Pastrage (I haven't found an equivalent in English)
Pastrage, or the shepherds' celebration, is a rural Provence tradition. The word pastrage comes from pastre, "shepherd" in Provençal. The celebration begins with the chief shepherd, who chooses the most beautiful suckling lamb and places it in a small wagon decorated with boxwood, ribbons, and candles. (Alternatively, in some villages, the wagon is filled with gifts and the youngest shepherd carries the lamb in his arms.) After the Gros Souper, everyone leaves for midnight mass: a ewe, the lamb's mother, pulls the wagon and the shepherds follow it down to the village, where they announce the birth of baby Jesus. The villagers join the parade with gifts, candles, and musical instruments.
The group heads to the church to offer the lamb and other gifts like fruit and bread to baby Jesus (in the crèche). The priest takes the lamb in his arms and tells the story of the trip the lamb and shepherds had to make to arrive in the village. Thus begins midnight mass.
There aren't many shepherds left today, but you can still see pastrage (or a re-creation) in many French villages, including Allauch, Barbentane, Les Baux de Provence, Eygalières, Fontvieille, Maussane, Saint Martin de Crau, Saint Michel de Frigolet, Saint Rémy de Provence, and Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer.
Courtesy of Laura's French language blog
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
District 8 meeting
The next meeting of the OSMA District 8 will be held at the school staff room in Napanee on Monday, November 23rd at 7p.m. Free refreshments.
Contact me for details
Contact me for details
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Carl Sagan's birthday
This has nothing much to do with sheep, except like us, they are part of the universe.
To commemorate Carl Sagan's birthday which is November 9th, there is a great song!
To commemorate Carl Sagan's birthday which is November 9th, there is a great song!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Terry Spicer on sheep shearing
Terry Spicer is giving a talk for District 8 about how to prepare for your sheep shearer's visit. This will be held at the school in Napanee on Monday, October 19th a 7 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend - you don't have to live in District 8 - just own sheep or be thinking about getting into the sheep farming business.
We have been selling young Katahdin rams for breeding stock and still have some left for sale. We also have a few adult Katahidn ewes and some ewe lambs for sale.
Sorry, we are sold out of guard llamas for this year.
Thank you Mr K.S. from Harrowsmith for the purchase of ths nice white ram.
Friday, September 11, 2009
District 8 sheep meeting
District 8 of Ontario Sheep meeting was held at the school just north of the hospital in Napanee last Tuesday. It was the AGM and the executive has stayed the same as last year. The guest speaker was Murray Hunt who is the new chairman of OSMA.
There was some discussion as to whether Ontario lamb should be classified as "Special" or whether it should take it's place next to cheap chicken by increasing production. It is obviously better to keep it as a luxury food.
There was further discussion on the added potential costs of the new RIF tags. The abattoirs as going to have to increase their charges to cover their costs in addition to our costs of the actual tags and the scanner/readers.
The next Distrist 8 meeting will be at the same location at the Charles school on Monday October 19th at 7p.m. Contact me if you need directions
Just for fun here are pictures of our new baby llamas -both females.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Expensive sheep
A sheep sells for price of a small house
As the most expensive sheep in the world, there is one thing Deveronvale Perfection can be sure of – at £231,000, he will never be made into lamb chops.
By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent
Published: 3:22PM BST 28 Aug 2009
John Yates, Chief Executive of the Texel Sheep Society, said the industry was shocked by the high price Photo: Tim Scrivener
The Texel shocked the agriculture world after selling for the astronomical sum at a livestock auction in Scotland.
The sale broke the last UK record of around £134,000 for a Texel tup - or ram - in 2002 and even the world record for a sheep in Australia in the 1980s.
But the lamb could make its new owner a good return, and go on to be worth millions after selling his progeny around the world.
The sheep was sold by Graham Morrison for 220,000 guineas - or £231,000 - at the Scottish National Texel Sale at Lanark Market on Thursday.
The February-born tup lamb, bred by embryo transfer, is the offspring of one of the breed’s leading tups, Kelso Oxygen, and a champion ewe, Knock Magnum.
It was bought by breeder Jimmy Douglas of Cairness, Aberdeenshire who as not available for comment on Friday.
John Yates, Chief Executive of the Texel Sheep Society, said the industry was shocked by the high price.
However he said the buyer would earn more over the long run by breeding, after selling the semen around the world.
Tophill Joe, the country's previously most expensive ram at £128,000, is thought to have earned his owners more than £1 million in five years.
"Most people would see it as a ridiculous price for a sheep but, for a sheep breeder, it is an investment," he said.
Mr Yates explained that Deveronvale Perfection not only has the right parentage but "looks good". Most importantly, the width of his loin, the muscle that runs up the back of the sheep and makes lamb chops, is a good size.
Texels are currently the most popular sheep for breeding in the UK because of the quality of the meat, which is another reason for the high price.
"Genetic and livestock breeding is all about uniqueness so if there is an animal with the right looks and the right pedigree you can be sure of a good return," he added.
The embryo transfer technique which produced Deveronvale Perfection saw multiple embryos from the best ewe extracted, and then artificially inseminated and transplanted into another ewe. This ensures the only the best bloodlines are bred from.
Jonathan Long, Livestock Editor at Farmers Weekly, said breeding is becoming more selective and prices could become even more expensive in the future.
"I know it seems like a lot to pay for a sheep and in some ways it is, but we are talking about the top end of pedigree breeding and the potential to make millions."
As the most expensive sheep in the world, there is one thing Deveronvale Perfection can be sure of – at £231,000, he will never be made into lamb chops.
By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent
Published: 3:22PM BST 28 Aug 2009
John Yates, Chief Executive of the Texel Sheep Society, said the industry was shocked by the high price Photo: Tim Scrivener
The Texel shocked the agriculture world after selling for the astronomical sum at a livestock auction in Scotland.
The sale broke the last UK record of around £134,000 for a Texel tup - or ram - in 2002 and even the world record for a sheep in Australia in the 1980s.
But the lamb could make its new owner a good return, and go on to be worth millions after selling his progeny around the world.
The sheep was sold by Graham Morrison for 220,000 guineas - or £231,000 - at the Scottish National Texel Sale at Lanark Market on Thursday.
The February-born tup lamb, bred by embryo transfer, is the offspring of one of the breed’s leading tups, Kelso Oxygen, and a champion ewe, Knock Magnum.
It was bought by breeder Jimmy Douglas of Cairness, Aberdeenshire who as not available for comment on Friday.
John Yates, Chief Executive of the Texel Sheep Society, said the industry was shocked by the high price.
However he said the buyer would earn more over the long run by breeding, after selling the semen around the world.
Tophill Joe, the country's previously most expensive ram at £128,000, is thought to have earned his owners more than £1 million in five years.
"Most people would see it as a ridiculous price for a sheep but, for a sheep breeder, it is an investment," he said.
Mr Yates explained that Deveronvale Perfection not only has the right parentage but "looks good". Most importantly, the width of his loin, the muscle that runs up the back of the sheep and makes lamb chops, is a good size.
Texels are currently the most popular sheep for breeding in the UK because of the quality of the meat, which is another reason for the high price.
"Genetic and livestock breeding is all about uniqueness so if there is an animal with the right looks and the right pedigree you can be sure of a good return," he added.
The embryo transfer technique which produced Deveronvale Perfection saw multiple embryos from the best ewe extracted, and then artificially inseminated and transplanted into another ewe. This ensures the only the best bloodlines are bred from.
Jonathan Long, Livestock Editor at Farmers Weekly, said breeding is becoming more selective and prices could become even more expensive in the future.
"I know it seems like a lot to pay for a sheep and in some ways it is, but we are talking about the top end of pedigree breeding and the potential to make millions."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hastings Plowing Match 2009
And I had always thought "plowing" was spelled "ploughing"!
I will be at the Hastings Plowing Match as usual with some of my Katahdin sheep. I plan on taking my very friendly ram, as he is great with kids, and a couple of ewe lambs.
We need to sell some meat as we are running out of freezer space.
I may need some help, so any volunteers would be appreciated.
My wife will be busy manning a table near the centre stage for Harvest Hastings where she will have bags of llama fire, some of her felted fibre art and some llama and alpaca knitting wool.
The Ploughing match is at the corner of Bronk Rd and Harmony Rd about 8 km north of the 401 on HWY 37 and 2km East. It is on Wed and Thursday next week- 19th and 20th August. See you there!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Meeting with Leona Dombrowsky
Last Monday, a few of the Hastings County sheep producers were invited to Leona Dombrosky's office in Belleville for a meeting. She informed them of some changes in agricultural policy that might be beneficial to sheep farmers, and in return we were allowed to ask a few questions.
One of the main concerns was large losses of livestock due to predators (coyotes, wolves) in the last few years. This was especially bad in Prince Edward County. It was suggested that a $200 grant be made available to farmers towards the purchase of guardian animals such as certain breeds of dogs, donkeys and llamas.
Questions were also raised about the effects of the combined GST/PST tax on farmers incomes.
McGuinty Government Rewards 14 Recipients For Their Innovations
NEWS June 5, 2009
Innovative ideas grown by Ontario farmers were celebrated today at a ceremony in Tweed honouring local winners of the province’s regional awards for innovation excellence. These fresh ideas are contributing to the local economy, boosting the agri-food industry and giving consumers more choice.
The Premier’s Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are part of a $2.5-million, five-year program (now in its third year) established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Local events across the province are recognizing 55 regional award winners, who are receiving $5,000 each for their innovations. Area winners presented with their awards today are:
Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association (Hampton, Durham Region)
CIPM Inc. (Madoc, Hastings County)
Ontario Water Buffalo Company (Stirling, Hastings County)
Quinte Organic Farmers Cooperative Inc. (Hastings and Northumberland Counties)
Kawartha Ecological Growers (Woodville, Kawartha Lakes County)
Windblest Farm (Lanark, Lanark County)
Wendy’s Mobile Market (Lyndhurst, Leeds & Grenville County)
Paul Goddard (Brighton, Northumberland County)
Ontario Lamb Improvement Breeding Strategy Replicating Breeder’s Association (Norwood, Peterborough County)
County Roots - Food Focus Program, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (Picton, Prince Edward County)
The County Cider Company (Picton, Prince Edward County)
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company (Picton, Prince Edward County)
Vicki’s Veggies (Milford, Prince Edward County)
Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative (Cobden, Renfrew County)
Winners of the $100,000 Premier’s Award and the $50,000 Minister’s Award were presented in April at the Premier’s Summit on Agri-Food.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s agri-food sector continues to lead through innovation. With these awards, we are recognizing and rewarding the creative ideas growing on farms and rural communities across this province. Together, we are building opportunities that will make our agri-food industry and economy stronger.”
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
In its first three years, the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence has attracted more than 550 applications highlighting on-farm innovations.
Ontario’s agri-food sector is one of the province’s leading industries, contributing more than $33 billion to the economy every year.
One of the main concerns was large losses of livestock due to predators (coyotes, wolves) in the last few years. This was especially bad in Prince Edward County. It was suggested that a $200 grant be made available to farmers towards the purchase of guardian animals such as certain breeds of dogs, donkeys and llamas.
Questions were also raised about the effects of the combined GST/PST tax on farmers incomes.
McGuinty Government Rewards 14 Recipients For Their Innovations
NEWS June 5, 2009
Innovative ideas grown by Ontario farmers were celebrated today at a ceremony in Tweed honouring local winners of the province’s regional awards for innovation excellence. These fresh ideas are contributing to the local economy, boosting the agri-food industry and giving consumers more choice.
The Premier’s Agri-Food Innovation Excellence awards are part of a $2.5-million, five-year program (now in its third year) established to recognize innovators who contribute to the success of Ontario’s agri-food sector.
Local events across the province are recognizing 55 regional award winners, who are receiving $5,000 each for their innovations. Area winners presented with their awards today are:
Durham Farm Fresh Marketing Association (Hampton, Durham Region)
CIPM Inc. (Madoc, Hastings County)
Ontario Water Buffalo Company (Stirling, Hastings County)
Quinte Organic Farmers Cooperative Inc. (Hastings and Northumberland Counties)
Kawartha Ecological Growers (Woodville, Kawartha Lakes County)
Windblest Farm (Lanark, Lanark County)
Wendy’s Mobile Market (Lyndhurst, Leeds & Grenville County)
Paul Goddard (Brighton, Northumberland County)
Ontario Lamb Improvement Breeding Strategy Replicating Breeder’s Association (Norwood, Peterborough County)
County Roots - Food Focus Program, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute (Picton, Prince Edward County)
The County Cider Company (Picton, Prince Edward County)
Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company (Picton, Prince Edward County)
Vicki’s Veggies (Milford, Prince Edward County)
Ottawa Valley Food Co-operative (Cobden, Renfrew County)
Winners of the $100,000 Premier’s Award and the $50,000 Minister’s Award were presented in April at the Premier’s Summit on Agri-Food.
QUOTES
“Ontario’s agri-food sector continues to lead through innovation. With these awards, we are recognizing and rewarding the creative ideas growing on farms and rural communities across this province. Together, we are building opportunities that will make our agri-food industry and economy stronger.”
- Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.
QUICK FACTS
In its first three years, the Premier’s Award for Agri-Food Innovation Excellence has attracted more than 550 applications highlighting on-farm innovations.
Ontario’s agri-food sector is one of the province’s leading industries, contributing more than $33 billion to the economy every year.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Ontario Katahdin Sheep Association AGM
The next AGM meeting of the OKSA will be held on April 18th 2009. It will probably be held at Neil Mesman's farm at Tavistock, Ontario. If you are interested in attending, please contact Neil at bigskyfarms@xplornet.com
or contact me at jim@sabinsfarm.com
or Tracy Smith oram-t@sympatico.ca. The position of vice-president is up for election.
or contact me at jim@sabinsfarm.com
or Tracy Smith oram-t@sympatico.ca. The position of vice-president is up for election.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Lamb co-op
We held a meeting at our farm last weekend (March 14th) to see if there were enough sheep farmers in our area interested in forming a lamb marketing co-op. The guest speaker was Keith Salisbury who spoke of his experiences in marketing sheep in the Ottawa region. We had a lamb lunch and about 14 sheep farmers were in attendance.
Keith felt that most producers are not getting enough for their lamb if they sell them live at the auction barns (for example Hoard's Station or Cookstown). He suggested that we could do better by getting together and supplying local high end restaurants and small grocery stores. They would need consistant size and quality. The carcasses should weigh 45-50lbs. He went on to describe the cuts of meat that customers wanted- rolled bones shoulders, legs, shanks, chops and rack of lamb. The rest (not much left over except the belly and the neck) could be made into lamburger. Vaccum packing is best,as this enable the customer to see the product. Most lamb sellers at farmers markets do not have the lamb on display and so do not get as good a price for it. Lamb may not be sold ealiy in farmers markets, but it may lead to "farm gate" sales, through the contacts.
He left us to check into local markets and see what we could come up with.
Keith felt that most producers are not getting enough for their lamb if they sell them live at the auction barns (for example Hoard's Station or Cookstown). He suggested that we could do better by getting together and supplying local high end restaurants and small grocery stores. They would need consistant size and quality. The carcasses should weigh 45-50lbs. He went on to describe the cuts of meat that customers wanted- rolled bones shoulders, legs, shanks, chops and rack of lamb. The rest (not much left over except the belly and the neck) could be made into lamburger. Vaccum packing is best,as this enable the customer to see the product. Most lamb sellers at farmers markets do not have the lamb on display and so do not get as good a price for it. Lamb may not be sold ealiy in farmers markets, but it may lead to "farm gate" sales, through the contacts.
He left us to check into local markets and see what we could come up with.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Eco Farm Day 2009
Today we attended the Canadian Organic Growers Eco Farm Day "The Business of Farming from Field to Fork!" It was held at the Ramada Inn in Cornwall in Eastern Ontario. There were people from all over, including the Eastern U.S.
Topics ranged from "Controlling internal parasites in sheep" or "How to design and build log fences" to the advantages and disadvantages of being a co-op or a corporation. There was even a presentation about how to set up and use a farm website or even write a blog. Fancy that! The presenter said that he couldn't find our website when he Googled Eastern Ontario Organic Farms, but we are not listed as an organic farm as we do not fit all the criteria (and we are too cheap to pay the high fees to join!)If you Google Katahdin Sheep Ontario, we are easy to find.
The speakers were excellent- not a boring one amongst them- and so was the lunch.
The commercial displays were all interesting and informative. We helped with one booth which was involved with marketing "Natural Lamb" There was a lot of interest and we ran out of business cards and brochures (Mental note: bring more next time) There must have been at least 400 people in attendance. It was hard to find a parking spot.
Organic or eco-friendly farming is definitely the way of the future
Topics ranged from "Controlling internal parasites in sheep" or "How to design and build log fences" to the advantages and disadvantages of being a co-op or a corporation. There was even a presentation about how to set up and use a farm website or even write a blog. Fancy that! The presenter said that he couldn't find our website when he Googled Eastern Ontario Organic Farms, but we are not listed as an organic farm as we do not fit all the criteria (and we are too cheap to pay the high fees to join!)If you Google Katahdin Sheep Ontario, we are easy to find.
The speakers were excellent- not a boring one amongst them- and so was the lunch.
The commercial displays were all interesting and informative. We helped with one booth which was involved with marketing "Natural Lamb" There was a lot of interest and we ran out of business cards and brochures (Mental note: bring more next time) There must have been at least 400 people in attendance. It was hard to find a parking spot.
Organic or eco-friendly farming is definitely the way of the future
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Katahdin sheep co-op in Eastern Ontario
Keith Salisbury is trying to start up a co-op with some seed money to be used by March in Eastern Ontario.
He asked me to be the Western representative which includes Belleville.
Keith has asked to have a few minutes to talk about it on Feb. 09 at the Zone 8 meeting in Napanee. We both raise Katahdin sheep and Keith uses a Dorper as a terminal sire. Other interested producers have similar sheep. The main idea of the co-op is to facilitate producer direct sales to store by cutting out the middle man. The producer will only need to deal with the abattoir.
The ideal railgrade (dressed weight) would be 40 to 45 lbs. Live weight would need to be about 90- 100lbs.
For more information e-mail me.
He asked me to be the Western representative which includes Belleville.
Keith has asked to have a few minutes to talk about it on Feb. 09 at the Zone 8 meeting in Napanee. We both raise Katahdin sheep and Keith uses a Dorper as a terminal sire. Other interested producers have similar sheep. The main idea of the co-op is to facilitate producer direct sales to store by cutting out the middle man. The producer will only need to deal with the abattoir.
The ideal railgrade (dressed weight) would be 40 to 45 lbs. Live weight would need to be about 90- 100lbs.
For more information e-mail me.
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