industry highlights
n
production innovations
Vol. 29 - Issue 3
september 2010
NEWS
OntarioSheep Outdoor Farm Show
Showcases Small Ruminants
State of the Ontario Sheep Industry: 2010 Focus on Predation
P M 4 0 0 3 3 529
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
DORPERS
TIRED OF SHEARING? Sheep you’ve been dreaming of...
JOIN THE CHANGE TO DORPERS Meat Buyers want Dorper and Dorper X Lambs High Carcass Values Ray & Ann Marie Hauck www.ramhbreeders.com
Page 38
SC_2008_Spring.indd Sec2:38
Tel/Fax: 403-932-3135 am@ramhbreeders.com
SHEEP CANADA
20/03/2008 10:09:03 AM
OSN
n
September 2010
4.
Chairman’s Report
Markus Wand –It’s That Time Of Year Again!
5. Editorial Working with Producers to Develop your Districts 6.
General Manager’s Report
7.
Market Report
8.
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show
Murray Hunt – Contributing to Industry Development
10. Regional Innovations Awarded – More Sheep Producers Recognized 11. 16th Annual Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium
This issue - Focus on Predation • Photo: Lynne Holtrust
11. Bluetongue is No Longer a Reportable Disease in Canada 12. Upcoming Events 14. Lowering Livestock Losses From Predation 16. Caring for Guardian Donkeys 17. Who’s Guarding Ewe? 20. Keeping Sheep In….and Predators Out! 22. Predation and How It Affects Ewe as the Consumer 23. London Culinary Students Learn About Sheep, Veal and Bee Farming 24. Equipment to Make Wool Washable in United States 26. Ontario Suffolk Sheep - Update 27. Sheep Livers Condemned Due to Ascaris suum 28. Kids Having Fun With Ewe 30. State of the Ontario Sheep Industry 2010 33. District 4 Provides Four Great Farm Tours 34. Canadian Attempt to Win Back Top Honours 36. Upcoming Producer Education Day and OSMA AGM 38. The CSF Provides Producers With Two Great Sources of Information 42. Scrapie Update 43. Victoria County Sheep Producers Annual BBQ 44. Scrapie Canada’s New Project 45. OSMA Regulation Update – License Fee Increase 46. District News Cover Photo: A nother beautiful photo from the Organic Farm of Chris Boettcher, District 3. Deadlines for submissions to the Sheep News: For March Issue - deadline February 1st • For June Issue -deadline May 1st For September Issue - deadline August 1st • For December Issue - deadline November 1st Ontario Sheep News is published by Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and is distributed quarterly to all registered producers. Non-producers may subscribe in writing to the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. Subscription rates: Non-producers $15.00 for one year, $25.00 for two years. Prices include GST. Please make cheques payable to: Ontario Sheep News, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1. Editorial and advertising inquiries should be made to the OSMA. Ontario Sheep News is the official publication of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. Contents of this publication may be reproduced only by permission of the Editor and with credit acknowledged. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the viewpoint of the publisher or the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.
OSMA Board Provincial Directors
Telephone
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10 District 11
(519) 786-4176 (519) 363-3819 (519) 462-2423 (519) 632-7602 (519) 925-6502 (705) 724-2314 (705) 324-3453 (613) 389-0554 (613) 264-0801 (613) 826-2330 (705) 563-2966
Fraser Hodgson Dennis Fischer Neil Mesman Chris Kyle Andrew Gordanier Markus Wand Judy Dening Chris Kennedy Allan Burn Colleen Acres Mark Lenover
OSMA staff Murray Hunt General Manager 519-836-0043 manager@ontariosheep.org Bob Connelly Liaison Officer Ruth Gilmour Office Manager/Communication Co-ordinator, OSN Editor Jennifer Johanson OSN Assistant OSMA Office: 519-836-0043 Jillian Craig Sheep News Assistant OSMA Office: 519-836-0043 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1 Phone: (519) 836-0043 Fax: (519) 836-2531 E-mail: general@ontariosheep.org Website: www.ontariosheep.org www.lambrecipes.ca Market Line: (519) 836-0043 Publications Mail Registration Number: 40033529 ISSN 0844-5303 september 2010 Date of Issue: September 2010 Submitting photos to OSMA for use in publications (e.g. magazine, promotional/educational materials). Photos will be accepted with the following information attached separately: your name, full mailing address, phone number, permission to use the photo for print purposes (in addition, if there are any individuals in the picture they should be identified and permission to print their picture must be secured either directly (if adults) or (if children) from a parent or guardian). When emailing photos, pictures must be a minimum of 200 dpi (300 dpi preferred) and each picture should be clearly identified with the required information provided as outlined. Photos will NOT be returned and all entries become the property of OSMA to be used or reproduced at the discretion of OSMA. (Whenever possible, credit will be given to photographer if used.)
chairman’s report
n
September 2010
It’s That Time of Year Again! Markus Wand
T
he beautiful thing about life (at least I think it is a good thing!) is that most things tend to be cyclical and the OSMA year does not really deviate from this. As the summer is winding down, farmers find themselves knee-deep in harvesting a wide variety of crops, lambs are being weaned and these, with a number of other things, help us to determine whether we have had a good farming year or not. The OSMA as an organization also finds itself in that time of year again where our fiscal year is coming to an end, we evaluate how the organization did this past year, we are in the midst of district AGMs and preparations are underway for the OSMA Annual General Meeting. While the organization is still a couple months away from receiving audited financial statements on the 2009-2010 fiscal year and seeing exactly where we end up financially, we do have a quicker gauge on the more tangible results. In the fall, the OSMA took major steps in getting our research priorities re-established by forming the Research Advisory Committee. This committee reviewed previous research priorities and produced a new set of priorities that helped the this committee and the Board establish what research initiatives will give the producers the most benefit both in terms of on-farm value from completed research and value for producer dollars spent. We are now at the stage that a number of research projects are being funded by the OSMA within the objectives set out that sees real value in the research being conducted and getting the most “bang for our buck.” Then in March, a meeting of the Sheep Advisory Committee was held. This is a standing committee that exists within our regulation under the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Act and is an excellent opportunity for all stakeholders from the sheep industry to meet, discuss and give input to the Board on a preselected topic, which in this case, was Traceability. The Sheep Advisory Committee had not had a meeting in a number of years and even though there were some sectors not fully represented at this meeting, we did have representation from producers all the way up the chain to a grocer/retail representative. It was an excellent day where all the different aspects to our industry were able to give input on traceability and was simply an excellent opportunity to have “players” from all sectors in one room “talking sheep.”
The major event that most of you will have seen some communication on either here in the Sheep News, The Messenger or perhaps a media release, is the Sheep Flock Improvement Program (SFIP) being transferred from OMAFRA to OSMA. The transfer of the SFIP program to OSMA will see that entire program being run through OSMA, but producers will not see a change from their end as to how to enrol in the program or submitting information. OSMA is working with OMAFRA and the University of Guelph to enhance the existing program, which will see some new evaluations being performed and allowing more information and data to flow back to producers enrolled in the program. The future success of SFIP very much depends on producer involvement. If you would like more information on SFIP, the benefits that SFIP can provide to your flock or if you would like to enrol, please contact the OSMA office. Predation is a topic that we as lamb producers cannot get away from and we as an organization fully appreciate this overwhelming concern. While our efforts on this file are still being fine-tuned and increased, OSMA has formed a Predation Team that has regular conference calls on all items relating to predation. The members of the team include OSMA staff, Board members and producers at large that have some background on the predation issue. Please stay tuned to our vehicles of communication for updates from the Predation Team and the efforts that are being undertaken. While I have only listed a few items in this column that OSMA has completed or is working on, the organization continues to forge ahead on other fronts that help producers make this a successful industry. To slightly change gears, I had mentioned in my opening remarks that we are also into the time of year where the districts hold their AGMs and that we are preparing for the OSMA AGM. While this issue of OSN may not make it to all of you before your AGM, I strongly encourage everyone to attend his or her district AGM. Each year, elections are held for the district committee and this year, elections for provincial director are being held in districts 2, 5, 8 and 11. Even if you are not interested in serving on your district committee or as a provincial director, input from producers on sheep industry topics at all meetings is appreciated and vital for two-way communication between the Board and producers. District AGM locations and dates are available in the Sheep News, from your district committee members or contact the OSMA office for information. OSN
Editorial policy: Ontario Sheep News represents an important vehicle for two-way communication between the OSMA Board and its member producers. Ontario Sheep News welcomes and encourages letters from producers as a means of enabling producers to communicate both with the Board of Directors and other producers on issues of importance to OSMA and the entire sheep industry. Ontario Sheep News also invites suggestions for articles from producers and other industry participants. Letters to the editor of Ontario Sheep News may be on any sheep industry topic, including OSMA policies, programs or procedure. Letters may address previous Ontario Sheep News Articles or letters to the editor, and the editor may comment briefly on the accuracy of any information contained in letters. Letters should be of general interest to other readers of Ontario Sheep News, should not exceed 300 words, and may be edited for style or grammatical errors. All letters must include the author’s name, postal address and telephone number for author verification. Letters printed will indicate the author’s name, town, and title if applicable. Potentially defamatory or libelous material, or personal attacks on individuals, will not be permitted. Subject to space limitations, Ontario Sheep News will attempt to print all letters which meet the criteria indicated above. Where more than one letter is received on the same topic, Ontario Sheep News may print only a representative sample of letters. If a producer feels that the editor has inappropriately edited or not printed a letter, he or she may submit a written request to the Board of Directors for a review to determine whether there has been any violation of Ontario Sheep News’ editorial policy.
4
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
from the editor
n
September 2010
Working with Producers to Develop your Districts Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor
I
n the last issue of the Sheep News, I guess I sounded a bit like John F. Kennedy suggesting, “Ask not what your District can do for you, ask what you can do for your District”. When the District Annual General Meetings come around each year, opportunities always open up to make districts stronger so we are compelled to send a gentle reminder that your skills would be a valuable asset to your District Executive. But that’s not what this issue is all about. No, this issue is about what OSMA is doing for the Districts as well as the individual producers and the sheep industry. And it is not just OSMA. We have had unbelievable support from OMAFRA. The OSMA Board of Directors and staff are very pleased to bring these programs and events to you. Here is a list of what you can look forward to in the following months. Presentation Displays for each district – One longstanding issue has been the inability of the OSMA office to make displays available to the Districts and producers especially in the fall, which is always our busiest time. Every district will be receiving their own display along with interchangeable artwork that highlights the many facets of our industry including new producer education, lamb production, education for children, wool, and dairy to name a few. New Updated Website – The new site was approved through an OMIF (Ontario Market Investment Fund) proposal in late August. Since then it has been ‘full steam ahead’. We have contracted Farms.com and the staff is working diligently with Farms.com to put out the new site before the AGM. It will include a new lamb locator, purebred sheep locator and guardian animal locator. There will be a new resource library that we hope to continue to build allowing producers a place where they know they can go to access information. There will be a built in survey spot for producers to take part in. In addition to this, the sister site, www.lambrecipes.com will be getting a long needed overhaul. District Executive Development – We are very fortunate to have both Helen Scutt and Eric Lawlor from OMAFRA
working with us on helping to develop our districts. This development will take place at the grass roots level. Each of us in leadership positions benefit from increasing our skills and there is a need to attract new members to leadership roles as well. Working with Helen and Eric and the districts we hope to assist in the following areas at the district level: more productive meetings, help in record keep, policies and procedures, assist executives in knowing their roles and responsibilities in the specific role that they were elected to and much more. The most efficient mode of delivery to the districts is still being decided. Education and Speakers for Sheep and District Events: Once again the OMAFRA Sheep Team has stepped up to assist with educating producers. Working with OSMA, three areas have been identified as being of interest and priority to producers and the industry. Those are predation, animal health and profitable flock expansion (or rather more market lambs from where you are right now in your operation). We will soon have more information on delivery of this program as well. New Brochures – on a number of subjects. As well, we will be creating a producer information booklet that does the all in one job of educating producers who are just entering into our industry or who need more explanation about our industry. Feed Mills/ Sales Barn Displays – A challenge OSMA faces is accessing potential new lamb producers and producers who do not have access to electronic communication methods. We hope to help remedy this by installing wall mounted or counter display units to reach these producers. So there you have it. The Board and Staff are working on other ideas and programs and we will report back to you as soon as details are more finalized. OSN
letters to the editor are welcome The OSN welcomes letters to the editor. Please email: general@ontariosheep.org or mail to: Ontario Sheep News, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph ON NIK 1BI.
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
5
general manager’s report
n
September 2010
Contributing to Industry Development Murray Hunt
O
ver the past few weeks I have been both reflecting and projecting on the Ontario Sheep Industry as I prepare plans and budgets for the next year. During that process I took some time to think about all the people and organizations that assist OSMA with both its mission and vision.
OSMA Mission:
To enhance producers’ returns and provide consumers with premium lamb and sheep products by encouraging Ontario sheep producers to provide a safe, quality, year-round product through advocacy, education, research and development, and promotion.
OSMA Vision:
To be the leader and trusted ally for the Ontario Sheep industry that will enable Ontario Shepherds to be the principal supplier of lamb and other sheep products in Ontario. Frequently we do not say thank you often enough. So first off, I want to thank all producers and industry stakeholders for the hours, energy and resources that they expend to help OSMA. But I do not want to stop there. Over my tenure I have been impressed to see how much others assist us and I wish to highlight a few. People Development To all the 4-H leaders, mentors of beginning shepherds and district directors who put in the hours all as volunteer time—thank you. District Development I have seen how important it is to have development occur at the local level. To all—district directors, provincial directors, speakers, sponsors and others, thank you for contributing. Provincial Committees OSMA has a number of initiatives that occur at a provincial level. These committees and groups add greatly to operation and development of OSMA and the industry. To all individuals who serve on these committees—thank you. I am impressed with the vision, clarity and dedication that these committee members bring to the task. Provincial and National Sheep Groups Many, many groups exist to serve sheep producers. From purebreds to sister provincial organizations to OSMA to our national CSF all are dedicated to making improvements. I still wonder why so many groups but I hope that over time, 6
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
if we collaborate and co-operate more we can come up with the appropriate number and structure so producers are best served. Thank you to all who so openly and enthusiastically help OSMA. Service Organizations The list is long of people and organizations that service and help both producers and OSMA. Thank you one and all who assist by way of animal health and disease, flock nutrition, flock management, animal sales, business financing, business development, plus a host of other services. Thank you all for the above and beyond the normal that you provide to producers and all industry stakeholders. Industry Development Organizations Sometimes we take for granted the resources and energy that governments, research institutions and public and private groups put towards industry development. Personally, I would like to say a special thank you to our associates at OMAFRA for all the help and assistance they have provided over the past years. Although I have referred to organizations, there are many great people working for these organizations and to all of you, thank you. OSMA Sister Livestock and Industry Organizations It may not be evident to many, but OSMA’s sister livestock organizations freely share their ideas and energies as OSMA works on developing the sheep industry. Also, the general farm organizations are great supporters, assisters and enablers. Thank you one and all. Information Groups Thank you to the farm press for the positive coverage they are giving to the sheep industry. Also, thank you to the many people who assist OSMA and the industry to get the message out to producers. It is great having you as part of the team. OSMA Directors and Staff OSMA Directors bring much dedication to their role and over the past year have contributed much in establishing a clearer vision on where both the organization and industry need to go. OSMA has a dedicated staff always willing to go the extra mile for this industry. Thank you to both groups. I knew that when I started writing this article that I would likely miss some groups—so to those I may have missed but who are working on behalf of a better industry—thank you. It is a pleasure to serve this dynamic industry. To everyone who helps me to do my job—thank you to all. Our future is bright. It depends on people working collectively to make the industry shine. OSN
market report
n
September 2010
The Ontario Market Report Full market information can be found every week in the Ontario Farmer and online at www.ontariosheep.org under “Market Information”. The graphs shown here show the trends in pricing and volume of the last 6 months in Ontario. OSN
You can also listen to the weekly information by calling 519-836-0043 and press 6 to go to the market line. Market information for OLEX, the Ontario Stockyards, Brussels and Embrun are recorded every week. You can also find archived weekly summaries on the Market page.
Website www.sheltersolutions.ca
Email info@sheltersolutions.ca
Address 360 King Street Unit #5 Palmerston ON N0G2P0
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
7
Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show A Don’t Miss Event Attention to all small ruminant producers, this year Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is featuring sheep and goats for all 3 days of the event. Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is occurring on September 14, 15 and 16, 2010. Some of the highlights of the show can be found below:
Market Lamb Carcass Competition
The new competition is being hosted by Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and sponsored by LFO, OLM, OSMA, Nithwood Dairy, Floradale Feeds, and Holly Park Meat Packers Inc. Based on pens of 10, the competition includes an attractive cash prize structure! The pens of lambs can be viewed on the three days of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and will then be slaughtered and placed. The results and winners of the competition will be announced at OSMA’s Producer Education Day, Friday October 29th at the lamb banquet in the evening. This is one more reason to attend the Producer Education Day in order to find out the results of the carcass competition and see if you judged the pens correctly! The carcass score card can be found on the COFS website, or on the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org
Sheepdog Demo
Viki Kidd has over 25 years of dog handling experience and is a skilled sheepdog trainer. She has competed across North America. Viki will share her knowledge on effectively using dogs to herd and manage sheep flocks, including tricks and tips. Whether a sheep or dog person, this demo will be a great learning experience for all. This demonstration will only happen on Tuesday and Wednesday and will be held in the Southwest Demo Field at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm.
RFID Tag Reading Demos
Livestock producers in many sectors have begun adopting Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag readers to help manage flocks and herds in their day-to-day activities. See how the scanners and related technology can effectively track sheep and cattle using a handheld device rather than stacks of paper. Anita O’Brien, representing the CSF, will be performing the sheep RFID demo. This demo will be occurring daily at the Brussels Agri Services booth on 7th Lane at 10:00am and 2:00pm near the Sheep and Goat Pavilion.
8
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Grober Young Animal Development Centre
Showcasing live lamb and calf research trials, Grober Nutrition has been conducting research at the Woodstock site since April with lambs and dairy calves being studied for growth, nutrition and housing. The new lamb project also studies feed management techniques using automatic feeders and “mob” feeders. According to some producers, there is a perception that hand-reared lambs reduce the return on investment versus the lambs raised on ewes. By measuring the health and development of these hand-reared lambs, the Grober Young Animal Development Centre will have results for this common misconception. The lambs are fed milk replacer up to a weight of 10 kg or approximately 4 weeks. Weaned lambs are given a grain based concentrate until the time of the Outdoor Farm Show.
Sheep & Goat Pavilion
Find industry speakers, breed associations and equipment companies in the Multi-Shelter Greenhouses. A wellrounded cross section of industry representatives will be on-hand to answer questions and show new products. Talks will cover sheep & goat management and innovations. These talks will occur daily. Be sure to visit the OSMA booth while you are walking through the pavilion.
Beef Expo and Quality Beef Carcass Competition
Beef producers from across Ontario will show off their best animals in the Quality Beef Carcass Competition. Attendees can make their best guess for top carcass & win meats from Norwich Packers.
Solar Pumping and Grazing Demonstrations
Whether for beef or dairy cattle, the Lely Voyager automatic grazing system cuts labour needs in grazing pastures. Hooked to solar-powered electric fences by Kane & Gallagher, this robot moves & reveals fresh pasture to cattle as needed. Solar energy is also used for the Kelln Solar Pump, moving water 2000ft. to the cattle and is installed by Brussels Agri-Services.
Canadian Energy Expo— Presented by Ag Energy Co-operative
In its third year, the Expo showcases home & farm options for alternative energy. See exhibits & demos in solar, wind, geothermal, biomass & bio-fuel technologies, plus educational seminars. The newest addition… a life-size biogas demo showing the inner workings of anaerobic biogas production. The Canadian Energy Expo is happening daily and can be found at the Ducks Unlimited Farm Pond. Many other exciting events are occurring, too numerous to list. Be sure to attend Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, to network and learn with other producers, industry representatives and speakers. Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is occurring from September 14-16 at Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock, Ontario. The address is 744906 Oxford Road 17 at the corner of the 11th Line. It is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Daily admission is as follows, adults are $17.00, youth (6-17) are $5.00 and children under 6 are free. Parking is free. For more information please phone 1-800-563-5441 or email info@OutdoorFarmShow.com or visit their website at www.outdoorfarmshow.com OSN OSMA and the Industry – Messenger Page 8 June 2010
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
9
Regional Innovations Awarded – More Sheep Producers Recognized
T
he Premier’s Awards for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence are part of a $2.5-million, five year program established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector. There are 55 regional award winners across the province — each receiving $5,000 for their innovations. The awards are not given out all at once. In an award ceremony held in Strathroy, Ken and Lauren Van Ewyk were recognized. Algoma Sheep and Lamb Producers were honoured at a ceremony held in Blind River. In Thunder Bay, local recipients included the Rainy River District Abattoir. Lewis Land & Stock were among the winners for their innovative ideas in Wingham. Congratulations to the new award winners for receiving this prestigious award. They join previous award winners John W. Steele and Bob Comfort, as well as, Karen and Dennis Yellowlees.
Cedarview Farms Ken and Lauren Van Ewyk – Courtright (Lambton)
Ken and Lauren Van Ewyk have built a ‘cushy’ business out of their sheep farm by gathering wool from their own and neighbours’ animals to make quilt batts, duvets, mattress pads and wheelchair pads. Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd. The eco-friendly products are made and sold locally and the market Tuesdays continues to grow. 9:00 a.m. The Van Ewyks raise SuffolkFed Cattle, Bulls & Cows Dorset ewes, plus Thursdays beef and lamb for 8:00 a.m. the freezer trade.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK
Upcoming Sales
Drop Calves, Veal, Pigs, Lambs, Goats & Sheep Fridays 10:00 a.m.
Stockers
C ONFIDEN C E , T RUST & SE R VI C E
519-887-6461 www.brusselslivestock.ca
10
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Algoma Sheep and Lamb Producers – Echo Bay
Sheila Harris, Colleen Alloi and Heather Jansa are
sheep and lamb producers who recognize that co-operation can be profitable. The three have worked together to coordinate lambings and build a year-round farm gate market for lamb. This also helps keep area meat shops and a local health food store continually supplied with a consistent product. Their lamb cookbook has sold 300 copies and their wool is processed together into yarn and blankets that give customers a wider range of colours. With their profits, the group has purchased a large shared freezer and a shrink wrapper, so they can sell individual cuts of lamb, rather than just sides. Their collaboration has increased sales and reduced costs. These shepherds know how to promote Ontario lamb and keep customers flocking to their businesses.
Lewis Land & Stock – Holstein
Locally produced corn fed Ontario lamb and goat are more readily available in grocery chain stores thanks to the work of Lewis Land & Stock. The animals are raised under an Ontario Advantage Good Agricultural Practices Advantage Traceability system to maximize their quality and food safety. The meat processing plant has also implemented the Ontario Advantage Food Safety and Traceability program, which demonstrates to large retail grocers that Ontario lamb and goat meat can meet their standards and exceed them. The animals are traced throughout the process and the end product is shipped to small butcher shops, small retail chains and ethnic markets.
Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. – Emo
A group of forward-thinking farmers from this area have established Ontario’s only not-for-profit abattoir for the region. They took a hands-on approach, planning and managing the construction and operation of the $2 million dollar facility which opened in January 2010. The abattoir can process beef, pork, sheep, elk and bison, and its handling system includes an ear tag reader that enhances food traceability. Now that the region has its own facility, it eliminates the need for livestock to be transported up to six hours away for processing. The abattoir has been designed so that it can be easily upgraded in the future to a federal facility, which will enable broader product sales as demand increases. Local producers see this innovative approach as a boon for agricultural sustainability in the region. To learn more about other award winners visit: http:// www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/premier_award/2009/winners. htm OSN
16th Annual Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium
T
he Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium is the major annual event of the dairy sheep industry in North America. For 16 years, this event has attracted dairy sheep producers from Canada, Mexico and throughout the United States. As a small but growing industry, the symposium provides critical connections among producers. This year the symposium will be held, November 11, 12 and 13, 2010. This event will take place at the Ramada Convention Center in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Some of the speakers and topics for this event include, getting started in sheep dairying, milk quality and cheesemaking by John Jaeggi, the art of utilizing milk for cheese presented by Bob Wills and a European cheesemaking perspective presented by an international speaker. The itinerary can be found below: Thursday, November 11th, 2010 Talks directed towards beginning producers Friday, November 12th, 2010 Presentations from innovative producers and top scientists from North America and abroad to bring the latest information on dairy sheep production and sheep milk processing to our domestic industry. Saturday November 13th, 2010 A bus tour is scheduled for this day. Tour locations
include, local dairy sheep producers, processing plants that manufacture sheep milk cheeses and the Spooner Agricultural Research Station. The Spooner Station, operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has the only dairy sheep research farm in North America. Hotel: Eau Claire, WI at Eau Claire Ramada, rooms will cost $70/night. Eau Claire is conveniently located on Interstate 94 in northwestern Wisconsin approximately 100 miles east of Minneapolis. Shuttle service to and from the Minneapolis airport to the Ramada Convention Center can be reserved through Chippewa Valley Airport Service (1-877-811-4211, www.chippewavalleyairportservice.com) at a cost of $33 each way. Several direct flights into Eau Claire’s Chippewa Valley Regional Airport from Chicago O’Hare are available on United Airlines at reasonable costs each day, and while less convenient, it is possible to fly from Minneapolis to Eau Claire with one stop. Final program and registration information is available on the Dairy Sheep Association of North America’s web site: www.dsana.org For additional information, contact Claire Mikolayunas (mikolayunas@wisc.edu, 608-332-2889). OSN
Bluetongue is No Longer a Reportable Disease in Canada Ceptor Animal Health Newsletter, OMAFRA (June 2010)
T
he Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has amended the Reportable Diseases Regulations and the Health of Animals Regulations to change the status of five types of Bluetongue, from “federally reportable” to “immediately notifiable.” Bluetongue types 2, 10, 11, 13 and 17—all of which are considered endemic in the United States—are now listed as immediately notifiable diseases in Canada. The change in disease status reflects
the highly integrated nature of the Canadian and American livestock markets. All remaining types of Bluetongue that are exotic to the U.S. are still listed as federally reportable diseases for Canada. Source: www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/ 2010/20100512e.shtml OSN
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
11
Upcoming Events International Plowing Match September 21- 25, 2010 Location: St. Thomas, ON
For more information: www.plowingmatch.org (t) 519-631-1234 or 866-976-2010 Email: admin@plowingmatch.org
Value Chain Management Forum Promoting Profitable Partnerships
The Value Chain Management Forum can help you turn your competitors, suppliers and customers into partners. Join agri-food industry leaders and value chain management experts in this business-to-business discussion on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at Holiday Inn, Guelph, Ontario. This one-day event will feature presentations from industry leaders who have improved their profitability by taking advantage of opportunities to: • capture new markets; • find competitive advantages; and • increase operational efficiencies. To register, call 1-877-424-1300 (OMAFRA’s Agricultural Information Contact Centre). Register before September 10 for the early bird fee of $50. Space is limited. After September 10 the registration fee will be $75.
Growing Forward
Participating in the growing forward business development for farm businesses program can help achieve business goals in such areas as Food Safety and Traceability, Business Development, Environment and Climate Change, and Biosecurity. By taking part in this program a producer may be eligible to receive up to 50% cost share funding towards travel, tuition and textbooks. In order to participate in this program a producer must attend a Growing Your Farm Profits (GYFP) Workshop. This two-day workshop will help a producer develop an action plan, review farm management practices, help organize goals for the future, identify resources and build on business strengths. For more information and a list of future workshops visit www.ontariosoilcrop.org/en/programs/gyfp091.htm
Outdoor Farm Show September 14 – 16, 2010
Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock, ON Open Daily 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Focus is on small ruminants this year The Outdoor Farm Show is featuring Sheep and Goats on all 3 days of the Show. Please take time to visit the OSMA booth in the Sheep Coverall. See article on page 8 for a more in-depth look at what is happening at the show.
Stratford Fall Fair September 16-19
Agri Plex in Stratford Friday 2-5, Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-2 \Highlight – Sheep Shearing
Canadian All Breed Herding Championships
October 2 - 3, 2010
Dave Harris and Kathy Warner’s Tee Creek farm in Welland, Ontario. The top 40 all breed herding dogs, from across the country will be competing for the title of Top All Breed Herding Dog in Canada. Judging the event are: Shelley Fritzke - Shelley runs a small hobby farm with a flock of mixed breed hair and wool crosses in beautiful British Columbia. Shelley is a breeder of working German Shepherd dogs, a Canadian Kennel Club licensed herding judge and a member of the Fraser Valley Sheep Producers Federation. Heather Forbes - Heather and her husband, Ron run a flock of 400 mixed breed commercial sheep. Heather is a breeder of working Australian Shepherds, a Canadian Kennel Club licensed herding judge and a member of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. For more information contact Heather Forbes at 519-285-3800 or glenerran@xplornet.com.
12
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Sheep & Goat Breeding Stock Sale – Commercial & Registered Saturday, October 16, 2010
2010 Photo Contest
12 Noon at Keady Livestock Market Featuring: - Meat and Dairy Sheep (for breeding purposes) Rams – Ewes – Lambs - Meat and Dairy Goats (for breeding purposes) Billies – Nannies – Kids Prerequisites: - Pre consigning by Tuesday, October 14 is a must for this catalogued sale, as we are looking for quality stock to supply our sheep and goat producers with good breeding stock. - No culls will be accepted in this sale - Consignments accepted on a 1st come 1st served basis - Dispersals are encouraged although small or large consignments are welcome To consign or for more information: - Call - 519-934-2339 • Email – keadylivestock.com
Royal Winter Fair November 5 - 14, 2010
Exhibition Place, Toronto We are looking for volunteers again this year. Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 Ext. 27 general@ontariosheep.org. Thank you.
Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency
Please call or email
125th Anniversary of the Western Fair September 10th –19th, 2010
Western Fair Grounds, London, ON We are looking for volunteers again this year. Mo Delves of District 1 puts this event on with only a small hand of volunteers. If you are planning to attend from Districts 1 to 5 and you can volunteer to sit at the booth for a few hours, please call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 Ext. 27 or email general@ontariosheep.org. Thank you.
16th Annual Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium November 11-13, 2010
The 16th Annual Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium will be held during the three full days of Nov. 11-13, 2010 at the Ramada Convention Center in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Please see article in this magazine for more information. OSN
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 Monday, October 11th, 2010. Photographs will be judged on clarity, content, composition and appeal. Winners will be announced in the December Sheep News. We are looking forward to seeing your photos that highlight our industry! Three Grand Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st Grand Prize of $100.00 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. 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 producers a poorer quality photo. 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: 2010 Ontario Sheep News Photo Contest Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 130 Malcolm Road Guelph, ON N1K 1B1 Any questions, call Ruth Gilmour at the OSMA office, 519-836-0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org
We look forward to seeing your submissions! OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
13
Lowering Livestock Losses from Predation Barry Potter, Livestock Specialist, North Region
L
ivestock predation costs. Predation costs the farmer time, money and emotional stress when production animals are destroyed. Predation costs the government time, money and emotional stress as staff investigate livestock kills, and compensate producers for their losses.
claws, broken and flattened vegetation, drag marks, blood or trails of blood. Some other visible indications of predators include: alert, nervous livestock, injured livestock, mother calling and searching for her young, predator hair on fences, digholes under fences, fresh predator tracks near a carcass, or predator feces near a carcass.
In 2009, the Ontario government paid out over $1.4 million to producers as compensation for their livestock losses. Early 2010 claims suggest this year will be about the same. These payments have more than doubled in the last 5 years.
Once you have determined you have a predator problem, what can you do to help mitigate further losses? The first step is to make sure you dispose of any dead livestock, stillborns, or afterbirth. These tissues, if left around, will attract predators. OMAFRA has information on its website on how to dispose of carcasses by burial or composting.
Neither government nor producers wish to see livestock killed by predators. However, communication to predators that farm animals are “friends not food,” remains a challenge. Mitigating losses would seem to be the only course of action in living in a world with both predators and predated animals, i.e. livestock. Several animals will attack and consume sheep. Bears, wolves, and coyotes are the most frequent diners. In the last few years, coyotes are harvesting more and more sheep.
ONTARIO STOCKYARDS INC. box 1051 cookstown, ontario location: hwy 89 and hwy 400
We will serve all your livestock marketing needs for: • sheep, lambs, goats veal • horses stockers • bred cows kkkk Sheep, Lambs and Goats Ask for Brian Pascoe
cattle
(705) 458-4000 Murray Morrison Wayne Small
or
Visit our web site at: www. ontariostockyards.on.ca Email: info@ontariostockyards.on.ca 14
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
How do you know if your sheep are the victims of predation? Bleeding and bruising only occurs in live animals, or, for a brief time after death. Quick investigation after an animal’s death can determine if the animal was killed by a predator, or died from other causes and was scavenged by a predator. Telltale signs include punctures, cuts and tears from teeth or
Confinement and fencing: Farms with brush and forest are subject to more attacks than unforested, open areas. Attacks tend to occur more at dawn and dusk. One option with smaller flocks is to bring the sheep in at night to a confinement area. Costs for predator-proof fencing can be prohibitive when large numbers of sheep are involved. Plus the labour involved can be overwhelming. A recent study that has been profiled previously put costs in 2001 at $2.37 per foot of predator exclusion fencing. Other costs of confining sheep include increased coccidiosis load, mis-mothering, and reduced growth. Consider confinement for very young lambs and orphaned lambs. Electric fencing can be an important component of any predator control program. Perimeter fences should be at least 5 strands, alternating live and ground wires. Anything less is not effective in deterring coyote predation, especially if predation has already occurred on that farm. Spacing of wires is also important. Make sure the lower three wires are 6 inches apart to ensure that coyotes will come in contact with both live and ground wires when attempting to pass through the fence. Wires in the top part of the fence can be further apart to increase the total height of the fence. For more information on fencing see the OMAFRA fact sheet by Anita O’Brien, Sheep Fencing options for Predator Control, on OMAFRA’s website.
Livestock guardian animals: Donkeys, llamas, dogs and horses have all been used as livestock guardian animals. Most large producers rely on dogs. Dogs raised with sheep have in-bred protective instincts. They are expensive, but effective. A recent cost study indicated that it costs roughly $5.40 per ewe per year for protection. As the coyotes adapt to guardian
dogs, more dog power per sheep is required. The dogs act as a deterrent by living with the sheep and attacking all intruders including stray dogs, coyotes or humans. The dog patrols the area around the sheep, scent-marks its territory and barks. These three activities alert coyotes or wolves to the presence of dogs. Generally the coyotes will either try to draw the dogs away from the sheep, sending in pack members from behind, or will determine that it is not worth trying to attack a guarded flock. Recently there have been instances of dogs being attacked by coyotes. This remains very rare, as the dogs are usually bigger than the predators. Donkeys will also work to protect sheep. The concept seems to be that donkeys have an inherent dislike of dogs and will bray, bare their teeth, kick or bite dogs and coyotes. One thing to watch for with donkeys is the female’s willingness to mother new born lambs and kick the ewe away from its young. Scaring devices may work for awhile with wolves and coyotes. Scientists in Wisconsin and Michigan have used electronic signal motion detectors which can set off either sirens or strobe lights to frighten the predators away. While these are costly, they are a very effective short-term deterrent. Eventually the coyotes determine that these are not life threatening and will adapt to the sound or light show. Removal of problem predators has been effective in the past. Coyotes or wolves which identify lambs as food need to be killed as soon as possible, so they don’t train their fellow pack members to hunt sheep as well. A pilot removal program in 1997 and 1998 saw trappers hired to remove suspect coyotes. During the trial, harmed livestock dropped from around 4000 to below 3200 by the year 2000. Shortly after the pilot removal program ended, livestock claims started rising again, and have never ceased rising to current levels at near 6000 coyote and wolf kill claims per year. Neck snares are a proven method of catching coyotes, through identifying trails and setting the snares at travel or fence hole locations. Newer snares are more humane and reduce the incidence of dog deaths from snaring. Please note that neck snares are a legal option only in northern Ontario. There is divided research on whether a total coyote hunt will reduce overall livestock predation. In the short
term, kill numbers would likely go down. In the long term, there is a suggestion that coyote numbers would increase to fill a vacuum. The species is very adaptable to its environment. Depending on where your farm is located, hunting can be socially acceptable, or could cause problems with your neighbours. A coyote drive can provide an excellent opportunity to reduce the numbers of coyotes. By using hunting dogs, planes, and hunters spotted around a block of land, coyotes can be driven out and shot fairly easily. Drives can greatly reduce coyote numbers, but would have to be repeated every year. Another hunt option would be den hunting. Finding the coyote dens in spring/early summer and destroying the pups will lower population as well. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Ministry of Natural Resources are working with industry groups on aspects of livestock predation compensation and education later in 2010. This may provide more tools for dealing with predation. We can all do our part to attempt to lower livestock claims, which end up costing us all in the long run. OSN Literature cited: Coyote Predation of Livestock Livestock Valuation Guide for Ontario Municipalities
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 S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
15
Caring for Guardian Donkeys
F
armers are increasingly turning to non-lethal techniques for predation management. Donkeys have become a popular protector of sheep that can perform very well under certain conditions. Following are some guidelines on management and caring for guardian donkeys to maximize the animal’s capacity in regards to flock protection.
Shelter
Donkeys, as desert animals, generally do better in temperate climates although they do adapt to cold weather when provided with adequate shelter and extra feed. Donkeys dislike rain since their coat absorbs water leaving them wet and chilled. Donkeys are susceptible to pneumonia and bronchitis when chilled. It is therefore important to provide shelter for donkeys in case of rain and to scrape the snow off of the donkey’s coat when they are coming into the barn in the winter. In Ontario, during late spring, summer and early fall an open front shed will suffice for shelter if it is well bedded with dry straw. In winter, depending on the location of the farm as well as the weather conditions, donkeys may be shut in the barn and allowed out on nice days or let outdoors if provided good shelter facing away from prevailing winds.
Pasture
Donkeys can graze coarser pasture than a horse. Lush pasture is not recommended for donkeys since they have a low energy requirement and are prone to obesity and certain metabolic disorders such a laminitis (founder) and hyperlipaemia if allowed free choice of quality pasture. Each donkey should be allocated between one-half to one acre of pasture per month (depending on the size of the donkey).
Feed and Water
Fresh water is essential for donkey. They will drink from 10 to 25 litres per day. Donkeys must also be provided with fortified trace mineralized salt in block or loose form. Check with the district agriculturalist to learn which minerals are deficient in the feeds of the region (selenium, copper, zinc etc.) These must be added to diets for donkeys when deficient in feeds. High quality hay should be fed in winter or when pastures are depleted. Legume hay (rich in alfalfa or clover) is not recommended as the only hay for donkeys because of its high protein levels. Timothy, meadow grass, brome grass or mixed legume-grass hays are suitable. Hay composed of 50 per
16
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
cent timothy and 50 per cent alfalfa is suitable for growing, pregnant or nursing donkeys as well as during the coldest months of the year. Donkeys utilized for work such as guardian donkeys require grains. Prepared horse feeds provide supplemental energy, protein, minerals and vitamins required by donkeys. Supplements formulated for cattle, pigs or poultry should not be used because they may contain anabolic agent additives that are toxic to donkeys such as Rumensin, Deccox or Bovatec. A rough guideline for feed of working donkeys is to feed a total weight (hay plus grain ratio) of 1 kg of feed per 40 kg of body weight. E.g. A 450lb donkey should have approximately 5kg (11.25lb) total feed daily.
Hoof Care
Proper hoof care of the guard donkey is extremely important. Trim and clean out donkey’s feet regularly (approximately every 4-8 weeks). Donkey’s hooves are very elastic and do not wear down like those of other equines. If neglected, the hooves can grow to an astounding proportion and may cause the animal to become permanently crippled.
Deworming and Vaccination
Donkeys are susceptible to the same disease and parasites as horses and need regular vaccination and deworming. Donkeys should be dewormed three to six times year, using any of the equine paste wormers currently on the market. Consult with your veterinarian if the presence of parasites is suspect as well as to discuss vaccination for your donkey. Donkeys live for 30 or more years. Good management and care of a good guardian donkey will provide flock protection for many years. For more information please visit: http://www1.agric.gov. ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex598 OSN
Who’s Guarding Ewe? Jillian Craig
I
f you are suffering from predation losses and do not already have a livestock guardian animal, you may want to seriously investigate the options available. Although a livestock guardian animal will not eliminate predation losses entirely, they will help in the battle against predators. The various livestock guardian animals include dogs, donkeys and llamas. Many people with experience with guardian animals maintain that donkeys and llamas may not be quite as effective as guardian dogs. In some cases, horses may also be used.
Livestock Guardian Dogs
If you are thinking about buying a LGD puppy, assess the parents for temperament and usefulness as a livestock guardian animal. A weaned puppy should be housed in a small pen with lambs so it can bond with them. The puppy should be kept in the pen for at least 8 weeks. Human contact should be kept to a minimum (few minutes a day) so that the puppy does not become too friendly and ignores the lambs. The young dog can then go into a larger pen with sheep or out with the main flock. The puppy should be trained on basic commands such as ‘come’. Generally, it is a good idea to have an older LGD with the flock and then introduce a puppy so that the newcomer can learn from the experienced dog. A livestock guardian dog can take 2 years or more before they are fully mature and effective at protecting the sheep. LGD’s should be wormed regularly. Sheep are the intermediate host to a canine tapeworm, T. ovis. So it is important to make sure your dog is wormed. The dog should also be routinely vaccinated. When a producer uses livestock guardian dogs, they may effectively reduce losses. A well trained dog should alert owners of predators or trespassers, the dogs will protect the property and stock, in this way, LGD’s can allow producers to utilize pastures more efficiently.
Our dog, Hunter with lambs.
Livestock guardian dogs (LGD’s) are by far the most popular choice for predator protection. The major benefit to having livestock guardian dogs is that a producer can have multiple dogs to watch the flock, which, helps keep losses in check. Dogs can help to protect the flock against coyotes, black bears, wolves and other dogs at large. A good livestock guardian dog will stay with the flock, will not harm the sheep, and is aggressive toward predators. There are different breeds of livestock guardian dogs, the most popular breeds include; Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Maremma, and Anatolian Shepherd, as well as crosses between these breeds. Other breeds exist but are not as common in Ontario. Great Pyrenees are in general, the most popular choice. When choosing a livestock guardian dog make sure to research the breed before buying a dog. Both male and female dogs are effective for protecting the flock. Different breeds or individual dogs can be more aggressive than others. Consequently, it is important to monitor your LGD for signs of aggression towards livestock, this behaviour may need to be corrected or the dog may need to be removed from the flock.
Livestock guardian dogs can become sick, may become injured or die early. They can also roam from the flock onto neighbouring properties and may get hit on the road. These factors should be taken into consideration when thinking about purchasing a LGD. Typically if you have under 200 sheep you could have 1 to 2 LGD’s on up to 200 acres. However, if coyotes are a problem in your area, you may need more dogs since coyotes are very smart and will lure the dogs away while the remaining coyotes kill the sheep or lambs from behind. The coyotes may also go after the dogs, so it may be a good idea to have more dogs to better protect the flock. Having other management practices in place will also help to keep your dogs and flock safe such as good fences. If you own a small flock, you could lock your flock in the barn or yards for the night. Coyotes are very adaptable and may be able to outsmart these management practices. For more information on Livestock Guardian Dogs visit: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/fsheet_faq_notice/fs_ wsgdog.html http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/1218.pdf Continued on page 18. OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
17
Continued from page 17~ Who’s
Guarding Ewe? the two donkeys will not bond or see each other since, they will be less effective. Miniature donkeys should not be used to guard the flock. Medium and large standard donkeys work best to ward off potential predators. A donkey over 44” high at its shoulder is usually adequate to protect the flock. Donkeys are not fully mature until two years of age, before then, they may not be as effective at guarding.
Donkeys Donkeys may be something to keep in mind when looking for a livestock guardian animal. They can protect the flock against coyotes, wolves and other dogs at large. They are low maintenance, have a similar diet to sheep, generally inexpensive to buy and can live for a long time. Primarily, donkeys use sight and sound to identify predators. Once a predator is located; donkeys will bray and try to chase intruders out of the field. If coyotes do not run away, a donkey will defend its flock by trying to strike out at the coyote with its front hooves, if the donkey is successful, it could discourage, hurt or even kill the coyote. Donkeys with a strong herding instinct are usually desired since they will want to stay with the flock and guard them. If you are thinking about purchasing a donkey, it should have exposure to sheep as soon as possible in order to develop a bond with the sheep. Generally, a donkey is best used for small flocks (less than 100 ewes); the ewes should all be pastured in the same field with the donkey. The sheep should be grazed on flat land with no trees. If there are hills or cover for coyotes to hide, a donkey may not be as effective since they cannot see all of the sheep, giving coyotes the opportunity to sneak into the paddock and kill. When using a donkey, a producer should either use a jenny or a gelding. A jenny and her foal are optimal since the jenny will be very protective. When the foal is weaned it should either remain with the flock and the jenny be removed or the jenny stay with the flock and sell the foal. Jacks or intact males may be aggressive towards sheep and humans, and are not used in most situations. Only one mature donkey should be kept with sheep, otherwise the donkey may bond to other donkeys or cows and leave the sheep. If there are horses in a neighbouring pasture, a donkey may not be a good option for your farm since the donkey will want to be with the horses. If you have donkeys in different fields watching different groups of sheep, the pastures should be far enough away that 18
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Donkey behaviour should be monitored, especially since each individual animal can display different behaviours and at different times of the year. If the donkey becomes aggressive with the flock, it should be removed immediately. The donkey may also have to be removed at lambing time since it may disturb the ewe and lamb bond or could even trample lambs. For the most part, donkeys can eat the same feed as your flock. If grain is fed, donkeys should not eat cattle or sheep feed containing feed additives such as, rumensin (active ingredient is monensin), Bovatec (active ingredient is lasalocid) or Deccox since these are fatal to donkeys and other equines. If using these feed additives, the donkey should be fed separately. Make sure to know the advantages and disadvantages of a donkey before purchasing one. If you are interested in a guard donkey, you should also read the “Caring for Guard Donkeys” article in this magazine. For more information on the use of donkeys visit the OMAFRA site at: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ livestock/sheep/facts/donkey2.htm
Llamas
Another option to consider when searching for a livestock guardian animal is a llama. Llama’s can be successful guard animals since they naturally dislike canines. When the flock is in danger they become aggressive towards coyotes, wolves, dogs and foxes. When protecting the flock, llamas are alert and may alarm call and position themselves between the flock and the trespasser. They might also walk or run toward a predator, chase, kick or paw at the predator, and even herd the sheep away. Typically, gelded males are used since intact males can be aggressive towards the sheep and may try to breed ewes, causing injuries or death. Gelded males should be closely watched as they also may exhibit breeding behaviour. A female llama can also be used successfully. Generally, one llama should be used when guarding the flock since they will bond with another llama and may forget about the flock. In order to reach their full guarding potential, llamas should be at least one to two years of age before they are fully effective. One llama can be used for up to 250 to 300 sheep pastured on 250 to 300 acres. The sheep need to all be in the same pasture for the llama to be successful and the terrain should be flat and clear of brush, otherwise coyotes are likely to hide without detection from the llama. If predators are an issue on your farm, you should also have other management strategies in place. If a pack of coyotes get into your pasture, they could overwhelm one llama and kill sheep and lambs.
care for. A llama should be wormed two to four times a year depending on the management system. If the llama is overly aggressive towards the sheep then it should be removed from the flock. If the llama is protective of the sheep and will not let you work with the flock, then the llama should be separated from the sheep during routine procedures such as worming, vaccinating, shearing, etc. For more information on llamas go to: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/PM1527.pdf http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/pubs/1218.pdf Before choosing a livestock guardian animal it is important to note the advantages and disadvantages to each and select a protection method that is best suited to your farm. Livestock guardian animals will not solve all predation problems, but will help to reduce predation losses. Some producers use 2 different types of guardian animals, for example guardian dogs and one donkey or one llama and guardian dogs. Guardian animals combined with good fences and management strategies will help a producer in the constant struggle against predation. For general information on predation visit www. ontariosheep.org or http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/ livestock/sheep/predator.html OSN
Llamas eat the same feed as the flock, making them easy to
Approximate Costs on Livestock Guardian Animals Dogs Initial Investment
Puppy: $300- $1000 (or more)
Donkeys
Llamas
$200 - $750 (sometimes more)
$500 - $1500 ( more for breeding stock)
Mature Guardian: $1,000-$2000 (or more) Hoof Trimming
N/A
$240 - $300
N/A
Annual De-worming/ Vaccinations / Vet
$100 for vaccinations and worming. Vet bills can be higher if dog gets sick, gets in a fight with predators, hit by a car, etc.
$80 - $100 for worming
$20- $30 for worming
Annual Feed
$350 - $600 (based on mature 75 – 100 pound dog eating 18 kg of dry food per month
$180 - $300 (based on 1/3 bale of hay for 180 days at $2.50- $3.00/ bale, plus any additional grain
$180 - $300 (based on 1/3 bale of hay for 180 days at $2.50- $3.00/ bale, plus any additional grain
Total Annual Expenses
$650 - $900
$450 - $650
$200 - $320
Please note that these are approximate costs.
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
19
Keeping Sheep In…and Predators Out! Jillian Craig
T
here are many different types of fences to keep sheep in. The trick however, is to keep predators out! There is no fool proof way to keep predators, such as coyotes; out since they will keep trying (and testing) until they succeed in outsmarting the fence. Coyote proof fences are often very expensive and are not viable. Before selecting a fence, you should consider
the following factors; look at how much lamb you market, your losses due to predation every year, the overall cost and life expectancy of the fence, and the amount of protection offered from the fence. A few different fencing options are listed below. In many cases producers may use a combination of fences depending on their individual farm operation.
Electric Fences
Cost of Three Different Fence Types Items for 40 Rods of Fence in a straight run (no corners) Note: 1 rod = 16.5 ft 40 rods is 660 ft or 201 Metres 1. Wire
2-20 rod rolls 1047-6-12.5 gauge HT woven wire fence at $275 each
High Tensile Sheep Fence
7- Wire Electric Fence
Electric Net Fence
$550.00
3 rolls 12.5 gauge, smooth, high tensile at $85 per 2000 foot roll
$255
4-165 ft. (50 m) rolls (35 in. high) at $149 each
$596.00
Brace wire
1 – 10 lb roll at $18.95
$18.95
2. Posts
35 – 5 in. x 8 ft. posts at $8.95 each (20 ft apart, plus part of brace assembly)
$313.25
$18.95
20 – 5 in. x 8 ft posts at $8.95 each (approx. 33 ft (2 rods) apart, plus part of brace assembly)
$179
Brace Posts
4 – 6 in. x 8 ft posts at $11.95 each
$47.80
3. Staples- Galvanized
11 lbs – 2 in. staples at $2.25 per lb
$24.75
$47.80
6 lbs – 2 in. staples at $2.25 per lb
$15.04
4. Insulators
4 bags of line post insulators at $9.79 per bag of 25 2 packages of end insulators at $7.52 per bag of 4 (4 live wires with insulators, 3 wires with staples)
$54.02
5. Wire Tighteners and handle
7 inline tighteners at $4.25 each & 1 tightener handle at $19.99
49.74
6. Ground Rods
3- ¾ in. 8 ft long galvanized steel rods (3/8 in.) at $24.95 each
74.85
74.85
7. Energizer
Sub Total
$954.75
$693.04
$670.85
Life Expectancy (LE) –years
30 years
30 + years
5 years
Cost Per Year (Subtotal / life expectancy)
$31.83
$23.11
$134.17
$800.00 $53.34/ yr
$800.00 $53.34/ yr
Assume Life expectancy of 15 years Various makes and models with various electrical outputs at $575-$1500 each
Prices as of July 2010. Courtesy of Brussels Agri Services Ltd. Prices are subject to change. 20
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Electric fencing can be effective in controlling predators in certain situations. If you are thinking about electric fences for use as a perimeter fence, they must be at least 5 strands and in some situations 7-8 strands may be needed in order to keep predators out. The live and ground wires should alternate to make sure the intruder gets a good “zap”. The spacing of the wires should also be correct; the bottom 3 wires should be no greater than 6 inches apart so that the coyote will be forced to touch both the ground and the live wire. The wires on the top can be spaced further than 6 inches apart to make the fence higher, which may discourage jumping. Electric fences require fairly high maintenance since grass, trees, and fallen objects such as tree branches, can short out the fence. You may have to keep the vegetation clipped around the outside of the fence and test your fence regularly to determine if something is shorting it out. Even with electric fences coyotes can still get through. Coyotes will either learn how to get through them or keep testing. If the power goes off, or the fence has shorted out, coyotes may take this opportunity to get through the fence and kill ewes or lambs.
Ground wires for your electric fence should all be connected to ensure that the predator will get an adequate shock. The more acreage, and ultimately length of fence that you want your sheep to be pastured on, the more ground rods you will require to guarantee that your electric fence is effective.
Net-Wire or Woven-Wire Fences
Net-wire fences can be a great option for boundary fences since they can be quite effective at discouraging predators. If the fence is higher than 5 feet the coyotes will not be able to jump the fence but may attempt to climb this type of fence, since they can adapt quickly to change. They may also attempt to dig under the net-wire fence. If a coyote does get into the pasture, often it is easy to determine the entry point. As soon as you find where the coyote got in, you can then fix the hole or gateway. Once the fence is installed, very little maintenance is required. The net-wire fence you purchase should have horizontal wires with spacing of 2 to 4 inches apart and vertical wires less than 6 inches apart at the bottom of the fence to prevent coyotes from going through the fence. To extend the life of your net-wire fence, you should consider using 12.5 gauge high tensile electric wire with Class 3 galvanizing. This will help lessen the sag and stretch of the fence overtime. While high tensile net-wire fences may be more expensive they will outlast the conventional net-wire fences. In order to make net-wire fences more effective you could add 1 or 2 strands of electric fence on top to stop coyotes from climbing the fence. Another option is to add 2 hot wires to the fence, one on the top and one offset wire on the outside of the fence to prevent coyotes from climbing and ‘breaking in’.
Electric Net Fencing
Potential Fencing Options 5 Strand Electric Fence
$2.10 per foot installed
7 Strand Electric Fence
$2.50 per foot installed
1047 Paige
$2.95 per foot installed
1047 Paige with 2 hot wires, 1 on top and 1 offset
$3.25 per foot installed
Electric Net Fencing
$0.91 per foot
Good Electric Fencer
Approximately $575 to $1500
Prices as of July 2010. Courtesy of Brussels Agri Services Ltd. Prices are subject to change. These prices do not include corner posts or braces. permanent fencing. You could use this type of fencing on rented land, on crop residues or to graze sheep on hay fields in the fall. It offers the best qualities from both electric fences and net-wire fences. This fence is a physical and mental barrier and can work quite well. Different styles of electric net fencing are available. All of these however, use horizontal electroplastic wires with vertical stays varying from rigid poly struts to electroplastic struts. Electric Net Fencing can be quite expensive and has a relatively short life expectancy. It also is very labour intensive since it will need to be moved as the sheep graze down the pasture. During the winter, this fence should be taken down and stored inside to preserve the fence and give it a longer life expectancy. For a small flock this fence may be all that is required but for larger flocks this type of fence may be impractical due to the cost and the amount that would be needed to fence the flock. Remember to weigh the pros and cons before investing in this type of fencing. OSN Information Provided By: Anita O’Brien, Sheep and Goat Specialist, OMAFRA Factsheet. Information on current pricing courtesy of Tim Prior of Brussels Agri Services Ltd. Their phone number is Toll Free at 1-877-887-9391 and their website is: http:// www.brusselsagri.com
Photo: Cat Laxton
Electric Net Fencing can be effective as temporary or semi-
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
21
Predation and How It Affects Ewe as the Consumer • On average, 3,335 sheep and baby lambs are killed or injured every year by coyotes, wolves and bears (average based over four year period). These losses have been compensated at $508,891/year. Sometimes the lambs are never found since the predators carry them out of the pastures; in this case, producers do not get compensated for them. • Currently only 41% of the domestic demand for lamb is met by Canadian Lamb Producers, the industry cannot expand further without the help of predation tools to control predators. • Producers are only compensated for 45% of the value of lambs less than 1 week of age, 50% for lambs 1-2 weeks of age and at 12 weeks of age, are compensated up to $200. Replacement ewes and rams are generally worth more than $200, the farmer loses money in this situation. • It costs $650 - $900 per year to keep a Livestock Guardian Dog with the flock. Most producers need several in order to help protect against predation. Livestock Guardian Dog’s
Recent lamb losses from one farm.
are not always effective since coyotes can lure the dogs away while the rest of the coyote pack kill lambs. • The majority of farmers use the philosophy ‘live and let live’. They employ several non-lethal methods to help control the predator problem such as electric fences, livestock guardian animals, lights, etc. If these control measures do not work, other steps and tools need to be utilized to ensure the safety of our sheep and baby lambs. • Some producers have to pay a fee when the livestock valuer comes to assess the sheep and lambs killed or injured by coyotes. This fee causes the farmer to lose more money. • Coyotes can carry Rabies and C. Ovis along with Sarcoptic Mange that can be picked up by your pets. Coyotes can also prey on pet cats and dogs. • Coyotes kill sheep by latching on to the throat and crushing the windpipe, in small lambs, coyotes will crush their tiny skulls.
PLEASE HELP FARMERS KEEP OUR ANIMALS SAFE!
WRITE TO:
THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE Honourable Carol Mitchell, Minister’s Office 77 Grenville, 11th Floor Toronto, ON, M7A 1B3 Tel: 1-888-466-2372, Minister: (416) 326-3074 and
22
THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Minister’s Office Whitney Block, 99 Wellseley St. W. Room 6630 Toronto, ON, M7A 1W3 Toll Free: 1-800-667-1940 Minister: (416) 314-2301 OSN OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
London Culinary Students Learn About Sheep, Veal and Bee Farming Submitted by Kelly Daynard, OFAC Program Manager June, 2010 submission to OSMA
F
or the last seven years, the Ontario Farm Animal Council and its sister group AGCare have offered media tours annually to reporters and food writers in the Toronto and Ottawa areas. Three years ago, on the request of a college instructor, OFAC expanded its education program to offer tours to students at culinary colleges in Ontario and since then, tours have taken students from Algonquin College in Ottawa and Sir Sandford Fleming in Peterborough to visit Ontario sheep farms. The goal of the program is to give them some critical thinking skills in exploring, further, where the products come from that they are working with. In 2010, four of these student tours are being organized. The first, on June 24, took 34 students from Fanshawe College in London to the sheep and veal farm of Neil Mesman near Tavistock and then to Clovermead Bees and Honey near Aylmer. For most of the students, it was their first time on a livestock farm. Mesman was raised on a dairy farm before buying Big Sky Farm with his partner in 2002. The farm is now home to 43 veal calves, 320 ewes and their lambs as well as a free range flock of hens and some beautiful perennial gardens, all of which were to be featured the following weekend on the Doors Open Oxford tour. He talked to students about the challenges that come from raising livestock and the importance of protecting his animals from predators and disease. Students, wearing plastic boots as a biosecurity precaution, were told by Mesman that visitors to the farm – whether they be humans or animals – could pose a risk to the animals if measures aren’t taken. Said Mesman, “If I bring in a disease, it would mean a big disaster.” Mesman also talked about the work that goes into farming. “It is intensive labour,” he explained, as he described to students some of the challenges that farmers face if they want to do things that most people take for granted - like taking a vacation or going away for an evening. He explained predation problems too – something that the students had never heard about. Enroute to lunch near Tillsonburg, the students’ instructors and OFAC staff facilitated a discussion about the
most interesting or surprising thing was that they learned during their visit. Several students commented on how impressed they were with the care that Mesman puts into raising his animals. In the discussion, one said of Mesman and his animals, “He didn’t think Neil Mesman shows students through his of them as just sheep barn money. He really takes pride in caring for them.” Other students commented on how surprised they were at the amount of work that goes into raising sheep and the efforts that must be put into protecting them from predators and disease. In 2010, lunch on all four tours is being sponsored by the Savour Ontario program. On the Fanshawe tour, restaurant owner Tracy Winkworth of the Belworth House in Watford catered a gourmet picnic lunch for the students at the YU Ranch, owned by Bryan and Cathy Gilvesy. The Gilvesys have been recognized with many awards for the environmental enhancements that they’ve made to their ranch and they talked briefly about some of their initiatives. Winkworth’s presentation focused on the importance she places on sourcing local, sustainable foods and getting to know the farmers who supply product to her. Tours will be organized later this year for students at three Toronto-area colleges. OFAC would like to thank Neil Mesman, the YU Ranch and Chris and Christy Hiemstra of Clovermead Bees and Honey for their generous offers to host this group. OFAC’s education efforts can only be successful with the help of farmers across Ontario who are willing to open up their farms for programs like this. OSN
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
23
Equipment to Make Wool Washable in United States
T
he Sheep Venture Co. (SVC), the American Sheep Industry Association’s wholly owned for-profit company, is facilitating one of the most significant advancements in wool product developments in the United States in years. It has applied for a loan from the National Livestock Producers Association’s Sheep Loan Fund to introduce equipment to manufacture washable/ shrink-proof wool products to the United States this fall. This project will bring a washable wool process to the United States, which is currently being done overseas. This type of wool processing will not only help fill domestic commercial wool orders but also maintain and expand the use of American wool in the U.S. military.
A demand for this equipment has already been established as top and yarn is currently being shrink-resist treated overseas for U.S. orders. “By purchasing this equipment, the Sheep Venture Co. is filling a void that has been in the U.S. wool-processing sector for some time now,” explains Margaret Soulen Hinson, president of SVC. “Not only is this process key in developing wool clothing for our military, but domestic commercial companies will no longer have to ship their fabric overseas for processing.” A second-hand continuous wool-top chlorine/polymer shrink-resistant treatment (SRT) equipment line has been ordered that will 24
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
be made available for various U.S. wool products and to the U.S. wool industry. When wool is treated to prevent felting, it does not shrink and wool products can be machine-washed and dried making it “total easy care.” The greatest concern of not having this process available in the United States is it will prohibit the use of washable wool products by the military, which is American wool’s largest domestic customer. If the processes and products are not entirely of U.S. origin, it cannot be used by the Department of Defense (DOD). Due to recent changes in the Berry Amendment, the military no longer allows for this SRT process to be performed overseas and brought back to the United States for DOD products, as the military once did. Now, the Berry Amendment requires that all textile processes must be accomplished in the United States. While there are various SRT methods, there is one that is dependable, long lasting and what the industry uses the most. It is a chlorinepolymer processing line, frequently referred to as Superwash or Kroy/ Herchosett (a chlorine/polymer process). Broad support for the equipment has been expressed by the wool industry and the U.S. military. The U.S. military has already begun an initiative under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program and awarded a grant to the Sheep Venture Co. to explore the best washable wool treatment in the United States. The process would be used to provide fire-resistant products supplied to soldiers faced with burn risk of improvised explosive devices (IED) in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, U.S. military support is indicated by having washable wool products under contract (including three products that would use more than 2 million pounds of wool in four years). Industry support is being demonstrated by many companies commitment to use the U.S. line for washable wool products and being shown by investment in pre-production costs. The superwash equipment will be located at Chargeurs Wool USA in Jamestown, S.C., which will allow various companies to apply the washable treatment to many different U.S. wool products. OSN
“Demand for Canadian lamb is up 68%. For us, it just made sense.”
Look at the sheep industry: since 1996 demand for Canadian lamb has risen by 68%, and Canadian producers can only meet 41% of domestic demand. Sound like an opportunity? Interested in knowing more? Contact the Canadian Sheep Federation or your provincial sheep association for information in becoming a part of the sheep industry.
Trent Larson, Sheep Producer, Saskatchewan
Canadian Sheep Federation Fédération Canadienne du Mouton
1-888-684-7739
www.cansheep.ca
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
25
Ontario Suffolk Sheep - Update By Grant Preston
T
he Terminal Sire Sale was quite successful with both consignors and buyers being generally satisfied at the end of the day. The average price for rams was a bit lower than last year, average price for Suffolk females was the same as last year. There was a larger attendance at the sale with more bidders and 21 different buyers. Here are some statistics: 15 Suffolk rams averaged $503 (7 yearlings $518, 8 junior rams $491) 9 Suffolk females averages $350 (6 yearlings $304, 3 junior ewes $442) 10 Suffolk sired commercial ewe lambs, averaged $220 2 Dorset rams (twins) averaged $675, 2 Texel rams $375, 1 Dorper $300 2 Suffolk rams in the catalogue were scrated, 2 Hampshires were bid in. The high price Suffolk ram was sold at $1,050 by Trillium Woods Sheep to Keith Coatsworth of Ridgetown. Second high price was the Dorset sold by Stonehill Sheep to Monica Roberts, Mount Pleasant for $800 (a repeat buyer). OSSA members buying sheep were Ernest Childs, Jeff Parsons, Brian Atkinson, Elizabeth Black and Ewen McMillan. Volume buyer of four head was David Mastine of Quebec. Many thanks to Jenny Peel who housed these (separately from her own flock) until they could be picked up for transport for Quebec. Thank you to the Porteous family for preparing the catalogue and clerking etc. at the sale and to Gary Brien, inimitable auctioneer. Thanks also to the Wool Growers for their sponsorship. Expenses were up, but it appears the sale made a profit of about $100. Reports indicate that private sales of good Suffolks in Ontario were strong and brisk.
Sheep Export to Russia
Brian Atkinson, one of our Ontario directors on the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association has been working for many months at negotiating and putting together a shipment of Canadian Suffolk and Dorset purebred sheep. These efforts are coming to fruition. Over 200 sheep, mostly females, equal numbers of both breeds are in quarantine. They have passed their second round of blood tests for five or six diseases. A delegate from Russia is due in Ontario next week to inspect the sheep, which are due to be flown over to Russia about the second week of September. 26
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Photo: Matheson Bolsterli
These have been selected from nine flocks of each breed including flocks from Western Canada. Brian has selected “middle of the road” Suffolks for this shipment. OSSA members who are providing sheep for this export shipment include Brian Atkinson, Darryl Hopkins and Stonehill Sheep.
Classic Show and Sale at Richmond, Quebec May 22, 23
A good detailed report is in the June issue of Ontario Sheep. Apparently a very good event with several OSSA attendees – Clare Bauman, Gerald Hunter, Bill Gardhouse, Bill Mactaggart, Brian Atkinson, Trillium Woods, and Stonehill Sheep, Darryl Hopkins. Supreme champion ram in the show was a Suffolk shown by Kyle Seguin. In the sale the two top selling rams at $1,225 each were both Suffolks, one from New Brunswick, the other from Stonehill Sheep. Bill Mactaggart had a high selling ewe, and Trillium Woods Sheep averaged $800 for five head. OSSA members were active buyers as well as consignors at the sale. Russian visitors were present who were interested in the Suffolk and Dorset breeds.
PSBO Sale, July 3 at Carson’s Listowel
The Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario Sale attracted a large crowd with seven breeds and commercial ewe lambs offered. Prices were excellent. High price of the day was $1,225 received by OSSA member Bill Mactaggart for one his three junior ewe lambs consigned. Eight Suffolks and six Hampshires, each breed averaged $562, higher than the other breeds. Small lots (2 or 3 head) commercial ewe lambs sold very well at $280 to $325 per head.
Membership
Thank you to all our OSSA members who have renewed their memberships. Our paid up membership for 2010 stands at 53, the highest we have ever had, I believe. This member support is appreciated. It makes possible the promotional work for Suffolks that the OSSA does. OSN
Sheep Livers Condemned Due to Ascaris suum
Jocelyn Jansen, Veterinary Science and Policy Unit, OMAFRA, Lotje Kouwenberg, Harwich Veterinary Clinic, and Andrew S. Peregrine, Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College
I
n May 2010, an Ontario sheep flock experienced liver condemnations due to the swine parasite, Ascaris suum (A. suum). Lambs were sent to a processing plant, where routine inspection revealed that the livers, specifically the bile ducts, were heavily infested with numerous live nematodes. The nematodes were found in the livers of two of the 20 lambs sent to the abattoir by the producer. Identification of A. suum was confirmed at the Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), University of Guelph, by parasite morphology. This was a novel condition for both the producer and the processor. Currently the flock size of the operation is approximately 40 ewes, with an average of 80 to 90 lambs marketed per year to both direct slaughter and to sales yards. The flock is housed in a renovated swine facility that was previously a farrow-towean operation that used injectable ivermectin in sows prior to farrowing. The producer took advantage of the national Cull Breeding Swine Program and is now using his former dry sow and breeding areas to house ewes, lambs and rams during lambing in the winter and early spring. The flock is grazed during the summer and early fall. The flooring is concrete with straw bedding added. Pens are separated by metal gating. The barn was cleaned and disinfected prior to housing the sheep. The lambs are fed a creep ration while nursing their mothers and some are sent directly to slaughter without weaning, while others are weaned, dewormed and sent to slaughter later depending on the current market conditions and their size. The ewes are dewormed twice annually with ivermectin. This year the lamb crop has shown no clinical evidence of parasitism, nor any other diseases such as pneumonia or scours. In 2009, some of the lambs showed respiratory disease, several were unthrifty and gastrointestinal parasites were a significant problem.
A. suum is the large roundworm of swine and is the most common gastrointestinal parasite of pigs. It is more common in growing pigs than in mature pigs. Infective A. suum eggs will hatch in a number of animal species including ruminants. Once ingested by sheep or cattle, larvae migrate through the intestinal wall, reach the portal vein and are transported to the liver. From the liver, larvae enter the hepatic venous system and are transported to the lungs. Larvae do not usually migrate beyond the lungs in foreign hosts and are generally unable to develop to mature adults in the intestine. However, immature adults have occasionally been found in the small intestines and bile ducts of sheep (Figure 1), as in this case. During migration, the larvae can damage the liver and lungs. In the liver, migration can cause hemorrhage and fibrosis that appears as white spots (“milk spots”) on the surface of the liver and
leads to condemnation of the liver at slaughter. In the lungs, the larvae may cause hemorrhage and/or a parasitic Figure 1: Immature adults of pneumonia. In sheep Ascaris suum. and cattle exposed to contaminated environments and grazing areas, reported clinical signs include acute dyspnea, tachypnea and coughing as the larvae migrate through the lungs. In general, the condition is most commonly seen during the warm summer months but tends to disappear during the fall, winter and spring when temperatures are too low to allow for the eggs to develop to the infective larval stage. Over the past two years, Ontario has seen an increase in the number of swine operations being converted to sheep operations. A. suum eggs are thick-shelled and very hardy in the environment. They are resistant to disinfectants and different types of weather. They can survive in cool, moist surroundings for up to 5 years. Thus, sheep can be exposed to these eggs in such facilities and develop problems. It is unclear as to how common this problem is in Ontario sheep flocks. However, it is a very rare diagnosis at slaughter. Routine treatment of sheep with anthelmintics for A. suum is not justified due to the life span of the eggs and the unknown time(s) of exposure. However, A. suum should be considered as a differential diagnosis if sheep (particularly lambs) are diagnosed with pneumonia and they are unresponsive to antibiotic treatment, particularly if the sheep have been moved into former swine housing within the past 5 years. Treatment options at that time could include ivermectin or fenbendazole. Hygiene practises prior to moving sheep into swine housing may help to lesson the risk of infection. All bedding and manure should be removed. Steam cleaning of walls, floors and feed troughs will limit the risk of infection; eggs are destroyed by temperatures greater than 60°C. Sheep producers should be made aware that if they are moving animals into a barn that previously housed swine, A. suum infection could result in health issues and liver condemnations. OSN References: Taylor MA, Coop RL, Wall RL. Veterinary Parasitology, 3rd ed. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa; 2007:320-323. Stewart TB, Hoyt PG. Internal Parasites. In: Straw BE, Zimmerman JJ, D’Allaire S, Taylor, eds. Diseases of Swine, 9th ed. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa; 2006:904-905. Manual on Meat Inspection for Developing Countries. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2000. http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/t0756e/ T0756E00.HTM OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
27
Kids Having Fun With Ewe
O
SMA has put together a series of summer photos of young people involved in the sheep industry. These young shepherds are sure to put a smile on your face while you are looking at their adventures. The pictures have been gathered from past photo contest entries. Whenever possible photographers have been credited, apologies for the photos without photographer names. We will be running the winter photos in our December issue. OSN
Feeding Harriet te - Deborah Schippl ing
A te n de r m
ome n t
e Ba by Just Ewe & M ie ri is - Wen dy G ua lt
Do n n a
28
St. Je a n
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Who’s Th e So ft ie - Ro by n M isk el ly
Bubbling Up For The Fair - Leslie Dyme nt
ld K ie ra n 3 ye a r o S amm y f r ie n d
&
Yo u ng Gir - K a re l Wi t h L am bs n H ay w a rd
Aidan Mirabelli at Gordon Walker Farm Glencoe Ontario
Ba by R alph
S ay ch e
e se !
I wish mom would hurry up with the new sheep dog.
wer’ e go ing Some thing te lls me , de cis ion . is th to grow to re gret
What are you looking at, No what are you looking at? Al ways
a g re at
d ay !
? I do n’t ge t itid . la o o I li k e K To ri n te lls some lam bs a st or y
Pe rf ec t p ic .
Just hurr y up and take the pictu re.
Sm ile fo r th e ca
mera.
No, no. .. I said thi s way!
L o s t lam b?
Shhhh, I do n’t wa nt to do my home wo rk .
il lie do es n’t I h op e A un t M of h er h at. o se e th is ph ot
3 yea r old Kie ran & friend Sammy
A wom an’s wo rk is ne ve r do ne . OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
29
State of the Ontario Sheep Industry 2010 Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist, OMAFRA
T
he Ontario sheep industry is enjoying good market prices and a stable flock size. There continues to be many opportunities to supply lamb in the domestic marketplace and develop niche marketing opportunities for lamb, milk and wool.
A similar price increase trend can also be seen in the United States for lambs in the same weight category. Yearly Average Prices for 80 to 94 lb. Lambs (dollars / hundred lbs)
Flock Size and Price According to the Statistics Canada Livestock Survey of January 1, 2010, Ontario’s total flock size has increased by 2.3 percent to 220,000 head compared to January 2009. Ontario continues to have the second largest breeding flock in Canada with 184,500 animals and a 3.8 percent increase in size compared to January 2009.
Ontario
Quebec
US (US $) San Angelo, TX
2010
191.43
N/A
131.37
2009
170.93
N/A
102.75
2008
158.85
150.72
101.70
2007
159.01
154.80
97.35
2006
163.34
162.87
94.33
2005
148.11
141.98
97.78
2004
109.81
115.36
96.73
Source: Red Meat Division, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The average monthly prices received for 80 – 94 lb lambs in 2009 were generally higher than the previous three years. This trend has continued into the first half of 2010 with producers receiving some of the highest prices ever seen in Ontario.
30
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Average market prices in Ontario for all categories of lambs have continued to rise steadily since the early 90s. At the same time, the overall trend has been to a bigger Ontario flock. The market drop in 2004 corresponds to the time period when the US border closed to Canadian sheep. Lambs in western feedlots originally destined for US markets were marketed in Ontario in 2004. Prices rapidly recovered in 2005 after processors found new markets for the extra lamb in 2004 and then wanted to continue to service those markets.
Availability of Lamb in Ontario Ontario continues to slaughter more sheep and lambs than any other region in Canada. Slaughter has remained relatively constant in the past three years with Ontario slaughtering just over half of the sheep and lambs in Canada.
Lamb and mutton also enters Canada as carcasses or dressed meat from New Zealand, Australia and the United States with the majority coming from New Zealand. Since 2004, the volume of dressed meat imported has been steadily increasing. In 2009, 23% more meat was imported than in 2004. Most lamb slaughtered in Ontario is slaughtered in plants with provincial inspection. Only a small proportion of the slaughter has federal inspection. Provincially inspected meat must be sold within the province. Only federally inspected meat can be sold to other provinces or exported to international markets. As a result it is known that at least 91% of lamb slaughtered in Ontario is sold to Ontario consumers.
Continued on page 32.
Live sheep are being imported into Canada from the United States on a regular basis since 2006. Most of these animals are for slaughter and most are imported into Alberta. In 2008, only 14% of the live animals imported in Canada came into Ontario.
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
31
Continued from page 31 ~ State
of the Ontario Sheep Industry 2010
cream. At the Canadian Dairy Information Centre, 7 different Ontario processors have indicated that they are producing 32 artisan cheeses from sheep milk as well as sheep feta and sheep ricotta. The number of producers fluctuates seasonally and depends on demand from processors.
Wool Market According to the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers’ Ltd. (CCWG), “the global financial crisis of 2008 took a heavy toll on the international wool market and resulted in wool prices depreciating by as much as 70 per cent during the year”. Prices in 2009 did not begin to stabilize until after the first 6 months. As well, the CCWG states that Australian wool production has now fallen to its lowest level in almost 100 years as the continuing drought and elevated meat prices continue to reduce the national flock. Canada also exports a small amount of dressed lamb and mutton, primarily to the United States and Mexico. In 2009, Canada exported 450 metric tonnes which is only 3% of the amount of lamb and mutton imported.
Demand for Lamb in Ontario Canada only supplies about 40% of what is currently consumed. Approximately 50% of the new immigrants to Canada in the last census period between 2001 and 2006 came to live in Ontario. Foreign born individuals make up 28.3 percent of Ontario’s population. Many of these people come from countries with a much higher annual consumption of lamb than Canada. As a result, we have seen a slow but steady rise in the per capita consumption of lamb over the last decade. Although the consumption statistics show a decrease in 2008, it is anticipated that the 2009 numbers will again increase since the Canadian slaughter is about the same, live imports of sheep decreased slightly but were still higher than 2007 and imported dressed meat increased for 2009.
Dairy Sheep Ontario has a small but constantly growing dairy sheep industry. Most milk is processed into a variety of cheeses, with a small volume produced as yogurt, milk, whey and sour 32
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
CCWG wool prices May 2010 are: domestic wool 20 cents initial payment and range wool 60 cents initial payment. Under normal wool trading conditions, wool grading statements and final payments are issued to producers within 6 months of the initial payment after the wool has been graded and sold.
Industry Outlook According to the Statistics Canada Livestock Survey of January 1, 2010, the Ontario ewe flock has only increased slightly although market prices have remained higher than ever before since 2005. Ontario slaughter numbers have remained steady in the past three years while imports of live animals and dressed meat have been increasing. The increasing price indicates that the lamb available is not meeting the demand.
The Ontario sheep industry is in an enviable position in agriculture with the domestic marketplace demanding their product. The biggest challenge for the industry is to improve supply to the marketplace before consumers either find the product somewhere else or become used to substituting other meat products for lamb. The sheep industry is expected to continue to grow as prices remain good. OSN
District 4 Provides Four Great Farm Tours
O
n Tuesday August 24th, the OSMA Board enjoyed an excellent day of farm tours in District 4. Every year the Board and staff visit a district and participate in a touring event along with the other producers from the district. This provides a great opportunity for the board to meet and communicate with producers. The first tour this year was at the farm of John Hardwick in Millgrove. John lambs out 700 ewes, which are Suffolk crosses. He also has a feedlot of approximately 1200. It was very educational for many producers. The second tour was also in Millgrove at Black Walnut Lane Farm, the farm of Ron and Adele Service. The Service’s have a flock of 320 breeding ewes. Breeds include Texel, Katahdin, Jacob and crossbreds. Along with the sheep, the Service’s also breed Dexter beef cattle. Currently, the Service’s are selling their product (lamb and beef) through four farmers markets and also sell to restaurants. They are situated on 30 acres and rent 100 acres. Ron and Adele have also been involved in exporting sheep and goats to Trinidad. The third tour of the day was held at the farm of Neil and Heidi Bouman in Brantford. The Bouman’s have approximately 400 breeding ewes and use the original OSMA OLIBS (Ontario Lamb Improvement Breeding Strategy)
ewes in their operation. In total, the Bouman’s farm about 120 acres. The Bouman’s take advantage of annual spring lambing. The lambs are 100% grass fed, with exception to bottle lambs. Ewe lambs with desirable traits are sold as breeding stock, and ram lambs are sold privately. All other lambs are shipped for meat. The last farm on the tour was Ashlawn Farm, the farm of District 4 Provincial Director, Chris Kyle, located near Ayr. Chris farms along with his father, George, and brother, Carman. Together the family farms approximately 400 acres and crop another 100 acres. The Kyle’s have roughly 200 breeding ewes, which mainly consist of purebred Dorset’s, however they also have purebred Suffolk and purebred Charollais. The Kyle’s lamb year round and have 4 different lambing groups. Lambs are primarily marketed at OLEX. The family also milks about 47 cows. A wonderful BBQ dinner was served in the evening to all who attended courtesy. Special thanks must go to Nancy and George Kyle and their family for hosting such an excellent evening. After the meal, the Board and producers had an open forum where it is hoped that the producer’s questions and comments were addressed. We would also like to thank the Hardwick, Service and Bouman families for opening up their farms and all their efforts in providing the Board and their fellow District 4 producers this opportunity. OSN
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
33
Canadian Attempt to Win Back Top Honours Julia Lee, Toronto Spiders team member
I
f there were an Olympic event for wool athletes, this would be it. Every year, teams around the world train, hold strategy sessions, check their equipment, and make sure that all is ready. Then, as the day of the competition dawns, they gather. They are excited but focussed. They have had their protein breakfast, but not too much to drink. The timers shuffle their time sheets and looks around to ensure that everyone is in place. There is a pause. Expectant silence. Then “Go!” and the competitors are off. Grabbing handfuls of freshly shorn fleece, six expert spinners crank their spinning wheels and start drafting and twisting the greasy fleece into yarn. There is no time for washing, combing, carding, or even picking. Within a couple of minutes one of the spinners has spun and plied enough yarn for the seventh team member cast 96 stitches onto her 3.25 mm knitting needles. A couple more minutes and one of the spinners pushes aside her wheel, picks up another set of needles, and casts on another 96 stitches. Within 5 minutes the back and front of a sweater are under way. This is the International Back to Back Wool Challenge. It has its roots in a bet between two English gentlemen in 1811, one of whom boasted to the other that his wool workers could turn fleece into a coat in one day. He won his bet, and wore his new (slightly damp) coat for supper. They ate mutton. In 1992 the Challenge was revived individually by groups in Scotland and Australia. Their aim was to promote hand spinning and locally grown wool, and to raise money for cancer research. By 1995 they had agreed on the rules and set up the Challenge as an international event. The goal is for a team of seven spinners and knitters to transform a blade-shorn fleece into a sweater, using a standard pattern, as quickly as possible. Teams compete around the world, each in their own venue, within set dates. Each year more teams are involved, raising thousands of dollars for the fight against cancer. In 2004 an Australian team, the Merriwa Jumbucks, set a world record time of 4 hours, 51 minutes, 14 seconds. No other team has since come close to the 5-hour barrier.
34
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Back row, left to right: Wannietta Prescod*, Judy Findlay, Bob Comfort, Lorraine Smith*, Denise Powell*, Barbara Aikman*, Wendy Mauzeroll Front row, left to right: Judy Pergau-Comfort*, Joan Kass, Amanda Prescod, Karen Richens*, Julia Lee* *seven spinners and knitters, Timers—Joan and Wendy, Interpreters—Judy F. and Bob, and “pit crew”
On Sunday, June 13, 2010, the Toronto Spiders competed for the seventh time. They had something to prove. In both 2007 and 2008 they had achieved Canadian records and the fastest time, worldwide, for each of those years. Their PB 2008 time was 5 hours, 55 minutes, and 50 seconds. But in 2009 they were pipped at the post by a team from New South Wales. The Spiders wanted that trophy back! Two members of the Toronto Spiders— Denise Powell and Wannietta Prescod—are active in the Downtown Knit Collective (DKC). The other five—Barbara Aikman, Julia Lee, Judy Pergau-Comfort, Karen Richens, and Lorraine Smith— are graduates of the Ontario Handweavers and Spinners’ (OHS) Spinning Certificate Program. They have many, many hours of spinning and knitting under their belts. They also have wonderful support from their timers and pit crew, Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village, and Ontario sheep farmer John Steele (who supplies a Texel fleece every year).
Photo: Judy Comfort
Because the finishing time depends on how quickly the front and back of the sweater are completed, the Spiders put their two fastest knitters on those two pieces, starting them as soon as possible. Meanwhile the other five team members crank out softly spun, fine singles in order to make the knitting as easy as possible. One of the spinners soon switches over to plying her teammates’ singles, building up a stash of plied yarn. About an hour after the starting bell, the two “sleeve knitters” cast on their cuff stitches and start knitting. Then everyone is in their groove. The gentle hum of spinning wheels and click of knitting needles is occasionally punctuated by calls of “I’ll need more yarn in two rows” or “Can I have your singles, now?” The timers whisper “You’re about a minute faster than last year.” The interpreter explains what is going on to curious onlookers, but reminds them that they should not distract the competitors. In truth, watching a Back to Back competition is a bit like watching grass grow. It is only when you go away and come back some time later that you realize it has changed. As the Spiders neared the five-hour mark, they realized that they were close to achieving another personal best time. They put on an extra push, asking tired fingers to spin faster, knit faster, cast off faster. When the spinners were certain that they had made enough yarn, they threaded big needles ready for sewing up. One by one the pieces of the sweater were completed and tossed onto a table. Assembly began. Cramped hands were forced into different actions, making clumsy stitches. The timer was looking anxious. No-one was sure whether the time was faster than before. Finally, as the last length of sewing-up yarn was snapped: “Done!” The timer stopped the clock. Does it really matter whether this year’s time is another personal best? Does it matter if the Spiders win back the trophy? They (together with the DKC’s Relay for Life team) have raised over $4000 for cancer research this year. They should be pleased anyway, right? Wrong! The Toronto Spiders held their collective breaths until all the results from various countries were assembled and announced a week later. Their time: another personal best and Canadian record of 5 hours, 52 minutes, 48 seconds. Their position: first place! OSN
Current ProduCers on Maedi-Visna ProduCer naMe Robert & Gail Irvine Joanne T Ted Skinner Robert & Shirley Graves Perry & Christina Sisson Heather & Robert Kelly John & Eadie Steele Glen & Sharon Duff Neil & Heidi Bouman Axel Meister William MacTaggart Gordon Walker Garry & Beth Collins Tina Harrington Colleen Acres Gerald & Joanne Hunter Bethane Jensen Francis & Elaine Winger George & Diane Kydd Darryl & Rachel Stoltz Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Ted Brown Fred Baker Gary Lapier Jennifer Woodhouse Karen Hayward William Jeffrey Harry & Eleanor Pietersma Rebecca Parker Emmerson & Lisa Turney Dave Wagler Henry Stam Laura Robson Cory & Jennifer Beitz
FarM naMe Rocky Lane Farm Cedar Creek Charollais Century Lane Farm Sisson Sheep Farm Greenwood Farm Duff Farms Wooldrift Farm MacTaggart Suffolk Orchardview Farm Collins Horned Dorsets Stonehill Sheep Maple Meadow Farms Hunterdown Farm Shepherd’s Fold Highlands of Tara-Grey Excel Ewe Genetics Cedar Ridge Farm Brown Woolies Farm Hawkwind Farm Rocky Hyland Farm Trillium Woods Sheep Elysian Fields Middle Kingdom Farm Wo-Nikk-El Heights Cedar V-Ewe Farms Robson Acres Beitz View Acres
telePhone 705-292-7207 905-263-2102 613-831-2656 705-277-2887 519-369-5396 705-696-1491 519-856-9935 519-750-9928 519-538-2844 519-824-3878 519-287-5085 519-934-3239 519-794-3732 613-826-2581 613-283-7565 519-887-9948 519-323-3531 705-277-1274 519-887-8216 519-371-7314 905-877-2323 613-989-5352 613-989-2792 519-599-5379 519-371-8487 519-234-6872 613-652-2044 705-277-1711 519-848-6877 519-275-3187 519-271-4919 705-932-3216 519-367-2589
Current ProduCers on ontario sheeP health PrograM ProduCer naMe Bill & Lyne Duffield Robert & Gail Irvine Francis & Elaine Winger John & Eadie Steele George & Diane Kydd Colleen Acres Darry & Rachel Stoltz Anne Dockendorff Wietza & Leny Raven
FarM naMe Codan Suffolks Rocky Lane Farm Highlands of Tara-Grey Maple Meadow Farms Excel Ewe Genetics Silver Rapids Farm Green Hill Farm
telePhone 519-899-2663 705-292-7207 519-323-3531 705-696-1491 705-277-1274 613-826-2581 519-887-8216 705-724-9183 519-928-2705
sheeP ProduCers on the sCraPie PrograM ProduCer naMe Bill McCutcheon Axel Meister Bill & Lynne Duffield Francis & Elaine Winger Mels & Ruthanne van der Laan Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Peter Carrie & Susan McDonough Glen & Judy Porteous Paul Dick & Tina Harrington Nicole Heath Bryan & Janice Lever Brad & Gerald Miller Roger & Julie Harley Robert & Shirley Graves & Sons Sara & Jamie Scholtes Joshua & Melissa Groves Chris Wiltshire Leigh Nelson & Luc Pouliot Karen & Jim Hayward Robert & Laurie I’Anson Chris Kennedy
FarM naMe Mulmar Vista Farms, Grand Valley, Ontario Wooldrift Farm, Markdale, Ontario Codan Suffolks, Wyoming, Ontario Mount Forest, Ontario Cold Stream Ranch, Denfield, Ontario Cedar Ridge Farm, Owen Sound, Ontario Smokey Creek Farm, Arthur, Ontario Stonehill Sheep, Chatsworth, Ontario Veliraf Farm, Conn, Ontario Windblest Farm, Lanark, Ontario Miller Farms, Kerwood, Ontario Keene, Ontario Century Lane Farms, Stittsville, Ontario Harmony Marsh Farm, Bailieboro, Ontario VanGro Farms, Brantford, Ontario Iternal Impressions, Bath, Ontario Bent Willow, Kapuskasing, Ontario Trillium Woods Sheep, Shallow Lake, Ontario St. Catherines, Ontario Topsy Farms, Stella, Ontario OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
35
THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING….DON’T MISS IT Producer Education Day – Friday, October 29th OSMA AGM – Saturday, October 30th The deadline for both events is Friday, September 17th. There are quite a few changes this year regarding OSMA’s annual event. If you normally attend the two-day AGM, please read this carefully. If you have not attended before, consider doing so. There are so many benefits to attending. The Producer Education Day and the AGM are now two separate events.
Producer Education Day – Friday, October 29th, Holiday Inn Guelph
The Producer Education Day is open to all producers to attend and will be held at the Holiday Inn in Guelph. It will be a full day of presentations and speakers. The theme of this year’s Producer Education Day will be Business Management for the Sheep Producer Two breaks and a hot buffet lunch are included. The cost of the daytime session of the “Producer Education Day” is $25.00 to all producers. Please note that this is a separate event from the AGM and all producers will be charged the $25 fee. The daytime session will conclude at 4:00 p.m. There will be a two-hour break followed by a Lamb Banquet and a keynote speaker. This year we hope you will enjoy our “Humorous Surprise Guest Speaker”. Everyone will enjoy a hot buffet meal plus two complimentary bottles of wine at each table. A cash bar is available. After our speaker, producers are invited to stay and network or visit with other producers. The evening will concluded at approximately 10:30 p.m. The cost to attend the evening session will be $45.00 per person. For those wishing to stay overnight, OSMA has booked a series of rooms at the Holiday Inn and the discounted cost will be $114.00 per evening. When you are booking, just tell them you are with the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency. If you want to view the Holiday Inn online, go to http://www. higuelph.ca/guelph-hotels/hotel-photos-video/pictures.php Holiday Inn Guelph Hotel & Conference Centre 601 SCOTTSDALE DRIVE Guelph, Ontario N1G 3E7 Hotel Front Desk: 519-836-0231 For more information about general@ontariosheep.org or call 519-836-0043 ext. 27. 36
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
the AGM, email Ruth Gilmour at
2010 Producer Education Day Agenda 8:00 am
Registration begins and continues throughout the day
9:00 am
Welcome & Opening Comments by Murray Hunt Overview of Ontario Sheep’s Programs & Projects
9:30 am
Lamb Carcass Composition – A review of the results from the Lamb Carcass Competition held at the 2010 Outdoor Farm Show – Christoph Wand
10:00 am
Break
10:20 am
Measurements to Manage By – Dan Nudell Presentation of the OSMA Benchmarking Project Results and a discussion on how it affects the Ontario Producer
12:00 pm
Hot Lunch
1:00 pm
Entrepreneurs in the Sheep Industry - A Panel of Producers from the various sectors of Ontario Sheep: Dairy, Meat, Wool, Purebred Sales discussing their approach to marketing products.
2:30 pm
This is what I heard from today’s session – Murray Hunt
2:45 pm
Break
3:00 pm
A series of 10 minute presentations from selected researchers on their current sheep projects. They will give a short synopsis on their project and identify how their project will benefit the producers and the industry.
4:00 pm
Break until Evening Program
6:00 pm
Social Time / Cash Bar
6:30 pm
Ontario Fresh Premium Lamb Buffet Banquet
7:20 pm
Presentation of OSMA Scholarship Winner
7:30 pm
Presentation of SFIP Winners
7:45 pm
Special Humorous Guest Speaker – ‘Quite a Character’ – That’s all we’re going to say
8:30 pm- 10:00pm
Networking & Trade Show
Cost- $25 per person Evening Banquet and Speaker - $45 per person
OSMA AGM & Economic Workshop – Saturday, October 30th, Holiday Inn Guelph If you have never attended the AGM before, here is some very important information you need to be aware of:
Ontario Sheep Annual General Meeting - 2010 Agenda 7:00 am
Hot Breakfast Buffet (Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, etc)
8:00 am
Registration Begins
8:30am
Welcome & Introductions- Markus Wand – Chair
8:45 am
Ontario Sheep Annual Business Meeting Begins • Adopt Agenda and Elect Scrutineers • Minutes of 2009 AGM • Nominations for Committees
9:05 am
Report from Markus Wand – Chair
9:25 am
Ontario Sheep Annual Business Meeting • Review of 2009/2010 financial statements / budget Motion to appoint auditors for OSMA for the coming year 9:50 am Break – Coffee break & visit trade show booths • 10:15 am –Resolutions to be presented and discussed and voted on. • 10:45 am - Presentation of 2010/ 2011 budget and plans
11:15 am
Final Call for Nominations / Mention of Sponsors/ Voting takes place
11:30 am
Lunch – Buffet Lunch - Visit trade booths
12:30 pm
Announcement of OSMA Officers for 2010/2011
12:30 pm
Economic Workshop - Sheep Flock Economics Workshop! • Helping producers work evaluate their farm finances. • Focusing on the “One farm flock (an) accelerated lambing (flock) scenario which is reflective of Ontario production methods. • Provide Industry financial benchmarks against which participants can compare their operation. • Included in Workshop is a copy of our new Ontario Sheep Flock Economics Workbook. • Please note that if available, financial values arising from OSMA’s Benchmarking Project will be included.
2:30 pm
Adjourned
Cost- $25 for all Non-Delegates (including spouses) No Cost to Voting Delegates
The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency’s Annual Meeting is held each year in late fall. The Province is divided geographically into eleven (11) electoral districts. For every thirty (30) registered producers in a district, the district elects one (1) voting delegate to be in attendance at this annual meeting. He or she represents the district during voting procedures. Districts can have anywhere between 9 to 17 delegates. All producers may attend and participate in the discussions regardless of whether or not they are delegates, however only delegates vote on motions. The AGM is where the Agency presents an overview of all business and financial information that has taken place over the last year. The Board of Directors will also present a budget for the following year. Please note that the year-end for our organization is August 31st. As a voting delegate: • There is no cost to you to attend the AGM or the Economic Workshop • There is no cost to you for the breakfast meal and buffet lunch. • You will receive a mileage check towards the cost of your travel. The amount is dependent upon the district you represent. The farther away, the greater the amount paid. • As a delegate you will vote on any resolutions or procedures put forward. • OSMA regulations allow for only one delegate per farm. • Spouses and ‘significant others’ of voting delegate will be charged $25 for this day.
Interested in Attending? If you are interested in attending both or either of these events please contact the OSMA office at 519-836-0043 or email admin@ontariosheep.org. If you are interested in attending as a delegate, please contact the office and we record your submission and also forward this information to your District Secretary. A complete agenda and registration form can be found on the website: www.ontariosheep.org . The strict deadline for all registrations for the Producer Education Day will be Friday, September 17th. Registration deadline for meals and workshop for the AGM Day or to sign on as a delegate will also be Friday, September 17th. For more information about general@ontariosheep.org or call 519-836-0043 ext. 27. OSN
the AGM, email Ruth Gilmour at
ALL PRODUCERS WELCOME OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
37
The CSF Provides Producers With Two Great Sources of Information The Canadian Sheep Federation puts out two publications every month. They are “Points of View” and “From the Flock”. These publications are available to producers by simply going to www.cansheep.ca. Once on the site, go to the Canadian Sheep Federation and look under “What’s New”. In this issue of Sheep News, we are providing two excellent examples of Points of View for you to enjoy. In the future, the OSMA staff will be sending out reminders to producers via the Messenger to remember to access the latest offering by CSF. We will also continue to include samples of the excellent articles in the Sheep News as well. While visiting www.cansheep.ca, make sure you check out the entire site. There are a great many resources for producers there.
INCREASING PRODUCTION IN THE CANADIAN SHEEP FLOCK MYTH: There is no danger in under-supplying the sheep market.
I
n fact, you can do as much damage by undersupplying a market as you can by over-supplying it. The suggestion to increase sheep production in Canada has prompted some producers to point to the perils of over-supplying a market... but what about under-supplying it? By only supplying 41% of our domestic market, we are leaving ourselves very vulnerable. One producer commented: “Rather than providing constantly high prices, a lack of Canadian lamb is more likely to result in the collapse of our markets or may be seen as an invitation to others to take that market away from us entirely. ”I believe that by continuing to undersupply our market we could very well lose the infrastructure that supports the industry – from vets and shearers to feed suppliers, processors and more.
This month’s case study focuses on just that – an under supplied market- and how it impacts the industry. To gain further insight on the topic, the Canadian Sheep Federation spoke with Tony Facciolo, Owner/ Operator of Holly Park Meat Packers in Cookstown, Ontario. Facciolo has an impressive amount of experience in the sheep industry. He’s spent the past 31 years working at Holly Park, a family run business started by Tony and his Father Nino in 1979. Nino had been working in another processing partnership since 1968 before starting Holly Park. Father and son came together to successfully build one of Ontario’s biggest processors and suppliers of meat. Facciolo has also been involved in the development of a sheep industry value chain, which helps Holly Park stay connected with industry stakeholders.
What is the impact of an under-supplied market on your business and other businesses in the sheep value chain? Read on to learn about one processor’s view of the sheep supply situation and his ideas to strengthen the industry.
A Problem of Inconsistent Numbers
case study Tony Facciolo, Holly Park Meat Packers Over the past few months, ‘Points of View’ has been dealing with the issue of expansion in the Canadian sheep flock. A lot of this discussion has been centered on the decision to expand the national flock or not. Expansion has been a hot topic for a number of reasons but one of the most important is that the industry is unable to meet the country’s growing demand for lamb. Simply put, Canadian sheep producers are under supplying the market. 38
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Holly Park sources 99% of its lamb from Ontario sheep producers. Only one shipment per year is brought in from out west to supplement the higher than average demand during Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday celebrated in November. When it comes to supply, Facciolo says Holly Park gets consistent shipments but not consistent numbers. This is problematic because if numbers are too low Holly Park is unable to supply its customers (major super market chains in Ontario). “We need to be able to offer lamb to our customers 52 weeks of the year,” says Facciolo. “If we can’t do that, the stores will just move on to the next guy who can.”
A Question of Efficiency The problem of low supply doesn’t just impact customer
satisfaction; Facciolo says it also decreases efficiencies at the slaughter plant. Since lamb is not the only meat HollyPark sells, individual lines are set up to process different carcasses throughout the day. Facciolo explains that it takes about 45 minutes and 20 linesmen to switch the lines between species. “As a business we want to run as efficiently as possible. Twenty guys at 45 minutes to change a line is a lot of money. If we’re switching the lines it has to be for a big load or it will end up costing us money instead of making it.” And at this point, lamb producers aren’t delivering the big loads often enough.
Impacting the Whole Industry Facciolo says the impact of an under supplied market is not experienced in a vacuum but felt by the industry as a whole. Producers are running the risk of putting themselves out of business if they don’t start shipping more lamb, Facciolo warns. “If there’s not enough supply, why would I bother,” he asks. “We have other species to slaughter in the plant so it would be just as easy to cut lamb out and focus on bringing in other commodities.” And if abattoirs begin shutting their doors to lamb producers, Facciolo predicts the sheep industry will shrink even smaller. Facciolo says the majority of Holly Park’s consumers are very interested in buying Ontario lamb as long as it’s available. “They prefer Ontario lamb but if they can’t get what they want, they’ll buy imported products or switch to another commodity and forget about lamb all together.” Either way, this means a decrease in the consumption of Canadian lamb.
Dealing with Supply Facciolo offers his advice on dealing with the issue of under supply. He starts off by acknowledging the quality of lamb he receives at the plant, commenting that producers are doing a great job raising the animals they send in. “We’ve worked for years to get the quality and genetics right and I think we’ve got it, now we just need the numbers,” he says. Industry needs to step up to the plate too and not leave the task to producers alone. Facciolo says he sees a lot of new sheep producers come into the plant with very little experience. “We see new producers come in and often times they don’t know what to expect. They think they can raise 100 sheep and that’s going to be enough but it’s not,” he says. Facciolo suggests this is where the CSF can help by offering new producers better tools and resources to develop bigger flocks, adding that “it takes a special type of producer to increase their ewe flock successfully. I think the sheep federation needs to focus on developing that type of producer.” Sheep producers can help by staying focused on what’s important, Facciolo says. Rather than worrying about flooding the market or the negative impact of expansion, producers should pay attention to the opportunity at hand. “To me, it’s kind of funny,” Facciolo says. “We’re talking about the industry with the most potential outside of supply management and we’re not increasing it. I just don’t understand that. The industry needs to make some big changes and they need to do it sooner rather than later.”
INCREASING PRODUCTION IN THE CANADIAN SHEEP FLOCK MYTH: T he only way to increase my production is by increasing my number of ewes.
T
hat is not the case. There are a number of ways to increase production without increasing your number of ewes. The first thing to focus on is production efficiency. You can market more lambs per ewe by improving management practices to reduce lamb death from birth to weaning. For many producers, lamb mortality rates are significant. Consider what management changes can be made on your farm to reduce these rates and increase the number of lambs marketed. One producer commented: “With the costs of inputs continually increasing and with weather issues making it difficult to have good feed available, the ability to increase your flock is not there.” But other producers feel it can be done. One shared his recipe for increasing production without adding ewes. “In the lamb business, there are a few ways I can think of to
increase your production without adding ewes. Have breeds that ‘grow’ more lamb. Concentrate on meat type breeds and breeds that consistently lamb and raise twins and litters; and breeds that lamb more often than yearly. He added: “Be diligent in raising ALL the lambs, not just most of them; have enough help during lambing, good fencing, excellent predator control, extreme monitoring of flock for health (injuries, parasites, sick lambs, lambs not getting enough milk, etc.). Get every lamb to market! Little things like a sun shade in the pasture or various methods of protection from black flies and mosquitoes will put more ‘lamb on the truck’.” I think this producer makes great points. Quite simply, Continued on page 40. OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
39
Continued from page 39 ~ The
CSF Provides Producers With Two Great Sources of Information
you don’t have to add more ewes to increase production. By focusing on top management practices and good business decisions, you will market more lambs.
Lorna Wall, Poplarfield, Manitoba To increase the supply of lambs for slaughter we require a fair price for our lambs at market. If buyers are not willing to pay a reasonable price to cover the costs of production then the lamb inventory is not about to increase. When we have to supplement the cost of production, with due consideration made that all shepherds have already streamlined and tightened their belts, there is no space left for increasing production. By breeding for a specific product (meat) we have developed a cycle that allows us to have a meager profit, but for most with multipurpose sheep they have too many losses in each area for profitability. If we could market straight to the processors then I think there would be a greater ability to have enough income to increase production. With the costs of inputs continually increasing and with weather issues making it difficult to have good feed available, the ability to increase your flock is not there.
Jim Purdy In the lamb business, there are a few ways I can think of to increase your production without adding ewes. Have breeds that ‘grow’ more lamb. Concentrate on meat type breeds and breeds that consistently lamb and raise twins and litters; and breeds that lamb more often than yearly. Be diligent in raising ALL the lambs, not just most of them; have enough help during lambing, good fencing, excellent predator control, extreme monitoring of flock for health (injuries, parasites, sick lambs, lambs not getting enough milk etc.). Get every lamb to market! Little things like a sun shade in the pasture or various methods of protection from black flies and mosquitoes will put more ‘lamb on the truck’.
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
In some other countries where lamb is a big selling meat a lot of people don’t have enough money to buy it. Our Canadian dollar is a good strong currency. Where would a producer sooner send a truck load to; a Canadian slaughterhouse or say one in Greece or Portugal? Their currencies could collapse at any time and your ‘lamb cheque’ could be worthless. It’s fine for me to talk but I really should be at work improving predator fencing where the coyote is most likely to get in or looking on the internet for a few more Arcott ewes! POV is great and I always read it as soon as it is posted.
CASE STUDY Bill and Lorna Gibson Windpatch Farm Increasing the number of sheep in your flock isn’t the only way to increase production on the farm. In fact, there are many ways producers can build up their operation without purchasing new animals. Bill and Lorna Gibson, who own Windpatch Farm located 45 minutes north east of Red Deer, Alberta, are a good example of this. They’ve spent the past few years fine tuning their management skills, increasing production and learning how to work smarter – not harder. The Evolution of a Farm Growing up in Alberta and working on his uncle’s sheep farm from a young age taught Bill a thing or two about the sheep industry. So by the time he and Lorna purchased their first flock of 100 sheep in 1977 he was well on his way.
“If Canadian producers don’t realize and/or take advantage of our wonderful market someone sure as hell will!” Jim Purdy
If Canadian producers don’t realize and/or take advantage of our wonderful market someone sure as hell will! I am trying hard to think of another industry with a ‘vacuum’ market like the one Canadian sheep producers have ... and 40
no, I can’t think of any.
Both Bill and Lorna worked full time off the farm for the majority of their farming career but over time, Bill says he’s been able to reduce his off-farm labour. Lorna continues to work full time off the farm and has been a Research Biologist with Agriculture and Agri- Food Canada for the past 33 years.
Today, the Gibsons run a 200 head flock of cross-breeds (half Dorset, half Fresian). Their main sales are ewe lambs for breeding stock and Bill says they concentrate on making a good maternal ewe. Their goal is to market 500 lambs per year and they plan on adding another 50 ewes to their flock when Lorna retires next year. Breeding and Genetics for Improved Production Windpatch has experimented a lot over the years figuring out the best way to increase production, while continuing to raise strong healthy sheep. Focusing on breeding and genetics has been an important component to this plan. Bill says the usage of heterosis – producing genetically superior offspring by mixing parental genes – has been successful in improving productivity. It didn’t happen overnight though. The Gibsons worked with other breeds in the past but they just weren’t the right fit for the farm. “You need to determine which traits you’re looking for and pick the breeds that will give you those,” says Bill. Getting a better handle on flushing in the fall has made a big difference. Using a teaser ram has proved beneficial, too. The farm used to mainly rely upon sponging but once a teaser ram was brought in things really turned around. This was amply noticed this year when the Gibsons’ teaser ram died. “We didn’t replace our teaser ram thinking it wouldn’t make much of a difference, but we were wrong. Not having a teaser ram really affected our lambing and the timing of it,” says Bill. Finally, Bill says he’s also had to pay attention to when he breeds. “Our sheep are strongly seasonal breeders. We’ve learned that if we breed too much out of season we end up losing lamb production,” he says. “It increases productivity by a large percent to breed in season.”
the barn. Having organized flock records is another valuable factor in advancing productivity. The Gibsons have been using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and Farm Works Software for the past two years. The technologies work together like so: RFID tags in the sheep’s ear are read by a handheld reader. The data is then automatically transferred from the reader into an electronic database stored on the home computer. Once in the system, data can be filed and sorted to the meet the operator’s needs and preferences. “The new system is so much better,” Bill says. Animal Health for Improved Production Improved animal health has a positive correlation with improved production on the farm. The healthier your animals are, the better they’ll work for you and the more they’ll produce. Bill says sheep farmers should focus on their flock’s overall health status, keeping information on each sheep. Monitoring for disease is important too especially when it comes to internal parasites and coccidiosis. “People don’t pay as much attention as they should to coccidiosis,” says Bill. “In some cases it’s even hard to convince producers it’s not just parasites. Coccidiosis can be a really big problem, it’s endemic and an outbreak can be detrimental to your animals.” Making Labour Work Often times when producers consider increased production they think increased labour, which then leads to thoughts of increased costs. But it doesn’t always have to be that way. To offset labour during the busy lambing season, Bill turned to an exchange program run through a local agricultural college. The program arranges for agriculture and veterinarian students to be brought up from Mexico and Ecuador to gain practical experience on the farm. “Working with the students is a fantastic opportunity. They’re extremely knowledgeable and very keen to help out,” Bill says. The students fund their own trip to Canada and in return the Gibsons’ offer a fair wage, room and board and on-farm experience. OSN
Record Keeping for Improved Production Increasing production on the farm doesn’t just happen in
Association Directory Ontario Dairy Sheep Association Larry Kupecz, President, 312 Wellmans Road, RR#3, Stirling ON K0K 3E0 www.ontariodairysheep.org Phone/Fax: (613) 395-4491 Email: kupecz@xplornet.com Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario c/o Irwin Jackson, RR#4 Rockwood, Ontario N0B 2K0 • (519) 856-4490
ontario katahdin sheep Association Barbara Burdzy (519) 236-7368 Email: bbfarm@hay.net Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association Grant Preston, 26 Wilson Crescent, Dundalk, Ontario N0C 1B0 • (519) 923-6341 Rideau Association of canada Neil Post, 34 Wilton Drive, Guelph, Ontario N1E 7L6 (519) 820-2810 • Fax: (519) 846-2225 Email: info@rideausheep.org • www.rideausheep.org
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
41
Scrapie Update
Jocelyn Jansen, Veterinary Science & Policy Unit, OMAFRA and Anco Farenhorst, Animal Health Programs, CFIA
S
crapie continues to be detected at low levels in Canadian sheep. The level of scrapie in goats is unknown, and determining this level has been hampered by the lack of a national goat identification program. The United States (US) has spent millions of dollars to eradicate scrapie from the national flock and has declared that their country will be scrapie free by 2017. The continued presence of scrapie in Canada is preventing our gaining access to international markets, including the US. Equivalence with US disease control measures, which are taken when a positive case is identified, and national surveillance, will help to re-establish these markets. Classical scrapie is seen only in adult animals, generally between two and five years of age. In some animals, the disease may take up to eight years to develop. Once an animal exhibits clinical signs, it will die within one to two months. Signs can vary greatly and may include behavioural changes such as apprehension or aggression, tremors, incoordination or an abnormal gait. However, a mature animal with a poor coat, an animal with unexplained weight loss or one that is simply found dead can also be diagnosed with scrapie. In North America, wasting and weakness are the most common clinical signs, while pruritis is the most prominent sign in European cases.
can also occur in both sheep and goats. It is clinically, pathologically, biochemically and epidemiologically different from classical scrapie. It was first identified in Norway in 1998. Atypical scrapie affects sheep with genotypes different from those that develop classical scrapie. This supports the theory that it is a spontaneous (sporadic, non-contagious) condition of older sheep. The majority of atypical scrapie cases have been detected in apparently normal sheep sampled at slaughter. On trace-back, few flocks have had more than one case of atypical scrapie detected in them. Epidemiological data on goat cases is sparse. Atypical scrapie has been found in animals originating from countries which are considered free of classical scrapie, such as Australia and New Zealand. These findings have not affected their status as scrapie-free. Table 1 lists the number of flocks confirmed with at least 1 case of scrapie (classical and non-classical), by province/ region since 2000. Scrapie was last diagnosed in a goat in 1976.
The CFIA and several provincial ministries have initiated a surveillance program to detect scrapie in the national sheep flock and goat herd. The goal is to identify every infected animal so that proper steps can be taken to completely eradicate the disease from Canada. However, surveillance Non-classical scrapie, also known as atypical scrapie, numbers for Ontario are below provincial targets. CFIA reminds veterinarians that scrapie should Table 1. Annual Scrapie Flock Incidence: 2000 – 2010. (Source: CFIA) be included as a differential diagnosis Atlantic BC AB SK MB ON QC Total Canada in sheep and goats Provinces aged 12 months 2010 0 1 1* 0 2 (1*) 2 0 6(2*) of age and older 2009 0 1* 1* 0 2* 2 0 6(4*) that die on farm or exhibit unexplained 2008 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 6 weight loss, changes 2007 0 0 1* 0 1 0 0 2(1*) in behaviour, and/ 2006 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 or problems standing 2005 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 4 or walking. Obex samples can be 2004 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 sent to the Animal 2003 0 1 6 0 1 4 0 12 Health Laboratory in 2002 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 Guelph for testing. Alternatively, your 2001 0 0 0 8 0 4 0 12 local CFIA office can 2000 0 0 0 3 0 8 0 11 be contacted and Total 0 3(1*) 9(3*) 14 9(3*) 30 1 66(7*) arrangements made to have a sample taken As of May 2010 for testing. There is * Non-classical (atypical) scrapie
42
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Victoria County Sheep Producers Annual BBQ
T
he annual Victoria County Sheep Producers (VCSP) BBQ and Potluck supper was held on Friday, July 23rd. This successful event was held at the farm of Kevin and Gail Kent in Minden, Ontario. Approximately 35 people gathered for lamb burgers
talk with fellow producers and friends. The Victoria County Sheep Producers are located within District 7 and meet the third Wednesday of every month. If you would like more information about the club, contact Rebecca Parker at 705277-1711 or email middlekingdom@sympatico.ca. Special thanks to Kevin and Gail for hosting the event. OSN
Some VCSP Members in line for supper
One of the many Display Boards Janice Craig has put together for District 7. Janice has made many different Consumer Education Boards, New Producer Boards and Children’s Boards for use in District 7. Special thanks to Janice for all of her hard work.
and lamb sausages. They also enjoyed corn on the cob as well as many different potluck salads and desserts. The rain held off as producers had the opportunity to enjoy the meal and
no charge for samples submitted through the CFIA. Scrapie is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. Animals suspected of having scrapie and ordered destroyed by CFIA are eligible for compensation. In the case of a confirmed positive test result for classical scrapie, the premise of origin is declared to be an infected premises and a quarantine is placed on sheep and goats that have been exposed to scrapie. Depending on the management of the flock/herd, quarantines may affect all sheep and goats on birth farms and farms where infected females have recently lambed or kidded. An epidemiological survey is completed and animals which have entered the flock (trace-ins) or have left the flock (trace-outs) during the previous 5 years are identified. Disease control measures and testing are conducted on each of these premises. All sheep and goats aged 12 months and younger that may have been exposed to an infected birthing environment are ordered destroyed. Meat from these animals may enter the marketplace. According to Health Canada, there is no known risk to public health associated with scrapie. Exposed adult sheep are blood tested and their genotype determined. All high risk animals, ARQ/ARQ (codons 136, 154, 171/136, 154, 171), are ordered destroyed. If there are no additional test positive results from this group, then no other adult animals are
ordered destroyed on the farm. In goats, no genetic profiles that consistently predict a high risk for developing scrapie have been identified. Therefore, all adult goats on farm are ordered destroyed. Actions will be taken on a case-by-case basis when atypical scrapie is diagnosed from a sheep or goat. Usually there is only a single isolated case found on the farm and generally no further disease control measures are deemed to be necessary. In February of this year, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada approved funding for a National TSE Eradication Plan. A total of $4.5 million was allocated for a three year study that will help to determine the prevalence of scrapie in the Canadian sheep flock and goat herd and the continuation of the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Details of the program are still being developed. OSN References Benestad SL, Arsac J-N, Goldmann W, NĂśremark MN. 2008. Atypical scrapie: Properties of the agent, genetics, and epidemiology. Veterinary Research 39: 19-33. CFIA Scrapie Factsheet. scrtre/scrtrefse.shtml
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/
CFIA Scrapie Manual of Procedures. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/ heasan/man/scrtre/scrtree.shtml
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
43
Scrapie Canada’s New Project
S
The Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program:
The National Scrapie Prevalence Study:
Canadian sheep and goat producers enrolled on this program are required to work with a scrapie accredited veterinarian, close their flocks/ herds and complete annual scrapie monitoring and surveillance. Participation on the VSFCP also should allow producers to access to international trading partners, including the U.S.
crapie Canada is pleased to announce the official start of its next project.
This three year, industry driven project will support the development and implementation of a National Scrapie Prevalence Study and support the continuation of the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (VSFCP). Partnering on the project are the Canadian Sheep Federation, the Canadian National Goat Federation and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
The goal of National Scrapie Prevalence Study is to determine scrapie prevalence in the Canadian sheep flock. The national goat herd is not included in the prevalence portion of study at this time but project developers are working with the industry to ensure their inclusion at a future date. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will collect and test 15,000 brain and lymph node samples from mature sheep1 slaughtered in abattoirs across Canada. This sample size was based on a statistically valid percentage of the Canadian ewe flock as of 2008. The intention is to accurately represent the geographical distribution of the sheep population in Canada, therefore, all large, and most medium, adult sheep slaughtering facilities are included in the project. Samples will be collected from different abattoirs on different days, which will be determined randomly. Final results of the study will be compiled by CFIA and analyzed with assistance from experts from the University of Guelph. With the completion of the prevalence study, the Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) anticipates the establishment of a clear time frame in which scrapie can be eradicated from Canada. Once eradication has been achieved, the OIE requires a further seven-year scrapie free monitoring period prior to Canada being able to declare itself free from scrapie. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have already conducted a national slaughter surveillance study and established national and regional scrapie prevalence. The U.S. implemented the first phase of their accelerated national scrapie eradication program in 2001 and is working to be recognized as scrapie free by 2017. The Canadian sheep and goat industries have been working to harmonize with the U.S. on scrapie related issues to remove trade barriers that currently exist. Completing the scrapie prevalence study and working towards scrapie eradication is in line with the strategy currently undertaken by the U.S. 44
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
The continuation of the VSFCP allows elite flocks / herds in Canada to gain status and international recognition as scrapie free establishments. In the future these flocks may become internationally recognized as a scrapie free compartment ahead of the eradication of scrapie from Canada as a whole.
The following new subsidies will be available for enrolled producers: • $100 per year towards the cost of the annual veterinarian inventory visit. • Scrapie brain testing (at designated laboratories) will be paid for by the program. • $110 towards the cost of hiring a veterinarian to come to the farm to remove a brain sample meant for scrapie brain testing. • $20 per shipment to send scrapie brain samples to designated laboratories. Funding will also be allocated for project administration, communication and promotion.
Benefits to the Industry: As mentioned above, the completion of a National Scrapie Prevalence Study and continuing support of the VSFCP allows Canada to progress towards scrapie eradication and continue to harmonize with the U.S. to remove trade barriers that currently exist. Full scrapie eradication will save the Canadian agriculture government and industries millions of dollars annually. Reports out of the U.S. have indicated that scrapie costs the country approximately $20 million per year. The reduction and elimination of scrapie from Canada will also reduce, or prevent, the destruction and disposal of scrapie infected flocks/herds, which are costly and present animal welfare concerns to the Canadian livestock sector and public. Funding for this project is provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) AgriFlexibility program. Opinions expressed in this document are those of the Canadian Sheep Federation and not necessarily those of AAFC. OSN 1. Over one year of age.
OSMA Regulation Update – License Fee Increase
A
t the October 2007 Annual General Meeting, the OSMA Board announced that we were working on changes to our regulations and that producers would be informed in advance of changes. Since that date we have continued to work hard to improve and develop our industry. The OSMA Strategic Plan that focuses on communications, education, programs and services will help producers improve their bottom lines and increase their production to meet the ever growing domestic demand. After 10 years of no license fee increases, OSMA finds itself needing to improve our bottom line. To assist with that, the Board has passed a motion to increase our license fee amount by $0.25 to $1.80, plus applicable taxes, per live animal sale, as per the authority granted to OSMA by the Farm Products Marketing Act Regulation 429. This increase will take effect December 1st, 2010.
The additional revenue will allow OSMA to continue to provide essential services to producers as well as develop the industry. Over the years, due to increases in operational costs, we have had to dip into our reserve fund. This modest increase will allow us to start to replenish that fund and prepare for the future. Our future is bright as we enjoy good prices and a great market for our products. Now that we have finalized our negotiations with the Ontario Government to assume the Sheep Flock Improvement Program, OSMA will be expanding the program to include more users. Enhancements will also include more management and genetic data that producers will be able to use for flock management and animal selection. We are truly excited by the new path we have chosen and we feel that our 4,000 producers will see an increase in their net returns as they embrace OSMA’s programs and services. OSN
All License Fees remitted as of December 1st, 2010 will be required to pay the new fee of $1.80 plus HST per head.
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 $1.55 per head plus 13% HST
Producer #___________________
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________ Prov.:________________Postal Code:________________________ Date of Sale:________________________________ Date Remitted:______________________________________ # of sheep/lamb sold:________________________ Lic. Fees (x $1.55=) $_________________________________ ___________________________________________ Pay by phone using Visa or MasterCard 519-836-0043
Plus 13% HST
$________________________________
Total Remitted $________________________________
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
45
district news
n
september 2010
Important Information about District AGM’s: Every year, there is to be elections for the District Executive. Last year there was a resolution at the AGM by District 1 that not all Executive members be replaced every year (2 positions one year and then the other two position the alternate year). It was left to each District to decide if this option would work best for them. In addition to that, there will be an election for Provincial Directors at the following District AGMs: 2, 5, 8, 11. At each AGM, a delegate selection for the OSMA AGM has always taken place. This year, the OSMA staff will be accepting names from producers to be delegates in their District starting on Monday, July 5th. Those names will be forwarded to the Secretary of each district. In the event that there are too many producers wanting to be delegates, a vote will take place to select the delegates at the District AGM. All delegate names must be submitted to the OSMA office no later than Friday, September 17th, 2010.
District 1
Counties of Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, and Elgin Meetings usually held the 1st Thursday of every month at Coldstream Community Centre, just north west of London, ON at 8:00 p.m. For information or a full list of upcoming events please see District 1 website: OSMA_district_1.tripod. com; or phone Marlene Raymond at 519-683-6635 Director Fraser Hodgson 519-786-4176 Chair John Sipkens 519-845-3710 Vice-Chair Bill Duffield 519-899-2663 Secretary/Treasurer Marlene Raymond 519-683-6635
District 2
Counties of Grey and Bruce September 16: Annual General Meeting, 7:30 p.m. - at the Gray Gables Building in Markdale; Elections: District Committee & Provincial Director Meetings usually held the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Glen Porteous at glenporteous@hotmail.com or Keith Grein at mk.grein@bmts.com Director Dennis Fischer 519-363-3819 Chair Keith Grein 519-369-2189 Vice-Chair Sarel Smit 519-369-1365 Secretary Glen Porteous 519-794-4549 Treasurer David Hartley 519-369-2438
District 3
Counties of Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Oxford Meetings usually held the 3rd Thursday of each month in Rostock at the Perth Agricultural Building Everyone is welcome at our meetings so please plan to attend. For any other information on District 3 events or meetings contact one of the committee members. Director Neil Mesman 519-462-2423 Chair Bill Jeffrey 519-234-6872 Vice-Chair Victor West 519-349-2381 Secretary/Treasurer Mike Beuerman 519-527-2676
District 4
County of Brant, Regional Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, HaldimandNorfolk and Niagara September 21: Annual General Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – Kohler Agriculture Centre; Elections: District Committee 46
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Director Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer
Chris Kyle
519 632-7602
David Campbell
519-443-6399
Nancy Ireland
905-701-6026
District 5
County of Wellington and Dufferin and the Regional Municipalities of Halton and Peel Director Andrew Gordanier 519-925-6502 Chair Bert Nieuwenhui 519-941-0479 Vice Chair Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626 Secretary Treasurer Dianne Orr 519-928-5302
District 6
County of Simcoe, District Municipality of Muskoka and the District of Parry Sound Director Markus Wand 705-724-2314 Chair Leah Riddell 705-435-2859 Vice Chair Peter Harvey 905-729-3196 Secretary Grant Cowan 705-436-2236 Treasurer Karen Harvey 905-729-3196
District 7
County of Metropolitan Toronto, Regional Municipalities of York and Durham, Counties of Victoria, Peterborough, and Northumberland October 18 & 19: Hoof to Hook Seminar will be near Lindsay. We will be doing a live lamb grading/ evaluation; loin scanning and rail evaluation. Producers interested in participating should contact Marc Carere at carare@I-zoom.net Other information will be coming out or you can contact Cynthia Palmer at cjpalmer@nexicom.net District 7 Victoria County Sheep Producers. September - tentative tour to Orangeville large flock operators. Victoria County Sheep evening meetings start at 7:30 in the lower boardroom, OMAFRA Lindsay. Membership is $20 per farm per year. Contact: Rebecca Parker Phone: 705-277-1711 Email: middlekingdom@sympatico.ca Director Judy Dening 705-324-3453 Chair Leslie Dyment 705-359-1376 Vice-Chair Rebecca Parker 705-277-1711 Secretary Cynthia Palmer 705-295-3351 Treasurer Phil Smith 905-478-4280
District 8
Counties of Lennox and Addington, Hastings, Prince Edward, Frontenac and Leeds September 20: Annual General Meeting, 7:00 p.m. - at Westdale Park School, Napanee Elections: District Committee & Provincial Director; Guest Speaker Chair, Markus Wand Director Chris Kennedy 613-389-0554 Chair Linda Huizenga 613-477-1393 Vice-Chair Jim Sabin 613-477-3443 Secretary Carol Booth 613-358-9089 Vice Secretary Kenton Dempsey 613-969-8154 Treasurer Pat Purvis 613-353-5094
District 9
Counties of Renfrew and Lanark, and the Township of West Carleton and the City of Kanata in the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton September 17: Annual General Meeting, 7:30 p.m. - at Almonte Legion Elections: District Committee; Guest Speaker Chair, Markus Wand Director Allan Burn 613-264-0801 Chair Jeff Wright 613-267-7930 Vice-Chair Oliver Loten 613-264-0539 Secretary Melissa Ferguson 613-257-8748 Treasurer Karen Wright 613-267-7930
Classifieds
District 10
Counties of Russell, Prescott, Glengarry Stormont, Dundas and Grenville, and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, except the Township of West Carleton and the City of Kanata September 8: Annual General Meeting, 7:00 p.m. - at Leahurst House, Kemptville College Elections: District Committee For more information on activities in District 10, please contact Colleen Acres, District 10 Provincial Director, at 613-826-2330 Director Colleen Acres 613-826-2330 Chair Fred Baker 613-989-5352 Secretary Dave Kerr 613-258-9470 Treasurer Greg Stubbings 613-774-4563
District 11
Counties of Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay, Cochrane, Algoma, Sudbury, Temiskaming, Nippising and Manitoulin September 9: Annual General Meeting, 7:00 p.m. – Harley Hall, Hwy 11, N.; New Liskeard Elections: District Committee & Provincial Director; Guest Speaker General Manager, Murray Hunt For more information contact Jim Johnston at 705-647-716 Director Mark Lenover 705-563-2966 Chair Hal Brown Secretary/Treasurer Jim Johnston 705-647-7160 OSN
Want to place an ad? Call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 for ad rates.
Duff Farms Rideau Yearlings & Lambs
Top Genetic Selection • SFIP & EweByte based • Maintaining 3 ram lines High Health Status • Closed Flock since 1995 • Maedi Visna Status “A” • National Scrapie Program • Ontario Sheep Health Program Glen & Sharon Duff R R #2, Rockw ood, O N , N 0B 2K 0 519-856-9935 Email: rideausheep@sympatico.ca
MAPLE MEADOW FARMS Est. 1923
Hampshires Suffolks Dorsets Rideau Arcotts Rams and Ewes (SFIP tested) Commercial Ewe lambs (Suffolk – Rideau) (Dorset Rideau) Maedi Visna Monitored 6830 Belmeade Road • Osgoode ON K0A 2W0 Phone: 613-826-2581 • Fax: 613-826-1076 www.maplemeadows.ca
Looking for 250 Sheep to shear for a shearing school. Sheep will be sheared for free. For more information call
(519) 348-4266 or (519) 274-2050 OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
47
Classifieds Emke Cheviots North County Ewe Lambs for Immediate Sale Logan Emke 849 25 S.R. Brant RR #1, Elmwood, ON N0G 1S0 Office Manager: Missy Emke-Wright 519-364-5087 m_wright17@hotmail.com www.emkelivestock.webs.com
Want to place an ad? Call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 for ad rates.
MAREMMA WHITE PUPS FOR SALE Pure white coats
• Awesome Sheep Guard Dogs • Will alert Sheep and stand their guard while Sheep run for cover • Far better than Donkeys or Llamas • All Pups raised in Barn with Sheep
Chris Buschbeck & Axel Meister R.R. #3, Markdale, Ontario, Canada N0C 1H0 Telephone (519) 538-2844 Fax (519) 538-1478 Email: wooldrift@bmts.com
Emke livestock Quality Suffolk Sheep
Suffolk and Suffolk Cross Ewe Lambs For Sale Murray Emke & Family
849 25 S.R. Brant RR1 Elmwood, ON, N0G 1S0 Office Manager: Missy Emke-Wright m_wright17@hotmail.com 519-364-5087 • www.emkelivestock.webs.com
“Quality Breeds Quality”
PDK
S HEARI N G Shearing and Tutoring Available
Phone (519)
348-4266
Cell (519) 274-2050
e-mail: peter_kudelka@sympatico.ca
PETER KUDELKA
Box 39, Mitchell, Ont. N0K 1N0
48
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Contact: LOUIS KONTOS 801 DANFORTH AVE., TORONTO, ONTARIO M4J 1L2
TEL: (416) 469-0733 OR (416) 469-1577 FAX: (416) 462-1564
Call Ken Burgess 705-527-9058
CLUN FOREST REGISTERED SHEEP
• Breeding Stock & F1 Crosses • Closed Flock, Maedi/Visna-Negative • Prolific & High Yielding • Extensive Production Records • Semen and Embryos Approved for Export
Wholesale and Retail Meats We buy Lambs & Sheep for Slaughter
PROLIFIC, TRUE TYPE PERFORMANCE RECORDED Closed Flock Don & Wilma Duncan RR1, 807117 Oxford Road 29 Drumbo, ON, N0J 1G0,
This space is available at the reasonable rate of $34 per issue. Call or email us for our price list.
519-463-5511
CEDAR CREEK CHAROLLAIS Lower Your Feed Costs With Exceptional Growth Rates Based on SFIP Data Our 2006 Ram Lambs Averaged 0.45 kg ADG We have a Closed Flock, Maedi Visna Tested with “A” Status Ted Skinner & Joanne Jones 2910 Concession Rd. 7, RR 5, Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K6 Phone: 905-263-2102 Fax: 905-263-4388 E-mail: charollais@live.ca
BRITISH MILKSHEEP are a modern breed established in England in the 1980s. The breed averages 300% lambing and the lambs grow quickly to produce heavy weight, lean carcasses as currently in vogue. While being excellent dairy sheep, they are also effective meat flock improvers. In commercial flocks, half-breds usually produce 0.5 lamb per ewe more. Their milking ability ensures vigorous growth of the extra lambs. British Milk Sheep can increase the profitability of your flock. Available in Ontario from
E&E Bzikot, RR1 Conn Tel./Fax (519) 848-5694 E-mail: ee.bzikot@sympatico.ca
lomanco hampshires Flock on R.O.P. since 1963 St ri vi n g to p r o d u ce b a l a n ced she e p w i th th i ck n es s , m u s cl i n g , le n gt h & co r r ectn es s .
MANASAN FARM
1 5 0 Laber g e, Danville, QC t el ( 8 1 9 ) 839- 3350 F ( 8 1 9 ) 839- 1202
Visitors always welcome f www.manasan.qc.ca
EMKE OXFORDS and
Dorsets and Suffolks Traditional Breeding Stock Well muscled for superior carcass quality. Australian and British Bloodlines Closed Flock ROP Tested
Keith and Mary Lamont R.R. 2, Acton, Ontario L7J 2L8 519-853-1975 E-Mail: lamont@sentex.net www.www.thistlestonefarm.com
Orchardview Farm
Texel Sheep • Top Quality Rams & Ewes • Add Carcass to Any Breed • Maedi Visna Tested
Breeding Stock Available Gordon Walker & Family R.R. #2, Glencoe, Ont. N0L 1M0
(519) 287-5085
Premier breeder at the 2008 Royal Texel Show
Complete Dispersal Sale
60 Purebred Southdown Saturday October 16, 2010 at 1:00pm, Melbourne Fairgrounds, Melbourne, ON;
For further information call Duncan Gates: 519-287-5540 Two Purebred North Country Cheviot Ewes, 3 years old. Three Purebred Katahdin Ewes, 2 years old. One female Akbash, livestock protection dog, 1 year old. Please call 705-484-1261.
HAMPSHIRES
We have RR hampshire semen for sale as well as a very nice set of big strong Hampshire ram lambs available. Good Luck and thank-you to Wil-Col Sheep for their purchase of “Tom Tom”, our best oxford ram lamb this year.
Craig & Missy Emke
525 8th Concession, RR#1 Elmwood, ON, N0G 1S0
519-364-6840 • m_wright17@hotmail.com www.emkelivestock.webs.com
PUREBRED SOUTHDOWNS Purebred Southdown rams and breeding ewes available
$10
Charles Cunningham 1153 Bruce Rd. 9, Wiarton, ON
519-534-2651 Cell: 226-668-3445
VASECTOMIZED ROMANOV “TEASER” RAMS. Effectively bring more ewes into estrus out of season, seasonal ewes breed earlier, more ewe lambs bred in their first season. Reliable out of season with highest libido. Charlie Renaud, Prolific Acres Sheep Farm, Phelpston, ON. charlierenaud@3web.com. (705) 322-2140. www. prolificacressheepfarm.com.
PUREBRED SOUTHDOWNS
Thomas 133 Skidsteer with 3 attachments, $8,700., JD 435 baler,hyd tie,kicker, $7,700., scale $400., 120x40 coverall barn $13,000, water bowls., bulk feeders, creep gates., 3 mature Maremma guard dogs. Janice @ 705-749-2699 Livestock Guardian Dogs 3/4 Maremma 1/4 Great Pyrenees, very good working parents $500.00 Brantford (519)750-9928
Purebred Southdown rams and breeding ewes available
CEDAR CREEK SCANNING Charles Cunningham
Ultrasound Pregnancy Scanning 1153 for Sheep, and Alpacas Bruce Goats Rd. 9, Wiarton, ON OLIBS Accredited519-534-2651 Rebecca Parker, Cell: Vet T226-668-3445 ech. 858 Hwy 7A East, RR#1, Bethany ON, L0A 1A0
Telephone: (705) 277-1711 Mobile: (905) 259-1102 E-mail: middlekingdom@sympatico.ca
Best time to scan is between 45 and 80 days after introduction of ram. OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
49
$1
BREEDER
DIRECTORY
booroola
Prolific Acres Sheep Farm Increase your flock’s lambing rate in only 1 generation with the Booroola gene (prolificacy gene). 1 copy (B+) guarantees the ewe will have 1 more lamb per lambing.Homozygous (BB) rams pass on 1 copy (B+) to all progeny. Heterozygous (B+) rams pass on 1 copy (B+) to half the progeny. Also 3/4, 7/8, 15/16, 31/32, 63/64 Texel rams available. Vaccinated flock, very detailed flock records. Charlie Renaud, 2780 Flos Rd. 5 W., RR#1, Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0. 705-322-2140 CharlieRenaud@3web.com www.prolificacressheepfarm.com.
Charollais
Cedar Creek Charollais Ted Skinner & Sons, 2910 Conc. 7, R.R. #5, Bowmanville, ON, L1C 3K6. Phone 905-263-2102 Fax 905-263-4388, charollais@live.ca. Heavy muscling, SFIP & MV tested. Increase your dressing percentage.
dorper
RAM H Breeders Ltd. Dorper sheep, rams, ewes, and lambs available. Flock has been South Africa inspected, typed and certified - Sept. 2003. Call Ray or Ann Marie Hauck 403-932-3135. Cochrane, Alberta am@ramhbreeders.com www.ramhbreeders.com Cedar View Dorpers Jeff and Karen Wright, 5615 Hwy. 43, RR5 Perth Ontario, K7H 3C7, 613-267-7930, jkwright@storm.ca www.cedarviewdorpers.com Smokey Creek Farm Susan McDonough & Peter Carrie (519) 848-2400, 8886 Concession 7 R.R.4 Arthur, ON, N0G 1A0. Participants in Sheep Flock Improvement Program & Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Registered purebred Dorpers available. smcdonough@highspeedfx.net or www.smokeycreekfarm.ca. Ken Burgess Ontario Dorpers. Prized meat sheep. Purebred full blood Dorpers & Katahan Cross Dorpers from Prize Genetics. Special qualities: awesome weight grain, heavy muscling, easy lambing, no shearing, superior foraging. Call Ken Burgess 705-527-9058 or email at ontariodorpers@aol.com. Also white Maremma pups for sale – awesome Sheep guard dogs.
Iile de france
Clarence Nywening 12618 Baseline Road, Thamesville, Ontario N0P 2K0. Telephone: 519-692-5161. 7/8 and 94% ram lambs. Henry & Evelyn Stam 2700 Line 45 RR # 1 Gadshill, ON N0K 1J0 Telephone 519-271-4919 email hestam@quadro.net • 86% and 94% ram lambs
North Country Cheviots
Springhill North Country Cheviots. Performance Tested. Winner of Get of Sire at the RAWF. Yearling Rams, Ram Lambs and Ewe Lambs for Sale. Scrapie Tested Sires either QR or RR. Lloyd Skinner 905-263-8167. Call at Mealtimes or Evenings.
Polled Dorset
Jameshaven Dorsets - Canada’s longest established Polled Dorset flock. ROP and scrapie resistance tested. Medium frame, well-muscled purebred Dorsets selected for out of season lambing and maternal traits Fall born ewe and ram lambs and yearlings available. Lois, Shanna and Jenna James, 1467 Wade Road, Russell, Ontario, K4R 1E5. 613-445-5252, jameshavendorsets@hotmail.com. Peter Hyams Somerset Farm. RR1 Eldorado, ON, K0K 1Y0. Phone 613-473-5244. Strong maternal lines possessing feed efficiency. Heavily muscled rams that get fat on grass. Ewes with depth and capacity. Closed Flock on accelerated system. ROP/SFIP Tested. Robert & Gail Irvine Rocky Lane Farm, R.R. #4 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X5 rgirvine@ nexicom.net. Phone 705-292-7207 Fax 705-292-0460. MV & ROP tested. British and Australian Genetics. Selected for maternal traits and muscling. Accelerated system. New NZ genetics out of Ohio and Takitimu.
Duff Farms Glen & Sharon Duff, RR # 2, Rockwood, ON, N0B 2K0. 519-856-9935. rideausheep@sympatico.ca Top Genetic Selection - currently maintaining 3 ram lines, SFIP and ewebyte information-based. High Health Status - closed flock since 1995, maedi visna tested and participating in the Ontario Sheep Health Program. Golden Fleece Farms Ruco Braat. 171 Lakeview Rd., Bailieboro, ON, K0L 1B0 705-939-2366. goldenfleece@nexicom.net. Purebred Rideau Arcotts Closed Flock. Don McCutcheon & Sons Mulmur Vista Farms, R.R. # 2, Shelburne, ON, L0N 1S6. Don McCutcheon 519-925-5371. Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626. Purebred Rideau closed flock ROP tested.
romanOv
Prolific Acres Sheep Farm The only true “out of season” breed. Shedding coat. Shorttailed, No docking required. Very vigorous newborns. Easy lambing. Registered. Commercial, % and Vasectomized “Teaser” Rams. Also high % Texel rams available (no Romanov blood). Vaccinated flock, very detailed flock records. Charlie Renaud, 2780 Flos Rd. 5 W. RR#1 Phelpston, ON L0L 2K0. 705-322-2140. CharlieRenaud@3web.com www.prolificacressheepfarm.com
Shetland Sheep
Chassagne Farm. The original flock for North America, imported directly from UK in 1980; available in 11 recognized colours; sheep, fleeces and yarns available. Contact: Carole Precious, Chassagne Farm, Puslinch, Ontario. c.precious@hotmail.com, home: (519) 651-2160, fax: (519) 651-0799.
Shropshire
Muriel Burnett Burndale Farm 1314 Killarney Bay Road, RR#1 Cameron, ON, K0M 1G0. 705-887-6512. Purebred and Commercial. Meaty, Versatile, R.O.P. Tested.
Suffolk
Sunrise Farm Joel & Irene Thomas, RR#2, 477285 3rd Line, Shelburne, ON L0N 1S6. sunriseangus@sympatico.ca British type, Ram & Ewe lambs available with good performance. Bred for meat & milk. Please call 519-925-5661. Burke & Janet Doran 660 2nd Line R.R. #1 Bailieboro, ON K0L 1B0. Phone 705-939-1146 British Type Purebred Suffolks. Closed Flock. Stonehenge Suffolks Doug and Kim Smith, RR 2, Wroxeter, ON, N0G 2X0. PH 519-291-9767. British Bloodlines. Purebred and crosses available. George Armstrong Armsview Farms, R.R.#1, Newburgh, Ont. K0K 2S0. 613-378-2467. armsview@sympatico.ca Quality Suffolks For Sale. Don & Florence Pullen Shillalah Suffolks, Box 715, Clinton, ON, N0M 1L0. 519-233-7896. Bred for traditional meat type and high production. Several British bloodlines now available. Our stud rams carry the R gene for Scrapie resistance. Closed flock. Trillium Woods Sheep Karen Hayward, RR#1, 262 141 Shallow Lake, ON N0H 2K0. Phone: 519-371-8487. Cell: 519-379-3017 Email: trilliumwoods@sympatico.ca Breeding Stock, Scrapie Monitored.
Texel
Cornerstone Texels Steve, Janet Jones & Sons, RR.# 2 Dutton, Ont. NOL 1JO. Fullblood & Upgrade Texel Rams and Ewes. Always available. Enquiries welcome. Phone 519-762-0613 or Cell 519-859-2622 Please visit our website www.cornerstonegenetics.com info@cornerstonegenetics.com Black Walnut Lane Ron and Adele Service, Millgrove, On, L0R 1V0, 905-689-0698. 3/4, 7/8 and full Texel ram and ewe lambs available. info@blackwalnutlane.com www. blackwalnutlane.com
Robert and Shirley Graves and Sons Century Lane Farm, 5576 Faulkner Trail, Stittsville, K2S 1B6, 613-831-2656, clf@atechmicro.com, MV negative, Oxford Down quality breeding stock also available.
Cold Stream Ranch Mels @ 519-666-2423. dutchtexel@execulink.com or visit our website www.dutchtexel.on.ca. Registered Texels and % rams – Introduced N.Z. genetics – OPP tested – In 5th year voluntary National Scrapie Program.
Stoneybrook Farm Jillian Craig , 1246 Cty Rd 121, Fenelon Falls, On, K0M 1N0. stoney_ brook_farm@hotmail.com. Phone (705) 887-6789. Purebred and Commercial stock. Oxford Down and Shropshire also available. Terminal sires geared for commercial flocks.
Orchardview Farm Gordon Walker & Family, R.R.#2, Glencoe, Ont. N0L 1M0. 519-287-5085. Texel Rams and Ewes for sale. Add Maedi Visna Tested.
Rideau Arcott
Francis & Elaine Winger R.R. # 4, Mount Forest, ON, N0G 2L0, 519-323-3531, fwinger@everus.ca. Purebred and commercial, closed flock SFIP, maedi-visna tested. Wendell Palmer Canaan Farm., 6749 Homestead Cres., Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 2H8. Phone/ Fax: 905-358-6146. canaan@vaxxine.com www.vaxxine.com/canaan Participant testing and performance programs. Closed flock. Rams always, high EPD’s / Semen / Embryos. Rambouillet & Newfoundland F1 crosses. On the health program.
50
OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 0
Mulmur Vista Farm Don McCutcheon & Sons, R.R. # 2, Shelburne, Ont. L0N 1S6. Don McCutcheon 519-925-5371. Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626. Texel Rams available from French and Dutch Bloodlines. Embryos available. Paul Cardyn 351 Ch Bellevue Coaticook, Quebec, J1A 2S1. 819-849-6496. Full blood Texels. Super meaty! Dutch, French and British bloodlines. ROP & OPP tested. Also Rouge de ‘l’Ouest. pcardyn@vetcoaticook.ca
Peel Mutual ad mock up 1
3/13/07
12:09 PM
Page 1
You work hard to increase your farm's production. Let Peel Mutual Insurance Company work hard at protecting your farm's assets. Peel Mutual Insurance Company has been insuring farm and rural property for over 130 years. With more than 35 agents and brokers in Central Ontario, call 1-800-268-3069 for a representative near you. www.peelmutual.com
WHERE SHEEP FARMERS MEET ™
“ We’re looking forward to celebrating our 10 th anniversary of successful exhibiting. We are as committed to the Ontario sheep industry as Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show is to agriculture.” John and Eadie Steele
Shepherd’s Choice, Norwood ON
CANADA’S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW 2010 SHEEP AND GOAT PAVILION RFID TAG READING DEMOS TILLAGE EQUIPMENT DEMOS CANADIAN ENERGY EXPO & BIOGAS DEMO GENUITY TM TECHNOLOGY EXPO SMALL RUMINANT INDUSTRY SPEAKERS SHEEPDOG DEMOS OLYMPIA DAIRY INNOVATION CENTRE • Featuring Lely & DeLaval GROBER YOUNG ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE • Showcasing Live Calf and Lamb Research Trials SPRAYER AND COMPOSTING DEMOS RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS FROM THE ONTARIO AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE • University of Guelph
43,800 ATTENDEES
700 EXHIBITORS 2009 SHOW STATS