OSMA 2013 Last Year for OSMA Scholarship Please Note: 2013 will be the last year the OSMA Scholarship is offered. The OSMA Board has made a motion that starting next year (2014) the $500 scholarship fund will go to the Holstein Rodeo Shearing Competition as prize money for the Youth Division. We encourage all students who are eligible to apply for this year’s OSMA Scholarship. Application Forms can be obtained by emailing rmarcy@ontariosheep.org, downloading the form at www.ontariosheep.org or by calling the OSMA office at 519-836-0043. Eligibility and application details are below. Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Scholarship Value of the Award: $500 Number: One Application Due: Friday, September 6th, 2013 Winning Selection will be notified on or before Friday, September 13th, 2013 Requirements: Applicants must be either a registered sheep producer or have a Parent/Guardian registered as an OSMA producer as of April 30th 2013 or belong to a 4-H Sheep Club. Applicants must be attending their 1st or 2nd year of a university, college or apprenticeship program in the fall of 2013 (not limited to agriculture). Applicants must be 21 years of age or younger. Submission Requirements: Please submit only one of the following: 1. Currently lamb is not widely promoted to the consumer. If you were in charge of marketing, how would you market lamb? 2. If you were going to produce sheep, what management style (ie pasture, confinement, mixed etc.) would you choose and why? 3. Give a detailed description of a bio-security set up and explain why this is important to the individual producer and to the industry as a whole. 4. What do you feel is the sheep industry’s greatest weakness and therefore our greatest challenge and how would you change that if you could? • Articles should be a minimum of 500 words in length • You may include picture, diagrams…etc • Be creative and enjoy this learning opportunity • Your submissions will be judged on creativity as well as content • Your name will be removed from your submission before being judged to keep submissions anonymous • Top articles will be published in the Ontario Sheep News Magazine

Please include the application form with your entry. For more information, please contact Roselen Marcy at: Phone: 519-836-0043 • Email: rmarcy@ontariosheep.org

Outstanding Shepherd Award This award recognizes significant contributions to the advancement of the Ontario Sheep Industry. It is presented to an Ontario Shepherd who exemplifies the values of leadership and responsible sheep husbandry.

Long Service Award This award recognizes significant contributions to the advancement of the Ontario Sheep Industry over many years of service. It is given in acknowledgement and appreciation of long standing contribution to the Ontario Sheep Industry. Recipients of this award have demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership and innovative spirit. If you know someone who deserves to be recognized through one of these awards, please nominate them. The nomination forms can be found on our website at www.ontariosheep.org or by calling the OSMA Office at 519-836-0043 or emailing general@ontariosheep.org.

Mapleseed Pasture Award The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency is pleased to partner with Mapleseed and the Ontario Forage Council in sponsoring the “MAPLESEED Pasture Award 2013.” This is an excellent opportunity to recognize individual producers who are doing an outstanding job of pasture management. The Mapleseed Pasture Award is also a way of encouraging producers to implement pasture management strategies that maximize production per acre. Mapleseed contributes a cash award of $500 to the winner, $250 to cover their accommodation plus a 25kg bag of their choice of a Mapleseed Forage Mix. The winner will be announced at the Annual Meeting of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, which will take place in October 2013. To submit a nomination for this award, complete the application form at www.ontariosheep.org. Feel free to include pictures and or diagrams (for more, go to www. ontariosheep.org). Application Deadline: October 1, 2013. Send completed applications c/o Ontario Forage Council, Box 463, Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0 OSN

Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Jack James will be inducted into the Ontario Agricultural Hall of Fame on Sunday June 9, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. in the Gambrel Barn at Country Heritage Park in Milton. OSMA Vice-Chair Fraser Hodgson will be representing the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency at the Induction Ceremony. The public is invited to join the celebration. Tickets are $25 each and can be obtained by calling the Association office at 905-878-8151. 16

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Dana & Adam Thatcher Win 2013 Outstanding Young Farmer Award

ongratulations to Dana & Adam Thatcher of Thatcher’s Farms on being awarded the 2013 Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.

Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program (OYF) is a unique program designed to recognize farmers and farm couples who exemplify excellence in their profession. The program was founded in 1979 by the Canadian Junior Chamber/Jay-cees and is open to farmers or couples who derive at least two-thirds of their income from farming operations. The Thatcher’s along with their three children farm in Rockwood, Ontario. They produce lamb, beef, pork and chicken as well as Omega 3 eggs – all of which they sell in their on-farm store as well as at the Guelph Farmers Market. They also sell their own honey, local maple syrup, home baked meat pies and fruit jams. In the future the Thatcher’s would like to host agriculturalthemed events, chef dinners, school tours and group outings. The goal is to bring people out to the family farm as a destination, making the connection between farming and the future. The full article on Thatcher Farms can be read at www.oyfontario.ca. OSN Dana & Adam Thatcher of Thatcher Farms were awarded the 2013 Outstanding Young Farmer Award’

Take the guesswork out & put the PROFIT back in!

40% of the cost of producing a market lamb is in the feed. Use the most effective tool to manage this critical aspect of your flock profitability!

SheepBytes is your online, cost-effective answer! SheepBytes eliminates the guesswork and tedious manual calculations of one of the most important parts of your business. I’m very impressed. This program has already helped us make a great improvement to our feeding system. – Eric Verstappen, High Prairie, Alberta

Effective ration balancing, feed testing, feeding systems, feed waste monitoring, body condition scoring, and flock health management are all essential to achieving profitable sheep operations. SheepBytes 2012 is an online program which provides data security and easy access from any computer, any time.

• Optimize Animal Performance • Prevent Nutrition Problems • Manage Feed Costs

www.sheepbytes.ca

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The History of Arcotts Terry Spicer

n the early 20 th century, sheep farmers were greatly interested in acquiring new breeds better adapted to Canadian conditions. In 1965 Agriculture Canada initiated a long-term research program at Ottawa. These programs resulted in the development of new breeds of sheep. The Arcott (Canadian, Outaouais, and Rideau). The Arcotts were registered as new breeds with the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation in 1989. They were released to the sheep industry through livestock auction sales and the establishment of nucleus flocks in 1989 and 1990. In 1966 the ewe flock in Ottawa consisted of approximately 160 Shropshire, 190 Suffolk, and 90 OS, a synthetic strain previously developed at Ottawa from Leicester, North Country Cheviot, Romnelet, and Suffolk breeds (each contributed approximately 25 %). In the following 3 years 16 Shropshire, 20 Suffolk and 18 OS rams were used to produce purebred and cross- bred offspring. Many exotic breeds were identified as potential sources for importation. Only those that met the animal health requirements and would complement breeds in Canada were imported. In choosing breeds with potential for genetic improvement, researchers emphasized high fertility, yearround breeding, growth rate, carcass quality, milk yield, and production of heavy white fleece. Those chosen for multiplication into Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd. the foundation flock were Ile de France, Finnsheep, and East Friesian. In 1972 the flock was closed. Tuesdays

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Drop Calves, Veal, Pigs, Lambs, Goats & Sheep Fridays 10:00 a.m.

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After the quarantine ended in 1974, all sheep were housed in a controlled environment. Sheep were separated into two flocks, A and B, to establish an accelerated lambing program. The objective was to lamb at 4- month intervals (Feb. June, and Oct) under an 8- month breeding cycle.

Beginning in 1977, after 5 years of closed breeding, the strains were considered to be new breeds. For Rideau Arcott the next 4 years, researchers carried out minimal selection to maintain a genetic base. In 1980 lambs were delivered by hysterectomy to establish a diseasefree flock. These Canadian Arcott sheep were bred to re-establish flocks A and B (50 rams and 400 ewes were used develop each Arcott breed. The Canadian breed was selected for lean muscle mass and growth rate, based primarily on individual Outaouais Arcott lamb growth. Less emphasis was placed on litter size (ewe lambs avg. 1.3 lambs; adult ewes, 1.9 lambs, 65% of ewes produce multiple births). The Outaouais and Rideau breeds were selected primarily for prolificacy of their dams, with lesser attention to individual lamb growth. Outaouais- litter size- ewe lambs avg. 1.8 lambs; adult ewes, 2.6 lambs Multiple births 83% Rideaus- litter size- ewe lambs 1.7 lambs; adult ewes avg. 2.5 lambs. Multiple births 82%. Sheep lambing such high percentages are usually not suitable for new shepherds, those not willing to or not having the time available, as lambing success requires some intensive management. Detailed breed standards and photographs can be located at the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association web site, www.sheepbreeders.ca click on breed standards and make your selection. These are named the Canadian, Outaouais, and Rideau Arcott Terry Spicer is a professional shearer and producer. For further information, you may contact him at lost.horizon@ sympatico.ca OSN

Helping You Work Out Your Cost of Production New for Producers – Economic Workbook for Annual Lambing Flock

SMA now has a new workbook that outlines production and financial data for an annual spring lambing flock and the calculations needed to measure financial progress.

In 2010 OSMA released an “Economic Workbook for an Accelerated Lambing Flock”. Both of these books are helpful tools to assist producers in making improvements in both production efficiency and financial efficiency. They both outline production and financial data and the calculations needed to measure your financial progress. The production costs in these workbooks are estimates based on group averages of producers participating in the OSMA Financial Benchmarking Project, as well as a number of assumptions that reflect management practices and facilities commonly recommended for use in their size of annual spring lambing operations. Books may be found at your district meetings or you can call the OSMA office at 519-836-0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org. You can also download or view the books from the links on the homepage of www.ontariosheep.org.

INTRODUCTORY PRICING

Please remember that that the financial results from a single year do not reflect the long-term profitability potential on an enterprise or of the industry.

ALL MILK PROTEIN

Special thanks go to Anita O’Brien and John Molenhuis for their expertise and the development of this workbook. We would also like to thank the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI) for funding of this book under the Benchmarking project. Finally we would like to thank and acknowledge the producers who assisted us in the benchmarking study. They have contributed a great service to our industry, some of them staying with the project for three years. OSN

Valid untill August 30, 2013 LAMBO 22/28 $65/20kg min 10 bags LAMBO 5.5 22/28 $67/20kg min 10 bags RAPIDO LAMB 24/35 $75/20kg min 10 bags

Some delivery charges may apply. C.O.D

For more information call

Funding for this project was provided in part by the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI). The AMI is part of the Best Practices Suite of programs for Growing Forward, a federalprovincial-territorial initiative.

226.820.5576 OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

To Breed or not to Breed for Parasite Resistance Nancy Stonos MSc, PhD student, University of Guelph

astrointestinal parasites, or helminths, are a major concern for sheep producers around the world, and can be a major source of production losses1. These losses include poor growth rates, reduced milk, meat and wool quality, as well as the cost of treatment. Sheep become infected with helminths when worms are ingested from infected pastures, once inside the sheep, the worms burrow into the gut lining where feed on blood and mature into egg producing adults. These eggs are then shed in the feces where they hatch into larvae that eventually molt into immature worms that travel up grass blades in search of their host to complete the lifecycle. There are a variety of strategies designed to combat infection including rotational grazing, and regular treatment with anthelmintic drugs. However, the reliance on anthelmintic drugs has also led to the development of anthelmintic drug resistant worms2, causing scientists to investigate alternate methods of parasite control. One of the methods under investigation is to selectively breed sheep for helminth resistance. This method is based on the host-parasite co-evolution that has occurred over millions of years, ensuring survival of both species3. However, as a result of current selection pressures for enhanced meat, milk and wool production, as well as intensive farming practices, the sheephelminth interaction has been altered resulting in high parasite loads around the world. There are however, breed differences in susceptibility or resistance to helminth infections, for example in some remote areas off the Scottish coast, a high parasite load may have induced breed-specific selection pressure resulting in breeds that are more resistant than others4. Consequently, breeds such as Barbados Blackbelly, U.S. St. Croix, Florida Native and Gulf Coast Native breeds, Indonesian Thin tail, Indian Garole, and African Red Maasai are being used for genetic studies to identify genes that are associated with enhanced helminth resistance5. Although, breeding for enhanced helminth resistance may seem simple, it is in fact a complex procedure that starts with being able to effectively identify and measure a desirable phenotype. In sheep, fecal egg counts are generally used to quantify the parasite load, however fecal egg counts can vary depending on season as well as the reproductive status of ewes and so may not accurately depict the parasite load6. The scientific community however, has agreed that resistance to helminths is moderately heritable and therefore there is potential to breed for enhanced parasite resistance5.

Genetic studies have reveled that resistance is a polygenic trait meaning that it is a combination of many genes that contribute to enhance resistance, thus making genomic selection difficult. However, it may be possible to breed for resistance using phenotypes rather than genotypes, and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the UK have pursued this method of improving helminth resistance in their flocks5. Semen is now available from these breeding initiatives for producers that want to introduce resistance into their flock. However, introducing resistance genes into North American breeds may not be effective due to different parasite species and rearing conditions. Additionally, it is unclear how breeding for enhanced parasite resistance will affect the ability to fight off other diseases. Despite the possible drawbacks, there are clear advantages by generating a flock with improved health and production status. This method also adds diversity to helminth control strategies so producers are no longer solely reliant on anthelminthic drugs. Additionally, an overall reduction of egg levels on pasture will also improve health of non-resistant sheep. However, before the implementation of a large-scale breeding program for helminth resistance can occur, further research is necessary to investigate resistance under Canadian pasture and management conditions. Genomic tools should also be used as part of a helminth resistance breeding program to monitor health and production traits to ensure an overall healthy flock. For more information or to read the full report please visit www.ontariosheep.org it can be found under the parasite tab. OSN References 1) Halliday, A. M., Lainson, F. A., Yaga, R., Inglis, N. F., Bridgett, S., Nath, M., Knox, D.P. 2012. Transcriptional changes in Teladorsagia circumcincta upon encountering host tissue of differing immune status. Parasitology 139: 387-405. 2) Kaplan, R. M. and Vidyashankar, A.N. 2012. An inconvenient truth: global worming and anthelmintic resistance. Vet. Parasitol. 186: 70-78. 3) Stear, M. J., Singleton, D., Mathews, L. 2011. An evolutionary perspective on gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. J. Helminthol. 85: 113-120. 4) Karlsson, L. J. E. and Greeff, J.C. 2012. Genetic aspects of sheep parasitic diseases. Vet. Parasitol. 189: 104-12. 5) Bishop, S. C. 2012. Possibilities to breed for resistance to nematode parasite infections in small ruminants in tropical production systems. Anim. 6:5 741-747. 6) Singleton, D. R., Stear, M. J., Matthews, L. 2011. A mechanistic model of developing immunity to Teladorsagia circumcincta infection in lambs. Parasitol. 138:3 322-332.

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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WHERE SHEEP FARMERS MEET ™

The Anderson Family from Anderson Farms Oil Springs, ON

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Important Information about the AGM and Education Day in October The Annual General Meeting and the Industry Education Day will be held on Friday, October 25th and Saturday, October 26th. Once again it will be at the Holiday Inn in Guelph. Please look for complete details on the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org and in the next Messenger electronic newsletter. At the time of press, some details are not yet finalized. Our apologies. Complete details will be posted as soon as possible.

Tweeting is Serious Business Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor

hese are certainly tough times for producers. We are seeing very low prices at the markets, hay has been both scarce and expensive and as with all businesses, there is always the competition to contend with. OSMA is working on ideas where we can assist the producers who are concentrating in the area of direct marketing. Direct marketing is when lamb is sold directly to the consumer and actually works best for small scale producers who are fairly close to larger markets or cities with large populations. Direct marketers often command higher prices for their lamb but it is a LOT OF WORK as most direct marketers will tell you. Some don’t like to include their time but we cheat ourselves when we consider our time to be free. So what is OSMA working on that might help producers and processors to sell lamb at farmers markets, through internet sales or through farm gate? Let’s list to keep it simple: 1. Lamb Locator - We have had our lamb locator set up for quite awhile now. You can go to the homepage of www. ontariosheep.org and find it there. You can register your farm or business if you are selling lamb, guardian animals or breeding stock. We also advertise wool and dairy. Please email us at general@ontariosheep.org if you would like to be listed. 2. Twitter & Facebook– We have now two twitter accounts. @OntarioSheep is all about promoting events to producers about education, funding, what’s happening in our industry and related industries. @OntarioLamb is a twitter account that lets us promote you. We have put together a form (more info found on page 27 of this magazine) that will give us the information to add you to our lists of tweets and businesses to continue to assist in advertising also through Facebook. 3. (*NEW) to the present Abattoir/Processor Listing - For the past year we have included a listing of the Abattoirs and Auction Markets in our Ontario Sheep News and

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on the OSMA website. Now, we are offering abattoirs and processors an opportunity to add what they prefer to market in lamb. This information will also be featured on our website on a special page in the market tab. If you are an Abattoir or a Processor and would like you have your business listed here, please prepare a 100 character message and email it to Jane Harlaar at licensefees@ ontariosheep.org or call 519-836-0043 x 25. 4. *NEW TOOLS WE ARE WORKING ON – We are putting together some virtual simple ads that state, “We sell Ontario Lamb” for producers who want to put them on their websites and Facebook pages. This will help to promote lamb for every producer. We will let you know as soon as they are ready. 5. We have taken out a full page ad in the July Horizon Travel Magazine as well as some 6 second commercials that will run on the TTC and in Union Station over various times from June to August. 6. We continue to have recipes cards and brochures about our three products (lamb, wool and dairy) and these are free. We do ask for the cost of the shipping to be covered. So there are some of the things that we are working on. We are always looking for input for new ideas too. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any ideas, thoughts, and comments. I can be reached by phone at 519-836-0043 x27 or by email at general@ontariosheep.org. OSN

Young Sheep Farmer Prefers Her Rubber Boots …and A Little Bling By Jeanine Moyer

arah Brien is a farm girl at heart. But when the farm work is done, she’s quick to trade in her rubber boots for heels and in an industry dominated by men, her stylish dress isn’t the only thing that makes Brien stand out – it’s her passion for sheep farming and desire to run her own farm that makes heads turn. Raised on a sheep farm in Ridgetown, ON, Brien confesses she didn’t always want to farm. In fact, it was a last-minute decision to attend the University of Guelph for agriculture that changed her future. “Something told me agriculture is what I should do, and I haven’t looked back,” she says. In an industry with 3,800 sheep farms in the province, Brien and her family knew they had to differentiate themselves to be successful. The family has been proactive importing and exporting sheep genetics, and is part of a progressive purebred sheep breeders’ group interested in international trade. Sarah Brien with her family’s flock of sheep

They were one of the first sheep breeders in Canada to import the unique sheep breed, Texel, from Europe, and have since exported sheep and genetics to Russia with plans to export to Columbia. Each year the Briens travel to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto to show their animals in competitions and visit with international buyers interested in their sheep genetics. It’s not just genetics that are strong on the family farm, Sarah and her brother Lee are fourth generation farmers who naturally inherited their both their love for the land and animals as well as their sense of community spirit and involvement from their parents, Gary and Luanne. Both of Brien’s parents are very active in agriculture and the local community, inspiring her to work alongside them organizing community events, participating in 4-H, and being an ambassador for the sheep industry and the local agricultural society. They’ve even been known to feature their sheep in the local live nativity scene at Christmas. “Farm life taught us about a bigger sense of community,” says Brien. “Materialistic things aren’t important – it’s the values we learned from our family farm that will guide us.” Brien values her rural lifestyle, appreciating the ability to wander over 150 acres of land, spend with the farm animals and her combined sense of responsibility and affection for their flock.

(Photo by Lee Brien)

A recent university graduate, Brien currently works for an agricultural organization, but hopes to return to the farm someday to raise her own flock. When she’s not working at her off farm job, Brien can generally be found in the barn or spending time on another favourite pastime, shopping. This young sheep farmer even Circle R Livestock Ltd. has a bedazzled sheep Registered & Commercial Polled Dorsets Quality Lamb and Farm Products phone cover, proving Ryan & Romy Schill that even farm animals can be accessorized with a little bling. This article is one in a series of profiles on Ontario farmers produced by Farm & Food Care Ontario. OSN

7489 4th Line rr#2 Wallenstein ON N0B 2S0 519 669 4146 circle.r.livestock@hotmail.com circle-r-livestock.webs.com

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A WORD About Sheep Benchmarking

John Molenhuis, Business Analysis and Cost of lthough it may be hard to imagine, there are some people that do not find financial analysis particularly appealing. Part of problem may be the fact there are so many different financial measures to choose from that it is hard to know which ones to use. If you are looking for some quick ‘hits’, there are some key ratios that can reveal a lot about your operation.

Data from the 3-year benchmarking study led by OSMA was used to see how the Ontario sheep industry has fared in these financial markers. A WORD is an acronym for five key financial ratios: A sset Turnover W orking Capital ratio O perating Profit Margin ratio R eturn on Assets D ebt to Equity ratio Asset turnover gauges financial efficiency and refers to how effective the business is at using its assets to generate income. Working Capital Ratio looks at your liquidity and assesses your ability to pay your bills as they come due. Operating Profit Margin and Return on Assets are profitability indicators and they measure how well the business is able to generate a profit. And finally, Debt to Equity measures solvency and it determines the extent you are relying on debt to finance the business. Table 1 presents the results from the study for these five financial measures and reports the 3-year average of all farms and the high profit farms. The last column provides a general agricultural industry target for each of the measures. One of the first things you notice is that the high profit farms are consistently stronger in all of the measures and in many case exceeded the target. It was not just in one or two areas they out performed.

Production Program Lead

The asset turnover measures for both groups are below what is considered the general industry target. Land values have a big impact on this measure and are why many farms (not just in the sheep industry) are below target. But it can indicate that the business assets are not being used effectively. This may mean the farms are over capitalized with too many assets or assets that are larger than they need. Maintaining a sufficient flock size, this was one of the key performance indicators (KPI) from the study, contributed to better efficiency for the high profit farms through economies of scale. Ensure flock size matches the equipment or building infrastructure to make certain assets are used most efficiently. The working capital ratio measures short term financial risk. Current assets are those short term assets that can be easily turned into cash. Current liabilities are bills that are going to come due within the next year. A stronger ratio means you are in better shape to cover your cash operating expenses for the coming year with your existing financial resources. The much stronger ratio of the high profit farms will allow them to more easily weather short term financial downturns. Those farms that are below 33% are at greater financial risk if input costs spike or market prices fall. Both the average and the high profit groups performed reasonably well in terms of operating profit margin and return on assets. But the high profit farms had an operating profit almost 10% better than the average and 2.5% higher return on assets. One of the KPIs from the study was the ability of the high profit farms to control their costs which led to their healthier profit margins. They were consistently lower in almost all expense categories. The biggest difference was in feed costs, the high profit farms had 35 to 40% lower feed costs. The biggest contributor was in their pasture management, another one of the KPIs from the study. Those flocks that made more extensive use of pastures tended to do better financially.

Debt to equity is another measure of financial risk but looks more long term than the working capital ratio. Table 1. Key Financial Measures – Sheep Benchmarking: 2009 to 2011 Both groups are in a decent equity position with debt to equity ratio below the 0.40 target. This puts them in All High a better position to weather financial downturns or meet Target Ratio Calculation Farms Profit all their financial obligations if they were to sell off their Asset Turnover Gross Farm Income 0.18 0.21 Greater than 0.35 assets. Many new farms just starting out will have their (Efficiency) Total Assets debt to equity measures read much higher than this. This Working Capital (Current Assets – puts them at much higher risk and they need strong ratios Greater than Ratio Current Liabilities) 26.9% 41.6% in other areas especially profitability to ensure they can 33.0% (Liquidity) Cash Expenses service their debt. Operating Profit Margin (Profitability)

Return on Assets (Profitability) Debt to Equity (Solvency)

(Net Farm Income + Interest Expense) Gross Farm Income (Net Farm Income + Interest Expense) Total Assets Total Liabilities Equity

18.4%

27.0%

Greater than 15%

3.4%

5.9%

Greater than 5.0%

0.28

0.22

Less than 0.40

It is important not to look at the individual ratios in isolation. A weakness in one area can be compensated for by strengths in others. But there are clear differences between the high profit group and the average flocks. These indicators provide a good starting point for measuring progress and financial success. How do you compare to these numbers? OSN Funding for this project was provided in part by the Agricultural Management Institute (AMI). The AMI is part of the Best Practices Suite of programs for Growing Forward, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

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It’s here again!

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 2013 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 27th, 2013. 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: 2013 Ontario Sheep News Photo Contest Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 130 Malcolm Road Guelph, ON N1K 1B1 Entries can also be emailed to general@ontariosheep.org Any questions, call Ruth Gilmour at the OSMA office, 519-836-0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org

We look forward to seeing your submissions!

Please Remember:

Photos should depict the industry. Best photos have high resolution

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Email info@sheltersolutions.ca

Address 360 King Street Unit #5 Palmerston ON N0G2P0

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CURRENT PRODUCERS ON THE GENOVIS PROGRAM Maple Meadow Farms Colleen Acres & Dwayne Bazinet • 613-826-2330 G+L Brien • Gary Brien • 519-674-3846 Codan Suffolks Bill & Lynne Duffield • 519-899-2663 Mactaggart Suffolks William Mactaggart • 519-824-3878 Spring Hill Farm • Lloyd Skinner • 905-263-8167 Century Lane Farm Robert & Shirley Graves • 613-831-2656 St. Benedicts Acres Michael Huffman • 613-756-9016 Shillalah Farm • Florence Pullen • 519-233-7896 Burndale Farm • Muriel Burnett • 705-887-6512 Breezy Ridge Farm Philip & Elizabeth Smith • 905-478-4280 Rocky Lane Farm Robert & Gail Irvine • 705-292-7207 Cedar Creek Charollais • Ted Skinner • 905-263-2102 Mulmur Vista Farm Bill McCutcheon • 519-928-9626 John & Eadie Steele John & Eadie Steele • 705-696-1491 Jim & Wendy Driscoll Jim & Wendy Driscoll • 519-638-5703 Francis Winger • Francis Winger • 519-323-3531 Shepherd’s Fold • Berthanee Jensen • 519-887-9948 Somerset Farm • Peter Hyams • 613-473-5244 Hartley Farm • David & Anne Hartley • 519-369-2438 Gilmer-Stubbings Farm Greg Stubbings • 613-774-4563 Thunder Hill Farm Pamela Shepherd • 905-986-1874 Stonehill Sheep • Tina Harrington • 519-794-3732 Trillium Woods Sheep Karen Hayward • 519-371-8487 The Shepherds Gate • Judy Dening • 705-324-3453 Brown Woolies Ted Brown & Alison Brown • 905-877-2323 Tim Farquhar & Laurel Strachan • Tim Farquhar & Laurel Strachan • 519-665-7813 Roly Poly Farms • Donna Aziz • 905-852-9252 Todd Sheep Company Inc. Keith Todd • 519-528-2650 Brookwater Farms Harry & Vicki Elsinga • 902-439-5811 Topsy Farms Ltd. Christopher Kennedy • 613-389-0554 J & J Farms Ross & Clementine Savasi • 705-652-7477 Lamb Lady Farm • Shelagh Finn • 647-932-7102 Generation Farms • Matthew Swart • 519-887-6317 Emily Ridge Farm Michelle Woodhead • 705-793-2241 Bruce & Dawn MacKinnon Bruce & Dawn MacKinnon • 519-762-3047 Rob & Kyle Harris Rob & Kyle Harris • 519-349-2677 Ridgeline Suffolks • Lee Brien • 519-809-5332 Comfort Tunis • Mark & Bev Comfort • 613-657-3893 Allinbrook Farms • Neil Allin • 905-983-5791

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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 William MacTaggart Garry & Beth Collins Tina Harrington Gerald & Joanne Hunter Bethane Jensen Francis & Elaine Winger Ted Brown Karen Hayward Lisa Turney Cory & Jennifer Beitz Shelagh Finn Ryan Schill Laura Robson Colleen Acres Kevin Hutchings Harry Elsinga Howard & Denise Wideman Matthew Swart Rob & Kyle Harris Jill DeClark Don Weber Gordon Walker C.J. Arthur

FARM NAME Rocky Lane Farm Cedar Creek Charollais Century Lane Farm Greenwood Farm Duff Farms MacTaggart Suffolk Collins Horned Dorsets Stonehill Sheep Hunterdown Farm Shepherd’s Fold Brown Woolies Farm Trillium Woods Sheep Wo-Nikk-El Heights Beitz View Acres Lamb Lady Farm Circle R. Livestock Ltd. Robson Acres Maple Meadow Farms Hutchings Farms Brookwater Farms Generation Farms Rider Ridge Ranch Orchadview Farm Heritage Acre Farm

TELEPHONE 705-292-7207 905-263-2102 613-831-2656 519-369-5396 705-696-1491 519-856-9935 519-750-9928 519-824-3878 519-934-3239 519-794-3732 613-283-7565 519-887-9948 519-323-3531 905-877-2323 519-371-8487 519-848-6877 519-367-2589 647-932-7102 519-669-4146 705-932-3216 613-826-2330 705-437-4441 902-439-5811 519-335-6124 519-887-6317 519-349-2677 519-673-7133 519-848-5746 519-287-5085 519-534-3477

CURRENT PRODUCERS ON ONTARIO SHEEP HEALTH PROGRAM PRODUCER NAME Bill & Lyne Duffield Francis & Elaine Winger John & Eadie Steele Wietza & Leny Raven Shelagh Finn Leslie Dyment Marc Carere Tammy Trinkwon Bob & Gail Irvine

FARM NAME Codan Suffolks Green Hill Farm Lamb Lady Farm Crow Hill Corriedales Ballinahistle Farms HAS Breeze Farm Rocky Lane Farm

TELEPHONE 519-899-2663 519-323-3531 705-696-1491 519-928-2705 647-932-7102 705-359-1376 705-324-2432 519-843-4222 705-292-7207

SHEEP PRODUCERS ON THE SCRAPIE PROGRAM PRODUCER NAME Axel Meister Bill & Lynne Duffield Francis & Elaine Winger Peter Carrie & Susan McDonough Glen & Judy Porteous/Paul Dick & Tina Harrington 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 Willis Martin Donald Weber Jill DeClark Matthew Swart

FARM NAME Wooldrift Farm, Markdale, Ontario Codan Suffolks, Wyoming, Ontario Mount Forest Smokey Creek Farm, Arthur, Ontario Chatsworth, 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 Our Little Flock, Gadshill, 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 Arthur, Ontario Arthur, Ontario Belmont, Ontario Brussels, Ontario

We Want to Tweet About Your Business 

‘Like’ us on Facebook! The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency has added Facebook to our arsenal of Social Media so check us out and ‘like’ us at www.facebook.com/ OntarioSheep. Facebook is just one more way we’re connecting with producers. Here you will find updates, events, news and interesting stories, videos, recipes etc. and we want to hear from you! Comment, share links and help us help you by telling us what you want to hear about, what you need and what’s important to you as a sheep producer in Ontario.

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                           1.    2.  . 3.  

  Business Name: Contact Name: Location: Contact:

Email:

Products (Lamb): Products (Other):

Tel:

Not ONLY That… but We Want to Tweet About You Too! Do you have a farm gate business? Or do you sell lamb at your local farmers market? Send us your information (or email us and we’ll send you a super quick little form to fill out) and we’ll tweet about your business. If you have a special event on, send us an email and we’ll tweet about that too!

Where to buy: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Other:

If you want your farm or special event tweeted about, email rmarcy@ontariosheep.org or call 519-836-0043. OSN

Comments:

4-H Corner

ongratulations to Jordan and Scott from Pembroke ON on their showing at the Metcalfe Fair Regional 4-H Show. Jordan won the Grand Champion 4-H Market Lamb Class with his Texel lamb. OSN

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Upcoming Events 2013 All Canadian Classic Ram & Ewe Show & Sale

June 28, 29 and 30, Barriere BC The 2013 Classic will be held on June 28, 29 and 30 at the North Thompson Agriplex, 4872 Dunn Lake Road, Barriere BC, V0E 1E0. The BC Purebred Sheep Breeders Association is hosting the event along with the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association. Please contact Lorea Tomsin for schedule, facility and banquet tickets at 1-250-6562378 or countrywools@hotmail.com or look for more information at www.bcsheep.com. For Purebred Entries and Advertising, please contact Stacy White at 1-866-956-1116 or office@sheepbreeders.ca.

PSBO Sale

July 6, 2013, Listowel, ON The Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario will be hosting their Annual Show & Sale on Saturday July 6, 2013 at the Carson’s Sales Arena in Listowel, Ontario. The show will start at 10:00 a.m. and the sale will begin at 1:00 p.m. For more information please contact Jim Driscoll at 519-638-5703.

7th Terminal Sire Ram Sale

July 27, 2013, Listowel, ON The 7th Terminal Sire Ram Sale will be held on Saturday July 27, 2013 at the Carson’s Sales Arena in Listowel ON. The sale is presented by The Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association and will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with auctioneer Mr. Gary Brien. For a catalogue, please go to www.ontariosuffolk.com or contact Glenn Porteous at 519-794-4549 or 519-270-9214.

3 is organizing the Sheep Display so please contact Luann Erb at erbcroft@quadro.net or (519) 393-5512 if you would like to volunteer or get involved. For more information about the IPM, please go to www.ipm2013.org.

Shearing School for Beginners

September 24 – 26, 2013, Everett ON There will be a shearing school on September 24 – 26, 2013 in Everett, Ontario. Topics will include sheep handling, shearing pattern, equipment set up, personal health issues in regard to shearing and wool preparation. This course is aimed at preparing candidates for the advanced shearing course run by the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers. 7 Students will be accepted on a first come first serve basis with others being put on a waiting list. The cost is $400 and this includes breaks and lunch. Students will be responsible for their own accommodations, breakfast and supper. For more information, please call Peter Kudelka at 519-348-4266 or email peter_kudelka@sympatico.ca. You can also find more information under Events at www.ontariosheep.org.

OSMA Annual General Meeting October 25 & 26, 2013, Guelph ON Please see notice on page 22.

Dairy Sheep Symposium

The 2013 Eastern Canadian Sheep Shearing Competition will be held at the Holstein Rodeo on Saturday July 13, 2013 and features $7100 worth of prize money. For more information or to register, please go to http://www.holsteinrodeo.com/sheep.php .

November 7 – 9, 2013, Cambridge ON The 19th Annual Dairy Sheep Symposium of the Dairy Sheep Association of North America is coming to Ontario. It will be held on November 7, 8 & 9 at the Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre, Cambridge Ontario. The program will follow the usual pattern of two days of lectures and one day of farm and/or processing plant tours. One of the keynote speakers will be John Ryrie who will be speaking about his 1000 head flock of dairy sheep in Southern England. Attendance at this event is a must if you are interested in exploring the world of sheep dairying. Please go to www.dsana.org for more information.

Predation Seminar

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Holstein Rodeo Shearing Competition

August 7, 2013, Peterborough ON The Predation Seminar has been rescheduled as a one day event. It will be held on August 7, 2013. Please see the ad on page 14 or go to www.ontariosheep.org.

Lucknow 4-H Sheep Invitational

Please note the Date Change to: Sunday September 1, 2013 Lucknow 4-H Barn behind the Lucknow Arena Registration 11:00am Show 1:00pm For more information please contact: Joan Finlay at finn@tnt21.com

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

September 10, 11 & 12, Woodstock ON Go to www.outdoorfarmshow.com for more information.

2013 International Plowing Match

September 17 – 21, 2013, Mitchell ON The 2013 International Plowing Match is being held in Mitchell, Ontario and marks the 100th Anniversary of the IPM. District 28

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November 1 – 10, 2013, Toronto ON Visit www.royalfair.org for more information.

New Sheep Nutrition Training Course

Registration is now open for the New Online Sheep Nutrition Course. This is a learn-at-your-own-pace course and topics will include feed types, nutrients, digestive physiology, nutrient requirements, ration formulation and feed management. The course fee is $50.00 + HST and more information can be found at www.ridgetownc.com/ce.

District 3 BBQ – June

Save the Date! June 22, 2013 District 3 is holding a BBQ and Potluck on Saturday June 22 from 2-5pm. Lamb Burgers/Beef Burgers and Sausage will be provided and we ask that you bring a Salad or Desert. Please bring a lawn chair. Special Speaker is Trisha Westers of the University of Guelph on parasites. A barn tour as well as a pasture tour weather permitting is planned. More Details to Follow!! Stay Tuned. Continued on page 29.

Wrap Ups

Ottawa Valley Farm Show The Ottawa Valley Farm Show was held March 12 – 14 at the Ernst and Young Conference Centre in Ottawa. Volunteers from Districts 9 and 10 staffed the OSMA book in 4 hour shifts. Although the weather wasn’t very cooperative, there was still a good turn out to the show and many people stopped by the OSMA booth. Volunteers were able to hand out magazines and other literature concerning sheep. A big thank you goes out to all the Producers who volunteered at the booth.

North Wellington Co-op Sheep Day

is also an eye-opener for the sheep farmer volunteers. I still am amazed how many people see a sheep display and automatically assume we produce wool as our primary product. There are many opportunities to provide education about the sheep industry.

Profitable Pasture Workshops Two Profitable Pasture Workshops were held in March; producers could attend the seminar of their choice either in Napanee or Drumbo. The Conference was organized by the Ontario Forage Council. The theme for this year focused on “Every Pastured Acre Must Generate a Profit”.

The North Wellington Co-op Sheep Day took place on March 9, 2013. Attendees were treated to an excellent day of speakers and topics centered around dealing with low prices and keeping your cost of production under control. Shannon Meadows, PhD student from the Producers listen to Chris Bushbeck at University of Guelph gave the 2013 North Wellington Co-op an update on Q Fever Sheep Day and Dr. Chris Buschbeck spoke about Parasite Management. Other speakers included Dan McLean, Ken DeBoer, Bruce McNab and Bill McCutcheon. A producer panel consisting of Leroy Martin, Mike Thompson and Pieter Van Der Veen rounded out the day.

Presentations included livestock handling, fencing tips for rotational grazing, finding and feeding alternative forage sources, and tips from the Ontario Pasture Award Winner, Eric Bowman. Bowman highlighted his tumble fence system, watering system and pasturing cattle on silage corn.

The North Wellington Co-op Sheep Day is a free of charge event put on by the North Wellington Co-op.

The Southwestern Ontario Sheep Farmers had another successful year ending with the August 2012 lamb BBQ held at the Poplar Hill Park. The barbecue attracted over 400 patrons who were all treated to a feast of fresh Ontario Lamb. September’s meeting speaker was Anita O’Brien and Margaret May spoke at the October meeting. The Christmas Potluck Lamb Dinner was well attended with over 56 people sitting down to enjoy themselves or a great meal and camaraderie with those present.

Earlton Farm Show OSMA District 11 participated in the Earlton Farm show on April 5 and 6. This is the largest farm show in northern Ontario with approximately 60 vendors, all focused on agricultural products and services. The purpose of District 11 participating is twofold, first to provide information to producers, new and established, on the current happenings within OSMA and CSF. Many producers have only a basic knowledge of how their checkoff dollars are spent so this is a good opportunity to show the benefits to the grassroots producers. Also, since many non-farm people are in attendance, we are also able to discuss the benefits of Ontario lamb, how to prepare it, and where to find it. The show had approximately 1600 visitors this year, with many stopping to talk to the sheep producer volunteers who looked after the OSMA booth. Working at a show where non-farmers attend Continued from page 28 ~ Upcoming

District 1 Farm Tour

Special thank you to the Ontario Forage Council, the organizing committee, the sponsors and the tradeshow exhibitors for making this event a success.

Southwestern Ontario Sheep Farmers Update

The January meeting was presided by Paul Morris DVM and Jacqui LaPorte spoke on composted at the February gathering. A barn tour was staged in March at Arno Janssen’s farm. Arno increased his sheep operation in 2012 and was proud to show his new layout. Over 60 sheep producers came from as far away as Chatham, Woodstock, Leamington and Watford. Jake Beitz spoke at the April meeting on new regulations and changes regarding the evaluation of sheep kills. The Lamb BBQ will take place on August 22nd, 2013. If you would like to volunteer please contact Wendy at 657-5197. OSN

Events

August – Date TBA Stay tuned for more information. SAVE THE DATE

2014 Classic

The keynote speaker, Dr. Darrell Emmick, a Grazing Land Management Specialist from New York State, spoke on “Pasture Tidbits”. Some of his key recommendations were: Pasture is a crop worth growing, not all animals need the highest quality forage and there is more to pasture yield than its height.

July 9 – 12, 2014, Ancaster ON The 2014 Classic is coming to Ontario and will be held at the brand new Ancaster Fair Grounds. It will be held July 9 – 12, 2014 and will include workshops, seminars, a tradeshow and the show and

sale. The Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario are the official host in collaboration with the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association. Planning i`s well underway and if you would like more information, please contact Event Chairman James Grove at 519-752-8552. If you are interested in a tradeshow booth please contact Ruth Gilmour at the OSMA office at 519-836-0043.

District 10 Performance Tested Sale

July 20, 2013, Spencerville, ON Contact Gary Lapier at 613-989-2792 for more information. OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

Auction Markets and Abattoirs Abattoirs

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 Manitoulin Island Community Abattoir Matar Meats McGarroch of Micksburg Custom Butchering Metzger Meat Products Miedema’s Country Meats Miedema’s Meat Market Ltd. Miky’s Smoke House Millgrove Packers Ltd. Mr. Beef Inc. Mount Brydges Abattoir Ltd. Newmarket Meat Packers Ltd. Northeast Meat Packers

City St. Isidore Caistor Centre Georgetown Brinston Alvinston Wellington Beeton Kenabeek Hanover Clarence Creek Massey Yarker Magnetawan St. Agatha 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 Providence Bay Osgoode Pembroke Hensall Exeter Embro Joques Waterdown Pakenham Mount Brydges Newmarket Coldwater

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 (705) 377-5622 (613) 821-7929 (613) 732-7181 (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

Abattoirs Name Northern Meat Packers and Abattoir Ltd. 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 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. Lowes Auction Services Inc. Ontario Livestock Exchange Inc. Ontario Stockyards Inc. Renfrew-Pontiac Livestock Ltd. Selby Livestock & Auction Centre Temiskaming Livestock Exchange Vankleek Hill Livestock Exchange Ltd

City Trout Creek Bruce Mines Milton Peterborough Tweed Drayton Blackstock Emo Strathroy Holland Centre Pembroke Smiths Falls Foxboro Russell Toronto Smithville Peterborough Sprucedale Toronto Stayner Roseneath Kincardine Gore Bay Murillo Tilbury Chesterville Simcoe Claremont Vanessa Walkerton Joyceville Oxdrift Hagersville Petrolia Troy Port Perry Dashwood

Auction Markets 8933 Walker Road, RR 1 42857 Newry Road, RR 3 2508 County Road 8, RR 5 12952 Sixteen Mile Road, RR 2 1643 Salebarn Road, 97 First Line, RR 6 580 Woodville Road, RR 3 117012 Grey Road 3, RR 4 2138 Little Britain Road, RR 2 856 Weber Street N, 3807 Highway 89, 18156 Highway 17, RR 3 11 Pleasant Drive, 883006 Highway 65 E, RR 3 1239 Ridge Road,

* Bilal Farms – Always looking for quality lambs (70 – 80 lbs) and have a year round market. wzazay@hotmail.com or www.bilalfarms.com 3 0 OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

Phone No (705) 723-5573 (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) 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

Aylmer

(519) 765-2672

Brussels

(519) 887-6461

Campbellford

(705) 653-3660

Denfield

(519) 666-1140

Greely Hagersville

(613) 821-2634 (905) 768-5601

Woodville

(705) 439-4444

Tara

(519) 934-2339

Lindsay

(705) 328-3500

Waterloo Cookstown

(519) 884-2082 (705) 458-4000

Cobden

(613) 646-7335

Selby

(613) 354-6260

New Liskeard

(705) 647-5415

Vankleek Hill

(613) 678-3008

Religious & Ethnic Holidays and Demand for Lamb and Goat Meat 2013 Religious Holidays

Meat

Start of Ramadan Month of Fasting July 9

Islamic Holiday

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

Rosh Hashana September 5-6

Jewish Holiday

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

Eid ul Fitr Festival of Fast Breaking August 8

Islamic Holiday

• Most desired lambs are between 60-80 lbs live weight. The most desired goat is usually a young animal weighing between 50-70lbs. • Either animal is usually acceptable and male animals are preferred. It is also important that the animal be without any blemishes.

Eid ul-Adha Festival of Sacrifice October 15

Islamic Holiday

• The traditional lamb for this holiday is a yearling although large market lambs and older sheep are also used. • The animals must be blemish free, however the definition varies. For some this means the animals should be healthy with no broken horns, open wounds or lameness. For others, it should not be castrated nor have even a torn ear. • Age is the main concern and the weight is ideally between 60-80 lbs.

Dasara / Navaratri October 14

Hindu Holiday

• Females are not usually acceptable for this holiday. • The size of the carcass varies.

Chanukkah November 28- December 5

Jewish Holiday

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

Muharram /Islamic New Year November 4

Islamic Holiday

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

Christmas December 25

Christian Holiday

• Milk fed lambs are preferred

Various Caribbean holidays through the year

Caribbean

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

Cinco de Mayo and other Hispanic holidays

Hispanic

• Some Mexican families desire a small Cabrito kid to celebrate Mexico’s independence day from Spain. Others prefer a large market kid or yearling barbecued whole over a pit. • Goat stew (Seco de Chivo) is a popular dish for other Latin American cultures for holidays such as Christmas. • The Hispanic market for goats is for 20-35 lb live weight milk-fed kids for Cabrito, and larger animals for Seco de Chivo.

Various Chinese holidays through the year

Chinese

• The Chinese market for goat is limited to the six colder months. • The preferred weight range is 60-80 pounds live, and goats in good health are required.

Various Filipino holidays through the year

Filipino

• Goat is one of the livestock animals that are very popular among Filipinos. • Goat meat is cooked in several ways like stew or roasted. • Healthy looking >60 lbs goat is what Filipinos always look for.

For a full list of Religious and Ethnic Holidays please refer to www.ontariosheep.org

Association Directory Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario c/o Irwin Jackson, RR#4 Rockwood, ON 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 Kim Henzie RR #2 Norwood, ON K0L 2V0 Tel: 705-696-3193 email: kim@sweetwaterfarms.com

OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

Canadian and Ontario Lamb Abattoir Statistics Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist, OMAF

anadian lamb slaughter has increased by 2% overall from 2011 to 2012. The Canadian slaughter graph below illustrates that most lamb is still slaughtered in provincial packing facilities. Slaughter in federal packing facilities increased by 4.7% and slaughter in provincial packing facilities increased by 0.8% in 2012.

SAVE THIS DATE 2014 All Canadian Classic Coming to Ontario

In Ontario, the overall lamb slaughter increased by 1.2% in 2012 compared to 2011. As illustrated in the Ontario slaughter graph below, the Ontario statistics follow the same trends as the Canadian statistics with most lamb being slaughtered in provincially inspected facilities. In Ontario, the provincial packing plant slaughter increased by 4% and the federal packing plant slaughter decreased by 23.7% in 2012.

The percentage of sheep and lambs slaughtered in each region of Canada stayed consistent in 2012. The Canadian slaughter by region graph below illustrates that Ontario slaughters the most animals with Quebec and the Atlantic provinces having the next highest numbers followed by the west.

Presented by (CSBA) Canadian Sheep Breeders Association and Show & Sale hosted by (PSBO) Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario OSMA will be participating by “Showcasing the Ontario Sheep Industry” Early July 2014 at the brand new Ancaster Fair Grounds!

Workshops, Tradeshow, Show & Sale & Much More Event Chairman • James Groves • 519-752-8552 Call Jim for Show and Sale Info. 32

OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

Ontario slaughtered 51 percent of the lambs processed in Canada in 2012. This has remained relatively constant since 2006. The number of lambs going through the live auction in Ontario increased by about 20,000 lambs between 2010 and 2011 and a further 20,000 lambs in 2012. As illustrated

in the Slaughter and Live Market graph below, although the number of lambs going through the live auction increased significantly, the Ontario and Canadian slaughter numbers did not increase significantly over 2010.

SERVING THE SHEEP PRODUCERS OF ONTARIO

The graph below compares the Ontario breeding flock, Ontario price, Canadian dressed lamb imports and Ontario slaughter data. It is clear from this graph that the lower prices in 2012 did not result in increased slaughter or imported product. Over the past twenty years, there has been a trend towards increased breeding flock size, increased p r i c e , increased slaughter and more imported product. OSN

FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED FLORADALE FEED MILL LIMITED Finest in feeds and service for over 50 years!

Finest in feeds and service for over 50 years!

Creep Rations • Lamb Grower Rations / Supplements Ewe Rations / Supplements • Sheep Minerals and Premixes Feeds customized to your needs • Grain Pickup, Mixing and Processing Feed Additives and Animal Health Products Feed Sampling, Analysis and Programming Services Sound Nutritional and Management Advice Bus 519.669.5478

Toll Free 1.800.265.6126 Website www.ffmltd.com

•

Source: These graphs have been generated from statistics available from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Red Meat Information. The original data can be found at the following website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/redmeat-vianderouge/index_eng.htm

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 3

district news

District 1

District 7

519-786-4176 519-845-3710 519-666-1088 519-845-3998

District 2

Dennis Fischer Steve Ernewein Sarel Smit Kyle Harrison Ashley Burke

519-363-3819 519-392-8624 519-369-1365 519-334-3928 519-363-0329

District 3

Counties of Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Oxford Director Luann Erb Chair Ian Van Blyderveen Vice Chair Sandi Brock Secretary Neil Mesman Treasurer John Rock

District 4

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

519-393-5512 519-424-3894 519-263-2325 519-504-3089 519-467-0092

Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, HaldimandRob Scott Chris Kyle Sharon Petheram Norman Johnson

519-209-3944 519-632-7602 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 Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626 Vice Chair Adam Thatcher 519-856-4073 Secretary Dawn VanKampen 519-940-2202 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 Secretary Grant Cowan 705-436-2236 Treasurer Karen Harvey 905-729-3196 34

OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

june 2013

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 Mo Delves Secretary/Treasurer Michelle Prudom

Counties of Grey and Bruce Director Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer

County of Metropolitan Toronto, Regional Municipalities Counties of Victoria, Peterborough, and Northumberland Provincial Director Marc Carere Chair Rebecca Parker Vice Chair Kevin Hutchings Secretary Doug McCubbin Treasurer Kevin Hutchings

of York and Durham, 705-324-2432 705-277-1711 705-437-4441 705-793-1589 705-437-4441

District 8

Counties of Lennox and Addington, Hastings, Prince Edward, Frontenac and Leeds Director Mark Ritchie 613-634-1212 Chair Debbie 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 David Bentley 613-256-1628 Chair Chris Moore 613-832-2182 Vice Chair Joe Wilson 613-229-5823 Secretary Melissa Ferguson-Renaud 613-257-8748 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 Andrew Harrison 613-675-2087 Chair Fred Baker 613-989-5352 Secretary Gary Lapier 613-989-2792 Treasurer Greg Stubbings 613-774-4536

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/Treasurer Debra Garner 705-563-2761 OSN

Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association Offers Great Promotion Opportunities

ntariofarmfresh.com gives producers the opportunity to promote their products to consumers in their area. The OFFMA website is set up so consumers can easily find a farm near them through a simple online search. Having your farm listed on the website does require a membership fee but membership includes many perks

Classifieds

such as marketing, advertising, and learning opportunities. If you would like to learn more or become a member, go to http:// ontariofarmfresh.com/about-us/join-us/ or you can call the Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association at 905-841-9278 or email info@ontariofarmfresh.com. OSN

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

BONDVALE HAMPSHIRES

GARY REYNOLDS & FAMILY

5603 Line 72 RR2 • Atwood, ON NOG 1BO

Wholesale and Retail Meats We buy Lambs & Sheep for Slaughter Contact: LOUIS KONTOS 801 DANFORTH AVE., TORONTO, ONTARIO M4J 1L2

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

519-356-2117 • Bondvale1@aol.com

Breezy Ridge Rideaus Rideau breeders since 1989

Selected for • Prolific • Hardy • Easy Care Sheep

More Lambs, More Milk, More PROFIT Ongoing Performance TestingPurebred and Commercial breeding stock.

Visit us at rideausheep.com Phil & Liz Smith and Sons, Sutton, ON 905-478-4280

Ruco Braat 30+ Years Experience Wool Depot for CCWG Call 705-939-2366 or Email: goldenfleece@nexicom.net

DEJONG ACRES

Breeding Stock Available 2013 lamb crop sired by Buck-A-RR OO CE 28X Reserve Champion Hampshire Ram Royal 2011

SHEEP SHEARING

This space is available at the reasonable rate of $44 per issue. Call or email us for our price list.

Quality Commercial Breeding Stock Arcott/ Dorset Maternal Hybrid Strong Prolific Mothers = Higher Profits Replacement Ewe Lambs Available Year Round Brian, Anita, Rayleen and Nicole DeJong 463028 Conc 24, Wiarton ON

519-534-1211

info@dejongacres.ca • www.dejongacres.ca

Great Pyrenees Dogs & 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 3

Classifieds Emke Cheviots

For sale - Quality group of NCC ewe lambs for late season breeding. 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

This space is available at the reasonable rate of $44 per issue. Call or email us for our price list.

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

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

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

519-463-5511

CEDAR CREEK CHAROLLAIS

Emke livestock

Rideaus Also Available Lower Your Feed Costs With Exceptional Growth Rates

Several packages of commercial Suffolk and Suffolk cross ewe lambs. Breeding Age Rams for sale.

GenOvis Tested & Scanned for Muscle & Fat Depth We Have a Closed Flock, Maedi Visna Tested with “A” Status

Quality Suffolk Sheep 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”

Joanne & Ted Skinner 2910 Concession Rd. 7, RR 5 Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K6 Phone: 905-263-2102 Email: charollais@live.ca

FERME BERNIER CAMPBELL Top Quality Fullblood Dorper Sheep, Australian Bloodlines, Breeding stock available. Participate in Canadian genetic evaluation program (GenOvis). For more information, please contact Maryse Bernier berniercampbell@videotron.ca • 450-361-9502 www.fermeberniercampbell.com

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New bloodlines for the 2013 lamb crop FOR SALE:

- Purebred Rams - Purebred Ewes - Straight bred N.C. Cheviot ewe lambs

Shawn & William Stonehouse 203414 Hwy #26 RR#1 Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N3 (519) 371-1546 stonehouse@rogers.com

www.stonehousefarms.ca

CEDAR CREEK SCANNING

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.

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

Available in Ontario from

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

Best time to scan is between 45 and 80 days after introduction of ram.

EMKE OXFORDS

Duff Farms Rideau Yearlings & Lambs

Top Genetic Selection • SFIP & EweByte based • Maintaining 3 ram lines High Health Status • Closed Flock since 1995 • Maedi Visna Status “A” • National Scrapie Program • Ontario Sheep Health Program Glen & Sharon Duff RR# 2 , R o c kw o o d , ON , N 0B 2K 0 519-856-9935 Email: rideausheep@sympatico.ca

and

MAPLE MEADOW FARMS

HAMPSHIRES

Est. 1923

Breeding Stock available in both breeds.

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: 613-826-6675 www.maplemeadows.ca

Craig & Missy Emke

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

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

PDK

S HEARI N G Shearing & Tutoring Available Phone (519) 348-4266 Cell (519) 274-2050

e-mail: peter_kudelka@sympatico.ca

PETER KUDELKA Mitchell, ON N0K 1N0

MARTINS AGRI & EQUINE SUPPLIES & SERVICES

For Cattle, Horse & Sheep Equipment Feeders, Gates, Round Pens, Stables, Mats, Fencing, Feeder Wagons, Hay & Dump Wagons, Custom Skidsteer Work, Trucking & Hay Sales DAVE or LIZ 92 Etonia Road, RR#3 Princeton, ON N0J 1V0 519-586-2115 • www.martinsagri.com

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

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

• Small Ruminant Herd Health Veterinarians Dr. Haelzle and Dr. Tokarz. • Pregnancy Ultrasounding by Brandi Murray, Registered Veterinary Technician. • Ultrasounding aids in managing pregnant animal grouping and increases feed efficiency. • Available tools and protocols for Estrus Synchronization can maximize Ewe reproductive performance.

3860 Manser Road, Linwood 1-800-663-2941 • linwoodvet@linwoodvet.ca

www.linwoodvet.ca

Tunis a Heritage Breed Tunis For Fast Growth and High Twinning Rates, Easy Fleshing, Excellent Mothers and Winner of Consumer Taste Tests. Our two Ram Lambs at Royal 2012. Pictured at 9 months. On the left, sold to Quebec mating, Rideau Arcott. On the right, sold to Alberta Colony Farms.

COMFORT TUNIS COMFOR www.comforttunis.com Mark and Bev Comfort Cardinal, Ont. 613.577.3263 OSN J u n e 2 0 1 3

BREEDER