Ontario Sheep News - June 2011

industry highlights

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production innovations

Vol. 30 - Issue 2

june 2011

NEWS

OntarioSheep

Focus on

District Development Get Ready for BioFlock Two Producers: Profiling their Marketing Expertise

P M 4 0 0 3 3 529

Cochrane, Alberta, Canada

DORPERS

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JOIN THE CHANGE TO DORPERS Meat Buyers want Dorper and Dorper X Lambs High Carcass Values Ray & Ann Marie Hauck www.ramhbreeders.com

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Tel/Fax: 403-932-3135 am@ramhbreeders.com

SHEEP CANADA

20/03/2008 10:09:03 AM

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June 2011

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Chair Report

Advocating for Ontario Sheep Producers

5 Editorial

What’s in Your Old Coat

6 GM Report

Living Out the Vision 7

Market Report

8 Can Corn Silage be a Part of a Profitable Feeder Lamb Nutrition Management Program?

11 Early Summer Grazing Tips 12 4-H Sheep Clubs 13 New Technology at the Van der Veen Farm

We highly recommend this issue of the Sheep News. Well, to be honest, I really enjoyed it but Eunice here thought it was just “not baaaaad”.

14 CSF Points of View 17 RFID Tags: Comments from Producers and Question and Answers 18 Grant Preston Retires from OSSA 19 Quiz - Do Ewe Know What Ewe’re Talking About?

20 It Costs Nothing and Can Mean Everything: Why You Need A Premises ID 21 Producer Profile: The Erb Family 22 What to Look for at a Production Sale 24 The Festival of Cheese 25 Maedi Visna: A Chronic Wasting Disease 26 Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show 2011 27 Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Scholarship 28 District Development: Training the Trainer 29 Everything You Wanted To Know About Your Upcoming District AGM 31 Upcoming Events 32 Temiskaming Famers Pressing for Return of Coyote Hunting 33 District 10 Multi-Breed Production Sale 34 BioFlock – New* A Web-based Flock Management Software 36 Summary of Food Integrity Index Rating 39 Marketing – One Producer’s Perspective - Laurie Maus 42 District News Cover Photo: T unis Cheviot cross twin lambs from Hawk Hill Farm, District 10.

Farm of Laurie and Bob Maus.

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 District 4 Chris Kyle District 5 Andrew Gordanier District 6 Markus Wand District 7 Judy Dening District 8 Chris Kennedy District 9 Allan Burn 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 Ruth Gilmour Office Manager/Communication

Co-ordinator, OSN Editor Jillian Craig Sheep News Assistant Roselen Marcy 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 Fax: (519) 836-2531 E-mail: general@ontariosheep.org Website: www.ontariosheep.org www.lambrecipes.ca Market Line: (519) 836-0043 Publications Mail Registration Number: 40033529 ISSN 0844-5303 june 2011 Date of Issue: June 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

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june 2011

Advocating For Ontario Sheep Producers

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Chris Kennedy

art of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency’s mandate is advocacy on behalf of the sheep industry in Ontario. A lot of this work is meeting with provincial government officials to discuss new and/or revised Bills and Regulations that will affect the sheep industry. Many of these changes will also affect other parts of Ontario agriculture. For example, the Walkerton contaminated water tragedy triggered the O’Connor report that in turn led to the Nutrient Management Act, and later the Clean Water Act. These two pieces of legislation affect not only the sheep industry, but also many other businesses in Ontario.

Since I have been on the Board of Ontario Sheep I have been involved with several of these Acts. It started with the Nutrient

3. 95% of the government officials we work with are intelligent, reasonable people trying to balance off competing interests and arrive at a reasonable consensus. They are almost never faceless bureaucrats intent on building their own power base and destroying hardworking farmers, as they are sometimes portrayed in the press and some other agricultural organizations.

4. Some people not involved in any of the discussions will completely misunderstand both the process and the end result, and blame the agricultural organizations for failing to get everything that agriculture asked for. It is much easier to stand on the outside and criticize than work within the system to achieve a useful result.

Ontario Sheep continues on with advocacy work with the provincial government. One of the present issues include the whole issue of predation. We are expecting some meaningful changes to the compensation program. As always we will not get all we asked for, but I believe that considerable progress has been made. We also have a commitment from the Province to consider new programs for prevention and predator removal.

If you wonder if you need agricultural organizations, consider how your farm would have survived with a ban on cutting hay from June 1st to July 10th.

Management Act, which was just coming into the picture when I joined the Board in 2000. Ralph Stephen, the Chair at that time, had been covering it but seemed quite pleased to be able to pass it on to me. When the first draft of the Nutrient Management Act was released it was deeply flawed, being extremely onerous for Agriculture and largely unworkable. It took concentrated lobbying by several agricultural organizations, including Ontario Sheep, to get it redrafted, and a Provincial Nutrient Management Advisory Committee appointed to work on the regulations that fleshed out the Act. The end result of numerous meetings in Guelph was the present Act and Regulations. These are largely workable for agriculture, while still serving to protect Ontario water. While serving on this Committee I learned several lessons about how legislation comes about and I will share some of them with you: 1. The first is that it takes far longer, and is far more work than I ever imagined.

2.

All the competing interests have to be considered, and some of these perfectly legitimate concerns directly conflict with agricultural interests.

The result of the second lesson is that agriculture will almost never get everything it wants. Very often the end result is a consensus, where most interests are met and the remainder can live with the results.

We have worked with other groups on the Bobolink issue.

If you wonder if you need agricultural organizations, consider how your farm would have survived with a ban on cutting hay from June 1st to July 10th, as was originally mandated under the Endangered Species Act. OSMA and other lobby groups worked to achieve the three-year delay for implementation that will give time for workable solutions to be arrived at.

The provincial government has the power to enact legislation that can have severe repercussions for farmers. I believe that patient negotiation is usually more productive than open warfare in achieving favourable results.

On another important note, it is with regret that the Board has accepted the resignation of Mark Lenover as Provincial Director for District 11. Mark started his second term on the Board last year. He also represented OSMA on the Canadian Sheep Federation Board. At the Board table Mark had a great ability in a few words to cut to the essence of an issue, often from a different perspective, and we will miss his input. Mark has taken on other commitments that would have prevented him from giving the necessary time to OSMA. Thank you, Mark, for your contribution to OSMA 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.

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from the editor

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june 2011

What’s In Your Old Coat?

Ruth Gilmour, Ontario Sheep News Editor

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recall someone who once spoke about discovering that they had a hidden talent that they were never really aware of until they had decided to give it a try. When asked about the beautiful work that had come from their new found gift, they were overtaken by emotion and quietly said, “It was like finding a fortune in the lining of an old coat.”

Over the past few months, OMAFRA and OSMA have put on some training sessions to help develop and assist districts in many ways including giving them the tools to put on more effective meetings, understand the needs of all of their producers both large and small and to assist their district executives in sorting out their roles and responsibilites.

The individuals who volunteered consisted of many producers and Provincial Directors who have for years been very active in assisting their districts and the Ontario Sheep industry. Immersing at the same time were other producers who were not as known to the OSMA staff but agreed to step up and assist in the first webinar and then in the two day ‘District Training” event that took place in Guelph and to follow through on the rest of the upcoming sessions.

The joining of forces of these two groups has been truly amazing.. If we were to stretch the analogy and consider OSMA to be an old coat, then we have found a fortune in this merged team of smart, resourceful, tech savvy producers.

Going into this training, we knew that one of the best ways for both OSMA and OMAFRA to bring communication to our producers would be by communicating through the Internet and various means of what is known as Social Media.

What we didn’t know was that some Districts have beat us to it. District 11 has it’s own very special issues just due to shear size. With assistance from the OMAFRA staff, they had already set up a meeting through the Internet from 5 different locations. District 4 Executive had been having their meetings using facebook as has District 7. I know that other Districts have been using our conference call ability through the OSMA office to communicate with each other from the comfort of their own homes.

But please understand what these sessions are all about or better yet, what they are not about. They are not about instructing these producers on how to single-handedly run the meetings and their districts. They are about training them to assist their District Executive and other active producers in setting up meetings, working through proper procedures at meetings, being inclusive of all producers large and small, knowing roles and responsibilities, and ultimately having meetings and events that bring more producers together, not just for the educational factor but because they have found common ground and a place where they all look forward to

attending because they have a shared vision and many shared interests. There is nothing wrong with a District meeting being a social event as well, often those districts that have a strong social component are in fact the strongest districts.

This cannot all happen due to just one or two people. Your ‘Trainees” need buy in from two very strong sources, first from the other members of the District Executive and then from the producers who regularly attend meetings. If you are one of those producers, your support is very important.

Most districts have between 8 to 10 meetings a year. If you can agree to help out with just one meeting or event, you will definitely lessen the load on the others who are often doing the brunt of the work. But even more important than that, it is the attitude that you bring to your meetings that truly sets the tone of the meeting. It doesn’t mean that you can never voice concerns at a meeting but we all need to stop and remember that the people we admire most are the ones who bring a positive message into our lives.

We thank all the producers who have volunteered for this very large endeavour and we also thank the OMAFRA staff for your dedication to delivering this fantastic program and selecting OSMA as your pilot project. I would also like to say that we were disappointed that Linda Huizenga from District 8 was unable to attend the 2 day session. Linda has been the Chair of District 8 for many years and a strong supporter of this program long before it became a reality. Your presence was missed Linda.

So OSMA has ‘found a fortune’ in our producer’s generous input into this industry. I hope I leave no one out in also thanking other producers who have been working with staff and Board on other teams, committees and projects. We have producers on our Predation Team, our Breeding Stock Team, assisting on our Finance Committee and in areas of Business Risk Management, our Sheep Advisory Committee, and Research. They bring their expertise and their positive outlook.

Last, but certainly not least, I would like to acknowledge the producers on our Benchmarking Project.

They have committed not only time and energy into this project, they are also sharing their farm practices and finances (both good and bad) with the consultants who are overseeing this study. We know that this is not an easy thing to do but it will prove to be the basis of how we move this industry forward in the future. This study is one of the most important projects that OSMA has ever undertaken. Ultimately, they are doing it for you as are all the other producers who are involved in OSMA activities.

On a personal note, we will never find a fortune in the lining of our old coat unless we go looking for it. That’s a journey we should all attempt. OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

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general manager’s report

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june 2011

Living Out The Vision Murray Hunt

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n late 2009 the OSMA Board revised the vision for the Ontario Sheep Industry and the OSMA mandate. The following is my update on these matters for your review:

The OSMA Vision

To be the leader and trusted ally for the Ontario Sheep industry that will enable Ontario Shepherds to be the principal supplier of lamb and other sheep products in Ontario.

So one and a half years later I ask you what are you, the producers of sheep products, the producer leader or stakeholder in the industry are doing to work to achieve this vision. You can call this an early report card for you to consider over the summer before you take actions during this fall and winter. As you do that, I wish to offer to you some criteria to use in your evaluations.

Principal Supplier

Definitely when Canada supplies 42% of the domestic demand for sheep meat, we are not the principal supplier.

This places sheep producers in a much different scenario than other meat commodities. Foreign suppliers are not keeping our prices down or competing for shelf space. Regularly OSMA receives email inquires to the question – “so where can I find Ontario lamb in stores?” CSF over a year ago ran ads in farm papers challenging us to “Give Your Farm More Legs”. Those ads got both support and criticism from Ontario producers. Where would our industry be at in regards to meeting consumer demand without product from abroad? But more pertinent is the question often being asked across Canada is why are producers not expanding to fill the demand? OSMA and its sister organizations are all attempting to take actions to expand the volume of lamb coming off our farms. Ontario in early 2011 had 3% more sheep on our farms than a year earlier. Prices at the point of live animal sale are at record high levels. Where will the potential for expanding volumes come from, current producers or new producers? It is important for OSMA to use its resources wisely and to put its focus on areas that address growing the industry. I encourage each and every one of you to think about this matter and plan to attend your District Annual Meeting later this summer and provide your provincial director with your ideas on how we can grow the volume of lamb coming off of Ontario sheep farms.

Leader and Trusted Ally

OSMA appreciates the support it is receiving from the many stakeholders in the Ontario sheep industry. The inclusion of 6

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the term ‘trusted ally’ is exactly how OSMA wishes to be seen by all. Being allies definitely gives the message that all are working to a common cause albeit at times there are and will be different ideas on how to achieve the objectives. Moving the sheep industry ahead depends on working with the people who hold the resources and the responsibility. Those people include producers, industry stakeholders, and governments.

Everyone’s future depends on the ability to share and our propensity to work together.

OSMA Mission

To enhance producers’ returns and provide consumers with premium lamb and sheep products by encouraging Ontario sheep producers to provide a safe, quality, year-round product through advocacy, education, research and development, and promotion.

From your perspective is this mandate appropriate, accurate, and complete?

Some of the primary activities that OSMA is currently focusing on include: Advocacy: Traceability farm to fork including tagging; predation including prevention, education, and compensation; and a risk management (insurance) program. These are major issues at this time and significant resources are being allocated to them at both the provincial and national levels.

Education: OSMA works with many stakeholders including OMAFRA to deliver information, to make people aware and to educate producers on principles, techniques, and services. As is reported elsewhere in this issue you will see that OMAFRA is assisting OSMA in the development of the OSMA districts.

This is proving to be both exciting and dynamic and by 2012 OSMA will be in a better position to work through its districts in educating and informing producers. I strongly encourage producers to attend the District 10 Replacement Stock Sale on July 30 in Spencerville. On the morning of the sale there will be information sessions addressing services, genetics and how to use information at the farm level. Info about the date and agenda is found on our website.

Research and Development:

Increasing the opportunity for producers, through the use of services, to increase their on-farm profits is a key element to what OSMA is undertaking at this time. The starting point to OSMA’s work is the Benchmark study started in 2009 that will be continued until there is three years of both management

market report

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june 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.

and economics for thirty flocks with both flock management and complete financial data being captured. Early results indicate that the use of forages, genetics, and management systems are critical to financial success. OSMA is currently working with BIO and Farms.com to develop Bioflock; a web based animal, flock and enterprise management system that producers will be able to subscribe to. Plans are to have it fully tested and operational prior to 2012. Stay tuned for more information or better still attend the District 10 sale on July 30 in Spencerville to learn more.

Promotion:

The branding and positioning of our sheep products is an area the OSMA will be allocating more resources over the next two to five years. Saying we have safe high quality products will not be sufficient in the future. Food safety and biosecurity will be matters that all industry stakeholders will need to have documentation on. To that end in developing the Bioflock web based software, OSMA has incorporated traceability, on-farm food safety and farm biosecurity. Producers will have the facts they need in order to be able to support their claims

for safe products. As well to carry the matter of high quality safe products forward, OSMA will be convening a summit in December to bring all stakeholders to the table. Year round production is an issue that OSMA has yet to tackle – is it best to have our product on a year round basis or for us to focus on the key times of the year and have foreign product available at our lower production times. In fact do we need a program where by we are able to identify the quality of our products?

We welcome your thoughts on both of these last two items.

Staff is also working on a new www.lambrecipe.ca website.

It should be rolled out by fall. We think you will be very pleased.

Achieving The Vision:

As OSMA heads to its review of the vision, mandate and key strategic directions in early 2012, the Directors and staff need to hear your assessments, thoughts, and suggestions. We feel we are starting to “Live Out The Vision”. How do you see Team OSMA’s progress? OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

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Can Corn Silage be a Part of a Profitable Feeder Lamb Nutrition Management Program?

Paul Luimes

T

hat was the question posed to the Sheep Herd Management classes of 2010 and 2011 by the Ridgetown Campus Sheep Industry Advisory Group (RCSIAG). The Advisory Group is made up of producers and industry experts from genetics, nutrition and meat processing industries. In early 2009, Dr. Art Schaafsma, Director of the Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph brought together the advisory group and staff members and asked them to develop a program where students would gain sheep husbandry skills largely through practical management of a small flock of lambs. In order to gain greater value for the students and the industry as a whole, it was decided to have the students address practical questions relating to nutrition and management. A main priority brought forward by the Advisory Group was to determine the profitability and management required to use alternative feed sources in raising lambs. Corn silage was listed as the main feed of interest.

and efficiency of lambs consuming increasing dietary levels of corn silage. Lambs were provided by an Ontario feedlot producer for the duration of the experiment. When the lambs arrived, they were weighed, vaccinated with Heptavac, dewormed with Ivomec, given a dose of vitamin E and selenium and given a few days to adapt to their new environment. Lambs were than divided into 12 pens with similar numbers of wethers and ewes per pen. The barn was an open-sided converted beef feed-lot at Ridgetown Campus.

Each pen had approximately 224 square feet of space, 9 1/3 ft of feeder space and a heated water bowl. All pens were amply bedded with wheat straw as the project ran from February to April.

For the project, 103 lambs were divided into 12 pens so that there were four pens for each dietary treatment. The three diets fed contained 0% corn silage (0%CS), 25% corn silage (25%CS) on a dry matter (DM) basis and 50% corn silage (50%CS) on a DM basis. All diets were balanced to 16.5% crude protein on a DM basis (which is equivalent to about 14.5% on an as-fed basis for 100% grain diets). It was considered impractical to balance all diets for TDN, so the various diets were balanced for 79.0%, 77.1% and 75.2% TDN for the 0%CS, 25%CS and 50%CS diets, respectively.

Table 1 lists the feed ingredients incorporated into the three A study was designed to assess the growth performance rations. Lambs started the trial at 70 lbs and were marketed at 110 lbs. Students enrolled in the Sheep Herd Management course Table 1. Diets fed to lambs expressed “as fed” and “dry matter” bases. were responsible for daily lamb Percentage Corn in Ration (DM basis) care. Lambs were fed and inspected Component 0% Corn Silage 25% Corn Silage 50% Corn Silage in the evening of each day. Feed as fed dry matter as fed dry matter as fed dry matter refusals were collected and weighed Corn silage 0.0% 0.0% 44.8% 25.0% 71.0% 50.0% on a daily basis. Lambs were also weighed on a weekly basis.

Corn grain 30.4% 30.0% 15.4% 20.6% 6.7% 11.3% 50.2%

50.0%

25.4%

34.4%

11.0%

18.8%

b

19.4%

20.0%

7.2%

10.0%

0.0%

0.0%

Protein Supplement Bc

0.0%

0.0%

7.2%

10.0%

11.4%

20.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

100.0%

Mixed graina Protein supplement A Total Cost/tonne

d

$311.81

$219.61

$165.72

a. Mixed grain was made up of barley and oats in equal portions. b. Protein supplement A was an off-the-shelf product from Floradale Feed Mill (34.25% crude protein, 61.72% TDN and 180 mg/kg Lasalocid sodium). c. Protein supplement B was a custom designed product from Floradale Feed Mill (41.10% crude protein, 65.30% TDN and 180 mg/kg Lasalocid sodium). d. Costs per tonne were calculated assuming the following costs: corn silage - $65/tonne, corn grain - $260/tonne, mixed grain - $255/tonne, protein supplement A - $540/tonne and protein supplement B - $650/tonne.

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Feeding corn silage at 25% compared quite closely to feeding the all grain diet, in terms of feed intake, growth performance and cost (Table 2). The lambs on the 50% corn silage diet were unable to maintain dry matter intakes, growth rates and ended up being more costly to raise.

The data compares very closely to a pilot study conducted a year earlier with 60 lambs. Average daily gains, feed intakes and feed to gain

Table 2. Lamb performance from 70 to 105 lbs in response to 3 different diets.

Percentage Corn Silage in Ration (DM basis) 0%CS

25%CS

50%CS

lb/d

0.71

a

0.67

0.46b

feed intake (dry matter)

lb/d

3.11a

2.99a

2.54b

feed intake (as fed)

lb/d

3.48a

4.55b

4.88c

days to market2

d

49.3

52.2

76.1

4.43

4.54

6.08b

$0.689a

$0.878b

average daily gain

1

feed (dry matter) to gain feed cost/lb gain 1

$/lb

a

a

$0.703a

a

Values across rows with different superscript are considered statistically different.

Calculated as: (105 – 70) / average daily gain

2

ratios were all very close for each treatment across the two trials. This is interesting because in the pilot study the crude protein levels were not maintained across treatments because the corn silage was considerably lower in crude protein than first measured. This means there was either poor use of the crude protein in the corn silage or another factor, perhaps TDN, was limiting growth in the high corn silage treatments.

At the completion of the trial, thirty six lambs (12 from each dietary treatment) were sent to the meat lab in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph.

Perhaps as interesting as what was different, with respect to the carcass measurements, between the three diets was what was not different. Even with the higher fibre and bulkiness of the high corn silage diets, which would be expected to increase rumen fill, there was no treatment differences in lamb dressing percentage. The only carcass measurement that was statistically different for the lambs on the different diets was the GR knife measurement. The GR measurement is the total tissue depth measured 11 cm from the centerline between the 12th and 13th ribs. The GR measurements were 22.5 cm, 21.9 cm and 19.5 cm for the 0%CS, 25%CS and 50%CS diets, respectively. Despite the differences in GR measurement, back fat and loin measurements (marbling, lean percent and fat percent) were not affected by the dietary treatments. Other loin measurements (total weight and loin eye area) also were not affected by the dietary treatments.

Measurements were also taken to look at meat quality in terms of pH and colour. While there were small significant differences in terms Ridgetown College Students of the loin (meat) colour, these differences would be too small for human detection so would not make any differences in consumer

choices.

So given this information, would Sheep eating corn silage.

I feed corn silage to my lambs? I think the correct answer is: It depends. Certainly this project would show us there is no disadvantage to including 25% corn silage in a diet. But it also does not have any clear advantages either. There are probably four key factors that should be considered when making the decision of whether to use corn silage for lambs or not. The first is price. With the numbers presented in tables 1 and 2, you can calculate using your costs how much the feed costs will be to raise lambs with these diets.

Given the prices I used, the 25% corn silage diet is about the same as the diet with no corn silage at all. In general, as corn silage prices go down and grain or supplement prices go up, the balance will tip in favour of more corn silage. The second factor is setup. Based on the equitable feed costs per pound of gain between 0% and 25% corn silage diets, there is no advantage to spending any money to upgrade a feeding system to incorporate corn silage simply for lambs. If you have a system in place for ewes or cattle, however, it can be used. The third factor is feed management. Corn silage, because of the risk of lambs becoming infected with Listeria moncytogenes, must be kept fresh. Quick and thorough ensiling (eliminating oxygen) is important to minimize growth of these bacteria. As the exposed face of the silage can spoil leading to proliferation of L. monocytogenes, it is important to remove adequate amounts each day to stay ahead of the spoilage. Cleaning bunks thoroughly (at least once per day) would be what I would consider minimum in terms of bunk management. In the pilot project we did in the winter of 2010, we did not experience any death loss due listeriosis; however, there were three mortalities in this year’s project – all three were on the 50% corn silage treatment.

Continued on page 10.

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Continued from page 9 ~Can

Corn Silage be a Part of a Profitable Feeder Lamb Nutrition Management Program?

I suggest having an adequate number of beef cattle around to keep the silo face fresh. Another use of cattle would be to consume refusals from the sheep/lamb pens, which would be an economical method to reduce feed wastage. The final factor to consider when making the decision to use corn silage or not is market timing. Let us use the example of the late Easter holiday this year. If I had 70 pound lambs in the first week of February and fed them on the 50% corn silage diet, my feed cost per lamb would have been about $6 more than feeding the 0% corn silage diet. They also would have been at market weight about 4 weeks later when the value of the lambs was about $10 more each, due to being closer to the holiday. Thus, the high corn silage treatment was able to slow growth rate down to be able to capture $4 more per lamb compared to the all grain diet. The risk with this is that if you have much death loss at all during those additional weeks you may lose all the profitability you had hoped to gain. While 50% corn silage inclusion might be too high, for delaying growth to improve market access, perhaps a level somewhere between 25% and 50% corn silage could be most advantageous.

In summary, corn silage can be fed to lambs at 25% inclusion levels (on a dry matter basis) and maintain growth

performance and costs associated with feed. This must be considered in relation to increased labour or equipment costs associated with forage feeding. One potential use for corn silage would be to slow growth down in order to optimize market timing, not dissimilar to backgrounding in beef cattle. At this point producers are generally not paid for meat quality, but even so, there were no remarkable differences detected between feeding the different levels of corn silage.

Mar-Weld Inc. Basket Feeders for Sheep - SHB

F Hoop spacing 7-1/4” F 1-1/4” square tube frame F 1-1/2” x 1/4” flat hoops F Stackable F For round bales up to 5’ x 5’ F Also available with pan underneath to feed grain and catch leaves

WTF Walk-through Hay & Grain Feeder F Basket rod spacing is 2-3/4” F Feeds hay and grain F 8” alley through centre of the feeder F Remove doors and pin feeders together to create a row F Also available in 1 sided fenceline style

Collapsible Feeder - 3CF

F 3” rod spacing F Completely collapsible F All straight bars F Closer spacing allows hay to come out but keeps chaff out of the wool F Also available with 7” spacing Call for a free brochure and a dealer near you.

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The author would like to acknowledge the following organizations, companies and people who made this trial a success: OSMA who provided funding to complete this project. Future funding is being sought to continue nutritional management and meat quality studies on feed byproducts such as dried distillers’ grains with solubles.

Wicketthorn Livestock (Steve Jones) for supplying the lambs for the trial. Floradale Feed Mill Ltd. (Cecelia Curtis) for supplying the protein supplements. The Ridgetown Campus Sheep Advisory Group for their advice and expertise to get this project going.

All the students in the 2010 and 2011 Sheep Flock Management Class for their careful work and attention to detail. Dr. Ira Mandell, meat scientist from the Department of Animal and Poultry Science, for investigating the carcass and meat quality measurement of the lambs. John Zandstra, Coordinator of Agriculture Diploma Program at Ridgetown Campus , for his work to establish this program. And Gary Brien, the instructor for the course, for his hard work and attention to the details of student learning and the research project. OSN

Early Summer Grazing Tips Jack Kyle, CCA-ON, Grazier Specialist, OMAFRA

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t is June and the grass is growing faster than you can utilize it. Decisions made now can enhance the outcome of your pasture management. Here are a few ideas that may have application to your pasture system.

Prepare and Feed Budget Preparing a feed budget for the remainder of the grazing season will assist you in determining whether you need to find extra sources of pasture. A feed budget is simply adding up the quantity of forage you will need for your livestock and estimating the quantity of forage that will be available for the remainder of the season. To estimate livestock needs use 3% of body weight to determine the quantity of dry matter required. (For high producing animals you could use 4 %.). Estimate quantity of forage based on the density of the stands and estimate yield. If you find that you do not have enough available forage, consider one or more of the following suggestions.

Seed Annuals Annuals seeded in early to mid summer will provide supplemental grazing forage for late summer and into the fall. For August grazing sorghum-sudan seeded in June will provide a large quantity of high quality grazing. Forage or stubble turnips, fodder rape or kale will provide grazing in late summer to late fall. The brassicas have good frost tolerance that allows them to be utilized long after other annuals and perennials have stopped growing for the season.

Cereals planted in late July or early August will provide September and October grazing. Corn is another crop tht can be effectively grazed and it has a wide window of grazing opportunity from August to December

Stockpile Forage Plan to extend the grazing season with stockpiled forage. Pasture fields allowed to re-grow from mid July can accumulate a significant quantity of forage for grazing after the growing season has ended. It is during the early summer that you need to take the first steps to have a successful late fall grazing opportunity. These fields should be allowed to grow from mid to late July to accumulate forage for later use.

Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer to achieve optimum growth. Fields with trefoil and clovers will provide better late season grazing than alfalfa fields. Of the grass species, tall fescue is an excellent stockpile grass, holding its quality well into the winter. Orchard grass breaks down with frost and will not provide the quantity and quality of grazing as tall fescue or the brome grasses.

Fly Control Livestock that are being irritated by flies are not going to be as productive as those that can graze undisturbed. Early fly control measures will pay off later in the season. Back rubbers, and ear tags are two options available that will reduce the fly population and provide relief for your livestock and improved gains.

Salt and Mineral Salt and mineral should be provided through out the grazing season. Locate salt and mineral away from the water source to encourage more even pasture utilization. Use a mineral that meets the needs of your livestock. Your mineral program should take into consideration the type of cattle and the quality of the forage available.

Slow Rotation As we move into the warmer temperatures of the summer, grass growth will slow and you will need to slow the rate of rotation. The reason to slow the rotation is to give the recently grazed pastures more time to re-grow. It is the opportunity to rest and recover that keeps your pastures productive through the entire grazing season. Over-grazed pastures take much longer to re-grow, have lower drought tolerance and are much more susceptible to weed infestations.

Weed Control Late June is an ideal time to clip pastures if there is an accumulation of mature grass plants or evidence of a weed problem. Clipping mature grass will stimulate new growth.

Clipping weeds will remove seed heads and reduce the chance of the plants reseeding themselves. If the weed pressure is very low consider spot spraying to prevent a further increase in weed pressure.

Make Hay (if necessary) By mid June, all pastures in a rotational system should have been grazed at least once. If there are several paddocks not yet grazed, consider making hay with one or more of these paddocks. If you decide to make hay, consider cutting with a 3-4 inch stubble to promote faster re-growth of the grasses During June you still have time to make adjustment to your grazing program. By July it may be too late to make adjustments that will allow you to enhance the productivity of your pasture system for this year. OSN

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4-H Sheep Clubs

4-H

is a wonderful opportunity for youth to get involved in their local communities, the motto of 4-H is to ‘Learn To Do By Doing’.

By following this motto, 4-H youth learn how to train and fit a lamb as well as show their lamb at their local Achievement Day. 4-H sheep leaders also teach the youth about caring for their lamb. This may include learning about health, nutrition, housing, transportation, breeding, lambing, animal welfare as well as many other important aspects.

We had a brief introduction for all of the new members of the club, and then began with the voting for our 2010/2011 President, Vice President, Secretary, and Press Reporter. There was some tough competition, but in the end Alice Whyte was voted as our President, Hilda Raven is our Vice President, Sabrina Bower is our Secretary, and Hayley McCannell is our Press Reporter.

Last year there was 44 4-H sheep clubs in Ontario and a similar number is expected for this year. Within these 44 sheep clubs there are approximately 566 members and 87 leaders. 4-H Members are between the ages of 9 to 21 and do not have to live on a farm or own an animal to participate in a livestock or animal 4-H club.

Here is a sample press report from one of the 44 clubs OSMA has received. This press report is written by one of the members from the Dufferin Sheep 4-H club, Haley McCannell.

After the voting was closed, we officially began our meeting with the 4-H pledge lead by Alice Whyte.

We then moved onto judging four samples of wool. After everyone had a chance to look over the samples, we received reasons from Alice Whyte, Harold Vanderveen, Bill McCutcheon and Louie Kay. We then were given four groups of eggs to judge as well. After everyone had viewed the eggs, we received reasons from Alice Whyte, Hayley McCannell, Tristen Bower, and Adam Whyte.

The first meeting of the Dufferin 4-H Sheep Club was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at the home of George and Dawn Van Kampen.

We wrapped up the meeting by saying the 4-H motto and enjoyed snacks generously provided by George and Dawn Van Kampen. The next meeting will be held on Friday, May 20, 2011 at the home of David and Diane Orr. OSN

4-H is about learning, developing self confidence, handson skills and leadership abilities through club projects, camps and conferences. The organization has over 60 different types of club projects available which include farm safety, chocolate, field crops, livestock, drama, as well as many more.

To learn more about 4-H please visit www.4-hontario.ca

4-H Sheep Invitational

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he 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

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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. OSN

New Technology at the Van der Veen Farm Jillian Craig

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n Tuesday, March 15 a RFID demonstration occurred at the farm of Peter and Elly Van der Veen, just outside of Grand Valley. The couple recently invested in a Shearwell RFID Management System.

Automatic Drafting Crate with Weigh Head, Handheld Stock Recorder and SDL 130 Race Reader.

Peter and Elly were former hog producers; approximately 4 years ago they made the switch to sheep and currently have approximately 1000 Rideau ewes. During the winter they feed a TMR ration to ewes and pasture them in the summer.

Ronald den Broeder, the Canadian Shearwell representative from Alberta, was present and began the demonstration by showing producers how easy the system was to run lambs through. He then explained how the automatic drafting crate works. Sheep and lambs can be drafted by breed, management group, weight, gender, health problems, number of lambs produced by ewes, etc. These drafts can be set up using the FarmWorks software by SDL , and then downloading these specifications onto the Handheld Stock Recorder. When sheep or lambs come into the automatic drafting crate, the plate reader (SDL 130 reader) reads the RFID tag or bolus from the animal and the drafting controller will open and close the sort gates as needed. All doors on the drafting crate are run by air from a nearby compressor.

Three way drafter.

After the demonstration with lambs, lunch was provided which was sponsored by the Large Flock Operators and Shearwell. Ronald den Broeder then gave a Peter and Elly Van der Veen and family presentation and told (left), Ronald den Broeder (right) producers about his farm operation in Alberta and how the Shearwell system helps him while sorting sheep and lambs. He also talked about RFID and traceability in general, followed by some pros and cons of RFID tags. Producers learned about Shearwell and the FarmWorks software. Mr. den Broeder also gave a demonstration on the Handheld Stock Recorder and answered producer’s questions.

A farm tour of the Van der Veen’s operation followed the presentation. Many Coverall Buildings and a new steel clad building house sheep and lambs on the picturesque farm.

This was a well attended event with many large flock producers present.

Special thanks to Peter and Elly Van der Veen, Ronald den Broeder from Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd. Shearwell and the Large Flock Operators.

If you would like Tuesdays more information 9:00 a.m. on Shearwell Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows Management Systems please go Thursdays to www.shearwell.

8:00 a.m. co.uk or phone Drop Calves, Veal, Pigs, 780-674-9564 Lambs, Goats & Sheep or you can email casupport@ Fridays shearwell.co.uk

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK

Upcoming Sales

10:00 a.m.

We thank the Van der Veen’s for their wonderful hospitality. It was a great learning experience for all. OSN

Stockers

CO N FID EN CE, TR U S T & S ER V ICE

519-887-6461 www.brusselslivestock.ca

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CSF - Points of View

A forum for sharing perspectives from across the Canadian Sheep Industry. Points of View’ is a publication put out by CSF. For more ‘Points of View’ or to read their ‘From the Flock’ publication, go to www.cansheep.ca.

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Myth: Some producers feel it is acceptable to use beef cattle ID tags in sheep.

s of October 2010, the fine for not tagging animals was increased from $500 to $1,300 per infraction, and transporters, producers and auction barns can be fined for violation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

traceability objectives the industry agreed to. ~ Eric Aubin, Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The fact is that beef cattle tags are not approved for use in sheep. The Allflex button tags for beef and sheep are not the same. The sheep version is slightly smaller in size and is coded with an identification number specific to sheep.

We use the easy tag II from Premier for sheep size 2. I prefer these tags over approved CSIP tags. I operate on different colours per year. Last year was grey, this year tags for ewe lambs are green.

They have large numbers starting from 01 to 20 that can be seen from a fair distance. For a flock of 70, I do not need a reader which is very expensive.

Each species covered under Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations is given a different numbering sequence, specific to that species.

Finally, I question why we should be discouraging the use of beef ID tags. A person still will have to put in the RFID tags. ~ Bill Duffield, Codan Suffolks, Wyoming, ON

If producers use a beef tag in sheep, the animal is assumed to be beef in the Canadian Livestock Traceability System (CLTS), the database which houses animal identification numbers.

This reduces the credibility of our national ID program, compromises the beef program, and makes traceability impossible should we need to trace for the purposes of a sheep-related disease or issue. Quite simply, sheep carrying beef ear tags would not show up in a traceback for sheep. And, in the event of a beef-related traceback, producers using beef tags in sheep may have to provide proof as to why a beef tag traces to their farm, but was not in a beef animal.

There have been several recent articles published in Manitoba Cooperator on traceability that should be read by producers. The most recent can be found on page 36 of the April 7, 2011 issue – “Auction marts need more information as traceability marches onward.” Grainews has also provided coverage lately about traceability and the lack of good practices, ability to actually comply and the fact that now that readers are being used they are finding that the tags sold are not of the standard that we were led to believe.

Many producers feel that buying beef cattle tags and using them in sheep is a way to avoid paying a check-off in some provinces. However, using a beef tag in sheep could potentially result in significant monetary penalties. This practice could cost producers $1,300 for each infraction, should they be caught.

At CSF, we continue to work with stakeholders to create a credible system that meets the needs of both government and industry. Your continuing input is very much appreciated.

Comments in Response to Use of Beef Cattle ID Tags in Sheep I find the topic of your next issue quite interesting. Identification number ranges were provided for each species in order to facilitate the control or eradication of species-specific diseases. In the event that veterinarians query the history of sheep which were in contact with a diseased sheep, the sheep bearing a tag allocated to another species will fall under the radar.

Sheep bearing cattle tags also goes against the identification/ 14

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Another question to consider: why, if cattle producers can purchase one tag or a hundred tags, is this still not acceptable to the sheep tag sales distributors? ~ Lorna Wall, Poplarfield, MB

How the Canadian Sheep Identification Program Works Paul Laronde, Tag and Technology Manager with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) Knowing how to properly tag your sheep is one of the critical building blocks in developing a strong traceability system for the industry. Identification starts on the farm and it’s vital for producers to know that there are certain tags that must be used and specific requirements that must be met under the mandatory Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP). One of the most important CSIP regulations states that all sheep and lambs must bear an approved CSIP tag before leaving their farm of origin. This means, producers are not permitted to use non-approved sheep tags, nor are they permitted to use tags meant for other species such as cattle.

Paul Laronde, Tag and Technology Manager with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA), recently sat down with the Canadian Sheep Federation to discuss how the identification system works and the necessity of following

program requirements. The CCIA collects all of the traceability data for the sheep industry and is currently responsible for issuing the numbers assigned to CSIP tags.

animal leaves the farm to the point of carcass inspection at the packing plant. As soon as an animal dies, whether it’s on the farm or at the abattoir, CCIA must be notified.

Canada’s Sheep Identification Program Canada’s mandatory sheep identification program is an industry-led initiative that was implemented in 2004. Its goal is to create a traceback system that will lead to full-scale traceability for the Canadian sheep industry; as well as to increase the capacity to address producer concerns about sheep health, provide valuable management feedback to producers, and meet consumer expectations for quality assurance and food safety. The current system allows for traceback to the farm of origin, but will evolve with the government’s announcement to have full traceability to allow for complete traceback from slaughter right back to the birth of the animal, and all stops in between.

As mentioned, all sheep and lambs must bear a CSIP-approved tag before leaving their farm of origin. This includes animals leaving temporarily to go to exhibitions, veterinary clinics, community pastures, etc. It is illegal to transport an untagged animal.

Although the CCIA has the capability to retire sheep tags in the database, this is currently not happening. Laronde said part of the issue is that not all sheep are tagged with RFID tags so trying to retire non-machine readable tags at the slaughter plants would be time consuming, and potentially fraught with errors. “As the industry moves to mandatory RFID, the system will be put in place for tag retirement,” he said.

Continued on page 16.

Every province in Canada is participating in the CSIP with the exception of Quebec.

Quebec is implementing a system that exceeds the requirements of the CSIP. Quebec currently requires double tagging with the Allflex button tag.

Developing a Traceback System There are currently four different types of sheep tags approved for the CSIP and every individual tag bears a unique identification number between 310,000,000 and 319,999,999. “These numbers have been designated to the Canadian sheep industry, therefore, no other species in Canada has access to this sequence,” Laronde said.

Each number is unique to that tag, and no other tag is assigned the same identification sequence.

He explained that the sheep numbers are assigned to tag manufacturers and tags are sold through authorized retail stores and other distributors. The distributors keep records of which numbers went to which producers and this information is reported to a central database (Canadian Livestock Tracking System, CLTS) maintained by the CCIA. The CCIA has the capability to maintain movement and location data from the time an OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

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Continued from page 15 ~CSF

- Points of View

condemned or infected with C.ovis. C. ovis is a serious production-limiting disease for the industry.

How the Database Works Producers in the CCIA database are not separated by species; rather every producer entered into the database has a unique identifier. This is a set of numbers and letters that has been automatically generated by the system and assigned.

“Identifiers are anonymous in the database and there is no way to distinguish the farm or the province in which the producer lives,” Laronde said.

Producers determine what information they want listed in the database, but at a minimum, producers input their name, address and telephone number. The database is private, meaning the government only has access to the information as legislated in the Health of Animals Act. Information in the database can be used to help the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) deal with an animal disease outbreak, but once again the CFIA must uphold the privacy laws laid out in the Health of Animals Act. The CSF Board of Directors passed a motion for the Executive Director to access the database for the purposes of tracing carcasses

Why Compliance Matters Laronde said there are technical differences between the tags meant for each species. For example, the number scheme on sheep tags will differ from the number scheme on cattle or bison tags. This is one of the reasons it is important for producers to ensure that sheep tags are the only tags being applied to sheep.

Another reason producers will want to only use sheep tags in sheep is to avoid being fined. Section 175 of the Health of Animals Regulation states that any person who applies a tag meant for a different species is committing a minor violation and can receive an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) of $1,300 by the CFIA. Finally, compliance is crucial in terms of developing a credible traceability program.

The goal of animal identification is to reduce the impact and control the spread of animal disease, and to provide the assurance of safe food to consumers. Nationwide compliance will help achieve this goal. OSN

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.

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• 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!

RFID Tags: Comments from Producers and Question and Answers The following comments are from producers who responded to the Canadian Sheep Federation’s Points of View discussion forum.

Producer Comment: I cannot see why the new system of tagging is an improvement on the previous one. It was designed in countries where flocks are larger and producers could afford the scanner. In Canada, sheep farmers generally have smaller flocks with many being in the range of 25 to 50 animals. The use of a dangle tag to allow you to identify animals without having to catch them, and a pink tag to allow disease tracking, was an adequate system. The RFID system may be useful for flocks of 100 or more, but it doesn’t make economic sense (if you need a scanner) for small farms. Once again it seems to me CFIA is only looking at disease control and not the way in which this creates more difficulties for the small producer.

Again and again it seems to want to drive the small producer out of business. Were small producers included in the public discussions for this change? As a former employee of CFIA in Alberta, my impression is that this was set up by a committee with little practical experience of sheep management and handling. Peter Stockdale -AB Producer Comment: Does CSF really believe that all producers use ear tags?

Just ask our butcher in the Valley how many of the lambs he loaded on the last shipment had ear tags…not a single one!

He wouldn’t get a single lamb in the area otherwise. Increased enforcement is exactly what we need. My colleagues have been waiting for this message. Helmut Lang - BC OSMA also received some comments and questions from producers. These questions and comments were forwarded to Daniel Dion from the Canadian Sheep Federation, the responses are included below.

Producer Question: Please forward picture of mandatory tags. Our understanding was that you could just use button tags however, what you are saying says we must use both button and dangle tags. What is correct?

Response: The identification for the CSIP requires only 1 tag. The information mentions the 2 tags that are approved, but the sheep will need to have one approved Allflex RFID button tag or one approved RFID Shearwell SET tag.

The only case where 2 tags are needed is for the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association requirements if you register your sheep using the tags.

Producer Question: Is there some conflicting information on your newsletter? It starts out Approved CSIP RFID Shearwell stating that RFID tags must SET Tag be used after January 2012, but further down it states after December 31, 2012 Ketchum curl tags cannot be used, are the both true. If I have curl tags left can I use them until December 2012?

Response: The interpretation for the information is Approved that 2012 is a transition year. Animals born Allflex RFID or tagged in 2012 must be tagged with Button Tag an approved RFID tag, but animals with approved non-RFID tags will be accepted until December 31st, 2012. So sheep born and tagged until December 31st, 2011 with approved non-RFID tags will be accepted up to December 31st, 2012.

Producer Comment: So, I guess producers have to spend another $50.00 on some other kind of taggers to put new tags in ears. It seems to me about every 2 years farmers have to throw away taggers they thought would be here to stay. How unfair to the smalltime farmer, who can barely make ends meet. I have become weary of this extravagant supposed progress and unnecessary spending. For heaven’s sake you would think any new ideas could work with taggers used previously. Of course this is par for this ‘throw-away’ society in which we live.

Response: Please be assured we are doing everything possible to make sure the Canadian Sheep Identification Program meets the needs of Canadian sheep producers and that any changes made are made for the best interest of the producer. With regards to the taggers, each tag has their own specifications and the use of the right tagger for the right tag is essential Continued on page 18.

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Grant Preston Retires from OSSA After 10 years of Service Glen Porteous, Secretary, OSSA, 2011

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Ontario. Grant played a key role in launching the Sale in which is now in its 5th year. Grant was a great support of that sale to put it together. Grant has always supported all aspects of the OSSA.

Grant diligently planned meetings and sent newsletters regularly to keep member informed and in touch. Bringing producers together with quality purebred Suffolk Breeding Stock and more specifically sellers with buyers and buyers with sellers was a source of great pride and accomplishment for Grant.

For the last 2 years the OSSA has donated the banners for champion flock and Get of Sire at the Royal Winter Fair as well as donating Suffolk pins in the Junior show to those exhibiting Suffolk Sheep. Grant has proudly represented OSSA in presenting these awards.

he Ontario Suffolk Sheep Association (OSSA) would like to thank Grant Preston for his role as Chairman and secretary of the OSSA for the past 10 years.

Grant has farmed most of his life in Dundalk. He has kept in the neighbourhood of 400 ewes mainly Suffolk. He was always a great supporter of rams from ROP (SFIP). A few years ago Grant brought embryos in from Britain to further help the breeding program for Canadian Suffolk’s.

OSSA will miss Grant’s regular contribution, but know his guidance will continue to be welcomed. Special thanks to Grant’s wife Edith for all her support over the years.

Grant has been a good and trusted friend and advisor to many. All the best in your retirement! OSN

OSSA have hosted a Terminal Ram Sire sale in Listowel,

Continued from page 17 ~RFID

Tags: Comments from Producers and Question and Answers

in the success of the use of any tag. Depending on the type of tag you are using, the taggers can be adapted for the use of other tags. For example, with a slight change in the insert of an Allflex tagger, the use of different Allflex tags is possible. I would suggest you consult the specific manufacturers recommendations for the use of any tags or tagging equipment.

For more information on RFID tags please go to www. cansheep.ca from here you can find the new tagging requirements, or read CSF’s Points of View or From the Flock newsletters. If you have further questions please email Daniel Dion at daniel@cansheep.ca or you could contact the OSMA office at general@ontariosheep.org and OSMA will forward your questions to the Canadian Sheep Federation.

Important Dates for Mandatory RFID Tags • Starting July 1, 2011 Ketchum Kurl lock and Allflex dangle tags will no longer be available for sale to sheep producers as Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) tags.

• All animals born or tagged after January 1, 2012 must be tagged with approved CSIP RFID tags.

• Approved CSIP RFID tags include the Shearwell RFID SET tag and the Allflex RFID tag.

• After December 31, 2012 the Ketchum Kurl lock and 18

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

Very Important Information to All Sheep Producers It is imperative that all lambs and sheep leaving your farms be properly tagged. Animals detected by CFIA (the Canadian Food Inspection Agency) without tags can receive a fine of up to $1300.

These fines are being charged to everyone involved in the sale. Therefore the producers, the transporter and the Auction Market may each receive a heavy fine for every sheep or lamb without a tag. Lambs that arrive without ever having appeared to have been tagged are especially targeted for fining.

If you are producing sheep, you are required by law to be registered with the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.

Please call us at 519-836-0043 or go to www.ontariosheep. org. We are your best source for all information regarding the production of sheep and industry related information. A quarterly magazine subscription is free with registration. OSN

Do Ewe Know What Ewe’re Talking About?

Answer this quiz to find out if you are a true shepherd!

Answers can be found on page 43.

1.

How many sheep and lambs were on Canadian farms as of January 1, 2011, according to Statistics Canada? a. 413,600 head b. 513,600 head c. 813,600 head d. 1, 013, 600 head 2.

On the OSMA website what locator(s) is/are available to help producers advertise their product? a. Lamb Locator b. Breed Locator c. Guardian Animal Locator d. All of the above 3.

Approximately how many sheep and lambs were on Ontario farms as of January 1, 2011, according to Statistics Canada? a. 20,000 b. 50,000 c. 232,000 d. 532,000 4.

Where was the Rideau Arcott developed? a. Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock at the University of Guelph b. Animal Research Centre in Ottawa c.

Animal and Poultry Science Department at the University of Guelph d. The Rideau Arcott was not developed in Canada, only Canadian Arcott 5.

The start of Ramadan (Islamic Holiday) occurs on August 1, 2011, for this market what are consumers and buyers looking for? a.

Forequarters from weaned market lambs, 60-110 lbs b. Lambs 30-55 lbs, milk fed and fat, prepared by Kosher method of slaughter c. Old ewes and rams d. Weaned market lambs, 60-80 lbs 6. How many OSMA districts are there in total? a. 10 b. 11 c. 12 d. 13

7. Fine wool sheep produce wool fibres with a fibre diameter of? a. 20 microns or less b. 30 microns c. 35 microns d. 38 microns or greater 8. What breed of sheep is known for breeding out of season? a. Suffolk b. Dorset c. Oxford Down d. Border Cheviot 9.

What is one difference between a sheep and a goat? a. Sheep have oil glands between their toes and on their face b. Goats have horns c. Goats can only have one kid while sheep can have multiple lambs d. Sheep have wool and goats have hair 10. S heep can become infected with Johne’s Disease at any point but what age group is most susceptible to becoming infected? a. Newborn lambs b. Wethers c. Ewes 5-7 years old d. Ewes 10 years and up 11. Sheep flock together, this behaviour in sheep is also referred to as: a. Selective b. Gregarious c. Precocial d. Acting like chickens 12. How many permanent teeth does a sheep have at maturity? a. 8 b. 20 c. 22 d. 32 13.

How many small intestines from sheep are needed to make one tennis racquet? a. 1 sheep b. 2 sheep c. 4 sheep d. 11 sheep

14. ‘Maa’ the main sheep in the movie Babe (1995, about a pig) was what breed? a. Border Leicester b. North Country Cheviot c. Dorset d. There were no sheep in this movie only pigs and other farm animals 15. Wool can absorb up to ___ times its weight in oil. a. 5 b. 10 c. 20 d. 30 or more 16.

Who is the current District 4 Provincial Director for OSMA? a. Judy Dening b. Chris Kyle c. Neil Mesman d. Dennis Fischer 17.

Which breed of dog is not a livestock guardian dog? a. Anatolian Shepherd b. Akbash c. Pekingese d. Kuvasz 18. What is the approximate gestation length of a ewe? a. 114 days b. 147 days c. 285 days d. 340 days 19.

Classic Greek Moussaka features what cut of lamb? a. Leg b. Chops c. Ground Lamb d. Liver 20. In 2011, when is the OSMA Annual General Meeting occurring? a. April 28 and 29 b. July 28 and 29 c. October 28 and 29 d. November 28 and 29 OSN

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

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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

Religious & Ethnic Holidays and Demand for Lamb and Goat Meat 2011 Holidays Start of Ramadan Month of Fasting, August 1

Meat Islamic Holiday

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

Eid ul Fitr Festival of Fast Breaking, August 31

Islamic Holiday

• Most desired lambs are between 60-80 lbs live weight. The most desired goat is usually a young animal weighing between 50-70 lbs.

• Either animal is usually acceptable and male animals are preferred. It is also important that the animal be without any blemishes.

Rosh Hashana September 29-30

Jewish Holiday

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

*For more information and dates on Ethnic Holidays please refer to the December 2010 Issue or go to www.ontariosheep.org 20

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The Erb Family Luann and Tim are located in District 3. Luann is the Vice Chair of the District and has also participated in the District Development training session in March.

They share the innovative ways that they market their lamb and other products.

Luann has a twitter site and a web site. For her sheep twitter please go to http://twitter.com/#!/Erbcroft or visit her website at www.erbcroft.com

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uann and Tim Erb operate a sheep farm which is approximately ten minutes outside of Stratford, near the village of Sebringville. They currently have a mixed flock of 100 ewes. Terminal sires used include two Ile de France rams and one Rideau ram to improve the ewe genetics.

The family has owned the flock for two years and are very pleased with their market lambs. They have consistently been near the top of the market with their lambs.

also been featured at the Soup’s On and Heartburn Day in Stratford this past February with local chefs as well as the Garden Festival this past March.

The Erb’s are members of the Stratford Tourism Alliance, this helps them to market their products to tourists as well as restaurants and enables them to provide farm tours. The Erb family also participates in Savour Stratford which won the “Ontario Culinary Tourism Experience Award” for 2010.

The family participates in Food Safety and Traceability programs as available and the farm has an Environmental Farm Plan.

Recently, the Erb family had a film crew from “Fearless in the Kitchen” at their farm, this TV show is from the OWN network. The Erb’s free range eggs were featured, with the episode airing in late summer or early spring. Be sure to watch this episode! OSN

Luann, Tim, Brody and Aaron

Luann was recovering from a surgery in early February 2009 and was just notified that the farrowing barn she was employed at had just laid her off due to her not being able to come back to work for 6 weeks. On a trip to the Country Depot store in Mitchell, Luann struck up a conversation with the owner while looking at their sheep and goat supplies.

When the owner learned that she was interested in entering the industry, he put her in touch with a customer hoping to sell their flock. Two weeks later, the family had the deal done and the sheep would be moved to the farm once the lambs were shipped at Easter.

Luann was originally from New Brunswick but has lived in Ontario for 12 years and met Tim 10 years ago. She didn’t grow up on a farm, but came from a rural farming area. Tim is a fourth generation farmer.

Along with lamb, the Erb family also raises free range eggs, free range duck and pasture raised chicken and turkey and sells Farm Gate during the summer and winter.

Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario Annual Show & Sale Carsons Sales Arena - Listowel, Ontario

Saturday, July 9, 2011 Annual Meeting to start at 9:00 am

• Purebred Ewes & Rams • Commercial Ewes • Used Equipment For Catalogue and information Irwin Jackson (519) 856-4490 Jim Groves (519) 752-8552

www.psbo.ca

The family currently sells lamb at a Slow Food Market in Stratford and are hoping to market lamb and duck at the Mitchell Farmers Market this summer. Their lamb has OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

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What to Look for at a Production Sale Jillian Craig

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f visiting a production sale leaves you overwhelmed and unsure of what you should and should not be buying, this article may help you determine what stock will increase your overall flock performance.

Genetic Evaluation

At a production sale be sure to look at the animal’s genetic evaluations. Often at such sales, animal with the highest 100 day direct EPD’s will be sold first. Gail Irvine, a purebred sheep breeder, of Rocky Lane Farm advises “choose the EPD that you need to change.” For example, if you examine your

Thank you to Colleen Acres, Gail Irvine and Murray Emke who took the time to share their input on this important topic.

to ensure that the animal will have a long, productive life.

Correct feet and legs is a must in breeding animals, legs should be set squarely under the sheep. Before purchasing check to make sure the animal of interest also has flexible, strong pasterns. A well-built skeletal structure and a correct bite are also very important when looking at buying breeding animals. With a sound bite, the incisor teeth should be flush with the dental pad on the upper jaw. Over and under bites are considered to be a defect and should therefore be avoided.

In selecting breeding ewes, you should consider ewes with a wide chest and spring of rib which gives the ewe more capacity; this in turn will mean the ewe will be better able to carry her lambs. Make sure to check that the ewe has a well balanced udder and that it is free of any sores or lumps. Ewes should look refined and feminine.

If you are not very familiar with SFIP / GenOvis genetic terms, there are short definitions at the bottom of this article for your convenience. flock and pick out a weak point, such as if your flock has a low number of lambs born and weaned, you could then choose to buy animals with high EPD’s for number born and number weaned. This would improve your overall genetics in your flock and you would have a higher number of lambs born. Generally, maternal traits are more difficult to improve than growth traits.

Murray Emke a long-time purebred breeder from Elmwood, Ontario believes that, “Genetic improvement is a long term goal, quick fixes do not last. You can only improve in stages, therefore you need to work on improving the trait that is most important to you first. Since you can not change everything at once, always keep the total package in mind and make sure you try to improve with a balanced approach.”

Conformation

When talking to Colleen Acres, District 10 Provincial Director, she comments that “data is important but physical conformation traits are equally important.” Colleen recommends that you “put equal emphasis on good performance data and conformation” when looking to buy sheep from a reputable sale.

Emke recommends that you need, “to select an animal that will improve the assets that your flock already has. i.e.: if you need to improve feet and leg structure with in your flock, you need to select a ram with excellent feet and legs to make improvements to ewe lambs that will be kept for flock replacements.”

The physical structure of the animal is extremely important 22

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When considering purchasing a breeding ram, you should expect to pay more for him. Emke states, “a ram is half of your flock- a quality stud ram can give you increased gains in whatever you want to improve in one breeding season.” By choosing a superior quality ram, your flock will benefit since he will help to improve conformation while also improving your overall flock genetics. Rams should be structurally sound and well muscled. In most cases at a production sale an onsite veterinarian will check and make sure the ram is fit to breed, it doesn’t hurt to check that the ram has equal sized testes, and that there are no sores or lumps present.

If you are a new producer and plan on purchasing animals at a production sale, be sure to talk to other producers in your area, if you have a friend who is an experienced shepherd; convince them to come to the sale with you to give you a second opinion on the animals you are considering. A visual inspection of the animal will go a long way in determining if it is a good fit for your flock.

Health Programs and Status

When buying from a reputable seller, you should expect to learn if the animal has been enrolled in any health programs.

An animal that is genotyped for Scrapie, or one that has been tested for Maedi Visna is worth investing in. Sheep enrolled in the Ontario Sheep Health Program or from a high health status flock may also be a good choice for your farm. Don’t be afraid to talk to the breeder to find out their on-farm protocols for overall health, biosecurity, vaccinations, etc.

Breed

Before going to a production sale you should research which breeds would work best for your production system.

Colleen Acres encourages you to ask yourself “what are your flock goals? Do you want to sell your lambs for market or for breeding stock?” Pick a breed that will suit your flock, for example, if buying a ram and you want to generate commercial market lambs, you should choose a terminal sire breed. If you want to keep commercial replacement ewe lambs to expand your flock or sell commercial breeding stock, you should pick a breed known for maternal characteristics.

Murray Emke had this advice for the new producer, “you need to research what breed or cross that you want to work with. Since you will be working with the livestock you have to enjoy the animals that you have. Certain breeds are adapted to different management systems, i.e.: accelerated lambing, out of season breeding, pasture lambing, etc.”

Speak to other producers about breeds which have worked well in their program. The internet is a useful tool when investigating the breeds and their traits, the OSMA website or the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association (www. sheepbreeders.ca) have good information on different breeds.

Ultimately the decision will rest with you.

Terms to be Aware of:

At production sales the following terms may be used in catalogues and during the sale of the animal. These are brief definitions, for a more complete list please contact the OSMA office.

The Estimated Progeny Difference (EPD) is an estimate of the genetic value that a ewe will pass on to its lambs for a particular trait. An EPD takes into account all performance data for the animal’s relatives as well as the animal’s own performance data.

The Selection Index is used to select for several traits at once, this makes it possible to select for a number of important traits with one number. Growth index, maternal index, terminal index, and maternal T index are examples of selection indexes.

The Growth Index is for producers who do not take realtime ultrasound measurements for fat and muscle depth. This index increases growth and minimizes the loss in muscling as much as possible. Using this growth index should result in lambs that grow faster than if only one growth trait was used for selection.

The Terminal Index selects animals that have more muscling, less fat and that grow faster. This index balances traits so that improvements can be made in both muscling and growth while limiting the increase in birth weight. Realtime ultrasound measurements are necessary for fat and muscle depth in order to receive this index.

The Maternal Index attempts to increase the number born and weaned, while trying to keep birth weight constant while increasing weaned weight. More emphasis is put on number of lambs born than on number of lambs weaned due to the high correlation between the two traits and lower heritability of number weaned.

The Maternal Terminal Index is the same as the maternal index above but it also includes the loin depth and fat depth measurements.

The following chart is from GenOvis, it explains how to make sense of EPD’s. OSN How to Interpret Estimated Progeny Differences (EPD’s) EPD

Use

Lamb Survival direct

To select ewes which will produce lambs that have a better ability to survive to weaning due to the lamb’s own genetics.

Lamb Survival maternal

To select ewes which are better at helping their progeny survive to weaning.

Age First Lambing *

To select ewes which will give birth to daughters that will produce progeny earlier.

Birth Weight direct

To select animals which will produce lambs that are heavier in live weight at birth due to the lamb’s own genetics

Birth Weight maternal

To select ewes which will produce lambs that are heavier in live weight at birth due to the ewe’s larger womb and her ability to provide nutrients to the fetus.

Number Born First Lambing

To select ewes which will produce daughters that give birth to more progeny during their first lambing.

50 Day Weight direct

To select animals which will produce lambs that are heavier in live weight at 50 days of age due to the lamb’s own genetics.

50 Day Weight maternal

To select ewes which will produce lambs that are heavier in live weight at 50 days of age by having a greater potential for milk production and mothering ability.

Number weaned at First Lambing

To select ewes which will produce daughters that give birth to more progeny during their first lambing.

100 Day Weight direct

To select animals which will produce lambs that are heavier at 100 days of age due to the lamb’s own genetics

Lambing Interval *

To select ewes who will take less time between subsequent lambings.

Loin Depth

To select animals which will produce lambs that contribute to higher lean meat yield. This value estimates the difference between animals in loin eye depth.

Number Born Later

To select ewes which will produce daughters that give birth to more progeny at later lambings.

Fat Cover *

To select animals that will produce lambs that are leaner.

This value estimates the difference between animals in back fat depth.

Number Weaned Later

To select ewes which will produce daughters that wean more progeny at later lambings.

If an EPD has a * in this chart, that means you should look for and want more negative numbers. All other EPD’s should have more positive numbers.

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The Festival of Cheese American Cheese Society’s Conference & Competition to be Held in Canada for the First Time

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he Festival of Cheese is the culmination of the Annual Conference & Competition, and has taken place annually since 1985. It is the biggest and most comprehensive event of its kind, boasting some 1,400 artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses from Canada, United States and Mexico that were entered in the prestigious ACS competition. The growth in artisan cheese production and consumer interest in farm-to-table products has fueled the growth of the competition from 89 cheeses in the first year, to 1,462 cheeses last year.

Open to the public, the 2011 Festival of Cheese will feature all the cheeses entered in the 2011 competition, highlighting winners and recognizing their mastery in 99 carefully defined categories. In addition to a wide array of cheeses, the Festival of Cheese also features artisan producers of cheese accompaniments from crackers and dried fruits to charcuterie and honey.

And, of course, beer and wine producers share their libations which guests can sample in their commemorative take-away wine glass.

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 24

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The Festival of Cheese takes place Saturday, August 6 from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. at the Palais des Congrès in downtown Montreal.

Doors to the event will open at 6:00 p.m. exclusively for ACS conference registrants and their guests, and at 7:00 p.m. for members of the general public. Tickets are available for $85 per person at www. brownpapertickets. com/event/175127.

Conference Details All conference activities are

open to both members and non-members of ACS (non-members pay a registration rate that includes a 2011 Individual Membership). To register for the 2011 Conference & Competition, visit the ACS website at: www.cheesesociety. org/conference/register.

To enter products into the 2011 Judging & Competition through May 27, visit the ACS website at: www.cheesesociety. org/competition/enter.

The 2011 Conference & Competition is presented with the generous support of sponsors led by this year’s Marquee Sponsor, Dairy Farmers of Canada. Sponsorship opportunities in Montreal are still available for companies wishing to gain visibility among this targeted market sector. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact (720) 328-2788 x 301 or rsherman@cheesesociety.org.

Discount hotel accommodation are available across the street at Le Westin Montreal at $ 179/night. Call (514) 380333 and mention the American Cheese Society to book rooms at this rate.

About the American Cheese Society The American Cheese Society (ACS) is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of farmstead, artisan, and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. OSN

Maedi Visna: A Chronic Wasting Disease Dr. Paula Menzies

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aedi visna (MV) is a viral disease, the term maedi means progressive pneumonia while visna means wasting. This disease is eventually fatal; however sheep can show signs at 2 years of age and up and affected ewes will be less productive. Older ewes which are infected with this disease tend to raise lighter lambs than uninfected ewes, which affects overall weaning rates. Lambs are also 1.65 times more likely to die if their dam is positive for the disease. Other economic losses associated with MV include decreased milk production, increased incidence of severe arthritis and wasting, high numbers of respiratory infections and decreased ewe fertility. In one Photo courtesy of Paula Menzies study, it was found that 66% of healthy appearing, MV positive ewes had udder lesions and their lambs had lower than average weaning weights.

are at risk of picking up the infection from infected sheep.

Contaminated feed and water can also spread this disease.

Needles that are used multiple times for vaccinating along with tail docking knives can also potentially spread MV in your flock.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Ontario Maedi Visna Flock Status Program (OMVFSP), please visit Dr. Paula Menzies website at www.uoguelph.ca/~pmenzies/mv or contact the OSMA office at (519) 836-0043 or you can email general@ontariosheep.org.

Currently, the University of Guelph is working with OSMA to find an alternative Maedi Visna test which will be accurate and that is economically feasible for producers. Tests will be conducted by the University of Guelph research team on a few flocks to examine the accuracy of different types of diagnostic tests. More details and results will be available in coming months about this project. OSN Source: http://www.uoguelph.ca/~pmenzies/mv/MV_Disease.htm

If you suspect MV in your flock, common signs to watch for include a normal looking udder which is very hard to the touch, the milk will appear normal but the ewe will produce less and their lambs are often hungry. Normal feeling udders can also be affected by the virus. Older ewes and rams will develop chronic wasting and will lose body condition; sometimes this is the only sign of the disease. The nervous system can also be affected, ewes will tremble and can become weak in the hind end and may go down. The joints can also be affected in mature sheep in rare cases which results in arthritis. In this case stifles and knees can become stiff and swollen.

It is not uncommon to have 30 to 40% of the mature flock infected since MV is highly contagious. Only a small proportion of the flock may show signs however. Sheep can become infected at any point in time. MV spreads by respiratory secretions, such as coughing, and also through colostrum, milk and feces. Lambs that steal milk may also become infected. Sheep kept in the same barn or pastures

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Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show

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his year Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show will be held on September 13, 14 and 15, 2011 in Woodstock, Ontario. Numerous sheep events and demonstrations are occurring at this year’s show which you will not want to miss. You will get the chance to network, see new technologies in action as well as learn about cutting edge livestock practices and see various demonstrations. Some highlights of the show can be found below:

Market Lamb Carcass Competition AGAIN!!!

This event is being hosted by Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and sponsored by OSMA and Floradale Feeds. Based on pens of 10, the competition includes an attractive cash prize structure. The pens of lambs can be viewed on the three days of Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. Attendees can head to 7th lane to look at the lambs and pick the best lambs using a mock scorecard to win delicious lamb products or high quality animal feed. After the show, lambs will be sent for processing and graded for meat quality. The results and winners of the competition will be announced at OSMA’s Producer Education Day and AGM in October. This is one more reason to attend the Producer Education Day in order to find out the results of the carcass competition and see if you judged the pens correctly! For more details, please go to www.ontariosheep.org. Registration for this event will start on July 4th and will be accepted on a first come basis.

We would like to thank the LFO Organization for providing the start to this event in 2010 through both their financial support and their participation.

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RFID Tag Reading Demonstrations Livestock producers in many sectors have begun adopting Radio- Frequency Identification (RFID) tag readers to help manage flocks and herds in their day-to-day activities. See how these scanners & related technology can effectively track sheep, cattle and goats using a handheld device rather than stacks of paper. The Brussels Agri-Services booth will feature a new Gallagher automatic sheep sorter on 7th Lane, be sure to attend this demonstration.

Sheepdog Demonstration Viki Kidd has over 25 years of dog handling experience & is a skilled sheepdog trainer.

Competing across North America, Viki will share her knowledge on effectively using dogs to herd & manage sheep flocks, including tricks & tips. Whether a sheep or dog person, this demo will be a great learning experience.

Sheep and Goat Pavilion Producers involved in sheep or goats will find industry speakers, breed associations & equipment companies in the Multi-Shelter Greenhouse. A well-rounded cross section of industry reps will be on-hand to answer questions & show new products. Be sure to visit the OSMA booth while you are walking through the pavilion.

Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency Scholarship

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his year’s OSMA Scholarship awards the amount of $500.00 to any student attending their first or second year of a university, college or apprenticeship program in the fall of 2011. To apply, download the form found on the homepage of www.ontariosheep.org or contact the OSMA office. This year we are looking for the best essay submitted on any one of the two topics. The submissions must come to the OSMA office with postage dating no later than Friday, August 19th 2011. Your name will be removed from your essay before being judged. This keeps the submissions anonymous. The winning selection will be notified on or before September 6th, 2011. Here is some more information:

Requirements

Applicants must have a Parent/Guardian registered as an OSMA producer as of April 29th, 2011 and be attending their first or second year of a university, college or apprenticeship program in the fall of 2011 (not limited to agriculture).

Applicants must be 21 years of age or younger.

Submission Requirements

Please select and submit only one of the following: 1. You have been elected as the Director of your district. You must organize meetings and manage a large group of people, many live quite far away. You must come up with ways to communicate with this group of people electronically and also find ways to educate producers in the same manner.

Tillage in Corn Stalks Demonstration With stronger corn genetics on the market, tillage becomes a tougher and tougher task. This year’s major field demo tackles tillage in corn stalks with new pieces of equipment from multiple manufacturers.

How would you do that? What type of software tools could you use? (Examples; Internet, Skype, Facebook, etc) 2. Explain some new technologies in sheep production and how it would benefit the industry in any of the following areas: • predation • nutrition • breeding (genetics) • traceability 3. Write an article that outlines why traceability, biosecurity and on farm food safety are important to the sheep industry.

4. Write an article about the importance of closed flock systems.

Details of Submissions

• Articles should range from 1000-1500 words in length • You may include pictures, diagrams…etc • Be creative and enjoy this learning opportunity • Your submissions will be judged on creativity as well as content • Top articles will be published in the Ontario Sheep News

For more information, please contact Ruth Gilmour at: Phone: 519-836-0043 Email: general@ontariosheep.org OSN

Beef Expo and Quality Beef Carcass Competition

Pasture Grazing Demonstration

Beef producers from across Ontario will show off their best animals in the Quality Beef Carcass Competition. Attendees can make their best guess for top carcass & win meats from Norwich Packers.

Moved to a new location on North Mall, this demo goes back to basics by showcasing the key concepts and benefits to rotational pasture grazing.

Important Information

Grober Young Animal Development Centre Grober Nutrition will conduct research at the Woodstock site starting in April with goat kids and dairy calves.

These animals are studied for growth, nutrition & housing. Attendees can see the young livestock & test Förster-Technik’s automatic calf feeders from Germany.

The show will be held at Canada’s Outdoor Park, Woodstock, Ontario. The address is 744906 Oxford Road 17 at the corner of the 11th Line. It is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Daily admission is as follows, adults are $17.00, youth (6-17) are $5.00 and children under 6 are free. Parking is also free. Be sure to attend this ‘don’t miss’ event!

For more information please phone 1-800-563-5441 or email info@outdoorfarmshow.com or visit their website at www.outdoorfarmshow.com. There is also a Facebook page that you should visit. OSN OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

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District Development: Train the Trainer Workshop Roselen Marcy

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Team Photo

n March 25 & 26, 26 producers from across the province came together in Guelph to take part in the Train the Trainer Workshops. This two day event included workshops on Effective meetings, Roles and Responsibilities and Program Planning. There was a lot of hard work and effort put into these workshops not to mention the time it took for producers and the OMAFRA staff took to arrive in Guelph.

A special thanks to the OMAFRA staff: Helen Scutt, Eric Lawlor, Carolyn Puterbough and Jane Muegge for the unbelievable work that they did. Every workshop was accompanied with binders full of resources to go to each participant.

We would like to thank each of the producers who participated as well: Sarel Smit, Kyle Harrison, Judy Dening, Donna Aziz, Cynthia Palmer, Norm Johnson, Laurie Maus, Sharon Petheram, Mike Beuerman, Nancy Ireland, Peter Harvey, Luann Erb, Chris Moore, Colleen Alloi, Debi Stoness, Lene Band, Barb Dickenson, Shanna Armstrong, Daina Hunter, Deb Garner, Bill Duffield, Allan Burn, Chris Kennedy, Chris Kyle and Neil Mesman.

Carolyn Puterbough from OMAFRA leading a session.

The team at work.

I think it is safe to say that in addition to all the hard work, a lot of fun took place as well. OSN

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The team at work.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Your Upcoming District Agm, And Much More Roles and Responsibilities of District Executive Members

By Jane Harlaar

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EARN New Skills, BUILD Your District, GROW Your Industry

This was the motto of the Train-the-Trainer Workshop that took place in late March. Representatives from each of the districts attended this workshop, which was put on by OMAFRA. A new ongoing feature in the Sheep News will focus on District Development. Over the next few issues we will look at methods and tools that the districts can use to LEARN New Skills, which will enable you to BUILD Your District and GROW Your Industry.

DATE OF DISTRICT AGM’S District

Date

1

September 1

2

September 15

3

September 8

4

September 20

5

August 31

6

August 29

This first module is very timely as it relates to the elections at our upcoming District Annual General Meetings and the elections of four new Provincial Directors in Districts 3, 6, 9 and 11.

Once again we would like to thank our OMAFRA 7 September TBD mentors, Helen Scutt, Eric Lawlor, Jane Muegge and 8 September 19 Carolyn Puterbough who 9 TBD with the help of other 10 September 7 OMAFRA staff have been 11 September 8 instrumental in assisting staff and District Executive members in learning news skills to help us build our districts and grow our industry.

OSMA is continuously growing and evolving to keep up with the growth and change in Ontario’s Sheep industry. We want to empower and assist those that have been elected as district executives to do their jobs efficiently and effectively for the benefit of their fellow producers and the industry as a whole. We also want to empower the producers to be efficient and effective in running their business as well as active participants within their district.

We are all in this industry together, with different positions and functions throughout, and we need to understand that working together will benefit all of us.

NEW to OSMA? OSMA is divided into 11 Districts, and each district has its own executive committee. Each year the district elects 3 to 7 registered producers to make up the District Executive Committee. They will elect a Chair, a Vice Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer, or an individual secretary and treasurer.

ROLES and RESPONSIBILITY of the District Committee Members?

So you may ask, what is the responsibility of these members? Do you even need to know? It is important that each producer is aware of what the committee does and how it functions. This makes it easier for the committee to do their job, as well, you may find that it is a way you can get involved in the industry and make a difference.

District Executive Members: These traits are common for the members of each District Executive Role

Each member is to provide guidance and direction to the district in order to promote the best interests of the Ontario sheep industry and OSMA, the organization that represents Ontario producers.

Responsibilities • Exercise leadership within the District • Operate within legal and ethical guidelines by understanding and adhering to all OSMA an d District policies and procedures • Co-operate with other members in ensuring that all District Executive decisions and actions are made in the best Continued on page 30.

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Continued from page 29 ~Everything

You Wanted To Know About Your Upcoming District Agm, And Much More

interests of producers and the Ontario sheep industry.

• Foster a positive image of OSMA and the sheep industry for producers, industry partners, employees and the broader community • Keep informed of sheep industry issues and trends • Maintain confidential information in strictest confidence District Chair – Additional Duties to those already listed Role This position is to provide leadership to District sheep producers and ensure open two-way communication between District producers and the OSMA Board of Directors in order to promote the best interests of the entire sheep community.

Responsibilities may include • Exercise Leadership within your District Executive • Work with your District Executive to develop an action plan for your district meetings.

• by promoting Ontario’s sheep industry at public venues, express the needs and concerns of producers to OSMA’s Board of Directors, develop an Action Plan for the District, represent your district and OSMA on local committees, enhance communication among Districts and between District Committees • Ensure Financial Management is sound and that the business of the District Executive is conducted in a financially prudent manner.

• Attend all district committee meetings • Encourage communication with District producers • Maintain good communication with the Board of Directors, letting them know what the producers needs and concerns are, as well as letting the producers know of the Boards response • Foster a spirit of co-operation, cohesion and team work among your District Executive and producers.

District Vice Chair Responsibilities • Provide support for the District Chair in his responsibilities • Step in for the District Chair when necessary • Be a strong committee member providing assistance where needed • Assist the Executive whenever necessary but being a strong member Secretary/Treasurer Responsibilities • Serve as liaison between the OSMA office and the District Committee • Keep minutes of meetings • Handle correspondence for the District, including media coverage when necessary 30

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• Maintain coordination of communication with the District • Coordinate District news for Sheep News, Messenger or OSMA website • Handle finances for the District including bookkeeping, financial reporting and budget preparation Provincial Director Every three years an election that takes place is for the position of Provincial Director. This person will represent the District on the Board of Directors for OSMA. The term for this position is 3 years and this year we have elections taking place in Districts 3, 6, 9, and 11. The vacancy in District 11 is due to a resignation rather than the normal three year rotation. We encourage you to consider running for this position.

Role To promote the best interest of the entire sheep industry in Ontario and work to fulfill the Mission Statement of OSMA Responsibilities • Fulfill the mandate given to OSMA in accordance with the Plan establishing the Agency under the Farm Products Marketing Act • Set strategic direction and establish policies for OSMA • Oversee the sound financial management of OSMA and strive to provide producers with value for their licence fees • Exercise leadership • Ensure an effective, informed, and responsive Board of Directors • Operate within legal and ethical guidelines • Co-operate with other Directors in ensuring that all Board decisions and actions are made in the best interest of producers and the sheep industry Foster a positive image of OSMA and the sheep industry for producers, industry partners, employees and the broader community.

ELECTION and VOTING ELIGIBILITY So you want to run for a position? That is great. What now? First – are you eligible to run? Not running, but want to vote? To do either you must be: • A resident of the District • 18 years of age or older • Have marketed sheep or wool within the past 12 months • Registered with the Agency before August 31st, or the District Annual Meeting, whichever comes first You are eligible? Fantastic!!

If you would like to run for the District Executive, all you need is for someone to nominate you at your District Annual

General Meeting coming up this August or September. The dates will be listed on the website if not in this Sheep News.

If you would like to run for the position of Provincial Director, please contact Murray Hunt, General Manager at OSMA at 519-836-0043.

Please also note, as per our practice last year, eligibility for election or voting as follows: • A farm shall be defined by a unique address. Each unique address may designate one person eligible to vote and to be elected on its behalf.

• Therefore, one farm = one vote and additionally, one farm = one individual eligible to serve in an elected position for OSMA. So, now you are all caught up on the ins and outs of the election process and the positions that are available. We really encourage you to get out and be active in your District, either by standing for election or voting. They are both very

important in the process and the more involvement there is at the district level, the better and stronger you can make your local district and the sheep industry!

Here are some points to consider when thinking of standing for election or when voting for someone: • Do I want to serve on this board / committee?

• Do I believe in the importance and value of the organization to the community and society in general?

• Can I be loyal to the interests of this organization?

• Am I prepared to work as part of the district executive or Board team?

• Am I committed to being prepared for meetings?

• Am I committed to being an active member?

• Am I comfortable dealing with issues related to confidentiality that are likely to come before the District Executive or Board?

• Am I prepared to be an advocate for my district and this organization. OSN

Upcoming Events District 1 Pasture Walk

District 10 Multi Breed Sheep Sale

OSMA District 1 is holding a pasture walk on Saturday, June 18 at 2 pm near Wilkesport (southwest Lambton County).

OMAFRA’s Provincial Grazier Specialist, Jack Kyle will be the speaker.

There will be a performance tested sale on Saturday July 30, 2011 in Spencerville Ontario. This sale will be preceded by and educational session on Selecting Breeding Stock using Performance Indicators. For more information, please see the ad on page 33.

The pasture walk will be held at the farm of Dave & Darlene Pettit & family, 2627 McCallum Line, Wilkesport.

District 11 Pasture Walk

Directions: From the south, take Hwy 79 or Hwy 21 to Bentpath Line.

Head west to Mandaumin Road and go north. McCallum Line is the 2nd concession north of Bentpath Line. Turn left (west).

The farm is 2627 McCallum Road. There is a driveway back to the barn/fields just west of the house driveway.

From the 402, you would take the Mandaumin Road exit (just outside Sarnia) and follow Mandaumin Road south to McCallum Line.

All those interested in getting the most out of their pastures and the grazing season are invited to attend. Producers of sheep and other livestock are encouraged to attend. No charge to attend. No preregistration required.

Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario The Purebred Sheep Breeders of Ontario will be hosting their annual Show and Sale on Saturday, July 9, 2011. For more information please see the ad on page 21.

June 21: OMAFRA is sponsoring a Pasture Walk with Jack Kyle at the New Liskeard Ag. Research Station in New Liskeard in the evening. OSN

The Annual General Meeting and Producer Education Day will be held on Friday, October 28th and Saturday, October 29th 2011. Once again it will be at the Holiday Inn in Guelph. Please look for complete details on the OSMA website www.ontariosheep.org and in the next Messenger. At the time of press, some details are not yet finalized.

Our apologies. Complete details will be posted in the last week of June.

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Temiskaming Farmers Pressing for Return of Coyote Hunting Diane Johnston, Speaker Reporter, The Temiskiming Speaker

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emiskaming farmers frustrated by rising livestock losses are making the case to reinstate local hunting of coyotes.

They’re arming themselves with a three-year study by an Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources scientist that looked at predation of livestock by wolves and coyotes in Temiskaming.

It concluded that coyotes differ – both genetically and in their physical appearance – from resident wolves in Temiskaming, said Hudson sheep producer Jim Johnston.

It found no biological reason, he said, to manage them differently than coyotes in southern Ontario, where there is no closed season nor a limit on the number of animals that the holder of a small game licence can take. That’s “good news” for local farmers, said Mr. Johnston, chair of Northern Ontario District 11 on the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA).

It means that coyotes do not merit the protection designed to protect wolves, because hunting the former does not hurt the latter, he said. The study’s findings appear “very conclusive,” said Temiskaming-Cochrane MPP David Ramsay at a recent meeting with a dozen Temiskaming farm representatives.

The MPP was the minister of natural resources when hunting regulations were tightened in 2005 as part of Ontario’s wolf conservation strategy. At that time, he said, the coyote was included for protection along with the wolf because the hybridization of the smaller, Algonquin-type wolf and the coyote has made it difficult to tell them apart.

But that’s not the case in Temiskaming, he told the group in mid-April. He said he could propose to current Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey a change in regulation that would lift the local restrictions on coyote hunting. “You’ve got the science now behind you,” he told the group.

Research The study was spurred by the new hunting regulations.

They prohibited hunting and trapping wolves between April 1 and mid-September across Northern and central Ontario, considered the wolf’s core range. Tag holders can only take two animals in the remainder of the year.

The coyote was included in the regulations, based on the assumption that it’s difficult to distinguish from wolves, particularly the Algonquin-type wolf. Temiskaming farmers disagreed, but they couldn’t persuade the ministry, Mr. 32

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Johnston said. While farmers could continue to kill animals in defense of their property, he said, hunting in general declined and the number of livestock kills and sightings of wolves and coyotes increased.

Prior to 2005, he said 50 to 60 coyotes were killed in the Little Claybelt area each year. He began raising sheep in Hudson in 1993, losing the occasional lamb to a predator.

But after 2005, he said his own losses climbed as high as 20 in a single year, despite the presence of guard dogs. Mature ewes as well as lambs were being killed. Temiskaming’s farming area, he said, is “a huge coyote magnet.”

The goal of the study was to uncover whether wolves or coyotes were killing lambs, what hunters were catching, and whether they could accurately identify the animals they caught. It was led by Brent Patterson, a field research scientist with the ministry and an adjunct professor at Tent University, and funded in part by OSMA and the Ontario Cattleman’s Association.

Research harvest permits were issued to local hunters and trappers who submitted the carcasses they collected to a ministry lab for analysis. Between 2007 and 2009, they collected 143 animals. Three-quarters of the carcasses, or 107 in total, proved to be coyotes. Thirty-five were gray wolves, also known as timber or Great Lakes wolves, and only one was an Algonquin-type wolf, also known as a red wolf.

The identification of the species in the field was found to generally match that confirmed in the lab, with a large difference in size noted between the wolves and coyotes. It proved tougher to determine the specific predator. Researchers collected 40 samples of saliva from lamb carcasses in hopes of analyzing the DNA to identify the predator.

But only nine samples proved useable. Of those, seven were found to be coyote kills, and two were killed by gray wolves. But the small sample size limits the scientific use of the data, Mr. Johnston said. He noted that the red wolf is seen in the Mattawa and Powassan areas. But turning to the study, he said, very few red wolves occur north of the French River.

The study found that extensive hybridization still rules out differing hunting regulations for wolves and coyotes in central Ontario, he said. But it concluded that treating them as a single species in Temiskaming contributed little to conservation of the red wolf, he said “In Temiskaming, a wolf is a wolf, a coyote is a coyote, and neither is a red wolf,” he said. OSN

District 10 Multi-breed Production Sale

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n Saturday July 30th, 2011, a production sale is occurring at the Spencerville Fairgrounds in District 10. Educational presentations will occur at 9 am.

Viewing of animals will start at 11:30 am with the auction beginning at 1 pm.

Purebred and commercial animals will be featured and will include ewes, rams, yearlings and lambs. This sale is the only one in Ontario that will feature animals with estimated progeny differences (EPD’s) with a focus on superior genetics.

All rams consigned at this sale will have SFIP (GenOvis) test information available. Although it is not required, some ewes will also have genetic information available. Certain sheep may also be codon tested for Scrapie susceptibility.

If the consigner is enrolled in any other health programs, you will benefit from knowing their sheep are from a high health flock. Before the sale, all animals will be inspected by a qualified veterinarian to ensure the animals are healthy.

A floor price has been established to ensure that the price of these high performance sheep is fair for all parties. Ewes will sell for $200 and up while rams will sell for $350 and up.

This event will not have a show beforehand; it is strictly a production sale, based on animal performance. If you are interested in buying healthy, superior animals plan to attend this event.

If you have any questions please phone Gary Lapier at 613-989-2792 or email at rockyhylandfarm@ripnet.com

More Information

Auctioneer: John Joynt Terms: Cash or Approved Cheque (Bank letter of Credit over $500). All payments must be made prior to removal of animals from the sale. Auctioneer will settle all disputes. All animals are at the purchasers risk as soon as sold. Animals will be released at the conclusion of the sale.

Registration and Transfers: All purebred animals will have registration certificates provided at the vendors expense.

Purchasers must supply name, address and postal code.

Guarantee: All rams and ewes are guaranteed (by the seller) breeders if handled properly. Any settlements of such guarantee are between the consignor and purchaser and are limited to the replacement of the animal with an animal of similar quality Call/Mail in Bids: buyers unable to attend the sale may phone or mail in their bids to Gary Lapier 613-989-2792 or John Joynt 613 283 4730 or Fred Baker 613 989 5352 Same Day Phone: Gary Lapier 613-298-3983 or Fred Baker 613 327 8508 OSN

GenOvis Workshop Wrap up

On Tuesday May 31 and Thursday June 2, OSMA hosted 2 GenOvis workshops in collaboration with Delma Kennedy from OMAFRA. The first workshop was held in Elora and the second was held in Lindsay. These workshops were designed to inform producers of the new Genetic Evaluations as well as assist them with the New GenOvis Web Application. Both were very well received and we would like to thank all of those who participated as well as extend a special thank you to Delma Kennedy and her summer student Sarah Brien.

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Email info@sheltersolutions.ca

Address 360 King Street Unit #5 Palmerston ON N0G2P0

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BioFlock New from OSMA - A Web-Based Flock Management Software

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he day-to-day and long term managing of a sheep farm is both an art and a science. Producers employ various means of capturing data and information so they can be successful. In the past as flocks got larger, producers often went to purchasing flock management software that they installed computers on their farm. Some producers used that software to manage their flock and then a few producers sent data to SFIP for further management analysis and genetic evaluations. This has worked well for many producers. However now and in the future there will also be a need to keep records for traceability (including RFID tags), on-farm food safety (i.e. use of antibiotics), farm biosecurity, animal disease testing, animal and enterprise

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cost analysis, animal health treatments, management by animal group and much more.

A year ago OSMA recognized the need for producers to have access to a data capture, analysis and reporting system that was easy to use, did not cost ‘an arm and a leg’, could be used by any and all flocks and addressed both current and future information needs. With that in mind OSMA entered into a contract with BIO (Beef Improvement Opportunities) and Farms.com (a Guelph based software developer) to customize BioTrack, a web-based beef herd management software, to make it a web-based sheep flock evaluation and management software. Since many sheep farms also have

beef animals it was considered very desirable that producers be able to use one linked service for both sheep and beef.

At the present time a team of OSMA producers and staff are working with staff from BIO and Farms.com to develop and deliver before the end of 2011 a system that Ontario sheep producers can subscribe to via the Internet.

Data will be entered directly or will be able to be imported from on-farm software (i.e. Ewebyte, scale head readers, hand-held devices, auto sort systems, etc.). Initially the information captured and reported will focus on animal performance, group management and genetic information.

In time producers will be able to subscribe to options that incorporate costs, carcass results, disease, health, nutrition, product assurance, tracking birth to consumption, etc.

OSMA encourages Ontario sheep producers to enroll on BioFlock for lambing periods starting in the fall of 2011.

More information on this new service will become available starting with the District 10 Performance Tested Sale on July 30th at Spencerville. This fall more details will be published in the Ontario Sheep News, on the OSMA website or by directly contacting the OSMA Office.

OSMA exists to improve the sheep industry and BioFlock promises to be system that any producer with access to the internet will be able to subscribe to as a tool to use to enhance their bottom line.

Here are two sample ‘snapshots’ of just what BioFlock will have to offer. OSN

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Summary of Food Integrity Index Rating

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n order for consumers to make informed decisions about their food, they can look at the Food Integrity Index.

This tool offers objective information from experts in the field. Here are a few questions and the conclusions, to read the full responses or to look at other questions please visit www.bestfoodfacts.org Question: Is it true regular use of antibiotics in healthy cows, pigs and chickens has led to an increased antibiotic resistance in humans eating meat products?

Answer: Antibiotics are an integral component of animal health. All uses of antibiotics improve animal health, and these improvements in animal health can substantially improve human health because healthier animals lead to safer food. All uses of antibiotics also have the potential to increase antibiotic resistance. While all antibiotic uses can select for resistance, the high dose therapeutic uses that are used to treat sick animals may be of the highest concern. The best way to avoid the need for high dose, clinically important antibiotics is to keep the animals healthy in the first place, and low dose antibiotics used for growth promotion and disease prevention can help. While humans eating meat products can be exposed to bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, the risk for the average American is negligible given the long chain of events required to produce measurable human health harm.

Randall Singer from the University of Minnesota concludes that this statement is ‘misguided’.

H. Scott Hurd from Iowa State University concludes that this statement is ‘false’.

Question: Should people with gluten intolerance eat meat from grain-fed animals?

Answer: The simple answer is no. The animal converts food proteins into animal proteins by breaking down their structure during digestion (amino acids are separated and then repackaged during metabolism). Therefore, the meat will never contain any consumed proteins in their intact form.

Meat, regardless of what the animal is fed, will not contain any gluten. The only way gluten could be in the meat is if the meat has been processed using fillers or if breading or some other type of preparation is done that adds a product containing gluten. But meat, by itself, is always gluten-free.

Dr. Ruth MacDonald, Chair and Professor of the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State University Question: Is food from organic and free-range farm animals safer than animals raised in modern confinement operations?

Answer: The popularity of organic and other niche-market products has increased in recent years primarily boosted by consumer perceptions that they are healthier and of higher quality. There is limited scientific data to support or refute the safety of such products.

Studies have found that pathogen prevalence is actually

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higher in niche market/ free range antibiotic-free farm animal production systems compared to conventional confinement operations.

For example, a nationwide survey showed that conventionally-labelled milk had the lowest bacterial counts compared to organic systems. A pork-related study found significantly higher prevalence of Salmonella and other pathogens in free-range pigs compared to those raised in confinement systems.

One reason prompting the move to raising certain farm animals indoors beginning a half-century ago was control of pathogens – diseases from parasites in particular. A return to outdoor systems may contribute to reemergence of parasitic pathogens, some of which have been effectively eliminated from food animals.

Wondwossen A. Gebreyes, Ohio State University concludes that this statement is ‘unknown or misguided’.

Question: Is the well-being of farm animals on larger operations disregarded in the pursuit of higher profits?

Answer: The question is often asked by critics of modern animal agriculture but the size of the farm is not a reliable indicator of animal welfare. Research shows good animal husbandry has more to do with the people providing the care.

Small and large farms present different challenges, but both require skilled and conscientious management to promote good animal care. While there are fewer animals on a small operation, time spent caring for the animals must be juggled with various tasks. On larger operations, employees are often trained in specialized skills and a larger staff might allow for more personalized animal care.

The reason farms have gotten larger has more to do with maintaining income levels than increasing profits. One study provides this example: In the 1970s an operation producing 2,000 pigs a year would generate a profit of $42,000. In the 1990s the profit from such a farm would have been about $8,000. Taking inflation into account, the size of the farm would have to be roughly ten times larger in the 1990s to result in a similar income.

Edmond Pajor, University of Calgary, Patricia Hester, Purdue University and Emily Patterson-Kane, AVMA all conclude that this statement is ‘misguided’.

Question: Will enhanced food production technology and innovation be necessary to feed the expanding global population over the next 20 years?

Answer: Though agriculture has largely met world food demand in the past, there are about 800-million people who have remained food insecure in industrialized and emerging countries. Increasing food prices have lead to economic difficulties in many countries, generating further food

insecurity and political instabilities.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates population will grow at an average of 1.1 percent while food demand will grow at 2.2% annually.

Global land use will increase by less than 1 percent, resulting in a 16 percent reduction in world agricultural GDP by 2020.

Investments in technology innovation will be the key to the future food supply.

This includes the development and use of nutrients, pest control products, and farm equipment. It also includes the possibility of genetically enhanced crops to provide increased yields and more calories per yield.

Future farmers will increasingly rely on their own energy production through biomass and wind farms in order to decrease dependence on fossil fuels. Much must also be done to reduce food waste.

Dave Weatherspoon, Michigan State University concludes this statement is ‘true’.

Question: Are large farms bad for the environment?

Answer: Manure from farm animals when used as fertilizer improves soil and increases crop yields. It can become a pollutant if it reaches water supplies.

In most of North America, farm animal production has clearly shifted away from many small farms to an increasing number of larger farms. It takes several small farms to equal the manure production of a single large farm. On the large farm, the manure management responsibility lies with only one management system instead of several.

Research shows larger farms use more comprehensive manure management practices than smaller farms. Larger farms must comply with stricter regulations than smaller farms and are often able to employ people or hire consultants who specialize in manure management issues.

Research suggests that large farms as a group may practice better manure management than smaller farms as a whole.

Robert Burns, Iowa State University and Larry Jacobson, University of Minnesota conclude that this statement is ‘misguided’. 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 J u n e 2 0 1 1

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Farm Safety Tips Jillian Craig

W

orking on a farm can be dangerous, especially when working with tractors, farm machinery and when children are nearby. The following tips can help you in keeping you and your family safe this summer.

Farmers and farm workers should read the operators manual for all machinery in order to safely operate it and in an emergency you need to know the proper shutdown procedure. You should never work on running equipment, always disengage the PTO, turn the tractor off and take the keys out. Wait for all equipment to stop (such as the flywheel) on a baler before attempting to fix it. The following summary of tips only make up some aspects to farm safety, for complete factsheets please visit www. farmsafety.ca/pages/factsheets_english.html

Power-Take-Off Safety

In less than one second a 540 power-take-off (PTO) shaft moves more than two metres. Often PTO injuries or fatalities occur when operators are making repairs while the equipment is operating or when attempting to step over or onto rotating shafts. Key points to remember include: • Disengage the PTO, turn tractor off and take the keys out when making adjustments or repairs on the tractor or equipment.

• Install and ensure PTO shields and guards are in place and are not damaged, these should be regularly inspected.

• The tractor’s master shield should always be in place.

• Wear close-fitting clothing, tie long hair back and make sure shoe laces are tied to avoid getting caught in the PTO. • Walk around operating equipment; do not walk over a moving PTO shaft.

Avoid Tractor Rollovers

• In the event of a tractor overturn, your tractor can either rollover sideways or ‘flip’ backwards. Tractors are relatively top heavy due to their high centre of gravity which makes them tip easily. 2-wheel-drive tractors can be prone to rear rollovers since the back half of the tractor comprises of more than two-thirds the weight. In the event of a rear rollover, it takes less than one second for a tractor to ‘flip’ backwards after the front wheels have left the ground.

Big Bale Safety

• Big bales weigh approximately 1000-2000 pounds. It is therefore important to practice safety to prevent injuries and even death.

Child Safety

Keeping your children, grandchildren and family safe should be your number one priority. By setting limits and boundaries, children can still play outside without the risk

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of a farm accident. For young children, a fenced yard may be a good idea if tractors and machinery are frequently performing farm related tasks. The following tips serve as a guideline to keeping you and your family safe on the farm.

• Have a hazard-free play area free of farm equipment, livestock, and other potential dangers.

• Ignition keys should be removed from all parked tractors and equipment and the brakes should be locked.

• Tractor buckets, front end loaders, and other equipment that may fall should always be left in the down position.

• Self-propelled machinery should be locked when parked and dangerous machinery components should be kept out of reach of children.

• When your tractor is idle or not in use, the PTO should be disengaged.

• Chemicals should be kept locked up at all times and containers should be properly disposed of.

• Heavy objects should not be leaned against walls to avoid them falling on a child, such as tractor tires.

• Children should not ride or play on tractors or other equipment.

• You should teach children where and how to turn off farm machinery. If a person did become entangled, the child could turn off the machinery and then getting help, this could save a life.

• Small children should always be supervised when they are around water sources such as, ponds, swimming pools, and stock water tanks. Enrolling your kids in swimming lessons may be a good idea however, even with swimming lessons children should be supervised around water.

• Well head covers, abandoned wells and dug wells should be properly secured.

• Children should know not to enter a grain bin or silo to rescue another person or family member; instead they should know how to turn off the operating auger and turn on a fan (if present) and then run for help.

• Lock all access doors to grain storing structures.

• Lock out power to all grain-handling equipment.

• Children should never ride in grain wagons or enter grain storage areas.

• If grain is being loaded, unloaded or moved you should know where all family members are, especially your children.

• A buddy system should be used when loading or unloading grain. A second person should know where you are.

• A first-aid course may be beneficial for all family members in the event of an accident.

• Livestock should be kept in fenced areas. Children should be supervised when working around animals.

• Your children should be taught how to work around and handle animals to avoid a potential injury.

Information provided by: The Farm Safety Association.

For more information please visit www.farmsafety.ca OSN

Marketing - One Producer’s Perspective Laurie Maus - Hawk Hill Farm

We thank Laurie for sharing with all of us her expertise and perspective on marketing Ontario lamb. Laurie and her husband Bob are District 10 producers More about their farm can be found at www.hawkhillfarm.ca

T

hose of you who know that I am a marketing tool junky may start reading this article expecting all sorts of information on marketing tools such as web pages, social media, business cards and advertising. I will discuss these topics later in the article but that is not where marketing begins nor is that where marketing should begin.

First I will start with a brief bio. I am a scientist by training but a farmer by choice. I retired from a career as a regulatory scientist to full time, small-scale farming.

We have a small flock of purebred Tunis, purebred North Country Cheviots and a small commercial flock of Tunis/Cheviot cross F1 ewes. Our numbers are small so that every dollar counts in covering costs.

We market exclusively via farm gate sales directly to consumers and breeders.

Laurie and Bob Maus.

When asked what we do, most of us would say we raise sheep but that’s a very narrow definition. That was the type of thinking that nearly drove the movie industry out of business when television was developed. Initially their business profile was as makers of movies...period. It was only when they realigned their business profile to state that they were providing entertainment that they were able to adapt to industry changes.

Simply put our farm produces food. While our clients increasingly want to know how that is done, ultimately what they want is a leg of lamb in their oven. However, that could change with time. Our focus should be on our clients’ needs and we should be prepared to change our focus as our clients’ needs evolve.

So What is Marketing? Everything you say, do and produce is part of marketing. Any part of that can have a positive or negative effect on your ability to sell.

No matter how lovely your business cards, how clever your ads or how tech savvy your website, if you cannot deliver quality products and services, it is all wasted effort and money. Why? Because the most powerful marketing tools are positive word of mouth testimonials and your good reputation. These can very quickly make the difference between success and failure. A good reputation takes time to build – a bad reputation develops almost spontaneously.

Continued on page 40.

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

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Continued from page 39 ~ Marketing

- One Producer’s Perspective

Marketing needs to start with the very basics – what you produce. Whether you are producing wool, lamb or breeding stock, your product needs to be superior in every way to your direct competitors or be moving in that direction as quickly as possible. Set production and quality improvement goals and measure your progress in achieving those goals. Your clients want and deserve consistent quality. Get better before you get bigger. Your name and quality should be synonymous.

This is where recognized programs such as Genovis help to give you credibility. If you are not part of such a program, keep equivalent records for your own farm use and to share with your clients when required.

While our operation is too small at this point to use Genovis, we have kept birth records, lamb weights at birth, 50 days, 100 days, live shipping weights and hanging weights since we began with sheep. We keep breeding records, health records and sale records. We work with our vet on a flock health program and work with a nutritionist on flock nutrition. We see each carcass we ship and discuss where we can improve with the butcher. We DNA test all our purebred animals for scrapie resistance. And we are just beginning.

Your service also needs to be superior in every way to your direct competitors. You need to be as professional as possible. That means responding to client contacts quickly and courteously, keeping records of client contacts and treating your repeat customers on a priority basis. These repeat clients are your bread and butter and deserve as much or more attention than new clients.

We try to respond to clients within 48 hours or less. We missed responding to an email by four days last week and lost a guaranteed sale as a result. Our repeat clients are given priority choice on our products especially when we do not produce enough to meet demand. We keep client comments and try to respond to these comments to address any concerns.

As I said, everything you say, do and produce is marketing.

If clients come to your farm, what will they see? If they phone your farm, how and when will they be received. Every time you open your mouth to a potential client you are marketing. Think of how you come across. Think of how you would like to be treated, ramp it up a notch and treat your clients that way.

Given a choice between buying at a farm where you see diseased or unthrifty animals, barns in ill repair and dirty or one where the animals are clean, healthy and the property is in good repair, where are you going to buy? Despite what you would like to believe, people do judge a book by its cover and they do judge your operation by the condition of your property and your animals. Like I said, it is all marketing.

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Now I come to the point where many of you started reading the article in the first place. First we assume you have done all of the above. You have to identify your clients based on the sale path you have decided to pursue.

For example, if you have decided to sell through the sale barns, follow sale barn records in your area and those farther away. It might be worth your while to truck your animals further if sale prices will consistently more than compensate you for the difference in trucking costs. Then start attending the respective sales and try to identify what is selling high.

Talk to the buyers and ask what they are looking for in an animal. Change your production to meet those needs. No matter how good your product is, if it is not what buyers want, you might as well not be producing.

The same process is true no matter what route you choose for marketing. Identify your client; find out where your client looks for product; find out what they want in a product; modify your production to meet your clients’ needs and track your success in making these connections. Is this hard? No. Is this time consuming? Yes. Is it worth it? That depends on whether you want to stay in business or not.

In our case, we have identified our client group. For the most part, they are well educated, have higher than average income, are computer literate and are conscious of environmental and health concerns. They want to know where their food comes from and want to know that the animals were treated in a humane way. Most live in the city or have recently migrated from the city to the country. They are picky about quality but are not opposed to paying for it.

The key here is to know your market, think about where your clients look for products and what they are looking for.

While our website is valuable – and in this day and age essential – the best advertising is still word of mouth. Go where your clients are and talk to them.

Recently my husband and I took a wine tasting course.

My marketing hat is never off and I mentioned that we were taking the course so that we could advise our clients what wines to pair with the lamb, beef and chicken we produce.

I had handed out several cards before the end of the course.

Have attractive business cards professionally done. Have your contact information clear including phone, email and website. Don’t spend a lot of money on printing because you should be spreading your cards far and wide. We had a beautiful card developed through another organization.

These cards were full colour, bilingual, and an odd postcard size. As such they were inconvenient to use and more inconvenient for our clients to store as they do not fit in

We have had a website for close to seven years and I have managed it for that time. I used to write flowing narratives on the site which entertained friends, family and long time clients. It was very difficult, however, for first time visitors to find the information they needed without going through everything. As a result, I redesigned our site so that visitors can find the information they need – fast. And, if they want to continue to read, they can.

standard card files. Ultimately they will get lost. Think about that when you are designing cards.

Your website also needs to be attractive, professional and easy to navigate. While I could write a whole article on websites, there are two critical features for a website: can your clients find you on the web and, once they find you, can they find the information they need on your site?

When you do a search on the web, how many pages of search results do you scan? Probably not many. If your website is not on the first page – or even first two or three pages – you might as well not be on the web.

There is an entire field called search engine optimization.

If you don’t have time to learn about it, hire someone who is good at it to design your site. However be careful that, in your zeal to optimize your site for search engines, you do not make it useless for your clients.

Once a client finds your site, how quickly can they find what they want?

Visitors to your site take about 10 seconds to determine whether or not your site is relevant to them. If not, they are off your site in less than 10 seconds. That is called the bounce rate. The bounce rate on our website is about 35% which is actually low. So, your site must be designed to grab a visitor’s attention in less than ten seconds.

Visitors who don’t bounce spend, on average, about two minutes on a site. Can your clients find the key information that they need in less than two minutes? If not, you need to revise your site.

Web analysis software is available that lets you monitor the traffic on your site. We follow our web traffic using a program called Google Analytics. We follow our own stats but, if you have a professional web designer, ensure that the stats are being followed optimizing the traffic on your site.

I know many of you are thinking that you do not have time to do all of this and I understand that. There are professionals who you can hire to do it for you. But do not dismiss marketing as something that is unimportant.

You are walking to the barn or climbing into a tractor to produce something that is being sold to a client and, if you are not thinking about marketing, you might consider rethinking what you are doing. OSN

Pr od u c e r R e m i t t ances

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

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

Producer #___________________

Name:_____________________________________________________________

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

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

Plus 13% HST

$________________________________

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

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district news

n

june 2011

District 1

District 5

Meetings are usually held the first Thursday of every month at Coldstream Community Centre, just north west of London, Ontario at 8:00 PM

District 6

Counties of Essex, Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, and Elgin Meeting Dates: June: No Meeting June 18: Pasture Walk with Jack Kyle at the farm of Dave & Darlene Pettit. 2627 McCallum Line Wilkesport August: Farm Tour September 1: Annual Meeting at Coldstream

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 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 Provincial Director Election at District AGM September 8: AGM – 7:30 pm at the Rostock hall in Rostock.

Guest speaker: OSMA GM, Murray Hunt will speak on the benchmark study.

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

District 4

County of Brant, Regional Norfolk and Niagara Director Chair Vice-Chair Secretary: Treasurer: 42

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Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, HaldimandChris Kyle Nancy Ireland

519 632-7602 905-701-6026

Sharon Petherma Norman Johnson

519-443-5844 905-562-4905

County of Wellington and Dufferin and the Regional Municipalities of Halton and Peel August 31: Annual Meeting at Andrew Gordanier’s Farm in Shelburne at 6:30 pm 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

County of Simcoe, District Municipality of Muskoka and the District of Parry Sound August 29: Annual Meeting 7:30 pm at Church’s Farm Supplies.

Provincial Director Election at District AGM 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 Counties of Victoria, Peterborough, and Northumberland Director Judy Dening Chair Leslie Dyment Vice-Chair Rebecca Parker Secretary Cynthia Palmer Treasurer Phil Smith

of York and Durham, 705-324-3453 705-359-1376 705-277-1711 705-295-3351 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 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 Provincial Director Election at District AGM 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 Karen Wright 613-267-7930

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

Answers to Sheep Quiz (quiz on page 19) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

District 11

Counties of Kenora, Rainy River, Thunder Bay, Cochrane, Algoma, Sudbury, Temiskaming, Nippising and Manitoulin Provincial Director Election at District AGM June 21: OMAFRA sponsored Pasture Walk- Jack Kyle will be conducting a pasture walk at the New Liskeard Ag. Research Station in New Liskeard in the evening.

September 8: District AGM at Kerns Hall Director VACANT Call OSMA Chair: Jim Johnston 705-647-7160 Secretary: Debra Garner 705-563-2761 OSN

Classifieds

C D C B D B A B A A

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

B D D A D B C B C C

How Well did Ewe Do? More than 12 correct - you are a long time shepherd 9-12 correct - 4-H served you well 4-8 correct - you need to spend more time in the barn All statistics from http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/23-011x/23-011-x2010002-eng.pdf

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

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 J u n e 2 0 1 1

43

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”

This space is available at the reasonable rate of $34 per issue.

Call or email us for our price list.

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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 Laber g e, Danville, QC t el ( 8 1 9 ) 839- 3350 F ( 8 1 9 ) 839- 1202

Visitors always welcome f www.manasan.qc.ca

EMKE OXFORDS and

HAMPSHIRES

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

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

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

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

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

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.

VASECTOMIZED ROMANOV “TEASER” RAMS. Effectively bring more ewes into estrus out of season, seasonal ewes breed earlier, more ewe lambs bred in their first season. Reliable out of season with highest libido. Charlie Renaud, Prolific Acres Sheep Farm, Phelpston, ON. charlierenaud@3web.com.

(705) 322-2140. www.prolificacressheepfarm.com.

JD 435 baler - hyd tie kicker, $7,700., 120x40 coverall barn $13,000., water bowls, bulk feeders, creep gate, sorting panels, electric nets. Janice @ 705-749-2699 A small sheep trailer for sale, holds up to eight sheep Call: 519 899 2663

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

Predator Control Puppies born Jan 14, 2010.

With Sheep. 3 Males, Maremma X Kuvasz-Akbash.

Orillia/Brechin Area. 705-484-0004 Purebred Suffolk Sheep for Sale Hunterdown and Maple Meadows breeding, 3 brood ewes, 6 yearling ewes, and 3 ewe lambs.

Contact: Ron at (613) 874-2987 OSN J u n e 2 0 1 1

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BREEDER

DIRECTORY

booroola

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

Charollais

Cedar Creek Charollais Ted Skinner & Sons, 2910 Conc. 7, R.R. #5, Bowmanville, ON, L1C 3K6. Phone 905-263-2102 Fax 905-263-4388, charollais@live.ca. Heavy muscling, SFIP & MV tested. Increase your dressing percentage.

dorper

RAM H Breeders Ltd. Dorper sheep, rams, ewes, and lambs available. Flock has been South Africa inspected, typed and certified - Sept. 2003. Call Ray or Ann Marie Hauck 403-932-3135.

Cochrane, Alberta am@ramhbreeders.com www.ramhbreeders.com Cedar View Dorpers Jeff and Karen Wright, 5615 Hwy. 43, RR5 Perth Ontario, K7H 3C7, 613-267-7930, jkwright@storm.ca www.cedarviewdorpers.com Smokey Creek Farm Susan McDonough & Peter Carrie (519) 848-2400, 8886 Concession 7 R.R.4 Arthur, ON, N0G 1A0. Participants in Sheep Flock Improvement Program & Scrapie Flock Certification Program. Registered purebred Dorpers available. smcdonough@highspeedfx.net or www.smokeycreekfarm.ca.

Ken Burgess Ontario Dorpers. Prized meat sheep. Purebred full blood Dorpers & Katahan Cross Dorpers from Prize Genetics. Special qualities: awesome weight grain, heavy muscling, easy lambing, no shearing, superior foraging. Call Ken Burgess 705-527-9058 or email at ontariodorpers@aol.com. Also white Maremma pups for sale – awesome Sheep guard dogs.

Iile de france

Clarence Nywening 12618 Baseline Road, Thamesville, Ontario N0P 2K0. Telephone: 519692-5161. 7/8 and 94% ram lambs.

Henry & Evelyn Stam 2700 Line 45 RR # 1 Gadshill, ON N0K 1J0 Telephone 519-271-4919 email hestam@quadro.net • 86% and 94% ram lambs 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.

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

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

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.

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Wendell Palmer Canaan Farm., 6749 Homestead Cres., Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 2H8. Phone/ Fax: 905-358-6146. canaan@vaxxine.com www.vaxxine.com/canaan Participant testing and performance programs. Closed flock. Rams always, high EPD’s / Semen / Embryos.

Rambouillet & Newfoundland F1 crosses. On the health program.

Duff Farms Glen & Sharon Duff, RR # 2, Rockwood, ON, N0B 2K0. 519-856-9935. rideausheep@sympatico.ca Top Genetic Selection - currently maintaining 3 ram lines, SFIP and ewebyte information-based. High Health Status - closed flock since 1995, maedi visna tested and participating in the Ontario Sheep Health Program.

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

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

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

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 Cornerstone Texels Steve, Janet Jones & Sons, RR.# 2 Dutton, Ont. NOL 1JO. Fullblood & Upgrade Texel Rams and Ewes. Always available. Enquiries welcome. Phone 519-762-0613 or Cell 519-859-2622 Please visit our website www.cornerstonegenetics.com info@cornerstonegenetics.com Black Walnut Lane Ron and Adele Service, Millgrove, On, L0R 1V0, 905-689-0698.

3/4, 7/8 and full Texel ram and ewe lambs available. info@blackwalnutlane.com www. blackwalnutlane.com 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.

Orchardview Farm Gordon Walker & Family, R.R.#2, Glencoe, Ont. N0L 1M0. 519-287-5085.

Texel Rams and Ewes for sale. Maedi Visna Tested.

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

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

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

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

Peel Mutual ad mock up 1

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