N’ewesletter Table of Contents ALP Message From the Chair 1 Find Lamb Producers on Social Media 1 Around the Zones 2 Webinars! 3 ALP On-Farm Euthanasia Workshop 3 Optimizing Lamb Performance and Meet the Board 4 Chops and Crops 2017 5 Thank You Bill Gibson! 5 ALP 2017 Photo Contest Winners! 6 Producer Resources How’s Your Farm Business’s Health? 7 Was Your Farm Profitable in 2017? 8 Accrual and Changing Inventory Value 9 Shearing School - March 23 and 24 9 Neonatal Lamb Management Kit 11 Unplanned Pregnancy in Market Ewe Lambs 12 When Is Euthanasia the Best Option? 14 Industry Information Global Lamb and Mutton Production 15 Sheep Value Chain Roundtable (ShVCRT) 15 Pink Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3 Revoked from CSIP 16 Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association 16 SheepBytes Workshop 17 Farm and Ranch Safety Update 18 Local Events/Volunteers Help Tell Our Story 19 Farm Life (top) CCWG Wool Market and Business Update 20 Winner: Kai Holtkamp, Tees; Runner up: Julia Los, Yellowhead County Changes Regarding the Sale of Antimicrobials 21 Sheep and Shepherds (bottom) Classifieds 22 Winner: Renee Gore, Swalwell; Runner up: Lorriane Miller, Hanna Sheep Calendar 24 ALP Contacts 24 Congratulations to the 2017 Photo Contest Winners

January 2018 Ile De France • Charollais • Canadian Arcott • Rideau Arcott

Superior ovine genetics for the profit oriented lamb producer. Highest Health Status Available • Performance Based Selection Photo: Johane Janelle Johane Photo:

New Norway, Alberta Medicine Ridge Gerrit & Ute Brinkmann Ovine Ph: 780-855-2477 www.MedicineRidgeOvine.com [email protected]

• Better Growth? • Leaner Carcasses? • Improved Wool? Need • Mentorship? • Maintaining a Rare Breed? Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association • Lifetime of Experience?     Purebred sheep breeders can help Sheep? you get what you need. Alberta Lamb Producers . Phone: 403-948-8533 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.ablamb.ca and www.albertalamb.ca

Message From the Chair Darlene Stein Phone: 780-674-3732 E-mail: [email protected] Happy New Year. Another year has passed us by and the New Year brings with it a few changes. I would like to take this time to thank Bill Gibson for his service on the ALP board. At the same time that we bid Bill farewell, we welcome long-time sheep producer Lianne Reid from Zone 7 to join our board. Lianne is keen to do a good job representing producers and has many years of experience to bring to the board. Erin, Neil, and Elaine will be finishing the remainder of their terms and I look forward to continuing to work with each of them. I would also like to thank both Robyn and Beth for the hard work they do in the office to keep everything flowing smoothly. We had three Zone Meetings this year, one in Zone 7, another held in Camrose for Zones 4, 5 and 6, as well as another in High River for Zones 1, 2 and 3. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to chair the meeting in the south this year. It was great to meet a new group of producers from a different part of the province. The meeting was filled with a wonderful group of producers with enthusiasm, great ideas and thoughtful questions. As I talk to producers from across the country I’ve come to realize that there are very few differences in the challenges we face as producers. If you’ve had a problem, chances are you won’t have to talk to many producers to find someone else who has faced the same challenge. While we didn’t have an election in Zone 1 this year, we Cover photos: Photo contest winners did have two producers put their names forward after the meeting so by the time you are reading Credit: Julie Los, Kai Holtkamp, this, Marilyn Neville has been appointed to the board. We haven’t yet had anyone step forward Lorraine Miller, and Renee Gore to represent Zone 4 and would love to have a passionate, dedicated producer fill that spot. If you think you fit that description, please contact Robyn at the office. N'ewesletter is published by the Alberta Lamb Producers. I just wanted to mention that at the Zone meetings we gave out flow charts for Neonatal Lamb Opinions expressed herein do Management on Stomach Tubing and Intraperitoneal Injections and how to know when to ap- not necessarily reflect those of Alberta Lamb Producers, ply either treatment, as well as Neonatal Lamb post-mortem examination guides—great tools the Board of Directors or its for producers to use themselves or post in the barn for staff. You can get them by contacting the officers. office. Every lamb you save impacts your bottom line. Let these tools help you improve your bot- When reprinting articles from N'ewesletter, credit must tom line and keep more lambs alive in 2018. be given to the ALP and/or Cheers, the author, if applicable. No changes may be made with- Darlene Stein out ALP’s, or the author’s, writ- ten permission. Alberta Lamb Producers does Find Alberta Lamb Producers on Social Media not endorse or promote any of the advertisements or adver- We’re now on Facebook! tisers in the N’ewesletter. “Like” or “follow” us to keep up to date: For full Advertising Terms and https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaLambProducers/ Conditions see the Media Kit at http://www.ablamb.ca/in- dex.php/news-advertising/ Twitter: Follow us @ABLambProducers https://twitter.com/ablambproducers advertising. for industry news and resources. Twitter account for consumers: @youralbertalamb https://twitter.com/youralbertalamb

January 2018 1 Alberta Lamb Producers Zone 5 Hello! Thank you to everyone who came out to the Zone 4,5,6 meeting on November 18 for your input and Around the Zones commitment to our industry. We had a great meeting Zone 1 with lots of discussion and engagement and great ideas The Zone 1 Director position did not receive any coming forward. It was very uplifting and exciting to see applications at the AGM. In December, the ALP Board the passion in our producers. appointed Marilyn Neville to the Zone 1 Director position How about those prenatal lambing kits, eh? Pretty awe- for a one year term, pending the approval of Marketing some tools created for your businesses,everything you Council. Marilyn lives in and has been farm- need at your finger tips, with a step by step guide. ing with her husband Rick since 1979. She is currently the It never fails and it always seems that the snow and President and principal biologist of Gramineae Services cold come too early each year; flocks are making their Ltd. The firm has been very successful assessing and way back into the yards for winter feeding and on some developing restoration plans for industrial disturbances farms are in for lambing. At this time of year please don’t in native grasslands throughout western , par- underestimate the value of a feed test to the overall ticipating in field data collection for detailed range plant health of your flock and pocket book. Many problems community inventories for large ranches for Alberta that occur can be related back to feeding errors. There government agencies and the Nature Conservancy of are many online feed ration programs available and Canada. Marilyn is also a collaborative author of several working with a nutritionist can have a great impact on publications for Alberta Environment. She continues to your operation. assist in all aspects of the family sheep operation. Just a reminder: 4-H clubs in some areas will be look- Marilyn Neville ing for winter born lambs for market projects; if you have Phone: 403-628-2354 E-mail: [email protected] some please let your Zone Director or the office know. Zone 2 I would like to send a shout out to Bill Gibson, retiring zone 4 Director, for his 10 years of service on the ALP board and many, many, many years of service to the Zone 3 industry. Happy retirement Bill. Keep warm and safe until spring everyone! Here we are with another year closing. Like most of South and Central Alberta our area was very dry in July Erin Yaremko and August. The haying went well with a short dry down Phone: 780-645-6550 E-mail: [email protected] time, but also a reduced yield and very little re-growth. Zone 6 Many livestock producers have to start feeding earlier this fall. See Message From the Chair, page 1. I would like to thank those producers who came out Darlene Stein to attend the Zone 1, 2 and 3 meeting in High River. We Phone: 780-674-3732 E-mail: [email protected] had good input about industry concerns. Everyone has a Zone 7 positive outlook for the lamb industry. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New I decided that maybe it was my turn to do my part in Year. support for our industry when I saw that the position for our Zone 7 director was vacant. For those of you who Neil Caskey do not know me, my husband and I run a mixed ranch Phone: 403-664-6114 E-mail: [email protected] (sheep, cattle and horses) in Silver Valley. We started out Zone 4 with sheep over 24 years ago. Our flock numbers have gone up and down throughout the years, with a high The Zone 4 position did not receive any application at of 600 head to a low of 50. The flock is starting to grow the AGM. An interested producer in Zone 4 can be ap- again, with 106 head going to the ram this year. For us pointed to the ALP Board. For more information, please our biggest hurdle for success is predator control. I am contact the ALP office. hoping to be able to have a lot of productive conversa- tions with the producers in my area to help me be a

2 January 2018 Alberta Lamb Producers . beneficial ALP board member. Please do not hesitate to ALP On-Farm Euthanasia Workshop get in touch with me for any thoughts or questions you might have; I look forward to hearing from you. I also Saturday January 20, 2018 want to take this opportunity to thank Bill Gibson, who 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is retiring from the ALP Board this Fall. I enjoyed my time Sandman, 421 Mayor Magrath Dr. S., serving with him. I hope everyone had a great Christmas Lethbridge holiday, and wish everyone a prosperous New Year. Lianne Read All livestock producers will eventually face a situa- Phone: 780-351-2091 E-mail: [email protected] tion when euthanizing a compromised animal is the most humane option. Being able to make informed decisions about effec- tively and safely performing euthanasia on-farm decreas- Webinars! es the length of time an animal suffers while maintaining a high level of animal welfare. Webinars This is the third and final workshop around the prov- More webinars, on a variety of topics, are planned ince to help producers make sound decisions relating for 2018. Watch ablamb.ca or sign up for N’ewesline to on-farm euthanasia. Based on the Code of Practice to be alerted to join them when they are scheduled. requirements, the workshop includes a combination of Remember, all you need is a computer and internet to classroom and hands-on learning designed to give pro- connect to a webinar! ducers the skills and knowledge they need to maintain Don’t forget that you can view previously recorded animal welfare and handler safety. webinars on ALP’s YouTube channel Sheep Central The workshop will include: Alberta: • Making the decision to perform on-farm euthanasia. https://www.youtube.com/user/SheepCentralAlberta • Approved methods of euthanasia for different types of sheep (i.e. age, size, etc.). NEW – order a USB with the webinars loaded onto it. • Hands-on training to perform euthanasia by captive- This option is perfect for producers without reliable in- bolt gun, using sheep models. ternet at their farm. The cost is $5 and shipping is free • A take away reference manual filled with all the work- when shipped to a local Alberta Agriculture building. shop information. Contact the office for more information. Workshop instructor, Jennifer Woods, is a livestock handling specialist based out of Blackie, Alberta. Jennifer Recent recorded webinars include: obtained her undergrad degree in Animal Science at On Farm Euthanasia of Sheep – Jennifer Woods Colorado State University and her Master’s degree in Vet- All livestock producers will eventually be faced with erinary Preventative Medicine from Iowa State University. a situation when euthanizing a compromised animal Jennifer has over 25 years’ experience in the livestock is the most humane option. Based on the Code of industry and has worked as a consultant to the industry Practice requirements, this webinar covers topics that since 1998. Her areas of expertise include euthanasia, will help producers make sound decisions relating to animal handling and behaviour, animal welfare auditing on-farm euthanasia for maintaining animal welfare and and assessing (slaughter, farm, feedlot and transporta- handler safety. tion), livestock emergency response, transportation, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64-x3vlFlhU facility design. Jennifer’s work has taken her all over North America, across Europe and down to Australia. Please contact the ALP office for more information and to RSVP by January 15. Registration is free and lunch is provided. Can’t make it? Watch the webinar on this topic with Jennifer on our YouTube channel SheepCentralAlberta.

January 2018 3 Alberta Lamb Producers

Optimizing Lamb Performance and Meet the Board Saturday, February 3, 2018 10a.m. to 3p.m. Airdrie Agriculture Building, Theatre Room 97 East Lake Ramp NE, Airdrie Please join the ALP Board for a “Meet the Board” as well as an educational presentation by internationally re- nowned sheep expert, Lesley Stubbings. Lesley will be presenting on Optimizing Lamb Performance. Learn about maximizing performance in lambs from birth to eight weeks of age and onwards. Optimizing lamb performance in the early stages of life can have a large impact on farm profitability. There are many fac- tors that influence lamb performance, including ewe milk yield, energy and protein requirements of lambs up to weaning, disease control and performance targets.

Lesley Stubbings is an independent sheep consultant with 38 years experience, hav- ing graduated,in Animal Production,from Nottingham University. Lesley started up her own business (LSSC Ltd) in 1997, following 18 years with the UK advisory service, ADAS. LSSC provides specialist advice on all aspects of sheep production to farmers, corporate bodies, vets, government and NGOs. Lesley continues to play a central role in SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep). In 2016 she was joint author of the book Feeding the Ewe.

This premiere event is free to attend and lunch is included. RSVP by January 26 to reserve your spot. Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, ALP has arranged for this session to be filmed. It will be posted on our YouTube channel in the weeks following.

Beaver Hill Auction Services Ltd. "The Market dedicated to the sheep and goat industry." PO Box 957, Tofield AB T0B 4J0 Phone: 780-662-9384 Fax: 780-662-3615

Western Canada’s Largest Regular Sheep and Goat Sale Regular Sales at (11:00 a.m.) • The best buyer support from across Canada. 2nd and 4th Monday every month from January to July • Order buyers representing local meat packers Weekly Monday Sales from August to December (except holidays) as well as meat packers on the West Coast, Sunday receiving hours - 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ontario and Quebec.

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

4 January 2018 Alberta Lamb Producers .

Chops and Crops 2017 This formal MLA reception is held every year in Edmon- ton and provides the opportunity for farmers and produc- ers to network with MLAs. Chops and Crops is hosted by several commodity groups, including: Alberta Pork, Alberta Canola Commission, Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Barley, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta Oat Growers Com- mission, Potato Growers of Alberta, and Alberta Lamb Producers. This year it was held on November 1, and ALP sent two directors (Darlene Stein and Erin Yaremko) to bring awareness to the Alberta lamb industry forward to MLAs. Alberta lamb was also featured on the menu as a lamb taco and lamb cheese burger.

Thank You Bill Gibson! Zone 4 Director, Bill Gibson, completed his second consecutive term and retired from the ALP board this fall. ALP would like to send him a huge ‘thank you’ for his commitment to our organization. In addition to his latest 7-year term, Bill also served on the board between 1999 and 2002, for a total of 10 years of service to ALP. During this time, Bill took on many additional commitments,including representing ALP at meetings and on committees such as: Biosecurity Champions,Crops and Chops,Canadian Human Resources Council meetings, Canadian Sheep Federation, Alberta Farm Animal Care, and Canadian Cattle Identification Agency. Bill states, “I feel that [being an ALP Director] is a way to payback to an industry that has given Lorna and me a wonderful lifestyle among some truly outstanding people.” From all of us at ALP, THANK YOU BILL and enjoy a wonderful “retirement”!

January 2018 5 Alberta Lamb Producers

ALP 2017 Photo Contest Winners!

Once again, we were delighted to receive a large number of great pictures for our annual photo contest. An external commit- tee of judges made the choices for Win- Farm Life - Winner (left): Kai Holtkamp, Tees. ner and Runner Up in the Farm Life and Runner up (right): Julia Los, Yellowhead County Sheep and Shepherds categories. These photographers will each receive a CCWG gift certificate. We decided all entries in the Kids Contest deserved to win and the Sheep and Shepherds photographers will receive ALP ‘Baa is the - Winner (left): Renee New Moo’ T-shirts. Go to the ALP website Gore, Swalwell. to see more contest entries. Runner up (below): Congratulations to the winners and Lorriane Miller, Hanna thank you to everyone who submitted pictures. Watch N’ewesline, the April N’ewesletter and ablamb.ca for details of the ALP 2018 Photo Contest.

Kid’s Contest - (Above) Robert Slingerland, (14), Lethbridge; (Centre) Emma Vuylsteke (3), ; (right) Joey Dueck (13), Westlock 6 January 2018 AlbertaProducer Lamb ResourcesProducers . How’s Your Farm Business’s Health? “Projections done start with an opening net worth statement, and look forward for one year. Incomes and Rick Dehod expenses are considered along with expected cash flows. 780-427-4466, [email protected] From this data, the Agricultural Business Analyzer cre- ates a closing financial statement illustrating what the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s Agricultural Business financial situation of the farm operation will be at the Analyzer, and Simple Farm Ratio Analyzer, can give users end of one year based on the projections. In addition, a quick idea of the financial status of their farm or ranch the program calculates key ratios in the areas of liquidity, as well as a comparison of their businesses’ ratios to solvency, profitability and efficiency for both the past industry benchmarks. and projected income and financial statements, and compares them to industry benchmarks.” “The Simple Farm Ratio Analyzer is a short cut Excel pro- gram that takes just eight key financial entries and calcu- The Simple Farm Ratio Analyzer (http://www1.agric. lates financial ratios for the farm/ranch and colour codes gov.ab.ca/$Department/softdown.nsf/main?openform&typ them in comparison to industry benchmarks,” says Rick e=ABASimple&page=information) and Dehod, farm finance specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Agricultural Business Analyzer (http://www1.agric. Forestry, . “These eight key financial numbers gov.ab.ca/$Department/softdown.nsf/main?openform&typ can be taken from your accountant prepared financial e=ABA&page=information) are available from AF’s web- statements for the past year and entered into the various site. open cells in the one page spreadsheet.” For more information, contact Rick Dehod or visit the The eight key numbers are farm gross revenue, farm Farm Manager homepage at (www. agriculture.alberta.ca/ gross expenses, depreciation, debt servicing payments, farm-manager) current assets, long term assets, current debt and long term debt. “With these eight quick entries you will know how your farm is doing financially,” says Dehod. “You can then consult with your accountant or an agricultural finance specialist to come up with plans to mitigate and improve those areas where your financial ratios are weak.” Compare your net worth statement for the beginning Custom Built of the 2017, to your closing net worth statement for 2017, We manufacture a complete line of sheep and Sheep& Goat goat equipment, such as: says Dehod. “You can generate the year-end financial Equipment ratios, and compare them to the ratios you generated - Tipping Tables - Handling Systems Richard Zubot - Scales - Loading Chutes from your beginning net worth statement. This will give Box 822, Humboldt SK - Bale Feeders - Shearing Chutes an indication if your 2018 operating plan increased your S0K 2A0 - Sorters - Lambing Panels Ph: (306) 682-3252 - Head Gates - Gates farm business’s financial viability and the health of your Cell:(306) 231-7928 - Creep Panels - Fenceline Feeders e-mail [email protected] - Trimming Stands - Grain Self Feeders farming operation. Benchmarking will give you valuable information on how you are doing financially and how your business plan affected your financial health. New for 2017: MINERAL FEEDER “It all seems like a lot of work, but it will help you create - rubber top to keep mineral an awareness that can help you make better decisions to dry - removable 6.5 gal rubber tub increase the viability and success of your farm business in - can be used anywhere outside 2018.”

Dehod says the Agricultural Business Analyzer is another great tool to help develop an operation’s 2018 For ordering info please call Richard @ 306-682-3252. business plan. It is a financial analysis tool designed to Our products are also available through Peavey Mart and aid users to review up to five years of historical financial Sask Sheep Dev. Board www.ZubotWelding.ca data and prepare and analyze a financial plan for the Check out our website upcoming year.

January 2018 7 Producer Resources Was Your Farm Profitable in 2017? ning year numbers. Ask your accountant or business advisor to assist you in accruing your cash statement.” Rick Dehod Depreciation is the tricky one, says Dehod. “Income tax 780-427-4466, [email protected] returns may have capital cost allowance (CCA) numbers, “With the 2017 financial year coming to an end, in early but those can be quite different from the actual depre- January 2018, it’s a good time to gather information to ciation numbers that should be charged as a business convert your cash statements to accrual income and ex- expense. For the historical accrued net farm income penses statements for 2017,” says Rick Dehod, agriculture numbers to be meaningful, depreciation amounts must farm financial specialist, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, reflect true depreciation of the assets used to gener- Edmonton. ate an income. This may be close to 16 per cent for your “Unfortunately, farmers really don’t know if their farm equipment line and two to four per cent for your grain was profitable in 2017. The majority of farms still report and machinery storage. If you are in an intensified their incomes and expenses on a cash basis via their livestock operation, depreciation on building and equip- annual income tax returns with the goal of avoiding or ment could be higher. postponing income tax. Very few actually have an accu- “The primary goal of any business is to generate a posi- rate accrual statement prepared to give them a true pic- tive net income and make a profit. Profit is not a dirty ture of profitability, and if their farm made a profit. The word. Once you make a profit, the issue is how to invest it goal, after all, is to make a profit. Accruing your income and protect it from being taxed.” and expense statement also gives you the information To learn how to accrue income and expense state- so that you can drill down and really know your cost of ments go the The Income and Expense Statement production for each crop.” (http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/ So, how do you know if you made a profit in 2017? all/bus14721) “With the right information you can convert those cash For more information, visit the Farm Manager Home- statements to accrual,” says Dehod. “This will give you a page (agriculture.alberta.ca/farm-manager) or call the true picture of income and expense for your farm and if Ag-Info Centre toll-free in Alberta at 310-FARM(3276). you made a profit. This information is invaluable in devel- oping your projected income statements and marketing plan for 2018. It will allow you to make better decisions into the future and fully understand your cost of produc- tion. You will have a better understanding of what your breakeven points are and when you can take a profit. This knowledge will direct your marketing plans, and your adoption of risk management tools to protect that R. R. 1 profit. If you are currently operating as a corporation, the Carstairs, Alberta financial statements generated will include an accrued income statement.” T0M 0N0 Items that will affect the calculations are year-end Phone/Fax (403) 337-2221 numbers for inventories of livestock, crops for sale, feed on hand, purchased supplies, accounts receivable, ac- counts payable and accrued interest. “Now is the time • Comforters • Custom Services - to collect those numbers. Most farmers will have these • Mattress Pads Washing numbers available either from the year-end statement Dying that they provide to their banker or accountant or from • Sleeping Bags their annual AgriStability returns. The only number that • Batts Carding may not be readily available is the accrued interest at • Roping 4-Str. Spinning year-end, so that number can be requested or calculated at this time. Producers need to have the required num- • Yarns Sewing bers for the beginning of the year and end of the year for • Work Socks Knitting the accrual adjustments to be calculated properly for any given year. 2017 year-end numbers become 2018 begin-

8 January 2018 AlbertaProducer Lamb ResourcesProducers . Accrual and Changing Inventory Value the commodities you can record an average value each year for the specific commodity and then again, the ac- Rick Dehod crual adjustment will only be affected by the volume of 780-427-4466, [email protected] product.” When it comes to doing an accrual, an Alberta Agri- To learn how to accrue an income and expense state- culture and Forestry (AF) specialist says it’s important ment, go the The Income and Expense Statement (http:// to remember that a change in value for an inventory www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/all/ item can have a dramatic effect in calculating the ac- bus14721). crual adjustments. For more information, visit the Farm Manager Home- As an example, if you have 500 ewes with a value page (agriculture.alberta.ca/farm-manager) or call the Ag- of $200 each on Dec 31, 2017, and then with the rising Info Centre toll-free in Alberta at 310-FARM(3276). livestock prices their value is increased to $250 each at the end of 2018, there would be an accrued gain due to Shearing School - March 23 and 24 inventory valuation increase of $25,000. Conversely, if Lethbridge the value of those ewes was $225 at the end of 2017 and they were valued back at $175 each at the end of 2018 for Contact us if you are interested in learning how to whatever reason, the adjustment would show a loss of properly shear sheep from an expert teacher, Shaun $25,000 due strictly to the drop in value. Fajnor. Visit our Facebook page “This issue is most prevalent when valuing the breed- (www.facebook.com/events/593996550787501), ing stock,” says Rick Dehod, agriculture farm financial phone (403.317.0330), or email: [email protected] specialist, AF, Edmonton. “Although this could easily be (mention ~ ”Sheep Shearing School”). the real case, the farmer who just carried on with no This 2-day course will take you on a journey learn- other changes would show large fluctuations in accrued ing how to shear your own sheep or shear for oth- income due only to this adjustment. If a historical review ers. The cost is $275 + GST and you can register by is being done, it might be more meaningful to record the contacting us and sending in your non-refundable per unit value of breeding stock the same each year so deposit to save your place. as not to adversely affect the accrued income calculation. Only 14 students maximum will be accepted. The income would still include an appropriate adjust- Snacks and lunch will be provided for the two days. ment for a change in numbers of breeding stock.” No dogs may come with you and you must have This may also be applicable to other inventories such “clean and comfy clothing” that enables you to ma- as feeds or grains but normally has less of an effect, says noeuvre as you learn. Remember you are coming to Dehod. “If you do not have the actual market values of someone else’s farm and etiquette will be expected.

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

SELLING ALL CLASSES OF SHEEP & GOATS TUESDAY AT 12:00PM (NOON) AT OLDS AUCTION MART.

Competitive Commission Rates, No Yardage Charges.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CONSIGN LIVESTOCK CONTACT: JOEL WADDELL - 403-512-6151 or visit www.oldsauction.com January 2018 9 www.HuberEquipment.com

CALL US 1 (403) 575-1977 'Marlin and Myrna Huber'

THE WOOLLIE WARMER CHECK OUT THESE NEW is a highly effective system for PRODUCTS! reviving hypothermic lambs and kids. Key features Include: Lamb /Kid can stay along side of Mom reducing risk of rejection Strong Durable Plastic Shaped and sized to hold lamb/kid face out of the water to prevent drowning Tight Þtting lid with clasp fasteners retains heat and holds lamb/kid safely in position 1. Free Choice Tapered base for stability Feeding allowing it to be used 2. Controlled alongside of ewe reducing "Livestock love to go the need to bottle-feed Feeding The Combi Clamp is a more through our Combi 3. Creep affordable UK manufactured squeeze Clamp. We can Feeding with optional weigh kit and drafting perform multiple system at a convenient height that applications at once, greatly reduces stress for the handler running 300 head through in record and livestock. A simple foot treadle time. It's fantastic plate utilizes the operators weight to and the possibilities securely and safely clamp sheep and are endless! goats of various size for crutching, You're going to sell a drenching, vaccinating, tagging and lot of these! " foot trimming, etc. Check out the Grant Smith- video at our website! Bentley, AB

REVOLUTIONARY CONTROLLED FEEDING SYSTEM

3IN1FEEDERS limit intake. After 5 minutes of licking, stock can no longer obtain feed with their dry tongue. This results in stock consuming small amounts of supplement 10-15 times/day. Feeding Once per day drastically reduces rumen pH. This decreases forage appetite and limits energy extracted from your cheapest sources of feed: forage and pasture. HayBoss Feeders™ is a revolutionary, no-waste, Limiting intake to small doses ensures the rumen pH multi-species forage feeding system that is safe stays high, where the microbes that consume forage best and clean for animals of any size. With your feed operate. sheltered and off the ground while cradled between two high-quality, self-locking, Sheep can be limited to 0.5lb/day, and trials have shown retractable nets, there is simply no healthier way that supplement feed can reduce by 30% when fed less to present your quality forage to your livestock. and more often. HayBossª is an efÞcient, fully adjustable sheltered forage feeder that promotes animal health while controlling waste, and managing the animals’ intake. 1-800-806-0715 www.3in1feeders.com 10 January 2018 AlbertaProducer Lamb ResourcesProducers . Neonatal Lamb Management Kit Contact the ALP office for your FREE Neonatal Lamb Management Kit. Included in the kit are instructions and supplies for performing intraperitoneal injections, stom- ach tubing, and post-mortems. Shipping is free to your closest Alberta Agriculture building.

PICTURE BUTTE AUCTION MARKET 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. Special Lamb Sales: March 17 th & 24th, 2018 10:00 a.m.

Thank you for your support in previous years! We wish you all the best for Lambing Season and 2018. For more information or to consign livestock contact the market at 1-403-732-4400 Erik Dunsbergen at 1-403-308-6662 January 2018 11 Producer Resources Unplanned Pregnancy To survive, lamb businesses must produce products that meet consumer criteria as well as in Market Ewe Lambs their own financial reality. By Susan Hosford Lamb production systems, facilities, feeding, health Until the 1970s few ewe lambs were bred to lamb in care, handling and even the types of sheep are changing. their first year. Prolific genetics produce lambs that reach Producers manage flocks to achieve successful breed- puberty younger, often before they reach market weight. ing, pregnancies, lambing and lamb survival. Avoiding This is a reproductive asset as well as a management unplanned pregnancies in market ewe lambs is manage- challenge. Not all ram lambs or ewe lambs are destined able. for breeding stock and precautions must be taken to Ewe lambs destined for market were never intended to prevent unplanned pregnancies in market ewe lambs. be bred or give birth. Unplanned pregnancies result in stress, physical trauma • Most weigh less than they should for breeding and and deaths in the ewe lamb and, almost certainly, in her lambing. Young and lightweight ewe lambs require as- lambs. These add up to serious animal welfare issues that sistance in up to 20% of births3 and have a greater risk good managers go to great lengths to avoid. for dystocia4. Difficult births compromise both ewes There are different and evolving perspectives and newborns at the best of times. on animal welfare. • Moving ewe lambs from their familiar environment Canadian consumers want assurance food is safe, that and peer group adds stress. Trucking, auctions, sales food-producing animals are well-cared for, and that the yards, feed facilities all add stress and trauma. Trauma people caring for food animals follow acceptable stand- is known to compromise pregnancy, birthing, mother- ards of care. The Canadian lamb sector, veterinary and ing and lamb survival. animal welfare specialists and governments have worked • Lamb feeding facilities are specialized. They don’t to develop a guide for lamb producers. The Canadian have rations, health care, facilities or worker skills re- “Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep”1 quired for successful pregnancies and lambing. provides the best of current knowledge combining farm • Lambing facilities are also specialized. They are experience and scientific research. planned, designed, and equipped to support lambing, Animal welfare begins on farms. lamb survival and healthy ewes and lambs. Unplanned Temple Grandin wrote that American farms still have pregnancies in feeder ewe lambs make the odds for work to do in improving animal welfare2. Animal care animals suffering just too high. depends on the skills of all the people who work with The goal of the industry is to continuously im- the animals. Experienced flock owners know their sheep. prove lamb production and lamb products. They know how to care for them, how to recognize normal behaviour, how to diagnose and remedy health For many producers, unplanned pregnancies in market problems. Their goal is to ensure that only healthy, fit ewe lambs are not an issue. The producers who don’t sheep and lambs move off farms,are loaded on trucks, manage, or don’t know to avoid unplanned pregnancies arrive at auction yards, at feeding facilities, and at proces- in market ewe lambs,create serious problems for the sors. buyers of their feeder lambs. Frequent turn-over of flock owners can contribute to limited management skill and Traceability is a tool. production experience. New producers must get advice Every industry stakeholder knows that when sheep on facilities and good management practices before are mixed in new flocks, at auctions, or in feed yards,a going into sheep. Alberta Lamb Producers management small problem in one animal can explode into problems modules5, experienced sheep producers and veterinar- for many. Electronic animal identification and animal ians are all good resources for new producers. Owners of tracking systems now have the capability to collect data very small flocks must be able to provide separate pens on sheep and their movements. Having good data helps for the one or two ram lambs or castrate all ram lambs identify flocks producing high quality lambs, as well as at birth. Producers with, or setting up, feeding facilities the ones that need to do better. must plan for the welfare of every animal in their opera- tion. Very large flocks with numbers of lambs also have challenges, not the least of which is having all the right ALP management modules are free lambs in the right pens. No matter the size of flock, good to download from www.ablamb.ca management, appropriate facilities, efficient handling, 12 January 2018 AlbertaProducer Lamb ResourcesProducers . regular monitoring and rapid remediation all contribute In 2016 the British Farm Animal Welfare Committee to improved animal welfare. further defined welfare as: “Giving an animal a life worth Ram lambs are driven to reproduce. living requires good husbandry, considerate handling Flock managers have to take that into account and and transport, humane slaughter and, above all else, avoid unplanned pregnancy in market ewe lambs. Cas- skilled and conscientious stock handlers.” There isn’t any tration is simple and certain. The Canadian Veterinary generally accepted research that defines “happy sheep.” Medical Association6 supports early castration using pain Healthy, bouncing lambs do come to mind and all good medication appropriate for lamb age and the correct flock managers know what contented sheep look like. technique. The Code of Practice outlines castration meth- ods and pain management approved for lambs of various References: ages. Other management strategies to follow: 1 Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep2013, • Ensure all animals are correctly identified. www.nfacc.ca. 2 The Shepherd, February, 2015. • Have adequate records on lambing, health care and 3 Dwyer, C. 2003 Theriogenology 59:1027-1050. management practices like castration. 4 Dawson and Carson, 2001 Journal of Agric. Science, 139:169-181 • Routinely castrate ram lambs at a young age. Follow- 5 Alberta Lamb Producers, www.ablamb.ca. ing Code of Practice requirements when castrating ram lambs will help minimize animal stress, health 6 Canadian Veterinary Medical Association - www.canadianveterinarians.net complications and growth setbacks due to the proce- dure. Cockram, Menzies, Barrett, Hemstead, “Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep: Review of Scientific Research on Priority Issues”, • Wean before five months of age (i.e. prior to lambs National Farm Animal Care Council, 2012. reaching sexual maturity). • In circumstances when ram lambs are kept intact, such as to fill niche markets or for breeding stock, ensure you have separate pens for uncastrated ram lambs CCWG LIVESTOCK and ewe lambs after weaning. SUPPLIES LIMITED • In addition to the risk of unwanted pregnancies, mixed 145 BBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBB gender groups of lambs on feed have added costs due LLLLLLLLLL CCCCCC AB T1J 4P4 to sexual activity, resulting in reduced feed intake and 1-800-567-3693 @@@@@... growth rates. Separate penning improves the growth ...... performance of both male and female lambs. When lambs are managed separately, intact ram lambs can achieve higher growth rates and better feed conver- sion. • When buying feeder lambs, check carefully for gender, sort rams lambs from ewe lambs, and ensure there are adequate facilities for both. • Have adequate facilities to accommodate multiple groups of lambs. Maintain fences and corrals to keep determined ram lambs in the right pen. Employ ef- ficient sorting and handling systems. Good animal welfare on farms is not optional. The sheep industry can’t afford the waste involved in un- planned pregnancies, both in terms of the welfare of the ewe lamb and her newborns and in wasted inputs. Im- SH P ...... ages of newborn lambs in feedlots, during transport, or FIND US ON at auction are not ones the sheep industry can afford to FACEBOOK project. Unplanned pregnancy in market ewe lambs seri- ously jeopardizes animal welfare and the good standing of our industry and costs the entire sheep industry.

January 2018 13 Producer Resources When Is Euthanasia the Best Option? • Is the animal likely to suffer chronic pain or immobility following recovery? Excerpts from: • Will weather extremes create inhumane conditions for ‘On Farm Euthanasia’ manual by Jennifer Woods this animal during and/or after recovery? Stockpersons who are responsible for the care of • Will the animal be unable to access, or have difficulty livestock have a moral obligation to ensure the welfare of accessing, feed and water. the animals in their care. Part of this obligation is to make • Will the cost of therapy outweigh financial return? certain animals do not experience unnecessary pain • Is the animal contagious and can it spread disease or and suffering, even in death. Therefore, when disease illness to other animals, adversely affecting the wel- or injury conditions arise that diminish the quality of life fare and the economics of the facility? or create pain and suffering—conditions that cannot be effectively or economically relieved—euthanasia is One of the biggest challenges, though, is determining: indicated. How long should an animal be given to recover? Current Euthanasia is derived from the Greek for “good death” industry literature and guidelines would suggest that ani- and is accomplished when death results in a minimum mals should show evidence of significant improvement of pain, fear and distress to the animal. This is achieved within 24 hours from the onset of treatment. by utilizing techniques that induce an immediate loss of Simply leaving an animal that is suffering to die of consciousness followed by, or in conjunction with, car- natural causes, or in other words, “letting nature take its diac and respiratory arrest that ultimately results in loss course” is unacceptable. Furthermore, it is NOT accept- of brain function. For persons performing euthanasia, a able to prolong an animal’s misery by delaying euthana- certain degree of technical proficiency, knowledge and sia for reasons of convenience. It is important that when appropriate equipment are required. euthanasia is indicated, it be conducted in timely manner. Individuals are morally, ethically and legally responsi- The ‘On Farm Euthanasia’ manual by Jennifer Woods ble for the welfare of the animals in their care. Although was developed in conjunction with the ALP On-Farm the financial implications are part of the decision process, Euthanasia workshops. The manual covers: making the an animal’s welfare must never be compromised for decision to euthanize an animal, acceptable euthanasia financial reasons. methods, the euthanasia process, and disposal of dead- Indications for euthanasia of livestock include poor stock. health, disease, injury, loss of productivity, economics Free print copies of the On Farm Euthanasia manual are and safety. There are three possible treatment options for available from the ALP office and a pdf version is posted stockpersons when faced with each of these situations: on www.ablamb.ca. • Ship the animal for meat processing, IF the animal is fit for transport and human consumption; • Treat the animal; • Euthanasia. Just because there is a chance for recovery, it does not mean treatment is always the optimal choice for the pro- ducer or the animal. When deciding which option is best, there are several questions a handler has to ask in order to make a responsible decision. WE’LL LOOK • Is the animal experiencing a high level of pain? AFTER ALL • Will it require continual medication to alleviate the OF YOUR SHEEP pain and suffering? FEEDING NEEDS.

• Will the animal have to endure a painful and lengthy MILK REPLACERS | LAMB FEEDS recovery? SHEEP FEEDS | VITAMIN/MINERAL PREMIXES | SUPPLEMENTS | RITE-LIX • Is the animal likely to return to normal function post recovery? • Can the required care be provided during the conva- FOR SPECIAL PRICING CALL IAN 403-350-0268 OR DOUG 403-396-9081 lescent period? 14 January 2018 Industry Information .

Global Lamb reduction in total per capita meat consumption from the and Mutton Production current 63 kg per year to 27 kg per year by 2030. Jason Wood Local price update December 1, 2017 Locally, Alberta’s slaughter lamb market price remains Global lamb and mutton production continues to in- steady. The average estimated 120 lb. live slaughter lamb crease; however, the largest increases are taking place price for November is just over $234/head. Year to date in African and Asian countries. Currently, complete slaughter lamb prices have averaged $236 per head, up global lamb and mutton production data from the FAO 7% from 2016 and 28% higher than the 5-year average. is available to 2014. Between 1990 and 2014 total produc- Slaughter lamb prices are being supported by stable de- tion increased 27.4%. mand, tighter supplies and lower lamb/sheep inventories.

Comparing the top five lamb and mutton producers shows very different results. Between 1990 and 2014 Sheep Value Chain Roundtable (ShVCRT) sheepmeat (lamb and mutton) production increased 15% in Australia, 3% in Turkey and 300% in China. How- ever, production decreased in the UK and New Zealand by 20% and 8%, respectively. While Australia and New Zealand may account for the largest lamb and mutton exports, China has been largest producer since 1993. Be- tween 1993 and 2016 China’s lamb and mutton produc- tion has more than tripled and by 2025 is forecasted to increase a further 28% or 625,000 tonnes to 2.86 million tonnes per year. On a percentage basis, Australia is fore- casted to see sheepmeat production increase by 29% between 2016 and 2025; however, the total production increase is 188,000 tonnes or about a third of the Chinese increase. From November 8-10, two representatives from ALP attended the Sheep Value Chain Roundtable in Ottawa. Additional sheepmeat production growth is possible in The Roundtable brings together key industry and gov- China as consumer demand for lamb and beef is increas- ernment members to discuss market challenges and ing. This increased demand is in response to Chinese opportunities facing the industry, and to develop and consumers looking for alternative protein options, but implement action plans designed to improve the indus- increased Chinese sheepmeat production will not be try’s competitive position. Once the Record of Discussion enough to satisfy demand. China is the largest global is published, ALP will circulate it. importer at an estimated 250,000 tonnes of lamb and mutton in 2016, and imports are estimated to grow For more information about ShVCRT, please visit their to 300,000 tonnes by 2025. One factor that may affect website http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/industry-markets-and- Chinese sheepmeat demand is a government policy trade/value-chain-roundtables/sheep/?id=1385758986961 aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a January 2018 15 Industry Information

Pink Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3 tag (OVI-07-01) Revoked from CSIP Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association Effective Immediately La SociétéCanadienne des Éleveurs de Moutons Ottawa, ON (November 23, 2017) – Earlier today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency officially revoked the CSBA hires a new general manager Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3 tag (OVI-07-01) with published updates to the list of animal indicators approved under The Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association is pleased to the Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) announce the appointment of Linda Brandes as the new program. In a news release issued September 15th, the General Manager, effective December 1, 2017. The CSBA Canadian Sheep Federation notified Canadian sheep would like to extend their appreciation to Stacey White farmers and ranchers that the pink metal Ketchum Kurl- for all of his dedication during his term and wish him Lock #3 tag was poised to be revoked from the Canadian continued success during this transition. Sheep Identification Program (CSIP), in preparation for Originally from Ontario, where she graduated from the today’s announcement. University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science Degree Now that the Ketchum Kurl-Lock tag is officially re- (Agr) in 1995, Linda currently resides in St Albert, Alberta. voked, producers are reminded that an animal may not She has been actively involved with the CSBA for the be shipped from its current location bearing only the past four years, providing support in media relations as pink Ketchum tag. New, currently approved, CSIP tags well as holding the position of Secretary/Manager for the will need to be added to animals leaving their current Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association. She is also bilingual premises even if they have pink Ketchum tags in their and hopes to have an opportunity to expand her French ears. You will also need to report the new tag numbers language abilities while working with the CSBA. Linda to Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA), along brings a wide variety of organisational, technical and with the numbers of the pink tags already on the animals. administrative skills to the organization and hopes to You MAY NOT remove a pink metal Ketchum tag from a bring her experience and values to the Canadian Sheep sheep or lamb even after the tag has been revoked; it is Breeders’ Association in helping them to continue with illegal. their objectives and goals. For more information about the Canadian Sheep Having always enjoyed being involved within the Identification Program, visit the Canadian Sheep Federa- animal and agricultural industry, Linda is looking forward tion’s website at: www.cansheep.ca or give us a call at to being a part of the CSBA and transitioning to the posi- 888.684.7739. tion of General Manager. She can be reached at the CSBA toll free number 1(866) 956-1116 or by email at For detailed information about regulated national [email protected]. animal identification programs, including up to date lists of approved identifiers for all regulated species, visit the The new mailing address for the CSBA office will be Canadian Food Inspection Agency website: http://inspec- Box 7, St Albert AB T8N 1N2 tion.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/traceability/indica- tors/eng/1331582406844/1331582476216 To report information to the CSIP database, including the application of a new tag to an animal with a pink metal Ketchum Kurl-Lock tag, access your online account at https://www.clia.livestockid.ca/CLTS/secure/user/home. do. If you’re having trouble accessing your online account, give CCIA a call at 877.909.2333.

16 January 2018 Industry Information . SheepBytes Workshop and Barry’s tag-team presentation provided an overview of SheepBytes features, including basic ration balanc- ing, importance of water analysis, and more advanced features such as working with batch mixes. Attendees of the sold-out workshop worked on their own laptops to create a ration. This included feed selection, input and interpretation of nutrient imbalance alerts. During the in- formal and interactive workshop, Dale and Barry shared their knowledge and experience,answering participant questions covering a wide range of nutritional issues. The session was held to help SheepBytes account hold- ers ensure they are getting the most from the program, and to provide an opportunity for anyone interested to try the program for the first time. Future workshops can be arranged if there is sufficient interest. Please contact ALP to learn more. In-person workshops are not the only help available to SheepBytes users. An extensive video tutorial series and print reference materials covering program features A SheepBytes Ration Balancing workshop was held th are available on the SheepBytes website. To access these on October 20 in connection with the Alberta Sheep resources and to learn more about SheepBytes, please Breeders Association Sheep Symposium. The workshop visit www.sheepbytes.ca. was given by two well-known and experienced ruminant nutritionists, Dale Engstrom and Barry Yaremcio. Dale

Managing nutrition saves money every time you feed.

– SheepBytes ration balancer is web-based software designed for effectively managing nutrition for all types of sheep. Breeding flock owners, feedlot managers and nutritional consultants, across Canada, and internationally, are using SheepBytes to take the guesswork out of balancing cost-effective rations.

What are SheepBytes users saying? NEW! THagedorn – By using SheepBytes, we saved $12-18 per finished lamb without sacrificing performance. Training Video! – – Since using SheepBytes, we’ve noticed an improvement in the overall health of Learn to use SheepBytes our flock, with fewer disease outbreaks and deaths from unknown causes. – Improve your skills in using basic and advanced features Learn more about what SheepBytes can do for your flock by visiting – Fit lesson modules into your schedule – Always available at no cost - anywhere, anytime Easy to Use — Cost Effective — Developed and Used by Ruminant Nutritionists

January 2018 17 Industry Information

Farm and Ranch Safety Update Act was passed on June 5, 2017, mandating changes to the Employment Standards Code and the Labour Rela- The Government of Alberta has opened a public tions Code. Most of the changes will come into effect consultation period regarding proposed changes to on January 1, 2018. As with the proposed changes to the the Occupational Health and Safety Code. The techni- Occupational Health and Safety rules, this only applies to cal working groups studying occupational health and farms and ranches with waged, non-family employees. safety rules as part of the Bill 6 industry consultations For details go to www.alberta.ca/farm-and-ranch.aspx or have submitted their recommendations outlining how call the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM (3276). provincial legislation could apply to farms and ranches. The proposed changes apply only to farms and ranches Farm and ranch safety training with waged, non-family employees. Producers are en- couraged to review the recommendations and provide The Ag Coalition has moved ahead with an industry-led feedback in writing to the government by January 15, safety association for farms and ranches in Alberta. The 2018. The recommendations are available on the Alberta newly founded AgSafe Alberta Society Board develops Government website at www.alberta.ca/farm-and-ranch- and delivers farm safety management tools, resources consultations.aspx or call the Ag-Info Centre at 310-FARM and programs for farmers and ranchers in the province of (3276). Alberta. To learn more visit the AgSafe website (www.agsafeab.ca) or call 403-348-9321. The consultation continues the process of amending Alberta’s farm and ranch workplace legislation enabled Check out the AgSafe Alberta TIP video series at https:// by the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers www.youtube.com/channel/UCfO72hwJwnRbvfBIsY9FfzQ. Act, 2015 (Bill 6). The Fair and Family-Friendly Workplaces

VJV Westlock

LAMB PRODUCERS Vold Jones Vold in SALE DATES: Westlock is the Marketing Monthly Sales on the third Headquarters Tuesday of each month for all your sheep and lamb marketing needs. Tuesday, January, 16 Now Assembling Sheep On With monthly sales on The 3rd Monday of each the third Tuesday of Month at VJV Beaverlodge. each month. Tuesday, February 20 Contact JASON at Sell your lambs, sheep and 1-780-343-2162 goats at the market supported by most feedlots For More Information and processors in the Tuesday, March 20 Province and with outlets Contact VJV Westlock throughout Western Canada. Tuesday, April 17 780-349-3153 Field Rep Field Rep CORY POLAK www.vjvwestlock.com TRENT EWASIW 780-712-5749 email: [email protected] 780-349-0239

18 January 2018 Industry Information . Local Events and Volunteers petition, stock dog competition, lamb cooking demon- Help Tell Our Story strations at Kitchen Theatre and a great Alberta Lamb display. All great things to visit and show your industry The vast majority of consumers today have little direct support for as it puts the sheep industry in front of a lot experience with food production or rural life. How better of potential lamb consumers! Stampede will be held July to get the word out about agriculture than to take the 6-15, 2018. message directly to the public? Local events in Alberta of- Other events offering sheep industry displays include: fer opportunities to learn more about where food comes • Colonial Days: July 11 – 14, 2018 from and how it is produced. These events are also ideal • Vermilion Fair: July 26/27, 2018 venues for highlighting great local products, like Alberta Lamb. • Priddis and Millarville Fair: August 18/19, 2018 Volunteers are at the heart of ensuring the sheep in- Thank you to all the volunteers who help represent the dustry is represented at these events. ALP offers support sheep industry at these events! Contact ALP if you are to volunteers through the loan of ALP displays, and the interested in volunteering your time and we will put you donation of educational and promotional materials. in contact with organizers. Some events that include sheep industry displays are Are you interested in representing the sheep industry highlighted below. at an event not listed above? Contact ALP for information Aggie Days will be held at the Agrium West- on booking the ALP display and to request educational ern Event Centre on Stampede Park on April 11-15, 2018. materials and promotional items. The first three days are dedicated to giving local school classes a day of adventure and learning through explor- ing displays presented by agriculture groups. The Calgary Stampede Sheep Committee hosts a great display of ewes with lambs, daily shearing demos, wool display and industry information. The event is open to the general public on the weekend,with an additional kid’s activity centre and the ‘Clock, Stock and Barrel’ stock dog compe- tition. Lethbridge Aggie Days will be held April 24 and 25, 2018 at Exhibition Park in Lethbridge. This 2-day educational agricultural trade show is free of charge to Buying all classes of the public and all schools that register to attend as a class. The agriculture trade show is interactive and educational sheep, lambs, & goats. for young people to learn and experience all aspects of Same Day Trade Payment. Farm Pickup. Competitive Pricing. agriculture. School classes are primarily from Grades one to nine and come from Lethbridge and Southern Alberta schools. On average over 30 schools attend Aggie Days. Fort Macleod Auction Amazing Agriculture will be held at the Edmonton PO Box 1330 Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0 • 1-888-553-7715 EXPO Centre in Edmonton on May 1-3, 2018. Amazing Agriculture is a free educational experience designed Darren Shaw 403-601-5165 to teach Grade Four students from the greater Edmon- Ryan Konynenbelt 403-892-6534 ton area about Alberta’s vibrant agricultural industry. Through interactive learning stations, students will de- velop new awareness and understanding of where their www.livestock.ab.ca food comes from and how it is produced. The Calgary Stampede, with attendance topping 1.2 million visitors in 2017,offers large venue for educating ALP Meet the Board and presentation by Lesley the public and highlighting local products. The Calgary Stubbings, Optimizing lamb Performance. Stampede Sheep Committee organizes a sheep display February 3. Airdrie AB. See page 4 for details. during the 10-day event that includes a breed display, wool display, interactive opportunities, shearing com- January 2018 19 Industry Information CCWG Wool Market and Business Update In Canada our wool volume has slipped after many years of marginal growth; we hope that this is only a tem- Fall 2017 porary situation. This can be directly attributed to lower sheep numbers, which may be mainly due to drought During the 2016/17 wool marketing season there has conditions and expensive feed in some provinces the been a very significant contrast between the fine and previous year. We continue our practice of orderly wool coarse wool markets. Fine wool has experienced solid marketing throughout the year of our graded, value global demand and record prices have been achieved added, and objectively measured wool types. Due to for many wool types 22 micron and finer. A number of the recent weaker demand from China for coarser wool factors contributed to this success, including the positive types, we have reached out to develop new market op- international branding of Merino wool. As well, new and portunities for Canadian wool in Europe and the Middle innovative wool products such as double faced and fake East. In addition to our wool sales in Canada, export des- fur fabrics being manufactured in China have created tinations for Canadian wool currently include China, USA, new consumers for wool, and these products require Czech Republic, Egypt, Bulgaria and India. Canadian wool significant quantities of fine wool to produce. enjoys an excellent reputation in these markets due to The specifications for Chinese government uniforms, our consistent quality deliveries, which is a credit to our including military, railway and postal, have recently been wool grading staff. Our Shareholder Wool Shipper Loy- changed to favour more fine wool content and huge alty Reward Program (SWSLRP) continues again this year quantities of wool are required for these contracts. In at the rate of seven cents per pound to our shareholder/ China, mills are currently focused on increasing produc- wool shipper consigners. The annual dividend will be 7% tivity and product quality; they have also made signifi- for shareholders of record on December 31, 2016. cant capital investment in order to comply with new In September I again travelled to China along with stringent government environmental regulations. Ontario Board member Gary Fox to participate in the The broader crossbred wool market has struggled over Nanjing Wool Market Conference and International Trade the past 18 months and up to now has not been able Fair. Over 600 delegates participated, which gave us an to ride the coat tails of the rising fine wool market. The excellent opportunity to display Canadian Wool to the main driver of price trends continues to be China, which global wool trade. Prior to the conference we travelled in 2016/17 accounted for 63% of exports from the five with our agent and visited numerous customers, success- major wool exporting countries. Excess stocks of coarse fully selling several containers of graded Canadian wool wool products that had built up in China throughout for prompt and forward shipment. the supply chain, from greasy wool through to finished Our sincere thanks again to all CCWG staff and direc- fabric, are slowly being consumed. Current projections tors for your efforts that are contributing to the success are a little more positive, with predictions that demand of our organization. In 2018 we look forward to reaching and market prices for crossbred wool will soon start to a major milestone, 100 years in business, and we thank improve. our many loyal customers for their continued patronage. The wool trade seems to be firmly committed to the Respectfully Submitted, need for further industry programs within the educa- Eric Bjergso, General Manager tion, promotion and innovation fields. The International (Update edited for space. The full update can be found at http://www. Campaign for Wool is an excellent example of collabora- wool.ca/Wool_Market_Reports ) tion between all members of the supply chain, including farmers, retailers, designers, manufacturers and consum- ers. The objective of this organization is to promote the incredible benefits and versatility of wool, which in turn Quarter Acre supports many small businesses and farmers whose Q A Woods Ranch livelihoods depend on the wool industry. The Dumfries [email protected] quarteracrewoodsranch.com House Wool Declaration (https://wool.us15.list-manage. W R com/track/click?u=b8c58bf2cc184b6f649a4d3ea&id=6b48 Purebred Bluefaced Leicesters Rams for sale now. Ewe lambs coming soon. 763a84&e=65972b3cf4) is a 10 point declaration in which Create your own mules - check out mulesheep.com the global wool industry commits to protect the environ- James & Lori-Anne Nibourg ment, to care about the welfare of sheep and to uphold the best possible practices in growing, trading, manufac- Erskine, AB 403-742-8536 turing and marketing wool fibre and its related textiles. 20 January 2018 Industry Information . Changes Regarding the Sale of Livestock client-patient relationship, and, if possible, have prescrip- Antimicrobials Set for December 2018 tions on-hand when needed. Removal of growth promotion claims from MIA prod- Efforts to control antimicrobial resistance will soon uct labels will also be required by December 1, 2018. impact how producers can access commonly used medi- Over the last year, manufacturers have been voluntarily cations. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when microbes removing these claims from MIA product labels. No new (bacteria, viruses, fungi) are exposed to naturally occur- MIA products will be approved with a growth promotion ring or human-made antimicrobials. Overuse and misuse claim after December 2018. of antimicrobial medications amplifies the rate of resist- Details of these changes are available at www.canada. ance. Once resistance to a drug occurs, it loses effective- ca/en/public-health/services/antibiotic-antimicrobial-resist- ness in combating disease and infection. In response to ance/animals/actions/responsible-use-antimicrobials.html. the threat of antimicrobial resistance, many countries are Table 1: The following MIA ingredients will require vet- adopting policies to increase control of antimicrobial use erinary prescriptions as of December 1, 2018. in both humans and animals. The ‘Federal Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Canada’ details the Apramycin Penicillin G Tiamulin federal approach to implementing changes in Canada Bacitracin Spectinomycin Tylosin/Tylvalosin (www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/ Erythromycin Streptomycin/ Virginiamycin drugs-health-products/federal-action-plan-antimicrobial- Dihydrostreptomycin resistance-canada.html). Under this framework, a series of Lincomycin Sulphonamides Tetracycline/ changes affecting the production, labelling, importation Chlortetracycline/ and access to antimicrobial drugs for food-producing Oxytetracycline animals have been implemented or are scheduled to Neomycin Tilmicosin Or their salts or come into effect in the coming months. derivatives For livestock producers,the most notable change will Please note that this list does not include all commercially available occur as of December 1, 2018 when policy changes come products that contain these drugs (e.g. Liquamycin contains oxytetra- into effect regarding the sale of medically important cycline). Check product labels for MIA ingredients. antimicrobials (MIAs) for use in food-producing animals. Regulatory changes regarding antimicrobial MIAs are designated as important for human medicine. importation effective November 13, 2017 In anticipation of the December deadline, changes to some product labels have been made and more can be On November 13, 2017 mandated changes came into expected in the coming months. After December 2018, effect restricting ‘own use importation’ (OUI) of medica- these drugs will be included on the ‘Prescription Drug tions for animals used for food-production. Medically List – Products for Veterinary Use’. This means they will important antimicrobials may no longer be imported only be available with a veterinary prescription, and will into Canada for use in food-producing animals. Drugs be dispensed through a veterinarian, pharmacist or a determined not to pose a risk to human health or food feed mill as a mixed medicated feed. MIAs will no longer safety can be imported in controlled amounts as author- be available at locations where over-the-counter animal ized by Health Canada. Health Canada has published a medications are currently sold. Access to many com- list of products that may only be imported for ‘own use’ monly used medications will be affected (e.g. sulfa drugs, and are not to be resold or given away. Five Ivermectin- tetracycline, penicillin). A list of MIA drugs is provided in based products for use in sheep are included on the Table 1. The changes include all forms of drug adminis- list: Bimectin, Ecomectin, Ivomec Liquid, Noromectin tration (i.e. in feed or water, injectables, implants, topical, and Privermectin Drench. For complete details of these dusting powder, intramammary, intrauterine, oral, otic). products and how to apply to import drugs on ‘List B’, The restrictions do not affect the sale of ionophores (e.g. visit www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/antibiotic- Monensin), as they are not used in human medicine and antimicrobial-resistance/animals/personal-importation- are not classed as MIAs. certain-drugs-food-producing-animals.html. Options for changing Alberta’s provincial veterinary Further changes scheduled include enhanced over- product dispensing regulations are being explored, but sight of the manufacturing, packaging and testing of it is unclear what, if any,changes may be made. The onus active pharmaceutical ingredients for veterinary use, and will increasingly fall on producers to carefully plan flock mandatory reporting of MIA sales. For details visit www. health programs, ensure they have a valid veterinarian- canada.ca/en/public-health/services/antibiotic-antimicrobi- al-resistance/animals/actions.html. January 2018 21 Industry Information

Classifieds Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association (ASBA) mem- Classified ads are available free to Alberta produc- bers are your source for registered breeding stock in ers. In addition to being published in the newsletter, Alberta. Join today! 1-866-967-4337, they are available on-line under News and Advertis- www.albertasheepbreeders.ca. ing at http://www.ablamb.ca/index.php/news-advertis- Parker Stock Farm. Glen and Kathy Parker. Gen Ovis ing/advertising. performance tested breeding stock. 403-443-7220, Email [email protected] or fax 403-912-1455 or call www.parkerstockfarm.com, parkerstockfarm@xplornet. 403-948-1522 to place, amend or delete your classi- com . fied ad. Alberta Lamb Producers does not endorse or Need More Lambs? Romanov & Charollais rams, promote any of the advertisements or advertisers in ewes & crossbreds. Performance based selection the N’ewesletter. OPP-Neg, [email protected] or 403-224-2463. 4-H Lambs American Blackbelly Sheep for sale. All purebred and Contact your zone director if you have lambs suit- registered. Checkout our website www.rustyironacres. able for 4H project lambs or are looking for 4H lambs. com to see what’s available and for pricing. Doug and- SHEEP & LAMBS: For Sale Tina Noyes 403-396-4705. Isle of Skye Cheviots pedigree yearling North Coun- SHEEP & LAMBS: Wanted try Cheviot ram available. Halter broke, tame, and is a Wanted: Feeder or fat lambs, cull sheep and all half-brother to my Classic ram. Call Susan at classes of goats in Acme or Stony Plain, AB. Email Roger 403-588-3808 or visit www.isleofskyecheviots.ca. Albers at [email protected] or call 780-777-7416. Purebred Suffolk yearling & lamb rams for sale. Year- Wanted: Feeder lambs and culls in High Prairie area. lings have been semen & vet checked. Long, deep All sizes and types. Animals weighed,no shrink. Clients bodied, well-muscled rams. Charles Iwan, Taber emailed price/lb weekly and can decide if they want to 403-331-7984. deliver. Hauling possible. No commission fees. Canadian Arcott registered spring ewe lambs for sale Call Eric Verstappen 780-536-6740, pref. 8-9 p.m. - Joe Stahl. Call 403-575-7794. Dogs Canadian Arcott registered yearling ram lambs for Purebred Great Pyrenees puppies for sale. Three sale - Joe Stahl. Call 403-575-7794. females and two males. Puppies available after Decem- Katahdin ewes and Katahdin/Dorper ewes for sale. ber 8th when they are 8 weeks old and will have their Please contact 587-596-1556 or email shots. Call or text 780-864-8924. [email protected]. Border Collie Puppies for sale. Parents are working Sheep Lake Suffolks. Registered Suffolk ram lambs & dogs. Great with kids. Contact: 780-832-1783. ewe lambs for sale. Contact Mike at 780-307-3385. Pyrenees Puppies for sale. Parents are sheep guard- Moonshine Dorsets. Registered and purebred tradi- ian dogs. Raised in the field. Contact: 780-832-1783. tional Dorset ram lambs for sale. All twins, traditional Purebred border collie puppies for sale: 1 male, 3 confirmation. Call Raelyn at 403-746-2140. females. Born September 15, 2017. Both parents are Clun Forest ram and ewe lambs. Selected from easy hard-working ranch dogs on sheep and cattle. Puppies lambers and good mothers Glynn Brooks, Lethbridge are microchipped and have their first shots. Contact 403-327-2242, [email protected]. Ken at 403-575-5470. Yearling Suffolk & Rambouillet rams. Top quality Isle of Skye Cheviots has available one top quality rams selected for growth & wool. Jack Braat registered Border Collie puppy. Quality proven blood- 403-327- 9757, [email protected]. line. www.isleofskyecheviots.ca, 403-588-3808. Peace Country, AB. Purebred Suffolk & Dorset year- Maremma guard dogs. Various ages. Raised on-farm ling rams & ram lambs (registration available). Call or and on-pasture with sheep. Outstanding, good-na- text 780-978-4705. tured parents. Very reliable. The coyotes are the ones with the problems! Call 403-586-5638.

22 January 2018 Industry Information .

Equipment & Miscellaneous BFG Shearing is a professional crew now booking in Wanted: Full-time employee for a lamb and goat western Canada. We specialize in low stress, feedlot near Acme AB. Sheep experience would be an efficient handling of ewes, and have capacity to do asset. Contact Roger at 780-777-7416 (cell) or over 500/day. Early booking and volume discounts 780-963-4335(fax). available. Call John Beasley 403-857-9236, Shawn Check out the new to Canada Combi Clamp squeeze Fajnor 403-892-9546, or Dwight Galenzoski 403-929- for sheep! Allows you to safely process many sheep a 5419. day while greatly reducing stress on the sheep and the Integrity Ranch is proud to offer the following ser- handler. Checkout the video and more info at vices to the lamb industry: Forage and cover crop seed huberequipment.com. for lamb finishing and ewe wintering; 24’ freestanding Looking for away to control feed grain to your sheep feed bunks, reduce waste, keep lambs in; full line of without waste? 3in1 Feeders more efficiently feeds the nutrition products and consulting specifically designed rumen with the ‘little bit and often’ feeding and saves for sheep and goats; buyer of lambs and ewes. Please time and energy. Call Huber Ag Equipment at contact John 403-857-9236 or kelsey@integrityranching. 1- 800-806-0715 or checkout 3in1Feeders.com. com for more details. www.integrityranching.com.

Above: A second addition on the front of the hip-roofed barn measures 24’ x 60’, and provides additional space for lambing. The fenceline feeder is accesible to the TMR mixer. Right: The feeder fence has one board at ground level on the inside of the posts, with higher boards on the outside of the posts. Note block on posts that offsets lower outside board enough to allow ewes to get their heads down far enough to eat, while limiting waste.

Dooglynn Dorpers, , AB 780-933-5638 [email protected] www.bcollie.ca Fullblood and commercial Dorper rams and ewes We have the genetic diversity and quality to assist you in building a top end full blood or com- mercial flock. An excellent selection of premium 2 yr old rams and some lamb rams and ewes are available. Should you have any questions give Steve a call at 780 933-5638.

Page 8 SHEEP CANADA

January 2018 23 Sheep Calendar What Where When Free ALP On-Farm Euthanasia Lethbridge Jan 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Lunch included. Workshop See page 3. ALP ‘Meet the Board’ Airdrie Feb 3. ALP office. See page 4. Lesley Stubbings presentation: Optimizing Lamb Performance Deadline for ALP’s April Feb 28. ALP office. N’ewesletter Alberta Farm Animal Care Olds Mar 14-15. www.afac.ab.ca, 403- 652-5111 Conference Canadian Sheep Breeders Moncton, NB Mar 17. www.sheepbreeders.ca, 866 -956 -1116 Association AGM Shearing School Lethbridge Mar 23-24. [email protected], 403-317-0330 Calgary Aggie Days Calgary April 11-15. www.ag.calgarystampede.com/events/aggie-days Lethbridge Aggie Days Lethbridge April 24-25. www.exhibitionpark.ca Amazing Agriculture Edmonton May 1-3. www.northlands.com/amazing-agriculture Please e-mail [email protected] or call 403-948-1522 to provide details of your event for the N’ewesletter and website sheep calendar

Alberta Lamb Producers 2017/2018 Zone #1 – Marilyn Neville, (Nanton, Pincher Creek, , Fort Macleod, Vulcan) Phone: 403-628-2354 E-mail: [email protected] Zone #2 – Elaine Neale, (Brooks, Lethbridge, , , Milk River) Phone: 403-332-1481 E-mail: [email protected] Zone #3 – Neil Caskey, Finance (Olds, Calgary, Red Deer, Drumheller) Phone: 403-664-6114 E-mail: [email protected] Zone #4 – Vacant. (Wetaskiwin, Lacombe, Coronation, Rocky Mountain House) Zone #5 – Erin Yaremko, (Athabasca, Wainwright, Vegreville, St. Paul, Lloydminster, Thorhild) Phone: 780-645-6550 E-mail: [email protected] Zone #6 – Darlene Stein, Chair (Barrhead, Edmonton, Drayton Valley, Whitecourt) Phone: 780-674-3732 E-mail: [email protected] Zone #7 – Lianne Read (appointed). (High Level, Grande Prairie, Valleyview, High Prairie) Phone: 780-351-2091 E-mail: [email protected] ALP Office Robyn Moore, Executive Director 403-948-8533 [email protected] Beth Kyle, Project Administrator 403-948-1522 [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

24 January 2018 FarmWorks by SDL

Lambing, weaning, weighing, treating, feeding, breeding, selling - FarmWorks can help you manage what matters.

FarmWorks by Shearwell Data Ltd. RFID compatible, complete management software for sheep and cattle.

Erona Farms Ltd. / Shearwell Canada support & sales 780-674-9564 www.eronafarms.ca [email protected]

EVENTUALLY WE ALL GROW UP. HOW WELL? THAT’S UP TO YOU. LambGro/KidGro™ is a premium colostrum supplement that provides triple benefit protection from hypothermia, disease and lack of immunity.

It’s high in energy, rich in natural colostral fat and lactose to help maintain body temperature.

One bag provides 20 feedings. www.GroberNutrition.com YOUR YOUNG ANIMAL SPECIALISTS BLENDING THE ART AND SCIENCE OF YOUNG ANIMAL NUTRITION. 1.800.265.7863 |