New sheep biosecurity standard a handy reference for producers Thursday, April 4, 2013 by DIANNE FETTERLYWhile many Canadian sheep producers have already implemented some form of biosecurity practices on their farms, the newly-released National Sheep On-farm Biosecurity Standard could be a useful reference guide.According to Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency general manager Jennifer MacTavish, farmers are already doing a good job of keeping disease out of their flocks, but the new standard released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency last week could work as an extra tool on the farm – a resource there to help if it is needed.“The standard could be beneficial for farmers (because) it has linked good biosecurity practices with minimizing production-limiting diseases,” MacTavish said.Developed over a two-year period by CFIA and the Canadian Sheep Federation, the biosecurity standard was created by an advisory group using input from researchers, veterinarians, the provinces and producers from across the country. In the initial stages, those developing the standard visited sheep farms across Canada and collected producers’ opinions.After completion, the standard was also circulated to industry representatives before launch to ensure it would work for sheep farmers, MacTavish said.She also noted that it is important for producers to know that the new standard is voluntary and for reference purposes only. Sheep farmers may find the reference manual useful to research specific diseases or practices for their farms. Diseases in question could come from various sources such as other animals or from people visiting the farm.And the guidelines will not only help farmers prevent disease from entering their farm in the first place, but also from spreading within the flock or to neighboring farms, she added.According to CFIA, the standard, announced March 28, is aimed at all sizes and types of sheep operations to help producers improve their herd health and to provide a plan outlining biosecurity practices to reduce disease outbreaks.The on-farm biosecurity standard for sheep deals with four specific areas of management including, “animal health practices; farm facilities and equipment; proper record keeping; and people.” BF Saying thanks has its benefits Europe's horse meat scandal underlines the divide between Britain and the mainland
Be ready for your next flat tire Friday, May 30, 2025 By Braxten Breen Farms.com Intern The Andersen Hitches Rapid Jack is a three-in-one tool - a tire jack -- that can also be used as a post block or a wheel chock. Its main purpose is to help change tires on trailers, and this cool tool is made in the USA. It is an innovative Tire Jack... Read this article online
An Ontario Foodbelt? Two MPPs want to see it happen Friday, May 30, 2025 Ontario has a Greenbelt and a Whitebelt, and if two MPPs are successful with a piece of legislation the province’s future will include a Foodbelt. Green Party of Ontario Leader Mike Schreiner (Guelph) and independent MPP Bobbi Ann Brady (Haldimand-Norfolk) tabled Bill 21, the Protect Our... Read this article online
Livestock Research Innovation Corporation welcomes new board members Thursday, May 29, 2025 Two new board directors have joined the leadership of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC). Mohamad Yaghi with Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and Sonya Fiorini from Burnbrae Farms both fill appointed director positions on the LRIC board. Yaghi replaces Franco Naccarato from Meat and... Read this article online
Canadian Farm Income Sees Sharp Decline Thursday, May 29, 2025 In 2024, Canadian farmers experienced a significant financial setback, with realized net income dropping by $3.3 billion, or 25.9%, to $9.4 billion according to Statistics Canada. This marks the steepest percentage decrease since 2018. When cannabis is excluded, the drop stands at... Read this article online
Did you Know you can Experience IPM 2025 in the Comfort of Your RV? Thursday, May 29, 2025 The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) is making a grand return to Niagara this fall for the first time in nearly a century. Visitors can now stay close to the excitement by booking a spot at the official IPM 2025 RV Park. Located just steps away from the main action, the... Read this article online