Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: T4A 0C3 N’ewesletter · 2020-06-08 · N’ewesletter Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Alberta Lambs Producers 97 East Lake

N’ewesletter

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Alberta Lambs Producers97 East Lake Ramp NEAirdrie, ABT4A 0C3

PM#40050072

June 2020

Table of Contents

ALPMessage from the Chair 1From Your Directors 2ALP Needs You! 3ALP Board Member Position Description 3ALP Director Nomination Form 5ALP Activities – Spring/Summer 2020 7New ALP Advertising Opportunities 8ALP Covid-19 Producer Call #2 9ALP’s Annual General Meeting 9

Producer ResourcesBattling the Wolf Within – Dealing with Internal Parasites in Sheep 10Lamb Update 13Flock Benchmarking – Striving to Be Above Average 14

Industry InformationChecking Animals Before Transport 16Transporting Unfit or Compromised Animals 17NSN Update 18North American Lamb Company Update 20Attention Shepherds! 214-H Members Adapt to COVID-19 Challenge 22ASBA News 24The Livestock Welfare Engagement Project – Animal Welfare from an Industry’s Perspective 25

Classifieds 26Sheep Calendar 28ALP Contacts 28

Progressive Suffolk Breeders Of Alberta

Wishing Everyone a Successful Lambing Season

Rose Glen & Ashbacher Suffolks Kelly Bell Darrel & Wendy Ashbacher [email protected] (403) 884-2181

Jumbo Valley Suffolks Louis & Mark Gredanius [email protected] (403) 894-2593

Andy & Frances Pittman [email protected] (403) 757-2395

Jordan Livestock Rod & Tracy Jordan [email protected] (403) 843-3032 home (403) 783-1967 cell

Rocky Roots Farm Bert & Andrelei Grisnich [email protected] (403) 308-3845

Winding Lane Suffolks Gwen Hopkins [email protected] (403) 347-0668

Braat Suffolks Jack & Lucy Braat [email protected] (403) 327-9757

Sheep Lake Suffolks Mike, Vanessa, Kate & Emma Grimmeyer [email protected] (780) 307-3385

Second Chance Livestock Warren & Norine Moore [email protected] (403) 625-6519

WD5 Suffolks Heine Westerguard [email protected] (780) 853-7775

B Hills Farming Tom Walter [email protected] (780) 978-4705

June 2020 1

Alberta Lamb Producers .

Message from the ChairFor most producers, this pandemic has been the topic at the top of the list,

with many personal and production decisions hinging on how the crisis plays out. COVID-19 has been an incredibly broad crisis, creating both business and personal challenges across our province, country and around the world. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to place enormous demands on our food supply chain, we look to support our producers, stakeholders, and govern-ment in evaluating emergency and recovery programs, as well as identifying risks to our industry. There is a lot of information available and it is changing rapidly as events unfold, so please connect through links on the Alberta Lamb Producers or National Sheep Network websites. You are also invited to reach out to your ALP directors, who are accountable to bring forward your ques-tions, concerns, or ideas. Also, please make sure that your information is up to date and that you have a current email address on file with the ALP office, as we look for more ways to connect and share information.

On May 12th ALP had its first online producer call. This was an opportunity for ALP to reach out in real-time to producers to update them on the rapidly changing events of COVID-19, as well as hear your ques-tions and concerns. ALP plans on continuing these calls if the attendance and feedback confirm that they are useful to you, our producers. The call was recorded and will be available to producers and industry stakeholders. I encourage you to take the time to review the video as it contains a lot of information re-garding what is going on at the provincial and federal levels in regard to programs, funding, and what we are working on. The next call is tentatively scheduled for June 23rd (more details on this call can be found on page 9). I understand that many were out seeding or tied up during our May call and I hope that we will have more producers come together on the June call.

As may know, this pandemic is not going away anytime soon and we need to be prepared and work together for the long haul. If you haven’t already, please take the time to sit down as a soon as possible with your family or staff to document an emergency plan for your farm. It is important for our farm health and that of our animals to be prepared in the event that you need to seek medical attention. If you haven’t already, make sure to visit the ALP or National Sheep Network websites to gather current guidelines for protecting your family, farm, and animals through this pandemic. I know that as producers we will do our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

ALP, working closely with Marketing Council, has opted to postpone the non-refundable plebiscite at this time. This decision was made at the onset of COVID-19 due to the questionable availability of resources from each organization and the uncertainty surrounding how the plebiscite would be conducted with so many unknowns. We look forward to working with Marketing Council at a later date to proceed with this plebiscite, as it was an ask from producers. I want to thank Marketing Council for their time and guidance through this process and appreciate all the hard work that they are doing through COVID-19 with all mar-keting commissions.

We recently released a YouTube video of me championing the #CanadianLambChallenge. This fun challenge is meant for all producers to work together to showcase our product to Canadians and others through social media. Lamb represents a retail sales value market share of 3.9% of the overall Canadian retail meat sector. This tells me that together we only need to move the dial a little bit to make a big differ-ence! I cannot wait to see your videos and do not forget to join the #CanadianLambChallenge.

Ryan Grier

N'ewesletter is published by the Alberta Lambs Producers. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Alberta Lambs Producers, the Board of Directors or its officers.When reprinting articles from N'ewesletter, credit must be given to the ALP and/or the author, if applicable. No changes may be made without ALP’s, or the author’s, written permission.Alberta Lambs Producers does not endorse or promote any of the advertisements or adver-tisers in the N’ewesletter.For full Advertising Terms and Conditions see the Media Kit at http://www.ablamb.ca/index.php/news-advertising/advertising.

Phone: 403-948-8533 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.ablamb.ca and www.albertalamb.ca

Cover photo: Niki Schieck, Schieck Livestock, Two Hills, AB

N’ewesletter PolicyHard copies of N’ewesletter will be mailed to all producers who have purchased CSIP tags and paid check-off within the last three years. Producers who have not purchased tags within the last three years will be removed from our mailing list, but may continue receiving hard copies in the mail for $25 + GST, paid annually. Please contact the office for an invoice. ALP offers each issue of N’ewesletter on our website for free access: http://ablamb.ca/index.php/news-advertising/n-ewesletter. ALP continually strives to responsibly use check-off dollars to benefit Lambs producers in Alberta.

http://www.ablamb.ca/index.php/news-advertising/advertising



www.ablamb.ca

www.albertalamb.ca

2 June 2020

Alberta Lamb Producers

From Your DirectorsALP Board of Directors: ALP operates under the direction of

a seven-member Board of Directors. The directors are Alberta sheep producers who are elected to represent the industry by fellow producers. Each issue of “N’ewesletter” includes mes-sages from a selection of the ALP Directors. If you have ques-tions or concerns about issues affecting the sheep industry or ALP activities, please feel free to contact any of the Board mem-bers. They look forward to hearing from you and want to work with you to build a stronger industry in Alberta. Director contact information is available on page 28 and on the ALP website www.ablamb.ca/index.php/about-alp/contact.

From Karl DenwoodIt looks as if summer is now well

underway. Hopefully everyone had successful lambing and got their seed in the ground. Although winter 2019/20 is behind us, feed preparation for winter 2020/21 is already underway. Here on the farm we have planted our green feed which we will bale, and then we will set the sheep out to graze the re-growth from late summer into the early months of winter. During the summer months our market lambs are able to finish on a cover crop mix of oats and Annual Master (which includes crimson clover, hairy vetch, tillage radish and turnips). We continue to research and adjust our cover crop mix so as to get the best nutrition for the sheep as well as the most out of our sheep. We compile information from online published University sources, suggestions from the local seed-supplier and our own observations.

Additionally we are preparing our machinery for hay season. We bale as much hay as we can get our hands on! The rounds are great for the feeders but having squares around has saved us more than once. And, like so many producers, we carry on preparing for the inevitable shift in seasons by planting and harvesting our winter feed in the coming months.

As lamb becomes increasingly popular in Canada, produc-ers are finding ways to meet the demands. This can include in-creasing flock sizes, lambing separate groups throughout the year and employing an accelerated breeding program. The ac-celerated breeding program is one avenue we as producers are exploring to help us navigate the ever fluctuating market prices. With smaller flock sizes, producers can ensure the availability of lamb throughout the year. Along with those with larger herds who are able to spread breeding throughout the year, produc-ers with smaller flocks who engage in accelerating breeding may find this aids in reducing market fluctuations and increas-ing profitability.

As this “new normal” way of life and doing business seems to be lingering, it is difficult to predict how the lambing indus-try is to be affected at this time. We would like to thank Ryan and Ashley for leading the board and producers through this difficult time. They have been essential in ensuring our flocks are part of the conversations with different governing bodies. Please feel free to reach out to any board of director with your questions and concerns and we will answer what we can and find out what we don’t know. The Alberta Lamb Producers and the National Sheep Network just want to remind producers that we are available should anyone wish to, or need to, reach out. We are producers helping producers.

If you are looking for additional resources to aid in your sheep production there is a new producer page on the ALP website with a lot of great information and links.

As we are busy carrying on as usual we forget that many may not be able to. Being isolated from our family, friends and neighbours has been difficult, so don’t forget to check in and say hello. Drop a line, spend some time video-chatting and just say “Hi.” We can navigate and get through this “new normal” to-gether.

CCuussttoomm BBuuiilltt SShheeeepp && GGooaatt EEqquuiippmmeenntt

RRiicchhaarrdd ZZuubboott

BBooxx 882222,, HHuummbboollddtt SSKK SS00KK 22AA00

PPhh:: ((330066)) 668822--33225522 CCeellll::((330066)) 223311--77992288

ee--mmaaiill ccrrzzuubboott@@hhoottmmaaiill..ccoomm

- Tipping Tables - Handling Systems - Scales - Loading Chutes - Bale Feeders - Shearing Chutes - Sorters - Lambing Panels - Head Gates - Gates - Creep Panels - Fenceline Feeders - Trimming Stands - Grain Self Feeders - Milking Stands - Kidding Panels

For ordering info please call Richard @ 306-682-3252 Check out our website www.ZubotWelding.ca

Our products are available directly from us at Zubot Welding, through all the Peavey Mart stores, CCWG in Lethbridge AB,

Keddies Tack and Western Wear in Grande Prairie AB, and the Sask Sheep Development Board, Saskatoon, SK.

We manufacture a complete line of sheep

and goat equipment, such as:

NEW FOR 2020 CHOPPED HAY FEEDER

-4' x 8' feed bunk -heavy rubber belting trough -one end opens for easy cleaning -eliminate wasted hay -heavy duty construction -bottom closed to keep lambs out -sheep can eat from both sides -easily moved with pallet forks

ALP`s on Facebook! “Like” or “follow” us to keep up to date: https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaLambsProducers/

https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaLambProducers

June 2020 3


ALP Board Member Position DescriptionSource: ALP 2019-20 Policy Handbook, Appendix B.2.2

ALP directors are valued volunteers who are willing to invest their time and experience to advance the sheep industry. Direc-tors assume the responsibility of representing the interests of hundreds of hard-working people, and have an opportunity to make a significant difference in their industry.

BenefitsBeing a director affords producers the opportunity to work

with like-minded people to advance the Alberta sheep indus-try. Directors have an opportunity to apply their talents, while developing new skills that will enhance board performance and can be applied to other personal and professional endeavours. Benefits include:• Enhancing communication, leadership, and decision-mak-

ing skills.• Gaining knowledge of analysis, direction setting, research,

solution design, strategic and business plans, advocacy, pub-lic speaking, board governance and communications train-ing.

• Expanding knowledge of the sheep industry and seeing in-dividual operations in a national and international context.

• Opportunities to meet other leaders and to represent the industry provincially and nationally, in multi-species groups, throughout the value change and with government.

Authority/accountabilityUnder provincial regulations, the ALP board is granted the au-

thority to manage and oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations. Under board oversight, much of the day-to-day op-erations are delegated to hired staff. The board of directors is legally accountable for ensuring proper stewardship of ALP’s financial resources and providing services to the Alberta sheep industry.

Key responsibilities and duties• Develop ALP’s strategic plan to set objectives and priorities

based on the ALP’s mandate to generate, assemble and im-plement ideas to enhance the sheep and wool industry.

• Assume legal responsibilities inherent to boards in oversee-ing all aspects of operations, actions and financial manage-ment.

• Provide a unified voice for the Alberta sheep industry, and support board decisions once they have been made.

• Be knowledge of and abide by applicable provincial regula-tions and board-set policies (including expectations regard-ing confidentiality, general conduct and conflict of interests), understanding that non-compliance may result in removal from the board.

• Help establish, review and monitor board established po-lices.

• Provide a communication link between producers and the board.

ALP Needs You!

Join the ALP Board of Directors – Fall 2020

*Nominations are due by July 31*

Two Director-at-large position on the ALP Board will be up for election this fall.

Alberta Lambs Producers is the voice of producers in discus-sions with industry stakeholders and government. ALP needs a strong Board of Directors to ensure the interests of producers are represented, viable marketing opportunities are developed, and check-off dollars are spent wisely.

To stand for election, you MUST submit a completed nomination form to the ALP office by July 31. The nomination form is provided on pages 5 and 6 of this N’ewesletter or is available from the ALP website (https://ablamb.ca/index.php/about-alp/joining-the-alp-board). There are two Director-at-Large positions open on the 2020/21 Board. Candidates can be nominated from any region in the province—there are no restrictions due to zone or geographical location.

The official ballots for the 2020 ALP Director’s election will be mailed with the fall issue of the N’ewesletter. Producers have the option of advance voting by mailing the ballot to the ALP office or of voting in person at the AGM on November 28th at Old College.

What do you need to serve on the ALP Board as a Director?• No previous board experience is required.

• Must be an eligible sheep producer residing in Alberta (Eligible producers must have paid service charge (check-off) to ALP within the last two years, i.e. after September 1, 2018).

• Enthusiasm, ideas and a vision for building a strong Lambs industry.

• A commitment to collaboration and the ability to work with other board members for the benefit of the industry.

• Ability to make the minimum commitment of 3-4 in-person board meetings, bi-weekly conference calls, and the ability to monitor and respond to emails at least every 48 hours. Per diems and expense reimbursements are provided.

It’s not all work! In addition to contributing to the industry, serving on the Board gives you opportunities for personal growth and skills development, such as making important in-dustry contacts and obtaining experience in board governance, leadership and project management.

4 June 2020


• Properly prepare for and participate in all board matters, including meeting expectations for communication and meeting preparation (see ‘Time Commitments’ below).

• Listen to others views, advocate personal ideas, and be open to compromise.

• Potentially contribute to the work of board as a board execu-tive or member of a committee

• Be an ambassador for ALP in the wider community. • Be informed about issues affecting the sheep industry

provincially and nationally.

Qualifications The following are considered key position qualifications:

• Must meet eligibility requirements according to ALP Plan Regulation (i.e. own sheep, and have paid an ALP service charge in the past two years).

• Ability to devote sufficient time to board duties (see below). • Openness to learning and working with others to achieve

ALP’s mission and strategic directions.

RemunerationThe ALP director position is essentially a volunteer position.However, the following compensations are made:• Per diem paid for time spent at in-person meetings• Annual compensation for time spent on conference calls

(two per diems) and for office supplies• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses to attend in-

person meetings

Refer to the Time Commitment Chart (below).

For more information about joining the ALP board, please contact the ALP office (403-948-8533, [email protected]) or vis-it www.ablamb.ca for director contact information.

We look forward to working with new directors who are committed to achieving ALP’s mission of ‘Empowering the sheep industry through education, innovation and advocacy’

Time Commitments

Commitment Time Expectation1

Position term Three-year term (may be renewed once, for a total of six consecutive years)

In-person meetings2 (most often held in Airdrie, Alberta) 1.5 to 2 days (3 days on rare occasions) Typically 3 times/year

Tele/video conference calls2. 1 to 2 hoursApproximately bi-monthly, between in-person meetings

Fall Annual General Meeting2 1-2 days, once/year

Meeting preparation As required, typically from 1- 4 hr/meeting

Emails regarding board matters, a response is expected within 48 hours

As required, typically from 1-4 hr/week

Communicating with producers As required, typically from 0-2 hr per week

All new directors participate in a board orientation session. Other training sessions may be required during a director’s term (e.g. board governance)

Orientation session: 4-6 hours. Other training: approximately once/year

1Estimated times are for directors. Executive positions, such as the board chair or finance chair, and committee members assume greater responsibilities. 2Meeting dates are pre-set once per year to allow directors to plan ahead.

OLDS AUCTION MART LTD. 4613 – 54th Street, Olds, AB. T4H 1E9 PH: 1-877-556-3655 or 403-556-3655

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CONSIGN LIVESTOCK CONTACT: Al Breemersh 403-877-2031 or visit www.oldsauction.com

SELLING ALL CLASSES OF SHEEP & GOATS

TUESDAY AT 12:00 PM (NOON) AT OLDS AUCTION MART.

Competitive Commission Rates, No Yardage Charges.

June 2020 5


2019

According to ALP Regulations, nomination forms must be returned to Alberta Lamb Producers by July 31st, 2020 to be considered eligible. Electronic (scanned or photographed) forms are permitted. Please submit forms to:

• Email: [email protected] • Mail: Alberta Lamb Producers, Agriculture Centre, 97 East Lake Ramp NE, Airdrie, AB

T4A 0C3 • Fax: 403-912-1455

ALP DIRECTOR NOMINATION FORM (in accordance with the Alberta Lamb Producers Plan Regulation)

A. NOMINATOR

I hereby nominate_ as a candidate for ALP Director-at-Large.

I declare that I am an eligible sheep producer as per current ALP Regulations.

SIGNATURE DATE:

NAME (please print)

MAILING ADDRESS

B. DIRECTOR NOMINEE

I declare that I am an eligible sheep producer as per current ALP Regulations. I consent to the nomination.

SIGNATURE DATE:

NAME (please print)

MAILING ADDRESS

NOMINEE PROFILE:

On the reverse side or on a separate sheet, please provide details about yourself and why you are interested in serving on the ALP Board. This information will appear in the October issue of the ALP N’ewesletter to help inform producers before voting.

Producers may wish to contact you directly before voting. Please initial below to give consent for your contact information to be printed with your Nominee Profile in N’ewesletter. Please note that agreeing to have your contact information published is not required for nomination.

Initial: Phone number: Email:

6 June 2020


2019

Please answer the following questions to provide details about yourself and why you are interested in serving on the ALP Board. This information will appear as submitted in the October issue of the ALP N’ewesletter. Please feel free to submit your answers on a separate sheet or electronically to [email protected].

1. Please provide details about your operation (e.g. number of animals, production type, years of operation)

2. Why are you interested in serving on the ALP Board?

3. What would make you a good board member, and do you have any specific experience and/or skills that may benefit the organization (e.g. financial, business, technical/scientific, past board experience)?

4. What is your view of Alberta Lamb Producers and the role it fills in the sheep industry?

5. Are there any aspects of sheep production or the sheep industry that are of particular interest to you (e.g. product marketing, environmental issues, land management, animal health and welfare)?

6. Is there any other information you would like to add?

June 2020 7


• March 30: Conference call with Premier Jason Kenney and Ag Minister Devin Dreeshen (one director, one staff)

• March 31: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector stakeholder call (one staff)

• April 2: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector stakeholder call (one staff)

• April 3: Conference call with Marketing Council (one staff)

• April 3: Agriculture Producers. Call with Minister Dreeshen (one director, one staff)

• April 4: ALP Board Call*, Airdrie (directors and staff)• April 7: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector

stakeholder call (one staff)• April 9: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector

stakeholder call (one staff)• April 9: ALP Covid-19 Round Table Committee

conference call (three directors, one staff)• April 9: Conference call with Ag Minister Devin Dreeshen

(one director, one staff)• April 14: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector

stakeholder call (one staff)• April 15: National Sheep Network conference call (three

directors, one staff)• April 16: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector

stakeholder call (one staff)• April 17: Agriculture producers call with Minister

Dreeshen (one director, one staff)• April 21: AAFC – Covid-19 information sharing with

sector stakeholder call (one staff)• April 21: AFAC. Virtual AGM (one director)• April 23: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector

stakeholder call (one staff)• April 23: National Sheep Network conference call (three

directors, one staff)• April 28: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector

stakeholder call (one staff)• April 28: ALP Board call*, Airdrie (directors and staff)• April 28: ALP meeting with NALC/SunGold (one director,

one staff)• April 28: April 14: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing

with sector stakeholder call (one director)

ALP Activities – Spring/Summer 2020

• April 30: National Sheep Network conference call (three directors, one staff)

• April 30: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector stakeholder call (one staff)

• May 1: Conference call with Ag Minister Devin Dreeshen (one director, one staff)

• May 4: AAFC. Covid-19 information sharing with sector stakeholder call (one staff)





• May 12: ALP Covid-19 producer conference call (one director, one staff)



• May 15: Conference call with Ag Minister Devin Dreeshen (one director)




• May 26: ALP Board call*, Airdrie (directors and staff)• May 28: National Sheep Network conference call (two

directors, one staff)• May 29: Conference call with Ag Minister Devin

Dreeshen (one director, one staff)• June 9: ALP Board call*, Airdrie (directors and staff)

*ALP meeting minutes are available on the ALP website: http://ablamb.ca/index.php/about-alp/alp-meeting-minutes

ALP AGM, November 28th. Plan to attend.

Location for an in-person event: Olds College, Olds, AB with conference, Friday, November 27th and Saturday November 28th (before and after the AGM). Fee for conference only.

Location for a virtual (online) event: Your home or office (computer or phone access required) on Saturday, November 28th only. There is no cost associated with attending the AGM.

See page 9 for details.

8 June 2020


New ALP Advertising OpportunitiesUse targeted advertising to expand your reach in the lamb

and sheep industry community.

Alberta Lamb Producers is pleased to announce that we are now offering a new suite of advertising opportunities for our producers and industry related businesses and professionals. Whether you’re looking to promote your company or strength-en your brand, celebrate a win or fill an event, ALP can help you tap into the local industry community through our new, unique advertising opportunities.

If you’re looking for a unique and cost-effective way to reach the lamb and sheep industry professionals and producers, Al-berta Lamb Producers offers tremendous targeted business to business, business to producer or producer to producer adver-tising opportunities.

By advertising on ablamb.ca, in our weekly electronic com-munications (Marketline and N’ewesline) or on our social me-dia platforms (Facebook and Twitter), you are putting your company’s message directly in front of some of our industry’s most influential decision makers and valued producers.

Marketline is ALP’s eNewsletter, developed to provide sub-scribers with relevant industry information with regard to mar-ket pricing. Sent out every Thursday, Marketline is formatted for quick reading and provides relevant market pricing infor-mation from Alberta and Ontario.

N’ewesline is ALP’s eNewsletter, developed to provide sub-scribers with a variety of timely and relevant industry informa-tion. Sent out every Friday, N’ewesline is formatted for quick reading and provides convenient links to further information and event registrations.

Social Media is a powerful tool. Advertising with ALP’s Facebook and Twitter pages gives you access to an established following of industry members, professionals and producers.

As ALP is the voice of the Alberta lamb industry, your ad on ablamb.ca is seen by our industry’s members, professionals and producers. Increase awareness of your company profile and offerings, or show off your industry leading excellence to the right people who could use a great company like yours.

To see the full listing of opportunities in our NEW web ad-vertising media kit, please visit our website: https://ablamb.ca/index.php/news-advertising/advertising OR to book your adver-tising spot(s) contact: [email protected] or call 403-948-8533.

Marketline, N’ewesline, Facebook, Twitter?

MORE THAN JUST

MILK REPLACERWHAT CAN 1 BAG OF GROBER DO FOR YOU?

Want the numbers? Ask your Grober Young Animal Specialist today.

______L extra saleable milk______kg’s increased growth______ % average daily gain______% less mortality?

www.GroberNutrition.com | 1.800.265.7863 |

June 2020 9


ALP Covid-19 Producer Call #2As per Alberta Lamb Producers’ commitment to work for

every producer in our province to enhance advocacy, educa-tion, communication, research, and community-building for a stronger sheep industry, we have organized this call with Al-berta producers to open up the lines of communication during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This call will adhere to the following format:ALP Chair, Ryan Greir, will provide an industry update at the

beginning of the call and then we will open it to the floor for any questions, comments or concerns brought forward for dis-cussion. This meeting will be scheduled for 30 minutes.

To join this Zoom Meeting, please see below.

» Alberta Lamb Producers is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

» Topic: ALP Covid-10 Producer Call #2

» Time: Jun 23, 2020 05:00 PM MDT

» Join Zoom Meeting

» https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73130259443?pwd=bU1RcmRsV1ZaQ3dDUkozN1NqMmdzZz09

» Meeting ID: 731 3025 9443

» Password: 0xJy4p

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact ALP Executive Director Ashley Scott at: [email protected] or by calling the office at 403-948-8533.

ALP’s Annual General MeetingSAVE THE DATE!

All producers are invited to ALP’s 2020 AGM. Due to the Cov-id-19 outbreak, Alberta Lamb Producers is not sure, at this point, if this will be an in-person or virtual (online) event. More infor-mation will be announced as soon as it becomes available and we have more clarity surrounding events/gatherings with more than 15 people, but please mark your calendars.

Date: Saturday, November 28, 2020

Location for an in-person event: Olds College, Olds, AB If we are able to proceed with an in-person event, ALP plans

to host a conference component with the AGM. This confer-ence will provide hands-on experience for producers and would take place on Friday, November 27th and Saturday November 28th (before and after the AGM). There will be a fee to participate in the conference. There is no associated cost for producers who wish to attend the AGM only.

Location for a virtual (online) event: Your home or office (computer or phone access required)

If we are required to move our AGM to a virtual/online setting, it will take place on Saturday, November 28th only. There is no cost associated with attending the AGM.

We remind you that this AGM will replace the Zone Meetings that we previously held around the province. The ALP Board initiated these changes in 2016 and producers voted on them at the 2016 Zone Meetings. Holding one AGM allows us to bring in more speakers on more topics of interest to producers. ALP can move this AGM to different areas of the province each year. Directors are always available on the phone or email to discuss any concerns that producers have at any time of the year.

Regular Sales at (11:00 a.m.)2nd and 4th Monday every month from January to July Weekly Monday Sales from August to December (except holidays)Sunday receiving hours - 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• The best buyer support from across Canada.

• Order buyers representing local meat packers as well as meat packers on the West Coast, Ontario and Quebec.

Pre-book your animals with Doug at 780-777-4540.Market reports available at www.beaverhillauctions.com

Beaver Hill Auction Services Ltd."The Market dedicated to the sheep and goat industry."

PO Box 957, Tofield AB T0B 4J0Phone: 780-662-9384 Fax: 780-662-3615

Western Canada’s Largest Regular Sheep and Goat Sale

10 June 2020

Producer Resources

Battling the Wolf Within – Dealing with Internal Parasites in Sheep

Laurie Maus Hawk Hill Farm, Dunvegan, ON www.hawkhillfarm.ca

It seems as if every year or so I write an article about parasite management. Why? Because in my opinion it is one of the most critical flock management skills needed by a shepherd.

When you talk to shepherds about the main hazards to rais-ing sheep, the two hazards most frequently mentioned are predators and parasites. There is a huge emphasis on predator control, with shepherds using strategies such as bringing the flock in at night to protect them from predators. We used to do this as well but by doing so we were subjecting our sheep to highly contaminated enclosures, with the result being heavy parasite loads.

The question became which is worse—the wolf in the field or parasites? For this article I call parasites the wolf within. We started doing the dollars and cents and it is our position that the wolf within is more costly than the wolf out on pasture.

So far, I have not been able to find a North American study on the economic impact of internal parasites in sheep so I will quote a 2006 Australian study. Internal parasites cost the sheep industry in Australia an estimated $336 million (AU), with the vast majority of that being economic losses rather than in-creased expenses. Internal parasites are by far the single great-est measurable cost due to sheep disease in that country, far outstripping the costs of other diseases.1

The economic burden of increased mortality caused by lethal parasite loads is obvious to most producers. However, many may not consider the increased feed costs to reach market weight due to sub-lethal parasite burdens that reduce the av-erage daily gain. The following table is used to illustrate those costs (Fig. 1).

In Ontario, Canada a shepherd is reimbursed for the value of the sheep killed by any predator. The same is not true for deaths due to internal parasites and most definitely not true for financial losses due to reduced growth rates and increased feed costs due to sub-lethal parasite loads. In the case of para-sites, all economic losses fall squarely on the shoulder of the producer.

The first lesson we learned was to stop being afraid of preda-tors and we started to give the parasite problem the respect it deserved. As a result, we stopped bringing our sheep into a

“safe” area at night. Now our sheep stay out on pasture all day and night. We do use guardian dogs to protect them as a con-cession to the predator problem.

The next lesson we learned was that reliance on drugs is a flimsy crutch. As on so many operations, drug resistance had become an increasing problem on our farm. The latest study

in Ontario has shown that over 90% of the sheep operations tested have parasites that are resistant to at least one of the drugs available4. Overreliance on drugs actually increases the problem rather than reducing it. We now use drugs sparingly and strategically.

We also learned that the way we were managing our pastures was not sustainable. Our pastures were overgrazed and con-taminated with parasites and were not providing the nutrition we required for our flock. We had two options. The first was to go completely to a confinement system, an approach used by many producers, especially in large operations in Quebec. The second was to dramatically change the way we manage our pastures. We chose the latter approach.

As with weed and insect control, we felt the way to go was in-tegrated pest management, in other words a holistic approach to parasite control. We used a lot of concepts gleaned from grass farmers, including reducing paddock size, increasing livestock density and moving the animals frequently. We also expanded our grazing into our hay fields, allowing our lambs to harvest the second cut hay. Portable electric net fencing and solar fencers have allowed us to graze areas where permanent fencing does not exist or is not wanted.

Over the last two years we have further reduced the pad-dock size and time per paddock in our hay fields to the point our lambs are on half acre paddocks and are moved every two days. They trample as much forage as they eat but the net result is that we are harvesting more hay in the first cut than we have in previous years without livestock grazing the hay fields.

Finally, we constantly monitor the parasite load on our flock by doing fecal egg counts. We use that information to decide on management strategies, to select (and cull) breeding stock and decide if and when to use drugs.

Fig. 1 Feed costs per lamb to reach market weight based on average daily gain.2

ADG – Average Daily Gain. The assumptions used in this table were an average birth weight of 10 lb. and an average market weight of 110 lb. The final assumption was a $0.50 per day feed cost.

ADG3 (lb./day) Days to Market Feed costs @ $0.50/day

0.1 1000 $500

0.2 500 $250

0.3 333 $167

0.4 250 $125

0.5 200 $100

0.6 167 $83

0.7 143 $71

0.8 125 $63

0.9 111 $56

1.0 100 $50

June 2020 11

Alberta Lamb Producers .Producer Resources .

While we do not expect to totally eradicate parasites in our flock (and I question whether that is even desirable), we have increasingly been able to co-exist with them so that they do not cause us serious problems. We have had sheep for seven years and while our flock is quite small, we have only lost one animal to parasites, early on in our operation.

Our May to June born lambs that were raised predominately on pasture were shipped on the second week of October. Their average live weight was 120 lbs and they all had fleeces that shone in the sun. We feel that we are heading in the right di-rection and that our dollars spent are making sense instead of cents.

An update on Hawk Hill Farm. A lot has happened at Hawk Hill since these articles were written. Our flock has remained small, in keeping with the goal of getting better before we got bigger and also recognizing our physical limitations as we aged. We did enroll in Genovis and have been collecting data in that program for about six years and added loin scanning in the last three years. A number of our Cheviot rams made it on the Top Ram report and many of our Tunis rams are scoring 90%+ for growth and maternal indices. We sold our flock of purebred, registered North Country Cheviots and focussed on our purebred, registered Tunis a few years ago. We have gone from marketing the majority of our lambs as freezer orders to the majority being sold as breeding stock to other pro-ducers. At the request of other producers, we started training other producers to do on farm fecal egg counts and for the last two years have added a second training module on parasite management planning. The lessons we have learned on parasite management have allowed us to maintain our lambs on managed pasture with-out needing to treat them for gastrointestinal nematodes for the last four years. And finally, recognizing our own limitations, this year we sold our breeding flock of purebred Tunis to another pro-ducer and have retired from breeding sheep though we have not ended our involvement with the sheep industry.

1Sackett, D and P. Holmes 2006 Assessing the economic cost of en-demic disease on the profitability of Australian beef cattle and sheep producers, Meat and Livestock Australia Limited, ISBN 1741910021

2The same table can be used to analyse the benefit of using a production tested ram that will increase the average daily gain in your flock. It becomes very clear that the cost of a good qual-ity ram is small compared to the potential cost savings in feed.

3Average Daily Gain

4Falzon, L.C et al, 2013 Anthelmintic resistance in sheep flocks in Ontario, Canada Vet. Parasitol. 193(1-3): 150-162

Summary of Parasite Management Tools• Do fecal egg counts for all ewes at lambing, deworm as

necessary with appropriate product.

• Hold ewes and lambs in confinement during lambing until mid June.

• After lambing, put ewes and lambs on pasture when forage is about one foot high and move when about four inches high, never longer than 5-7 days in one area.

• When possible follow sheep with grazing horses.

• Randomly collect samples and do fecal egg counts.

• If lamb scours, etc., do fecal egg count before treat-ment.

• When lambs and ewes are in for 50 day weights, moni-tor eye membranes, body condition score and check for dags on all animals, spot treat if required.

• Wean lambs at 60-90 days, put lambs on clean pasture and move every 2-4 days.

• Weigh lambs at 100 days. Body condition score, FAMA-CHA test, do random fecal egg counts, and if required deworm with appropriate product. Retest to check efficacy of the product.

• Put lambs on second cut regrowth of hay field at 100 days (a cut of hay was taken off since the last time sheep were on those fields), move every 2-3 days.

• Lambs only pass through fields in one cycle, after they are brought in the barn to finish for market. Most reach market weight on pasture.

• Random fecal egg counts on ewes, treat only as neces-sary. Some ewes are only treated once a year.

• Ewes with repeated high fecal egg counts are culled.

• Plant willow, birds foot trefoil, etc. on pasture for higher condensed tannins in forage

• Ensure adequate levels of by pass proteins in diets.

• Analyse hay and balance micronutrients with supple-ments.

12 June 2020

Producer Resources

Carpathian Land & Livestock

Andrew, Erin, Kyle, Emily, Ethan, Kurt Yaremko

St. Paul, AB

780-210-0480

[email protected]

Sheep Lake Suffolk’s

Mike, Vanessa, Kate & Emma Grimmeyer

Clyde, AB

780-307-3385

[email protected]

Lakeland College

Marisa Schuebel

306-290-3827

[email protected]

WD5 Suffolk & North Country Cheviots

Heine, Penny, Michaela, Maranda, Kaelam & Mia Westergaard

Vermilion, AB

780-853-7775

[email protected] Registered Rams, Ewe Lambs & Yearling Ewes

Pens of Commercial Ewe Lambs

Change of Format Due to Covid-19 Concerns we have decided to Postpone our 1st

Auction Sale until 2021.

All Breeding Stock that was to be sold by Auction this year will be sold Off the Farm Private Treaty by the Producers Involved.

We will create an 0nline Catalogue featuring Breeding Stock for Sale that will be available Mid-June.

Watch for the Link 0n the Advantage Breeders Facebook Page

W

June 2020 13


Lamb UpdateJason Wood, Provincial Livestock Market Analyst Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

May 21, 2020

The impact of COVID-19 has affected all protein markets. The estimated market price for a 120 lb. Alberta slaughter lamb started to weaken near the end of March, declining about 11% or $26/cwt over a six-week period. Reported prices have stabi-lized, with marginal gains over the last few weeks. The year-to-date average price for 2020 is 12% higher than in 2019 and 14% higher than the 5-year average.

Light and heavy Alberta lambs at auction were averaging in a range from the low $200s/cwt to the high $240s/cwt last week. Year-to-date, auction market lambs are averaging about 5% higher for light lambs while heavier lambs are averaging about 10% higher compared to a year ago. Recent auction sales have indicated a strong market for lambs but seasonally, prices typi-cally move lower through the summer and fall.

Slaughter and imports Total federally inspected Canadian lamb/sheep slaughter is

running 18% below year ago levels for the January to mid-May period. In the west, federally inspected slaughter is down 10% from a year ago.

Lamb imports to the start of May are 6,844 tonnes, a de-crease of 17% from 2019 but 6.5% higher than the 5-year av-erage. Mutton imports are up significantly this year, reported at 2,165 tonnes, an increase of 48% from 2019 and a 71% in-crease compared to the 5-year average. The volume of mutton imported from Australia has nearly doubled from the previous year. Canadian lamb and sheep meat exports for the first quar-ter of 2020 were 42 tonnes, up 11% from the last quarter of 2019. Almost half of quarter one exports were fresh or frozen sheep cuts.

Globally, the economic effect of coronavirus has affected supply chains. The temporary slowdown in foodservice orders has shifted demand for specific cuts and placed more impor-

tance on the retail stream. Recently, lamb prices marginally im-proved but demand recovery remains a concern for all protein markets moving forward.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

SH P . ...

145 BBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBB LBLLBBLBLB CBBBLC AB T1J 4P41-800-567-3693 .. @ ... . ...

CCWG LIVESTOCK SUPPLIES LIMITED

Consistent and Productive Triplets SINCE 1997270148 Range Road 22Rocky View County, AB T4B 4Y2403-728-3145 [email protected]

Starkroft Rideau Arcotts

14 June 2020

Producer Resources

Flock Benchmarking – Striving to Be Above Average

Dr. Susan Markus, Livestock Research Scientist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry

May 2020

Like most people, I don’t desire to be average, let alone be-low average. But really, how do I actually know? Fortunately, we have access to a lot of provincial and national data from a vari-ety of sources to compare things like education, health, income, etc. and this benchmark data is what allows us to make such comparisons. The same holds true for the livestock industry.

By using benchmarking data we can take comfort in know-ing how we compare to others in our industry and then imple-ment changes to improve. However, having access to such data isn’t always possible and the Alberta sheep industry is in that situation–very little data exists, or it is not readily available, on flock performance, production and financial measures for the sheep industry in Western Canada.

Because of this issue—lack of shareable data—a group of three Olds College students enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science AgriBusiness Degree program, Shandra Moxham, Lau-ra Scott and Kate Eisenhawer, chose to work under the men-torship of Sean Thompson, Manager of the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) and Dr. Susan Markus, Research Scientist, Alberta Agriculture, to investigate Alberta flock management data. To fulfill requirements of their Applied Research course, they conducted a survey in collaboration with Alberta Lamb Producers and were able to collect over 120 re-sponses to more than 15 different questions.

Their survey analyses and interpretation are the start of be-ing able to provide valuable information to flock managers in Alberta. In Ontario, the EweGROW program has been collecting the same type of benchmark data for a few years now. From the Alberta survey, less than 30% of producers were aware of how their flock was performing compared to other flocks in the industry, while 80% of producers did not know of any benchmarking programs that currently exist–a reason to make benchmarking data more readily available.

However, data with no explanation or interpretation is actu-ally quite meaningless because it can lead to misunderstand-ings about what it’s telling us. When a study flock falls below a benchmark it indicates a weakness, just as above average per-formance would indicate a strength. But that’s a really simplistic way to look at it and there is much more to its interpretation.

Most of the time you need to assess many different measures of production, along with financial measures, to get the whole story. Basing your conclusions on one value can be misleading, so multiple key performance indicators and knowledge about current markets and environmental conditions should be con-sidered when you are looking to improve. Many examples of in-

formation gleaned from the survey are provided here as a start to developing Western Canadian flock benchmarks.

While the majority of flocks surveyed had fewer than 50 ewes (43.8%), over 27% surveyed had over 200 ewes. In addition, par-ticipants with flocks>200 tended to use software programs, compared to participants with flocks <200 ewes who were more likely to keep records that were paper based or on Excel spreadsheets.

Ewe age shows an aging flock when both old (greater than 10 years) and young (under five years) each make up 15% of the flock. Typically, you would expect to see the young ewes at double the number of old ones, but if flock sizes of <50 ewes are influencing this it may be no surprise that smaller flocks keep ewes longer. Vaccination rates were 87%, which is very good.

Less than 4% of survey participants derive all their income from their flock operation. The majority (>96%) depend on oth-er sources of income other than sheep production, which is not surprising given that 43% of flocks surveyed had 50 or fewer ewes. Both production costs and income generated need to be considered when assessing flock productivity. As an example, superior genetics can be eaten up by high input costs so it’s important to keep costs in line with production levels. Further, you could be an above average lamb producer when weaning weights are considered, but your net returns per ewe could be below average due to high feed and production costs. Know-ing what affects the measure and how to mitigate losses is as important as striving for heavier weaning weights.

June 2020 15


Total pounds of lambs weaned or marketed divided by the total number of females exposed to rams gives you a better measure of ewe productivity than average weaning weights

calculated on weaning day. Problem areas like fertility or nutri-tion can then be further investigated by assessing this measure. Other limitations on flocks that were considered included land costs, resource allotment, predators or financial burdens.

Additional survey questions about lamb age and weight at weaning help determine how to improve this metric. Without knowing which ages correspond to which weaning weights it is difficult to make comments. Weaning at 60 days is common and this fits well with 45-55 lb. weaning weights. While older

lambs might weigh more, this is not necessarily the weaning goal to improve lamb profits. Nutrition management with early weaned lambs can yield excellent returns on an investment in

creep feeding and targets of 100 lb. feed-er lambs at <120 days of age can be met.

The majority of flocks, >85%, lambed over a two month or shorter time period. 62% of flocks reported lamb death loss-es during lambing to be <3% and 20% reported death losses of 3-5% with the remainder having higher than 5% death loss.

Most producers were commercial and had a mix of breeds. Some of the popu-lar breeds were: Dorset, Suffolk, Charlois, Rideau and Canadian Arcott. Certainly breed, in addition to management, can

affect litter size. Typical lamb litter size, taking breed differenc-es and ewe lambs into account, averages 1.8 to 2 lambs. Survey results show over 82% of respondents had between 1.5 and 2.5 lambs born per ewe.

In addition, 67% indicated that they had ewe pregnancy rates over 95%, while 21.5% of respondents had between 90-95% pregnancy rates, leaving 11.5% of respondents getting ewe pregnancy rates between 80-89%.

Over the course of this project, all three students expanded their sheep production knowledge and successfully performed their research objectives. There is immense value in the data that has been generated through this pilot survey, and it forms the beginning of a possible recurring sheep benchmarking pro-gram in Alberta. The Olds College TACLP serves as a resource to the livestock industry, and sees the value in continuing this type of benchmarking initiative for sheep producers. An indus-try benchmarking program will be reviewed with ALP this sum-mer to review its merit and to discuss ongoing data collection responsibilities. It is anticipated that Alberta sheep producers will both contribute to and benefit from this data regularly in order to improve overall performance of the provincial flock.

16 June 2020

Industry Information

1 8 OSN M a r c h 2 0 2 0

Monitor en route OK?

ANIMAL COMPROMISED EN ROUTE

ANIMAL UNFIT EN ROUTE

CHECK ANIMALS BEFORE TRANSPORT

Must be isolated in transport, loaded alone without negotiating ramps. Measures must be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering and

must not go to an assembly centre.

Nearest placethe animal can receive care or

be humanely killed.

NO

YES

Humanely kill on truck or nearest place the animals can receive care, or be humanely killed.

The nearest place could include

an assembly centrefor these animals.

Advice from veterinarian

Onward

For more information about humane transport and animal welfare, visit inspection.gc.ca/humane.

VET

CFIA

P10

40E-

20 C

atalo

gue

No.:

A104

-194

/202

0E-P

DF I

SBN:

978

-0-6

60-3

3796

-8 A

ussi

disp

onib

le en

fran

çais

June 2020 17

Industry Information .

OSN M a r c h 2 0 2 0 1 9

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the humane treatment of all animals being transported into, within, and out of Canada by enforcing the Health of Animals Regulations (Part XII) Transport of Animals.All persons involved in the transport of animals must ensure that every animal being transported is assessed as being �t for the trip and that all provisions of the regulations are met.

If an animal becomes unfit or compromised before, during or after being transported, reasonable measures must be taken to prevent unnecessary suffering. As soon as possible, the animal must be transported to receive care or be humanely killed or have the animal humanely killed while on the conveyance.

Unfit animals (as described in the Regulations) are not to be transported unless it is to receive care recommended by a veterinarian. If transported, they must be loaded, con�ned, transported and unloaded in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations (refer to section 139(2)) to prevent suffering, injury or death. Compromised animals (as described in the Regulations) are not to be transported to assembly centres, including auction markets. They may be transported if they are isolated from other animals, are loaded and unloaded individually without having to negotiate any ramps within the conveyance, and transported to the nearest place where they can receive care or be humanely killed. They must also be provided with feed, water and rest at a maximum, every 12 hours (fewer if needed to meet required outcomes). They must be loaded, con�ned, transported and unloaded in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations (refer to section 140(1)) to prevent suffering, injury and death.

All regulated parties are required to be aware of all applicable provisions in Part XII of the regulations.For more information about humane transport and animal welfare, visit inspection.gc.ca/humane.

Signs of an unfit animal

• is non-ambulatory;• has a fracture that impedes mobility or causes signs of pain;• is lame and exhibits pain in one or more limbs or cannot walk

on all of its legs;• is in shock or is dying;• has a prolapsed uterus; • has a severe rectal or severe vaginal prolapse;• has nervous system disorder;• is a porcine that is trembling, discolored and has difficulty breathing;• has laboured breathing;• has severe open wound or severe laceration; • is hobbled to aid in treatment;• is extremely thin;• exhibits signs of dehydration;• is hypothermic or hyperthermic;• exhibits signs of a fever;• has a significant hernia that impedes movement, causes signs of pain, touches the ground when standing, or that has an open wound or infection; • is in the last 10% of its gestation period or has given birth during the preceding 48 hours;• has an unhealed infected navel;• has a gangrenous udder;• has severe cancer eye; • is bloated with signs of discomfort or weakness; • is exhausted; • exhibits any other signs of in�rmity, illness, injury or a condition

that indicates that it cannot be transported without suffering.

• is bloated but does not demonstrate signs of discomfort or weakness;• has acute frostbite;• is blind in both eyes;• has not healed after any procedure, including dehorning, castration, and detusking; • lameness other than what is described in the regulation as unfit;• has a deformity or a fully healed amputation that does not cause pain;• is in a period of peak lactation and will not be milked to prevent mammary engorgement;• has an unhealed or acutely injured penis;• has a minor rectal or minor vaginal prolapse;• has its mobility limited by a device applied for treatment (for example, hobbles); • is a wet bird; or• exhibits any other signs of infirmity, illness, injury or of a condition that indicates that it has a reduced capacity to withstand transport.

• Calves 8 days and under are prohibited from being transported to assembly centres, including auction markets. • Lactating animals that cannot be milked to prevent engorgement must reach a destination where they can be milked or slaughtered before becoming engorged. • Animals with mammary engorgement will be considered compromised or un�t.

NOTE:

Signs of a compromised animal

TRANSPORTING UNFIT OR COMPROMISED ANIMALS

CFIA

P10

37E-

20 C

atalo

gue

No.:

A104

-192

/202

0E-P

DF I

SBN:

978

-0-6

60-3

3792

-0 A

ussi

disp

onib

le en

fran

çais

18 June 2020


NSN Update

Ryan Grier, NSN Chair

Since March, the National Sheep Network (NSN) has been fo-cusing much of its attention on COVID-19 and what the sheep sector needs to do to navigate its way through this. Fortunately, through the initial stages of the pandemic the industry experi-enced relatively stable market prices.

Thank you to the processing plants across Canada that have continued to operate through this pandemic while ensuring the health and safety of your employees. You have been criti-cal to maintaining the food supply and helping keep farmers going.

Unfortunately, prices are now beginning to soften. It is pre-dicted that through the summer and into the fall prices will soften due to the global economic slowdown and a growing number of lambs on the market.

Looking forward, continued constant and transparent com-munication with industry stakeholders will be critical to manag-ing through this crisis and building a resilient nimble industry on the other side. In support of these efforts we have been working with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and we continue to lobby the Federal Government for changes in the national suite of Business Risk Management programs. This in-cludes an immediate injection of a minimum of 5% of a pro-ducer’s 2018 ANS into AgriInvest accounts, and an increase of

the AgriStability trigger to 85% for the 2019-20 Program Year and for the remainder of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The NSN is also investigating ways to build market intel-ligence capacity in the industry that would enable farmers to better understand market signals, and provide some price and market demand forecasting that would aid in business decision making. The goal is that by providing more robust market intel-ligence the industry would emerge from the current pandemic with new opportunities for growth and be aided in the crea-tion of a more resilient and adaptive sector in times of external pressures (pandemics/trade disruptions), able to expand the domestic market share and explore market development op-portunities.

An application has been submitted to develop the National Lamb Product Locator and Consumer Hub. This Hub would bring together content that is already available across Canada. Business will be able to enter their information into the web-site so when consumers enter their postal codes they can find local suppliers of lamb in their areas. The website will also be translated into several languages (e.g., French, Chinese, Arabic, Punjabi, Hindi).

I have also started #CanadianLambChallenge. I’m challeng-ing all Canadian shepherds to share their favourite way of cooking lamb through their social media channels and then challenge others to do the same. I believe this is a fun way to promote our product.

These last few months have us living in a time of uncertainty. Now more than ever, it is increasingly important to take care of your mental wellbeing and to care for each other. Take a mo-ment to call a friend or family member and check in on them. For more information please visit www.domore.ag.

Buying:

Feeder Lambs, Fat Lambs, Cull Sheep

Albers Lamb Company

Contact: ROGER ALBERS 780 – 777 – 7416

[email protected] www.alberslambandgoat.ca

June 2020 19


PR08511 FAP Pest Defence – CyLence SHEEP_7.5X9.5_AB Newsletter_BAYER-FAP-043-2020.indd BAYER-FAP-043-2020

1None7.5" x 9.5"None

7.5" x 9.5"CMYK

100%

Palatino, Futura StdAB Newesletter

------ 1 Bayer/Animal Health

PR08511 5-20-2020 4:05 PM Rodrigues, Pedro (TOR-MWG)

Luis.Santos CyLence Sheep

SHEEP KED

(MELOPHAGUS OVINUS)

1 Small, R. (2005) A review of Melophagus ovinus, the Sheep Ked, Vet. Parasitology 130 (1-2)© 2020 Bayer Inc. ® TM see www.bayer.ca/tm-mc

FACT: SHEEP KEDS CAUSE BLOOD LOSS

IN SUFFICIENT VOLUMES TO CAUSE ANEMIA, REDUCED GROWTH RATES IN LAMBS,AND LOWERED PRODUCTION RATES.1

Blood-sucking sheep keds may seem small but they put a big drain on your pro� ts through reduced growth rates and damage to � eece. CyLence® Pour-On insecticide is a ready-to-use, concentrated formula, that kills both sheep keds and sheep lice, which helps keep your herd pest-free and pro� table.

Ask your veterinarian or ask for CyLence® Pour-on insecticide at your farm supply retailer. For more information call 1-888-663-5326.

T:7.5"

T:9.5"

20 June 2020


An Update from the North American Lamb Company

Wade Meunier, Livestock Systems Manager, North American Lamb Company

FarmingIt has been both an exciting and challenging quarter at the

North American Lamb Company. On the exciting side we look to our activities in our farming operations. In Manitoba the expansion of the lamb growing facility, which preconditions lambs for shipment to Alberta to be finished, was completed.

In Alberta the new year-round sheep breeding unit is in its final stages of completion and has been lambing for six weeks, at the time of writing. This breeding unit includes several in-novations and process changes from our other units. There are a dozen new staff onsite, mostly full-time positions, currently working with ewes that are mostly lambing for the first time.

Name changesTo better align our operations and functions, as well as differ-

entiate brands, we are in the process of changing the names of some facilities. The SunGold processing operation will change its name to Canada Lamb Processors Ltd while the Canada Gold lamb feedlot will become Canada Lamb Growers Ltd.

COVID-19While the global pandemic has provided several challenges

to the farming side, it has had a major impact on our process-ing operation. Luckily, we have avoided an outbreak ourselves at the plant and any closures, but not without significant in-vestment, effort and productivity loss. The biggest impact was large increases in absenteeism—from staff quarantines due to regular illnesses, symptomatic self-quarantine precautions and lack of childcare issues, as well as the general fear incited by the negative media attention cast on meat processors. Societal lockdowns commenced around the same time as the ramp up for our Easter rush—we had an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach to maintain operations, with management and all available personnel helping get through six-day weeks and filling orders. Precautions to protect staff health are continually reviewed and dialed up; hopefully we get through this situation without any processing disruptions. Our entire processing team recog-nizes the importance of the plant to the lamb industry.

Retail orders have thankfully been reasonably maintained through the pandemic, but the foodservice side has cratered. Time will tell how lamb demand holds through this crisis; our feeling is the economic recovery will play the most significant role in lamb demand. Most people buy lamb for the experience, as it’s not an inexpensive protein choice.

Market outlookWhile the lamb industry has not experienced plummeting

livestock pricing compared to beef and pork sectors, we are entering the period at the end of May when new crop lambs start becoming more abundant in Ontario and elsewhere. An-nually, around the third or fourth week of May, finished lamb pricing peaks and heads downward through to the end of De-cember or early January before it turns upward again. Last year this downturn was more severe than in the previous four years. While we can hope this pattern will be avoided, COVID, industry growth, and less contracted supply point to increased pricing pressure over 2019. At NALC we’ll be rolling out our Farm Direct Feeder Lamb Program in June and July. This program offers forward pricing for feeder lambs for fall delivery and incentives for pre-conditioning, vaccinations and logistical efficiencies. We will arrange trucks to pick up lambs direct from farms. We will also launch a collection yard schedule for smaller deliveries of feeder lambs to Innisfail or Iron Springs. On finished lambs, while much of our summer supply is already contracted, we’ll be looking for additional cash or contracted lambs to fill some holes between now and the fall.

Summer rail priced contracts have been working well for our early lambers—several producers routinely exceed May’s ex-pected rail value of $281 per lamb by $5-10. We also switched some live buys to rail buys to prove to producers they can do better by focusing on rail payments. Our new 3% tolerance is a big asset to overall revenue for producers. Feel free to dis-cuss our feeder or finished lamb options with Cathy Krohn at 403-227-7866 or [email protected].

• Best lamb pricing in Canada. Ask us to prove it • Year-round producers have the best contract options• New Farm Direct Feeder Lamb Program launching

Spring 2020; price incentives and forward pricing• We will double production in the upcoming years,

creating new opportunities in our industry• Improved 2020 Rail Grid, boosted by Rinse & Chill©

technology. Rinse & Chill© fees are discontinued.

The North American Lamb Company was created in 2018 from the merger between SunGold Specialty Meats, its lamb finishing lot, and Canada Sheep and Lamb Farms. Our vision is to be the pre-eminent North American sheep products business. Finished or feeder lambs from external producers remains an integral part of our business.

Contact: Cathy Krohn, Procurement and Logistics Coordinator 403-227-7866 or [email protected]

June 2020 21


Attention Shepherds!Josh Korpan, ALP Director

With the unprecedented Covid-19 pan-demic upon us, we have come to realize that producers in our industry need to channel their inner strength and endurance. I’m asking everyone to sit and think for a minute and ask themselves this question: What is the one thing that is so often overlooked on our sheep?

Upon asking myself this same question, I came up with the wool! With that being said, I listen to more experienced pro-ducers who have been in the business a long time tell me how there was enough to cover the cost of shearing. We get so little for something that I feel should be worth so much more.

A second question that I would like to propose to our produc-ers is: What do you all think would be a better idea for the wool?

First off I want to say if you are a producer of a select breed that has better wool for spinning, I encourage you to seek out local wool in mills such as Rose Bud Fibre Mill or Custom Woolen Mills for example, and have them make you a ball or four. I, myself, have personally used it to insulate the coop. It’s naturally fire retardant and repels the pests. However, with the changing of times, I feel we as producers can do better. There is technology for everything nowadays and I think we need to slow down and look at the simple things.

FOR ALL YOUR SHEEP FEEDING NEEDS.

MILK REPLACERS | SHEEP & LAMB FEEDS VITAMIN/MINERAL PREMIXES | SUPPLEMENTS

RITE-LIX & RUMOLIX TUBS

FOR SPECIAL PRICING CALL: IAN 403-350-0268 OR DOUG 403-396-9081

Stettler Auction Mart 2016 LtdFamily Owned & Operated

June 25thJuly 9th & 23rdAugust 6th & 20thSeptember TBA

To book ahead call403-742-2368.

Sales will start at1pm!

Visit Our Website at www.stettlerauction.ab.ca

SaleSPRING & SUMMER

2020

I have looked very intensively into the pelletizing of the poor wool for use in soils. It can take the place of vermiculite in pot-ting soils very easily. It retains moisture and allows root systems to grow. There are so many options to utilize such a product. I encourage everyone to think outside the box and think about any possible ideas or suggestions, including those that might have even been used in the past. We have become very reliant on man-made and synthetics that we are losing our renewable resources.

We as producers need to stand united and help each other out to get through these difficult times and to make something today for the future. If you have any suggestions or ideas to share with the ALP Board of Directors please email them to me at: [email protected].

22 June 2020


4-H Members Adapt to COVID-19 Challenge

Achievement Days are something 4-H members across Alber-ta look forward to every year. But 2020 is no ordinary year, and that’s meant the 4-H program has had to be nimble, and adjust how projects are completed.

Members with a sheep project generally bring them to a show, where they have the opportunity to showcase their year’s hard work feeding, grooming and training their projects, and selling market lambs. This year the process, like so many things, has had to move online.

Lambs are being sold using services like DLMS, VJV Auction Services, liveauctions.tv, 32auctions.com, or by private treaty. Once word got around, many clubs found their lambs snapped up by individual buyers quickly, demonstrating the current ap-preciation for locally raised food.

The Irricana 4-H Multi-Club is one of the Calgary region clubs with a sizeable lamb count. Leader Shirley Senger says they chose to use the silent auction format offered by 32Auctions for their market sale. But they were also carrying forward with forms of some of their other activities, including a live facetime

‘show’, complete with a judge assessing the member’s show-manship abilities with their lambs.

“I think it will be as much a test of parents’ technical abilities in filming the kids as it will be of their sheep showing,” chuckled Senger, prior to the event. “But the members are expected to do their regular showmanship duties, like washing their lambs, wearing their club clothes, leading and setting up their animals.”

When it came to a club decision about how to proceed among the safety restrictions, Senger was impressed with their members’ dedication to innovating, and a ‘virtual’ conforma-tion show was also part of the plan.

“The kids, right away, didn’t want to give up. They wanted to ‘achieve’ something, and ‘strut their stuff’, so to speak. So we talked to our judge, who was more than happy to do whatever

format we wanted.” With the assistance of measurements and pictures, there would still be a ‘Judges Choice’ award. And as with many clubs, the members learned much more about mar-keting their animals this year.

“Rather than just selling to one marketplace, the kids wanted to try and keep in touch with some of their regular buyers from 4-H on Parade, so they connected with them ahead of the sale.”

Every year the Calgary region clubs participating in 4-H on Parade rotate a charity project, and it was Irricana’s turn for the fundraising project this year, which produced the lamb

‘McFlurry’ for the Calgary Ronald McDonald House. Their mar-keting project, as a club, was to promote McFlurry, so they all produced posters and ads for him as part of their work, which were also judged.

“Enough stuff has been cancelled or put on hold for the kids this year,” noted Senger. “I’m proud of them for not calling it a day. We tried to make it as ‘normal’ as possible, even though this is all far from normal. But it gave them something else to go outside and DO, which was also good for their mental state.”

The Crestomere 4-H Multi-Club members made the call to market their 26 sheep through the services of VJV Auction, which purchased a special program so it could hold timed on-line auctions. Crestomere Sheep Project Leader Laverne Seib says an early 4-H Alberta webinar on marketing online helped them adapt, also reminding all participants that achievement days are all about the members and their projects.

“We wanted it to be as normal as possible, so the kids had to do a 30-second video, showing their lamb as they would to a judge, with a rear view and a side view, and then they could individualize it however they wanted, with their bios and still photos,” explained Seib. Videos were posted, along with a sale catalogue, and buyers had a four-day span to bid in hopes of purchasing a lamb. “The kids were excited just to be able to do something,” said Seib. “We put videos from senior members up on our Google Drive site on clipping to help some of the younger members.”

June 2020 23


While the timed online sale wraps up June first, Seib says a ewe lamb virtual show is in the works for June as well, with the younger Cleaver members doing a live Zoom presentation of their animals too. The club held special online meetings with members to share technologies being used, see how they were doing and determine whether any members needed help. “It’s been difficult,” admits Seib, “But kind of fun too.”

“I’m proud of the way clubs are adapting and coming up with creative solutions for marketing their projects. Members are still out working with their animals, taking videos, telling stories, even though they can’t have their usual show days,” says Kim McConnell, 4-H Alberta Interim CEO.

The 4-H community spirit is just as active as ever, with 24 charity projects—22 steers and two lambs—to be auctioned off, with their proceeds donated to a designated local charity that the youth have selected to support. Albertans have been encouraged to participate in the charity auctions to support their communities. Successful purchasers of 4-H animals can either keep the meat from themselves or donate a portion to local food banks. “This is an excellent opportunity for a dou-ble win–supporting local charities who are facing bigger needs currently and encouraging young people who will be the lead-ers of tomorrow,” adds McConnell.

“4-H clubs have been supporting our rural communities for years,” says Devin Dreeshen, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. “This year, despite the challenges posed by COV-ID-19, they continue to find new, innovative ways to serve our communities and to support youth.”

But Achievement Days are not the only way 4-H has been adapting. Meetings have moved online, while special activities and learning resources have been shared for members con-fined to home. The 4-H Ambassadors even came up with a 4-H Alberta ‘Bingo from Home’; they encouraged members to play and post their results. There were video challenges and craft ideas, all designed to keep the 4-H ‘fun’ factor alive and well.

One of the biggest achievement events is always 4-H on Pa-rade, at Stampede Park in Calgary. When it couldn’t be held, the hosting Calgary region decided to move forward anyway with its clothing order, to commemorate a memorable year! Dubbing it the ‘4-H NOT on Parade’ gear, there are clever t-shirt slogans like ‘I’m Sorry – I ate all the quarantine snacks!’; or hats with ‘4-H Hair – Don’t Care’; and sweat pants boasting ‘Official 4-H Social Distancing Uniform’.

For the summer, 4-H Alberta also innovated so it could still have an activity for showcasing female sheep and beef pro-jects. The 4-H Alberta Sheep Show runs from July 7-10, with virtual activities including opening ceremonies, learning com-ponents, judging, sharing scavenger hunt finds, and conforma-tion classes (Ewe Lamb, Yearling Ewe or Mature Ewe, and Flock). It will culminate with a results event on the Friday afternoon. Registration through the 4-H Alberta website closes June 20, and participating videos must be received by June 25. 4-H members, parents, and leaders will all agree the 4-H motto of

‘Learn to do by doing’ has received a hearty workout during 2020!

R. R. 1 Carstairs, Alberta

T0M 0N0Phone/Fax (403) 337-2221

• Comforters • Mattress Pads • Sleeping Bags • Batts • Roping 4-Str. • Yarns • Work Socks

• Custom Services - Washing

Dying Carding Spinning Sewing Knitting

24 June 2020


ASBA NewsThe Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association

(ASBA) is a nationally recognized organiza-tion that is dedicated to honorably representing the interests of the purebred sheep industry in Alberta.

The ASBA is Canada’s oldest purebred organization, provid-ing support and guidance to the sheep industry since the early 1900s. Industry representation at the national level is provided through membership with the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ As-sociation.

The mission of the ASBA is to encourage overall and consist-ent improvement in the breeding and management of pure-bred sheep in Alberta. The Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association is very proud of the long standing presentation of the biannual Symposium. This event is a premier opportunity for the sheep industry, as it brings in speakers from across the globe, who are experts in their field, to present research and technology per-tinent to the industry’s growth and sustainability. Plans for the 2021 Symposium are already underway. Keep up to date on our website and Facebook page.

Under the revised ASBA bylays, current Alberta members of the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association are now considered annual ASBA members. Being a CSBA member will not cost you to have your listing on the ASBA website. This is information already on the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation website and will include name, address, phone number and email address (if available). Should you not not want your breeder listing on the ASBA website, simply drop us a line, [email protected]. Classifieds are available for current ASBA members at no charge. We encourage you to check out our website and take advantage of the opportunities of being an ASBA member. www.albertasheepbreeders.ca

Isle of Skye Cheviots and Border ColliesRegistered North Country Cheviots

2019 Classic Supreme Grand Champion Fleece Winner New British AI Genetics

Clean Closed FlockYearling Rams, Ram Lambs, Ewe Lambs

Allen and Susan NealRaven, Alberta 403-588-3808

We ship anywhere in Canada! www.isleofskyecheviots.ca [email protected]

PICTURE BUTTE AUCTION MARKET

For more information or to consign livestock contact the market at 1-403-732-4400 Erik Dunsbergen at 1-403-308-6662

P.O BOX 6 PICTURE BUTTE, ALBERTA T0K-1V0 Tel~ 1.403.732.4400 www.picturebutteauction.ca

Selling Sheep and Goats EVERY SATURDAY 10:00 a.m. Followed by horses, llamas, baby calves and all other classes of cattle.

SHEEP & GOAT FEATURE SALES: June 13, July 25, August 22, September 19, October 3. RAM & BREEDING STOCK FEATURE SALE: Tuesday July 7, 2020 1pm

Call now to book in for these feature sales!

Red Brand FencingA tougher line of fencing!

[email protected]# 403-896-2379Fax# 403-784-2726

Box4, Site1, RR2Clive, AB, T0C 0Y0

www.tranquilitygreenhouse.com

Supplying fencing for Cows, Horses, Sheep, Rabbits and so much more!

Jonathan Van de Pol

June 2020 25


The Livestock Welfare Engagement Project – Animal Welfare from an Industry’s Perspective

Dr. Melissa Moggy, Alberta Farm Animal Care

What is the Livestock Welfare Engagement Project?

The Livestock Welfare Engagement Project (LWEP) collected input from stakeholders across Alberta’s livestock industry. The goal was to provide an accurate understanding of Alberta’s livestock welfare landscape from the industry’s perspective. The LWEP was requested and funded by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry and was facilitated by Alberta Farm Animal Care.

Who is Alberta Farm Animal Care?Alberta Farm Animal Care (https://www.afac.ab.ca/) is a pro-

vincial multi-species livestock welfare organization. We work to ensure that farm animals in Alberta are respected and well-cared for and experience a high state of welfare, through col-laboration with and support of our members.

What did we do?Data was gathered through an online survey and a series of

focus groups throughout 2018. These were open to anyone who worked within Alberta’s livestock industry. The survey was designed to be four surveys in one, depending on the role of the respondent, including students, individuals (e.g. produc-ers and farm employees), auction markets and abattoirs, and organizations (e.g. commodity groups and animal welfare or-ganizations).

Results were documented in a summary report that was shared with the Government of Alberta in December of 2018. This report provided a resource to advise Alberta’s ongoing un-derstanding, activity, and progress in livestock welfare.

Recently, industry-specific reports were created for the beef, dairy, equine, poultry, swine, and the small ruminant industry. Industry-specific reports will be shared with applicable live-stock organizations and are available upon request. As well, re-sources outlining highlights of the study were created for these groups, as a quick reference for interested parties.

What we foundIn total, 50 small ruminant individual respondents participat-

ed in the online survey. Individual respondents were those who play a role individually in the livestock industry, such as produc-ers, farm employees, transporters, and veterinarians.

Project participants stressed that animal welfare is important to the industry and it is a top priority to the industry. Many rec-ognized that our industry has made significant strides in animal welfare, but that the industry must strive to continuously im-prove upon that and evolve.

CODES OF PRACTICEGAP

ABOUT LWEP

DATA COLLECTION

ORGANIZATIONS

INDIVIDUALS

FOCUS GROUPS

ABOUT THE CODES OFPRACTICE

REQUIREMENTS

CODES OF PRACTICEGUIDELINES

RECOMMENDATIONS

TIMELINES

THE CODES OF PRACTICE ARECURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR:

An interesting finding was that the National Farm Animal Care Council Codes of Practice (https://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice) were among the most helpful standards and policies selected by small ruminant respondents. However, 51% were not familiar with the Codes, thus indicating a gap in awareness. The Codes of Practice were created for everyone involved in the care and handling of farm animals, including sheep and goats. To improve Code awareness, two infographics (https://www.afac.ab.ca/producer-info/livestock-welfare-engagement-project/) were created to be shared online and at events. One focused on how the Codes are developed and the other focused on Code guidelines.

26 June 2020


CLASSIFIEDS

Classified ads are available free to Alberta producers. In addition to being published in the newsletter, they are available on-line under News and Advertising at http://www.ablamb.ca/index.php/news-advertising/advertising.

Email [email protected] or fax 403-912-1455 or call 403-948-8533 to place, amend or delete your classified ad. Alberta Lambs Producers does not endorse or promote any of the advertisements or advertisers in the N’ewesletter.

4-H LAMbS

Contact your zone director if you have lambs suitable for 4H project lambs or are looking for 4H lambs.

SHEEP & LAMbS: FOR SALE

Purebred breeding ram yearlings: White Dorper (impres-sive bulk, rapid gain) and St. Croix (quadruplets, maternal excellence, parasite resistance, height/length/smaller bone for higher meat yield). All sound, UTD maintenance, excel-lent conformation, clean genetics, Monte Lake, BC 250-375-2528, [email protected] , www.harmonyfarmkennelandlamb.com

Purebred flock dispersal. 130 Rambouillet , 35 Suffolk. Excellent set of ewes. Ewe lambs to six years old. Contact Jack Braat 403-327-9757 or [email protected]

Canadian Arcott breeding stock. both registered & com-mercial stock available. June born ewe lambs are now avail-able and 60 commercial and purebred ewes for sale. Rod & Bernadette Nikkel - Dry Lake Ranch. [email protected] or 780-674-6805.

Rideau Arcott ram lambs, ready to work for you! Lambing from this herd was over 300%. $250 ea. J & M Oosterhof, Lethbridge County, AB. [email protected] or 403-317-0330.

Schieck Livestock - Quality purebred Southdowns, and commercial Dorsets. Breeding stock and 4-H lambs avail-able. Our Southdowns are a medium sized sheep, with a large focus on traditional characteristics. Contact [email protected], or find us on Facebook.

3 Purebred Canadian Arcott yearling rams from sextu-plets. I have kept back the ewes. Ready to put some great genetics into your flock. High health flock. Call Linda Wright for more information, 587-896-3133.

Purebred Ile de France rams (only 2 left) and Franceau rams. All long yearlings except one Purebred is 2 years old. Contact: Twyla Unger, Sexsmith, 780-568-4136.

Highly prolific replacement ewe lambs, Romanov x Suf-folk and Cheviot. Various sizes available. Sold in groups of 20 or more. $250 each @ 70-80 lbs. On free choice grain and grass hay. Contact Richard Van Driesten Champion, AB. [email protected] or 403-715-9324.

50 Suffolk/Dorset January born ewe lambs. Excellent replacement quality with great bloodlines. Nice hearty lambs. Call or text Becky at 403-740-4658 or [email protected]. Located in Donalda, AB.

Corriedale sheep. Dual-purpose breed producing, good quality carcasses and high pelt value. Corriedales are known for their docile dispositions and are excellent mothers. Con-tact Ian Zoerb located Brooks AB. [email protected] 403-793-0618.

Purebred Charollais yearling rams. Well-muscled, long bodied rams with excellent ADG for superior butcher quality lambs and great easy lambing replacement ewes. [email protected] or 780-499-0066.

Registered North Country Cheviot yearling rams. New British genetics. Traditional confirmation-big blocky rams. Also taking orders for registered ewe and ram lambs for 2019. www.isleofskyecheviots.ca. Clean Closed Flock. Call Susan 403-588-3808 for prices.

Icelandic ewes, as well as ewe and ram lambs. Unregistered. Please contact Bill at [email protected]

Purebred Suffolk yearling & lamb rams. Yearlings have been semen & vet checked. Long, deep bodied, well-mus-cled rams. Charles Iwan, Taber 403-331-7984.

Canadian Arcott registered Yearling rams. Also available are ewe lambs. Call 403-575-7794.

Sheep Lake Suffolks. Registered Suffolk ram lambs & ewe lambs. Contact Mike 780-307-3385 and follow Sheep Lake Suffolks on Facebook.

Moonshine Dorsets. Registered and purebred Dorset ram and ewe lambs. Traditional confirmation. Call Raelyn at 403 746-2140.

Clun Forest ram and ewe lambs. Selected from easy lam-bers and good mothers. Glynn Brooks, Lethbridge 403-327-2242, [email protected].

Grande Prairie, Ab. Suffolk & Dorset yearling rams & ram lambs. Call or text 780-978-4705.

Alberta Sheep breeders’ Association (ASbA) members are your source for registered breeding stock in Alberta. Join today! 1-866-967-4337, www.albertasheepbreeders.ca.



mailto:[email protected]

June 2020 27


Parker Stock Farm. Glen and Kathy Parker. GenOvis perfor-mance tested Suffolk breeding stock. 403-443-7220, www.parkerstockfarm.com, [email protected]

Need more meat? Charollais rams and ewes. Performance based selection OPP-Neg [email protected] or 403-224-2463.

SHEEP & LAMbS: WANTED

Wanted: feeder or fat lambs, cull sheep and all classes of goats in Acme or Stony Plain, AB. Call Roger Albers at 780-777-7416 or email [email protected].

Wanted: feeder lambs and culls in High Prairie area. All sizes and types. Animals weighed, no shrink. Clients emailed price/lb weekly and can decide if they want to deliver. Hauling possible. No commission fees. Call Eric Verstappen 780-536-6740, pref. 8-9 p.m.

DOGS

Maremma puppies. Excellent guardians, very affectionate, friendly and totally devoted. They work very hard keeping coyotes and predators away from our sheep; we haven’t had a kill in years. Have first shots and are dewormed. 780-361-5511.

Purebred registered border Collie puppies for sale in Beaverlodge, AB. Parents are our working dogs. For full details and pictures, check out our website – u2kennels.com, 403-357-8610.

Registered male border Collie. 10 months old. Started on sheep. Breeding goes back to Abe Marshall’s Meg x Jim.www.isleofskyecheviots.ca $1500.00 Susan Neal 403-588-3808.

Maremma guard dogs. Various ages. Raised on-farm and on-pasture with sheep. Outstanding, good-natured parents. Very reliable. The coyotes are the ones with the problems! Call 403-586-5638.

EQUIPMENT & MISCELLANEOUS

Retired! Sheep Equipment. Racewell (basic), Kanawii Tipping Table, Two fence energizers, wooden jugs, feed tubs, electric fence posts, creep feeder (lakeland), crowding tub, panels, and much more. (No shearing equipment). East Red Deer Area. Phone only, 403-664-6114.

Custom Woolen Mills would like to buy your coloured wool (black, greys or multi-coloured sheep). We cannot accept hair, kemp, extreme chaff or paint in the fleeces. For further details, contact Custom Woolen Mills Ltd. Carstairs, 403-337-2221, www.customwoolenmills.com.

Sheep equipment available. Air foot shear, hydraulic foot trimming chute, Heiniger electric hand clipper, Shearwell scanner, air powered scale/chute. Contact Jack Braat 403-327-9757 or [email protected].

Looking for a new mineral/mixed vitamin infused molas-ses that you can use for a feed supplement or to help make poor feed better for the sheep? Contact Rod English 780-307-2531 for more information or to place your order!

Looking for custom livestock hauling? Contact Cody Coupland from Rainy Creek Farms at 1-403-877-0799 or at [email protected]. Based in Bentley, AB. Hauls Cana-da and US wide. 20’ x 7’ is $100/hour, 42’ x 8’ is $135/hour.

Looking for an experienced 4-H Sheep judge? Or some-one to do clinics on showmanship, fitting and judging? Niki Schieck is based out of Two Hills AB, but willing to travel throughout the province to give clinics and judge shows. Years of experience with a very hands-on approach with members. Can work with groups of any size, age and experi-ence level. Also willing to host clinics at her farm. Contact 780-993-2037 or [email protected].

Wanted: Full-time employee for a lamb and goat feedlot near Acme AB. Sheep experience would be an asset. Contact Roger at 780-777-7416 (cell) or 780-963-4335 (fax).

Integrity Ranch is proud to offer the following services to the lamb industry: Forage and cover crop seed for lamb finishing and ewe wintering; 24’ freestanding feed bunks, reduce waste, keep lambs in; full line of nutrition products and consulting specifically designed for sheep and goats; buyer of lambs and ewes. Please contact John 403-857-9236 or [email protected] for more details. www.integrityranching.com.

bFG Shearing. Professional shearing services available anywhere in western Canada. All flock sizes. We specialize in low stress, kind and efficient handling of ewes. Early book-ing and volume discounts. Contact John Beasley at 403-857-9236 or e-mail [email protected].

28 June 2020


Sheep Calendar

What Where When

4-H Livestock Show and Sales Alberta As of May 1, 2020, www.4h.ab.ca/regions/livestock-show-sale.html

Green Certificate Program Various Visit: www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app55/events#20200107

Parker Stock Farm Production Sale Olds June 12, www.farmgatetimedauctions.ca/home

Summer Synergy Olds July 6–10, www.summersynergy.ca/index.html

2020 All Canada Sheep Classic Ancaster, ON July 6-11, www.facebook.com/AllCanadaClassic/

2020 CSBA All Canada Online Purebred Sheep Sale

Online July 10-11. Contact your provincial CSBA rep or the CSBA office [email protected]. For auction registration info contact Mark Shologan at 780-699-5082. Go to www.sheepbreeders.ca for consignors and buyers information.

Southern Alberta Grazing School for Women

Oyen July 14-15, returntorural.ca/event/southern-alberta-grazing-school-for-women/

Ag in Motion NW of Saskatoon, SK on Hwy 16

July 21-23, https://aginmotion.ca

Genetic Impact Ram & Ewe Sale Stettler Auction Mart

August 8, www.facebook.com/geneticimpact/

Alberta Open Farm Days Alberta August 15-16, https://albertafarmdays.ca/

Rural Roots Ag Days Smithers, BC October 20, www.ruralrootscanada.com/rrc-ag-days-2/

ALP 2020 AGM TBN November 28.

Please e-mail [email protected] or call 403-948-8533 to provide details of your event for the N’ewesletter and website sheep calendar.

Alberta Lambs Producers 2019/2020

Director Phone Email Location County

Ryan Greir, Chair 403-305-6174 [email protected] Strathmore Wheatland

Brittany Walker, Vice Chair 403-901-9615 [email protected] Strathmore Wheatland

Karl Denwood, Finance Chair 403-971-3426 [email protected] Arrowwood Vulcan

Darlene Stein 780-284-9507 [email protected] Barrhead Barrhead

Josh Korpan 780-208-3670 [email protected] Vegreville Minburn

Nicole Schieck 780-993-2037 [email protected] Two Hills Two Hills

ALP Office – Executive Director, Ashley Scott, 403-948-8533, [email protected] Address: Agriculture Centre, 97 East Lake Ramp NE, Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3 Fax: 403-912-1455 www.ablamb.ca for producer information, www.albertalamb.ca for consumer information

mailto:[email protected]

www.ablamb.ca

www.albertalamb.ca

Erona Farms Ltd. / Shearwell Canada support & sales780-674-9564

www.eronafarms.ca [email protected]

Manage what matters- fi nd your best ewes

- cull your worst ewes

- select better replacements

- ship lambs at the right weight

RFID compatible, complete management software for sheep and cattle.

FarmWorks by SDL

SUFFOLK HAMPSHIRE

DORSET CANADIAN ARCOTT SHROPSHIRE Coyote Acres & Sheep Trax

Also selling Commercial Ewe Lambs in Pens of 5 Hosted by the Impact Breeders Group and Guests

Info and Catalogue: www.coyoteacresranch.com/geneticimpactsale

Or find us on Facebook

Trucking available to northern and southern Alberta, as well as through Saskatchewan to the southeast. We will help with transport to other provinces if we can.

Bid in person, online, or with an order buyer.

5th Annual

Genetic Impact Ram & Ewe Sale

2:00 PM Sat. Aug. 8, 2020

Stettler Auction Mart Bid online at www.stettlerauction.ab.ca

Documents

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: T4A 0C3 N’ewesletter · 2020-06-08 · N’ewesletter Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Alberta Lambs Producers 97 East Lake