We took the last of our ram lambs in to Hoards Station livestock auction last Tuesday, the 13th December. The prices were about $2 a pound live weight for 85 lb lambs.
The last sale before Xmas is usually the best of the year, but there were hardly any people there as the weather was cold, windy and snowy, and the usual farmer's market was closed for that reason.
We have been debating with some of our fellow sheep farmers whether it is better to ship lambs to Cookstown north of Toronto. It is a bigger market and the prices are a little better, but is it worth the $7 or so for trucking and then there is shrinkage- loss of weight due to lack of food and water during transportation and waiting to be sold.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Solar update
Well, we have just got the conditional contract offer from the Ontario Power Authority for the MicroFIT program, so the next step is to contact the solar panel installers and get the panels up on the barn roof.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Going solar
We have decided to participate in the Ontario governments MicroFIT solar energy program as we have a lovely long sheep loafing barn with a south facing roof-perfect for solar panels. We are getting a 10 KW system which will only take up part of the roof. This is the maximum allowed under the program in order to get the 8O.2 cents a KW hour that Ontario Hydro will pay. This is for a roof-mounted system. A ground mounted one pays a bit less.
An engineer came out yesterday and approved the structure, with a couple of minor repairs where Jim had managed to hit the support truss with his tractor. It needed to be fixed anyway.
We had already applied for a contract with the MicroFIT people. They are backlogged -what's new?- so it could take a few weeks before the panels arrive. Anyone thinking of doing this, please do not put any money down until you have one of these contracts signed and ready to go. If you apply now, you will have to wait until the new year for MicroFIT approval.
We will keep you posted as to our progress with this scheme.
REGION 8 SHEEP MEETING is on Monday 18th Oct at 7 p.m at the primary school near the hospital in Napanee. Sheri will be talking on sheep hoof trimming, horn dis-budding and other topics.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
OSMA talk on RIF tags
It was an interesting meeting at the Region 8 AGM on Monday night. There were at least 16 people present as all the sheep breeders are interested in the new RIF tagging system to be introduced in about a year from now.
The main concern of sheep producers is the high cost. The tags cost just under $2 each, which maybe OK for a cow or steer that is worth $1000, but not OK for a $150-$250 sheep.
Farmers with the largest herds were the most concerned, as most of their sales are to livestock sales barns for meat, and not such a high proportion of high end registered breeding stock.
One estimate of the costs per sheep in just one sale is about $20. This would include trucking, auction fees, OSMA check-off fees and tagging. This does not include the cost of feed, deworming etc.
OSMA check-off fees are also increasing, just to add to the financial burden a little more.
There was some discussion of funding of "borderline" or irrelevant research projects. People at the meeting felt there could be some cost cutting.
If you are concerned about this, please attend the OSMA meeting in Guelph in November.
I expect to be there.
The main concern of sheep producers is the high cost. The tags cost just under $2 each, which maybe OK for a cow or steer that is worth $1000, but not OK for a $150-$250 sheep.
Farmers with the largest herds were the most concerned, as most of their sales are to livestock sales barns for meat, and not such a high proportion of high end registered breeding stock.
One estimate of the costs per sheep in just one sale is about $20. This would include trucking, auction fees, OSMA check-off fees and tagging. This does not include the cost of feed, deworming etc.
OSMA check-off fees are also increasing, just to add to the financial burden a little more.
There was some discussion of funding of "borderline" or irrelevant research projects. People at the meeting felt there could be some cost cutting.
If you are concerned about this, please attend the OSMA meeting in Guelph in November.
I expect to be there.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Aussie joke
I thought you might enjoy this joke (not for kids)
The Ventriloquist:
The Ventriloquist:
An Australian ventriloquist visiting New Zealand walks into a Small village and sees a local sitting on his verandah patting his dog.
He figures he'll have a little fun, so he says to the Kiwi
'G'day, mind if I talk to your dog?'
Villager: 'The dog doesn't talk, you stupid Aussie.'
Ventriloquist: 'Hello dog, how's it going mate?'
Dog: 'Yeah, doin' all right.'
Kiwi: (look of extreme shock)
Ventriloquist: 'Is this villager your owner?' (pointing at the Villager)
Dog: 'Yep'
Ventriloquist: 'How does he treat you?'
Dog: 'Yeah, real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds me great food And takes me to the lake once a week to play.'
Kiwi: (look of utter disbelief)
Ventriloquist: 'Mind if I talk to your horse?'
Kiwi: 'Uh, the horse doesn't talk either...I think.'
Ventriloquist: 'Hey horse, how's it going?'
Horse: 'Cool'
Kiwi: (absolutely dumbfounded)
Ventriloquist: 'Is this your owner?' (Pointing at the villager)
Horse: 'Yep'
Ventriloquist: How does he treat you?
Horse: 'Pretty good, thanks for asking. He rides me regularly, Brushes me down often and keeps me in the shed to protect me from the Elements.'
Kiwi: (total look of amazement)
Ventriloquist: 'Mind if I talk to your sheep?'
Kiwi: (in a panic) 'The sheep's a f*****' liar
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Zone 8 Sheep Meeting
The next meeting of Zone 8 Sheep Producers Ontario will be held on Monday 20th September at 7. p.m at the St Charles school in Napanee. The school is located just north of the lights at the hospital.
There will be an election of officers for the AGM.
The guest speaker will be Marcus Wand, who will be answering questions on the new RIF tags sheep identification program.
There will be an election of officers for the AGM.
The guest speaker will be Marcus Wand, who will be answering questions on the new RIF tags sheep identification program.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Hastings Ploughing Match 2010
Once again, we manned the booth for the Ontario Katahdin Sheep Association at the annual Hastings Ploughing match. This was held at the Jarrell farm on Blessington Road near Belleville, so was quite close to us for a change.
We displayed 2 ewe lambs and an adult ram who is very friendly and nicely spotted so he attracted lots of attention, and he loved having kids pet him.
After 11,000- yes 11000 visitors came through on Wednesday we were both exhausted. We could have sold our entire flock of sheep about 10 times over. We did not have any ewes left for sale, even before the show.
We speculate that the reason for all the interest is the fact that a lot of baby boomers are retiring to the countryside, and want to have a hobby farm and a few sheep to keep them active and not bored. Sheep are easier to handle than cattle or horses being a lot smaller.
Of course, there was the obligatory thunderstorm on Thursday afternoon. There was a lot of wind and the roof of the tent next to us flew away. Our sturdy older tent managed to survive the storm without incident.
We displayed 2 ewe lambs and an adult ram who is very friendly and nicely spotted so he attracted lots of attention, and he loved having kids pet him.
After 11,000- yes 11000 visitors came through on Wednesday we were both exhausted. We could have sold our entire flock of sheep about 10 times over. We did not have any ewes left for sale, even before the show.
We speculate that the reason for all the interest is the fact that a lot of baby boomers are retiring to the countryside, and want to have a hobby farm and a few sheep to keep them active and not bored. Sheep are easier to handle than cattle or horses being a lot smaller.
Of course, there was the obligatory thunderstorm on Thursday afternoon. There was a lot of wind and the roof of the tent next to us flew away. Our sturdy older tent managed to survive the storm without incident.
Region 8 Sheep BBQ
Just a reminder to everyone involved that the Region 8 BBQ will be at our place on Sunday at 1 pm. No need to bring lawn chairs as we have lots of chairs. It is a potluck. E-mail if you need directions.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Talk on pasture management
It was a great talk on pasture management at the Ontario Katahdin Sheep Association's AGM held near Midland, Ontario. It was a three and a half hour drive for us to get there, but it was well worth the effort.
Jack Kyle who is a pasture specialist with the department of Agriculture, gave a very interesting and informed presentation. He suggested a formula for figuring out how many sheep could be kept on how much pasture for what length of time.
A good way to tell when to change pastures, he said, is to go out in the morning and see if the bottoms of your pants are wet from the dew. If they are, the grass is about six inches high and it is a good pasture for grazing. If only the shoes are wet, then it is time to switch to another pasture. He felt that most of our pastures are too big and should be divided up with an electric fence. Water should be taken to the pasture with a hose or using a water wagon on wheels, so that sheep do not have to expend extra energy walking back and forth to the barn for water.
Jack Kyle who is a pasture specialist with the department of Agriculture, gave a very interesting and informed presentation. He suggested a formula for figuring out how many sheep could be kept on how much pasture for what length of time.
A good way to tell when to change pastures, he said, is to go out in the morning and see if the bottoms of your pants are wet from the dew. If they are, the grass is about six inches high and it is a good pasture for grazing. If only the shoes are wet, then it is time to switch to another pasture. He felt that most of our pastures are too big and should be divided up with an electric fence. Water should be taken to the pasture with a hose or using a water wagon on wheels, so that sheep do not have to expend extra energy walking back and forth to the barn for water.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Agenda for OKSA meeting Sunday 25th April
Agenda for April 25, 2010 meeting of the O.K.S.A.
We would like to thank our gracious host Tom and Shanna Bourgeois, for letting us invade their farm today.
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Lunch will be served and is catered by Community Living South Huron.
12:30 pm – 12:45 pm
Meeting called to order.
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
Special speaker Jack Kyle who is a pasture specialist. He is speaking early as he has to leave right after.
1:30 pm – 1:50 pm
All in attendance will introduce themselves and give a little history about their family and their farm.
1:50 pm - 2:10 pm
Minutes of the last meeting will be discussed. We can bring up any discussion anyone might have pertaining to those minutes.
2:10 pm – 2:45 pm
Discussion of new business. Any info members would like to address.
I would like to address members to see who would like their farm and info on katahdinsheep.info as we can have a page for each member for whatever they would like to list.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Special speaker Judy Scott Weldon. She is a nationalist and is in communications field. She owns a marketing company.
3:15 pm – 3:55 pm
Elections held for the following positions:
President
Secretary / Treasurer
Directors
As well as other positions
4:00 pm
Meeting adjourned
Tracy & Garry Smith Oram-T Farms katahdinsheep.infooramteakatahdinsheep.com
We would like to thank our gracious host Tom and Shanna Bourgeois, for letting us invade their farm today.
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Lunch will be served and is catered by Community Living South Huron.
12:30 pm – 12:45 pm
Meeting called to order.
12:45 pm – 1:30 pm
Special speaker Jack Kyle who is a pasture specialist. He is speaking early as he has to leave right after.
1:30 pm – 1:50 pm
All in attendance will introduce themselves and give a little history about their family and their farm.
1:50 pm - 2:10 pm
Minutes of the last meeting will be discussed. We can bring up any discussion anyone might have pertaining to those minutes.
2:10 pm – 2:45 pm
Discussion of new business. Any info members would like to address.
I would like to address members to see who would like their farm and info on katahdinsheep.info as we can have a page for each member for whatever they would like to list.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Special speaker Judy Scott Weldon. She is a nationalist and is in communications field. She owns a marketing company.
3:15 pm – 3:55 pm
Elections held for the following positions:
President
Secretary / Treasurer
Directors
As well as other positions
4:00 pm
Meeting adjourned
Tracy & Garry Smith Oram-T Farms katahdinsheep.infooramteakatahdinsheep.com
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
All breeds sheep sale
Upcoming Sheep Sale at Hoard’s Station Sales Barn(near Campbellford, Ontario) on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 1 pm.Supported by OSMA District 8 Purebred or Commercial Mature/Yearlings/LambsMale/Female Sellers and Buyers needed!! Entry forms available from: Elwood Palmateer 613-968-8698orChris Byford 613-476-2380 Accommodations in area:Campbellford River Inn, 352 Front St. N- 705-653-1771 or 1-800-984-6665Waters Edge Inn, 149 Queen St, Campbellford, 705-653-4470 or 1-877-838-3343Other hotels in Belleville or TrentonRoom for camping trailers on sales barn property
Sunday, April 4, 2010
O.K.S.A Spring Meeting
The spring meeting of the Ontario Katahdin Sheep Association will be held at one of our member's farm in the Georgian Bay area, north of Barrie, Ontario. If you are a member and need more info or directions, phone Tom or Shanna at 705-835-6103. There will be a lunch at 12 followed by the meeting which should go on till about 3.15 p.m.
The date is April 25th 2010.
The location is quite far north, but it is hoped that it will attract some of our northern members who find it a long drive to the Niagara Pensinsula or Eastern Ontario where meetings have been held previously. It's only fair.
The date is April 25th 2010.
The location is quite far north, but it is hoped that it will attract some of our northern members who find it a long drive to the Niagara Pensinsula or Eastern Ontario where meetings have been held previously. It's only fair.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Our young llamas are old enough to leave now
Pedro, shown here is the only male this year. He has lots of lovely wool and would make a great sheep guard. He was born in October 2009.
The black one is a female called Cinderella. She is the same age, but has a different father.
The top one is probably the fanciest one. She is called Miss Hastings as her mother is Miss Canada. Second from the top is a young female called Umbra -so names as she is an unusual taupe colour. Contact us for prices and further details.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Cuba has sheep similar to ours
We just got back from a short holiday in Cuba, about an hour from Santiago di Cuba which is quite a large city, and not far from Guantanimo.
Goats and sheep are everywhere, although not on the menu at the hotels. I asked why that was, and the Cubans replied that the government provided food for the hotels. They gave them pork, beef and chicken, but not lamb and goat, as these went mostly to the local farmers markets. There is a little private enterprise allowed.
Anyway, the sheep were the Caribbean hair type and looked quite like Katahdins. As they also shed their wool, or do not have much to begin with, they are more suited to the hot and humid climate. They tended to be bit smaller than ours on average, but this was not from lack of grass, but due to the heat.
Goats and sheep are everywhere, although not on the menu at the hotels. I asked why that was, and the Cubans replied that the government provided food for the hotels. They gave them pork, beef and chicken, but not lamb and goat, as these went mostly to the local farmers markets. There is a little private enterprise allowed.
Anyway, the sheep were the Caribbean hair type and looked quite like Katahdins. As they also shed their wool, or do not have much to begin with, they are more suited to the hot and humid climate. They tended to be bit smaller than ours on average, but this was not from lack of grass, but due to the heat.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Eco Day at the Ramada Inn Cornwall, Ontario
Just a reminder that the annual "Eco Day" chaired by Tom Manley of Homestead Organics will be held on the weekend of 26th-28th February. Contact 613-932-7925.
District 8 meeting
The next meeting of District 8 will be held at the Napanee Charles school, at the East side of the hospital and North a few yards. It is on Monday 22nd February at 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
The subject is "Fencing and shelter for sheep" by Barretts of Stirling.
The subject is "Fencing and shelter for sheep" by Barretts of Stirling.
Sheep Day in Spencerville
There will be an annual "Sheep Day" in the Drummond Hall in Spencerville Fairgrounds at 8.30 a.m on February 20th. There will be a hot lunch provided. Contact 613-989-2792.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2009-2010 -Plan to join us !!!
Most meetings will be held at Westdale Park Public School on Richmond Park Dr in Napanee. Most meetings will start with a social time at 7 pm with business beginning at 7:30. We try to be finished by 9:30 pm.
*January - No Meeting
*February 22 - Fencing and Shelter Options with Richard Barrett from Barrett’s Farm Centre, Stirling
*March 22 -Potpourri of Ideas - Join us with your success tips or dismal failures!! We often learn best from our peers.
*April 17 -Working with Sheep Clinic with Fearnley Davies and Heide Elliott - see below
June 12- 10 am. Pasture Walk with Jack Kyle (OMAFRA Pasture Specialist) at the farm of Mark Ritchie and Cherry Allen at 570 Front Rd.,on Amherst Island (to the left after disembarking from the ferry). Ferry leaves mainland on the ½ hour. Please bring bag lunch - juice will be provided.
WORKING WITH SHEEP CLINIC
You are invited to learn or refresh your knowledge with 2 veteran sheep producers- Fearnley Davies and Heide Elliott. This workshop takes place on Saturday April 17 beginning at 10 am. This will be a hands on workshop showing tagging, tubing as well as offering many tips and tricks to decreasing lamb mortality. The workshop will take place at 2194 Rapids Rd just outside Tweed. For info or directions call Fearnley 613-478-3547 or Heide 613-478-3207. A chili lunch and coffee will be provided. Cost-to be determined but it won’t be expensive!!!
OMAFRA CONNECTS -Your Link to Ontario Agriculture
This is a web service provided by the Brighton office of OMAFRA to residents in Hastings, Prince Edward, Northumberland and Lennox and Addington. Our District meetings are announced using this venue. If you would like to join the list (no cost) then contact sue.yanch@ontario.ca
Our meetings are also announced on the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation. You can access them at www.frontenaccfdc.com
Most meetings will be held at Westdale Park Public School on Richmond Park Dr in Napanee. Most meetings will start with a social time at 7 pm with business beginning at 7:30. We try to be finished by 9:30 pm.
*January - No Meeting
*February 22 - Fencing and Shelter Options with Richard Barrett from Barrett’s Farm Centre, Stirling
*March 22 -Potpourri of Ideas - Join us with your success tips or dismal failures!! We often learn best from our peers.
*April 17 -Working with Sheep Clinic with Fearnley Davies and Heide Elliott - see below
June 12- 10 am. Pasture Walk with Jack Kyle (OMAFRA Pasture Specialist) at the farm of Mark Ritchie and Cherry Allen at 570 Front Rd.,on Amherst Island (to the left after disembarking from the ferry). Ferry leaves mainland on the ½ hour. Please bring bag lunch - juice will be provided.
WORKING WITH SHEEP CLINIC
You are invited to learn or refresh your knowledge with 2 veteran sheep producers- Fearnley Davies and Heide Elliott. This workshop takes place on Saturday April 17 beginning at 10 am. This will be a hands on workshop showing tagging, tubing as well as offering many tips and tricks to decreasing lamb mortality. The workshop will take place at 2194 Rapids Rd just outside Tweed. For info or directions call Fearnley 613-478-3547 or Heide 613-478-3207. A chili lunch and coffee will be provided. Cost-to be determined but it won’t be expensive!!!
OMAFRA CONNECTS -Your Link to Ontario Agriculture
This is a web service provided by the Brighton office of OMAFRA to residents in Hastings, Prince Edward, Northumberland and Lennox and Addington. Our District meetings are announced using this venue. If you would like to join the list (no cost) then contact sue.yanch@ontario.ca
Our meetings are also announced on the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation. You can access them at www.frontenaccfdc.com
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