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Sheep Sense 
July 2012
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MANITOBA SHEEP ASSOCIATION
NEWSLETTER
www.mbsheep.com
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Hello MSA Members
We hope you're enjoying our MSA e-newsletters and our e-mails with important information and events. We are no longer able to distribute our newsletters via mail so we encourage you to pass this along to fellow sheep producers so they can stay informed by signing up for our mailing list. E-mail is economical and allows us to communicate important information quickly. However, MAFRI will print out the newsletter if you are interested and mail it to you. Contact Mamoon Rashid at mamoon.rashid@gov.mb.ca or (204) 945-7557.
Thanks for passing this along!
Corie Arbuckle Manager / Communications MSA |
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MSA Represented at Red River Exhibition
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 This June over 214,000 attended the Red River Ex and many toured the Farm area, where we held our Parade of Sheep showcase. This year we expanded
 | | Strekers - 'Back to Back' Demo |
our repertoire to showcase one week old lambs (bottle fed), ewes with their lambs, and three breeds of sheep / rams. We also helped coordinate a shearing, ferrier and herding demonstration and a 'Back to Back' demonstration (shearing, carding, spinning, knitting and felting).
 | | Rick Willetts |
"This exposure is great for our industry," said Henry Nelson, MSA Director and coordinator for the event. "People really want to know why the babies had no mother - it's good to teach them how our business works and explain that moms can't adequately support more than 2 lambs so we help them out by bottle feeding them."
Many thanks to all our volunteers and Pat Smith, Mitch Millar, Heather Wilton and Neil Versavel for supplying the sheep for the Show. Thanks to Joe & Kim Streker for the Wool 'Back to Back' show, Rick Willets and Mitch Millar for their herding show, John Lewis for shearing, and Jonathan Green for their ferrier demo. If you are interested in taking a shift as a volunteer next year, drop us a line and we'll add you to the list.
 | | Mitch Millar |
 | | Jonathan Green |
 | John Lewis - Shearing Training!
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Directors meet with New Ag Minister - Ron Kostyshyn
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 | Minister
Ron Kostyshyn |
On June 18, 2012, Directors Neil Versavel, Pat Smith, Lucien Lesage and Corie Arbuckle, Manager met with Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Deputy Minister Barry Todd to discuss the following important issues and provide solutions and steps forward for the process. The items discussed are below and have been forwarded in a follow up letter to the Minister. We will continue to dialogue with them and keep you posted on the progress.
1) West Hawk Biosecurity
Task force set up to develop a protocol to be implemented following a disease outbreak in Manitoba and the closure of the West Hawk Biosecurity border.
A plan is necessary to direct producers on a process for marketing their sheep when the border is closed. We would like to be included on this task force.
2) Predator Protection incentives and education
Guardian dogs have proven to be the most effective tool a producer can use to protect their sheep from predators such as coyotes. However, the costs associated with obtaining, training, and maintaining a 100 + pound companion animal is significant. A dog (often Pyrenese or Akbash) is most effective from the age of 2 - 10 years of age. Other provinces have incentives to assist with predation protection. We believe in being proactive rather than reactive which brings us to a third item, namely Livestock loss compensation. We would like to see an incentive program and educational support.
3) Livestock replacement compensation
The existing MASC $175 compensation fee for breeder ewes is below replacement value. The sheep industry is growing, and the fact that ewes are valued by MASC below replacement cost, limits borrowing opportunities for existing and new producers. A recent News Release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has increased the compensation value from $300 to $825 for animals destroyed as a result of disease situations. (Press release was included for the Minister to review). We would appreciate a review and an increase in the value placed on replacement ewes.
4) Slaughtering and interprovincial trade
Existing policy prohibits the sale of carcasses across provincial borders. We recognize that CFIA is in charge of the policy regarding the exporting of carcasses internationally and inter provincially, however, we would like to have the province initiate dialogue with CFIA regarding interprovincial exports to develop this substantial opportunity.
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Attend the Show & Sale (Sheep & Fleece), August 17/18
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Rivers Rec Centre, Rivers, Manitoba
Please join us for the Show & Sale and build up your flock with the finest genetics from our Manitoba and Saskatchewan producers.
As well Get your Premise ID for free. David Hunt, AgriFood Traceability Coordinator will have a workshop just after dinner on Friday for those of you who do not yet have your ID. Bring your legal land description. Mandatory Premise ID is coming! (See next story).
Download the rules & application here.
Agenda
Friday, August 17, 2012
3:00 p.m. - Penning set up 3:30 p.m. and onwards - Arrival of animals
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. - Culling committee
7:00 p.m. - Lamb Dinner - $15 per person, $10 for 12 years and under
7:45 p.m. Speaker David Hunt, Agri-Food Traceability Coordinator, MAFRI - Premise ID Overview & Workshop. Bring your legal land description (quarter, section, township and range) and contact information. There is no charge to obtain your premise ID.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Pancake breakfast at Rivers Rec Complex
10:00 a.m. Show starts
Order of show: Youth, Jackpot, Commercials, Purebreds ,Wool show
2:00 p.m. Sale starts
Auctioneer - Tyler Slawinski (2012 Champion Rookie Auctioneer)
Order of Sale: Youth, Jackpot, Commercials, Purebreds, Wool Show
2:45 p.m. (appx.) Fleece Sale
3:30 p.m. End of Show
ADVERTISE AT THE SHOW & SALE
Two opportunities are available for MSA Sponsorship.
$250 per year entitles you to a display booth at the Show & Sale and our AGM , posting on our website directory, profiling in our e-newsletter once per year (see side bars of the e-newsletter of existing sponsors) plus a 1/2 page in the Show & Sale catalogue.
$100 Sponsorship - We are trying to build up our fence panels for the Show & Sale and future shows such as the Red River Ex, Amazing Ag Days and the Classic in 2014. Each panel will include a permanent metal plaque with the Sponsors name on it which will be used at all sheep events. Contact Corie for more info. (204) 421-9434.
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Premise ID Update - June 7, 2012
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On June 7, 2012, the Government of Canada introduced Bill S-11 for the Safe Food for Canadians Act in the Senate. Included with this Bill are related amendments to the Health of Animals Act for stronger regulation-making authorities in livestock traceability. The proposed amendments would provide the initial groundwork for a national livestock traceability system for Canada. Such a national system could lessen the impact and severity of an animal disease outbreak, and better protect animal health, human health and the food supply. The provincial Premises Identification Program is a pillar of this national livestock traceability system.
Please see the attached documents provided by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Fact Sheet
Key Message
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| All Canada Sheep Classic - A Success in Truro, N.S. | Excerpts from the Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association June Newsletter
The very successful 2012 All Canada Sheep Classic was held in Truro, Nova Scotia from June 14th-- 16th. The event, which was sponsored by the Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association and hosted by the Purebred Sheep Breeders' Association of Nova Scotia, attracted consignors and buyers from across Canada. Warm, sunny days and cool nights allowed for good traveling and comfortable sheep.
56 consignors showed sheep representing 14 breeds to judge Gerald Hunter, a seasoned Suffolk and Border Leicester breeder from Smiths Falls, ON, who ranked the 230 animals. The Supreme Champion Ewe was a Dorset (Driscoll Dorsets 2Y) consigned by Mike and Cindy Driscoll of Elora, ON and the Supreme Champion Ram was a Texel (Brien G&L 1Y) consigned by G&L Brien of Ridgetown, ON. The Supreme Flock was awarded to MacTaggart Suffolks of Rockwood, ON.
Throughout the weekend, an extensive variety of fleeces were on display for the Fleece Competition. After the judging, detailed comments were provided to competitors and the fleeces were offered for sale through silent auction. Educational displays, wool clip preparation demonstrations and numerous vendors offering wool and wool products drew attention to the versatility of wool.
Following the show, a sold out Nova Scotian Lamb and Salmon Banquet began with a welcome from the Honourable John MacDonell, Nova Scotia's Minister of Agriculture. The CSBA presented "Good Shepherd Awards" to Angus Rouse and, posthumously, to Jim Hewitt for their outstanding contribution to the sheep industry.
The sale was held on Saturday and 226 animals consigned by producers from 9 provinces sold as they passed through the auction ring. The auctioneer for this years' Classic was Andy Carter, 2008 Canadian Champion Auctioneer. Over 220 official bidders from 10 provinces competed to purchase purebred animals. Prices were strong with an average of $534 paid for ewes and $696 for rams. The top selling ewe was a Suffolk (Trillium Woods 20Y, consigned by Trillium Woods Sheep, Shallow Lake, ON), which sold to Jill Declark, Belmont, ON for $2200. The top selling ram was a Dorset (Brien G&L 77X consigned by G & L Brien of Ridgetown, ON), which sold to Shereff Stock Farm, Carberry, MB for $4000.
Breed averages and sale results for every animal can be seen on the CSBA's website at www.sheepbreeders.ca.
Congratulations to Bethan Lewis, Kirkella, MB
1st Place North Cheviot ewe lamb
 Bethan Lewis placed 1st with her North Country Cheviot ewe lamb at the All Canada Classic! Pictured as well are Bethan, Jo Walker and Nova Scotia Minister of Agriculture John MacDonnell. 
Bethan travelled 4 days by road to get to Truro, then had one day to prepare her sheep. She had a great experience meeting many breeders and seeing how sheep are prepared differently for the show ring in the east. We (Lewis family) were all welcomed whole heartedly by all involved with the Classic and enjoyed our time there. Bethan is busy preparing for the Grasslands Sale in Saskatchewan, MSA Show and Sale in Rivers, Mountainview Sale in Dauphin and Agribition in Regina. She also has the Sask-Toba Sheep 4-H Achievement on July 24th at Elkhorn, MB. The next All Canada Sheep Classic will be held in Barriere, BC, which is 45 minutes northwest of Kamloops, from June 28--30, 2013. Manitoba will be hosting it in 2015.
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| Missing Ontario Sheep - Suspected Scrapie - Update |
 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has finished testing the 26 sheep found at a farm in Grey County, Ontario. Test results are negative for scrapie.
The sheep were among 31 adult sheep illegally removed from a quarantined farm in Eastern Ontario. Efforts to trace the remaining five sheep continue.
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MSA Participating in Farm Animal Council Development
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MSA has been asked by MAFRI to participate in a
meeting this October regarding the establishment of a Provincial Farm Animal Welfare organization. We will keep you apprised of the results.
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Request for Manitoba Sheep Shearing Apprenticeship Program
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 We have initiated a request for the development of a sheep shearing apprenticeship program in Manitoba to the Community Liaison Standing Committee as a result of our discussion with the Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, Apprenticeship Manitoba.
Currently, we have developed a letter and are soliciting letters of support from producers who believe that we need to expand the number of shearers qualified to service large commercial flocks in Manitoba. Other countries offer a training and mentorship program that offers certification at each level. As well, the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers are looking into developing a Nation Wide Shearing Apprenticeship Program and hope to have something in place this time next year. They are in the discussion stages right now.
Send your letter of Support to Corie by September 1, 2012 to help in our lobbying efforts. Just a few paragraphs is required - outline your sheep operation and your difficulty achieving a shearer for your operation, and your contact info please.
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Contact Us
| Manitoba Sheep Association
63 Clearwater Road
Winnipeg, MB
R2J 2T4
p: (204) 421-9434
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| Scholarships |  | |
MSA $500 Scholarship
The MSA has extended it's deadline for the $500 Scholarship Applications to July 31, 2012. Download the application on our website (right side of page under What's New) and provide two letters of reference to mb@mbsheep.ca
CSBA $500 Scholarship
The CSBA will be offering a $500 annual scholarship to students who are CSBA members or children/grandchildren of members. The first scholarship will be offered for the fall 2012 college or university semester. The application form can be found on the CSBA's website under Industry Involvement. Applications must be received at the CSBA office by August 1, 2012.
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Show & Sale
August 17th & 18th Rivers, MB | | |
Download the rules & regulations here.
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Prairie Dog Farm | 
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Registered Suffolk &
Dorset Sheep for Sale.
Contact Jay Baxter
Deleau, MB
(204) 858-2180
jbaxter@prairiedogfarm.ca
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Lakeland Group |  | |
Lakeland Group is the market leader in premium but affordable sheep handling equipment & supplies.
Whether you need a simple scale to weigh your lambs or a whole crowding tub & working chute, or maybe a nutritional supplement, Lakeland has it all right here in Manitoba ready to deliver direct to your door. Visit our website www.lakelandgroup.net to find out more or call toll free (866) 443-7444 to talk to one of our knowledgeable experts!
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Zubot Welding & Manufacturing
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Zubot Welding and Manufacturing is a family run business that provides people with well built equipment that will last you for years.
www.zubotweldingandmanufacturing.ca
Richard at (306) 682-3252.
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Tony Atkinson - Sheep & Goat Buyer |  | |
Tony Atkinson, buying agent for all classes of sheep & goats.
Contact: (204) 724-3171.
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JM Beef Consulting - Manitoba Depot for Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers |  | |
Tags, Sheep Supplies
Location: 1 1/4 mi north of Heartland Auction Mart at Virden or 1/4 mi. north of #1 Hwy, on Hwy 83 (S) and 1/4 mi. E.
Contact:
Kevin Wadham 204-748-7583
Toll free:1-866-474-3228 Email: kwadham@rfnow.com
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Twin Valley Co-op |  | |
Twin Valley Co-op
Contact: Chris Iverson
(204) 842-3389 or civerson@twinvalleycoop.ca
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Federated Co-operatives Limited |  | |
Federated Co-operatives Limited - Your source for Feed and Animal Supplies
Contact Dennis Lonsdale, Feed Plant Manager, Moosomin, SK
Ph: (306) 435-3331 or d.lonsdale@fcl.ca
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East-Man Feeds
|  | EAST-MAN FEEDS
Proud to be a Canadian Family Owned and Operated Business
Breaking New Ground Since The 1960's
For over 40 years we have been providing customers of all sizes with Quality Products, Quality Service and Reliability. We are here to help you build your future in the livestock industry and supply all of your needs.
We are focused on new researched livestock feed technologies to ensure that your farm will be operating to high-quality standards while remaining cost-effective in today's market place.
East-Man Feeds provides comprehensive services, including on-farm consulting, animal nutritional information, genetics and breeding advice, and feed equipment calibration.
Tyler LaFreniere
Nutrition Consultant
East-Man Feeds
715 Marion St.
Winnipeg, MB. Canada
R2J 0K6
P. 204.233.1112
T/F. 1.800.665.5131
Fax: 204.233.7245
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| MJ Millar Ranch |  |
Suffolk, Dorset, Rambouillet, Texel, Commercial
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| Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited |  | |
Catering to Sheep Producers
Agricultural Supplies & Tags
1- 800-567-3693
Lethbridge, Alberta
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| Advertise your sheep on our website CLASSIFIED FOR FREE |  | |
OUR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING IS FREE TO MEMBERS. GET YOUR WANTED OR FOR SALE UP NOW.
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| Advertise with us! |  | |
Want your business featured on our website and e-newsletter?
$250 per year gives you to top placement on our website, in our newsletter and enables you to promote your business at our Show & Sale and AGM.
Contact Corie for more info.
Selling Lamb?
If you sell provincially inspected lamb and can provide a certificate to prove this please send us your details. The $250 posted above will provide you with a direct link to our customers. The MSA is regularly contacted by consumers who want to know where they can purchase lamb. Contact MSA.
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Sheep Code of Practice Being Updated
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Brian Greaves represents the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers Association on the Canadian Sheep Federation Board of Directors. As such he has been actively participating in the development of a new
revised Code of Practice for the sheep industry.
"Every 10 years, we redo the codes of practice for our industry," says Greaves. "We have had several meetings already with producers, animal rights activists, veterinary services, transport, etc. and we hope to have a draft in place by the end of the year."
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First Shipment of Canadian Lambs Reach Vietnam
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Ottawa, Ontario, July 9, 2012 - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that the first shipment of Canadian lambs successfully entered Vietnam. The first ever commercial sale of Canadian live ruminants to Vietnam, worth $50 000, is paving the way for an expanded market.
"Evident by today's good news, the Canadian industry is benefiting from new market access secured by the Harper Government," said Minister Ritz. "This is the first shipment of many, as Vietnam is a promising market, a strong trading partner, and a door to Southeast Asia for Canadian farmers."
Minister Ritz congratulated OC Flock Management, a member of the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association (CLGA) from Bowden, Alberta, as the first Canadian company to ship lambs to Vietnam. In August 2011, the Harper Government secured new market access for its breeding cattle, sheep, and goats. Taking advantage of this new market access, and building on several years of collaboration between Canadian and Vietnamese industries, OC Flock Management shipped lambs to Vietnam to be used for breeding purposes.
"CLGA would like to thank all of the people who have worked so hard to make this finally happen-our Government of Canada partners, member companies, and our colleagues in Vietnam," said Rick McRonald, CLGA Executive Director. "We congratulate CLGA member OC Flock Management for securing this agreement with the Goat and Rabbit Research Centre. This first ever delivery of sheep strengthens the Canada-Vietnam partnership and signals the beginning of the
next phase in the development of the nucleus herd project."
This announcement is one more example of the strong and successful
partnership between the Harper Government and the agriculture industry, who worked hand in hand to gain access for breeding cattle, sheep, and goats to the Vietnamese market. Canada is now competing for its share of an industry with an estimated market value of close to $50 million.
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