Canadian Lamb Industry Leaders Meet in Ottawa - October 12, 2004
The announcement in the evening of July 15 that the 9th Circuit Court has struck down the Montana Judges Injunction that stopped implementation of the March 7 Rule is good news for Canadian Livestock Producer.
Statements released by both USDA Secretary, Mike Johanns and Canadian Minister of Agriculture Andy Mitchell indicate that the “rule” that would have allowed the movement of cattle and sheep into the US for slaughter and feeding for slaughter before 30 and 12 months respectively will be implemented.
CFIA is developing a table that will provide industry {cattle, sheep, etc.} with information and conditions for movement over the weekend. This document is slated to be circulated by Monday morning.
There is hope that there could be movement of the first cattle by the end of next week.
The rule that was published for implementation on March 7 would allow lambs under 12 months of age direct to slaughter or lambs to be fed and slaughtered before they are 12 months old. Any lambs moving in to the US will have to branded with a “C” on the right hip.
There was no provision for movement of breeding stock in the “rule” that was published. It is the hope that after the first rule is implemented we will see a second rule that would include breeding stock published.
Beginner Level Shearing Seminar
The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture are organizing a Beginner Level Shearing Seminar for mid-July 2005.
The anticipated fee for the 3-day seminar will be approximately $300 + meals (accommodation is separate). A $100 non-refundable deposit will be required by June 17, 2005 to secure registration. Students are encouraged to bring their own hand piece, however it is not required as equipment will be available on site. Course topics will include animal handling, equipment maintenance, shearing pattern, wool handling and preparation.
If you are interested in participating, or require more information, please contact the OSMA office at (519) 836 – 0043 or email general@ontariosheep.org.
We are also investigating holding shearing seminars at the intermediate and advanced level. If you are interested in either of these, please contact the OSMA office as above.
April 4th, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On March 29, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Andy Mitchell announced that sheep and other ruminants would receive $21 million to help producers deal the continued impact of BSE on the ruminant industry in Canada.
Sheep producers are eligible to receive assistance under this announcement. Payments will be made based on the TSIP inventory taken on December 23, 2003. Sheep that are ineligible for payment are rams 12 months and older and females that have lambed. The initial payment will be 80% of $14.00 per eligible sheep on farm on the TSIP inventory date. Final payments will be made once all flock and herd inventories have been made. If you received payment under the previous TSIP program you will receive this payment automatically.
Producers who did not participate in the TSIP program before and who would like to receive payment will have to file a claim. These claim applications are available on Ag Canada’s website www.agr.gc.ca .
In addition to the above payment producers who were enrolled in NISA will receive a 4.4% top-up of their Eligible Net Sales {ENS}. An additional payment might be made in the fall based on program participation.
Farm Income Payments will be treated as allowable income for 2005 CAIS program year, but will be excluded from calculations of the overall reference margin.
In addition Minister Mitchell clearly stated that “the Government of Canada will be consulting with industry to develop other transformative initiates including market development” OSMA and CSF hopes that this will see more money invested in our industry to help off set the impact of the BSE crisis on our industry.
For further information:
Jonathan Wort, OSMA. General Manager
(519)
836-0043
manager@ontariosheep.org
November 2005 (Guelph, Ontario) – John Hemsted will serve his sixth consecutive year as the Chair of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) following this years elections by the Provincial Board of Directors.
Hemsted has served since 1999 as the OSMA Provincial Director for District 6 (Parry Sound, Muskoka and Simcoe County), which represents 289 sheep farms and over 26,000 head of sheep and lambs. Hemsted says that there are many challenges facing the Ontario Sheep industry over the next year. “The result of the BSE related border closure has created hardship for the Ontario sheep industry and we must take steps to ensure that Ontario shepherds are protected should something like this happen again. The recent announcement of government funding for a Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program (VSFCP) is a positive step in that direction.”
Elected to the position of Vice Chair was Bill Waldschmidt, who is serving his second year as the OSMA Provincial Director for District 4 (County of Brant, Regional Municipalities of Hamilton-Wentworth, Haldimand-Norfolk and Niagara). Bill, along with his wife Doris and their four children, operate a 200-ewe commercial sheep operation in Cheapside. Waldschmidt feels that OSMA needs to continue to build on its existing strengths: “The branded Ontario lamb program has been a great success and has considerable potential” said Waldschmidt. We must continue to strive to get Ontario lamb in more retail stores in the province”.
Other provincial directors include Maurice Delves, Bill Waldschmidt, Vince Stutzki, Jamie Heffer, Lorne Small, Mike Thompson, Chris Kennedy, Allan Burn (Vice-Chair), Fred Baker and Ron Wight.
OSMA is a producer-run organization representing 4,200 sheep producers in the province of Ontario. OSMA provides marketing, promotion, advocacy and education services to its members in order to enhance producer returns and provide consumers with a safe, premium lamb and related products.
For
more information contact Andi McKillop, Program Coordinator at
519-836-0043 or
andi@ontariosheep.org
Canadian Lamb Industry Leaders Meet in Ottawa
for immediate release
October 9, 2004 (Guelph, Ontario): The devastating impact of BSE on Canadian agriculture extends beyond the beef industry. Canadian lamb industry leaders gathered in Ottawa this week to discuss the impact on the sheep industry, and to present a recovery strategy to federal officials. Broad representation of the sheep industry including primary producers and feedlot sector through to processing and retail, livestock supplies, wool collection and marketing were on hand to make presentations regarding the impact of the trade crisis on their farms, their businesses and communities and their respective provinces.
Net cash receipts for Canadian sheep producers are down approximately 35% in the first half of 2004. Livestock inventories reported on July 1, 2004 demonstrate nearly 50,000 additional market lambs on farm this year over last year and these lambs are expected to come to market this fall causing further havoc in Canadian markets.
A Canadian Sheep Industry recovery proposal, endorsed by all provincial sheep organizations was presented to both Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada and Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials including the Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food Andy Mitchell over the two day meeting. Components of the strategy included: investment in federally inspected processing capacity, ewe lamb retention program, market and industry development, improved traceability and scrapie surveillance.
Representing Ontario at the Sheep Summit were John Hemsted, Chair of Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) and the Agency’s General Manager, Cathy Lennon as well as Jay Lewis of Holstein representing the feedlot sector and Tony Facciolo, Vice President of the Ontario Independent Meat Processors.
John Hemsted reports the key outcome of the Summit was the establishment of a joint industry/government Task Force which will work on a very tight timeline to further develop the framework around the Canadian Sheep Industry’s recovery strategy. “I was encouraged with Minister Mitchell’s commitment to move quickly on a number of priority issues that we’ve identified for our industry” says John Hemsted. “There are other components however which will require additional time to flesh out fully.” This is the role of the Task Force which will meet for the first time the week of October 18th.
Ontario sheep industry officials were pleased to see also the support of Larry Miller, MP for Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound at the Summit. Miller represents the largest sheep producing area of the province with more than 560 producers in his riding. He joined the meeting briefly on Friday morning. Miller emphasized the importance of keeping members of parliament informed of local issues and impacts of BSE on the sheep industry. “Call your member of parliament often…every week if necessary” he suggested, to keep the issue of BSE and the impact on rural Canada on the forefront of the government’s agenda.
In addition to marketing and promotion of Ontario lamb and wool, OSMA is responsible for advocacy, education and research coordination on behalf of the province’s 4155 sheep producers.
To review the Canadian Sheep Federation's BSE Recovery Strategy Click Here
For more information
contact:
Cathy Lennon (519) 836 0043 or
manager@ontariosheep.org
John Hemsted (705) 487 2466 or sheep@vanam.com
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Semi-annual sheep statistics released
August 20, 2004 (Guelph, Ontario) - While the western Canadian sheep flock has dropped by 6% from this time last year, Ontario has fallen by half that much. July 1st inventories indicate that Ontario’s breeding ewe flock has dropped by 3% over this time last year, now clocking in at just over 179,000 head.
Cathy Lennon, General Manager of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) says that the drop in breeding ewe inventories is relatively insignificant for Ontario, however the replacement crop numbers are of some interest. “So many of the producers that I’ve talked to have indicated that they have been taking opportunities this year to cull the ewe flock harder than usual because of the tremendous pressure in the market place and keeping back more replacement lambs, but the statistics report does not indicate that is truly what’s happening.” Replacement lambs according to the July 1st report are down in Ontario by close to 13% from this time last year.
With stalled exports to the US, and more lambs flowing into Ontario from neighbouring provinces, Lennon reports that the total provincial slaughter in Ontario has increased by 11% over this time last year and by more than 70% from 2000. “Over 25,000 head were processed in Ontario in the month of July, with less than 2%, (600 head) of that being done in federally inspected plants” she reports.
John Hemsted, a Simcoe-area sheep producer, and Chair of OSMA says he feels the frustration of the industry. The issue of limited market access for provincially inspected meat plants is a very real barrier for the lamb industry” he shares. Lamb processed in provincially inspected plants is not eligible for inter-provincial trade or export markets and many of Ontario’s larger retail chains refuse to carry lamb from provincially inspected facilities. “Addressing these barriers to market access for our provincial plants and investigating further access to federally inspected processing capacity in this province is a number one priority for the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency,” Hemsted says.
OSMA is a producer-run organization representing 4200 sheep producers in the province of Ontario. In addition to the marketing and promotion of lamb and wool, OSMA is responsible for research coordination, advocacy and education.
For more information
contact Cathy Lennon, General Manager at 519-836-0043
manager@ontariosheep.org
For a complete copy of the July 1, 2004 Sheep Statistics Report see: http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/23-011-XIE/23-011-XIE2004001.pdf
Ontario’s Lamb Producers Promote With Niagara Wine Route Chefs
June 17, 2004 ( Guelph, Ontario.) People who love Lamb prefer the taste and superior flavour of fresh Ontario Lamb over imported product. But there are many consumers who don’t know that fresh locally-grown lamb is available all year ‘round. With the help of Niagara Wine Route chefs, Ontario’s Lamb producers are spreading the good news that their mild-tasting, lean, high-quality product is readily available, 365 days a year, across the province.
A new series of recipes developed by Niagara chefs features Ontario Lamb matched with VQA (Vintners Quality Alliance) wines. “The link between the great taste and authenticity of Fresh Premium Ontario Lamb, and VQA wines that are guaranteed to be made from locally-grown grapes makes good culinary sense”, said John Hemsted, Oro Station area producer. Hemsted is the Chair of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, representing 4,200 Ontario farmers who raise sheep and lambs.
Slow-Grilled Ontario Lamb Shoulder with Mustard and Fig Aioli, Ontario Lamb Loin with Cabernet Franc and Cherries and Merlot-Braised Spicy Ontario Lamb Shanks with Ginger Mint Couscous are just a few of the recipes the Niagara Chefs have developed. Consumers looking for fresh Ontario Lamb can access an online Lamb Locator at www.ontariosheep.org . The Lamb Locator directory includes grocery stores, butcher shops, restaurants, caterers, lamb farms and foodservice suppliers who sell high-quality fresh Ontario Lamb all year ‘round.
Utilizing a federal grant provided by the Agricultural Adaptation Council's CanAdapt Small Projects Initiative, these new recipes were showcased and sampled by Ontario's finest food writers on June 14th at the Niagara Culinary Institute. Food writers first joined farmers for an early morning visit to a 300 head sheep operation near Acton, and then travelled to a visit with the meat category manager of Longo's in Oakville to hear about their branded Ontario Natural Lamb program. Writers wrapped up the day at the Culinary Institute where each of the new lamb dishes were paired with a VQA wine for sampling. "This was truly an awesome gate to plate experience" remarked Cathy Lennon, general manager of Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency "and I firmly believe we have identified some long term Ontario lamb abassadors for our industry in both the wine route chefs and food writers that took part in this exciting awareness initiative. We've even started a waiting list for a repeat tour!"
Canadians, on average, consume about 1.02 kg of lamb per capita annually, up 20% in the last decade. About 200,000 Ontario-grown lambs are marketed annually in the province. The best way for Ontario consumers to support family farmers who produce lamb is to ask specifically for fresh Ontario Lamb at the meat counter, according to Hemsted. Copies of these new recipe cards are available by calling the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency at 519 836 0043.
OSMA is a producer-run organization representing 4200 sheep producers in the province of Ontario. In addition to the marketing and promotion of lamb and wool, OSMA is responsible for research coordination, advocacy and education.
For more further information, contact:
Cathy Lennon, General Manager - (519) 836-0043
BSE-Affected Farmers Thank MPPs for Support But More is Needed in Dealing with Worst Crisis in Ontario Agricultural Industry
Toronto , Ontario –Beef, sheep and dairy farmers affected by the BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy or Mad Cow) crisis today hosted an appreciation barbecue on the front lawn of Queen’s Park to thank MPPs for their continued support during a very difficult time.
The barbecue, organized by the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) and Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO), also provided MPPs with the opportunity to learn more about the scope and challenges that farmers continue to face during the BSE crisis. The event was hosted by the Hon. Steve Peters, Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food.
“The support from all three political parties has been greatly appreciated throughout the last year,” said John Hemsted, OSMA Chair. “Politicians from all parties have been vocal in their collective wishes to see international borders reopen to Canadian beef and sheep.”
Ontario cattle and sheep farmers need to have international borders open in order to survive.
“We know that they realize the importance of agriculture to the Ontario economy. Their assistance has been vital in helping us stay in business throughout the last year but without additional support, there soon won’t be an industry,” explained Ron Wooddisse, OCA president. “In the last few weeks, the industry has seen a near market collapse as producers and processors alike lose hope that borders will soon reopen.”
Farmers in attendance at the barbecue also scheduled meetings with numerous MPPs to update them on the crisis.
“The magnitude of this crisis is the primary factor that has driven Canadian farm income to its lowest level in 25 years,” said Gord Coukell, DFO Chair. “We’re hoping to emphasize that point in meetings with political representatives throughout the day.”
The BSE crisis is the worst ever to affect Canadian agriculture and there’s no end in sight. Losses to Ontario’s 21,000 beef farmers have reached more than $200 million. Ontario’s 4,200 sheep producers have lost about $4.3 million in export sales while Ontario’s 5,400 dairy farmers estimate their losses to be a minimum of $50 million.
Agricultural Policy Analyst Hired for Water Issues
Guelph , April 1, 2004 - AGCare, the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association (OCA), Ontario Pork, and the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) are pleased to announce the appointment of Jamie Boles as the organizations’ joint Policy Analyst focusing on Source Water Protection.
Boles joins the agricultural organizations after spending the last six years working as a policy advisor for the government of Ontario . He has extensive knowledge of government processes relating to water and land use policy. He will be based out of OCA’s office in Guelph.
“We are excited to have Jamie on board to assist our groups, and agriculture in general, with upcoming source protection policies,” stated Greg Hannam, AGCare Chair. “We need to stay on top of source protection initiatives as they are developed over the next year or so.”
Cathy Lennon, General Manager for the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, said, “Agricultural groups need to determine the impact that proposed source protection policies may have on our farmers.” She added, “Agriculture needs to be recognized as a key stakeholder and we need to present our ideas and concerns in a professional, science-based, and organized manner.”
Boles said that he expects the new position to be a critical one in the coming year. He explained, “As the government moves forward with Source Water Protection, we must ensure that we are partners in the process and ultimately part of their solution.”
Financial support for this project was provided by the Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Initiative, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council and the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition.
Contacts:
Cathy Lennon, General Manager, OSMA - (519) 836-0043 - manager@ontariosheep.org
Jackie Fraser, Executive Director, AGCare - (519) 837-1326 - jfraser@agcare.org
Important Notice to Ontario Sheep Producers!
NEW FEDERAL BSE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The application form for the new federal Transitional Industry Support Program is now available on-line at the following address: http://www.agr.gc.ca/tisp/form.html
Sheep producers should download and complete the application form: TISP Direct Payment Form and Guide. Producers are eligible for "up to $16" per head for every sheep/lamb on farm December 23, 2003 that is NOT an intact male over one year of age, or a ewe that has given birth.
The deadline for application for this program is July 31, 2004. It is a very straightforward and simple application ~ only one page and it can be submitted by fax or mail.
Copies of the application form can also be ordered through the mail by calling: Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program at 1-866-367-8506. ***Producers who previously participated in the Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) program and had sales of cattle or other ruminants will automatically have application forms mailed to them in mid-April. OSMA also has copies available in the office for your convenience.
FEDERAL CULL ANIMAL BSE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
The application form for the previously announced Cull Animal Program is also available on-line at the following address: http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/policy/cap/registration_forms.html
Sheep producers should download and complete the application form: Full Registration Package.
Producers are eligible to claim a compensation payment for mature ewes that are 12 months or age or older, OR have lambed. A per head payment based on 12% of your eligible breeding flock will be issued, up to $38.40 per head.
The deadline for application for this program is TOMORROW, March 31, 2004. They only provide an option for applications to be sent by mail but perhaps they would consider applications by fax given the short turn around on this program. The number to call for questions about this program is: 1-877-838-5144.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact the OSMA office.
Sheep industry sees growth in breeding flock
February 18, 2004 (Guelph, Ontario) - Statistics Canada reports released today indicate yet another jump in production figures for the Ontario sheep industry. Breeding ewe inventories are up again for the fifth consecutive year, coming in at just over 183,000 head, up from 180,000 January last year and up 26% from the year 2000. Nationally the breeding flock clocks in at just over 622,000 head.
“The Ontario ram inventory has remained about par at 8,000 head and yet at the same time we’ve seen some decline in inventories of replacement lambs and market lambs” says Cathy Lennon, General Manager of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency.” Lennon reports that replacement lambs are down by 6,400 head from this time last year and market lambs about the same number.
Canadian live sheep export figures for 2003 came in at 68,800 in the first five and a half months of the year and zero for the remainder. This compares with 139,300 the previous year, reports Lennon. “The impact of the border being closed to live sheep and lamb exports, both for processing and for the purebred sector is being felt by producers all across the country” she reports.
John Hemsted, Simcoe-area sheep producer and Chair of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency notes that increased local production, stalled exports to the US, and more lambs flowing into Ontario from neighbouring provinces has pushed the provincial slaughter numbers up 13% in 2003 to 267,002 head. “With less than 3% of that being processed in federally inspected plants, that adds up to a significant increase in per capita consumption here in Ontario” says Hemsted.
Ontario is not the only province to see growth in ewe inventories with this recent report. Quebec’s breeding ewe flock has expanded by 6% to 170,000 head. Alberta’s sheep industry on the other hand has seen a drop of nearly 10% in breeding ewes. These three provinces combined make up nearly 74% of national production.
In addition to marketing and promotion of Ontario lamb and wool, OSMA is responsible for advocacy, research coordination and education of the province’s 4200 sheep producers.
For more information, contact:
Cathy Lennon, General Manager at 519-836-0043
manager@ontariosheep.org
World Sheep Congress comes to Canada
February 17, 2004 (Guelph, Ontario) - Canada will host the 7th World Sheep & Wool Congress in Quebec City this July, and Ontario shepherds intend to be noticed.
“Ontario has superior sheep genetics to offer the world,” says John Hemsted, Chair of the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, (OSMA.) “With a variety of breeds suited to out of season breeding and accelerated lambing, Ontario producers have capitalized on these attributes in order to provide premium lamb to the market year-round.”
“"Ontario boasts a diversity of many breeds of sheep, from terminal sires to improve carcass traits, to genetics that would improve maternal lines, and also top genetics from dairy and wool production sectors" says Steve Jones, Vice Chair of Canadian Livestock Genetics Association. “The World Sheep & Wool Congress provides us with an excellent opportunity to market our genetics and production systems to sheep producers around the word.”
Federal funds from the Agricultural Adaptation Council in the amount of $26,500 have been granted to OSMA to assist in creating new resources to promote the Ontario sheep industry at the Congress later on this year. OSMA is matching that with $10,000 of producer funds and the project is hoping to attract an additional $4,000 in advertising to support the initiative. A professional display and promotional CD and handouts are under development by OSMA staff in partnership with the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association, and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Purebred and seedstock producers from across the province are encouraged to get directly involved by advertising their livestock and genetics on the CD.
Murray Emke, who represents Ontario on the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association board of directors is excited about the opportunity to profile Ontario sheep breeders to national and international buyers at the Congress. “The Congress attracts not only producers from around the world, but also researchers, nutritionists, and industry stakeholders involved in the sheep industry, you just don’t get this type of audience together very often and we’re going to take advantage of that.”
In addition to marketing and promotion of Ontario lamb and wool, OSMA is responsible for advocacy, research coordination and education of the province’s 4200 sheep producers.
The World Sheep & Wool Congress runs from July 17th to 24th in Quebec City. For more details on the Congress itself check their website at www.worldsheep.com
For more information, contact:
Andi Owen, Program Coordinator at 519-836-0043 or by email at andi@ontariosheep.org
Frost seeding can be an effective way to improve pasture stands. Broadcasting seed on frozen soil in early spring is an easy method to bolster the species in a pasture. However, there are limitations. Clovers and trefoil are the two species that are most adaptable to this method of sward improvement. Success with alfalfa and grass species is poor and generally not recommended. The seed should be broadcast while the ground is still frozen in mid March. Some snow cover at this time is generally not a problem.
You will gain some feed value from the clovers in the seeding year but the big benefit will be in the following year when the plants have become well established. With trefoil it will take two or more years before you are likely to see a significant benefit.
Managing soil fertility is a crucial part of any cropping system. If the pasture field that you are considering for frost seeding is very low in fertility then you might consider fertilizing this spring and delaying the overseeding for a year. If over-seeding is undertaken, nitrogen and grazing management will be critical to allow the new seedlings to establish. Undue competition from existing plants or grazing too intensively will ensure failure.
In some cases pH may also be a limiting factor. If the pH is low - below 6.0 legumes are not going to do as well and steps should be taken to either raise the pH with the addition of lime or manage the pasture as a low pH field. Choose species that will grow at these lower pH levels, such as grasses and clovers. Alsike clover has more tolerance to low pH than either red or white clover.
Frost seeding is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of improving a pasture stand but the results are variable. The seedlings need good moisture throughout the first growing season to develop a strong root system. The pasture grazing height should be managed to give the new seedlings a good opportunity to grow. This can be achieved by grazing at the proper forage height, not letting the established grasses to get too large and not over grazing so that the plants get eaten off at the ground. Maintain a residual height of 3"-4". For more information on frost seeding see the OMAF factsheet, Frost Seeding (No. 98-071) or visit the OMAF website at,
http://www.gov.on.ca/OMAFRA/english/crops/facts/98-071.htm
Maedi Visna pilot project granted one-year extension
February 1, 2004 ( Guelph ) Ontario sheep producers have been participating in a pilot project over the past four years to identify and eradicate the disease known as Maedi Visna from their flocks. Maedi Visna is a common virus, which seriously impacts profitability of the sheep industry, and to date there is no antibiotic or vaccine to treat or prevent the disease. A pilot project coordinated by the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency along with the University of Guelph and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is seeking to assist producers in identifying the disease in Ontario sheep flocks and eliminating the carriers. The program is open to all Ontario sheep producers interested in participating.
Once a sheep is infected, it remains a carrier for life and clinical signs of the disease are generally not seen until the sheep reaches the age of three or more. Therefore, sheep may often appear healthy but be spreading the disease to their offspring and cohort group as well as flock mates their entire lives. Maedi Visna lowers productivity due to progressive pneumonia, weight loss, ‘hard bag' mastitis and through a weakened central immune system. The Maedi-Visna virus is shed from the lungs, milk, and semen and is present in the blood therefore can be spread by shared needles, and/or drenching equipment.
Through the pilot project, producers utilize a simple blood test to detect Maedi Visna in their sheep flock. This blood test allows them to determine the presence of MV even before seeing clinical signs of the disease. With knowledge about the health status of the flock with respect to Maedi-Visna, producers make management decisions to cull the Maedi-Visna positive sheep from their flock to prevent further spread of the disease.
There is no enrolment fee to register in the program, however there is a charge of $2.50 per sample payable to OSMA, which is then further matched by the CFIA to undertake the analysis of the blood sample. For a producer to undertake this testing privately, it would be estimated to cost $6.00 to $15.00 per sample, depending on the number submitted.
The producer is responsible for paying for the cost of a licensed veterinarian to take the blood samples and ship them to the CFIA lab. In order to participate in the project, producers must be willing to follow requirements of the program including properly identifying animals, following specific biosecurity requirements, periodic testing and prompt removal of all positive sheep.
Funding for the Maedi-Visna Flock Status Pilot Project has been extended by the CFIA for another year until March 30th, 2005 and possibly further into 2006.
Currently, there are approximately 45 producers in Ontario participating in the Maedi-Visna Flock Status Pilot Project. Eradicating Maedi-Visna does cost money, but payback to producers will appear in increased daily lamb weight gains, better reproductive performance of ewes and improved whole flock health.
Ontario Sheep Genetics CD Produced for World Sheep and Wool Congress
January 19, 2004
Dear Sheep Producer:
The 7th World Sheep and Wool Congress is being held in Quebec City , July 17 – 24, 2004 . The congress is an international event attracting researchers, extension specialists and producers from many parts of the world. The congress is held every three to four years. The first world congress was held in Alberta , and Canada is fortunate to have the opportunity to host the congress a second time in Quebec .
The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA), with support from the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association, will be promoting Ontario sheep genetics at the World Sheep and Wool Congress. A CD is being developed by OSMA to promote Ontario breeding stock and will also contain general industry information on breeds, production systems and markets. A minimum of 1,000 disks will be produced. The CD will be distributed in an 8 ½ x 11 folder which will contain the CD and handout material. It is anticipated that several hundred will be handed out at the congress to people from other countries and provinces.
You have an opportunity to advertise your flock on the CD at the following rates:
• Association / Enhanced Level: $250 Plus GST (7%) --includes contact information, up to 2,500 word description of association/operation, up to 6 photos, a copy of the CD, association/participant logo printed on folder, and a one page insert (8 ½ x 11 page, black and white double sided) to be included in the distribution folder. Page insert must be provided in a camera ready format. Associations/participants may choose to provide their own 1,000 copies of a brochure or one page insert as an alternative. Complete information must be received at OSMA by Friday, February 27, 2004 .
• Prime Rate Level: $150 Plus GST (7%) --includes contact information, up to 1,500 word description of operation, up to 5 photos and a copy of the CD. Complete information must be received at OSMA by Friday, March 26, 2004 .
Early Bird Extra: Pay only $100 plus tax if received at OSMA by Friday, February 27.
• Basic Level: $50 Plus GST (7%) --includes contact information, up to 500 word description of operation and a copy of the CD. Complete information must be received at OSMA by Friday, March 26, 2004 .
This is a unique opportunity to showcase your sheep to other countries and provinces.
To advertise your farm, please complete the attached application form with your contact information, and return it to me at the Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency, as indicated on the form. I will provide you with further details and assistance on how your information should be formatted.
Thank you.
Yours truly,
Andi Owen, Program Co-ordinator
Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency
Ontario Sheep Genetics Promotional CD Application - .pdf format
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