Ontario Sheep Farmers announced Art Alblas as chair Oct. 27 during the organization’s first in-person annual general meeting since the pandemic. “I am very pleased to be elected as chair of such a great organization with such a bright and prosperous future,” said Alblas, in a news release. “I look forward to the industry coming […] Read more
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Alblas replaces Hemsted as chair of Ontario Sheep Farmers
Three new directors join OSF board
OSF introduces new board members and executive director at AGM
Four newly elected members join board of directors
Ontario Sheep Farmers saw major turnover in staff and board members in 2022. Colleen Alloi, first vice-chair, Jay Lewis, second vice-chair and directors Heather Little and Gary Fox left the board, replaced by newly elected directors Jay Lennox, District 2, Ryan Schill, District 5, Karen Davis, District 8 and Jenna White, District 11. Art Alblas […] Read more
Ontario Sheep Farmers introduces new award
Emerging Leader award recognizes achievements of younger members
Jeff DeJong is the inaugural recipient of the Emerging Leader Award from the Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF). The new award celebrates and recognizes younger OSF members who demonstrate social responsibility, leadership and innovation and make notable contributions that positively impact Ontario’s sheep industry. “Jeff first started as a shepherd for another sheep farmer and had […] Read more
Ontario Sheep Farmers hires new executive director
The Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) have hired Erin Morgan as executive director. The OSF began an extensive search for a new executive director following former Executive Director Jennifer MacTavish announced she would be leaving the organization at its March annual general meeting. MacTavish held the role for nine years, and held the same role at […] Read more
Wool producers rebel over clothing sustainability claims
International wool organizations fight to ensure consumers aren’t fleeced by false sustainability claims
Canadian wool organizations support an international campaign that challenges the European Council’s methods of calculating Product Environmental Footprint (PEF). “Europe has a lot of the big fashion labels; they’re the ones that set the trend,” said Jane Underhill from Campaign for Wool. “I think that their investment in Europe is significant and that influences decision-making […] Read more
Wool could find its future in carpets
Canada’s wool is of decent quality -- but the product needs to find a market focus like Germany has in carpets, industry proponents say
Canada is sitting on a golden fleece of opportunity to lead North America in wool transformation if it can get the infrastructure in place. Jane Underhill, Canada’s International Wool Trade Organization (IWTO) deputy head of delegation, said wool produced in Canada is on par with that of Germany, one of the world’s top producers of […] Read more
New OSF funding program could help shepherds expand flocks
Scotiabank YMF livestock funding program provides funds to buy ewes and feeder lambs
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) wants to support flock expansion and has begun a first-of-its-kind financing program in partnership with Scotiabank. Previously only available for cash croppers, the Scotiabank Yield More Financing (YMF) program is now available for Ontario shepherds. Why it matters: The funding is designed to provide shepherds with the cash flow needed to […] Read more
New financing option available to sheep farmers in Ontario
Sheep farmers in Ontario now have access to a new short-term financing option to add animals to their operations as part of a new partnership between Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) and Scotiabank. The Scotiabank Yield More Financing program will allow OSF members to access funds to purchase ewes and/or feeder lambs as a revolving line of […] Read more
Lamb sees increased global market demand
Strong sales sparked by supply chain disruption, pandemic-related shortages of other animal proteins
Global meat protein supply gaps sparked by African swine fever (ASF) and the pandemic have created expansion potential for the sheep sector. Melissa Clark-Reynolds, a New Zealand entrepreneur, strategist and foresight practitioner, told those at the recent Ontario Sheep Farmers annual general meeting that the sheep sector has a bright future given current premium prices. […] Read more
Ontario Sheep Farmers launch new strategic plan
Group says plan positions it for future growth, challenges
Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF) unveiled a five-year strategic plan Oct. 28 entitled Building Strength for a Better Future. “Our new plan sets an ambitious and engaging path forward for the organization,” said John Hemsted, newly elected OSF chair and District 6 director. “We are well-positioned to seize the opportunities and address the challenges we heard […] Read more
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