Sheep farmer Sandi Brock might look a little familiar, if you’re keen on YouTube and Instagram. The Staffa, Ont. farmer was raised on a dairy farm, worked on a broiler breeder farm, and then eventually chose sheep as the livestock venture to diversify her grain enterprise. Brock learned so much in those first years of… Read More
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become abundantly clear to many that Canada’s livestock processing industry is incredibly concentrated to a handful of federal plants. Now, as these plants face partial or short-term closures, many farmers and consumers alike are lamenting the lack of small, local abattoirs. The trouble is, it’s not easy… Read More
Meat coolers are going to look a lot different as we navigate COVID-19, but according to the Canadian Meat Council, each step of the livestock processing chain is collaborating, communicating, and committed to keeping food moving to grocery stores. Chris White, president and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council, says the livestock processing sector is… Read More
The decision to close a processing plant as it relates to COVID-19 infection of staff is a complicated one. Food processing plants have strict protocols and clear guidance on food safety issues, but the advent of a human disease pandemic is a new territory for all — processors included. Ultimately, the decision to close a… Read More
The packing industry is crucial to the entire food value chain in agriculture and, with that, comes the importance of government inspectors. The question is, what happens if these inspectors contract COVID-19 or if they aren’t able to work due to the risk of contracting the virus? The issue was highlighted with the partial closure… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has implemented a “transition period” for the feed, water, and rest requirements for all livestock sectors, in addition to the previously announced grace period extended to beef and dairy animals. CFIA says it will use the first two years of the new regulation period, beginning February 2020, to “focus… Read More
A sheep in full wool can look plump and well-fed, even when they’re quite thin. The only real way to assess body condition is by getting your hands on the animal, even once sheared. But what are you feeling for, exactly? How can you tell a body condition score (BCS) of 3 from a 2?… Read More
Ryan Greir, a sheep producer from Alberta, has been named as the chair for the National Sheep Network (NSN). Greir is currently the vice-chair of Alberta Lamb Producers, and farms just east of Strathmore with his wife Janna and young son. The NSN represents Canada’s top three lamb producing provinces —Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec —… Read More
We are less than six months away from new federal livestock transportation regulations coming into force, and significant clarification is still needed surrounding the implementation of the rules. The existing rules for livestock transport within Canada have been overhauled from all sides, including: the angle of loading ramps, hours allowed in transit, restrictions on movement… Read More
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) has appointed Dr. Deb Stark as its first-ever independent board advisor. The role is designed to strengthen the board’s governance structure, address sector-wide issues, and expedite fair, just and equitable resolution of issues regarding board and/or member conduct, according to the organization. The addition of Stark to the role follows an… Read More
Canada’s sheep industry is full of opportunity, with strong demand and decent prices, but producer retention past the five-year mark has been identified as one of the challenges of growing the industry. Several factors play a role in new entrant and existing producer success, and Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) have focused on risk management program… Read More
In the face of plant-based protein being all the rage, some may have also noticed a subtle but significant push for the continued celebration of meat. The rise of nose-to-tail feasts, carnivore-centric restaurants, and even a reality TV show that puts butchering skills to the test are a all a testament to humans’ continued love… Read More
It was purely an economic decision when rancher, Stephen Hughes decided to try grazing his herd year-round in southwestern Alberta back in 1996. He had no idea the move would also significantly impact herd health and shift the need for antimicrobials. “We chose to change our management strategy from winter feeding to grazing year-round, and… Read More
Visual assessments are not enough to gauge feed quality, and a feed test is an economical way to protect against under or overfeeding certain critical components of a feed ration, such as protein or energy, says Andrea Hanson. Hanson is the beef extension specialist with Alberta Agriculture & Forestry, and says that feed testing all… Read More
For those looking for hand’s free, low-stress sheep and goat handling, the New Zealand designed, UK-manufactured Combi Clamp offers an efficient way to process many sheep and goats very quickly. The Combi Clamp, distributed by Huber Ag Equipment, uses an operator’s weight to clamp animals between panels, operated via a foot treadle plate. “It allows us… Read More