Messenger August 2012

T HEMessenger M ESSENGER The AUGUST 2012

Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, 130 Malcolm Road, Guelph, ON, N1K 1B1 www.ontariosheep.org Tel: 519-836-0043

Inside This Issue

OSMA Producer Education Day and AGM October 26 & 27, 2012

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Draft Agenda – Page 14

“Breeding Time” Taken by Karen Hayward

Board Decisions / Actions Programs Religious & Ethnic Holidays General Interest Programs / Workshops Upcoming Events District Information Other District Organizations OSMA Reaching Out

District Elections See Page 8

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

BOARD DECISIONS / ACTIONS

NEXT SCHEDULED BOARD MEETINGS Face to Face Board Meetings Aug 24/25 (in District 10) Oct 10 Oct 26-27 (AGM)

BOARD MEETING – July 11       

OLPC is holding a Small Ruminant workshop to deal with foreign disease outbreaks. Luann Erb will attend from the Board April and May Financial Statements have been accepted Governance committee is reviewing Bylaw 1 Predation and Wildlife committee is preparing a Guardian Dog Bylaw letter to be sent to Municipalities A draft budget for 2012-2013 was presented and will be reviewed at the next Board Meeting Search Committee has been formed to look for a new General Manager Next Board Meeting in August will be held in District 10

PROGRAMS

PREDATION AND WILDLIFE DAMAGE Ontario has increased the compensation farmers can access for damage caused by predatory wildlife.

Through the new Wildlife Damage Compensation Program livestock producers can receive compensation when their livestock are injured or killed by predatory wildlife. The new program expands the current list of wildlife species and variety of livestock that farmers can be compensated for, and increases the maximum compensation rates for farmers. The maximum compensation is now $1,200 for purebred and $300 for non-purebred sheep.

Value depends on assessed animal value.

For more information visit: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/pre dation.htm

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCERS UNDER THE AGRICULTURE-WILDLIFE DAMAGE COMPENSATION PROGRAM As of April 1, 2012 ALL producers will be required to have a Premises ID and a Farm Business Registration (FBR) number in order to receive compensation for livestock that are killed or injured by predators eligible under the new wildlife damage program.

Predation –Wildlife Committee: Mark Ritchie (Chair); Rob Scott; Chris Kennedy; Dick Kuiperij

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

NEW YOUNG FARM LOANS FOR CANADA Young and beginning farmers will find it easier to start and grow their farm businesses with the help of a new $500 million loan program, introduced by the federal gov't and FCC yesterday. This new loan offers qualified producers who are under 40 years of age loans of up to $500,000 to purchase or improve farmland and buildings. Producers between the ages of 18 and 39 make up approximately 16% of Canadian producers, according to the 2006 Census.

The FCC Young Farmer Loan includes features and options that address this demographic, and support their long-term success. These include: - variable rates at prime plus 0.5% and special fixed rates - no loan processing fees The Young Farmer Loan enhances FCC's suite of existing products and services that support young

producers, such as the FCC Transition Loan, FCC Business Planning Award, FCC Learning events and publications, FCC Go Ag! events, and FCC Management Software for both accounting and field management. The program is being welcomed by farm groups. The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) President Martin Unrau said financing is one of the biggest obstacles facing many young producers wanting to start or expand a farm business. "There are plenty of young people who love agriculture and want to start their own business, but just can't make the numbers work. Providing young people with the opportunity to secure loans that are tailored to their age and stage in life is crucial to keeping them in the industry," he said. For more information on the FCC Young Farmer Loan, visit www.fcc.ca/youngfarmerloan

RELIGIOUS & ETHNIC HOLIDAY’S For more information on the Holidays please click the link below to go to the OSMA website: Religious & Ethnic Holidays - http://www.ontariosheep.org/ - Market Information – Market Reports

GENERAL INTEREST

We want to hear from you

PREDATION COMPENSATION OSMA's Predation-Wildlife Committee is interested in hearing of concerns you may have with compensation for predator kills. The province has recently made some major changes to the process of compensation for predator damages. The committee has heard unconfirmed reports of problems with the

implementation of the new regulations. Please let us know if you have encountered problems with the revised compensation program. Email your comments to Jennifer at admin@ontariosheep.org

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

AUTO DIALER We have incorporated an ‘ auto dialing or phone system’ that will allow us to call producers at their homes. The purpose of this is to use the auto dialer as a tool for the District Executives to have the office call their producers and leave messages regarding events that they can attend or information that might

benefit them. Recognizing that producers do not want to be inundated with many calls, we are using it wisely and we have given them the option of going on a ‘no call’ list. We are proud of this innovation and believe this is a first in the Ontario meat commodity sector.

UPDATE ON HOW TO OBTAIN A PREMISES ID Premises Identification Numbers can be obtained from the Provincial Premises Registry (PPR) now operated by approved service provider Angus GeoSolutions Inc. (AGSI). The PPR is the only official provincial registry for obtaining Ontario Premises Identification Numbers for agri-food businesses. Premises Identification numbers issued before April 1, 2012 are still valid.

Obtaining a Premises Identification Number for your agri-food business is an important step towards traceability in Ontario.

To register your premises or update your information, please contact AGSI:  Online: www.ontarioppr.ca  By phone: 1-855-697-7743 (MY PPR ID)

NEW

Wool Depot in Northern Ontario CCWG would like to advise sheep Producers that a new wool depot has been established for Northern Ontario and is now open. The contact information is as follows: Ernie Tobler 019132 Frontier Rd. RR#3 New Liskeard ON P0J 1P0 Home: 705-647-4801 Cell: 705-647-0411 Please call depot in advance of delivering your wool. All bags should be identified with your name and address.

For further information call CCWG at 1-800-488-2714

WEB PORTAL HELPS BUSINESSES SAVE TIME Ontario is making it faster and easier for new and small businesses to get the services and information they need to start, operate and grow.

To date, more than 10,000 businesses have registered for the Province's ONe-Source for Business service.

The online portal provides quick and easy access to over 5,000 services and information from all levels of government, allowing small business owners to focus on creating jobs and competing in the global economy.

ONe-Source for Business helps business owners: www.serviceontario.ca/business

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find information about funding and grant programs

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create a virtual briefcase to securely access saved information at later date

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complete and submit forms online, eliminating the need to mail them in

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find customized information about the permits and licences they need.

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

PROGRAMS - WORKSHOPS

CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL LOANS ACT (CALA) PROGRAM The CALA program builds on and replaces the previous Farm Improvement & Marketing Cooperative Loans Act (FIMCLA) program.

The CALA program is a financial loan guarantee program that provides farmers easier access to credit.

Farmers can use these programs to establish, improve and develop farms.

For more information click on the following link:

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program > Programs and Services or http://www.agr.gc.ca/index_e.php - Choose programs & services – Choose alphabetically then choose Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) Program.

LIVESTOCK AUCTION TRACEABILITY INITIATIVE (LATI) The Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative (LATI) will provide contributions to assist primarily in the alteration of animal handling structures, which will enhance traceability capabilities at high-risk, high through-put sites where animals from different herds co-mingle.

For more information click on the following link: http://www4.agr.gc.ca/ - Choose programs & services – Choose alphabetically then choose Livestock Auction Traceability Initiative

GROWING FORWARD A commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial government that supports the development and implementation of best practices in four key areas: 1) 2) 3) 4)

Environment and Climate Change Business Development Food Safety and Traceability Biosecurity

For more information: Call 1-888-479-3931; e-mail growingforward@ontario.ca Or visit their website by copy and paste of the following link: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/about/growin gforward/2011-index.htm

AGRIWEBINAR – LEARNING WITHOUT LIMITS Presented by The Canadian Farm Business Management Council.

Currently: The Agriwebinar season is complete. Information on upcoming speakers and topics will be posted at a later date.

Visit the website to access over 100 archived webinars, and to subscribe to their mailing list.

Website: http://www.agriwebinar.com/

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

FARM CREDIT CANADA Where do you want your operation to be in five years? Do you know how to get there?

For information on upcoming workshops visit: www.fcc.ca/workshops or call 1-888-332-3301

ONTARIOFRESH.CA WAS LAUNCHED IN FALL OF 2011 Registration is now open for Ontariofresh.ca, the new free website and online community that has been created to expand the market for buyers and sellers of local Ontario food. The aim is to make connections across the food service value chain, linking bulk

buyers, chefs, restaurants, caterers and distributors as well as growers and producers. You can register your business’ profile at http://www.ontariofresh.ca/ or by calling 1-888-249-9399 or 647-426-8420.

ADVANTAGE ON-FARM FOOD SAFETY WEBINARS The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) will be hosting 9 webinar sessions on Good Agriculture Practices for your farm, available at no cost.

Food Safety on Multi-Commodity Farms Identify the risks associated with a multi-commodity farm, the good agricultural practices which address those risks and how they apply to your farm. Webinar -Tuesday, August 28, 2012, 12:00 pm (noon) – 12:40 pm

Good Agricultural Practices when using manure and compost teas, demonstrating proper implementation for better soil, growing for tomorrow. Webinar Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 12:00 pm (noon) – 12:45 pm

Hygiene and Sanitation Learn how to develop and implement a worker hygiene program for both the pack house and field as well as a building and equipment sanitation program. Webinar – Tuesday, September 25, 12:00 pm (noon) - 12:50 pm

Getting Started in Food Safety Learn how to identify the role food safety plays in farming operations; analyze the associated risks and what good agricultural practices are and how they apply.

This module will also explain the resources OMAFRA has to offer to help reduce your risks.

Webinar –Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 12:00 pm (noon) – 12:45 pm

Preparing for an On-Farm Food Safety Audit Interpret what to expect from an audit, the general requirements of a food safety program, and applying the tools needed for a successful audit. Webinar Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 12:00 pm (noon) – 1:00 pm Using Food Safety to Market Your Products Make your food safety practices work for you in the marketplace. Understand how keeping your customers informed about the food safety efforts you have made can benefit your business. Webinar Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 12:00 pm (noon) – 12:40 pm Manure, Compost and Compost Teas Identify what is required to create or maintain a good growing base for your agri-needs. This workshop will outline

3-2-1 Assessment of Your Farm Operation for Food Safety Asses your present farm practices for food safety and develop an action plan to ensure your operation is meeting the best practices. This module is interactive and uses computer resources to assess your risks. Webinar -Thursday, February 28, 2013, 12:00 pm (noon) – 12:45 pm Register today!

Register online at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/foodsaf ety/producers/webinars.htm Registration closes the day before each workshop. A confirmation email will be sent following registration with the workshop teleconference/webinar details.

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS For more information on any upcoming event please visit the OSMA website at: Events (http://www.ontariosheep.org/Events.aspx)

KINGSTON SHEEP DOG TRIALS, 25 t h ANNIVERSARY CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Aug 10-12: Among the 2012 attractions will be the Birds of Prey and Jungle Cat World shows, Flyball and Agility demos, K9 Unit and sheep shearing demos, the Craft and Artisans fair, Sheep to Shawl competition and auction – all attractions that appeal to kids and adults alike! And introducing a special 25th Anniversary feature The Celebrity Chef Trials. For more information and to register go to: www.kingstonsheepdogtrials.com

RIDEAU FOCUS Aug. 18: 1 – 4 pm at Breezy Ridge Farm; 203 Mount Pleasant trail, Sutton, ON; (Georgina for gps). Focusing on the latest technology and ideas. Announcing the Rideau Sheep breeding initiative to develop parasite resistant sheep. Corn pasturing demonstration. New Zealand’s latest handling equipment on display. Grober’s newest, milk dispenser and products. For information contact Bill McCutcheon at 519-928-9626 or Phil & Liz Smith at 905478-4280 or contact us at www.rideausheep.com

CANADA’S OUTDOOR FARM SHOW September 11 – 13 – Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock, ON. Watch for details on the 2012 show at http://www.outdoorfarmshow.com/

2012 INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH September 18 – 22 – Waterloo Region, “Cultivate Country Celebrate Community”. Check for regular updates at http://www.ipm2012.ca/

OSMA PRODUCER EDUCATION DAY AND AGM October 26 & 27 – Holiday Inn, Scottsdale Drive, Guelph, ON

2012 CANADIAN ALL BREED HERDING CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWCASE October 27 – 28 The Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron, in Clinton, ON, is the site of this years Canadian All Breed Herding Championship Showcase. The top all breed sheep dogs from across Canada and the northern USA, as determined by their standings in Canadian Kennel Club herding trials, will be competing in head to head competition. Check out www.herdingcanadashowcase.com for more information.

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

DISTRICT INFORMATION

Note: For further information and details about your District please contact your District Secretary

Consider Taking a Role on Your District Executive

District Elections

District AGM are coming soon. Consider running for one of the following positions. More detailed descriptions available on the OSMA website at www.ontariosheep.org Provincial Director: This year elections for District Provincial Director will be held in District 1, 4, 7, and 10. The role of a Provincial Director is to promote the best interest of the entire sheep industry in Ontario and work to fulfill the Mission Statement of OSMA. A Provincial Director must be a team player and previous Board or Committee experience is an asset. For more information on electing a new Provincial Director see page 12 District Chair – Provides leadership to District sheep producers and ensures open two-way communication between District producers and the OSMA Board of Directors District Vice-Chair – Provides support for the District Chair and steps in for the Chair when necessary Secretary/Treasurer – Can be separated into two positions or held by the same person. Responsible for keeping meeting minutes and keeping District finances in order. This person is the main liaison between the OSMA office and the District Committee.

District 1: Please contact your District Secretary for date and location of your next District meeting Aug 11: 2012 OSMA District 1 Summer Tour Lambton County area Meet at: Christian Reformed Church, 4524 Confederation Wyoming at 8:40 am or DawnEuphemia Community Centre, Mill Street, Florence at 8:15 am for carpooling 9:00 am - Bill and Barb Freer - herding dog demonstration (Petrolia area) 10:30 am - Sjaarda Caprine Farms - dairy goat operation (Wyoming area) Lunch at local restaurant (pay your own) 2:00 pm - Mike and Laura Shamblaw - 535 ewe operation with accelerated lambing (central Lambton) Please RSVP to Paul LeBoeuf at leboeufs@live.ca or 519-350-5315. All those interested in commercial sheep production are welcome. No charge.

Sept 6: District AGM at the Rutherford Fire Hall Oct: Sheep conditioning at Barb Dickenson’s farm in Sarnia

Nov 1: District meeting at Rutherford Fire Hall Dec 6: Christmas meeting and pot luck at Wyoming Church Contact: District Secretary: Michelle Prudom at 519-845-3998 or District 1 Website: OSMA_district_1.tripod.com

District 2: Sept 20: District AGM at 7:30 pm at Grey Gables, Markdale in the large room Meetings usually held the 1st Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. For more information contact Glen Porteous at glenporteous@hotmail.com Contact: District Secretary - Kyle Harrison 519369-3954

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

District 3:

District 8:

Contact: District Secretary - Neil Mesman 519504-3089 or email: neil.mesman@me.com

Sept 18: District AGM at the Napanee District Secondary School

District 4:

Contact: District Secretary – Linda Huizenga phone: 613-477-1393

Sept 18: District AGM at 7:30 pm at the Kohler Ag Center; Kobhler Rd., Cayuga Last Saturday of every month: Breakfast at 9 am at Devine’s in Jarvis. Join us for sheep chat, good people and good food.

Contact: District Secretary - Sharon Petheram; 519443-5844 or email: petherdale@gmail.com

District 5: Aug 29: District AGM at 6:30 pm at Daina Hunter’s home; 8754 Sideroad 15; RR4; Belwood Meetings are usually last Wed. of every month, Location TBA Contact: District Secretary - Lene Band phone: 905-877-2969 e-mail: lhband@hotmail.com

District 9: Aug 25: Sheep Farm Tour for anyone interested in producing sheep and fellow sheep producers. The Tour will take place at 3 large sheep farms ranging in numbers from 100 ewes to 500, purebred and commercial flocks. These Flocks are located in the Pontiac area. With enough interest we will be renting a bus to take us to and from these flocks, a small fee may be required to cover part of the bus expense. For more information and to register ahead of time, call Chris Moore at 613-229-1643 or Melissa Ferguson at melissaruth16@hotmail.com Sept 18: District AGM at 7 pm at JR’s Restaurant in Almonte Contact: District Secretary – David Bentley phone: 613-256-1628

District 10: District 6:

District 10 Website: www.osmadistrict10.ca/

Sept 6: District AGM at 7:30 pm at Church’s Farm Supplies; Innisfil Beach Rd. Guest Speaker is Terry Ackerman from Canadian Lamb Cooperative Contact: District Secretary – Grant Cowan phone: 705-436-2236 or e-mail: gcowan@gtcnet.ca

Aug 24 & 25: Provincial Director Board meeting and tour Sept 12: District AGM at 7:30 pm in the Boardroom of the George Centre, part of the KCAT campus of the UoG Sept 22: Fall tour to Woolgrowers in Carleton Place

District 7:

Contact: District Secretary – Gary Lapier phone: 613-989-2792

Sept 26: District AGM at 7 pm tentatively at the Oakwood Co-op on Taylor Rd.

District 11:

Contact: District Secretary – Donna Aziz phone: 905-852-9252

Sept 6: District AGM at 7 pm at Kerns Hall; New Liskeard Contact: District Secretary – Debra Garner Email: bill.debgarner@gmail.com phone: 705-563-2761

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

OTHER DISTRICT ORGANIZATIONS Victoria County Sheep Producers.

Third Wednesday every month starting at 7:30 Sunderland Co-op Boardroom at Oakwood Location Membership is $20 per farm per year. Contact: Doug Walden - 705-324-7478 Southwestern Sheep Farmers Aug 23 - Annual Lamb Barbeque, Poplar Hill Park, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Advance tickets only.

Adults $18.00. Children (6 – 12) $7:00 Preschoolers Free. For tickets call 519-666-0596, 519- 666-1682 or 519-287-5637. Tickets also available at OMAFRA London, 667 Exeter Road, call 519-873-4070.

Co-sponsored by Southwestern Ontario Sheep Farmers.

Formerly known as Middlesex Sheep & Lamb Producers Chairman - George Molson, 519-695-2936, Secretary/Treas – Marilyn Walker, 510-287-5637, Grey Bruce Sheep Management Club Location: Grey Gables in Markdale Western Ontario Lamb Producers District 2 and 3 area Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association

OSMA REACHING OUT

OSMA Website – www.ontariosheep.org Have you visited OSMA’s new website yet. If you haven’t, please take a moment to check it out. The following are just a few of things you will find.

About Ontario Sheep - Messenger Programs, Services - OSN Market Information - Locators – Lamb, Guardian Animals, and Breed Sheep Production Information - Lamb Nutrition and Recipes Current Initiatives - Virtual Farm Tour Research Projects - Links and Videos News - Kids Corner Events

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

CHECK OUT THE NEW LAYOUT FOR ONTARIO SHEEP NEWS AND THE MESSENGER ON THE OSMA WEBSITE

HELP US KEEP YOU INFORMED To keep you up to date on current events by phone and email please make sure that we have your current information.

TELL YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBOURS TO UPDATE THEIR INFORMATION Contact us by calling 519-836-0043 or emailing admin@ontariosheep.org

August 2012

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

2012 Producer Education Day Friday October 26, 2012 Holiday Inn 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph N1G 3E7 Phone: 1‐877‐660‐8550 Morning Session

AGENDA

8:00 am

Registration

9:00 am

Welcome & Opening Comments

9:10 am

Dr. Paula Menzies, U of G “My Top Ten Sheep Diseases”

10:00 am

Dave Vandenbroek & Chris Crump, Ontario Swine Improvement Inc. “Genetic Improvement – A Comparison Between Swine & Sheep”

10:25 am

Break

10:50 am

John Molenhuis, OMAFRA “Top KPIs and What They Mean to You”

11:30 am

Susan Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald & Co. “Top 10 Low Cost Biosecurity Practices”

12:00 pm

Hot Lunch – Visit our Exhibitors and Sponsors

Afternoon Session 1:00 pm

Breeding Stock Producer Panel “Addressing Breeding Stock”

2:00 pm

Jennifer Stevenson, OMAFRA “Top 10 Tips For Sound Financial Planning”

2:40 pm

Break

3:00 pm

Rex Crawford, Dufferin Veterinary Services “Top 10 Ways to Improve Flock Health”

3:45 pm

Break until Evening Program

3:45 – 5: 45 pm

CSBA Meeting

Evening Session 6:00 pm

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

6:45 pm

Ontario Fresh Premium Lamb Buffet Banquet

7:25 pm

Awards Presentation

7:50

Paul Mussell, Comedian “Laughing till the Sheep Come Home”

8:30 – 10:00 pm

Networking & Trade Show

Any Questions, email admin@ontariosheep.org or call the office at 519­836­0043

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

2012 Annual General Meeting Saturday October 27, 2012 Holiday Inn 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph N1G 3E7 Phone: 1‐877‐660‐8550 Morning Session 8:00 am

Registration

8:30 am

Welcome & Introductions – Dennis Fischer, OSMA Chair

8:45 am

State of the Industry Report – Anita O’Brien, OMAFRA

AGENDA

Business Meeting 9:15 am

9:30 am

Adopt Agenda and Elect Scrutineers Minutes of 2011 AGM Report from Dennis Fischer, OSMA Chair Review of 2011/2012 Financial Statements Announcement of auditors for OSMA for the coming year Question Period (intermittent)

10:30 am

Break

11:00 am

Report from 2011 Resolutions 2012 Resolutions to be presented, discussed and voted on

11:25 am

Presentation of 2012/2013 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 pm

Buffet Lunch – Visit trade booths

1:00 pm

Announcement of OSMA officers for 2012/2013

Afternoon Session – Valuable “Take Home” Ideas 1:05 pm

Kaiti Nixon “Top 10 Points about Predation”

1:45 pm

Paul Luimes “Top 10 Ideas for Managing Nutrition”

2:30 pm

Adjourned

Any Questions, email admin@ontariosheep.org or call the office at 519­836­0043

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012

OSMA and the Industry – Messenger

August 2012