Allan Ribbink elected Canadian Sheep Federation Chairman of the Board

December 1, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta

The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) is pleased to announce the election of Allan Ribbink as Chairman of the Board at the 2018 Annual General Meeting.

Allan Ribbink, along with his wife Marlene and their son Cody operate a sheep and cash crop farm in Tiverton, Ontario. Their daughter Cailey works off the farm. The Ribbink’s have been involved in Canada’s sheep industry since 1979. “I look forward to working with the CSF Board and staff implementing the organization’s new strategic plan, focused on unifying the industry and helping improve results for the entire value chain” said Mr. Ribbink following the adjournment of the CSF’s 2018 Annual General Meeting.

The CSF Executive Committee has a number of newly elected members this year including Morgan Moore (MB) as Vice-Chair, Liezel Kennedy (SK) as Secretary and Sheri Schweb (BC) as...

Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia are conducting a Wool Handling & Evaluation Course to all who are interested!

Date: July 4th - 6th

Location: NSPE Complex, Bible Hill, NS

Instructor: Lisa Surber

A practical, hands-on course aimed at providing education on improving the qulaity of the flock's wool clip.
Learn good fleece handling & preparation techniques, from the sheep to the sack.
"Improved Quality = Increased Returns"
Learn to assess wool for different end-users, such as in the fibre arts and crafts. 

Register: before June 22

Contact: Ashley at SPANS 902-895-0581

What to expect from future traceability regulations

The Canadian Sheep Federation (CSF) has engaged with the CFIA through two rounds of national consultations in 2013 and 2015 on proposed amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations dealing with livestock identification and traceability. Through the Regulatory Implementation Committee, national industry associations including the CSF, provinces and the federal government are preparing the implementation of the proposed regulations in order to ensure compliance with the new proposed requirements and message consistency.  What follows provides insight into what's to be expected from amended traceability regulations.  Proposed regulations are expected to be published in Part I of the Canada Gazette in the spring or fall 2018, providing greater detail about specific requirements.  There will be a 75 day comment period following publication in Part I of Canada Gazette, and the CSF will continue to advocate for the interests of Canadian sheep farmers and ranchers as regulations are finalized.

Objectives, Goals, Current Gaps

1. The objective of the livestock traceability system is to...

Pink Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3 tag (OVI-07-01) revoked from CSIP effective immediately

Ottawa, ON (November 23, 2017) – Earlier today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency officially revoked the Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3 tag (OVI-07-01) with published updates to the list of animal indicators approved under the Livestock Identification and Traceability (TRACE) program.  In a news release issued September 15th, the Canadian Sheep Federation notified Canadian sheep farmers and ranchers that the pink metal Ketchum Kurl-Lock #3 tag was poised to be revoked from the Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP), in preparation for today’s announcement.  
  
Now that the Ketchum Kurl-Lock tag is officially revoked, producers are reminded that an animal may not be shipped from it’s current location bearing only the pink Ketchum tag.  A new, currently approved, CSIP tag will need to be added to animals leaving their current premises even if they have a pink Ketchum tag in their ear.  You will also need to report the new tag number to Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) along with the number of the...

Accessible and user-friendly software for improved risk management in the sheep sector

News Release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada  -  read the full story

November 16, 2017 – Saint-Joseph-de-Beauce, Quebec – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

Lamb meat and mutton are increasingly popular food choices among Canadians, creating better business opportunities for sheep producers and the agricultural sector as a whole. The Government of Canada provides leading support for science and innovation in order to increase business profitability, enhance industry competitiveness, and foster growth and the creation of good, well-paying jobs.

Parliamentary Secretary...

Hiring:  General Manager of the Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association (CSBA)

Reporting directly to the President, the General Manager is responsible for carrying out the affairs of the CSBA.  The CSBA is a national non-profit association of over 1200 breeders of purebred sheep across Canada. Operated by 11 directors who are elected by the membership, the CSBA is dedicated to working on behalf of sheep breeders across the country. Recent CSBA activities include genetic evaluation, the annual, national All Canada Sheep Classic show and sale, health program development, national and international market promotion and policy development. 

This flexible, home-based, part-time position can be based anywhere in Canada and is offered initially with a contract for 2 years, with the possibility of extension after that term. For the full job description and application process, please visit the CSBA’s website at www.sheepbreeders.ca.