Ontario Sheep Farmers recently updated several online resources for its membership, including a new version of the price and profit predictability tools. OSF created this farm management tool in partnership with the University of Guelph and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and recently assumed ownership and administrative duties of the resource to ensure… Read More
After a goodwill request to meet to build trust and discuss the re-establishment of a Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) that represents all provinces at a national level, the CSF has responded with a resounding no. Marc Carere, chair of Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF), committed to the membership an open and transparent process regarding any discussion… Read More
The Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) held its annual general meeting October 23, via Zoom, and the chair’s opening report directly addressed the ongoing issue of dissension within the membership and the Canadian sheep industry as a whole. “I am frustrated by the distrust in our industry that has led to too many acrimonious and hostile… Read More
Ontario Sheep Farmers is accepting registration for its Master Shepherd’s Course until August 14, 2020. The 18-month professional development course consists of 12, 2-day modules that cover: Business planning; Flock productivity and reproduction; Ewe flock nutrition; Industry dynamics and governance; Genetics; Infrastructure and feeding systems; Effective flock health management; Lambing and lamb rearing; Predation and… Read More
Beef Farmers of Ontario, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Veal Farmers of Ontario, and the Ontario Sheep Farmers are collectively asking Ontario’s Premier and the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to immediately move to fully fund the Ontario Risk Management Program (RMP) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Representing over 50,000 Ontario farmers, the groups say… 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
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) has secured funding from the AgriRisk Initiative Program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to investigate the feasibility of a production insurance program for the sheep industry and wants producer input for its development. The key outcome of this project will be recommendations on whether production insurance is feasible and affordable for… Read More
Heavy lamb prices across Ontario sale barns have dipped steeply lower in the last three weeks, with year-over-year drops at some auctions over $0.30 (or more) a pound for the same weight class. While some seasonal dips are expected at this time of year, Ontario sheep farmers are also up against a much higher than… Read More
It’s a lively Tuesday on the show which includes the following: Shaun Haney starts the show focusing on the worst case scenario for Canadian agriculture in the Huawei CFO arrest. Jessika Guse has the the top ag news of the day which includes McDonald’s announcing its antibiotic policy, the U.S. and China — will there ever be… Read More
Ontario Sheep Farmers held its convention and annual general meeting last week near Cookstown, Ont. It was Rob Scott’s final meeting as a board member, having served the last two years as chair. Scott had announced ahead of this meeting that he would be stepping down as chair and as provincial director for his district…. Read More
When the Ontario Sheep Farmers hold their annual general meeting next month they will be in need of a new chairperson. In the latest Ontario Sheep magazine, current chair and delegate for district 4, Rob Scott, announced he is not only stepping down as chair, but is also leaving the board. In his time as chair,… Read More
Ontario Sheep Farmers is once again offering its Master Shepherd’s Course, beginning in September, 2018. The 18-month course is set up as 12, two-day modules covering a wide variety of sheep production topics. Each module consists of one and one-half days of classroom style presentations and discussions, and one-half day of farm and industry tours…. Read More
Canada imports more than half the lamb it consumes, which spells opportunity for our sheep farmers, but that opportunity isn’t the easiest to capitalize on. In the interview below, Marc Carere, vice chair of Ontario Sheep Farmers, talks to Shaun Haney about the tremendous amount of potential — but also incredible challenges —of this still-maturing… Read More