Ontario Sheep News - September 2011

industry highlights

n

production innovations

Vol. 30 - Issue 3

september 2011

NEWS

OntarioSheep

New Risk Management

Program

Regulation Updates Fall Events for Everyone 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 2011

4

Chair Report

Factors Affecting Our Profitability

5 Editorial

Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile 6

GM Report

Developing the Ontario Sheep Industry

7

Market Report

8 Keeping Flocks Disease-Free Improves Farm Productivity 10 WOLPA Celebrates 40th Anniversary 11 Auction Markets and Abattoirs 12 District 9 Farm Tour 13 New Sheep Technologies Make Their Debut in Woodstock 14 What OSMA is Doing for Producers 16 Farm Gate Remittance 17 Are you an Agent?

18 New: Important Dates for Mandatory RFID Tags 19 Sheep…In the City?

20 Spiders Win Again!

21 Canadian Winners at American Cheese Society 22 Upcoming Events 24 Light Control as an Out of Season Breeding Option 26 Suspended Snares – Where Can I Use Them?

28 Isolate All Aborting Ewes to Minimize Spread of Disease 29 Risk Management for Ontario Sheep Producers 31 It Costs Nothing and Can Mean Everything: Why YOU NEED a Premises ID 32 OSMA AGM and Producer Education Day 34 Wrap Ups 35 Why Do You Need On Farm Records?

36 Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association Summer Update 38 District 10 Multi-Breed Production Sale a Success 39 A New Look for the Genetic Evaluation Program 40 Visiting Amherst Island 42 4-H Sheep Day Brings County Clubs Together 43 Buyer Beware – Looking for Breeding Stock 46 District News Cover Photo: Farm of Neil Mesman, Big Sky Farms, Tavistock 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 Fraser Hodgson District 2 Dennis Fischer District 3 Neil Mesman Chris Kyle District 4 District 5 Andrew Gordanier District 6 Markus Wand District 7 Judy Dening District 8 Chris Kennedy Allan Burn District 9 District 10 Colleen Acres District 11 Vacant

(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 OSMA Office 519-836-0043 X 27

OSMA staff Murray Hunt General Manager manager@ontariosheep.org Jane Harlaar Liaison Officer Office Manager/Communication Ruth Gilmour

Co-ordinator, OSN Editor Project Coordinator Jillian Craig

Sheep News Assistant Roselen Marcy Administrative Assistant

Sheep News Assistant Jennifer Johanson Executive Assistant Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: ONTARIO SHEEP MARKETING AGENCY 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1 Phone: (519) 836-0043 (519) 836-2531 Fax: 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 2011 Date of Issue: September 2011 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 2011

Factors Affecting Our Profitability Chris Kennedy

F

or the last few years’ prices for lamb and sheep in Canada have remained strong: supplies of lamb worldwide are still tight, and there does not appear to be any reason why these facts should change in the short term. There is always the possibility of another BSE-like crisis wrecking our market, but it is hard to factor such an unpredictable event into a business plan.

The question is often raised why, given the strong market, farmers are not flocking to the sheep industry in Canada.

I believe that there are three inter-related factors on the cost side that in the future will affect the profitability of the Canadian sheep industry.

The first is the price of grain. Most Canadian lamb is finished on a grain ration. It is very difficult to market a finished lamb other than a light lamb without some period of grain feeding. The price of grain in Ontario for livestock is based on the world market for grain, and the recent price increases in the world market have resulted in an approximate doubling of feed grain prices in Ontario. A recent UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report argues that this is mainly due to the demand for bio-fuels. According to the FAO increasing prosperity in India and China have not resulted in a major increase in demand for feed grains, and recent weather events have only had marginal effects on production. The fact that over half the corn grown in North America this year will go to bio-fuels would tend to support this theory. The ethanol and bio-fuel market in North America is only viable because of subsidies and mandated requirements for ethanol content in gasoline. However, until there is a political change to the subsidy regime we can expect high prices for feed grain.

The second factor affecting profitability is predation. Most major sheep producing countries rely on grass as the major feed source for sheep, and therefore to a large extent avoid the high grain costs for finishing. In North America the coyote either prohibits extensive grazing of sheep, or greatly adds to the cost. I wish that there were a magic bullet that would remove this restriction on our ability to graze. Having worked

with predation for thirty years I believe that we must accept that coyotes will always be a serious impediment to grazing sheep in Ontario. I will not for one moment stop working on the issue, but every grazing operation must factor predation control into the cost.

The third factor that I believe will become increasingly important is anthelmintic resistance (AR) in Canadian sheep.

Our climate, and concentrated intensive grazing as a result of predation pressure seem to leading to a very rapid increase in AR in Ontario flocks. The results of the AR study by the University of Guelph that were presented by Laura Falzon at the last OSMA AGM should have been a wake-up call to all those who graze sheep in Ontario. The fact that only two families of anthemintics, the Benzimidazoles such as Safeguard and Valbazen, and the Macrocyclic lactones, such as Ivomec are available in Canada will not make combating AR any easier. Extensive resistance to both of these groups has been reported in Ontario. This is a very rapidly evolving field, and I believe that OSMA should continue to support research on the subject.

These three factors are all inter-related, and will combine to raise production costs for Ontario sheep producers. At OSMA it is difficult to see much opportunity to change world grain prices. In Ontario the new Risk Management Program is based on cost of production, and producers can take advantage of this to partly offset the increased feed costs. OSMA can continue to advocate for improvements to the tools available for the prevention and control of predation. Predation will always be a cost factor for grazing operations. OSMA can continue to fund research, and support producer education on internal parasites. All producers would be well advised to look carefully at their parasite prevention program as new information becomes available.

So for intensive producers the challenge will be high feed costs. For extensive producers predation and anthelmintic resistance will be the challenges. Navigating a course through these will keep sheep producers busy for some time. 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 1

from the editor

n

september 2011

Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor

“N

ot your father Oldsmobile” was an extremely effective car ad a few years ago. It was the automobile manufacturers’ way of saying, “We’re new and improved and you need to start to think about us in a different way”. You probably know where I am going with this. OSMA is no longer your father’s Oldsmobile.

I have seen many changes since I started at OSMA seven years ago. Not just changes in the way we operate but in the industry itself.

Seven years ago very few producers talked about ‘On Farm Records’ but now it’s not only all the buzz, OSMA is working toward creating for producers a top notch management software. Seven years ago we had an eighteen-page magazine. This issue is 52 pages and the decision had to be made to cut it off at 52. Seven years ago, we were a quiet little office with a small number of programs and projects on the go. Today we are a robust office with a magnitude of programs and projects such as advocacy, research and development and education to name a few. Our biggest, all encompassing and ongoing challenge is communicating all of this to you. I won’t lie to you, sometimes I miss seven years ago.

Yes, communication is truly an ongoing concern and often producers do not fully understand what OSMA is all about. As Murray has said in his GM report, “OSMA works with all producers, organizations, commodities and government for the benefit of Ontario sheep producers.”

New producers need to know that while there are many sheep clubs and groups, the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) is governed by the Farm Products Marketing Commission Act and that OSMA is, in essence appointed to represent Ontario sheep producers. So we hope that you can begin to see that we are working toward providing more of what producer’s need to succeed.

Looking through this issue of the Sheep News you will find a number of great opportunities. The newly announced Risk Management Program is a definite opportunity to improve your bottom line and the OSMA Board of Directors hope that you seriously consider signing onto the program. The Outdoor Farm show is

showcasing many events for sheep producers. There is an upcoming Dairy Sheep Symposium for those of you interested in dairy (and read about how our Canadian cheesemakers were big winners at the American Cheese Society Competition.) District 7 is hosting a Predation Workshop and every district is having their AGM. You are also invited to attend the OSMA Producer Education Day and AGM on October 28th & 29th. It is a fantastic deal at only $25 per person for each day.

We hope that it will assist producers in building and developing skills and knowledge to better run their farm businesses. Speakers will discuss how to take the lead in your farm operation, what is happening at the industry level and practical ideas on marketing will be brought forward as well. I know you will find the speakers engaging and inspiring.

On a more regulatory note, OSMA’s Regulation #1 has been updated. This regulation deals primarily with the collection of licence fees. We have a two page outline discussing Farm Gate Remittances as well as an article regarding those who are acting as Agents. It is very important that all producers read this information. The only thing that needs to be said about the updating of this Regulation is that it was designed so that everyone is treated equally.

Most producers pay a license fee through the Auction Markets and many remit to the office. It is only fair to them that everyone remit the required fees. To that end, you will find OSMA to be more assertive in the future.

So there it is. Hopefully this new Oldsmobile can keep doing all the good things that OSMA has been providing for producers in the past and more. There is a great bounty of events happening this fall so please take the time to consider attending at least one or two of them. 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 1

5

general manager’s report

n

september 2011

Developing the Ontario Sheep Industry Murray Hunt

M

any interested and dedicated sheep producers take time and effort to advance the sheep industry.

They serve on district boards, serve as delegates to the OSMA annual meeting, participate in GenOvis and health programs, take part in surveys and field trials, attend local, district or regional information meetings, and assist the industry in various other ways.

It is estimated that less than 150 participate in programs and less than 500 are active in attending functions. OSMA has 3600 names of people that have registered with us as sheep producers as is required under the Farms Products Marketing Act to do so.

So what are the 3000 people registered but not actively participating doing? Well some are no longer in sheep but they have not asked for their names to be removed from the list of active producers. Others pay their licence fees, due at the time every animal is sold, but are unaware or uninterested in advancing the industry. And yes, there are some who register but whenever possible avoid paying licence fees.

Perhaps they regard them only as a tax and not as a source of collectively working with all other producers to make the industry more profitable, to know more facts so everyone can make better decisions and to ensure consumers that Canadian lamb they buy is a high quality product. OSMAs’ job, simply put, is to position producers and the industry so that it is represented, informed, developed, organized and promoted.

To that end OSMA has a strategic plan, a mandate, a mission and five strategic directions covering advocacy, education, research & development, organization and promotion.

In 2011 OSMA has been very busy working on many initiatives. At this time I will provide the producers who pay licence fees with an update on those initiatives. A complete description would make this article too long, but there is a more detailed article on what OSMA is doing in this Issue.

You will find in this issue a more detailed listing of programs and projects. Any registered producer wishing more details is encouraged to contact the OSMA office or attend any of the upcoming events and speak with OSMA directors or staff.

These events include: eleven District AGMs, COFS, IPM, the

6

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

OSMA AGM and the November Sheep Seminars. I hope to see you there. The following is a synopsis of what OSMA has done or is doing, for you, this year, I have grouped the initiatives by strategic directions.

Advocacy • lobbied for and worked on developing the Risk Management (Insurance) Program • lobbied for and work on increased compensation for animals destroyed by wildlife • our work on a project with other species to pilot the development of a traceability system for sheep, beef and pork in Ontario.

• developed a research, field-trial, prevention and education project for predation.

• have met with many in organizations and government to advance the sheep industry

Education • in cooperation with OMAFRA, OSMA is delivering a district development program that so far has had three training sessions including both face-to-face training and webinars.

• have delivered economic handbooks that were unveiled at the last OSMA AGM • have spoke, supplied speakers to or have assisted in speaking to more than 30 meetings • with OMAFRA, OSMA is hosting seminars on genetic indexing and November seminar series

Research and Development • took over SFIP from OMAFRA and combined with GenOvis which OSMA owns with CEPOQ • developing with BIO & Farms.com a web based flock management software which will be called bioFlock • supported seven research projects • working with Alberta Lamb Producers to develop Sheep Central, a central linked data base for sheep • continued with year II of Benchmarking project and planned for Year III

market report

n

september 2011

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.

Organization • reworked and adopted OSMA Regulation #1 which governs licence fee collection • reworked OSMA By-Law #1 • documented and enhanced all OSMA policies • worked on all procedures for OSMA and it districts • refurbished the OSMA Office including electronic capability to host webinars and video meetings • developing new procedures for capturing details for when animals are sold • developing a web forum for District Executives to communicate

Promotion • purchased display Board for all OSMA districts and developing content for use at the district level • promotional booths at RAWF, Western Fair, COFS, as well as many other events promoting the sheep industry • supported District 10 with a booth at IPM

In addition there are many OSMA projects or initiatives that are about to begin development or are at the initial discussion stage. Please remember that producer’s input is often the spark that starts or enhances an initiative, program or service.

As I mentioned earlier I encourage you to ask questions, to pay licence fees every time a sheep or lamb is sold and participate in programs that are designed to assist you and the industry.

Finally. I strongly encourage you to sign up with the new Risk Management program. More details on this program can be found in this issue of OSN. The take home message is that OSMA works with all producers, organizations, commodities and government for the benefit of Ontario sheep producers OSN

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

7

Keeping Flocks Disease-Free Improves Farm Productivity New Report Identifies Gaps and Opportunities for Sheep Farmers Lilian Schaer, Project Coordinator

A

newly released study has identified biosecurity and emergency preparedness gaps in Ontario’s sheep industry and provided some recommendations on how best to address them in order to boost your farm’s productivity.

The study, headed by the Ontario Veal Association on behalf of Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, Ontario Goat and Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, focused its analysis of the sheep sector on meat-producing farms and identified five key risk areas for transmission of Q Fever, Maedi Visna and other economically significant diseases that can affect sheep.

Risk areas include early and accurate identification of disease, sourcing breeding animals that are carriers of disease, prevalence of a production system based on dry-pack manure, inadequate sanitation, inconsistent breeding and reproduction management and the threat of toxoplasmosis transmitted by cats inside production facilities.

To mitigate these risks, it is recommended that sheep producers: • Source rams of known disease status and limit purchases from co-mingled sources like auction markets.

• Pay attention to cleanliness and sanitation, especially when isolating diseased animals or contaminated birth materials.

• Limit direct contact between animals in adjacent pens and isolate diseased rams and ewes from healthy animals.

• Avoid contamination of feed and water through biological materials shed by diseased sheep or other animals in the barn that may carry diseases, like cats.

• Control access to production facilities and institute cleaning and disinfection of people and equipment coming in contact with animals to limit disease transmission risk from feces, body fluids, etc.

For sheep producer Colleen Acres of Eastern Ontario, these techniques can make a big difference in flock productivity, and ultimately, farm profitability. Paying attention to little details, she says, can pay off in a big way.

“There are diseases in the sheep industry that can have hugely detrimental effects on productivity of the flock, and I’m not sure enough producers know whether they have a

8

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

problem or not,” says Acres, who participated in the study.

“But there are a lot of small, common sense changes we can make on our farms that will make a big difference in keeping diseases out but without costing producers a lot of money.”

This includes isolating sick animals on the farm and keeping new arrivals into a flock separate from the existing flock when they first come on-farm, especially if their disease status is uncertain.

It is also important to post signs at the laneway or at the barn door asking on-farm visitors to report to the house or a farm office instead of directly entering the barn. If they then must enter a production facility, they can be requested to wear plastic boots overtop of their footwear or dip their feet in a disinfecting bath to prevent disease from coming into the barn on their shoes.

“Many of these things are simple to implement, but more people could be doing them,” she says. “We sell breeding stock on our farm so we know how important this is. We don’t want to be introducing disease onto our farms or we won’t stay in business for too long.”

There is a lot of animal movement in the sheep industry, she adds, so it is even more important for producers to be aware of how disease can be transmitted and how to minimize the risk. It is particularly critical when it involves a disease like Q Fever, which is zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.

“We want producers to be healthy and don’t want them or their families to be getting ill from something they could have easily prevented,” she says. “A lot of people don’t think about disease mitigation if they haven’t had a problem. It usually takes an unfortunate incident for you to realize how easy it is for disease to transmit – and by then, the damage is done. Being proactive is a benefit, even if you only make one change a year. ” Because of her participation in the study, Acres made some changes on her own operation to lower her disease risk. This included introducing a formal visitor log that tracks who visits the farm and when, and limiting cat access to sheep feed. Cats can be transmitters of toxoplasmosis, which causes abortions in livestock.

Although this study has identified some initial risk areas and mitigation techniques, Acres says more work needs to be done to get a better sense of where the gaps are so that the industry can develop a broader, co-ordinated strategy to deal with disease preparedness and prevention.

The study also examined biosecurity and emergency preparedness in the goat, veal and beef sectors. This was the first step in a new, multi-phase project partnership between Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, Ontario Cattlemen’s Association, Ontario Veal, Ontario Goat and Ontario Rabbit to identify, quantify and address biosecurity gaps and build the industry’s emergency preparedness capabilities. A joint approach was chosen as there are many common issues related to animal disease and biosecurity across these five livestock sectors.

Work is now underway to examine onfarm costs associated with disease and what savings improved biosecurity protocols might represent to farmers. Funding for this project was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Adaptation Programming and administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

More information on the report and on biosecurity and disease preparedness is available by contacting Jennifer O’Rourke at 519-824-2942 or jorourke@livestockalliance.ca. OSN

CURRENT PRODUCERS ON MAEDI-VISNA PRODUCER NAME Robert & Gail Irvine Joanne T Ted Skinner Robert & Shirley Graves Heather & Robert Kelly John & Eadie Steele Glen & Sharon Duff Neil & Heidi Bouman Axel Meister William MacTaggart Gordon Walker Garry & Beth Collins Tina Harrington Colleen Acres Gerald & Joanne Hunter Bethane Jensen Francis & Elaine Winger Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs Ted Brown 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 Kevin McComb

FARM NAME Rocky Lane Farm Cedar Creek Charollais Century Lane Farm Greenwood Farm Duff Farms Wooldrift Farm MacTaggart Suffolk Orchardview Farm Collins Horned Dorsets Stonehill Sheep Maple Meadow Farms Hunterdown Farm Shepherd’s Fold Cedar Ridge Farm Brown Woolies 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 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 519-371-7314 905-877-2323 613-989-2792 519-599-5379 519-371-8487 519-234-6872 613-652-2044 705-277-1711 519-848-6877 519-275-3187 519-271-4919 705-932-3216 519-367-2589 519-348-8331

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

FARM NAME Codan Suffolks Rocky Lane Farm 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 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 1

9

Western Ontario Lamb Producers Association Celebrates 40th Anniversary

T

he Western Ontario Lamb Producers Association (WOLPA) celebrated their 40th anniversary this year at a Lamb BBQ held in Walkerton, ON, on July 17, 2011. At the dinner the founders of WOLPA were recognized and received their dinner free as well as a memorial gift bag with the WOLPA logo and a jar of local honey. (The honey was produced by WOLPA member Clare Gerber.)

The founders recognized by WOLPA were Bob and Lou Logan, Grant and Edith Preston and Mary Fortune (Walter Renwick’s spouse). There were 2 other members, Woody Lambe and Oliver Mabee who founded the association in 1971.

Grant Preston, Ole Rasmussen, Edith Preston, Elle Rasmussen, Mary Fortune, Member Ron Cook also presented gifts to Ole and Lou and Bob Logan, President of WOLPA, Mike Beureman Elle Rasmussen for their years of dedication to the association.

The dinner was prepared by Bill and Shelley Pruess of Cargill, the lamb was grown by members Steve and Lisa Mike Beureman (president of WOLPA) read a Ernewein. Immediately following dinner everyone enjoyed a congratulations letter to all present from the Ontario Sheep special cake prepared by Kristin Ramaker.

Marketing Agency. Following the presentations Jamie Heffer led everyone in During the dinner a slide presentation ran with photos of grace and then we the last 40 years with WOLPA, included were pictures of the all enjoyed a lamb first “lamb on a bun” booth at the Royal and many photos dinner. of the learning opportunities members of WOLPA have had over the years. OSN

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

Upcoming Sales Tuesdays 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows Thursdays 8:00 a.m.

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 1

Cake by Kristen Ramaker.

Auction Markets and Abattoirs

B

elow is a listing of all Auction Markets and Abattoirs that currently auction and process sheep and lamb. As industry partners we value their contribution to the Ontario Sheep industry. If you would like more information on their locations please go to http://www.ontariosheep.org/MarketInformation/SaleBarnsAbattoirs.aspx. If the company that is killing sheep for you is not listed here, please call the OSMA office at 519-836-0043 X 25 OSN AUCTION MARKET ADDRESS INFO City Name Abattoir LeFaivre LeFaivre Abingdon Meat Packers Ltd. Caistor Centre Agram 2005 Meats Inc. Georgetown Al Madina Halal Meat Packers Brinston Alvinston Custom Butchering Ltd Alvinston Aman's Abattoir Wellington Athens Meat Packers Athens Bachert Meats Ltd. Walton Bearbrook Farm Meat & Deli Products Navan Beeton Meats Beeton Belle Vallee Meats & Abattoir Belle Vallee Bennett Abattoir Ramore Bentinck Packers Limited Hanover Bilal Farms Inc. Clarence Creek Brian Quinn's Meats Ltd. Yarker Buchler Farms & Abattoir Magnetawan Charles Quality Meats St. Agatha Cole Bros. Meat Processing Picton Cornell Meats London Country Meadow Meats Owen Sound Creative Meats Rader Desormeaux Slaughter-house & Meats Inc. Crysler Doug's Meats Schomberg Dresden Meat Packers Dresden Elora Road Meats Mildmay Ewe Dell Family Farm Woodslee FGO Organic Processing Ltd Ingersoll Frey's Custom Meats Inc Mount Forest Gord's Abattoir Ltd. Leamington Green's Meat Market & Abattoir Ltd. Wingham Grey County Meats Maxwell Griffiths Country Meats Oxdrift Hank De Koning Ltd. Port Dover Hanson Meats Cayuga Harriston Packing Company Ltd. Harriston Highgate Tender Meats Ltd. Highgate Highland Packers Ltd. Stoney Creek Hilts Butcher Shop Ltd. Norwood Holly Park Meat Packers Inc. Cookstown Horizon Meat Packers Inc. Shelburne Ideal Meat Products Limited Owen Sound J.J. Meat Distributing Inc. Schomberg Joe Savage & Fils Abattoir Inc. St. Albert Johnson Meats Aylmer Julius Meat Packers Inc. St. Anns L & M Meat Distributing Gilford Lambton Meat Products Wyoming Len and Patti Butcher Block Lindsay Lindsay Zabiha Meat Packer Ltd Sunderland Lloyd Miedema & Sons Ltd. Waterford Louro Bros. Meats Ltd. Ayr Lynch's Slaughterhouse Lansdowne Manilla Halal Meats Oakwood Matar Meats Inc. Osgoode McGarroch of Micksburg Custom Butchering Pembroke Metheral Meats Glen Huron Metzger Meat Products Hensall Miedema's Country Meats Exeter Miedema's Meat Market Ltd. Embro Miky's Smoke House Joques Millgrove Packers Co. Ltd. Waterdown Mister Beef Inc. Pakenham Mogk's Butcher Shop Tavistock Mount Brydges Abattoir Ltd. Mount Brydges Newmarket Meat Packers Ltd. Newmarket

Phone No (613) 679-4698 (905) 957-2223 (905) 877-6082 (613) 652-1301 (519) 898-2821 (613) 399-2173 (613) 924-0892 (519) 887-9328 (613) 835-2227 (905) 729-2771 (705) 647-7419 (705) 236-4498 (519) 364-3538 (613) 488-2268 (613) 377-6430 (705) 387-3367 (519) 886-7931 (613) 476-6955 (519) 652-2748 (519) 376-5663 (705) 967-2006 (613) 987-2148 (905) 859-0599 (519) 683-2585 (519) 367-2261 (519) 723-4456 (519) 236-7717 (519) 323-3568 (519) 326-2503 (519) 357-2912 (519) 922-2400 (807) 937-6406 (519) 583-0115 (905) 772-5053 (519) 338-3330 (519) 678-3383 (905) 662-8396 (705) 696-2172 (705) 458-2870 (866) 577-7797 (519) 372-0636 (416) 425-7382 (613) 987-2070 (519) 773-9208 (905) 957-7162 (905) 775-6775 (519) 845-3358 (705) 328-2100 (705) 357-3777 (519) 443-8844 (519) 632-7364 (613) 659-2861 (705) 357-3004 (613) 821-7929 (613) 732-7181 (705) 466-3135 (519) 262-3130 (519) 235-4978 (519) 475-4010 (705) 362-8590 (905) 689-6184 (613) 624-5222 (519) 462-2280 (519) 264-1873 (416) 364-2671

AUCTION MARKET ADDRESS INFO City Name Niagara Sausage & Meat Products Ltd. Welland Northern Meat Packers and Abattoir Ltd. Trout Creek Northern Quality Meats Ltd. Bruce Mines Norwich Packers Ltd. Norwich Ontario Halal Meat Packers Inc. Milton Palmateer's Abattoir Ltd. Tweed Peel Sausage Abattoir Drayton Pine Ridge Packers (2003) Blackstock Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Inc. Emo Ralph Bos Meats Ltd. Strathroy Ranchland Meats Ltd. Cargill Reiche Meat Products Limited Pembroke Rideau Meats Smiths Falls Rua Meats Limited Foxboro Rudy's Meat Market Inc. Woodstock Russell Slaughterhouse Russell Ryding- Regency Meat Packers Ltd Toronto Sanabil Halal Meat Farm Smithville Smokey Joe's Meat Packers Peterborough Sprucedale Quality Meats Inc. Sprucedale St. Helen's Meat Packers Ltd. Toronto Stayner Meat Packers Ltd. Stayner Taylor's Clay Belt Abattoir Earlton Taylor's Custom Meats Roseneath The Beefway Kincardine The Burt Farm Manitoulin Island Thunder Bay Meat Processing Co. (1986) Limited Murillo Tilbury Abattoir and Meats Tilbury Tom Henderson Custom Meat Cutting Chesterville Town & Country Meats & Abattoir Ridgetown Ullrich Meat Ltd Bowmanville Valtoudis Brothers Meat Packers Claremont Vanessa Meats & Deli Vanessa Walkerton Meat Market Walkerton Wallace Beef Inc. Joyceville Wall's Pork Shop Oxdrift Walnut Hill Farm Gadshill Station Wayne's Meat Products Inc. Hagersville Weiland Meats Ltd Petrolia Willie's Meats Ltd. Troy Windcrest Meat Packers Ltd Port Perry Zehr's Country Market Dashwood SALESBARN ADDRESS INFO Aylmer Stockyards Inc. 8933 Walker Road Aylmer Brussels Livestock 42857 Newry Road Brussels D.H. Hickson Ltd 2508 County Road 8 Campbellford Denfield Livestock Exchange Inc. 12952 Sixteen Mile Road Denfield Embrun Livestock Exchange Ltd 1643 Salebarn Road Greely Hagersville Auction Centre 97 First Line Hagersville Kawartha Lakes Co-operative 580 Woodville Road Woodville Auction Market Inc. Keady Livestock Market Ltd 117012 Grey Road 3 Tara Lindsay Livestock Exchange 2138 Little Britain Road Lindsay Ontario Livestock Exchange Inc. 856 Weber Street N Waterloo Ontario Stockyards Inc. 3807 Highway 89 Cookstown Renfrew-Pontiac Livestock Ltd 18156 Highway 17 Cobden Selby Livestock & Auction Centre 11 Pleasant Drive Selby Talbotville Livestock Exchange 9959 Lyle Road St. Thomas Temiskaming Livestock Exchange 883006 Highway 65 E New Liskeard Vankleek Hill Livestock 1239 Ridge Road Vankleek Hill Exchange Ltd

Phone No (905) 734-3948 (705) 723-5573 (705) 782-4224 (519) 468-3617 (905) 875-0270 (613) 478-3801 (519) 638-3444 (905) 986-4932 (807) 482-3028 (519) 245-1574 (519) 374-5918 (613) 732-3773 (613) 283-3477 (613) 962-7915 (519) 462-2544 (613) 445-2005 (416) 767-3343 (905) 563-5400 (705) 740-1169 (705) 685-7747 (416) 769-1788 (705) 428-3006 (705) 563-8131 (905) 352-2367 (519) 396-2257 (705) 282-0328 (807) 935-2911 (519) 682-3028 (613) 448-3471 (519) 674-3732 (905) 263-2398 (905) 640-4616 (519) 446-3897 (519) 881-0781 (613) 536-6379 (807) 937-4357 (519) 656-2497 (905) 768-5051 (519) 882-1215 (519) 647-3160 (800) 750-2542 (519) 237-3668

(519) 765-2672 (519) 887-6461 (705) 653-3660 (519) 666-1140 (613) 821-2634 (905) 768-5601 (705) 439-4444 (519) 934-2339 (705) 328-3500 (519) 884-2082 (705) 458-4000 (613) 646-7335 (613) 354-6260 (519) 631-1850 (705) 647-5415 (450) 826-0448

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

11

District 9 Farm Tour Roselen Marcy

E

ach year the OSMA August Board Meeting is held in a different District. The Board extends an invitation out to all producers in and around the hosting District to come out for a farm tour. This is an opportunity for producers to interact with the OSMA Board of Directors.

This year District 9 hosted the Meeting and Farm Tour. The tour included three stops: The Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers in Carleton Place, Drover’s Way Farm – owned and operated by Oliver and Sarah Loten and Cedar View Dorpers owned and operated by Jeff and Karen Wright.

At the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers, participants were given a tour of the facility and Eric Bjergso explained how more than 3 million pounds of wool is sorted and processed as it passes through Carleton Place each year. The

Carleton Place Farmers Market is also located on the property on Saturday mornings so participants were able to visit this as well.

The next stop on the tour was at Drover’s Way Farm.

This farm is owned and operated by Oliver and Sarah Loten along with their children.

They have a flock of 1000+ ewes.

They have 3 coverall buildings as well Producers enjoying lunch at Oliver & Sarah Lotens. as a converted dairy barn. The Lotens’ market lambs virtually every month of the year.

Oliver, Sarah and their family also hosted a lunch of pizza and salad that was certainly enjoyed by all guests and the OSMA Board. The guests also had an opportunity to ask questions and listen to Chris Kennedy, OSMA Chair, Allan Burn District 9 Provincial Director and Murray Hunt, General Manager about the many issues and projects happening in the industry.

The third stop was at Cedar View Dorpers owned by Jeff and Karen Wright. With their children, Jeff and Karen operate a farm flock of approximately 75 ewes both purebred and commercial.

The Wrights have been building their flock for many years by selective breeding and wise purchases.

They recently moved to a new farm. The Wrights market a large number Jeff and Karen Wright with children of their breeding Natchia and Jarid and Provincial Director stock through Allan Burn. their website and with repeat customers.

Real Wool Boutique and Stockman’s Supply store were open for anyone wishing to buy products there. The participants were also given a tour of the Railway Museum. (The Wool Growers building was once a steam engine repair shop.) The 12

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

A very special thank you goes out to Eric Bjergso of CCWG, Oliver and Sarah Loten and Karen and Jeff Wright. OSN

NEW Sheep Technologies Make Their Debut in Woodstock Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show Will be the North American Premier for Two New Pieces of Equipment

C

encourages attendees to see new technology in action and the results it achieves. There will be daily ongoing demonstrations during the Show,” says Heather Copland, Marketing and Communications Manager with Grober.

The newest automatic lamb/kid-goat feeder from Germany’s Förster-Technik and Gallagher’s Sheep Auto Drafter will be unveiled to North America at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show (COFS). On September 13, 14, and 15, attendees can see the newest automatic feeders from Förster-Technik in the Grober Young Animal Development Centre (GYADC). On 7th Lane North, Gallagher and Brussels Agri Services will demonstrate the new Sheep Auto Drafter, also a major debut.

Since 2009, Grober has conducted research using FörsterTechnik automatic calf and lamb/kid feeders at COFS. The lamb/ kid feeder will be the first in North America and only the second machine worldwide. The first unit is currently being used for research in Germany with the hope of bringing it to market later this year.

anada’s Outdoor Farm Show is known for showcasing the leading agricultural technology in equipment every year and this September is no different

“Farmers spend many hours sorting in a paddock or stockyard and a lot of them must wonder if there is a better way of doing the job,” says Owen Boyes, Gallagher Product Manager for animal handling systems in New Zealand. “So our aim was to develop an automatic weighing and sorting system that would make sheep sorting less labourious and much more efficient.”

These demonstrations are just a glimpse of the sheep programming at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show which also includes the Market Lamb Carcass Competition and Sheepdog Demonstrations.

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be held on September 13, 14, and 15 at Canada’s Outdoor Park in Woodstock, ON. For more information call 1-800-563-5441 or visit www.OutdoorFarmShow.com. OSN

This fully automated weighing and sorting system is smoother, quieter and easier to set up and operate than other sheep sorting products on the market, according to Gallagher.

Lightweight and portable, the Sheep Auto Drafter is a hands-free Basket Feeders for Sheep - SHB integrated and automatic unit developed with F Hoop spacing 7-1/4” help from a world-leading animal behaviourist F 1-1/4” square tube frame and ‘Robosheep.’ To test the strength its F 1-1/2” x 1/4” flat hoops F Stackable composite materials, testers used mechanical F For round bales up to 5’ x 5’ sheep to smash into the end of the auto drafter F Also available with pan underneath – simulating real sheep crashing into the to feed grain and catch leaves gates from two metres away. Even after 5,000 continuous smashes, the Robosheep caused no damage to the unit.

WTF Walk-through Hay & Grain Feeder

Mar-Weld Inc.

The front and rear doors to the sorter are controlled by the built-in front and rear load cells which sense the presence of an animal and open and close accordingly without the intervention of an operator. Electronic animal-sensing reduces the risk of jam-ups at the gates, and the sides of the unit are adjustable to suit sheep sizes ranging from young lambs to heavyweight rams.

Gallagher claims the machine can sort up to 500 animals per hour and in nine ways.

In addition to the Sheep Auto Drafter, Grober Nutrition and Förster-Technik will introduce the latest lamb/kid feeder to the world in the GYADC. “The GYADC is a working facility that

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 1

13

What OSMA is Doing for Producers

H

ere is a look at what OSMA has been working on over the past year. Some projects are brand new and others are a continuation of the many projects and programs that we offer producers.

OSMA’s Mission: To enhance producers’ returns and provide consumers with premium lamb and sheep products by encouraging sheep producers to provide quality, yearround product through advocacy, education, research and development and promotion.

OSMA’s 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.

What we do for Producers Risk Management Producers have been telling OSMA that they would be very interested in a Risk Management Program and it is now available and it is highly recommended that producers become involved in this program.

Ontario’s new Risk Management Program, which works like insurance, helps sheep farmers manage risks beyond their control, such as fluctuating costs and volatile market prices.

Ontario is also providing a self-directed risk management program for the edible horticulture sector. With this program in place, farmers can focus on what they do best - growing good things in Ontario.

There is more information about Risk Management available in this issue of the Sheep News.

On-Farm Recording and Animal Records GenOvis The SFIP program has been renamed to GenOvis. This program is now administered by CEPOQ in Quebec but OSMA staff is still available to assist producers who are having any problem with the transition. Billing of the program is done by OSMA. OSMA encourages producers to enrol on this beneficial program. bioFlock bioFlock is a new web-based flock management software that is currently being developed. This will incorporate flock management, performance and management reports, genetic evaluations, traceability, biosecurity, on-farm food safety, cost analysis, as well as flock health. This project is funded by OMAFRA and the Farm Innovation Program.

14

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Projects

Photo courtesy of Dennis Thompson

Biosecurity Phase II Working to raise industry awareness in regards to biosecurity. Education with partners OVA, OCA and ON Goat.

This project is funded by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Benchmarking - Phase II The second phase of the project is now in progress.

Management and financial surveys are now being collected from a larger group of producers. After the data is collected, analysis will take place, and the participating producers will be provided with individualized and composite reports. These reports will serve all producers and the industry because they will detail where individual producers stand compared to the rest of the group on key performance indicators.

Predation A multi-facetted predation project is currently underway.

This will include on-farm predation prevention evaluation, articles, factsheets, research, spatial distribution of losses, as well as a predation survey. This project is funded under the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

Financial Protection This will include more in-depth analysis and development and will requiring partnering with OLAMA and OMAFRA. This project is funded under OMAFRA. Maedi Visna Project (not to be confused with the ongoing Maedi Visna Program) Currently an in-depth study of prevalence and solutions for this production limiting disease is underway. OSMA has partnered with the University of Guelph in order to complete this study. This project is funded under Agricultural Adaptation Council and the University of Guelph - OMAFRA agreement.

Branding OSMA is developing a strategy for future branding, marketing and the promotion of ON/Canadian lamb with industry partners.

Flock Health OSMA is currently in discussion with other provinces and industry partners to develop an updated flock health program.

Determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Q Fever) infection in sheep flocks and goat herds in Ontario and their farm workers.

Surveys and testing are being done on selected sheep

flocks throughout Ontario. Researchers will collect blood samples from sheep and the farm operators to determine the prevalence of Q Fever. This study is currently being conducted by the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.

It will be completed in May 2012.

Evaluation of lamb finishing performance when fed increasing levels of corn silage This project will help to assess how alternative feed sources can best be profitably incorporated into lamb finishing diets.

The impact of such feeds on cost of production and on carcass quality will also be evaluated. This study is being conducted by a research group at Ridgetown College.

Genetic Evaluation and selection tools for profitability improvement in Canadian sheep production This project is ongoing and aims to deliver genetic evaluations for traits related to reproductive efficiency, litter size, lamb survival, etc. All evaluated traits will be combined into economic selection indexes enabling improvement for profitability.

Overwintering of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Ontario Sheep Flocks This study is currently ongoing and will improve understanding of factors that affect two major sources of the gastro-intestinal nematodes responsible for parasitic infections in sheep. This is being conducted by a University of Guelph research team.

On-Going Support and Events from OSMA Sheep News Magazine This is a quarterly magazine available to all sheep producers. The magazine keeps producers up to date with education, industry development news, network opportunities and much more.

OSMA Website The OSMA website features a lamb locator, breeding stock locator and guard animal locator. There is also a complete resource library for producers to find information from A to Z pertaining to the sheep industry. Market reports, current initiatives, and a predation section are some of the relevant features on this site.

Ontario Lamb Recipes Website www.lambrecipes.ca has recently been updated. This website includes many new features including new recipes, a section to add your own favourite recipes, nutritional information and the lamb locator, to name a few.

Market Information OSMA continues to bring Market information to producers.

Recently, we have added a listing of weekly sales of all Auction Markets. As well, we have an indepth analysis of the four top Auction Markets, Brussels, Embrun, OSI and OLEX. Please take some time to look through this section of our website.

There is quite a bit of information there that gets updated weekly. including a number of graphs.

Messenger Monthly Newsletter emailed to producers up to date with the latest events and news. This is available to everyone who has Internet access. Please contact the OSMA office to give us your email address if you are not receiving it. The Messenger can also be found on the homepage at www.ontariosheep.org.

Flyers Recently, OSMA has printed flyers to go out with producer cheques from auction barns. These flyers tell producers about current tagging requirements and also encourage producers to register with OSMA. Events (Host and Sponsor) Sheep Education Events, Sheep Seminars, Sheep Shearing Courses etc. Attendance at Farm Shows, the Royal Winter Fair, and the Outdoor Farm Show as well as others.

Health Programs run by OSMA Maedi Visna and the Ontario Flock Health Program Education OSMA also educates through the Sheep News Magazine as well as brochures, posters and pamphlets, informational packages on health programs and introductory sheep binders for new producers. Weekly market information is available on the website, submitted to the Ontario Farmer and can also be accessed verbally by into the OSMA office and selecting the phone option. We hope to build a substantial resource library on this website. There is also a series of educational information for schools.

District Development/ Ongoing Support to Producers and Districts The office staff is always available to offer support to producers and District Executives in any way they can.

Recently District Development sessions have occurred.

Producer Education Day/AGM Every year the Annual General Meeting informs producers of OSMA activities and finances over the past year. Seminars, education and updates of OSMA activities are featured.

Traceability OSMA is working with other industry stakeholders to initiate projects that will provide traceability form Farm to Fork. Over the remaining months OSMA will be attempting to find ways for across industry traceability to occur on a planned basis that includes all steps in the supply chain.

However it is important that it be an across industry approach that starts with animal identification and ends with consumers buying a high quality product where food quality and safety are both assured and where consumers pay for that assurance. OSN

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

15

Farm Gate Remittances & Other Important Information Regarding Licence Fees

S

heep are a regulated product under the Farm Products Marketing Act. This Act gives OSMA the authority to collect licence fees on the marketing, which includes selling and/or processing, of all sheep and wool in Ontario. These fees are used to fund many different projects and initiatives taken on by OSMA to further develop the Ontario sheep industry.

You will find more information about these programs in this issue.

Below is a synopsis regarding Farm Gate Remittances. It is meant to bring clarity to producers as to what the producer’s responsibilities are in the payment and remittance of licence fees. Please note the following:

PRODUCER MUST PAY AND REMIT directly to OSMA for the following: • Any sale of live sheep to a customer or another producer • Any sale of live sheep to a feedlot operator or marketer or wholesaler (who are not licenced by OSMA) • Any sheep slaughtered for your own consumption on your own farm

PRODUCER PAYS but DOES NOT Remit when: • Sheep are custom-slaughtered at any Abattoir (Abattoir must remit) • Sheep are sold to an Abattoir (Abattoir must remit) • Sheep are sold through an Auction Market (Auction Market must remit) The producer is responsible for ensuring that the licence fee has been taken off and will be remitted to OSMA. There are times when a licence fee will be collected more than once on the same animal, but each owner/marketer will only pay the fee once themselves when the sheep is sold or custom-slaughtered.

The following information is important and is meant to protect the producer.

If you are selling your lambs/sheep to an abattoir/processor, the abattoir/processor should be collecting a licence fee and remitting the fee on your behalf to OSMA. Please ensure that these licence fee(s) are listed on your invoice/remittance. If you do not have proof that your license fee has been deducted, then you cannot be sure that OSMA has received the payment. As such the producer may be liable to pay the license fee for any animals that you do not have proof of licence fee deduction.

Please notify the OSMA office if you have any concerns/questions. Also we suggest that you insist that the licence fee deduction be shown on your invoice/remittance if that is not already happening.

You will always find a form to send in your remittance to OSMA in every issue of the Sheep News. It is found on page 45 of this issue. You can also call in using a VISA or MasterCard. OSN

16

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Are You an Agent?

T

he Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) is governed under the Farm Products Marketing Commission Act.

Under the new Regulation 1, an agent is a person, other than an auction market or a processor, that buys and/or sells sheep and/or wool not produced by that person.

Regulation 1 stipulates that all agents must be licenced by OSMA in order to conduct business in Ontario. (a) N o person shall act as an agent except under the authority of an agent licence issued by the Agency for that purpose;

(b) To obtain an agent licence, a person shall complete and file with the Agency an application on the prescribed form and shall sign an agent agreement; Agents are required to pay licence fees for all sheep purchased and to collect licence fees for all sheep sold and remit these fees to OSMA within 30 days of the sale. (a) Every agent that purchases sheep and/or wool on its own behalf, except from another agent or through an auction market, shall deduct from the monies otherwise payable to the seller, the prescribed licence fees owing to the Agency, and shall remit same to the Agency not later than thirty (30) days following the last day of the month in which the sheep and/or wool were purchased, as specified on the subject invoice; (b) Every agent that sells sheep and/or wool to another agent, or to a person that is not a processor, shall pay prescribed licence fees to the Agency not later than thirty (30) days following the last day of the month in which the sale took place, as specified on the subject invoice; (c) The agent shall complete and file with the Agency, along with the paid/remitted licence fees, a licence fee report on the form prescribed by the Agency for this purpose.

If you believe you are acting as an agent, you MUST be licenced by OSMA. Please contact Jane Harlaar, Licence Fees Officer, at the OSMA office at 519 – 836 – 0043 ext. 25. * If you wish to see a complete version of Regulation 1, please go to our website, http://www.ontariosheep.org/ABOUTONTARIOSHEEP/RegulationsBylaws.aspx * To see a copy of the Farm Products Marketing Act, please visit the eLaws website, http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca (complete address) http://www.search.e-laws.gov.on.ca/en/isysquery/b806a585-cae2-4e8c-98e7-b6bd59b1081a/2/doc/?search=browseStatute s&context=#hit1 OSN

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

17

NEW: Important Dates for Mandatory RFID Tags July 1, 2011 • Ketchum Kurl lock #3 and Allflex dangle tags will no longer be available for sale from the manufacturers, Ketchum and Allflex, as Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) tags; • Retailers will have until October 1, 2011 to sell any remaining stocks.

January 1, 2013. As a result, you will be required to retag the animal with a CSIP approved RFID tag and crossreference with the old identification number if the animal is to leave the farm after January 1, 2013.

January 1, 2012

January 1, 2013

• Producers are encouraged to tag all animals born or tagged after this date with CSIP approved RFID tags (Shearwell Data Ltd SET tag or Allflex RFID button tag).

• Ketchum Kurl lock #3 and the Allflex dangle tags will be officially removed from the list of approved tags for the CSIP and will no longer be accepted from this date forward at sales, abattoirs or by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for shipping, transfer or sale of sheep in Canada.

• Producers need to carefully monitor their stocks and use up inventory of the Ketchum Kurl lock #3 and Allflex dangle tags before December 31, 2011.

• If you tag an animal which will still be in the population as of January 1, 2013 (i.e. breeding stock) with a nonRFID tag, that animal will be non-compliant after

For more information please contact the Canadian Sheep Federation at 1-888-684-7739 or info@cansheep.ca OSN

Shearwell and Allflex RFID tags will probably be available for purchase wherever you previously bought your Pink Ketchum Kurl-Lock#3 Tags. If unsure of where to buy tags in your area, contact John at the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers at 1-866-458-4800.

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

Meat

Rosh Hashana September 29-30

Jewish Holiday

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

Dasara / Navaratri October 6

Hindu Holiday

• Females are not usually accepted for this holiday.

• The size of carcass varies.

Eid ul-Adha Festival of Sacrifice November 6

Islamic Holiday

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

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

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

Muharram / Islamic New Year November 26

Islamic Holiday

• Mutton is one of the dishes for this festive.

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

For more information and dates on Ethnic Holidays please visit www.ontariosheep.org 18

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Sheep... In the City?

Carol Guy

I

ncredible though it may seem in the bustling downtown core of Toronto, there is farm within a park. From the main gate of the Farm you can see the top of the CN tower. Local residents awake to sheep baaing and roosters crowing.

Riverdale Farm is owned and operated by City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry and Recreation. It represents a small Ontario farm at the turn of the century, roughly between 1880 and 1920. As documented by Margaret Derry (a historian specializing in farming in 19th century Ontario) this was a period of change for Ontario agriculture. Although in 1921, nearly all Ontario farmers were still producing both wheat and livestock, there were already signs that specialization was going to be the way of the future. Animals, for example, were increasingly expected to serve specific industries, not several at the same time.

Generally speaking, the 1880s saw a move in all the food animals to make the stock produce one particular product better – generally meat. Sheep were valued more for their meat than wool, and this led to the favouring of the short wool types over the long wool breeds. This change also reflected a different demand for wool, which resulted from a revolution going on in the textile industry.

Specialization in animal breeding was linked to how work was done on farms. Stock that was the responsibility of women, such as milking cows and hens, tended to change slowly. It was not until men controlled the industries in question that specialization speeded up and farm stock became both improved and specialized.

are always interested in speaking with sheep producers who share our focus - preserving heritage breeds.

Visit the Farm’s scenic 7.5 acres located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Explore along pathways through wooded areas, around ponds, and into butterfly-herb-flowervegetable gardens. Chat with the farmer about our cows, pigs, chickens, horses, sheep, and goats. View the historic barns and houses on site. Consider registering for one of the programs that the Farm offers. It is an educational and enchanting site for children and adults of all ages.

Carol Guy is a Parks Supervisor and Sheepdog handler with City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry and Recreation. She manages the day-to-day operations at Riverdale Farm. She also manages the City’s Waterfowl Management Program utilizing working border collies that she trains and handles.

Carol has kept a small flock of sheep for about 15 years and has a farm in Stirling, Ontario.

For more information: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/riverdale-farm/ or riverdalefarm@toronto.ca Note: A sad footnote to this story is that this wonderful program that brings agriculture to the heart of the city is one of the programs that KPMG has identified as a possible reduction by Toronto City Council.

For anyone that is interested, 3 Cotswold Rams are being sold from Riverdale Farm in our Word Ad Section. OSN

Today, although much has changed, our image is roughly true to its ideal. Specialized stockbreeding has got rid of the old, multipurpose breed types, and they cannot be brought back.

Riverdale Farm makes use of the heritage types protected by Rare Breeds Canada, and the census data of the period. Currently, the breeds represented on the Farm are Shropshires, Cotswolds and Leicesters. We OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

19

www.lambrecipes.ca is Here!

T

he OSMA lamb recipes website was recently upgraded.

This website has a new look and many exciting features. Consumers can search their favorite lamb recipe by name or by cut at their convenience. Many new recipes help to showcase Ontario Lamb. Visitors to this site can also submit their own lamb recipes, this way others can enjoy and have a variety of recipes to choose from. In addition to this, nutritional information for lamb is also available as well as a guide to buying and cooking lamb, a time and temperature chart, a wine chart and videos. The lamb locator can also be found on this site; interested consumers can find local lamb in their area to compliment their favorite dishes.

Be sure to visit www.lambrecipes. ca to look at the new site! If you have customers who buy lamb from your farm, make sure to recommend this site since there are many new recipes which will encourage them to buy and consume more Ontario Lamb. OSN

Spiders Win Again!

Judy Pergau

O

n Sunday, June 5, 2011, the “Toronto Spiders” team of 7 spinners and knitters, 1 shearer and 1 sheep were successful first place winners in the International Wool Challenge, aka Back-to-Back. As Bob Comfort was blade shearing a Border Leister/Romney sheep (named “Gumdrop”), the spinners were rapidly spinning the fleece into 2-ply yarn for the knitters to use in creating a man-sized sweater.

In 5h, 53m, 34s, the back, front and 2 sleeves were finished and sewn together according to the very strict directions set by the IWC committee in faraway Australia. A week later, after the other 12 teams had finished, the Spiders were informed FRONT: Barb Aikman, Karen Richens, Bob Comfort (shearer) with Gumdrop, that their time was the best, with Australia as Lorraine Smith, Judy Pergau. BACK: Wannietta Prescod, Denise Powell, second, and Japan as third. A fourth gold result Julia Lee. for this Canadian team!! OSN 20

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Lori Legacey, cheesemaker at Mariposa Dairy, has a sniff of a 19-kilo wheel of Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar which was named first runnerup in Best of Show at the American Cheese Society Competition. Photo by Lisa Gervais/The Lindsay Post.

Canadian Winners at American Cheese Society

C

anadian cheesemakers did remarkably well at the 2011 American Cheese Society Conference and Competition in Montreal recently. Collectively, Canadian Cheesemakers took home almost one quarter of the ribbons up for grabs. Best of all, Mariposa Dairy with Lindsay Bandaged Goat Cheddar and Fromagerie du Presbytére with Louis d’Or won Best of Show honors.

Among the Canadians taking home ribbons were Upper Canada Cheese with their Comfort Cream, Glengarry Fine Cheese with their Lankaaster Aged. In the open Category made from cow’s milk, Monforte Dairy took second place with Abondance. Fifth Town Artisan Cheese won second place for Fellowship in the American Made/International Style Open Category made from Sheep’s milk or mixed milks. Best Baa Dairy won first place for their Sheepmilk Yogourt and Second place for Mouton Rouge in the Washed Rind Cheese Open Category made from Sheep’s milk or mixed milks. For a full listing of show results, go to www.cheesesociety.org OSN

Louis d’Or, created by Jean Morin at Fromagerie Du Presbytére (photo), was named second runner-up in Best of Show at the Annual ACS competition held in Canada for the first time.

Elisabeth Bzikot of Best Baa Dairy receives a first-place ribbon for her Sheepmilk Yogurt while Lucille Giroux of La Moutonniere waits for a second-place ribbon for Royogourt

It’s here again!

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 2011 Photo Contest The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency photo contest is open to all who wish to enter, which means that you don’t have to be involved in the sheep, lamb or wool industries to participate. The only rule is that your photograph must include sheep or lamb(s).

Entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, September 30th, 2011. Photographs will be judged on clarity, content, composition and appeal. Winners will be announced in the December Sheep News. Impress us again. You always do!

We are looking forward to seeing your photos that highlight our industry!

Three Grand Prizes will be awarded as follows: 1st Grand Prize of $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.

IMPORTANT – WHEN TAKING DIGITAL PHOTOS, PLEASE TRY FOR HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS – We have wanted to put many photos on the cover of the Sheep News but have not been able to due to low resolution. Ideally, a photo should be 2 meg or more.

Thank you.

CONTEST RULES: • Photographs will not be returned and all entries become property of OSMA to be used or reproduced at the discretion of OSMA. (Whenever possible, credit will be given to photographer if used).

• All entries must be 5” x 7” or 8” x 10” colour or black and white prints.

• Entries must be submitted in the name of the person who took the photograph.

• Only two entries per person will be permitted.

• Entries should not be mounted on cardboard or cardstock.

• Only photographs that have been taken within the past five years may be entered.

• Entries must be submitted by mail – email not accepted.

• It is recommended that photographs be submitted on photographic paper if printed on a home printer. This improves your chances of winning as regular bond paper produces a poorer quality photo.

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: 2011 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!

This year OSMA will be having another Winter Photo Contest.

See complete details on the OSMA website.

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

21

Upcoming Events District 7 Predation Workshop

Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) District 7, is inviting Sheep, Cattle and Goat Producers to attend a series of workshops on Predation.

September 13, 14 & 15 2011 Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock ON Open Daily 8:30 am – 5:00 pm The Outdoor Farm show is featuring Sheep and Goats again on all three days of the show.

7:30 pm, August 24th & September 21st at the Ops Community Center, Lindsay.

Workshop 2, September 21: Brent Patterson, Research Scientist – wolves and deer, Adjunct Professor, Trent University, Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program & President of the Ontario Chapter of The Wildlife Society, will help us better understand the natural history of coyotes which can help prevent depredation while informing on how to more effectively deal with coyote depredation when it does occur. The OMNR and Trent University have been studying wolves and coyotes for several years and this presentation will provide an update on findings from the research that are relevant to livestock depredation by coyotes in southern Ontario.

Be sure to check out the Lamb Carcass Competition and visit the OSMA booth in the Sheep and Goat Pavilion.

See article in this issue for a more in depth look at what is happening at the show.

International Plowing Match September 20 – 24 Location: Chute á Blondeau, ON District 10 is putting on the Sheep Booth at this year’s plowing match. As this is a huge undertaking, they are looking for volunteers to help out. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Gary Lapier at 613-989-2792 or rockyhylandfarm@ripnet.com.

Jack Kyle, OMAFRA Grazier Specialist will speak on “Grazing Sheep with Minimum Risk” A producer Panel will discuss their views and experiences with predation

For more information on the plowing match go to: www. plowingmatch.org (t) 613- 675-2929 or 1-800-661-7569 (519-767-2928)

This event is sponsored by the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency and the Victoria Stewardship Council, Ministry of Natural Resources

17th Annual Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium

For more information contact: Judy Dening District 7 Provincial Director at thshepherdsgate@xplornet.com

November 3-6, 2011 This will be the first on the Pacific coast. It will be held at the Sheraton Sonoma County, Petaluma, California USA. Rooms will cost $109/night.

Lucknow 4-H Sheep Club Invitational The Lucknow Sheep Club of Huron County invites all current 4-H members (9-21 years old) to participate in their 4-H Sheep Invitational on September 17, 2011. This event will be held at the Lucknow Fall Fair. Each exhibitor is allowed one entry of either a breeding ewe or market lamb, with the lamb being purebred or crossbred. 4-H members must be on the grounds with their lamb no later than 8:30 am and must stay on the grounds until the completion of the show. Exhibitors must show in 4-H colours (white shirt, black pants). Lambs must be clean, tail docked, castrated and trimmed or sheared prior to the show.

For contest rules and entry forms refer to the OSMA website, www.ontariosheep.org. For further information or inquires please email Joan Finlay at finn@tnt21.com.

22

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

The Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium is the major annual event of the dairy sheep industry in North America.

For 17 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.

The first day includes talks directed towards beginning producers. The second day features presentations by innovative producers and top scientists from North America and Europe to bring the latest information on dairy sheep production and sheep milk processing to our domestic industry. The final day will include a tour to two local dairy sheep producers and processing plants that manufacture sheep milk cheeses.

The Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium provides an educational environment and fosters connections among dairy sheep producers, processor and researchers.

Topics and speakers include: • Getting Started in Sheep Dairying • Starting to Make Cheese • Artificial Insemination of Ewes • Pregchecking Ewes • Retail Marketing of Cheese and Lamb • An expert from Germany will cover the parlor management used in Northern Europe.

The field trip on Saturday will include: • One of the oldest farmstead sheep dairy and cheese farms in the USA. • An organic mobile sheep dairy parlor.

• A dairy with the latest in ewe electronic ID and production measurement at each milking.

• Special Treat • A tour will be offered on Sunday to see the special sites that the Pacific coast has to offer.

There may be funding available to assist with travel costs to anyone interested in attending this event. For more information, please contact Eric Bzikot at 519-848-5694.

year. Please call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org. Thank you.

OSMA AGM Osma’s Annual General Meeting will be taking place on October 28th & 29th, 2011 at the Holiday Inn in Guelph. For more information please see the article in this issue or call the OSMA Office at 519-836-0043 or email admin@ontariosheep. org or visit www.ontariosheep.org. OSN

Canadian All Breed Herding Championships October 8th & 9th The 2011 Herding Showcase will be held at the Thunderbird Show Park, just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia in the beautiful Fraser Valley. This year’s event if proudly hosted by the Australian Cattle Dog Club of Canada. Anyone interested in volunteering or promoting their business as a sponsor should go to http://herdingcanadashowcase.com or contact Karen Brearley at rufff@telus.net.

Western Fair September 9 – 18, 2011 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 only a small hand of volunteers. If you are planning to attend from Districts 1 – 5 and you would like to volunteer at the booth for a few hours, please call Ruth Gilmour at 519-836-0043 Ext. 27 or email general@ontariosheep.org. Thank you. .

Royal Winter Fair

November 4 – 13, 2011 Exhibition Place, Toronto We are looking for volunteers again this OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

23

Light Control as an Out of Season Breeding Option

Robert Chambers, Engineer, Swine and Sheep Housing and Equipment, OMAFRA Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist, OMAFRA

P

roviding lamb to the marketplace every week of the year is an ongoing challenge for the lamb industry.

Sheep are seasonal breeders and only breed in times of decreasing day length. This means that they prefer to breed in the fall and lamb in the spring. In order to provide fresh Ontario lamb to the marketplace year round, many producers use hormones, different breeds and/or genetic selection to breed ewes out of season. Another technique that can be used to breed sheep out of season is light control. Research in Quebec shows excellent results for light control programs and as a result Ontario producers who are breeding out of season should consider incorporating light control into their operation.

Light control has the potential to provide conception rates almost as good as in season breeding. However if it isn’t done properly it also has the potential to delay breeding for several months. A light control system is required to be able to add light and also to create darkness. Light restrictor inlets, used by the poultry industry in light control programs, must be used to maintain darkness to create “night” in the barn at 0 Lux or as close to it as possible to guarantee good results.

Even a single light event, i.e. doing a 5 minute barn check during the “night” can cause the ewe to become long day/ short day confused, causing the ewe not to breed for several months. Light levels of greater than 35 Lux with natural and/ or artificial light at the ewe level are used to create the illusion of “day”. For reference, 50 Lux is considered the minimum light level for a person working in a facility. The traditional light control system requires 3 months of long days followed by 3 months of short days.

The first photoperiod system commonly used in Quebec.

(Castonguay, 2000)

24

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Courtesy of Bruce and Hilary Albers, Spencerville

Since the 1990s Dr. François Castonguay from Laval University in Quebec City has led a number of research projects which have resulted in many producers using light control systems in Quebec. Success rates for the traditional system are 85% or more ewes lambing at a cost of about $1 per ewe. Some disadvantages to this system are that the ewes being light treated have to be kept separate from the rest of the flock, the 15% of ewes that don’t breed will not breed until late fall and rams following this light treatment breed well in the spring but perform poorly in the fall.

In 2001, Dr. Castonguay started to develop a year round photoperiod program. This program can be used to lamb the ewes every 8 months or every 9 months. The ewes spend ½ their time on long days (16 to 18 hrs/day), and ½ on short days (8 to 10 hrs/day), always with a minimum 8 hour difference of light between long and short days. Some producers prefer the 9 month schedule because it allows the lambs to be weaned before the ewes are placed onto the short day program. Research on 7 farms used a number of different breeds including breeds traditionally used for accelerated lambing as well as Suffolk, Canadian and North Country Cheviots. The ewes on the research program had an average year round fertility rate of 85% that remained constant throughout the year and an average of 2.6 lambs born per ewe per year with an average rise in productivity on each farm between 20 and 30%.

One of the main challenges with the year around system is that since the short day barns must be light restricted year round, all ventilation in the short day barns must be done mechanically with the use of light restrictors on the inlets and the exhaust fans. These light restrictors reduce the efficacy of the ventilation system and therefore the fans must be oversized to provide the proper ventilation which increases electrical costs. Failure to properly cool the barn can lead to fertility problems from heat stress, defeating the photoperiod program. Producers that did not follow the protocols properly experienced ram fertility issues with poor ewe condition resulting in the poorest results. For many Ontario producers this system may not be cost effective because it does not allow the use of pastures.

To address these concerns the newest photoperiod program was developed, “Extended Light” and is now being tested. The theory is that by extending the long day light to 22hrs/day for 4 months, the difference to natural light will always be greater than 8 hrs; hence even summer light levels will appear to a ewe as “short days”. The main advantage

is that any facility can be converted to “long day” with the addition of the appropriate lighting. The ventilation system does not have to be modified and natural ventilation systems can still be used. The “long days” can be done just prior and during lambing/lactation, when the ewes are frequently housed. Operations that pasture during the day could move the ewes into a lighted area for their treatment during the night. Preliminary results show out of season breeding results of 79.8%. It is too soon to determine the long term effects of this program.

One of the best uses of light control for Ontario producers is to improve ram performance in the spring. Most producers experience variable out of season breeding results. Some of that variability could be caused by the ability of the rams to breed out of season. Rams also respond to variation in light.

In the spring, rams produce less semen of lower quality than in the fall. Rams exposed to a traditional light control program produce well in the spring but poorly in the fall.

However, if the rams are maintained on a schedule of one month long and one month short days, semen production can be maintained throughout the year. This technique does not work for ewes. Ewes that become light confused stop breeding entirely. Research has shown that out of season ewe fertility increased from 59% for ewes bred to rams not subjected to light control to 86% for rams that had been subjected to light control before breeding.

An English publication, Accelerated lambing achieved by a photoperiod regimen consisting of alternating 4-month sequences of long and short days applied year-round is available at the Laval University website http://www.ovins.fsaa.ulaval.ca/pub-sci-ovins.html This article was adapted from a presentation in French given by Johanne Cameron MSc entitled Produire à l’année avec la photopériode? Est-ce possible dans mon entreprise?

Which would translate to English as “Do You Want to Produce Year-Round? Is It Possible for My Operation?” The original presentation in French can be found at http://www.agrireseau. qc.ca/ovins/documents/Photoperiode.pdf OSN

A light restricting inlet at a sheep barn in the Rimouski Region of Quebec

Photoperiod manipulation can have many benefits in increasing out of season lambing rates to near in season rates and increasing the overall number of lambs/ewe/ year produced. There is a real risk that if the protocols are not followed properly that a disaster can occur with ewes not conceiving at all for several months even when normal short days return. Some systems require the use of total confinement and mechanical ventilation which have inherently increased costs of production that may not be offset by the increased productivity. The extended lighting program currently being researched has the potential to be cost effective and easily integrated into Ontario production systems. It has not yet been proven enough to be widely recommended at this point.

If producers have an interest in this topic, please note that Dr. François Castonguay from Laval University will be giving a presentation on the Extended Light System at the upcoming November Sheep Seminars Tuesday, November 15, 2011 in Atwood and Thursday, November 17, 2011 in Napanee.

References: Castonguay, F. 2000. The Use of Photoperiod for Out of Season Reproduction in the Ewe. Seminars on new technologies : improving productivity, improving profit.

OMAFRA, 5 et 7 décembre, Attwood, Napanee, Ontario. is available at http://www.ovins.fsaa.ulaval.ca/affiches-ovins. html?&tx_centrerecherche_pi1[showUid]=56&cHash=7481 8f23b28093fe5f040fcad7505b53 OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

25

Suspended Snares – Where Can I Use Them?

Susan Fitzgerald and Jillian Craig

R

ecognizing that using foot-hold traps may be ineffective when the ground freezes and tend to be difficult to use; suspended (neck) snares may be more effective for your farm. Typically, suspended snares are easier to use and can be a helpful tool in killing problem coyotes or wolves.

In Northern and Central Ontario suspended snares can be used by licensed trappers or farmers; snares must be used on your own property. If you live South of highway 7 however, suspended snares and their use are illegal due to the increased risk of killing non-target species such as deer and dogs.

In order to determine if you can use suspended snares on your property, please refer to the map. In the yellow or beige areas, snares may not be used at any time. In the orange

26

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

areas, snares may not be used during open (gun) season for deer. However, snares can be used in these areas when deer season is over. In Northern Ontario, or the white areas on the map, snares may be used by licensed trappers from September 15th to March 31st.

As well, there are certain areas of the province where you must notify the MNR if you have killed a wolf or coyote in protection of your property. Essentially, areas North of Severn Bridge, Bancroft and Pembroke. Please refer to the following map. The two maps will be available on OSMA’s website as part of a more detailed factsheet on the use of suspended snares.

For further details on the maps please contact your local MNR office. OSN

Area In Ontario Where A Person Is Required To Report A Wolf Or Coyote Killed In Protection Of Property Legend

±

Wildlife Management Units (WMU) in which reporting of kill to MNR is required Reporting of kill not required

5

WMU Boundary and Number MNR District or Area Office Municipal Boundary - District and Upper Tier Municipalities Municipal Boundary - Lower and Single Tier Municipalities

HO

47 E WHIT

STO

N

HARSOUTH

O STR

O ARM

RS O RYE

N

Y RNE

tney Whi

DO MC

E OF LA K Y S BA

A LL UG

60

Cloy

ne L TRA CEN ENAC NT O R F

DI

OC

Mad !

TWE

oc

ED

!

N TO

MAD

NG

PE

FRONTENA C !

AD

e edal Ros

GH

SK A AWA M AD

D

HA

TE R

U RO BO

TON

TH NOR NAC NTE FR O

AN

LIA

A RT KAW

ES LA K

land

GS

TU D AND L HE CAS

E LAK

RA

A M AR

Nor

HA

IN S T OR

ND

ORIL

!

TH NOR A H ART KAW

AA

DO ME

45

!

TON LAS WOL

NT-

C MOSI ORNTE

OE

H

OR TU D AND L SHE RICK CA LIME

DAY

OX

RN

IS END -CAV VEY WAY GAL ND HAR A

!

ON INGT ADD LANDS H IG H

NN

E SEV

503

LA HIGH AST E

ARA ash F Paud

R ATE GRE

LE

56

rst enhu Grav e ridg rn B Seve !

den Min

118

HO R

41 28

YO /MA

"

57

ft e forc ancro " ilber B !W 28

514

S

ON

NDS

EN H

AND

W LO

MIND

11

IGHL GS H

, ELL D DE N BR U OC H A N D LYN AGLAN R

OR

TAY

B LI H A ILLS

dge ebri Brac

TIN HAS

le nvil Ega

!

58

! ere

RM MA

MIDL

SK

41

W R ECHERE F E N N BON LLEY VA RE

60

515

MO BEL CK- EN E L O TH U HAV ME

NE ISHE NGU ETA PEN D N A

M U"

IN

e

TE R EWA WHIT GION RE

58

R CA

46

53B

T UR

NQU

brok

"

NA L GO E C TH A N OR B E R F O R WIL

FT RO

BAY

35

A OK

Pem

NC

N RGIA GEO

KOK MUS

KE S A LA

LGO

berm Com

, UR T , R CO N Y, HA , BRUTO E D LE , DU RBURN D CLYD T R A A N DYS ORD, H EYRE A F , GUIL ELOCK HAV

54

set Dor !

TH A

SKA AWA MAD LLEY VA

BA

69 TH ARCHIP E ELAGO

ville

53A

ts Hun

SO U

UIN ONQ ALG LANDS HIGH

!

GUIN

55A

"

RY PER

141

TINY

K EA

1:1,284,000

55B

50

UR

N

TIAN REN LAU LLEY VA

51

11

ICHURR MCM NTEITH MO

AR E LL

TIA R EN LAU ILLS H

t Bren

Y JOL

NG

County/Regional Highway

/ ON ST EY MA ML AD RO B

N AWA NET

!

R RIVE

E RIDG UN D

124

49 SE

"

S

NE

MAG

MCK

MAC

N SSA

G

37

TY AR AG RDS E, H ICHA LO LA D R KIL AN

Y RR D PA UN SO

A POW

LM

NIP Pow

k Kios

IN S IS IP !

Ontario King's Highway

A AW TAW PE

48

IS CH

G ISSIN assan

!

7

te noli Acti d e Twe

NE STO S MILL

"

! !

Maps of each Wildlife Management Unit may be viewed on the OMNR website at http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/256933.html.

R M ME This map should not be relied on as a precise indicator of routes or locations, nor as a guide to navigation. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) shall not be liable in any way for the use of, or reliance upon this map or any information on this map.

Map produced on March 5, 2010 by Wildlife Section, Biodiversity Branch, Ministry of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 7000, 5th Floor North Tower 300 Water Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 8M5 Data Source: Land Information Ontario Projection: Lambert Conformal Conic Software: ArcGIS 9.2 © Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2010

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

27

Isolate All Aborting Ewes to Minimize Spread of Disease Canadian Sheep Federation, From the Flock, March 2011

A

borting ewes frighten us whenever we see them. One abortion may be just that, a once off. Or it may be the first of an abortion storm. A query that comes up time and again is how do we protect ourselves from picking up whatever disease it is that may spark the problem.

in the flock, even though the lamb is born alive and up to term.

There are several infections in sheep that cause abortions and that can also spread to humans. Such diseases are called zoonoses and can cause similar disease in humans as they do in sheep. Salmonella, toxoplasmosis and chlamydia abortions in sheep spring to mind when we think of zoonotic diseases at lambing time.

With such diseases lurking around the lambing area, we must prevent their spread and place obstacles in their path, such as: • Isolate ewes that have aborted from the rest of the pregnant ewes; • Remove the foetus and all the placental membranes and dispose safely; • Disinfect the pen and change to a new lambing area if possible; • Step up the hand washing with easy access to hot and cold water and disinfectant soaps; • Antibiotics are of limited use but sometimes are used in the case of severe abortion storms; Vaccination can be recommended, depending on findings at the RVL. • Probably the most important thing to do is to get samples away to the laboratory. Your vet will advise you on what to bring to the regional laboratory.

• Disinfection - Once we notice even one case of lambs born early or lambs aborted, then we must immediately step up all disinfection protocols around the flock. The aborted foetus with all its membranes should be packaged and transported fresh to the laboratory.

• Anyone handling ewes must wear protective clothing and gloves. Wash your hands and face thoroughly when finished in the lambing house and change clothes before heading back home. We must be especially careful with the hands to the mouth, to avoid ingesting the disease.

• Footwear must come under severe scrutiny as that is the easiest way to transport any disease from one shed to another.

• The ewes that abort during an outbreak must be recorded and culled for future years. These abortion diseases can lay dormant in the recovered ewe, only to flare up again at a later date. Hence, buying replacement breeding stock should be approached with caution. Ideally, bought-in ewes should be sourced from accredited disease-free flocks, but that is simply not practical at the present time.

Women, in particular, are advised to wear gloves at lambing time and keep strict washing and disinfectant protocols in place when handling sheep at this time. Pregnant women are well advised to keep clear of the lambing shed at this time of year and the shepherd should be careful with clothing and footwear when going from the shed to the kitchen and back again.

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 28

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

An aborting ewe can spring up in the middle of any pen of lambing ewes, and by the time we realise that this ewe is aborting, we will already have come into close contact with it.

Toxoplasmosis was found in almost 20% of submissions of aborted foetii at the Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL’s) last year.

Chlamydophila abortus was found in about half that amount and bacterial agents were found in the remainder.

Sometimes such infections are active

However, the lamb will be weak and show poor thrift or even die early post partum if the ewe is infected at the time.

For the complete article please go to: http://www. independent.ie/farming/sheep/isolate-all-aborting-ewes-tominimise-spread-of-disease-2579270.html OSN

Risk Management for Ontario Sheep Producers

O

ntario’s new Risk Management Program, which works like insurance, helps grains and oilseeds, cattle, hog, veal and sheep farmers manage risks beyond their control, such as fluctuating costs and volatile market prices.

Ontario is also providing a self-directed risk management program for the edible horticulture sector. With this program in place, farmers can focus on what they do best - growing good things in Ontario.

The Risk Management Program is the result of a strong, honest, open dialogue with Ontario farmers. Under the leadership of the Ontario Agriculture Sustainability Coalition, the commodity groups developed proposals and then worked with the province to turn them into effective programs that work - programs that were designed by farmers, for farmers.

Ontario will fund RMP at the full amount of its traditional 40 per cent share.

Agricorp will be administering the program on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. This program joins AgriStability and Production Insurance as one more component of an effective risk management package.

NEW

Quick Facts

• For more information on Ontario’s new Risk Management Program attend an Information Session in your area. A full schedule is available at www.ontario.ca/rmp • Premiums for the Risk Management Program are waived for the program’s 2011 transition year.

• Program applications for grains and oilseeds farmers are now available. Application forms for the rest of the programs will be available in September. Please check Agricorp’s website (www.agriocorp.com) for more information.

• Livestock producers must have a Premises Identification Number to participate in the Risk Management Program for 2011. Edible horticulture producers must have a Premises Identification Number for the 2012 program year.

• In 2012, all producers who participate in the Risk Management Program must also be enrolled in AgriStability. OSN

Ontario producers have been requesting that OSMA provide a Risk Management Program for some time now. The program is now available for a number of commodities including sheep. We recommend that all producers look at the program and seriously consider becoming involved, as we believe it will be beneficial to you.

from

Sheep Auto Drafter

It’s like drafting on autopilot The Sheep Auto Drafter is:

• • •

•

A fully automated weighing and drafting system Smoother, quieter and easier to set up and operate than any other sheep drafting product on the market Includes weigh crate, integrated load cells, integrated control module with remote control and three way drafting module Just add a suitable electronic weigh scale and you’re ready to go!

www.brusselsagri.com Brussels Agri Services Ltd. 1-877-887-9391

See a live demo at Lot N-777 Brussels Agri Services Display at Canada Outdoor Farm Show OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

29

Risk Management Program: Sheep Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

T

he Risk Management Program (RMP) helps Ontario farmers deal with risks that are beyond their control.

With RMP in place, farmers can focus on what they do best — growing good things in Ontario.

The Sheep RMP was designed in consultation with farmers.

This program joins AgriStability as one more component of an effective risk management package.

Ontario will fund the RMP at the full amount of its traditional 40 per cent share. Agricorp will be administering the program on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

What sheep are eligible?

Lambs between 30 and 126 pounds of live weight and under the age of one year are eligible for the Sheep RMP. Lambs must have been owned by the farmer for a minimum of 30 days, and have spent this amount of time in Ontario.

What do farmers have to do?

In order to participate, farmers are required to: • Enrol all of their eligible lamb production in RMP. • Sign up for AgriStability. For 2011, this step is voluntary as the deadline has passed.

• Have a Premises Identification Number.

How much are premiums?

Premiums are waived for 2011. For 2012, premiums will be calculated by comparing support levels and market prices using historic, current and future data. This figure is then multiplied by 30 percent, to represent the portion to be paid by the farmers, then multiplied by 40 per cent to represent Ontario’s share.

The minimum premium charged to a participant is $25.

Farmers may choose to pay their premiums in two installments.

How are payments calculated?

Payment calculations will be based on the following:

Cost of production is the estimated cost of producing a 75-pound lamb during the program year. It is based on an average drawn from financial information from a sample of Ontario sheep farms. The cost of production includes animal purchase costs (if applicable), feed costs and yardage costs.

Cost of production is calculated annually.

When are payments made?

Payments will be made twice per year following the completion of the May-June and November- December production periods.

Program for 2011 • The 2011 transition payment will be based on 2010 market prices and cost of production numbers.

• Farmers must apply in the fall and report the following: v Actual sales to date from January 1 to September 30, 2011, and v Projected sales from October 1 to December 31, 2011.

• A payment will be made in December 2011 using actual plus projected sales information at 75 per cent of the estimated payment rate.

• A final payment will be made using actual sales data for October to December 2011 and the payment rate adjusted based on final participation rates.

Sample Payment Calculation • 100 per cent coverage level chosen • Support Level: $3/lb • Market Price: $2.75/lb • Production is calculated as follows: Average live weight per lamb multiplied by the v number of lambs sold v 75 X 100 = 7,500 Support Level minus Market Price (A)

Production Ontario’s Share (B) (C)

$3.00 – $2.75 = $0.25

(B) Production: measured as the total weight gain for eligible lambs sold within a production period

When are applications available?

The payment is equal to: (A) x (B) x (C).

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

7,500

0.40

Payment Calculation (A) x (B) x (C)

(A) Support level minus market price per pound of lamb sold

(C) Ontario’s 40 per cent share

30

The support level is based on the cost of production multiplied by a farmer’s chosen coverage level. Coverage level options are 100 per cent, 90 per cent or 80 per cent.

0.25 x 7,500 x 0.40 = $750

Applications will be available from Agricorp in the fall of 2011. Please check Agricorp’s website closer to that time for more information. OSN

It Costs Nothing and Can Mean Everything: Why YOU NEED a Premises ID

R

egistering your premises with the OnTrace AgriFood Premises Registry (OAPR) helps build superior emergency management capability for the agricultural and food industry in Ontario. It is also helps your own business by giving you a tool to taking the first step on a path that proves the source of your products.

Registering your premises in the OAPR has numerous benefits both to the individual and agricultural community: • Premises Identification is the foundation of any good traceability system. This is followed by product or animal identification and movement tracking. In other words, having almost all premises identified in the event of an emergency is not good enough. In order for the OAPR to work as an effective emergency management tool, we need to have as many farmers as possible from all commodities participating in the premises registry.

• For individual businesses, having a good traceability system can drastically reduce the scope (and cost) of a recall and improve efficiencies in your day to day operations. For many businesses, a contained and wellexecuted recall can mean the difference between staying in business or not.

• With food safety regulations being implemented globally, traceability can open access to different markets for Canadian producers and processors.

You can register your premises in the OAPR quickly and easily by calling OnTrace at 1-888-38-TRACE (8-7223) or online by visiting www.ontrace.ca. In most cases, OnTrace can issue you a certificate with your unique Premises Identifier (PID) within 48 hours.

OnTrace is the industry-led not-for-profit corporation created to lead food traceability programs and initiatives in Ontario. The company’s goals are to deliver traceability solutions that will enable the agriculture and agri-food industry in Ontario to become more innovative and competitive and; to strengthen the capacity of industry and government to respond to emergencies related to agriculture and agri-food welfare and public safety.

OnTrace owns and operates the OnTrace Agri-Food Premises Registry (OAPR) and provides premises registration as a free service to the agriculture and food industry in Ontario. OnTrace protects your information and takes your privacy seriously.

The purpose of the OAPR is to be able to locate where agricultural and food activities occur in Ontario. Premises Identifiers from the OAPR adhere to a national standard established jointly by industry and governments and are now a requirement for a variety of government funding programs.

OnTrace is currently working on a voluntary basis to register ALL agriculture and food parcels of land across the province in the Ontario Agri-Food Premises Registry (OAPR).

So far, the level of participation from other livestock groups has been strong, but there are still many premises that need to be registered.

If you want to register your premises contact Marianne Muth at OnTrace by phone at 519-766-9292 x 402 or by e-mail at marianne.muth@ontrace.ca. OSN

The Royal Winter Fair Attention all Sheep Producers! Each year OSMA puts on a booth at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. As this is a ten day show, it takes a lot of hands to make it a success.

Volunteering at the booth can be a great way to meet other producers as well as educate young people and students on the sheep and wool industry. If you would like to take advantage of this excellent opportunity, please contact Ruth Gilmour at the OSMA Office at 519-836-0043 or general@ontariosheep.org.

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

31

THE DEADLINE IS FAST APPROACHING….DON’T MISS IT Producer Education Day 2011 Producer Education Day – Friday, October 28th Agenda OSMA AGM – Saturday, October 29th 8:00 am

Registration begins and continues throughout the day

9:00 am

Welcome & Opening Comments by Murray Hunt – Review of Benchmarking our Industry

The deadline for both events is

9:30 am

Kelly Daynard – Program Manager, Ontario Farm Animal Council – Be An Effective Ambassador

Friday, September 23rd.

10:15 am

Brent Royce – Producer – Engaging the Consumer

10:45 am

Break

11:00 am

Laurie Maus – Producer – Beginning Shepherd – A Saga in 10 Lessons

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 is “Prepare for the Future”.

11:30 am

Helen Scutt, Eric Lawlor – OMAFRA -Build your Marketing and Communication Strategy

12:00 pm

Hot Lunch

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.

1:00 pm

Christoph Wand – Lamb Carcass Competition. Beef, Cattle & Sheep Nutritionalist, OMAFRA A review of the results from the Competition from the 2011 Outdoor Farm Show and presentation of the Winners

1:45 pm

There will be a two-hour break followed by a Lamb Banquet and a keynote speaker. This year we hope you will enjoy our Keynote Speaker Dr. Gord Surgeoner.

Dr. Dan Morrical – Sheep Extension Specialist – Iowa State University will speak about ways you can improve your bottom line through better practices.

2:30 pm

Break

2:45 pm

Richard Apps – Meat & Livestock Australia will discuss “Capable and Confident Producers’ from the Australia’s “Making More from Sheep” Program.

3:30 pm

Murray Hunt - This is What I Heard from Today’s Session

3:45 pm

Break until Evening Program

3:45 pm 5:45 pm

CSBA Meeting

6:00 pm

Social Time / Cash Bar For Those Attending The Lamb Buffet Banquet

6:30 pm

Ontario Fresh Premium Lamb Buffet Banquet

7:20 pm

Presentation of OSMA Scholarship Winner

7:30 pm

Presentation of GenOvis (SFIP) Winners

7:45 pm

Dr. Gord Surgeoner - President of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies ’Market Opportunities in the Changing Agricultural World’ discusses Marketing Opportunities that you may have never considered.

8:00 pm10:00pm

Networking & Trade Show

Producer Education Day

Friday, October 28th, Holiday Inn Guelph

Everyone will enjoy a hot buffet meal and a cash bar will be available. After our speaker, producers are invited to stay and network or visit with other producers. The evening will conclude at approximately 10:00 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 Once again OSMA will be hosting the CSBA Annual Meeting. The CSBA will be holding their meeting from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, October 28th. The room is yet to be determined.

32

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Cost- $25 per person Evening Banquet and Speaker - $45 per person

2011 Annual General Meeting Monitoring the Results To-Date and Providing Input to Creating the Future Saturday, October 29th, Holiday Inn Guelph 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 6 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 Day • There is no cost to you for the breakfast meal and buffet lunch.

• 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 which includes the hot breakfast, break and a hot buffet lunch.

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.

Ontario Sheep Annual General Meeting - 2011 Agenda 7:00 am - 8:00 am 8:00 am

Registration Begins

8:30am

Welcome & Introductions- Chris Kennedy – Chair

8:45 am

Overview of OSMA Programs and Projects

9:00 am

State of the Industry Report

9:30 am

Adopt Agenda and Elect Scrutineers Minutes of 2010 AGM

9:40 am

Registration deadline for meals and workshop for the AGM Day or to sign on as a delegate will also be Friday, September 23rd. OSN

ALL PRODUCERS WELCOME

• Report from Chris Kennedy – Chair • Review of 2010/2011 financial statements • Motion to appoint auditors for OSMA for the coming year • Question Period (intermittent)

10:30 am

Break – Coffee break and visit trade show booths

10:50 am

• Report From 2010 Resolutions • 2011 Resolutions to be presented and discussed and voted on

11:15 am

Presentation of 2011/2012 Budget and Plans / Question Period

11:50 am

Final Call for Nominations / Mention of Sponsors / Voting takes place Closing of Ontario Sheep Annual Business Meeting

12:00 am

Lunch – Buffet Lunch - Visit trade booths

1:00 pm

Announcement of OSMA Officers for 2011/2012

1:10 pm

Producer Feedback and Input Session – Using Clicker Technology The Session is about getting feedback and ideas on developing OSMA through enhanced communications, services and education working through Districts and other means by which producers can be assisted or served.

2:30 pm

Summarization of Delegate Input

2:45 pm

Adjourned

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 23rd.

Hot Breakfast Buffet (Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, etc)

Cost- $25 for all Non-Delegates (including spouses) No Cost to Voting Delegates OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

33

Wrap Ups Rideau Focus Day Rideau Focus was held at the home of Phil and Elizabeth Smith or Breezy Ridge Farm. This event occurred on Saturday July 23rd and was very well attended.

Delma Kennedy gave a presentation about genetics / GenOvis reports. She also touched upon the history of the breed.

Rideau Association executive members, Glen Duff, Neil Post and Bill McCutcheon, talked about how they would like to increase memberships. This association would like more Rideau sheep producers to register with them. You do not have to be a purebred breeder; you can have grade sheep and still register.

location on Cameron Lake. The potluck supper featured many dishes; lamb was prepared and supplied by Doug Waldon.

After the BBQ, a sheep dog demonstration was enjoyed by the group. Members, Ian and Shona Talbot travel to different events and dog trials with their Border Collies. Members of District 7 were able to see different tasks the dogs are trained to do as well as expectations at a dog trial.

Thank you to the organizers of this event as well as the Talbots for bringing their sheep and dogs.

Stratford Garden Festival

To register with the Rideau Association of Canada please contact Neil Post at 519-820-2810 or email: info@rideausheep.org or visit www.rideausheep.org Bill McCutcheon then talked about carcass grading and demonstrated using live lambs. He showed producers two of his carcass grading knives and explained where the most expensive cuts are. He stressed that the rack is the most expensive part of a lamb. Bill also pointed out that you should be able to feel the ribs; however they should have adequate fat cover.

In attendance were representatives from, Gallagher, Sunderland Feeds, Pickseed, and Grober.

Refreshments, cookies and freezies for a very warm day were provided. Thank you to all involved who helped make this day a success.

Victoria County Sheep Producers BBQ District 7’s Victoria County Sheep Producers BBQ occurred on Saturday, July 23rd. This event was held at a picturesque

Ian Talbot 34

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Photo courtesy of Steve Stacy.

District 3 donated a lamb to the Lung Association at the Stratford Garden Festival Fundraiser on March 4, 2011. Paired up with Chef Ian McAthur of Food at Your Fingertips, Chef Ian served up an Open Faced Meat Loaf with Caramelized onions. Mike Beuerman, Rick Zimak and Luann Erb were on hand to answer questions about the District 3 Sheep producers and local lamb. Chef Ian did a great job with the dish and has since been using more local lamb in his catering business. OSN

Why Do You Need On Farm Records?

S

ome farmers are being pulled kicking and screaming into the age of computers. Most are forward-looking and realize that paper records are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Data management of your flock will benefit you over the long run, and the majority of farmers are recognizing and embracing this fact.

Farm records are critical to you, your farm business and the industry. By having up-to-date, accurate flock records you will be able to look at individual and flock performance. Finding low productivity animals is key in order to be successful and generate a profit from your farm business.

Setting goals for the future is also important in helping to improve your Does your desk look like this? bottom line. Having flock data recorded and easily accessible will help you to set short term and long term goals for your individual operation. By comparing five years of data, for example, you can see how your flock is performing and you can make improvements based upon the numbers.

Having flock data recorded on paper can be adequate for some, however, it becomes complex to compare data from year to year. A simple flock management software can help you to organize your flock records that will save you time. Instead of searching through paper records, flock management software will keep all of your data in one safe location. In addition to becoming more organized, helpful lists and reports can also be generated.

On farm records are important for you as a producer since you have the potential to generate increased profit. Secondly, on farm records benefit the industry.

Benchmarking is important to both your farm and the sheep industry. You will be able to see where your farm stands compared to the rest of producers on key performance indicators. Knowing these industry numbers can help you to improve your overall flock. By having Your flock records you can also make genetic advancements in the industry. Keeping the best ewes with performance

Better Records = More Profit – bioFlock can help you! tested data will not only help better your flock but will also help the industry continue to make further genetic progress.

Without on farm records, you may have missed genetic opportunities. bioFlock, the new flock management software which OSMA is developing, will be available to you in early January 2012. This new software is not only easy to use, it will help keep your flock records safe and in one place. Easy to interpret reports are extremely relevant for your day-to-day needs. These reports can also help you improve your flock and individual performance, as well as improve your management so that you can generate more profit. For example, bioFlock can help you keep track of farm and animal expenses, you can then examine what your biggest costs are and how to improve feed efficiency, feed costs and labour costs, to name a few.

It is extremely important to become involved and have organized flock records both for the betterment of your farm business and the sheep industry. You cannot manage what you do not measure!

For more information on bioFlock, please contact the OSMA office or email jcraig@ontariosheep.org. More information on this new, innovative program will be available in the coming months. OSN

desk could look like this!

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

35

Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association Summer Update Stace y White, General Manager, CSBA

2011 Grasslands Canadian Classic:

The 2011 Grasslands Canadian Classic was held in Drake, Saskatchewan from July 22nd to 24th. The event, which was sponsored by the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association and cohosted by the Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders’ Association and the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, attracted consignors and buyers from across Canada and resulted in a highly successful show and sale. Perfect summer weather and an excellent facility added to the exciting event.

After a short speech noting the provincial government’s ongoing support of the sheep industry, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture, Honourable Bob Bjornerud, officially opened the Canadian Classic by opening the gate for a sheep herding demonstration. The 3-day Classic also incorporated a commercial show and sale, equipment and management software demonstrations, shearing and herding demonstrations, an extensive exhibitors hall, fleece competition and a junior/4-H show. A wine and cheese social was held on Friday evening for the exhibitors and sponsors, and a lamb banquet followed the show on Saturday evening.

48 consignors of 13 breeds enjoyed considerable success in the show ring. Two experienced judges, Edith Williams, a Suffolk breeder from Ponoka, AB and Blair Dow, a faculty member at Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB, provided show placements for 225 animals. The Supreme Champion Ewe was a North Country Cheviot (New Haven Judy 13X) consigned by New Haven Farm of Winchester, ON and the Supreme Champion Ram was a Suffolk (Parker 44W 28X) consigned by Glen and Kathy Parker of Three Hills, AB. The Supreme Champion Flock was awarded to the Hampshires consigned by Bell Suffolks and Hampshires of Stayner, ON. The sale was held on Sunday and was truly a national event. 221 of 225 animals consigned by producers from 8 provinces sold as they passed through the auction ring. Over 200 official bidders from 8 provinces competed to purchase purebred animals. Prices were strong with an average of $574 paid for ewes and $870 for rams. The top selling ewe was the Champion Suffolk Ewe (Mactaggart WG 25X, consigned

by Mactaggart Suffolks of Rockwood, ON), which sold to Hodges Farm, Dalmeny, SK for $1,600. The top selling ram was a ram lamb (Parker 44W 10Y) consigned by Glen and Kathy Parker of Three Hills, AB, which sold to Lois Trowell/ Ward Mortenson of Saltcoats, SK for $2,700.

Breed averages and sale results for every animal can be seen on the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association website at www.sheepbreeders.ca.

36

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

The CSBA is extremely appreciative of the tremendous support it has received from sponsors, exhibitors, consignors and the buyers from across Canada. The Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders’ Association and the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board deserve special recognition for the countless hours they devoted to the planning and preparation of the 2011 Classic.

The 2012 All Canada Classic will be held in Truro, NS from June 15-17th. For further information, please contact Stacey White, General Manager of the CSBA, at 1-866-956-1116.

New Breeds:

The CSBA would like to welcome the Canadian Finnsheep Breeders’ Association to the CSBA. In June 2010, the associations were officially amalgamated. Finnsheep breeders can now become members and register their animals with CSBA. The CSBA would also like to welcome the Bluefaced Leicester to the registry. Although the Bluefaced Leicester is not new to the CSBA (it was previously registered as the Hexham Leicester), it has not had an active registry for many years. By meeting stringent requirements, the Canadian Bluefaced Leicester breeders have been reapproved for registration with the CSBA. The federal government is reviewing the California Red Sheep application for acceptance as a new breed with the CSBA. New breed pictures and descriptions are available on the website.

National Flock Integrity:

Parentage testing is an integral part of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s purebred sheep industry. The CSBA requests parentage testing on every 500th animal submitted for registration. The CSBA will allow 1 full year to have the test completed. If the randomly selected animal, or alternate animal is not tested within 1 year, all registration papers for that breeder will be held until the breeder complies with the testing. The CSBA provides a $60 grant to assist with the cost incurred in parentage testing. The CSBA’s parentage committee has worked with CLRC to refine and clarify the test instructions. It is important that you contact Lorna (Sheep registrar at the CLRC) within 30 days of receiving the parentage test request documents.

The CSBA wishes to recognize and thank the following breeders who have complied with and passed the parentage test requirement since January 2011: Frank C. Dallaire, Andre and Simone Esterhuyse, Doug Savage and Carol Williams, Agronovie Senc, Duane and Nadine Caumartin, Century Lane

Farm, Rosyanne Lapointe, John and Kelsey Beasley, Anita Wiens, Misty Ridge Sheep Farm, Happy Hollow Farms and Andy Pittman.

Member Resources:

A pamphlet for new owners of purebred sheep, a revised guideline for the sale of purebred sheep and the CLRC’s registration documents will soon be available online through the CSBA website or by calling the CSBA office.

The pamphlet includes a description of the CSBA, outlines the registration process and provides basic instructions for the care of newly purchased purebred animals.

These guidelines for the sale of purebred sheep describe rules that the CSBA hopes purebred breeders will abide by.

The guidelines have been revised to closely match those that are used during the Classic sale. Overall, excellent customer service is essential in maintaining the reputation of successful purebred operation.

Canadian National Goat Federation (CNGF):

The CSBA has received requests from provincial associations and individual producers to address concerns about goat traceability and scrapie eradication. Jennifer MacTavish, Executive Director of The CNGF (and the CSF), writes, “While the goat industry appreciates the fact that their lack of a mandatory identification program impacts the small ruminant industry’s ability to effectively manage and eradicate scrapie, the ball does not solely rest in its court.

The goat industry is currently implementing a voluntary national identification program. Tags have been approved by the CNGF for use and producers are being encouraged to start tagging their goats. Additionally, the goat industry is working on a decision points document that will enable the goat industry to work with CFIA and AAFC to implement a mandatory animal identification and traceability program.

The goat id program cannot be made mandatory until it is included in the Health of Animals Act.” Additionally, Myrna Coombs, President of the CNGF, states, “priority areas for the CNGF this year will be Strategic Planning, Traceability, On-Farm Food Safety, and Scrapie eradication.”

Tattoo Reminder: 2011’s year letter is “Y”. 2012’s year letter is “Z”.

Provincial CSBA meeting: Ontario’s CSBA meeting will be held in conjunction with OSMA’s AGM on October 28th and 29th.

For more information or requests, please do not hesitate to contact the CSBA’s Ontario directors: Darryl Hopkins: (519) 369-1903 and Colleen Acres: (613) 826-2330, or CSBA’s General Manager: Stacey White: 1-866-956-1116.

Stacey White, General Manager Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association/ La SociÈtÈ Canadienne des …leveurs de Moutons 333 Ontario Street Toronto, ON M5A 2V8 • Toll-free: 1-866-956-1116 Fax: 416-972-1023 • www.sheepbreeders.ca OSN 2011 All Canadian Classic Results Number in Sale

Number Sold

Average Price

Ewes

124

123

$574

Rams

101

98

$870

Ewes

2

1

$350

Rams

2

2

$713

1

1

$1,250

Ewes

3

3

$842

Rams

1

1

$1500

Ewes

6

6

$546

Rams

6

5

$1600

Border Cheviot

Canadian Arcott Rams Charollais

Dorper

Dorset Ewes

18

18

$433

Rams

15

15

$677

Ewes

9

9

$422

Rams

6

5

$365

Ewes

20

20

$436

Rams

18

17

$513

Dorset Horned

Hampshire

North Country Cheviot Ewes

15

15

$695

Rams

10

10

$1,155

Ewes

2

2

$463

Rams

1

1

$500

Ewes

2

2

$363

Rams

1

1

$400

Ewes

4

4

$394

Rams

2

2

$450

Rambouillet

Shropshire

Southdown

Suffolk Ewes

38

38

$706

Rams

31

31

$1,073

Ewes

5

5

$730

Rams

7

7

$1,036

Texel

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

37

District 10 Multi-Breed Production Sale a Success

O

n July 30th a production sale occurred at the Spencerville fairgrounds. An educational session began at 9 am. Murray Hunt welcomed producers and gave a brief introduction. Chris Kennedy, the chair of OSMA brought greetings from the OSMA board. Joannie Jacques from CEPOQ in Quebec then gave a presentation on GenOvis. Her presentation was based on how a producer could use genetic information on their farm or in purchasing breeding stock.

Delma Kennedy from OMAFRA then spoke on new genetic traits and what they mean for the producer. Dr. Paula Menzies gave a presentation on the top ten sheep diseases and spoke on symptoms, prevention and management. Daniel Dion from the Canadian Sheep Federation spoke on tagging and traceability. He also talked about the list of dates regarding mandatory RFID tagging.

Jillian Craig from OSMA introduced bioFlock, OSMA’s new flock management software. This will incorporate many features which will be important for producers in the future.

Rebecca Parker discussed sorting through the sheep offered at the sale with the information producers learned from the previous speakers.

Many information booths were set up for producers; speakers were also on hand to answer producer questions after the presentations.

After the educational session was over, producers were able to view the animals which were offered for sale. Featured breeds included Rideau Arcott, Charollais, Polled Dorset, Hampshire, Oxford Down, Suffolk, and commercial ewes and rams. Animals were performance tested (enrolled on the SFIP / GenOvis program), some were health tested for diseases, such as Maedi Visna, and others were from closed flocks with “A” status.

The sale began at 1 pm. 22 rams and 86 ewes were offered for sale. The top selling animal was a Charollais ram consigned

by Ted and Joanne Skinner, this ram sold for $1200. For prices, please refer to the table. Thank you to all of the buyers,

38

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Charollais Ram consigned by Ted and Joanne Skinner.

these animals will make great additions to your flock.

District 10 and the District 10 Sale Committee are to be commended for hosting this successful event.

Also, thank you to the speakers who came to this sale to share their knowledge for the educational portion. OSN

Sale Averages Ram Sale Average

$567

Purebred Ewe Sale Average

$340

Commercial Ewe Sale Average

$261

By Breed Rideau Ram Average

$494

Charollais Ram Average

$1200

Dorset Ram Average

$520

Dorset Ewe Average

$400

Hampshire Ram Average

$650

Hampshire Ewe Average

$256

Oxford Ram Average

$400

Oxford Ewe Average

$325

Suffolk Ram Average

$508

Suffolk Ewe Average

$325

Commercial Ram Average

$545

Commercial Ewe Average

$261

A New Look For the Genetic Evaluation Program Sarah Brien, USEL Summer Student, University of Guelph

M

ore and more producers are accessing information over the internet. This can be more convenient and more up to date than looking up information on paper. As a result, the genetic evaluation sheep database, GenOvis (previously SFIP/ROP) is now available online at http://quartet.aps.uoguelph.ca:8080/Sheep. This new online interface to the database gives you access to your own animal data and reports at any time.

Most of the functions that were performed by the central office in the past can be done online: 1. Enter weights and data 2. Import files from existing flock management programs

3. Export new EPDs 4.

Download and print EPD reports, inventory reports, animal certificates and progeny summaries.

Producers still have the option of sending their information to the central office for entry and receiving reports by mail.

There is a helpful blog site that is available once a user logs onto the website. This blog contains helpful video walkthroughs and documents that will aid in the use of this program. Users are able to post questions here in regards to any problems they may be having with the program or any questions they have about new EPDs that are available. There are also documents that can help you to interpret the new EPD reports, percentiles and accuracies.

Photo credit to Jim Hayward

After working with GenOvis for the past 4 months, I have had a lot of contact with the new online database. My main job this summer was to document how to use the new database and post the information on to the blog site. As this was my first experience with the GenOvis program, I found the online database to be very useful because it allows producers to access updated reports whenever they need them. Having these EPD’s and inventory reports at your fingertips really increases the convenience of being on the program. Another advantage to having these EPDs on your computer rather than paper is that you are able to email reports or certificates for any animal to any potential buyers.

This is a big time saver compared to sending away for the reports.

For producers who have previously been enrolled on the GenOvis program all information that has ever been collected and sent in to the database will appear on your account. If you are interested in enrolling in GenOvis or obtaining access to your data through the website, please contact OSMA at rmarcy@ontariosheep.org OSN Note: S arah Brien is a summer student who has been working with Delma Kennedy, OMAFRA Sheep Specialist. Sarah will be demonstrating the online database at the Royal Winter Fair in November. Details will be available on the OSMA website in October. She looks forward to meeting and speaking with producers there.

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

  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 1

39

Visiting Amherst Island Jillian Craig

T

he day was sunny and warm as I enjoyed my ferry ride to picturesque Amherst Island. During my two day stay I visited two sheep farms, Mark Ritchie and Cherry Allen who own Foot Flats Farm as well as Chris Kennedy of Topsy Farms.

Foot Flats Farm

Mark and Cherry own approximately 1500 ewes. The flock consists of composite ewes which are ½ Coopworth, ¼ Romanov and ¼ Border Cheviot. The hogget’s (first time ewes) are bred to a Border Cheviot Ram. By doing this, more vigorous lambs are generated. Mark and Cherry have an easy care system, the ewes lamb on pasture in May and will stay on pasture until late fall, with the lambs being weaned at the end of July. Foot Flats Farm has a large land base.

These shepherds own as well as rent land for hay and Mark checking the sheep. pasture fields.

A philosophy that I found interesting when talking with Mark and Cherry is the couple describe themselves as grass farmers; they are harvesting a grass crop by grazing sheep.

Mark and Cherry are considered to be pioneers of predator deterrent fencing. Their fencing system consists of four foot small mesh page wire, 9 inches above the page wire is a live wire, and another 9 inches above this wire is a ground wire.

The total height of this fence 5 foot 6 inches, too high for a coyote to jump if they do attempt to jump or climb the fence, it would hit the live wire and a ground and would receive a shock. These shepherds have not lost any sheep to predation in their 300 acres of predator deterrent fencing. This fence is quite expensive to implement so it would be extremely impractical to fence the entire land base. The page wire is set right on the ground. If the ground is not level, Mark pointed out that a cedar rail could be added to the bottom of the fence to block the hole. Gates are also predator proofed; these gates are made from chain link wire and are 6 feet high. Rented pasture fields or fields further from the barn are fenced with electric fence.

When ewes and lambs are pastured further away, guardian dogs watch over the numerous groups of sheep.

In the early morning, Mark took me with him to check the sheep. Mark checks the sheep twice a day; this can take approximately 2-3 hours when lambing or in transition. Once I mastered the art of driving a 4-wheeler, we set out to check 40

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

the various groups of sheep in the pastures.

While Predator Deterrent Fencing at driving through Foot Flats Farm the pastures, Mark showed me some interesting ideas. First was the mineral feeders, the sheep are offered free-choice mineral; four different mineral mixes (all high in Selenium) are used during the various stages of production. We then came across one of the solar powered fencers, since the couple manages approximately 1000 acres they rely on several different fencers. Solar fencers are used for pastures which are further away from the barn; pastures close to the barn operate on a plug-in fencer. Mark and Cherry also rely on Border Collies to help them move sheep or catch the occasional ewe.

Mark and Cherry organize the small groups of sheep (a few hundred) so that at the beginning of the grazing season the sheep start out in the 300 acres of predator proof fencing while the ewes are lambing. As the lambs get older, the couple moves the sheep out further and further away from the barn, with the most prolific ewes going first. All groups are organized so they eventually flow into several big groups or mobs. Mark explains that all groups will eventually flow into 3 big mobs. By having the groups slowly getting bigger and bigger, this helps to prevent mis-mothering.

Every year Mark and Cherry record how many ewes and lambs they placed in each pasture as well as the number of days spent in the pasture. This not only provides them with a record of how pastures performed in the past, but this also gives Mark and Cherry the ability to predict how many ewes and lambs they should place in the same pastures in the future. If one pasture was overstocked, they will cut back on the number of sheep placed in that pasture next year.

One third of the lambs are finished on grass, with the rest of the lambs brought to the barns in the fall. The remaining lambs are given grain and hay. Mark and Cherry ship market lambs every week, starting at Thanksgiving, all lambs are shipped by March.

Early in the season lambs are marketed at approximately 73 pounds live weight and as the season progresses heavier lambs are sold.

These sheep producers own a Prattly scale as well as a Prattly portable

Lambs at Foot Flats Farm.

handling facility. When talking about this system, Cherry says it is a big time saver especially since they do not have to herd the sheep back to the barns. The individual groups of sheep can stay in the pasture they are in. By bringing the handling system to the sheep, Cherry commented that this prevents mismothering as well as helps to reduce stress on the ewes and lambs. There is also a permanent handling facility in the barn.

This features a double race. Cherry says that this is a big time saver since someone can load the sheep in the one chute while the other person drenches the other line of sheep. The top of their barn has a shearing facility with multiple catch pens.

Another interesting point about Mark and Cherry’s operation is that ewes get one chance and then they are culled. For example, if ewes have a hard birth or need assistance, these ewes are automatically culled. This helps keep the ‘easy care’ system that Mark and Cherry desire. Very few ewes need assistance when lambing; this is due to a strict culling procedure as well as careful selection for desired traits. For example, ewes with poor udders and big teats are culled. Mark explains that in an accelerated system you would not necessarily cull these ewes since the ewes go in lambing jugs and the producer can spend some time with individual ewes and lambs. On a grass based system, Mark wants vigorous lambs which can nurse easily without any interference. Having to catch individual ewe’s stresses the other ewes and lambs around which could lead to mis-mothering.

This summer, Mark and Cherry have a hired worker from New Zealand. Kelvin had arrived two weeks before my visit.

Cherry also has her granddaughter, Natasha, visiting from New Zealand for the summer; she helps out on the farm when not working.

Topsy Farms

Chris Kennedy along with his wife Dianne and business partner Ian and his wife Sally, own and operate Topsy Farms.

This farm has approximately 1000 ewes mostly made up of Dorset cross North Country Cheviot ewes. Chris likes the Cheviots since he says they have vigorous lambs which work well in a pasture based system. Chris lambs his ewes once a year in the spring, the sheep stay outside all year long and have access to shade and wind breaks. The ewes lamb on their own with little to no problems; Chris will assist the odd one as needed.

When asked if he prefers pasture lambing or lambing in a barn, Chris replied that he prefers pasture lambing since it is easier and takes less time and labour.

Gates for predator deterrent fence at Topsy Farms

Predation is a challenge on this farm. Chris has installed 250 acres of predator deterrent fencing which was modeled after Mark and Cherry’s fence. Chris lambs inside this fence and when the lambs get older, the ewes and lambs are moved further away. These pastures are fenced with 4 strand electric fence. Chris explained that he has made the top wire the ground wire; this is to protect the fencer in the event of a lightning strike. Chris has approximately 10 guardian dogs to help keep the flock safe from predators.

In the fall he feedlots his lambs in the pastures and uses portable feeders in order to supplement grain to lambs. During the winter months, haylage and dry hay is fed to the ewes and market lambs. This is bale grazed which helps to spread manure around on the pastures. Chris markets lamb through the fall and winter with all lambs marketed by March. Some lambs are for freezer trade and some are sold to the local butcher. The remaining lambs are all sold through Cookstown and are marketed at 105-110 pounds.

In order to check the sheep and pastures, Chris stresses that ATV’s are essential for this type of system to work. With approximately 1000 acres, an ATV is a good way to get around the farm.

Chris showed me his handling facility which features a double race, which he says is very efficient. Chris also has his shearing facilities in the top of a barn. Three shearers usually come to Amherst Island and shear Foot Flats Farm sheep and then come and shear the Topsy Farms sheep.

Another part of the farm business is the Wool Shed. Around 80% of the Topsy Farms wool is shipped to Prince Edward Island, this wool is then made into blankets, hats and yarn to name a few. These products come back to the farm and are sold in the Wool Shed.

Local ladies will knit sweaters and The Wool Shed mitts for the Wool Shed. During the week the Wool Shed is open by chance and on weekends it is tended by either Sally or a local part time worker if need be. The remainder of the wool from the farm is sold to Woolgrowers. Topsy Farms has a website which sells wool products online, products are also taken to craft markets and dog trials. The Wool Shed mainly relies on tourists who visit the Island.

I would like to thank Mark Ritchie and Cherry Allen for their hospitality and kindness in hosting me. I would also like to extend my thanks to Chris Kennedy for his hospitality. OSN OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

41

4-H Sheep Day Brings County Clubs Together Alex Mitchell, Press Reporter of Renfrew 4-H

I

t was a warm, sunny day in June when the three 4-H sheep Clubs of Renfrew County came together to gain valuable information about raising, take care of and showing their sheep.

Twenty 4-H’rs from the Renfrew County Sheep Club, the Highkickers Sheep Club and the Upper Ottawa Valley Sheep Club gathered at Pinnacle Haven Farms in Renfrew. The owners of the farm, Shanna and Tyler Armstrong, were excited to host this event as they are both former 4-H Members!

The large group was broken up into three smaller ones, based on previous experience with sheep. The first group were complete sheep-rookies, while the other two groups had either one year of showing or more than one year. The three groups then went out into three different stations placed around the yard.

One group started at a small, single-sheep wash rack outside the barn. Here, the 4-H Members learned how to properly wash and clean their animal. The young Members thoroughly enjoyed being able to lather up the demonstration ewe and wash the dirt out of it’s wool with their own hands. A good rinse followed after the scrubbing was finished. No one was dry after the hose came out!

The next station the gracious hosts led the Members to inside the barn where they showed the eager youth how to clip and shear their animals. They were taught how to clip their ewe and learned tips on how to hide any faults. Again, the Members benefitted from being able to grab one of several pairs of shears and take a crack at shearing the sheep themselves. For many of the rookie Members, this was their first time ever shearing a sheep, and they had a lot of fun!

Finally, the sheep enthusiasts grabbed a ewe from the barn and led it to an imaginary show-ring in the yard. The rookies learned the basics of sheep showmanship while the experienced members learned finer points and tips and tricks to help them excel in the ring. From leading a ewe without a halter to making it look bigger in the ring, every 4-H Member present now has the tools to succeed in any show!

After a photoshoot with the hosts and a homemade snack from their kitchen, the 4-H Members went their separate ways.

Every single person left the Sheep Day a more informed, more confident, and more excited 4-H Sheep Club Member. As fair season approaches, the skills obtained will be invaluable to the Members fortunate enough to attend it. OSN

Grenville County 4-H

B

ridgette, Alexander and Nolan Tym of Burritts Rapids, participating under the Grenville County 4-H (pre4-H) program. Ages are 10, 8 and 3. The Judge, John

42

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

Joynt, giving reasons and tips on showing to the class and Club Leader, Joyce Seguin, keeping all organized. A fun day all around!! OSN

Buyer Beware – Looking for Breeding Stock Jillian Craig

W

hen looking to purchase sheep for the first time or when expanding your flock, experienced shepherds will advise you to not buy breeding stock from auction barns. When you decide to purchase stock from auction barns you are buying in other producers’ problems. It is therefore essential that you buy breeding stock from reputable breeders.

Starting Out

Glen Duff, a purebred Rideau breeder, strongly believes that “the two most critical steps for a new producer are 1) Draft a brief vision of their sheep operation and, 2) Identify a producer that will best meet the livestock needs for achieving that vision and readily provide supportive mentorship.” Duff is “pleased to hear potential customers discuss their ideas and goals in an intelligent manner when he realizes they have done their research and considered most of the important issues.”

If you are a beginning shepherd be sure to ask yourself what your goals are. Do you want to show, produce commercial market lambs, or sell breeding stock? Are you considering commercial or purebred sheep? What is your budget for breeding stock?

Glen Duff adds that, “A starter flock on a farm that has not had sheep for several years presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin with a clean flock in a clean facility to establish good biosecurity measures and have an exemplary

flock from a health status perspective. This, combined with the purchase of high quality animals that will meet the productivity goals established for the flock is a great start to success in the industry.”

Animal Health

If you were to buy cull ewes or young ewes from an auction barn, these ewes have been shipped for a reason. Glen Duff comments that, “it is difficult to imagine that some would begin with animals purchased from the stockyard since these are culls that are almost certainly diseased with caseous or Maedi Visna, lack teeth, have mastitis or at the very least exhibit low Continued on page 44.

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 Glen Porteous, 703037 Walker Sideroad RR#1, Chatsworth ON N0H 1G0 • (519) 794-4549 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 1

43

Continued from page 43 ~Buyer

Beware – Looking for Breeding Stock

or even no productivity. A group of ewes purchased from the stockyard to begin a flock is virtually a guarantee of failure.”

You may have purchased these sheep for a ‘deal’ however, starting out with diseased sheep or accidentally introducing a disease into your existing flock can be very costly for you. You may have to incur vet bills, medication costs, health program testing, loss of production from ewes and rams and disinfecting costs, to name a few. While these animals may have been cheaper, in the long run they will end up becoming more expensive than healthy stock. You will also have more time and labour invested in these sheep with treatment of diseases, vet calls, etc.

Dr. Paula Menzies recommends to “be informed of what diseases are important and the health status of your own sheep.

Try to purchase healthy youngstock (e.g. unbred ewe lambs and “virgin” ram lambs) from a single source, ideally a flock on a health program. If you ask the vendor the health status of the sheep, they must tell you the truth. Ask if they routinely use an animal diagnostic laboratory; ask what their abortion status is or if they have problems with adult sheep losing condition.

This is to protect your flock, the most important flock in the world.”

Genetic Information

When purchasing new stock you should ask the seller if they are on the SFIP / GenOvis program. Delma Kennedy, Sheep Specialist for OMAFRA, had this to say, “Sheep are the building blocks of a sheep flock. The health and genetics of your sheep will define the limits of the performance that you can expect from your sheep operation. Breeders who are keeping performance records on their animals will be able to give you information on how their animals will perform in your flock. It is important to purchase animals directly from the breeder to ensure that you are purchasing animals that have the potential to work in your production system.”

Estimated progeny differences (EPD’s) are an accurate and reliable way to select genetically superior animals. These animals will perform well for you and will be an excellent start to your flock.

More information on genetics and EPD’s can be found in the June 2011 Edition of Sheep News.

Breeding stock is available

If you are discouraged because you cannot find breeding stock, you will have to dig a little deeper. Breeding stock is available you just have to know where to look. Sources such as the OSMA classifieds and breeder directory as well as the Canadian Co-operative Woolgrowers Magazine can help you in your search for the particular breed you are looking for. Contacting breed associations can also be a good idea. Asking fellow sheep 44

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

producers is also another way to search for breeding stock.

Some breeders advertise by word of mouth only.

Courtesy of Bruce and Hilary Albers, Spencerville

When you have found an ad or breeder that you think may have the sheep for you, be sure to ask around and see if other buyers have been happy with the results. This never hurts as good breeders will have satisfied customers / producers.

Glen Duff agrees. “Perhaps one of the most important considerations once one has developed a plan is the purchase of the animals that will meet their established goals. To me, an exemplary supplier of breeding stock is one that views the customer as a long-term partner and provides them with quality stock, being open and honest about the productivity expectations and health status. A successful breeder will supply many successful operations with livestock and partners with them in achieving their success. A high level of integrity and knowledge openly shared with potential customers will help them flush out their goals and ultimately achieve success.”

If you are looking for a large number of sheep (400 for example) you may have to buy in 100 at a time from one breeder, it may take you up to four years to buy in 400 sheep.

This is a much better way to grow your flock than seeking alternative measures such as buying at an auction barn or multiple different farms.

When talking about new producers Glen Duff states, “I am sometimes alarmed by those with no experience in sheep or any other animal husbandry who are in a rush to purchase a large number of sheep and start off in a big way. Even the most experienced shepherds make mistakes but generally speaking those with little or no experience would do well to start small and develop a sound application of the challenges of nutrition, lambing difficulties, diseases, productivity and many of other important matters related to flock management.”

Quarantine Newly Purchased Breeding Stock

When you do decide to purchase breeding stock from either a reputable breeder or healthy animals from a performance sale, be sure to quarantine these sheep. Newly purchased sheep should be kept separate from your main flock; this may mean housing them in a different barn or shed to ensure they are healthy before turning them out in your flock. Dr. Paula Menzies has recommendations on how long your sheep should be quarantined.

“Maedi visna virus infection can be detected using a simple blood test but two negative tests 2 to 3 months apart are needed while in quarantine to make sure that the sheep was not incubating the disease.”

Potential Infections from a healthy looking animal.

“Footrot can be cured while the sheep is in quarantine by paring and inspecting the feet and then soaking in 10% zinc sulphate for 30 minutes on arrival, quarantining and then repeating in a week. After that, risk is minimal to your flock unless the sheep is a chronic carrier, usually indicated by deformed feet or lameness.

“The risk of bringing in anthelmintic (dewormer) resistant intestinal parasites can be eliminated safely by deworming with two different dewormers (on the advice of your veterinarian) on arrival, holding in quarantine for several days until all residual eggs have been passed, and then turning onto a contaminated pasture so that any remaining resistant parasites left in the sheep are diluted with the “home” parasites.

Menzies cautions that, “other diseases are not so easily eliminated through a simple quarantine process and knowing the health status of the flock you are buying from is more important. Examples are Johne’s disease - sheep may shed the bacteria in their manure for 6 months to a year before testing positive on a blood test; chlamydial abortion - ewes can pick up the infection as lambs and will be healthy until bred and lamb or abort in your flock, there is no blood test for that disease that is reliable before they abort ; caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) can hide in internal abscesses in the lung or in abscesses that break and drain in the wool - there is no reliable blood test that can pick up infected animals; rams shared between flocks can bring diseases with them. To protect your flock from these diseases, you need to know if the flock you are buying from is clean.”

Once you have quarantined your newly purchased sheep for the correct amount of time (contact your veterinarian if you are unsure), you can turn your new stock out with the rest of your flock. You can now enjoy your investment.

Healthy stock will not only save you time and money, but will be more productive which will ensure you are successful. OSN

Thank you to Glen Duff, Dr. Paula Menzies and Delma Kennedy for their input.

P r o d u c e r R e m i t t a nce s

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

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, Ontario N1K 1B1 Sheep/Lamb: Fee is $1.80 per head plus 13% HST

Producer #___________________

Name:_____________________________________________________________

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

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

Plus 13% HST

$________________________________

Total Remitted $________________________________ OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

45

district news

n

District 1

Counties of Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, and Elgin Meeting Dates: September 1: Annual Meeting at Coldstream. Elections will be held for the District Executive.

Meetings are usually held the first Thursday of every month at Coldstream Community Centre, just north west of London, Ontario at 8:00 PM Website: OSMA_district_1.tripod.com Contact: Marlene Raymond at 519-683-6635 Director Fraser Hodgson 519-786-4176 Chair John Sipkens 519-845-3710 Vice-Chair Bill Duffield 519-899-2663 Secretary/Treasurer Marlene Raymond 519-683-6635

District 2

Counties of Grey and Bruce Meetings usually held the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. For more information contact Glen Porteous at glenporteous@hotmail.com or Keith Grein at mk.grein@bmts.com September 15: Annual Meeting – 7:30 at Sprucedale Agromart in Hanover. Elections will be held for the District Executive. For more information please contact Anita DeJong at 519-534-1211.

Director Dennis Fischer 519-363-3819 Chair Vince Stutzki 519-363-6683 Vice-Chair Sarel Smit 519-369-1365 Secretary: Anita DeJong 519-534-1211 Treasurer: Jason Emke 519-364-0044

District 3

Counties of Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Oxford September 8: Annual meeting will be held at 7:30 at the Rostock Hall in Rostock. Elections will take place for the Provincial Director and District Executive.

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

46

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

september 2011

District 4

County of Brant, Regional Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, HaldimandNorfolk and Niagara September 20: Annual Meeting – 7:30 at the Kohler Ag Center in Kohler. Elections will take place for the District Executive.

Director Chris Kyle 519 632-7602 Chair Nancy Ireland 905-701-6026 Vice-Chair Secretary: Sharon Petherma 519-443-5844 Treasurer: Norman Johnson 905-562-4905

District 5

County of Wellington and Dufferin and the Regional Municipalities of Halton and Peel Director Andrew Gordanier 519-925-6502 Chair Jason Oosterhoff 519-928-5689 Vice Chair Bill McCutcheon 519-928-9626 Secretary Lene Band 905-877-2969 Treasurer Dianne Orr 519-928-5302

District 6

County of Simcoe, District Municipality of Muskoka and the District of Parry Sound Director Markus Wand 705-724-2314 Chair Peter Harvey 905-729-3196 Vice Chair Secretary Grant Cowan 705-436-2236 Treasurer Karen Harvey 905-729-3196

District 7

County of Metropolitan Toronto, Regional Municipalities of York and Durham, Counties of Victoria, Peterborough, and Northumberland September 7: Annual Meeting - Please call Cynthia Palmer for more information at 705-295-3351.

September 21: Predation Workshop 2, 7:30 pm at the Ops Community Center in Lindsay.

Judy Dening 705-324-3453 Director 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 19: Annual Meeting at Westdale Park School, Napanee at 7:00 pm. Elections will be held for the District Executive.

Director Chris Kennedy 613-389-0554 Chair Linda Huizenga 613-477-1393 Vice-Chair Jim Sabin 613-477-3443 Secretary Kenton Dempsey 613-969-8154 Treasurer Pat Purvis 613-353-5094

District 9

Counties of Renfrew and Lanark, and the Township of West Carleton and the City of Kanata in the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton September 19: Annual meeting – 7:00 pm at JR Restaurant in Almonte. Elections will be held for Provincial Director and District Executive.

Director Allan Burn 613-264-0801 Chair: Ganesh Raj 613-832-1317 Vice Chair: Christopher Moore 613-832-2182 Secretary: Sara Loten 613-264-0539 Treasurer Judy Senior 613-832-2480

Classifieds

District 10

Counties of Russell, Prescott, Glengarry Stormont, Dundas and Grenville, and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, except the Township of West Carleton and the City of Kanata Website: www.osmadistrict10.ca/ Contact: Colleen Acres – 613-826-2330 September 7: Annual Meeting at Leahurst House, Kemptville College at 7:00 pm. Elections will be held for District Executive.

Director Colleen Acres 613-826-2330 Chair Fred Baker 613-989-5352 Secretary Laurie Maus 613-527-1897 Treasurer Greg Stubbings 613-774-4563

District 11

Counties of Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay, Cochrane, Algoma, Sudbury, Temiskaming, Nippising and Manitoulin September 8: District AGM at Kerns Hall. Elections will be held for Provincial Director and District Executive.

Director VACANT Call OSMA Chair: Jim Johnston 705-647-7160 Secretary: Debra Garner 705-563-2761 OSN

Want to place an ad?

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

Duff Farms Rideau Yearlings & Lambs

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

Son Risen Farm Specializing in Heritage Breeds with Traditional Breed Types Purebred Border Cheviots, Shropshires & Southdowns. Also available F1 crossbreds

Andy & Jane Pearson 4102 Line 16 RR#7 • St. Marys ON • N4X 1C9 519-532-9729 • 519-301-2757 sonrisen@gmail.com

WO-NIKK-EL HEIGHTS

Purebred Breeding Stock for Sale Maedi/Visna Negative - Closed Flock - Status A Emmerson & Lisa Turney 8078 Line 8, RR#4, Kenilworth, ON N0G 2E0 519-848-6877 eturney@everus.ca

Registered Horned Dorsets OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

47

Classifieds Emke Cheviots 2011 North Country Cheviot lambs for sale.

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

Want to place an ad?

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

MAREMMA WHITE PUPS FOR SALE Pure white coats

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

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

Emke livestock Quality Suffolk Sheep We have a limited number of East Friesian X Arcott ewe lambs for the dairy sector.

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

“Quality Breeds Quality”

PDK

S HEARI N G Shearing and Tutoring Available

Phone (519)

348-4266

Cell (519) 274-2050

e-mail: peter_kudelka@sympatico.ca

PETER KUDELKA

Box 39, Mitchell, Ont. N0K 1N0

48

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

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

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

Call Ken Burgess 705-527-9058

CLUN FOREST REGISTERED SHEEP

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

Wholesale and Retail Meats We buy Lambs & Sheep for Slaughter

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

519-463-5511

South African Meat Merino Prolific crosses with supreme carcass quality Don & Wilma Duncan RR1, 807117 Oxford Road 29 Drumbo, ON, N0J 1G0,

519-463-5511

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

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

Available in Ontario from

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

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 L aber 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

HAMPSHIRES

Looking for a ram to add more weight to your next lamb crop?

Contact us.

Craig & Missy Emke

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

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

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

Orchardview Farm

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

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

(519) 287-5085

Premier breeder at the 2008 Royal Texel Show

MAPLE MEADOW FARMS Est. 1923

Hampshires Suffolks Dorsets Rideau Arcotts Rams and Ewes (SFIP tested) Commercial Ewe lambs (Suffolk – Rideau) (Dorset Rideau) Maedi Visna Monitored 6830 Belmeade Road • Osgoode ON K0A 2W0 Phone: 613-826-2330 • Fax: 613-826-1076 www.maplemeadows.ca Three Cotswold Rams - five months old $200 each from T. Hutchinson’s breeding. Please contact Carol Guy at Riverdale Farm 416-392-8689. cguy@ toronto.ca or riverdalefarm@toronto.ca

CEDAR CREEK SCANNING

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

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

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.

Retirement Auction Sale for Ron and Adele Service Black Walnut Lane • Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0

When: Saturday October 1, 2011 Time: 10:00 a.m.

Where: On the Farm. 814 Millgrove Side Road, Millgrove ON Complete Sheep Flock and Equipment Dispersal consisting of approximately: 80 Full Blood Katahdin Ewes, 70 Texel Upgrade Ewes, 60 Booroola Ewes and 10 Jacob Ewes, plus Katahdin, Texel, Jacob and Booroola rams and Teaser Romanov Ram. Assortment of Gates, Panels, Feeders, Water Bowls and misc. sheep equipment.

Complete Herd of 14 Dexter Cows, with Calves and Yearlings, plus Bull.

Sale to be conducted by Brubacher Sales, Brent Walker and Dennis Martin. 519-654-7833 Details to follow. Watch for ad in Ontario Farmer.

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

49

BREEDER

DIRECTORY

booroola

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

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.

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.

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.

dorper

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

Charollais

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

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

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

North Country Cheviots

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

Polled Dorset

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

Mulmur Vista Farm Bill McCutcheon, R.R.#2, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0, 519-928-9626, Email: wmccutcheon@sympatico.ca. Purebred Rideau closed flock, SFIP tested, Scrapie level certified.

romanOv

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

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

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

CharlieRenaud@3web.com www.prolificacressheepfarm.com

Shetland Sheep

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

Shropshire

Muriel Burnett Burndale Farm 1314 Killarney Bay Rd. RR#1 Cameron, Ont. K0M 1G0.

705-887-6512. Purebred and Commercial for sale. Some British Genetics. GenOvis Tested.

Suffolk

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

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

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

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

British Bloodlines. Purebred and crosses available.

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

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

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

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

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

Texel

Robert & Gail Irvine Rocky Lane Farm, R.R. #4 Peterborough, ON K9J 6X5 rgirvine@nexicom.net. Phone 705-292-7207, MV & ROP tested. Selected for maternal traits and muscling. Accelerated system. New genetics out of 4 elite New Zealand rams.

Cedar Ridge Texels – Riva Berezowski & Steve Vidacs. Danish and Dutch lines. Scrapie Level A, MV Negative, SFIP. Please Call for more info at (519) 371-7314 or email at riva.berezowski@gmail.com

Century Lane Farm Robert & Shirley Graves, 5576 Faulkner Trail, Stittsville, ON, K2S 1B6, 613-831-2656, rgraves@storm.ca Breeding & Performance. Geared for the Commercial Producer, Registering sheep since 1967, ROP Tested Flock since 1976, OSMA Maedi-Visna Flock Project – ‘A’ Status, Participants of the CFIA Scrapie Certification Program – Level ‘B’

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. Maedi Visna Tested.

Mulmur Vista Farm Bill McCutcheon, R.R.#2, Grand Valley, ON L0N 1G0, 519-928-9626, Email: wmccutcheon@sympatico.ca. Texel Rams available from French and Dutch Bloodlines.

Embryos available, closed flock, SFIP tested, Scrapie level certified.

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

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

50

OSN S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1

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