Ewe Finance Loan Guarantee

Ontario Sheep Farmers’ new goal will more than double the provincial ewe flock over the next 15 years.

An increase in production will also support our growing food processing sector. Starting this winter, demand by Ontario processors will grow by 300-500 more lambs per week to supply new grocery chains like Adonis that are opening across the province and requesting a steady supply of Ontario lamb.

This level of growth must come from an expansion of existing flocks and the addition of new producers. A Ewe Finance Program, backed by a government loan guarantee, will support sector growth, like the success of similar cattle programs.

Ontario Sheep Farmers is seeking a $1.5 million government loan guarantee program to leverage $6 million in private financing, modeled after successful cattle programs.

Sheep producers will work with existing government program lenders to deliver the program to ensure fiscal prudence. With financing available to Ontario’s sheep producers, OSF hopes to grow the industry by over 12,000 ewes per year to reach our 2040 goal.

This growth will take our industry from $100 million in farm cash receipts and $200 million in contribution to provincial GDP to almost $300 million and $600 million respectively over the next 15 years. 

A Ewe Finance Program will attract young producers to our industry and encourage our younger families to grow their flocks. It will lessen our reliance on imports and improve the sustainability and competitiveness of Ontario’s agricultural sector. These benefits will come at no upfront cost to government and lead to achieving part of the Grow Ontario Agri-Food Strategy.