Funding will help Canadian Sheep Federation to combine programs Thursday, June 11, 2015 by SUSAN MANNThe Canadian Sheep Federation has received almost $350,000 in federal government funding to combine the industry’s on-farm food safety program with biosecurity and animal care handling guidelines.Once the programs are combined, buyers of Canadian sheep and lambs will have assurances the animals have been raised “under an integrated farm program that addresses food safety, biosecurity and animal care,” according to an Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada press release.Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht announced the funding today on behalf of federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz.Ontario sheep producer Rob Scott, Canadian Sheep Federation vice-chair, says the funding announcement is good news. The sheep industry’s on-farm food safety program is voluntary for producers. “We’re trying to develop a culture where people take advantage of these assurance programs.”The federation is a national, non-profit organization representing sheep and lamb producers across Canada. Its mission is to advance the Canadian sheep and wool industries’ viability, prosperity and expansion.Scott says the enhanced assurance system will enable producers to maintain and grow domestic markets. It will also help with export market access and contribute to the industry’s credibility on food safety.The programs being combined are the national sheep and lamb production assurance system called Food Safe Farm Practices, the National Sheep Biosecurity Standard and the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep. The biosecurity standard and animal care code of practice are being integrated into the Food Safe Farm Practices program.The government funding comes from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriMarketing program. It’s a five-year, $341 million program under Growing Forward 2, the national agricultural policy framework.In 2014, Canadian sheep and lamb farm cash receipts totaled nearly $157 million, the government’s release says. BF Canada's dairy industry urged to tackle dairy export caps in trade negotiations U.S. government steps closer towards COOL repeal
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Friday, July 4, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Grape Growers 40th Annual Celebrity Luncheon has Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser Friday, July 4, 2025 The Grape Growers of Ontario’s marks the opening of the by showcasing Canadian personalities and celebrating the annual grape harvest. This year, in partnership with Meridian Credit Union, Ontario’s largest credit union and the third largest in Canada, the Grape Growers of Ontario... Read this article online
Ontario crops respond to summer heat Wednesday, July 2, 2025 According to the OMAFA Field Crop News team, Ontario field crops are showing rapid development as summer-like temperatures have dominated late June early July. The warm spell has accelerated growth and helped reduce the heat unit deficit from a cool spring. Corn fields have seen a burst... Read this article online
Canada’s Place in Global Food System Resilience Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Canada’s food system is facing serious pressure due to global supply chain issues, climate change, and rising food prices. According to a KPMG report, bold and united action is needed now to make Canada’s agriculture sector more resilient and self-reliant. With the global population... Read this article online
Calf Auction Raises Funds for Youth Monday, June 30, 2025 Wyatt Westman-Frijters from Milverton won a heifer calf named Ingrid through a World Milk Day promotion by Maplevue Farms and a local Perth, Ontario radio station. Instead of keeping the calf, 22-year-old Westman-Frijters chose to give back to the community. The calf was sent to the... Read this article online