Monday June 17, 2013

• Canadian Lamb Producers Cooperative Inc. Press Release - English

Tuesday May 7, 2013

• Canada Expands Export Opportunities for Sheep and Goat Genetics to Turkey - English
• Le Canada accroît ses débouchés à l'exportation pour le matériel génétique de moutons et de chèvres en Turquie - Français
  

Canada's 2012 Outstanding Young Farmers: Martin Brodeur Choquette and Johanne Cameron

December 4, 2012 - (English) / Français)

Sheep Genetics and Genotyping

September 27, 2012 - Link to Research Paper

SheepBytes ration balancer now available

A newly launched online software application aims to help reduce the single biggest input cost for lamb producers. Over forty percent of the cost of getting a lamb to market is the cost of feed. SheepBytes is an online tool that helps adjust feeding rations not only to make them more cost effective, but also to provide optimal flock nutrition for sheep in every stage of production.

“Test users, producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, consultants, college students and staff helped assess the program to make sure it meets the needs of today’s producer,” says Margaret Cook, Executive Director of the Alberta Lamb Producers (ALP). ALP will be marketing SheepBytes as well as arranging industry training. “The lamb market is a tough one and we are working to ensure that producers have every possible opportunity to make their operations profitable and their lamb competitive.”

This new web-based program has been developed through lamb industry collaboration.Nutritional expertise was provided by Dr. Susan Markus and Barry Yaremcio, Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development with contractor Dale Engstrom. This version is a re-make of an older Alberta Agriculture DOS based program used by Alberta producers since the early 1990s, SheepBytes was funded by the Alberta Livestock & Meat Agency as part of an ongoing commitment to help Alberta producers lead the way in innovation and production by the development of high-quality products.

“Developing new electronic tools along with the skills to implement new technology has been the focus of collaborative industry projects,” says Susan Hosford, project manager and Industry Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development. “Cloud computing technology makes the SheepBytes application accessible by lamb producers across Canada and the United States. It incorporates the 2007 National Research Council nutrient requirements for fine-tuning rations for larger, more productive ewes.” 

SheepBytes users can input their own feed test results for rations suited to their flock. Another option is to use the generic ‘Feeds Library’ that includes average analyses of feeds from Eastern and Western Canada. Rations can be formulated for lambs, ewes, or rams at any and all stages of production, body weight or body condition score. SheepBytes can calculate the different ingredients in a batch of feed, yardage costs or estimate feed wasted during feeding. It can generate feed reports and feed inventories. SheepBytes also can take into account different types of water and environmental conditions. Users can input the cost of each feed in a variety of rations.

“Flock profitability isn’t all about least-cost rations, though SheepBytes can compare feeds and rations to help manage costs,” says Hosford. “A profitable flock is one where feeds and feeding are managed for optimal animal nutrition and flock performance.”

The program is made up of modules that can be accessed via desktop, cell phone or mobile applications so the information can be put to use in the field. Feed company nutritionists or veterinarians can even be given access to consult on any ration or feed problems that producers may have.

“Through government, industry and ALMA support we’ve been able to keep the cost of SheepBytes very low for end users,” says Cook. “This technology can be used to help improve the profitability of all operations, from the very small to the largest flocks. To improve flock nutritional expertise and to provide training on SheepBytes, courses will be available for Alberta producers, feed companies and private animal nutritionists.”
The program is available by on-line subscription at www.sheepbytes.ca. Individual subscribers will pay an initial $100 fee for the first year with a $50 annual renewal. Commercial subscribers will pay a $300 annual fee. Commercial subscribers have added tools to help manage multiple clients and numbers of rations.

“Market fluctuations, increasing foreign competition and increasing costs are just part of the challenges that producers face today,” says Cook. “Alberta producers continue to lead the way in using technology to gain every business advantage possible and to raise the best product we can. SheepBytes is yet another tool to support them in doing that.” 

For more information, to try out the free demonstration, or to sign up for a subscription to the program, visit: www.sheepbytes.ca.

Prion genotypes of scrapie-infected Canadian Sheep 1998-2008

September 27, 2012 - Link to Research Paper

Manitoba Sheep Association Annual Show and Sale Catalogue

August 14, 2012 - Click Here (English)

Catalogue de Vente/Sale Catalogue - Rimouski & Richmond

July 31, 2012 - Rimouski (Français) / Richmond (Français)

First Shipment of Canadian Lambs Reach Vietnam

July 9, 2012 - Click here to view the results / Français

Government of Canada increases sheep compensation amounts

June 6, 2012 - Click here to view the results

Results of the 2011 Genetics Survey

April 25, 2012 - Click here to view the results

Sheep Industry Letter in Support of Scrapie Eradication

April 5, 2012

Dear Editor,

The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, along with the Canadian Sheep Federation, Canadian Sheep Breeders Association and the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, would like to express their collective concern over the 41 missing Shropshire sheep.

On April 2, 2012, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency notified the public of a breach of quarantine in relation to scrapie control measures taking place in Trent Hills, Ontario. 41 sheep belonging to Montana Jones were slated to be destroyed and tested for scrapie as part of an ongoing scrapie investigation by the CFIA.

Industry members and producers alike can sympathize with the devastating and emotionally charged events that surround a scrapie investigation. A positive case of scrapie is a devastating event for any and all producers involved regardless of the nature of their operation and leads to both economic hardship and the destruction of carefully
crafted breeding programs.

Scrapie eradication efforts are, however, essential to the continued growth and vibrancy of the small ruminant industry in Canada. Positive cases of scrapie continue to pose a considerable threat to the health of the national sheep flock and goat herd. Scrapie is a devastating neurodegenerative disease with a long incubation period, for which there is no 100% effective live test. Infected animals can live and spread the disease in flocks and herds without being detected or exhibiting signs of illness.

Any situation where a positive case of scrapie is identified certainly speaks volumes to the need for moving towards scrapie eradication in our country, so these devastating situations cease to exist. Current scrapie control measures have made great strides in reducing the occurrence of the disease in Canada and contravening those measures jeopardizes the efforts made to better our national disease status.

Not only is scrapie eradication important to the industry, the international perception of pro-action in disease control is essential. Recognition of domestic efforts to minimize the risk of disease can help build a robust trade based industry on both domestic and international levels where international trade is essential to the vibrancy and long-term sustainability of the Canadian livestock species. Canada's ability to control the spread of scrapie dictates our ability to trade and interfering with that process jeopardizes the strides made towards domestic and international confidence in our animal health programs.

The events this week impact all livestock sectors because they undermine Canada's ability to demonstrate that we have robust and effective disease control programs in this country.

Actions taken by the group calling itself the "Farmer's Peace Corps" seriously risk the health and success of the Canadian sheep and goat industries. Moving potentially diseased animals during their greatest period of infectivity risks spreading the disease to an even larger number of animals. The most common pathway for the spread of scrapie is through contact with birthing fluids, and the animals removed from Ms Jones' farm are apparently due to give birth in the next few weeks. There is concern that this group may be ill-equipped to deal with biosecurity issues that surround this disease. Additionally, any premise or animals associated with this breach of quarantine risk falling under the same control measures applied to the original animals that were taken. What was initially a destruction order for 41 animals could quickly turn into the required destruction of hundreds of potentially infected sheep and goats.

Producers and industry groups alike would urge those involved to re-think the actions they have taken and the impact those actions have had on the small ruminant industry. As devastating as the loss of these 41 animals will be to the producer, it does not justify the impact this recent series of events has had on the survivability of the industry. Moreover, this action makes a mockery of the sacrifices that other producers have made over the years in the shared commitment to rid Canada of this disease scrapie.

Sincerely,

Murray Hunt, General Manager, Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency
Jennifer Haley, Executive Director, Ontario Goat
Stacey White, General Manager, Canadian Sheep Breeders Association
Rick McRonald, Executive Director, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association
Jennifer MacTavish, Executive Director, Canadian Sheep Federation

Saturday August 13, 2011

• Vietnam is now open to the full suite of Canadian livestock genetics products - English
• Le marché vietnamien est maintenant ouvert à l'ensemble des produits canadiens du bétail et de la génétique - Français
  

Monday July 11, 2011

• New Local and Fax Numbers for Scrapie Canada - English
• Nouveaux numéros de téléphone local et de télécopieur pour Tremblante Canada - Français
  

Wednesday June 29, 2011

• AgriInvest Accounts Provide Cash Flow to Producers - English
• Les comptes d'Agri-investissement permettent de fournir des liquidités aux producteurs - Français
  

Canada's Sheep and Goat Industries Hire New Scrapie Coordinator

Tuesday May 31, 2011 – Guelph, ON – The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF), the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association and the Canadian National Goat Federation (CNGF) announced today the hiring of a new Scrapie Coordinator. Corlena Patterson has been selected to fill this position beginning May 30, 2011.

Patterson comes to the role from the University of Guelph, where she worked in the equine teaching facility. Additionally Corlena served as a lecturer in Equine Feeds and Feeding, Dairy Nutrition and Genetic Selection and Alternative Animal Agriculture. She was also a member of the University of Guelph's Animal Care Committee.

The position was originally filled by Courtney Denard who made the decision to leave after six years.

"We welcome Corlena and believe that the experience she brings to the table will be a great asset to the Canadian sheep and goat industries," says Andrew Gordanier, Chair of the CSF. He adds, "The decision to leave was a tough one for Courtney, but we know she is excited about the new opportunities before her. We wish her all the best in this next phase of her career."
Chairperson of the Goat National Scrapie Committee Kerry O'Donnell states, "We are excited to have Corlena as part of our team and look forward to working with her. While we will miss working with Courtney, we do wish her the very best in her new endeavour."

Trenholm Nelson, President of the Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association, said, "On behalf of the CSBA, I would like to welcome Corlena to the sheep industry. We look forward to the many opportunities we will have to work together in the future."

The Canadian Sheep Federation is a national, non¬profit organization that represents all Canadian sheep producers. Its mission is further the viability, expansion and prosperity of the Canadian sheep and wool industry. For more information contact the Canadian Sheep Federation at 1¬888¬684¬7739 or barbara@cansheep.ca.

The Canadian National Goat Federation is a national, non¬profit organization that represents all Canadian goat producers. Its mandate is to represent the interest of all goat producers across Canada regardless if they are raising meat, dairy, fiber or pet animals. The CNGF is a non¬profit national organization that is representing the national interests of goat producers and the industry. For more information contact the Canadian National Goat Federation at 1¬888¬839¬4271 or info@cangoats.com.
The Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association is a national, non¬profit association that insures the integrity and genetic advancement of the Canadian purebred sheep industry. For more information, please call The Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association at 1¬866¬956¬1116 or office@sheepbreeders.ca

Français

Les filières canadiennes du mouton et de la chèvre engagent une coordonnatrice pour le programme de la tremblante

Lundi 30 mai 2011 - Guelph (Ontario) - La Fédération canadienne du mouton (FCM), la Société canadienne des éleveurs de moutons (SCEM) et la Fédération canadienne nationale de la chèvre (FCNC) ont annoncé aujourd'hui l'embauche d'une coordonnatrice pour le programme de la tremblante, en la personne de Corlena Patterson, qui est entrée en poste le 30 mai 2011.

Corlena travaillait auparavant pour l'Université de Guelph au centre d'enseignement de la technique équine. Elle a également été chargée de cours dans le domaine des aliments et de l'alimentation équine, de la nutrition des animaux laitiers, de la sélection génétique et de l'élevage des animaux de remplacement. Corlena a aussi siégé au comité de protection des animaux de l'Université de Guelph.

Elle succède à Mme Courtney Denard, qui a décidé de quitter ce poste après l'avoir occupé pendant cinq ans.

Nous souhaitons la bienvenue à Corlena et nous sommes convaincus que son expérience sera un grand atout pour les filières canadiennes du mouton et de la chèvre, a déclaré M. Andrew Gordanier, président de la FCM. Il n'a pas été facile pour Courtney de quitter ce poste, mais nous savons qu'elle entrevoit avec enthousiasme les nouvelles possibilités qui se présentent à elle. Nous lui souhaitons la réussite dans cette nouvelle phase de sa carrière.

La présidente du Comité national sur l'étude de la prévalence de la tremblante chez la chèvre, Mme Kerry O'Donnell, a déclaré ce qui suit : « Nous sommes ravis que Corlena se soit jointe à notre équipe et avons hâte de travailler avec elle. Les précieux services de Courtney nous manqueront. Nous lui souhaitons la meilleure des chances dans ses nouvelles fonctions.

Au nom de la SCEM, j'aimerais souhaiter la bienvenue à Corlena dans l'industrie du mouton. Nous nous réjouissons des nombreuses occasions que nous aurons de travailler ensemble à l'avenir », a pour sa part déclaré M. Trenholm Nelson, président de la Société canadienne des éleveurs de moutons (SCEM).

La Fédération canadienne du mouton est un organisme national sans but lucratif qui représente tous les éleveurs canadiens de moutons. Elle a pour mission de voir à la viabilité, à l'expansion et à la prospérité de l'industrie canadienne du mouton et de la laine. Pour plus d'information, veuillez communiquer avec la Fédération canadienne du mouton au1-888-684-7739 ou par courriel à barbara@cansheep.ca.

La Fédération canadienne nationale de la chèvre est un organisme national sans but lucratif qui représente tous les producteurs de chèvres du Canada. Son mandat est de défendre les intérêts de tous les éleveurs caprins au Canada, qu'ils produisent de la viande, du lait et des produits laitiers ou de la laine, ou qu'ils gardent des chèvres comme animaux de compagnie. La FCNC est une organisation nationale sans but lucratif qui représente les intérêts nationaux des producteurs de chèvres et de l'industrie. Pour plus d'information, veuillez communiquer avec la Fédération canadienne nationale de la chèvre au 1-888-839-4271 ou par courriel à info@cangoats.com.

La Société canadienne des éleveurs de moutons (SCEM) est une association nationale sans but lucratif qui voit à l'intégrité et à l'amélioration génétique de l'industrie canadienne des moutons de race. Pour plus d'information, veuillez communiquer ave la Société canadienne des éleveurs de moutons au 1-866-956-1116, ou par courriel à office@sheepbreeders.ca.

Innovis in the UK is planning to start a Canadian semen collection quarantine in early December.

CSBA Hires New General Manager

The Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association is happy to announce the hiring of Stacey White as their new general manager. With the resignation of Cathy Gallivan from the position of secretary-treasurer in March of 2010, the CSBA board felt that the time was ripe to expand the position to a half-time one with additional responsibilities, in an effort to help the board and the association carry out the objectives of its recently-developed business plan.

Stacey grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and had a small flock of sheep. He used the sheep to raise money for his education at the University of Saskatchewan, where he obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (with Great Distinction) in 1997. 

Since then he has worked in veterinary practices in Alberta and Toronto, but has always wanted to get back to being directly involved in the sheep industry and helping it to prosper. 

In addition to his veterinary training, Stacey holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Training (2003), and a certificate in Executive Coaching (2010), both from Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia.

Stacey began his new job on December 6, 2010. He can be contacted at the CSBA’s regular toll-free number (1-866-956-1116) and email address (office@sheepbreeders.ca). The new mailing address of the CSBA will be 333 Ontario St., Toronto, ON M5A 2V8.

Français

La SCÉM embauche un nouveau Directeur général

La Société Canadienne des Éleveurs de Moutons est heureuse d’annoncer l’embauche de M. Stacey White à titre de directeur général. Suivant le départ de Mme Cathy Gallivan de son poste de secrétaire-trésorière en mars 2010 et afin d’aider l’association à réaliser les objectifs du nouveau plan d’affaires, le conseil d’administration a pris la décision de créer un poste à mi-temps avec plus de responsabilités.

Stacey a grandi sur une ferme en Saskatchewan où il y avait un petit troupeau de moutons. Les moutons lui ont permis de payer son éducation à l’Université de la Saskatchewan, où il a obtenu un doctorat en médecine vétérinaire (avec grande distinction) en 1997.

Depuis ce temps, il a pratiqué la médecine vétérinaire en Alberta et à Toronto, mais il a toujours voulu revenir à une implication directe dans l’industrie ovine et l’aider à prospérer.

En plus de sa formation vétérinaire, Stacey a une maîtrise en leadership et formation (2003) et un certificat en coaching exécutif (2010), tous deux de la Royal Roads University à Victoria en Colombie-Britannique.

Stacey a commencé son nouveau travail le 6 décembre 2010. Il peut être rejoint au numéro de téléphone sans frais de la SCÉM (1-866-956-1116) et par courriel (office@sheepbreeders.ca). La nouvelle adresse postale de la SCÉM est: 333, rue Ontario, Toronto, ON M5A 2V8.

• investigate ways to formalize a working relationship between federal and provincial organizations to set policy and provide service for a national data and evaluation system.
• investigate ways to offer a user-friendly enhanced GenOvis service across Canada.
  

Russian market opens for Canadian small ruminant genetics

October 13, 2009 – Guelph, ON – The Canadian small ruminant industry applauds today’s announcement from the Government of Canada indicating that the industry now has access to the Russian market. The reaching of an agreement on the export certificate for live sheep and goats into Russia is a clear indication of the growing demand for Canadian small ruminant genetics on the international stage.

“Russia has committed to doubling its small ruminant production, and has identified Canadian genetics as an integral part of this expansion,” says Brian Atkinson, of the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association. “Recognizing the quality of Canadian small ruminant genetics, Canadian breeding stock will be used as the base from which the Russian industry can expand.” Over the next three years it is anticipated that the Russian market could be worth over $8 million for the Canadian small ruminant industry.

“For almost two years, CLGA has been working with the Government of Canada and industry representatives in Russia to reach agreement on the animal health conditions that would allow Canadian small ruminant genetics access to the Russian market,” explains Rick McRonald with the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. He goes on to say that CLGA members have established strong relationships with counterparts in Russia and arevery pleased to know that trade can now get underway. Russia has been and remains a key market in our Small Ruminant Marketing Strategy and we appreciate the assistance received via the CAFI and now AMP programs of AAFC. We are confident that Canadian sheep and goat genetics and know-how will contribute positively to the advancement of the sector in Russia. Our thanks are extended to all for their perseverance and commitment and we wish the Canadian and Russian partners every success.”