Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in 2017

Is the Production Insurance Forage Rainfall Program right for you?

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in ForageLeave a Reply

The Production Insurance Forage Rainfall Program may be a good fit for you. The forage rainfall plan uses rainfall as an indicator of quantity and quality of forage.  There are two coverage options available: •Insufficient rainfall •Excess rainfall  Insufficient Rainfall The insufficient rainfall option protects against insufficient rainfall only. If the measured rainfall at the station you choose during the insured period is less than 85 per cent of the long-term average rainfall for your area, a claim may be paid.  The producer can chose the rainfall collection station data to use. Excess Rainfall The excess rainfall option provides protection against excess rainfall during the chosen harvest period.  The producer selects a rainfall threshold of 5 mm or 7 mm. If you…

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Managing Rams for a Successful Breeding Season

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Health & Nutrition, ReproductionLeave a Reply

The ram is the most important member of the flock, yet he does not always get the attention he deserves. Good ram management can determine the success of your breeding program and ensure a profitable lamb crop. Sperm production in rams takes 49 days, therefore it is important to remember that you will not see the effects of any management changes for almost 7-8 weeks. You’ll want to ensure rams are well looked after in the two month period leading up to the breeding season as it will have a direct effect on the quality of sperm and fertility of the ram. Testicle size is a good indicator of a ram’s sperm producing ability, which can be assessed using scrotal circumference.…

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Do you have a water contingency plan?

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in Business, Health & Nutrition, HousingLeave a Reply

In 2016, many areas of the province saw very warm and dry conditions, and many wells were still dry leading into the winter. In other years, like the start to the 2017 growing season, the province experienced periods of excessive rain, leading to saturated soils and flooding. Both situations create many challenges for livestock and poultry farmers. No one can control the weather, but we can plan for it. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) encourages you to plan for future weather – conserving water and using it efficiently can help during low water conditions, and having effective drainage systems in place can help with saturated soil and runoff. Things to consider for low water conditions: Things…

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