Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts in Announcements

We’re Hiring! Summer Research Assistant – Grazing

We’re Hiring! Summer Research Assistant – Grazing

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in AnnouncementsLeave a Reply

OMAFRA Summer Research Assistant – Grazing Number of Positions: One (1) Location: Lindsay, ON Contract Length:  6 – 18 weeks, starting May 1, 2024 (start date negotiable) Salary: $17.40/hour (Level 2), based on a 36.25-hour work week Job Description: Are you interested in grazing ruminants (beef, sheep and/or organic/grass-fed dairy) and are looking to develop transferable skills, support your career goals and learn more about the Ontario Public Service? This position will provide excellent opportunities for those interested in a career in livestock production, pasture management, research in the agricultural sector, and knowledge transfer within the province. Duties will include: How to Apply: Application Deadline: January 9, 2024 We thank all those who apply, however only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Questions:…

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The Sheep and Goat Production Blog has moved!

The Sheep and Goat Production Blog has moved!

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

Welcome to the new web address for the Sheep and Goat Production blog. Be sure to update your bookmarks to the new web address sheepandgoatproduction.ca In addition to being an email subscriber you can also follow the blog on Twitter @SheepProdn for the latest sheep content and @GProdn for the latest goat content. All the blog content from our old website has moved to the new web address. You will notice a few changes to the menus of the blog. Do you want to know more about the contributing authors? Check out the current authors list by clicking the tab above. Browse our previous content through the blog menus found above. If you find any content that is missing or…

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CAP Special Provisions and Farmer Mental Health Resources

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Announcements, Announcements

Article: Owning a farm is much more than a business; it is a way of life.  As with most businesses, there are some very stressful times that can weigh you down. During busy seasons or critical production periods, it is normal to be faced with time constraints and pressures and facing major financial issues can multiply these pressures many times.  During these times, and with the added reality of COVID-19, these demands can put anyone involved in the business of agriculture under a great deal of stress, often impacting one’s mental health. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) cares about the well-being of farmers and farm families and recognizes the unique challenges that can lead to mental…

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Managing Ewe Body Condition Scores Webinar March 22 and 23, 2021

Managing Ewe Body Condition Scores Webinar March 22 and 23, 2021

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Announcements

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is hosting a two evening webinar series March 22 and March 23, 2021 from 7-9pm. This course will be hosted virtually on Zoom. Night 1: Monday, March 22 – 7pm – 9pm EST• When to Body Condition Score Ewes with Delma Kennedy, OMAFRA• How Feed Influences Body Condition Score with Michelle Linington, OMAFRA Night 2: Tuesday, March 23 – 7pm to 9pm EST• How to Feed Budget and Start Planning Forage Crop Production with Christine O’Reilly, OMAFRA• Working with a Nutritionist – Featuring an interview with Courtney Vriens, Small Ruminant Nutritionist and owner of Vriens Nutrition Consulting hosted by Marlene Paibomesai, OMAFRA To register for the two nights please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/managing-ewe-body-condition-score-tickets-142919659549…

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Continuous Corn Growers Should Check Fields for Rootworm Resistance to Bt Hybrids

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Announcements, Announcements, Forage, Forage

Reblogged from Field Crop News: Continuous corn growers should check fields for rootworm resistance to bt hybrids Canadian Corn Pest Coalition News Release: Corn rootworm (CRW) has historically been one of the most important pests of corn in Canada and can cause extreme economic loss and increased management costs.  High CRW pressure in Ontario in 2020 is challenging current Bt corn rootworm hybrids and several growers of Bt rootworm hybrids are reporting unexpected injury by CRW to trait providers and research and extension scientists. Specifically, several fields in Huron, Perth and Durham Counties have been identified with injury to various Bt rootworm traits, providing an early warning of possible resistance development by CRW to some Bt traits. There is the…

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We are still here to help

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Announcements

Dear Ontario Sheep and Goat Producers, In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and to respect physical distancing measures, all our sheep and goat specialists will be working remotely but are still available to assist you. We will continue to support the sector’s needs by providing services via email, website, phone and virtual meetings where possible. We understand these are trying times for most and so we want to assure everyone that we are continuing delivery of information in a timely manner through these alternative channels. We will continue to provide the sector with the support we’ve always given. Thank you for your understanding. Visit Ontario’s website on COVID-19 information to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians…

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Sheep Producer Education Meeting

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Announcements

Guest Speaker: Jillian Craig, OMAFRA Sheep Specialist Saturday, March 28, 2020 Morning Program 10:30 – 12:00 noon at Pasture Hill Farm 238400 Pipeline Road, New Liskeard We will be looking at the Prattley portable sheep handling system as well as a Combi-Clamp set up to handle sheep individually for a variety of management procedures. Noon: Lunch at Kerns Hall – Lunch is provided but you must reserve your place by calling or emailing Amy at 705-563-8484 or emailing gaoriet@hotmail.com by March 21/2020 Afternoon Program: 1:00 – 3:30 at Kerns Hall, Milberta Road, New Liskeard Jillian Craig will be presenting information on 2 topics: i) benefits of sheep data recording systems for indoor and outdoor flocks ii) 4 great labour saving…

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Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Courses

Posted on Author Jillian CraigPosted in Announcements, Announcements

To help facilitate education and knowledge transfer, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) offers Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Courses. Each course covers both sheep and goats, providing an overview of each of the sectors and introductory concepts. These courses are designed for individuals who are thinking about starting a sheep and/or goat farm. Each course is a full-day workshop, and the registration fee includes a light lunch, all course materials, and a farm tour.  2020 Date and Locations: April 17th, 2020 – Guelph Ontario. Location T.B.D  July 17th, 2020 – Lindsay Ontario. Location T.B.D.  September 18th, 2020 – Guelph Ontario. Location T.B.D For more information or to register, visit the OSF website…

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Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Course

Introduction to Small Ruminant Production Course

Posted on Author Delma KennedyPosted in Announcements, Announcements, Business, Business

Looking to Start Your Own Sheep or Goat Farm? OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Food and Agriculture) and OSF (Ontario Sheep Farmers) are hosting an introductory course on small ruminant production. This course will introduce potential producers to the wide range of knowledge that is needed to farm small ruminants. Topics covered in the course include: Overview of Both Sheep and Goat Industries Core Production Concepts Selecting Genetics Infrastructure, Handling, & Labour Reproduction/Production Methods Creating a Good Pasture & Combating This course is directed at potential producers who need basic information and the opportunity to tour a farm.. We encourage anyone interested in becoming a part of the industry to attend this course. If you would like to attend please use…

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Changes under the Nutrient Management Act are here!

Changes under the Nutrient Management Act are here!

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Announcements, Announcements, Laws & Permits

By Matt Wilson, Nutrient Management Lead, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs As of July 1, 2019, two important changes to the Nutrient Management regulation are in effect under the Nutrient Management Act. They will help farmers reduce regulatory burden in the agriculture sector while continuing to protect the environment. The most far-reaching change removes the automatic expiration of nutrient management strategies every five years. This requirement added burden without improving environmental protection. Nutrient management strategies can now remain in effect until there is a significant change to an operation, placing a greater emphasis on annual reviews. To support this change, OMAFRA is developing tools for producers to help them more easily complete their annual review and keep…

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