Thinking About Getting Into Sheep?

Introduction To Small Ruminant Production Course:  

Course registration fee: $50

Course is online and do at your own page.

 

To help facilitate education and knowledge transfer, Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) offers an Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Course. This course covers both sheep (meat, fibre and dairy) and goat (meat, fibre and dairy) species, providing an overview of each of the sectors and introductory concepts. This course is designed for individuals who are thinking about starting a sheep and/or goat farm.

 

To register for the course please go to the following link:

https://www.ontariosheep.org/farmer-resources/courses-workshops/introduction-to-small-ruminant-production/

Ontario Sheep Farmers

E: admin@ontariosheep.org

P: 519.836.0043

 

Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) 

The Ontario Sheep Farmers is a producer operated organization which represents all aspects of the sheep, lamb and wool industry in the Province of Ontario. It was established to encourage, promote and represent the industry. The OSF's activities work to improve the marketing of sheep, lamb and wool through producer education, promotional campaigns, consumer education and public awareness.

 

http://www.ontariosheep.org/

Phone: 519-836-0043

Email:  admin@ontariosheep.org

 

• Producer Resources: https://www.ontariosheep.org/farmer-resources/production/new-producer/
• Messenger Newsletter, e-newsletter distributed bi-weekly (Stay connected with OSMA and Industry news, plus upcoming events) - to sign up go to http://www.ontariosheep.org/the-messenger-newsletter
• OSF Podcast - Flock Talk: https://www.ontariosheep.org/communications/flock-talk-podcast/  Can listen through Amazon Music; Apple Podcast; Spotify; OSF YouTube
• OSF YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OntarioSheep
• Upcoming Sheep Events Calendar – Might be good to attend some events in your area to meet some sheep farmers and listen to presentations http://www.ontariosheep.org/events
• Market Information:  http://www.ontariosheep.org/market-info
• OSF Introduction to Sheep Production Book:  http://www.ontariosheep.org/animal-care
• Traceability - https://www.ontariosheep.org/traceability
• Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep : https://www.ontariosheep.org/farmer-resources/animal-health/animal-care/
• Ontario Sheep News Magazine: http://www.ontariosheep.org/ontario-sheep-news-magazine
• Cost of Production Resources: https://www.ontariosheep.org/farmer-resources/financial-management/cost-of-production/
• Lamb Recipe's consumer website: https://lambrecipes.ca/

 

 

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness(OMAFA) 

 

• For general questions and inquiries, the Agricultural Information Contact Centre is a good starting point. They

can be reached at 1‐877‐424‐1300 or visit their website at https://www.ontario.ca/feedback/contact-us?id=96579&nid=96570.

• Publication 61‐ Starting a Farm in Ontario contains a great deal of fundamental information for anyone looking at starting a farm: https://www.ontario.ca/page/publication-61-starting-farm-ontario
• General OMAFA  sheep page: https://www.ontario.ca/page/sheep-farming 
• Evaluating Farm Resources
• Breeding and reproduction
• Pregnancy and lambing
• Lamb care
• Feeding and nutrition
• Facilities and handling
• Health
• Predation
• Business Marketing
• Farm succession planning. https://www.ontario.ca/page/farm-succession-planning-guide

 

Other Information 

 

• Guide to Breeding Stock Selection.  https://sheepbreeders.ca/print-material-1

 

Provincial Premises Registry

Register parcels of land in Ontario that are associated with agri-food activities.  With registration you will receive a unique ID and certificate.

https://www.ontariopid.com/en-CA/

888-247-4999

 

Funding & Programs

 

• Farm Finance & Business Programs - https://www.ontariosheep.org/farm-finance-business
• Advanced Payment Program - https://www.ontariosheep.org/advanced-payment-program; 888-278-8807
• Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
• could be funding for fencing, handling facilities, etc)
• contact at: 1-800-265-9751 519-826-4214 E

Email: oscia@ontariosoilcrop.org

Web: www.ontariosoilcrop.org 

• Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
• offers an assortment of different loans for beginning producers.
• Information on the type of loans offered can be found at http://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ aboutus/ profile/loanproduct_e.asp or by calling 1-888-332-3301
• Agricultural Credit Corporation - https://www.agcreditcorp.ca/; 888-278-8807
• Canadian Agricultural Loans Act Program (CALA) - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultural-programs-and-services/canadian-agricultural-loans-act-program; 866-367-8506

 

Ideas of Where to Purchase Sheep

 

• Facebook group: Ontario Sheep & Shepherds
• https://www.ontariosheep.org/product-locator
• https://www.ontariosheep.org/ontario-sheep-news-magazine  (at the back of the magazine under breeders directory)
• https://www.wool.ca/page/sheep-breeders-guide
• https://www.sheepcanada.com/sheep-canada-magazine-buyers-guide-new/
• https://www.farms.com/classifieds/
• https://classifieds.ontariofarmer.com/

 

Other Organizations:

Some of the information contained in the links below is from sources outside of Canada. While animal production information may be similar to raising sheep in Canada, and in Ontario, there may be differences in the regulations that regulate the Canadian and Ontario sheep industries.

 

 

Courses:

Sheep Nutrition Management Course

https://bdc.ridgetownc.com/takecourse/

 

University of Guelph Foundations in Agricultural Management

https://www.guelphagriculturalmanagement.com/