The Canadian Sheep Identification Program
by Randy Eros

Over the last month the CSF has moved forward in the implementation of the Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP). The program will come into effect on January 1st, 2004. Under this program all sheep leaving their flock of origin will be required to have an approved national Identification tag. This tag will remain with the animal right up until slaughter. Tags will be available by September of this year. Producers will also be required to maintain on-farm records on the movement of all breeding stock. For a more detailed description of the program visit the CSF web site at www.cansheep.ca

We have signed a contract with the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) to administer the program for our industry. The CCIA has a proven track record with their own program and are now looking at revisiting their mandate to become the central administration body for national identification programs for a number of livestock species.

We are currently developing a logo for the program and finalizing details on the promotion and implementation for this year. The CSF will be out at events this fall with a CSIP awareness program. Program information will be distributed directly to producers through provincial organizations and through auction marts and other industry locations.

Information packages will also be sent directly to sheep buyers and transport operators. After Jan 1st they will be unable to accept or haul animals that do not have the CSIP tag.

As farmers this will mean a little more work for each of us. Now I can't think of any shepherds who actually need the extra work but in order to be part of today's agriculture we have to adapt. National identification programs will eventually be seen in all sectors of livestock production both in Canada and abroad. It is with this reality facing our industry that we have developed a program that will work for Canadian sheep and lamb producers.

So when it comes time to get those lambs ready for market next January I suggest you do what we're going to do here on our farm. You're going to have to do it any way; so don't think of it so much as extra work, think of it more like a bit of fun. After all when was the last time you played tag.