Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in 2017

Consultation on Proposed Amendment to the Livestock Medicines Act Regulation 730

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Health & NutritionLeave a Reply

Author: Animal Health & Welfare Branch Creation Date: 28 November 2017 Due to concerns with rising antimicrobial resistance, Health Canada is taking steps to limit access to antimicrobial drugs. In particular, it is moving all medically important antimicrobial (MIAs) drugs to the Prescription Drug List (PDL) so that they can only be obtained with a prescription. This will affect around 300 veterinary drugs, some of which are currently sold pursuant to the Livestock Medicines Act (LMA). Health Canada anticipates implementing the federal changes by December 2018 and has just recently closed their public consultation process on this change. Proposed Changes to Provincial Legislation To align with the federal changes, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is…

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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: Plan…

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New Food Safety and Traceability online courses!

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

Give your company a competitive edge – take free eLearning courses to learn more about industry best practices and to be more competitive in the marketplace! Access the new Food Safety and Traceability eLearning courses online on the Agriculture and Food Education in Ontario online learning system through the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. The new Traceability eLearning courses show how good practices can: maximize productivity, improve business efficiency, reduce costs and improve business processes be used to increase competitive advantage by accessing new markets improve supply chain management The new Food Safety eLearning courses will help you to: identify food safety hazards that can occur in your operation understand best practices and develop programs to control these hazards decrease…

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Agriculture Youth Green Jobs Initiative

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

The federal government has opened the application process for the Agriculture Youth Green Jobs Initiative.  Farm operators can receive up to $10,000 in cost share for a youth intern (high school to 30 years of age) to work on a farm project that will improve the environment.  More information including application forms can be found at: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/list-of-programs-and-services/agricultural-youth-green-jobs-initiative.  Funding will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.  

Time to Think About Pasture Management

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in ForageLeave a Reply

As things start to green up, its a good time to think about your pasture.  OMAFRA’s Publication 19 Pasture Production has information on improving pastures, including species selection, fertility, rejuvenation and renovation, weed control, grazing systems, fencing and watering. It also provides insight into animal pasture management, budgeting, and managing different types of livestock on pasture. Available on line. 

Premier’s Award Application Process Open Until April 28th

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in AnnouncementsLeave a Reply

Now Accepting Applications for the 2017 Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Program! The agri-food sector has always been innovative in running businesses, adapting practices and collaborating to compete in the world economy. To help spur and to celebrate this innovative spirit, the Government of Ontario created the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence Program. Have you developed and implemented a unique product or process that helps foster innovation in Ontario’s agriculture and food sector? Apply and you could be eligible to receive one of these awards: Premier’s Award (one award valued at $75,000) Minister’s Award (one award valued at $50,000) Leaders in Innovation Awards (three awards valued at $25,000 each) Provincial Awards (45 awards valued at $5,000 each) Primary…

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Great updates to the Agricultural Information Atlas!

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

Did you hear? We’ve made great improvements to the Agricultural Information Atlas! We’re excited to let you know about the latest updates that we made to the Agricultural Information Atlas (AIA). What is the AIA? It’s the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ (OMAFRA) free, easy-to-use online tool that can help you to: Develop nutrient management strategies and plans Plan tile drainage for your farm Develop a farm sketch for Pest Assessment Reports and Bee Yard Registration and other government programs, including the Great Lakes Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (GLASI) So, what are the changes? The AIA is now housed on a new platform. If you are a current user of the AIA, you’ll need to update your bookmarks to…

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Thinking of Starting or Growing A Food Business? Selling Food to Ontario Workshop

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

Selling Food to Ontario Training Workshop Learn how you as a producer or small processor can access new market channels at these one day workshops. Topics include market channel opportunities, basics of food regulations, costing and pricing your products for success, food packaging and labelling, getting your product listed, and food trends: consumer and industry expectations. For more information and to register. Additional workshops will be in Renfrew, March 7, Smiths Falls, March 8, Huron county and Middlesex county (dates TBD). Information on these workshops will be added to the OMAFRA website.