sheep
fectnetes
Volume 14, Issue J, January 1991
3 0 1991
Page
Market Report 1
Coming Events 5
Kim Stanford's Appointment 7
1991 Ram Test Station 8
Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission News 17
Wool News 24
Classifieds 29
ADVERTISING POLICY 32
Editor:
Advertising:
Wray Whitmore
Sheep Specialist
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
§204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
# 204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
PEACE PROSPERITY
HEALTH 6- HAPPINESS
Abata
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
Beef and Sheep Branch
Digitized
by the Internet Archive
i
in 2014
https://archive.org/details/sheepfoot1991
-1-
WEEKLY AVERAGE SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES
130 , , 130
120 -
H 110 -
CO
<
►J
c
Q
100 -
06-Jan-90 07-Apr-90 07--Jul-90 06-0ct-90
Weeks (to 30-Dec-90)
30-Dec-90
SHRUNK 95-110_LBS LAMBCO 1989 SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO
95-110 LBS TORONTO 80-95 LBS TORONTO
The slaughter lamb bid range at Lambco, in Innisfail remained steady at
$51.00 to $54.00 per cwt throughout the month of December. The slaughter volume
at the plant increased by 1,295 head over the previous month to 7,251 head,
which was about the same level as for December, 1989.
At the Edmonton Stockyards, lambs traded at steady prices to the previous
month. Earlier in December, 95-110 lbs. slaughter lambs sold for $42.75 to
$47.75 per cwt, while feeder lambs sold from $46.00 to $53.75 per cwt.
At the Toronto Stockyards, lamb prices strengthened on higher seasonal
demand with heavy slaughter lambs trading from $65.00 to $87.00 per cwt and 80
to 95 pound slaughter lamb prices ranging from $72.00 to $93.00 per cwt.
In the United States, wholesale lamb prices remained steady throught most
of the month, with slaughter lamb prices taking a firmer tone at the end of
December. The discount for heavy lamb carcasses widened further, with carcasses
under 55 pounds receiving a thirteen cents US per pound premium over carcasses
heavier than 65 pounds.
-2-
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOO LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT LAMBCO
CURRENT MON
DEC 1990
LAST MON
NOV 1990
YR AGO MON
DEC 1989
VOLUMES
DEC 1990
DEC 1989
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
53.00-56.00 53.00-56.00 53.00-56.00 51.00-54.00 52.50-55.50
64.00-67.00 64.00-67.00 64.00-67.00 64.00-67.00 64.00-67.00 64.00-67.00
1,622
1,396
1,639
1,774
2,060
2,437
1,053
1,627
877
1,251
7,251
7,284
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
75.00-87.00
65.00-77.00
65.00-85,00
DEC 1990
(77.38)
(72.43)
(74.01)
N/A
N/A
74.31
LAST MON
55.00-67.00
N.E.P.
70.00-80.00
60.00-80.00
NOV 1990
(63.44)
(72.22)
(69.17)
65.90
YR AGO MON
71.00-80.00
73.00-86.00
68.00-76.00
DEC 1989
(73.94)
(79.02)
(74.98)
N.E.P.
N.E.P.
76.13
DEC/90 VOLUME
76
96
174
346
AVG WEIGHT
105.5
101.9
99.7
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD
LAMBS 80-95
_BS AT TORONTO
PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
75.00-89.00
74.00-93.50
72.00-90.00
DEC 1990
(82.43)
(81.91)
(78.56)
N/A
N/A
80.56
LAST MON
65.00-78.00
60.00-80.00
70.00-95.00
70.00-95.00
NOV 1990
(70.30)
(73.61)
(81.34)
(81.66)
77.28
YR AGO MON
75.00-102.00
75.00-100.00
70.00-100.00
69.00-86.00
DEC 1989
(85.07)
(83.75)
(80.73)
(76.63)
N.E.P.
80.86
DEC/90 VOLUME
130
290
316
736
AVG WEIGHT
85.6
86.2
85.1
Prices quoted for 95-110 lb lambs are bid prices at Lambco and auction prices at Toronto
Public Stockyards for good quality lambs. The lower end of the Alberta price range
reflects bids for short haul unshrunk lambs, while the upper end of the range represents
bids for long haul or shrunk lambs. Producers delivering to the Toronto Public Stockyards
pay commission and yardage fees for each animal sold. Producers delivering to Lambco pay
$l/head checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission.
The Toronto auction price is from the Special Sheep and Lamb Sale held on Monday each week.
N.E.P - No established price
JO ANN CMOLUCH
MARKET ECONOMIST
Market Analysis Branch
(403) 427-4002
^^^^^
A m e r
i c a n
S h
e e
d u s t r y Assoc
i a t
o n
TYPE OF
TYPE
PRICE
AREA
SHEEP
OF SALE
HEAD
LBS.
WEIGHING CONDITIONS
($/CWT.)
MOLNiAIN
Colorado
Mixed
Auction
375
105-125
75% feeder lambs, wooled
46.00-4:1.00
Colorado
Spring
Auction
225
120-140
Choice & prime, wooled
42.00-45.00
Mont&ru
Feediot
Direct
362
120
Choice & prime, wooled, FOB overnight
45.00
Colorado
Feeder
Auction
250
75-95
Choice & fancy, wooled
48.00-5 1. 00
Montana
Feeder
Direct
1G00
60-75
Choice A fancy, wooled, FOB overnight
50.00
Montana
Feeder
Auction
700
50-75
Choice & fancy, wooled
49.00-53.75
Montana
Feeder
Auction
2500
75-90
Choice * fancy, wooled
45.25-50.2*
Montana
Feeder
Auction
2100
90-100
Choice tk fancy, wooled
43.25-45.50
WyoTiing
Feeder
Direct
5 M0
83
Choice & fancy, woc'ed, FOB overnight
40.2S
l/onuna
SL Bwe
Auction
175
Utiiity
19.50-21.75
Colorado
St Ewe
Direct
700
Running A.ge (per hd.)
67.00
SOUTiJ CENTRAL
Spring
Auction
250
107-125
Choioa & prime, wooled
46.00-50.25
Texas
Spring
Auction
500
100-130
Choice & prime, wooled & shorn
50.00-54.50
Texas
Feediot
Direct
11000
110-125
Choice & prime, shorn, 5i% yield guar.
48.00-50.00
Texas
Feediot
Direct
1500
110-125
Choice & prime, shorn, FOB 4% sbr.
48.rO-50.Cd
Tex*
Feeder
Auction
aoo
40-60
Choice & fiery, woo!^
5*3.00-*? 00
TCXM
Feed-4
Auction
600
50-70
Choice & fancy, wooieo
Ttx-u
Focder
Auction
900
70-80
Choice & fancy, wooled
51.00-54.50
Texu
Feeder
Auction
850
80-90
Choice & fancy, wooled
49.00-54.50
Texts
Feeder
Auction
500
90-100
Choice & fancy, wooled
48.00-54.00
Texas
SI. Ewe
Auction
400
Good
32.00-37.00
Texas
SI. Ewe
Auction
1400
Utility
27.00-35.50
Texas
SL Ewe
Auction
500
Cull
20.00-27.00
Texaa
St Ewe
Auction
350
70-80
Ewe lambs
54.00-58.00
NORTE CENTRAL
Illinois
Spring
Direc;
200
90-130
Choice & prime, wooled
42.00-44.00
Illinois
Spring
Auction
200
100-145
Choice & prime, wooled & shorn
40.00-44.50
IA-IL
Spring
Computer
380
117
$.30 off @ 130 lbs., $2 wooled disc, 3% shr.
54.75
Iowa
Spring
Auction
475
110-138
Choice & prime, wooled
45.60-51.00
Iowa
Spring
Auction
175
94-110
Choice & prime, wooled
43.50-47.50
IA-S.MN
Spring
Direct
2500
115-130
Choice & prime, shorn, FOB or delivered
46.00-49.00
1A-S.MN
Spring
Direct
3000
111-130
Choice & prime, wooled, FOB or delivered
44.00-49.00
Minnesou
Spring
Computer
390
125
$.30 off over 120 lbs., $2 wooled disc, 3* shr.
50.00
Minnesou
Spring
Auction
225
116-125
Choice & prime, shorn
48.00-50.00
Minnesou
Spring
Auction
775
100-130
Choice & prime, wooled
44.00-48.00
Nebraska
Spring
Auction
375
110-130
Disc, over 130 & under 1 10 lbs., $2 wooled disc
45.00-47.00
N.Dakou
Spring
Computer
385
126
$.30 off over 130 lbs., shorn, 3% shr.
47.75
N.Dakota
Spring
Computer
396
123
$.30 off over 120 lbs., $2 wooled disc, 3% shr.
47.75
S. Dakou
3pring
Auction
1600
114-138
Choice & prime, shorn
48.00-51.00
S. Dakota
Spring
Auction
2500
98-130
Choice & prime, wooled
46.00-50.85
Iowa
Feeder
Auction
200
81-95
Choice & fancy, wooled
45.00-50.00
Minnesou
Feeder
Auction
775
60-90
Choice & fancy, wooled
48.00-52.00
Minnesota
Feeder
Auction
475
60-90
Choice, wooled
45.00-48.00
Minnesou
SI Ewe
Auction
175
Utility & good
17.00-20.00
EASTERN
Michigan
Spring
Auction
750
100-120
$.25 off £ 120 lbs., $2 wooled disc
45.00-50.00
Perm.
Old Crop
Auction
500
80-105
Choice, wooled
45.00-53.00
Penn.
Spring
Auction
275
20-30
Choice & prime, wooled
170.00-220.00
Penn.
Spring
Auction
Ann
in_ ^<
JU- 43
Choice Sc. prime, wooled
IjKJ.w-IUS.w
Penn.
Spring
Auction
400
45-60
Choice & prime, wooled
100.00-150.00
Penn.
Spring
Auction
200
60-80
Choice Sc. prime, wooled
100.00-120.00
Virginia
Spring
Computer
403
95-125
Choice & prime, $2 wooled & $3 low choice disc
50.50
Virginia
Spring
Auction
300
95-125
Choice & prime, wooled
41.00-47.00
Virginia
Spring
Auction
155
85-125
Choice, wooled
42J0-50.25
Michigan
Feeder
Auction
250
75-90
Choice & fancy, wooled
47.00-52.00
Virginia
Feeder
Auction
250
70-85
Choice & fancy, wooled
49.00-53.00
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
FEDERALLY INSPECTED SLAUGHTER ^H«d)
% THIS
* THIS
%
WEEK
WEEK WEEK
1990
THIS
vt
vg ENDING
TOTAL
WEEK
LAST
LAM 12/0 L/W
YEA 1
1989
150
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR (actual)
lu DA 1 E
TOTAL
SHEEP
114,000
+2.7
-1.0 107,497
5,447,000
+2.8
140
CATTLE 651,000
+4.0
+4.2 602,464
32,511,000
-1.8
CALF
35,000
0.0
-16.9 36,197
1,751.000
-16.7
130
HOGS
1,746.000
-3.3
+ 14.7 1,840,635
83,160,000
-4.0
RED MEAT PRODUCTION (million pound*)
120
% THIS
% THIS
%
WEEK
WEEK WEEK
1990
110
THIS
VI
vs ENDING
TOTAL
VI
WEEK
LAST
LAST 11/24/90
YEAR
1989
100
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR (actual)
TO DATE
TOTAL
LAMB
7.2
+3.0
-5.1 5.8
341.0
+4.4
90
BEEF
443.6
+3.5
+3.8 372.0
21,760.9
-1.4
VEAL
6.5
+0.8
+11.2 5.4
297.4
-7.5
80
PORK
316.6
-4.3
+17.2 269.5
14,620.1
•5.1
TOTAL
773.9
+0.2
+8.9 652.7
37,019.4
•22
DRESSED WEIGHT
PERCENT LAMB SLAUGHTER
THIS WEEK (EST.)
64
12/01/90
94.1
1 1/24/90 (ACT.)
65
12V02/89
95.0
AS OF DECEMBER 21,1990
AVERAGE WEEKLY F.I. SLAUGHTER
HEAD (Thousand*)
I 1 I 1 1 I I I I I I I I '. I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I i I I I
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY J UN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE AS1 MARKET §4 FORMATION / USDA
1990
WHOLESALE LAMB MARKET
NORTHEAST
FOB RIVER
LOS ANGELES
BAY AREA
♦ 60 lbs. & down
55 lb-down
$1.20
$1.15
55-65 lbi
$1.13
$1.08
LESS THAN CARLOT
$1.19-1.20* $1.13-1.15"
$1.21* $1.18**
** 60-65 lbc.
65-75 lbi
$1.08
$1.03
$1.08-1.10
$1.15
Prices closed steady in the Northeast and on the River for ail
carcass categories weight 75 lbs. and down. Carcasses weighing
75-85 lbs. brought prices 5 cents lower than a week ago, settling at
$.98-1.03 and $.93-.98 on the River. In Los Angeles, Calif., light
carcasses were steady to $1 higher while middle and heavy car-
casses were steady to $2 lower. Light carcasses in San Francisco,
Calif., were $1 higher, middle and heavy carcasses held steady.
EAST COAPT WHOLESALE PRICE
WESQh i cD AVERAGE ALL WEIGHTS
PERCWT.
JAN FEB kMR
APR MAY J UN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE: ASI MARKET ^FORMATION / USOA
DISTRIBUTIVE CUT MARKET
& RETAIL FEATURE ACTIVITY
Rack prices showed major improvement this week. In the North-
east, rack prices were 5-10 cents higher while legs and loins held
steady. Chuck prices were 5 cents lower in the Noruieast and 3
cents lower in San Francisco, Calif. Rack prices in the Bay area were
30 cents higher while the remaining cuts held steady. In Los
Angeles r Calif., racks moved 14 cents higher, chucks were steady to
5 cents higher, and legs were steady to 10 cents lower. The
Northwest had good holiday feature activity, especially on loins.
Coolers there are balanced with good rotation of product
N02TK-
BAY
LOS
NORTH
ITEM
EAST
AREA
ANGELES
WEST
CHUCK CROSS CUT
$.65-. 85
No Quote
No Quote
No Quote
CHUCK SQUARE CUT
No Quote
$1.12*
$1.00-1.05*
$1.09*
SINGLE LEG
No Quote
$2.05*
$1.89-1.95*
$1.99*
DOUBLE LEG
$130-1.60
$1.75
$1.65-1.75
No Quote
LOIN
$1.25-1.50
$3.05*
$2.90*
$3.05*
RACK 7 UP
$2.50-2.80
$3.05
$2.89*
$3.05*
PORB SADDLE
No Quote
$1.25
$1.15-1.25
No Quote
HIND SADDLE
$1.40-1.55
$1.72
$1.52-1.70
No Quote
Trimmed and/or vacuumed packed
EAST COAST CUT PRICES
AVERAGE
CENTS PER POUND
350 Y
CROSS CUT CHUCK DOUBLE LEO UNTRIMMED LOIN RACK
SOURCE: ASI MARKET INFORM ATION/USDA
BP THIS WEEK £11 LAST YEAR
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
Attention Smoky Lake and area sheep producers.
An evening seminar will take place tonight at 7:30
P.M. at the D.A. office in Smoky Lake. Topics to
be covered include lambing preparation and ewe and
lamb nutrition. Everyone is welcome. For further
information contact Don at 656-3613.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #J, Hestlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
Lambing Seminar, Lakeland College, Vermilion.
Course starts at 9:00 A.M. and runs through to
4:30 P.M. Instructors are Susan Hosford and Wray
Whitmore. Seminar will include hands on
experience in the barn along with theory in the
classroom. Cost for seminar is $55.00. For
further information contact Barb Dixon at
853-8515.
Lambing Seminar, Sudon Farm, Edberg, Alberta.
Seminar begins at 1:00 P.M. and will run through
to 4:30-5:00 P.M. Bring clean coveralls and
boots. To register for course, contact Susan at
877-2226 or Uray at 427-5083.
Attention all Stony Plain and area sheep
producers. An evening sheep seminar will take
place tonight starting at 7:00 P.M. in the D.A.
office in Stony Plain. All sheep producers are
welcome to attend. For further information
contact Ty at 963-6101.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
-6-
February 4
Annual Lambing Clinic. Olds College Sheep Barn.
Hosted by Olds College. Come out for hands-on
lambing experience. For more information call
Mike at 224-3743 or Kim at 556-8202.
February 12
Ponoka Sheep Producers Club. Do you know the
rules that govern selling lamb off your farm? If
you plan to develop new markets for your lamb, you
must follow meat hygiene regulations. Tonights
speaker will explain thesn rues and answer any
questions that you may hi .. For further
information contact John at 7bh-3511 or Brian at
783-7072.
February 12
Rocky View Sheep Producers meeting in Airdrie
Provinc'ii Agricultural Building Seminar Room #1
at 7:00 P.M. All interested persons welcome. For
more information call Joe at 948-3138 or Bill at
948-5773.
February 14
February 23
March 14
March 30
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, IOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Westlock, TOG 210,
phone 349-5203.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB 1W, phone 878-3784.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Easter Lamb Sale 40-60 lbs, Special Goat Sale.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Hestlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
- r-
Press Release
January 7, 1990
Kim Stanford Named Southern Sheep Specialist
Ross Gould, head of Alberta Agriculture's animal management section
of the beef cattle and sheep branch, has announced the appointment of
Kim Stanford, P.Ag. as a provincial sheep specialist. She will be based
at the Alberta Agriculture regional office in Airdrie to replace Cathy
Gallivan, as the sheep specialist for the southern half of the province.
Ms. Stanford grew up on a mixed farm in southern Alberta. She
received a B.Sc. in Agriculture (with distinction) in 1983 and went on
to complete a Master of Science degree in Animal Genetics from the
University of Alberta in 1987.
She began her professional career as a technician in reproductive
physiology at the Agriculture Canada research station in Lethbridge in
1986 and has co-authored two scientific papers on reproductive function
in bulls with Dr. Glenn Coulter. Since 1988 she has been head research
technician for the sheep program at the station. Her work has included
reproductive evaluation of rams, nutritional studies in lamb growth,
lamb carcass evaluations, and assessing wool quality.
As sheep specialist for southern Alberta Kim Stanford will use both
her professional training and her practical experience to assist
producers with all aspects of sheep production. She will also be
responsible for managing the provincial sheep record of performance
ram test station at the Olds College.
-8-
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
#204, 7000 -113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6H 5T6 Fax 403/427-1057
January 2, 1990
Dear Sheep Producer:
Enclosed are information and application materials for vne 1991 Alberta
Ram Test Station and Sale. The entry dates for next year's test are
March 6th, March 20th and April 3rd.
The Facilities at Olds College will allow us to house the rams in large
paddocks (approximately 80' X 300') with portable shelter sheds, similar
to the accommodation in which white-faced rams have performed so well for
in past years. This will allow us to house groups of rams more
equitably and eliminate crowding.
There are a few changes to the rules this year, particularly relating to
fees and preregi strati on. These changes have been necessary as a result
of the dramatic increase in number of rams tested in the past two years
and as a result of the improved facilities. Please read this
information carefully, and when you have decided how many rams to enter
this year, fill out the attached form and return it to me by February
15th, to guarantee your pen space. RAMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN
PREREGISTERED WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE TEST STATION.
If you have any questions or comments about the 1991 Alberta Ram Test
Station, please do not hesitate to contact me at 948-8517.
I hope you are all enjoying a good lambing.
Yours truly,
-9-
1991 ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION
OLDS COLLEGE
ENTRY DATES
I March 6, 1991
II March 20, 1991
III April 3, 1991
VETERINARY INSPECTION (New Contributors or
Out of Province Contributors)
Please, as soon as you have decided to
enter rams into this year's test, contact
the Station Manager, Kim Stanford at
403-948-8517 to obtain a pre-entry
veterinary inspection form to be filled
out by your veterinarian when your flock
is inspected. The cost of this pre-entry
inspection is the responsibility of the
contributor.
1991 ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION REGULATIONS
I. ELIGIBILITY
1. Any sheep breeder may enter ram lambs which are registered or
eligible for registration. Ewe lambs will not be accepted on
test.
2. Ram lambs born in the fall of 1990 or later will be eligible
for test.
3. Ram lambs which have been shorn will not be eligible for test.
4. Due to space restrictions, in 1991, only producers who have
preregistered and paid deposits for their rams will be
admitted. It is understandable if producers brine f r rams
than expected, but lambs in excess of the number preregistered
will not be accepted. There is no limitation on the number of
lambs a breeder may enter on test. However, if pen space
becomes a problem, those breeders entering more than ten rams
may be required to limit their entries.
5. All rams must have their feet trimmed and be tattooed prior to
entry. The only exception will be for new breeders who have
not yet received their flock letters.
6. Sheep which come from a bluetongue area as defined by
Agriculture Canada will not be accepted.
7. With regard to test rams from new contributors, their flocks
of origin must be inspected by authorities acceptable to
station management and found free from clinical evidence of
communicable diseases arid, insofar as can be determined, free
from exposure to any communicable diseases during the 90 days
immediately preceding entry. The cost of the inspection shall
be borne by the contributor.
-10-
8. Repeat contributors are requested to examine their test rams
and flocks of origin for clinical evidence of communicable
diseases and to determine whether their rams and flocks were
exposed to any communicable diseases during the 90 days
immediately preceding entry. If there is clinical evidence of
communicable diseases and/or a recent history of exposure,
those contributors have a moral and legal obligation to
voluntary withdraw their test rams.
9. Any contributor may be subject to a flocl health inspection at
the discretion of the station managemer. L
10. Test rams will be inspected at entry and must be found free
from clinical evidence of infectious diseases and, insofar as
can be determined, free from exposure to any communicable
diseases during the ^0 days immediately preceding entry.
11. Please be aware that if one or more rams submitted by a
contributor have clinical evidence of soremoutn or any other
communicable disease, their entire group will be rejected.
12. Any test ram may be refused entry for any unsoundness
condition which may result in it being culled from the sale
after completing test.
13. At delivery to the test station, live weight of each lamb must
be 22.7-34.1 kg (50-75 lb) for Suffolk and Hampshire lambs or
20.5-31.8 kg (45-70 lb) for other breeds.
II. PROCEDURES
1. Rams which are eligible for entry will be:
a. given a test station eartag (large plastic tags or tags
which are causing damage to the ears will be removed at
this time)
b. fecal sampled
c. dewormed (Ivomec)
d. given an 8-way vaccination
e. given a Hemophilus vaccination
f. footbathed in a zinc sulphate solution
2. During the course of the test, all rams will be:
a. blood sampled for Brucella ovis
b. given one 8-way booster
c. given two Hemophilus boosters
3. All lambs will be fed free-choice a pelleted ration and hay.
Loose salt and mineral will also be available at all times.
Each pen will have automatic waterers.
4. All lambs will be fed in groups such that lambs of different
entry groups, sizes and breeds are kept as separately as
possible.
-11-
5. Following a 14 day adjustment period, all lambs will commence
a 56 day performance test. They will be weighed on test and
every two weeks thereafter. On test, mid test and off test
weights will be the average of weights taken on two
consecutive days. Reports will be mailed to all contributors
every two weeks beginning when the first entry group reaches
the mid test point.
6. Following the completion of test, a final performance report
will be issued which will include:
a. actual on test and off test weights of each ram
b. average daily gain on test of each lamb
c. average daily gain index of each lamb within breed
d. ultrasonic backfat measurement of each lamb
7. CONTRIBUTORS MUST SUBMIT THREE GENERATION PEDIGREES,
REGISTRATION PAPERS AND SIGNED TRANSFERS FOR EACH LAMB.
REGISTRATION PAPERS MUST BE IN THE HANDS OF THE TEST STATION
MANAGER BY CULLING DATE. IF THESE ARE NOT RECEIVED BY JUNE
17TH, 1991 THE RAM WILL BE CULLED FROM THE SALE.
8. Only the lambs which gain above the average for their breed
will be further considered for sale. These rams will be shorn
and subjected to a physical cull. (Rams which pass the
physical cull will be eligible for sale.)
9. Contributors with lambs eligible for sale are not obliged to
enter them in the sale. Lambs may be removed from the test
station at any time after the off test weighing.
10. No animals will be released from the test station prior to the
end of test without permission of the station manager. The
manager reserves the right to reject any animal during the
test and request the owner to remove if from the test station.
11. Visitors to the test station while lambs are on test are
encouraged, but interested persons are advised to contact Kim
Woolfitt (556-3202) prior to their arrival.
Ill FEES
1. Alberta Agriculture will provide the test station, the
required manpower, facilities, technical assistance and
supervision. Breeders entering rams on test shall pay for the
feed, extra veterinary expenses and sale costs only.
2. The fee for 1990 will be $50 per lamb entered on test. Half
of this fee must be paid upon preregistration of the lambs and
the remainder on delivery to the station.
3. Since Alberta Agriculture is subsidizing the test station and
sale to the level of approximately $50 per lamb, contributors
from outside the province will be required to pay an
additional $50 per lamb above the aforementioned fee.
-12-
4. For a premium of $5 per lamb, contributors may insure their
rams against death loss between the time of entry and the fall
of the hammer. Payout will be determined by dividing the
number of insured rams which die into the total collected
premium. Payout shall not exceed $150 per head. Any surplus
in collected premiums will be refunded each year to
contributors who purchase this insurance.
5. Cheques or money orders for fees should be made payable to
Olds College.
6. All fees connected with the test station muse be paid before
the animals are released.
COMMITTEES
1. The Alberta Sheep ROP Advisory Board reserves the right to
make all decisions regarding the ram test station.
2. The committee consists of:
a. Two producers appointed by the Alberta Sheep Breeders
Association - Mr. Clarence Jones and Mr. Tom Seaborn
b. Two producers appointed by the Alberta Sheep & Wool
Commission - Ms. Morag Othen and Mr. Pat Barott
c. Agriculture Canada - Mr, Garth Colpitts
d. Veterinary Services - Dr. Ray Fenton
e. Chairman - Mr. Ross Gould, Alberta Agriculture
f. Ms. Kim Stanford - Test Station Manager
g. Mr. Wray Whitmore - Home Test Coordinator
3. The Culling Committee consists of two purebred breeders who
are not test station contributors and one commercial producer
representing buyer interests.
-13-
ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION SALE
REGULATIONS
I. ELIGIBILITY
1. Entries for the ram sale will consist only of rams which have
been tested in the ram test station.
2. All animals entered for sale must have gained above the
average for their breed, have passed the physical cull and be
in sound health on sale day.
3. All animals offered for sale must have been owned by the
contributor at least 60 days prior to the sale.
4. All animals entered for sale must be identified in accordance
with the requirements of Canadian National Livestock Records.
Tattoo and tags must correspond with the registration
appl i cat ions.
II. ORDER OF SALE FOR SHEEP
1. The ram with the highest average daily gain will sold
first, regardless of index. Thereafter, rams will be sold in
descending order of index.
2. For human health reasons, rams which are otherwise eligible
for sale which have clinical evidence of soremoutit on sale day
will not be eligible for viewing and/or handling in the sale
barn prior to the sale. These rams will be sold throjgh the
sale ring after the soremouth-free rams.
3. All of the yearling rams from the wool breeds test will be
sold together at the mid point of the sale in >rder
of Overal 1 Index.
III. SALE PROCEDURES
1. At every sale, each bid shall be an offer by t. :e .be
deemed accepted by the fall of the hammer of t neer,
and thereupon a contract of sale shal l oe create;*
2. No purchaser shall retract a bid after the hamme s.
3. Immediately after each purchase is declare I nal is
removed from the sale ring to the pen by the sal • the risk
thereof shall be exclusively with the purchaser, itil
such settlement is made in terms of these conditions, the
delivery of the animal or animals shall not be mad<
4. Before the animal can be removed from the building, the buyer
must present to the doorman an order signed by srk and
give a receipt for the animal. This order must be f<; with
the doorman and will be evidence of the delivery of the stock.
-14-
Owners of animals that have been passed through the ring or
have not been sold should procure an order from the cashier's
office before removal.
5. Alberta Agriculture and/or Olds College shall have the power
to give receipts in full for all payments on stock and will
remit the amount realized, less the proper charges for each
animal, to the seller thereof, as quickly as possible after
the sale.
IV. FEES
1. The cost of registration and transfer of ownership of the
animal will be the responsibility of the owner and will be
deducted from the sale proceeds.
2. Any test fees still owing to the Alberta Ram Test Station will
be deducted from the sale proceeds.
3. To help cover the costs of advertising and running the sale, a
commission of 5% will be charged in 1991.
V. PURCHASERS
1. All purchases must be settled for during or immediately after
the sale.
2. For a premium of $20 per lamb, buyers may insure rams for a 30
day period following the sale. Insured value shall be deemed
the lesser of purchase price or $300.
VI. BREEDING GUARANTEE
1. Contributors to this sale guarantee that, subject to proper
treatment, with care and exercise, all animals are warranted
for a period of six months following the sale to be breeders.
2. In case an animal proves to be a non-breeder, and providing
the purchaser notifies the contributor within six months and
proves his case, the contributor shall make adjustment and
shall have the opportunity of selecting one of the following
options:
a. refund one-half of the purchase price
b. take the animal back and provide one of equal value,
the contributor paying the transportation charges on
the animal returned and the purchaser paying
transportation charges on the replacement
c. take the animal back, paying transportation charges
on same and refund total purchase price.
3. The seller shall have the right, if he so desires, to try a
ram for 30 days before making final adjustments to determine
the ram's usefulness as a breeder.
-15-
4. Any contributor refusing to make adjustments of claims
approved by the Advisory Committee may be refused the
privilege of future test station sales.
VII. STATION MANAGEMENT
1. The Station Management will act as Agent only.
2. Every care will be exercised by the Station Management to
prevent injury to or loss of property, and to ensure the
prompt collection and delivery of animals to the proper
destination, but the Station Management, acting as a medium
between the buyer and seller, will not be responsible for any
loss or damage whatsoever that may occur, or for any failure
on the part of buyer or seller to live up to their
obi i gat ions.
3. Neither will the Station Management assume any financial
obligation to collect or enforce collection of any monies
between parties, and any legal action that may, in exceptional
cases, be taken, must be between the buyer and seller
themselves.
4. In all cases however, the influence of the Station management
will be exerted as far as possible, to hold all parties
strictly to these regulations.
5. The Station Manager shall have the power to reject any entry.
6. The Station Management reserves the right to decide any point
not covered by the rules but necessary to the proper
regulation and management of the sale.
7. The Station Management is responsible to the seller only for
the proceeds of the sale when received.
-16-
1991 ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION
PREREGISTRATION FORM
NAMES: PHONE: _
ADDRESS:
ENTRV DATE NUMBER OF RAMS BREED
It is hereby understood that all lambs submitted by me to the
1991 Alberta Ram Test Station and Sale are at my risk, and that
neither Alberta Agriculture, Olds College nor any persons
employed by them will be liable in the event of death, sickness
or injury to animals entered into the above programs. I consent
to the publication of data relating to the performance of rams
which I enter.
I have read the rules of the test station and sale and agree to
abide by them.
SIGNED:
(Contributor)
Please return this form with a $25 deposit per ram to:
Kim Stanford
Sheep Specialist
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
403-948-8517
MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO OLDS COLLEGE.
-17-
Alberta
sheep « weel
Commission
#212, 6715 - 8th STREET N.E.
Calgery, Aiboria
Canada T2E 7H7
Phone: (403) 295-1968
Fax: (403) 275-8009
Market Line (403) 295-3122
ALBERTA WOOL
A PgRSPECTIVE ON PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE MARKETING
BY: WILL VERBOVBN, SECRETARY -MANAGER
Most sheep producers in Alberta will tell you that being in the
sheep business is not an easy exercise* Like producers of other
Agricultural Commodities, they are faced with the daunting
challenge of producing their product cheaply and efficiently.
However, unlike others, they are faced with difficult problems in
marketing their two main products, that being meat and wool.
Although the marketing of lamb has its own problems, specifically
easy accessabi 1 i ty , the marketing of wool is to producers by far
the most frustrating and disappointing.
Part of the mandate of the Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission is to
initiate and develop markets for both lamb and wool. For obvious
reasons, the ASWC has concentrated on lamb markets, that being the
main source of sheep returns to producers. Wool, because of its
traditional low returns and limited marketing opportunities, has
not received much attention . That situation results in aggravating
the problem. That is producers see no hope in increasing returns no
matter how sincere their efforts, therefore the necessary care and
attention that wool requires to increase returns i® not carried
out .
Two recent developments may alter this difficult situation.
Firstly, the recent announcement of the relocation of a woollen
mill from Brandon, Manitoba to Alberta and the plana of. the new
owners, will in time, provide a new and significant competitive
marketing opportunity for wool. (See accompanying article,)
Secondly, over the past few months the ABWC has looked at ways and
means of increasing not only marketing opportunities for Alberta
Wool but how producers could themselves increase the quality of
their clip. Part of that investigation is comparing wool markets
and wool produced in Alberta with that produced in Montana, the
closest state to the south. The difference between the two
marketing situations, that is Alberta and Montana, Is very
significant .
Also, the ASWC has investigated the possible acquisition of wool
testing instruments. The intention being to enable producers to
obtain an objective picture as to the quality of wool grown by
their sheep.
-18-
WQQ* market in Alber t a t odsLVj.
Wool marketing in Alberta is fairly straight forward in that the
market place is dominated by one large organization the Canadian
Co-operative Wool Growers. The development o; the CCWG as the major
wool buyer in Canada has a long and rich history. It essentially
operates upon the concept of a co-operative wool pooling sales
agency. Its guiding principles were established at the same time as
those of the Alberta Wheat Pool and the United Grain Growers in the
early 1900*8. Similar such types of wool pools exist in the US,
The overriding philosophy being that all producers, no matter how
big or small, have fair access to the same market and fair pricing.
It is the principle that has served a number >f agricultural
commodities well.
Over the years in Alberta private buyers froa the US have bought
wool intermittently, directly from producers or indirectly through
various agents. These buyers do not maintain any significant
facilities within the province. The largest private buyer to
operate in Alberta with facilities was G . Whi taker and Co. in
Okotoks, AB. That particular wool buyer ceased operations in
Alberta in the late 60ies,
Price fluctuations, overall wool volume, long distances, US wool
tariffs and the dedication of many producers to the CCWG makes it
difficult for private wool buyers to operate in Alberta. The result
has been that the CCWG has been able to become the major buyer
since its establishment in Alberta in 1917.
There is a downside to this market domination situation in that a
producers wool clip is not exposed to a truly competitive market
place. That is a number of wool buyers offering bids.
Wool marketing in Montana today.
The sheep industry in Montana and that of Southern Alberta have
developed under similar geographic, climatic and production
systems. However, in wool marketing they have gone their separate
ways. In Montana, wool pools which have a similarity to the CCWG
have operated for a long time and continue to do so. However, in
Montana and the Western US states a very healthy and competitive
private wool buying market also exists. The US market is also
blessed with world scale woollen mills that are able to absorb all
the wool produced in the US. This situation results in an overall
market place that sees real competition for the producers clip,
either directly or through wool pools.
What has also developed in parallel to this highly competitive
situation is marketing wool on objective wool lab testing results.
-19-
Th is type of marketing provides the producer with real incentive in
improving the overall quality of the clip. Many wool buyers have
responded by providing real price incentives to producers to go
this route. Producers have utilised genetics, skirting and sorting
in order to improve the overall quality and subsequent price
returns for their clip.
?.s. there a difference in real terms?
In reviewing the differences between Montana and Alberta wool
production and marketing with a number of Montana ssheep industry
sources at the Montana State University Wool Lab, ftooi Growers
Association, Wool buyers and others, it is apparent that the
average return per head for a similar sheep in Alberta to that of
Montana sheep exceeds $5.00 US per head. Also, depending on the
transaction, direct payments to producers are on an immediate
basis. The reasons for that difference are as follows:
- Highly competitive bidding for individual producer and wool
pool clips.
- Selling on wool lab test results.
- Significant premiums for high quality, skirted and sorted
f leeces.
- Lower transportation costs to market ■
- Huge domestic market pl&ce - therefore no need to export
overseas .
- Innovative marketing by wool buyers.
It can be argued that many of these situations do not exist in
Canada for a number of reasons. They my well b® credible
arguments, depending on the location in Canada. However, the above
situation exists at present in Montana and e. number of sheep
producers in both countries live le©» than 50 miles apart.
Therefore, accessing the above advantages in increasing wool
returns is a very real reality to Alberta producers.
The short and long_ term view
The long term
- as long as the majority of sheep continue to grow wool, producers
in Alberta should be given the opportunity to market that product
-20-
as easily and fairly as possible. If the market place operates
competitively and in a similar manner to what has occurred in
Montana, market returns can be increased to producers willing to
put out the effort. In a more realistic marketing atmosphere,
producers will be in a position to make r<~Iistic decisions in
improving their clip through genetic means.
The short term
- the ASWC will continue reviewing the marketing situation in the
western US including marketing directly to large US woollen mills.
- In order to create a more competitive marketplac , the ASWC will
provide whatever assistance it can to encourage the development of
the new woollen mill in Innisfail, Alberta.
- The ASWC will also make efforts to encourage and support the
entrance of American wool buyers into the Alberta market place*
- The ASWC also supports any efforts of the CCWG to improve and
streamline their marketing methods*
- The ASWC will investigate the necessary procedures to expedite
the removal of US wool tariffs on Canadian wool exports under the
free trade agreement.
Summary
By assisting the development of a more competitive market place, it
is our view that wool returns for producers will increase. We feel
that once that situation develops producers will no longer treat
wool as a nuisance product and begin making decisions as to genetic
improvement of wool and real efforts in proper preparation and
sorting of fleeces.
We welcome your comments and will provide future reports on this
topic in upcoming issues.
-21-
WOOL LAB HELPS IMPROVE AMERICAN PRODUCERS CLIP
Canadi an sheep producers Have traditionally placed a low priority
on wool production because of low market returns. But in the
United States, producers have, through genetic selection and
careful marketing, have been able, over time to substantially
increase returns for their wool clips. One of the key elements in
the USA in improving returns is the utilization of the services of
a wool lab. Four such facilities exist in the United States, three
of them attached to universities in Montana, Wyoming and Texas and
one commercial operation located in Denver, Colorado.
One such facility, the Montana Wool Lab, which is part of Montana
State University located in Bozeman, has been in existence since
1945, The facilities at the wool lab are able to completely
analyze wool samples as to microns, yield, vegetable matter and
spinning counts. The information that is produced by wool testing
provides purebred producers with data on the quality of wool
produced by prospective rams that they may have for sale. It tlso
provides producers in general, a profile of the type of wool that
is produced by their own flock. This information can be utilized
by both producers and wool buyers in establishing a fair price for
the product being offered.
The Montana wool lab also has an Australian sonic wool tester which
can provide a quick, general test for the overall micron level of
a particular wool sample. This test can be utilized to screen a
number of wool samples for example, from a group of rams that are
being considered in a breeding program. The top results can then
be further analyzed utilizing the micrometer method.
According to the US experience by utilizing careful genetic
selection as a result of wool tests and the general use of these
tests for marketing, it is possible to increase returns over time
by $5,00 per head.
Although these services are well used in the United States,
especially in the wool growing areas, relatively few Canadian
producers have taken advantage of this opportunity to increase
their returns from wool production. The services of the Montana
wool laboratory in Bozeman are available to producers for a fee and
samples are accepted from outside the state. Their address is:
Montana Wool Laboratory
c/o Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana
U.S.A.
Wool labs are also located at the University of Wyoming, Texas A &
M University and Yokum & McCol 1 in Denver, Colorado.
-22-
WOQLLEN M I LL RELOCATES TO ALBERTA
Mr. Allan Brown of Western Heritage Quilting Co. has recently
purchased all the processing equipment of the former White Buffalo
Woollen Mills of Brandon, Manitoba. The equipment has the capacity
to process over 1 million pounds of wool annually on a one shift
basis. Mr. Brown states that he is at present readying the
equipment for shipment to Alberta and he is proposing to locate in
Inni&fail, Alberta.
The equipment does not include a commercial scour iri equipment but
it is anticipated that that will also shortly be acquired. This new
development bodes well for the Alberta sheep industry as it will in
time provide a significant new competative marketing outlet for
Alberta produced wool. Traditionally wool produced in Western
Canada has been shipped out of the country for processing
elsewhere.
The relocation of this wool processing facility will no doubt put
a new perspective to wool marketing, not only in Alberta but in
Western Canada ,
-23-
ALBERTA SHEEP & WOOL COMMISSION
1991 ANNUAL ZONE MEETINGS
ZONE #1 FORT MAOgEOp-PINCHER CREEK-CARDSTOH-MAMTON
DATE: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 1991
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE : SCARLET & GOLD INN - FORT MACLEOD, ALBERTA
ZONE #2 LETHBR I DGE-MED I C I NE HAT-MILK RIVER
DATE: THURSDAY , MARCH 14, 1991
TIME : 7:00 PM
PLACE: LETHBRIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, JAIL ROAD,
LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA
ZONE #3 OLDS -CALGARY-BROOKS
DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1991
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: WHEATLAND COUNTY INN - STRATHMORE, ALBERTA
ZONE #4 WETASX I WIN-RED DEER-CORONATION-ROCKY MOUNTAIN
DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1991
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: AGRICULTURE BUILDING - LACOMBE, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
ZONE #5 WA I NWR I GHT- VEGREV I LLE- S T . PAUL-LLOYDMI NSTER
DATE : FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1991
TIME : 7:00 PM
PLACE: BRUNSWICK MOTOR INN - VERMILION, ALBERTA
ZONE #6 THORK I LD-KDMONTON— DRAYTON VAYJL2Y-WHITEC0URT
DATE : THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1991
TIME: 7:00 PM
PLACE: PROVINCIAL BUILDING - STONY PLAIN, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
ZONE #7 PEACE R I VSR- VALLE YV I E W
DATE : SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1991
TIME: 1 :00 PM
PLACE: COURTESY CORNER RESTAURANT - R Y CROFT , ALBERTA
PLEASE ATTEND THE MEETING CLOSEST TO YOUR OPERATION.
NOTE: YOU MUST BE A RESIDENT SHEEP PRODUCER IN THE ZONE WHERE
ELECTIONS ARE SCHEDULED IN ORDER TO VOTE . PHONE THE ALBERTA SHEEP
& WOOL COMHISSION OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
#212 - 6715, 8TH ST. HLE., CALGARY, ALBERTA T2E 7H7
PHONE: (403) 295-1988 - FAX: (403) 275-8009
-24-
- WOOL NEWS -
Encouragement has been detected from trade sources with reports that
Japanese interests have indicated they are approaching a position to be able
to build up inventories again. China has been starting to make some political
and economic moves that could bring them back into the market. China has been
a major importer of wool for years. The Chinese Ministry of Textile Industry
estimates it spends more than $600 million (U.S.) to import 170,000 tons of
wool yearly. This is 10k of the wool the Chinese textile industry needs. The
Chinese government has set a national goal of becoming selj -sufficient in wool
production. This goal can only be achieved through stepped-up efforts to
boost the wool production of the current 100 million sheep which produce
220,000 tons of raw wool yearly. Two ways to increase wool production are to
raise more sheep and to improve the current breeds to produce higher volume
and better quality wool. The Chinese are doing both.
New Zealand reports the Russians will be back in the market, but with
reports of money still owed on old deliveries, this wuuld have to be
appropriately discounted. The crisis in the Middle East may have helped
Russia - U.S. come up with more hard currency however, as they have started to
collect on oil sales in hard currency. How can the Soviets re-enter the
market when they haven't finished paying for wool they have bought?
The AWC (Australian Wool Corporation) wool inventory ended the month
of October 1990 at 4,178,329 bales which is equivalent at approximately
2,089,164,500 lbs of wool on greasy basis.
While the U.S. wool market is as depressed as ever, there are a few
seasonal factors involved in the price change. October marks the start of the
fall wool shipping and selling season in Texas and other western fine wool
states. Fine wool types therefore, have a significant impact on the average
price.
The prices by states were as follows:
State
Price
Wyoming
California
Colorado
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
Ohio
Oregon
South Dakota
Texas
Utah
.60
.50
.55
.23
.30
.23
.70
.19
.16
.40
.62
1.07
.70
.67
-25-
Our national production of shorn wool in 1989 by provinces was as
follows:
Province Production (lbs) Farm Value (Per lb)
Newfoundland 14,000 .35
P.E.I. 20,000 1.10
Nova Scotia 97,000 1.04
New Brunswick 25,000 1.12
Quebec 355,000 .78
Ontario 880,000 .57
Manitoba 114,000 .66
Saskatchewan 275, 000 . 70
ALBERTA 935,000 .90
B.C. 188,000 .73
Canada 2,903,000 .75
Canada's wool import in 1989 was estimated at 23,609,000 lbs based on
wool in the grease, comparing with national wool export level at 2,311,996 lbs
(in the grease).
One would wonder why we are using such a unusual time to get a decent
price for our wool where at this same time the Canadian Textile Industry is
looking for this fibre all over the world. There must be a solution for that.
I was asked if wool would be a good material to use for insulating the
buildings.
There were some rumors that Poly pay sheep is the fastest growing breed
in the province of Ontario.
References: Canada Statistics
Wool Page
Article Prepared By: Zenek Matkowski
Red Deer, Alberta
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-26-
O^tAD^ WESTCRN
W Aqnbition @
CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL MARKETPLACE
NEWS RELEASE
For Release Friday, November 30, 1990 10:30 a.m.
AGRIBITION '90 AN INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE
FLASH ! ! ! ! FLASH ! ! I \ FLASH ! J ! I !
The Canadian Western Agribition Sheep Sale set a NEW RECORD HIGH
PRICE Friday when the Reserve Grand Champion Columbia Ram sold for
export for $4,000.
The Ram was purchased by THE CATTLE COMPANY LTD. - a livestock
breeding and marketing company from Lincoln, England.
Consignor of the Ram was ^Hfggr Schneider's Windhaven Acres of
Saskatoon .
THE CATTLE COMPANY also purchased the next two high sellers in the
Agribition sale - Grand Champion Columbia Ewe which was exhibited
by Gordon and Lana Cadsand of Rimbey, Alberta went for $1,800 and
the Reserve Grand Champion Columbia Ewe which was also shown by
Windhaven Acres and sold for $1,500.
-27-
Sheep Browsing-A Silviculture Tool in British Columbia:
There is an increasing demand for new methods of vegetation
management in B.C.'s conifer plantations. As herbicide use
becomes more contentious and manual brushing costs continue to
rise, the need for viable alternatives grows. Weil managed sheep
are a possibility, and B.C. does not have enough well managed
flocking sheep at present to meet the growing demand.
CAUTION I PROCEED SLOWLY . . . A forester with millions of
dollars worth of seedlings at stake will be very leery about
turning sheep loose on his or her plantations, the same way that
a farmer would be leery of changing over to untried equipment or
techniques. Agents of the B.C. Ministries of Environment and Pish
and Wildlife are skeptical about poorly managed sheep impacting
on water sheds, water quality, wildlife and wildlife habitat.
Also, the book of data on shGep health in browsing scenarios in
western Canada is still a slim volume. We're still just feeling
our way along. Good 'site specific' information is available from
the University of Oregon aa the state of Oregon has been studying
this type of 'agro-forestry' for over ten years, however there
remains much to be learned.
What we do know is that to tackle this work you need
HEALTHY , FLOCKING SHEEP, experienced shepherds, trained herding
and guardian dogs, and portable camps, chutes end corrals. It
doesn't hurt to have an experienced veterinarian on call to
satisfy the need for professional flock health monitoring, and to
deal with difficult sheep.
Improvement of the technique of using sheep for vegetation
control should be studied utilising the CO-ORDINATED expertise of
the sheep associations and relevant Ministries of the Western
Provinces. The opportunity to be part of a new agro-forest
industry exists. Whether this opportunity can be fortunate and
sustainable for farmers, foresters and the environment remains to
be seen.
West Coast Browsing is the name of a company (not to be
confused with expedition style shopping mall adventures) that was
formed in 1989 in response to a demand in B.C. for professionally
managed sheep browsing contracts. Ray Greene end Penny Dewar,
based on Vancouver Island, are the co-founders of the company.
As professional biologists, they have spent a great deal of their
caroors studying the impacts of logging and the resultant conifer
plantations. Over the last two years they have been introducing
livestock guardian dogs to farms and ranches in B.C. on behelf of
the Wildlife Branch of the Ministry of Environment. Their two
year study of cheep browsing has included six months in the field
with various sizes and shapes of sheep, some flocking, some
definitely not flocking t In March 1990 they hosted a work-shop
titled Sheep Browsing in Silviculture (to obtain a copy of the
proceedings send $13.00 to West Coast Browsing, Box 246,
Merville, B.C., VOR 2M0). At present they are viewing proposed
browsing contract sites in B.C., giving slide shows and tal'.s on
the components of browsing scenarios and training nine guardian
dogs and five border collies.
SHEEP BROWSING
in
SILVICULTURE
-28-
1991
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
ALBERTA SHEEP BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION
NAME
FARM OR RANCH NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE ( )
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION?
YES NO
BREEDS OR SHEEP RAISED? APR. NO. OF BREEDING EWES
SPECIAL INTERESTS, TALENTS OR USEFUL KNOWLEDGE
(eg. second language etc.)
SIGNATURE
ASBA
Membership Fee $20.00 year.
-29-
The Classifieds
POLYPAY SUFFOLK/FINN ewes and lambs.
Jamie Quinton, Cardston, 653-2055
Bred Katahdin.
(1)
2 YEAR old registered Finn ram - $250. Also selling 5
bred black ewes. All are healthy and have no trouble
lambing - $70 each. Donna Leske, Rich Valley,
967-2080 (1)
165 EWES, 50 ewe lambs, Suffolk cross with some Finn
and some Rambouillet - $75 each. Ted Smith, Cowley,
628-2004 (1)
1/2 MY flock. Your choice of 160 good, young,
crossbred ewes. Suffolk rams were turned out on
September 1st. Bill, Boyle, 689-2408
(1)
COMPLETE FLOCK dispersal. Ewes - 20 Suffolk cross 4
1/2 yr olds; 15 Suffolk cross 1 1/2 yr olds; 20
registered purebred Suffolk 2 1/2 yr olds, and 11
registered purebred Suffolk 1 1/2 yr olds. All
exposed for end of January lambing. Ewe lambs - 4
purebred Suffolk & 4 Suffolk cross exposed for Feb-Mar
lambing. Rams - 1 - 2 1/2 yr old Finn/Dorset; 1-1
1/2 yr old Dorset/Romanov; 1-1 1/2 old teaser ram.
17 purebred Suffolk ram lambs. Hilda & Louie Banack,
Buck Lake, 388-3911 (1)
CANADIAN & Rideau Arcotts - We have some purebred ewe
and ram lambs. Rideaus selected for dam traits
including prolificacy and fertility. Canadians
selected for fast, efficient lean meat gain. Closed
flock. Deb & Ian Clark, Medicine Ridge Farm, Bentley,
748-2624 (1)
KATAHDIN HAIR sheep - low management, high fertility.
Parasite tolerance. Easy lambing. No shearing
required. Rams for sale. Jim, Onoway, 967-4453 (1)
BRED SUFFOLK ewes. Due March 1st. Tom, Castor,
882-2669 or 882-2155 (1)
FINN & Finn cross rams. Yearling. 2 yr olds & older.
Also some Columbia rams. Brian Taylor, Darwell,
892-2967 (1)
REGISTERED SUFFOLK rams. Born April 1990. $150.
Sharon Loewen, Hythe, 356-2255 (2)
25 COMMERCIAL ewe lambs - North Country Cheviot/
Suffolk cross - $65 each. 2 registered North Country
Cheviot rams. Born March '89 - $150 each. Lori
Williamson, Stettler, 742-1854 (2)
STARTER FLOCK - Polypays - 25 females all under 2 yrs
- from flock with 250% drop average - rams also
available. Rose Willo Ranch, Cranbrook, B.C. (604)
426-3514 (evenings) (2)
16 SUFFOLK cross ewes; good, young, clean, healthy
flock. 742-0865, Stettler (2)
125 BRED ewes, 4 rams; 1-5 yrs old,
(Acme) after 6 PM and ask for Luke
Call 546-2530
(2)
WE HAVE a few choice New Zealand bred Romney rams.
These rams we have used in our flock and are now
offering them to other breeders to improve their
Romney flock, or you may want them for a excellent
sire for your commercial and crossbred ewes. The
Schneiders, Windhaven Acres, Saskatoon, FAX (306)
934-0813 or call (306) 668-2154 (2)
GOOD QUALITY Suffolk and Suffolk cross commercial
herd. Due to lamb in February. 100 plus ewes, 1 pure
Suffolk ram, 1 papered Dorset ram, 1 crossed Suffolk
horn ram. $8500.00 Gus Schroeder, Edmonton,
988-5698 (2)
ROMNEY/DORSET ram lamb. Purebred Finn ram - 3 yrs
old. Miles Sharpies, Myrnam, 366-2266 (evenings) (2)
BRIGHTBANK FINNSHEEP has top quality Finn rams and
ewes. New bloodlines available from semen imported
from Finnland. Good selection of lambs available.
Yearling rams, fall-born ram lambs and Finn/Dorset
cross ram and ewe lambs. ROP tested. Visitors
welcome. Kathy Playdon, Stony Plain, 963-0416 (2)
POLYPAY. EWE lambs. Selected for mothering ability -
naturally raised - multiple births. Vern Gleddie,
Edmonton, 973-5627 (2)
COMMERCIAL EWES exposed to purebred Romanov ram, to
lamb in May. Also crossbred Romanov ewes (1/2 to
31/32nd percent). Purebred Romanov rams, ready to go.
Lyle Bowles, Maple Creek, Sask., 306-662-2916 (2)
-30-
CROSSBRED EWES due to lamb in April. Bred Polypay,
Rambouillet and Suffolk. Toni, Arras, B.C.,
604-843-7183 (2)
CAMPSIE MINI farm has 10 bred purebred Finn lambs.
Robert, Barrhead, 674-2968 (2)
85 HEAD, 2 yi old Rambouilleta; 100 head, black-faced
ewes, 3 and 4 yr olds. All will start lambing March
10. $80.00. Call Ron/Elaine, 936-5480 (leave
i) (2)
BRED POLYPAY ewe lambs. Bred to Idaho import. Rhoda
Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (2)
1 YR old Suffolk ewe lambs. Lambing in March. Brigit
Hofer, Olds, 556-3146 (2)
MATURE FEMALE Kuvasz dogs. To go to working home.
Very independent and great with kids. $500. Angle,
Fertintosh, 877-3730 (1)
BEAUTIFUL, REGISTERED female Border Collie. Works
well with sheep. Good Scottish bloodlines all the way
back on both sides. Also Great Britain International
and National Champions in background. Jelaine,
Innisfail, 227-1519 (1)
READY FOR Christtas giv.'-g. Registered Kuvasz pups.
With working parents. Excellent farm dogs. Parents
are hip dystlasia-free. All shots. Norma Smith,
Beaverlodge, 354-8330 (1)
STOCKING STUFFERS - Border Collie pups. 4 males from
registered parents. Born Nov 6th. Tom, Castor,
882-2669 or 882-2155 (1)
FOR SALE - GOATS
REGISTERED ANGORA goat - 1 yearling buck, also
purebred wethers for meat. Lynn, Drayton Valley,
542-5811 (1)
SIX HEALTHY bred Saanen does due in January and
February. From heavy milking stock. All are tame and
easy to handle. Tattooed and papered. Call Erika
337-2496 (home) Carstairs or 556-2299 (work) Olds (1)
CASHMERE GOATS. Spanish does bred to Australian buck.
Also young half Australian bucks available. Jim,
Onoway, 967-4453 (1)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of 52 grade Angora goats and 1
registered buck. Priced to sell. Phone or write
Julie Odermatt, R R #1, Site 6, Comp. 14, Fort St.
John, B.C. V1J 4M6, (604) 785-9240 (2)
2 SAANEN cross bucks - $75 each. Lori Williamson,
Stettler, 742-1854 (2)
TWO REGISTERED Angora does, bred. 4 grade Angora doe
kidB. Rhoda Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (2)
FOR SALE - DOGS
REGISTERED BORDER Collies from working and trial
winning stock - one fully trained trial placed female
2 yr old - one started female 1 yr old. Rose Willo
Ranch, Cranbrook, B.C., (604) 426-3514 evenings (2)
BORDER COLLIE pups, registered. From very good
working parents. Shots, dewormed, born November -
$200. Kathy Playdon, Stony Plain, 963-0416 (2)
GREAT PYREENES crossed with Russian Wolf Hound
puppies. Both parents are purebred and excellent for
coyote control and father is agressive guard dog.
$100 each. Sharon Loewen, Hythe, 356-2255 (2)
PUREBRED BORDER Collie pups. Both parents working.
Excellent cattle dogs. Wainwright, 842-2372 (2)
BORDER COLLIES - This month's special: Ched, tri
colour male, registered Border Collie, born 5 July 89.
Ched is a very strong dog, very protective, for
someone who needs a guard dog, to protect the family
and the farmstead, as well as a working stock dog,
Ched should be a good one. Ched has over 30 days work
on him at the moment and shows lots of potential.
Priced at $700 for this month. All dogs are
guaranteed. Outside dogs trained by the month. Send
for our free catalogue. Ron Gale, Sundre,
638-2836 (2)
REGISTERED BORDER Collie puppies. Black & white and
red & white. Working parents. First shots.
Available Nov 24th. Lisa, DeWinton, 938-7878 (1)
REGISTERED BORDER Collie pups.
Lorraine, DeWinton, 938-7285
Born Oct 26.
(1)
FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS
BRED FEMALE Llamas. Starting at $1,100. Jamie
Quinton, Cardston, 653-2055
(1)
-31-
USED SHEEP trimming stand, hydraulic type - $175.
Warren Moore, Pine Lake, 749-2023 (1)
ONE ELECTRIC West Falia cream separator - great for
one cow or milk goats. Includes one 5.5 milk pail,
all in very good clean condition. Also 1 electric
butter churn in mint condition. Sold separately or
together. Wool carding machine with 1/3 HP thermal
protected fan cooled motor. Produces 44" x 16"
spinning or quilting batts. Complete with doffer and
fettling brushes, in new condition. An industrial
size Patrick Green machine. Lynn, Drayton Valley,
542-5811 (1)
CUSTOM MADE sheep tilting squeeze. Heavier built
pivots - $600. Shirley, Ft. Aasiniboine, 584-2368 (2)
ROUND BALE sheep feeders. Cradles bales. 7" spacing
between rungs. Holds bale 1 foot off ground - $285
each. Also round bale heavy duty cattle feeders -
$185 each. Rod's Welding, Eckville, 746-5455 (2)
LAMBING PENS with attached feeders and corral panels
and scale. All in top condition. Also round bales -
1st cut hay and second cut hay. Brigit Hofer, Olds,
556-3146 (2)
FOR SALE OR TRADE
SUFFOLK CROSS ram. Good producer (triplets). $125 or
trade for equivalent in Suffolk ewes. Dale Howe,
Three Hills, 546-2618 or 546-2284 (1)
PUREBRED ROMANOV ewes. Floyd, 454-2459 or 963-4406,
Stony Plain (l)
CULLED EWES and rams. S. Spahic, Hay Lakes,
878-3784 (1)
FEEDER LAMBS - all sizes and culled ewes. Can pick
up. Top prices. Joan, Tomahawk, 339-2118 (1)
WANTED - MISCELLANEOUS
ONE WORKING pregnancy tester for sheep.
Warburg, 848-7603 (Meal times)
(1)
SHEARER AVAILABLE
SHEARER AVAILABLE. Peace region. Randy Yaklin,
Beaverlodge, 354-8189 {2
SERVICES AVAILABLE
CUSTOM WOOLEN MILLS - Your complete processing
facility. Full range of custom services for wool and
other fibers - washing, carding, dyeing, spinning and
sewing. Have your wool made into batts, comforters,
mattress pads, sleeping bags, carded wools for hooking
and handspinning, yarns (skeined or coned) in a
variety of colours and styles. CUSTOM PROCESSING SALE
- FEBRUARY AND MARCH. For details write or phone
Custom Woolen Mills, R R #1, Carstairs, Alberta,
TOM ONO, phone 337-2221 (2)
FEEDER LAMBS, goats and culled
Westlock, 349-5203
Jean Bolay,
(1)
TANNING DONE on lamb pelts,
on size and wool condition.
Cluny, 734-2536
Starting at $30 depending
Combed. Roy Peterson,
(2)
NOTICE
CHANGE OF HOURS
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1991
CANADIAN COOPERATIVE V00L GR0UERS
STONY PLAIN, ALBERTA
Monday - Friday
Saturday
9 AH - 5 PM
10 AH - 5 PH
-32-
EDITOR'S NOTE
Classified Ads and Coming Events may be placed in Sheep
Footnotes free-of -charge by contacting:
The deadline for Classified Ads and Coming Events is the
24th day of the month prior to the month of publication.
Coming Events will be run every month from when they are
placed until the event. Please Note: Events should be
placed in Coming Events at least 6 weeks in advance in
order to ensure their publication before they occur.
Classified Ads will run initially for two months, unless
cancelled after the first month. After the first two
months, ads may be renewed each month by contacting Janet
Smalley at 427-5083. Ads must not exceed two column
inches in length or they will be edited. Beginning January
1, 1990 all ads must be submitted with a name, an address
and a phone number or they will not be run. Sheep Footnotes
reserves the right to restrict the length, content and run
of any Classified Ad.
EDITORS OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Material in Sheep Footnotes may be reprinted in other
publications, but source must be stated and content of
articles may not be changed without authors' permission.
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Karren Green
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
Ph: (403) 427-5083
FAX (403) 427-1057
Ph: (403) 948 3509
FAX (403) 948-8548
Mar -
sheep
footnotes
Volume 14, Issue 2, February 1991
Page
I '991
Market Report 1
Coming Events 5
Prevent These Lamb Losses 7
Sheep and Wool Commission News 12
Ovine Enviro Systems Inc 16
Classifieds 18
ADVERTISING POLICY 21
Editor:
Advertising:
Wray Whitmore
Sheep Specialist
Beef Cottle & Sheep Branch
#204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
# 204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
/dlbcrra
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
Beef and Sheep Branch
-1-
WEEKLY AVERAGE SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES
no i —
ydlbena
AGRICULTURE
Mark* Aa»lr*« Irutb
I L—J — i - 1 1 1 I I J L_l I L
J 1 I I .X
I ■ I
J 1_J I L
05-Jan-91 06-Apr-91 06-Jul-91 05-Oct-91 28-Dec-91
Weeks (to 26-Jan-91)
SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO 1990 SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO
95-110 LBS TORONTO 80-95 LBS TORONTO
At Lambco, in Innisfail, the slaughter lamb bid range remained steady at
$51 to $54 per cwt during January. Currently, there is no backlog of slaughter
bookings at the plant, however producers are requested to contact the plant a
week in advance to arrange a delivery date. The January slaughter volume at the
plant was 6,676 head rising by more than 800 head over that of January, 1990.
Slaughter lamb prices at the Edmonton Stockyards ranged from $48 to $50
per cwt, while feeder lambs sold from $50 to $55 per cwt. At the Fort Macleod
Auction, heavy slaughter lambs sold for export to the US and to Lambco at $51
per cwt. Lambs weighing 90 to 106 pounds were sold into the BC market at $53
per cwt.
Lower volumes saw slaughter lamb prices in Toronto strengthen $6 to $8
with 80 to 95 pound lambs averaging $85 per cwt and 95 to 115 pound lambs going
on average for $79 per cwt.
In the United States, markets have been mixed to weaker. San Angelo
slaughter lamb prices declined by about a dollar US per cwt, however with a
stronger Canadian dollar this represents a $1.40 decline from $55.77 to $54.36
per cwt to producers in Canada. US wholesale markets saw prices for carcasses
under 55 pounds hold steady at $120 US per cwt, while 55 to 65 pound carcasses
and carcasses over 65 pounds declined by $5 to $110 US and $105 US per cwt,
respectively.
-2-
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT LAMBCO
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
JAN 1991 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
LAST MON
DEC 1990 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
YR AGO MON
JAN 1990 67.00-70.00 67.00-70.00 67.00-70.00 64.00-67.00 66.25-69.25
VOLUMES
JAN 1991 1,870 1,626 1,722 1,458 6,676
JAN 1990 1,810 1,763 1,224 1,069 5,866
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
CURRENT MON 65.50-80.00 67.00-91.00 71.00-108.00 60.00-70.00
JAN 1991 (69.64) (78.25) (102.51) (68.03) 79.29
LAST MON 75.00-87.00 65.00-77.00 65.00-85.00 60.00-88.00
DEC 1990 (77.38) (72.43) (74.01) (70.89) N.E.P. 73.04
YR AGO MON 95.50-106.00 84.00-94.00 84.00-91.00 70.00-89.00
JAN 1990 (103.02) (91.79) (87.41) (84.68) 91.14
JAN/91 VOLUME 74 45 58 52 229
AVG WEIGHT 103.4 99.2 98.4 101.8
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 80-95 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
69.00-95.00
70.00-94.00
78.00-110.00
70.00-101.00
JAN 1991
(79.75)
(84.11)
(92.09)
(80.79)
84.73
LAST MON
75.00-89.00
74.00-93.50
72.00-90.00
67.00-90.00
DEC 1990
(82.43)
(81.91)
(78.56)
(70.89)
N.E.P.
76.85
YR AGO MON
98.00-115.00
84.00-108.00
84.00-106.00
80.00-100.00
JAN 1990
(114.83)
(95.59)
(88.35)
(97.16)
99.02
JAN/91 VOLUME
130
290
316
95
736
AVG WEIGHT
85.6
86.2
85.1
83.9
Prices quoted for 95-110 lb lambs are bid prices at Lambco and auction prices at Toronto
Public Stockyards for good quality lambs. The lower end of the Alberta price range
reflects bids for short haul unshrunk lambs, while the upper end of the range represents
bids for long haul or shrunk lambs. Producers delivering to the Toronto Public Stockyards
pay commission and yardage fees for each animal sold. Producers delivering to Lambco pay
$l/head checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission.
The Toronto auction price is from the Special Sheep and Lamb Sale held on Monday each week.
N.E.P - No established price
JO ANN CMOLUCH
MARKET ECONOMIST
Market Analysis Branch
(403) 427-5387
American She e,
dustny Association
REPRESENTATIVE LIVE SALES
AS OF JANUARY 11, 1991
TYPE OF
AREA SHEEP
WEST COAST
Washington Old Crop
California • SI. Ewe
MOUNTAIN
Colorado
Lj
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Montana
Montana
Montana
Montana
Wyoming
Colorado
Montana
Moatant
Colorado
Colorado
Montana
Wyoming
Wyoming
Old Crop
Old Crop
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
SI. Ewe
SI. Ewe
SI. Ewe
Sl Ewe
Sl Ewe
Sl Ewe
SL Ewe
St Ewe
south CENTRAL
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
NORTH CENTRAL
Illinois Old Crop
low*
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
1A-S.MN
1A-S.MN
Minnesota
Nebraska
N. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
Wisconsin
Iowa
Minnesota
Minnesota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
Iowa
Minnesota
S. Dakota
EASTERN
Kentucky
Michigan
Ohio
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Sl. Ewe
SL Bwe
SI. Ewe
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
TYPE
OF SALE
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Direct
Computer
Computer
Auction
Direct
Direct
Direct
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Computer
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Direct
Auction
Auction
Computer
Auction
Auction
Computer
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Computer
Auction
Auction
HEAD
600
200
125
200
250
225
275
1200
450
200
1400
175
400
175
2000
470
267
900
675
372
250
400
1600
9500
900
3400
425
600
1300
6000
250
1000
300
360
385
200
200
220
1750
6500
725
240
395
850
925
1185
200
595
225
250
600
300
200
250
200
925
460
600
500
175
250
150
PRICE
LBS. WEIGHING CONDITIONS ($/CWT.)
110-130 Choice A prime, wooled, double dressed or del. 47.00-50.00
Uulity 17.50-22.50
105-1 19 Choice & prime, wooled A shorn 49.00-55.00
120-133 Choice & prime, wooled & shorn 46.00-50.00
67- 83 Choice & fancy, wooled 56.00-58.50
94- 98 Choice & fancy, wooled 52.00-56.00
60- 75 Choice A fancy, wooled 47.75-52.25
75- 90 Choice A fancy, wooled 45.00-50.50
90-100 Choice & fancy, wooled 44.25-49.25
100-120 Choice & fancy, wooled 40.25-46.25
102 Choice A fancy, wooled, FOB overnight 49.C0
160-245 Good A utility 30.0O-34.O0
Good 23.25-28.50
Utility & good 19.75-24.50
1-4 year olds, April lambing (per hd.) 60.00
Short term 47.00-53.00
95 $.20 off over 95 lbs., wooled 47.20
70 Ewe lambs 55.00
1 55 Yearlings, April lambing (per hd.) 70.00
121 $.30 off over 130 lbs., wooled, 3% shr. 47.50
115 $.30 off over 130 lbs., $2 wooled disc., 3% shr. 47.00
100-U5 Choice A pri ^e, v/ooled A shorn 48.00-51.00
1 1 5- 1 25 Choicj A i . .unc, t j lora, 5 1 % yield guar. 47.00-'. 8 . 00
110-115 Choice & prime, shorn, 51% yield guar. 48.00-49.00
100-1 10 Choice A prime, shorn, 51% yield guar. 49.00-50.00
110-125 Choice & prime, shorn, FOB 4% shr. 48.00-52.00
40- 60 Choice A fancy, wooled 56.00-60.00
60- 70 Choice A fancy, wooled 50.00-54.00
70-105 Choice & fancy, wooled 49.00-53.00
80- 90 Choice A fancy, wooled, FOB 3% or equivalent 50.00-52.00
Good 3430-40.00
Utility 26.00-35.00
Cull 20.00-26.00
100-138 Choice & prune, wooled & shorn 43.00-48.00
122 $.30 off ovei 130 lbs., $2 wooled disc, 3% shr. 50.50
102-148 Choice & prime, shorn 50.75-52.50
102-107 Choice & prime, wooled 45.25-48.50
118-151 Choice A prime, wooled 4530-50.75
1 1 8- 1 30 Choice A prime, shorn, varied shr. 48.00-52.00
1 1 5- 1 30 Choice A prime, wooled, varied shr. 46.00-50.00
1 00- 1 30 Choice A prime, wooled A shorn 46.00-50.00
1 00- 1 30 Choice A prime, $2 wooled disc 47.00-48.00
122 $.30 off over 130 lbs., $2 wooled disc, 3% shr. 47.00
109-140 Choice & prime, shorn 4930-52.25
98-141 Choice & prime, wooled 44.00-50.00
115 $.30 off over 130 lbs., $2-3 wooled disc. 3% shr. 46.00-47.00
82-105 Choice & fancy, wooled 45.75-49.75
60- 90 Choice & fancy, wooled 48.00-52.00
60- 90 Choice, wooled 45.00-50.00
60- 70 Choice & fancy, wooled 5 1 .00-53.00
70- 75 Choice & fancy, wooled 50.00-54.00
75- 85 Choice A fancy, wooled 48.00-52.50
85- 90 Choice A fancy, wooled 46.00-5 1 .50
Utility A good 19.00-29.50
Utility A good 20.00-25.00
Utility & good 21.25-29.00
100-120 $.20 off over 120 A under 100 lbs.. $3 wooled disc. 50.00
100-120 $.30 off® 120 lbs.. $4-5 wooled disc. 47.00-52.00
100-120 Choice & prime. $5 wooled disc 50.00-54.25
95- 1 25 Choice A prime, wooled, $3 choice disc 49.50
95-125 Choice A prime, wooled 40.50-49.75
85-125 Choice, wooled 43.50-48.00
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
FEDERALLY INSPECTED SLAUGHTER (Head)
AS
%TH1S
%TH1S
%
WEEK
WEEK
WEEK
1990
THIS
Vf
Vf
ENDING
TOTAL
VI
WEEK
LAST
LAST
12/22/90
YEAR
1989
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR
(actual)
TO DATE
TOTAL
SHEEP
118,000
+34.1
+8.2
115.186
190.000
-6.4
CATTLE 660,000
+29.2
+6.2
634,748
1,091.000
-6.8
CALF
34,000
+30.8
-15.0
34,536
56.000
-28.2
HOGS
1,844,000
+34.1
+8.2
1,762,551
2,971,000
-4.4
RED MEAT PRODUCTION (million pound*)
% THIS
%THIS
*
WEEK
WEEK
WEEK
1990
THIS
VI
Vi
ENDING
TOTAL
VI
WEEK
LAST
LAST
12/15/90
YEAR
1989
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR
(actual)
TO DATE
TOTAL
LAMB
7.5
+34.0
+4.3
7.7
12.1
-9.0
BEEF
453.9
+30.0
+8.0
442.1
7485
-5.5
VEAL
6.5
+32.0
+ 11.7
6.3
11.1
0.0
PORK
339.9
+33.9
+7.1
336.2
546.5
-2.1
TOTAL
807.8
+31.6
+7.6
792.3
1318.2
-4.1
DRESSED WEIGHT
PERCENT LAMB SLAUGHTER
THIS WEEK (EST.)
64
12/22/90
94.2
12/15/90 (ACT.)
65
12/23/89
94.3
WHOLESALE LAMB MARKET
55 lbs-down 55-65 lbs 65-75 lbs
NORTHEAST
FOB RIVER
$1.15-1.20
$1.10-1.15
$1.10
$1.05
LOS ANGELES
BAY AREA
* 60 lbs. & down
LESS THAN CARLOT
$1.19* $1.09**
$1.20* $1.15**
** 60-65 lbs.
$1.05
$1.00
$1.04
$1.10
Wholesale carcass prices showed weakness on both the East and
West Coasts. Light carcasses in the Northeast were steady to 5 cents
lower, while 55-75 pound carcass categories closed a full 5 cents
lower. Carcasses weighing 75-85 lbs. were steady to 5 cents lower
settling at $.95-1.00. In Los Angeles, Calif., light carcasses were 2
cents lower while middle and heavy carcasses were 6 cents lower. In
San Francisco, Calif., light carcasses were 3 cents lower and middle
and heavy carcasses closed 5 cents lower.
AvE^A^l WEEKLY F.I. SLAUGHTER
OF JAfJUAF
HEAD (Thousands)
JAN
i i i i i
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE: ASI MARKET INFORMATION / USOA
1990
1991
EAST COAST WHOLESALE PRICE
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ALL WEIGHTS
APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT
SOURCE; ASI MARKET N FORMATION / USOA
NOV DEC
1990
1991
DISTRIBUTIVE CUT MARKET
& RETAIL FEATURE ACTIVITY
Wholesale legs and middle meals came under heavy pressure this week.
In the Northeast, legs were 10-15 cents lower, loins were 10-25 cents lower
and racks were 20 cents lower. Chucks were steady to 10 cents higher.
Chuck prices held steady in San Francisco, Calif., and were 2-3 cents higher
in Los Angeles, Calif. Leg prices fell 20-25 cents in Los Angeles and 10-
11 cents in the Bay area. Loins on the West Coast were 5-6 cents lower,
while racks closed 10 cents lower. Feature activity was good on the West
Coast but poor in most other regions of the nation.
NORTH-
BAY
LOS
NORTH
ITEM
EAST
AREA
ANGELES
WEST
CHUCK CROSSCUT
S.70-.85
No Quote
No Quote
No Quote
CHUCK SQUARE CUT
No Quote
$1.10*
$1.00-1.05*
$1.00*
SINGLE LEG
No Quote
$1.89*
$1.70*
$1.75*
DOUBLE LEG
$1.40-1.55
$1.65*
$1.45*
No Quote
LOIN
$1.00-1.30
$2.99*
$2.85*
$2.99*
RACK 7 UP
$2.40-2.70
$3.00*
$2.80*
$3.00*
TORE SADDLE
No Quote
$1.20*
$1.25*
$2.65*
HIND SADDLE
$1.40-1.55
$1.69*
$1.55*
No Quote
* Trimmed and/or vacuumed packed
EAST COAST CUT PRICES
AVERAGE
CENTS PER POUND
CROSS CUT CHUCK DOUBLE LEO UNTRIMMED LOIN RACK
SOURCE: ASI MARKET INFORMATtONAJSOA
HB THIS WEEK EZ LAST YEAR
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
Cfoming Events
1991
February 14
February 23
March 6
March 14
March 20
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Fdmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmarf IOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #J, Westlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB 1W0, phone 878-3784.
Fntry date for the Ram Test Station. You are
invited to enter ram lambs into this year's
station test from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon. As
soon as you have decided to enter rams into this
year's station test, please contact the Station
Manager, Kim Stanford (948-8517) so the pre-entry
veterinary inspection can be arranged where
required.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Faster Lamb Sale 40-60 lbs, Special Goat Sale.
Fdmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC 0\I0, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #2, Westlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
Entry date for the Ram Test Station. You are
invited to enter ram lambs into this year's
station test from 10:00 A.M. -12 Noon. As soon
as you have decided to enter rams into this year's
station test, please contact the Station Manager,
Kim Stanford (948-8517) so the pre-entry
veterinary inspection can be arranged where
required.
Special Eoster Sheep & Goat Sale at Camrose
Auction Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M.
For further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89,
Hay Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
Entry date for the Ram Test Station. You are
invited to enter ram lambs into this year's
station test from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon. As
soon as you have decided to enter rams into this
year's station test, please contact the Station
Manager, Kim Stanford (948-8517) so the pre-entry
veterinary inspection can be arranged where
required.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Westlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #J, Hestlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR §lt Westlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
1991 Sheep Symposium, Kananaskis Lodge. Watch
future issues for all the details!
-7-
PREVENT THESE LAMB LOSSES
Following are notes on some conditions and diseases which have caused losses in
lambs in the south of the province in recent years.
PROTECTING AGAINST CONTAGIOUS ABORTION
In Alberta, as in other western provinces, contagious abortion in sheep
is usually caused by Chlamydia and Campylobacter (Vibrio) organisms. While
bacterins are available for protection against these diseases, good management
of ewes in late pregnancy is a priority. The resistance offered by the bacterins
can be overwhelmed if a few diseased ewes should abort and management is such
that other ewes are bombarded with abortion-causing germs.
The risk of contagious abortion is greatest if new sheep, perhaps of
uncertain origin, have been mixed with your own during the past year. There are
two possibilities. The newcomers could introduce infection or, if your own sheep
were previously diseased, infection could spread to the new ones. Vaccination
is most important in either situation but, in addition, common sense management
should be practised.
When ewes are crowded it is more difficult to notice abortions and, if a
ewe aborts as a result of disease and she is missed, infection will spread
rapidly throughout the pen. Her fetus, afterbirth and discharges will teem with
germs. Other ewes will become infected when they ingest contaminated bedding,
food or water. Needless to say, floor feeding, under crowded conditions poses
a special risk.
Of course some ewes, perhaps up to 3%, will abort for a variety of reasons
unrelated to disease. Rough handling, shearing, crowding through openings or
slipping on ice are the usual explanations. It is a good idea to save and freeze
all abortions together with afterbirths. You should also learn to recognize
healthy and diseased afterbirths. The latter tend to be brownish and thickened.
Since Chlamydia and Campylobacter organisms can cause disease in people,
especially pregnant, women, use caution when handling these materials. Wear
disposable gloves and always wash your hands after assisting at lambing. If you
-8-
suspect disease, the abortions and afterbirths you have saved should be sent to
a laboratory. If good material is submitted, a disease, if present, can usually
be diagnosed within 24 hours.
If disease is found, extra vigilance is needed to spot and remove aborting
ewes. If possible the flock should be spread out to reduce the level of
contamination. Vaccination may help if the disease is diagnosed early in the
lambing season. Antibiotics such as Terramycin are used to control the outbreak
but high levels are sometimes necessary and, to avoid upsetting digestion, a
variety of levels may be suggested and the antibiotics can be fed intermittently.
Your veterinarian will be able to give details on control measures and the best
treatment program for your operation.
GOITRE - CHECK FOR IT
Be sure your pregnant ewes are receiving enough iodine in their feed. If
not, there is a real risk of lambs being born with goitre. The tell-tale sign
of this deficiency is a swelling of the thyroid gland which overlies the voice
box or larynx on the underside of the upper neck. You should routinely check
your lambs, especially those born early, for this important signal. A severe
iodine deficiency will result in dead and hairless lambs but, if the deficiency
is less severe, which is more usual, they will be merely weak. However, the
swelling on the underside of the neck will still be present.
To prevent goitre check that iodine is included in a loose, low copper,
salt- mineral mix. The mixture should be provided weekly since in this way you
will know how much is eaten. A level of 100-200 mg/kg (ppm) is suggested but
check with your feedmill for details. Don't feed cattle mineral to sheep as it
contains too much copper for sheep - they could end up being poisoned!
If, unfortunately goitre is found, then hopefully it is seen in the first
lambs born so that steps can be taken to boost iodine levels in ewes still to
lamb. One way of doing this is to paint , each week, tincture of iodine on the
inside of the ewe's thigh. This is obviously a chore to be avoided and so take
time to insure your ewes are receiving sufficient iodine on a daily basis in
their feed.
-9-
HYPOTHERMIA (COLD INJURY. EXPOSURE)
At this time of year, there is always a risk of cold exposure (also called
hypothermia) in newborn lambs, especially any that are born outdoors or in an
otherwise cold environment. One investigator, for example, found that
hypothermia and starvation accounted for nearly 30% of all preweaning losses of
lambs, and for 50% of all losses of lambs in the first week of life. He also
found that most of these losses occurred in the first three days of life.
The major factors associated with excessive loss of heat by the newborn
lamb include 1) cold weather 2) heat loss from a wet hair coat 3) small body mass
4) reduced activity of the lamb which causes reduced production of heat 5)
difficulties during lambing that result in lack of oxygen and poor temperature
regulation in the lamb 6) poor mothering behavior and 7) lack of colostrum.
Some lambs will be hypothermic, even though they continue to stand. In such
cases, temperature can range from 84-90°F, so it is important to use a rectal
thermometer .
The main approaches to treatment are as follows. For mild hypothermia,
move the ewe and lamb to shelter, towel -dry wet lambs and supplement with dry
heat (100-103°F, maximum temperature), tube-feed warm colostrum at the rate of
approximately one ounce per pound of body weight. If the lamb has been removed
from the ewe for treatment, return i t to the ewe when the rectal temperature is
normal (usually 1-3 hours). For severe hypothermia, towel -dry wet lambs, warm
in a warming box (a plywood box with a hair dryer inserted through a hole is
fine) at 100-103°F. The box can be 60 inches square and about 40 inches high.
Avoid overheating by checking the temperature in the box regularly and the
temperature of the lamb every 30 minutes. Also give warm colostrum after the
lamb is out of the warming box, and return it to the ewe when it is strong enough
to stand and nurse.
Prevention of hypothermia is the best approach by correcting the initial
problems of lambing difficulties , environmental temperatures, mismothering , poor
nutrition of the ewe, etc.. Often, management decisions prior to lambing are
the major causes of these problems, and efforts should be made to deal with
nutrition of the ewes, adequate shelter and housing (including the use of heat
lamps), the amount and quality of help available to the producer in relation to
-10-
the number of ewes to be lambed etc. . Attention to these factors, and
particularly, close attention to the welfare of the newborn lamb are important
in preventing these losses.
ABSCESSES IN THE SPINE
Each spring we examine good, well grown lambs which very unfortunately
become paralysed in their hind legs. Usually we find an abscess in the spinal
cord. This abscess has resulted from infection developing in the tail head at
the time of docking. There is no treatment. Take care to dock your lambs
properly. If you are cutting the tails don't hurry and disinfect knives between
lambs. Again, your veterinarian could give advice on correct procedures.
WHITE MUSCLE DISEASE
This deficiency is caused by a lack of selenium or vitamin E. As the name
suggests, affected muscles - usually the most active such as heart and leg
muscles, degenerate, turn white and become ineffective. This results in heart
failure or lameness.
White muscle disease was found at eight premises in the Lethbridge area
during the spring of 1990. This was unusual because the disease had rarely been
seen previously. Affected lambs had been weaned and they ranged in age from 4
to 8 weeks. The lambs had difficulty rising and they walked slowly and stiffly.
There were no swellings of the joints to Indicate arthritis. Injections of
selenium/vitamin E led to recovery. Some of the severely affected animals were
examined at post mortem, their leg muscles were found to be white. Blood
analyses suggested a deficiency of vitamin E. This was perhaps because of
deterioration of the natural vitamin in the feed and lack of adequate feed
supplementation .
You should be aware of the danger of white muscle disease in fast growing
lambs especially if you are not sure of the selenium and vitamin E levels in your
feeds. If muscle weakness is seen it could indicate the presence of this
deficiency. Treatment should result in recovery if the disease is in its early
stages. There are two infections with which this deficiency might be confused.
The first is an abscess in the spinal cord. This can result from infection at
-11-
docking. A spinal abscess causes paralysis of the hind legs. Secondly, joint
ill, which follows navel infection, is seen in younger lambs. In this disease
the joints are swollen.
To avoid white muscle disease check that your feed is adequately
supplemented. Selenium and vitamins A, D and E are commonly added to supplements
and premixes and they may also be added to salt/mineral mixes. The latter are
best prepared and put out weekly because the vitamins deteriorate if left for
too long in contact with salt. Selenium and vitamin E can also be injected.
Ewes could be treated before lambing, and if considered necessary, lambs can be
injected at weaning. A word of caution, - too much selenium can be toxic and
there is a fine line between the preventive dose and the toxic dose. If you have
doubt over the dosages and injections of these nutrients you should seek the
advise of your veterinarian or nutritionist.
Drs . Norm Harries and Gordon Chalmers
Regional Veterinary Laboratory
Lethbridge 381 5190
-12-
Alberta
sheep - w®®\
#212, 6715 -8th STREET N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7H7
Commission
Phone: (403) 295-1988
Fax: (403) 275-8009
Market Line (403) 295-3122
+ + + + + + zf « + + + + + + + + + + + + * + + + + + + * + + + + * + + + * + + + + + + + + * + + * + + + + + + + +
ALBERTA SHEEP INDUSTRY NEWS
AND VIEWS
The location of the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission Zone #2
Annual Meeting has been changed from Lethbridge Community College
to the El Rancho Motor Inn, Lethbridge, Alberta. If you are a
producer in Zone #2 (Lethbridge - Medicine Hat - Milk River)
please note the change in location for the Thursday, March 14, 1991
meet ing .
The Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission has been advised by Revenue
Canada that the ASWC checkoffs on sheep and wool are subject to the
GST. The checkoffs are deemed to be service fees.
Those agents, organizations, companies, associations and others
collecting the ASWC checkoffs have been informed to also collect
the 7* GST .
The following will occur in the collection procedure:
Example #1 Sheep and Lambs.
100 sheep sold x $1.00 per head checkoff - $100.00
$100.00 checkoff x 7% GST - 7.00
Total Checkoff and GST collected * $1 07 . 00
ZONE #2
CHANGE IN MEETING LOCATION
SHEEP AND WOOL CHECKOFFS AND THE GST
-13-
Ex ample #2 Wool.
1,000 lbs. of wool sold x $.01 per lb. checkoff - $10.00
$10.00 checkoff x 7* GST - ,70
Total Checkoff and GST collected - $10.70
In effect the checkoff and GST will be $1.07 per head and $.0107
per pound of wool .
GST regulations provide for rebates on goods and services incurred
in the production of sheep and wool. Therefore sheep producers who
have a registered GST number will be able to receive a refund from
Revenue Canada on all GST paid on ASWC checkoffs. The GST on a per
head basis is $.07 and on a per lb. of wool basis is $.0007.
Sheep producers should note that the GST will also be charged on
such marketing services as trucking, yardage, auction market
commissions etc.. Therefore it is important to obtain a GST
registration number for your farm/ranch/colony in order to obtain
refunds on the GST paid for these services.
Please contact the ASWC office if you have any further questions on
the ASWC checkoffs and the GST. ASWC GST NUMBER IS R 123538373
CALGARY TO HOST TWO INTERNATIONAL SHEEP MEETINGS
Gerry Pittman Chairman of the Canadian Sheep Federation and the
Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission has announced that Calgary will
be the location for two important meetings with international sheep
producer organizations.
The first meeting which is tentatively scheduled for the beginning
of June will be between the Canadian Sheep Federation, the New
Zealand Meat Producers Board, the Sheepmeat Council of Australia
and the Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation. It is
anticipated that this meeting will be primarily concerned with
Oceanic imports and the Canadian Lamb market.
The second meeting scheduled for late June will be between the
Canadian Sheep Federation and the American Sheep Industry
Association. This meeting will be the second Canada/USA sheep
industries joint conference. The first was held in December of 1989
in Denver, Colorado. It is expected that this meeting will continue
the discussions on such issues as scrapie, US feeder lamb imports,
wool tariffs and the impact of Oceanic imports on the North
American market.
-14-
COMMISSION HOSTS SECOND BIANNUAL FORUM IN RED DEER
Representatives from 20 Alberta sheep producer associations, clubs,
organizations and committees are scheduled to meet in Red Deer on
February 9 and 10. The forum will feature new developments in
intensive sheep production, multi-specie grazing, forestry grazing
and other areas of interest. New and innovative lamb and wool
marketing opportunities will also be presented and discussed.
Directors from the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission and the
Canadian Sheep Federation will also be presenting reports.
The format of the meeting will be similar to the first forum held
at Olds College. It is anticipated that those producer
representatives attending will be reporting back to the members of
their respective organi zat ions and groups. A further meeting report
will be presented in the next edition oi Footnotes.
LAMBCO SALE AND INDUSTRY PROPOSAL STILL PENDING
Alberta Agriculture sources have stated the two major developments
that could affect the future of the Alberta Sheep Industry are
still in the review stage. Both matters are inter-related so a
decision on one could have a dramatic affect on the other.
Officials are still positive about the outcome of both but
decisions have been delayed due to a number of other Agricultural
issues that have come forth at the national level. ASWC directors
are continuing to lobby Alberta Agriculture in the hope of
expediting the process.
-15-
ALBERTA SHEEP & WOOL COMMISSION
1991 ANNUAL ZONE MEETINGS
ZONE #1
DATE :
TIME:
PLACE :
ZONE #2
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
ZONE #3
DATE :
TIME:
PLACE :
ZONE #4
DATE :
TIME:
PLACE:
ZONE #5
DATE :
•i I ME:
PLACE:
ZONE #6
DATE:
'i J ME :
PLACE:
ZONE #7
DATE :
TIME:
J ..ACE:
FORT MACLEOD-P I NCHER CREEK-CARDSTON-NANTON
WEDNESDAY , MARCH 13, 1991
7:00 PM
SCARLET & GOLD INN - FORT MACLEOD , ALBERTA
LETHBR I DGE-MED I C I NE HAT-MILK RIVER
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1991
7:00 PM
LETHBR I DGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE , JAIL ROAD ,
LETHBR IDG E , ALBERTA
OLDS -CALGARY-BROOKS
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1991
7:00 PM
WHEATLAND COUNTY INN - STRATHMORE , ALBERTA
WETASK I W I N-RED DEER-CORONAT I ON-ROCKY MOUNTA I N
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1991
7:00 PM
AGRICULTURE BUILDING - LACOMBE, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
WA I NWR I GHT- VEGREV I LLE- ST . PAUL-LLOYDMINSTER
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1991
7:00 PM
BRUNSWICK MOTOR INN VERMILION , ALBERTA
THORH I LD-EDMONTON-DRA YTON VALLEY -WH I TECOURT
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1991
7:00 PM
PROVINCIAL BUILDING - STONY PLAIN, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
PEACE R I VER- VALLEY V I E W
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1991
1:00 PM
COURTESY CORNER RESTAURANT - RYCROFT , ALBERTA
PLEASE ATTEND THE MEETING CLOSEST TO YOUR OPERATION .
NOTE: YOU MUST BE A RESIDENT SHEEP PRODUCER IN THE ZONE WHERE
ELECTIONS ARE SCHEDULED IN ORDER TO VOTE. PHONE THE ALBERTA SHEEP
& WOOL COMMISSION OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
#212 - 6715, 8TH ST. N.E., CALGARY, ALBERTA T2E 7H7
PHONE: (403) 295-1988 - FAX: (403) 275-8009
-16-
News Release - Ovine Bnvlro Systems Inc.
Ovine Silviculture Background
In 1990 J & A Reti Lamb Feeders together with 2 other southern Alberta sheep
producers and a sheep management contractor (West Coast Browse), were involved
in placing 900 sheep on forestry cut blocks on Vancouver Island and in the
interior of British Columbia in order to control non-crop, competing
vegetation. The vegetation management was highly successful from a
silviculture point of view but was less successful from a sheep production
perspective. Using sheep as a silviculture tool can involve increased
maintenance costs, losses in animal productivity,, changes to production cycles
and increased risks to sheep producers. From this last summers experience, it
is evident that the sheep producer must be compensated for these costs in
order for the silvicultural use of sheep to be a sustainable activity.
The silvicultural application of sheep browsing is a complex management
exercise. Several variables have to be dealt with in the planning and
implementation of browsing treatments. Site variables such as: (1) types,
distribution, cover and abundance of competing vegetation, (2) elevation, (3)
terrain, (4) climate, (5) season (6) amount of logging residues, (7)
plantation structure and age, and (8) forestry crop species, are of importance
to the sheep managers and sheep.
The nutritional value of the competing vegetation will vary with the
particular combination of site factors, and must be matched with proper age,
class, breed, numbers, body condition, weight and behavioral characteristics
of the sheep used. Also of importance are the herding staff, facility and
camp design, access to cut blocks, proper transportation of sheep and
supplies, and well-trained herding and guardian dogs. One final important
concern is the health standards (and the health monitoring regime) set for the
sheep. Disease transfers between smaller flocks combined for the vegetation
management project must be minimized. The health standards must also address
the risk of disease transfer to wildlife.
The success or failure of the vegetation browse project will be determined by
how well each of these variables is managed. The opportunities to forestry
for a cost-effective silviculture tool are great for sites on which manual
brushing costs are exorbitant or herbicides are not an acceptable option.
Excellent opportunities also exist for the sheep industry to add one more
source of revenue to augment meat and wool sales.
Ovine Enviro Systems Inc. the Company
The positive environmental aspects of ovine silviculture will result in
improved public awareness of what is taking place in forestry plantations.
Due to this increased public awareness it is imperative that ovine
silviculture be conducted in the most professional manner possible. To meet
this need for professionalism, Ovine Enviro System Inc. (O.E.S. Inc.) is a
newly incorporated company that will provide professional services to sheep
producers, brushing contractors, silviculturalists , and forestry operations
managers. The goal of O.E.S. Inc. is to ensure sheep safety, health and
condition to achieve the desired vegetation management results in silviculture
programs .
-17-
O.E.S. Inc. can provide the following services:
Assessment of cutblocks or plantations as to suitability of sheep
browsing, as a method, to control competing vegetation.
Suggested timing of vegetation management treatments for the most
effective use of sheep and release of conifer crop trees.
Design browse programs to meet desired project size and
vegetation management objectives
cost analysis of sheep browsing treatments
source sheep from sheep producers
Source and hire properly trained herding staff; provide training
to staff; ensure proper herding and guardian dog ratio to number
of sheep
Provide supervision extension service to herding team regarding
sheep health, body condition, sheep behavior, night pen
locations, and nutritional requirements
Screening of sheep flocks for health, type and condition to meet
environmental and wildlife concerns, and reduce inter-flock
transfers of health conditions.
O.E.S. Inc. can provide "turn-key" operations to forestry operations, and
management and sourcing services to other contractors.
Ovine Enviro Systems Inc. the Professional Team
The principals at O.E.S. Inc. are Jerry and Audrey Reti. They have 20 years
experience in large scale sheep farming, including the operation of J & A Reti
Lamb Feeders, Canada's largest custom lamb feedlot, 8000 head capacity, as
well as maintaining a breeding flock of 500 ewes. Jerry Reti, as director and
secretary/treasurer of the Badland Hills Sheep Grazing Association at Hays,
Alberta, continues to be instrumental in the evolution of management for the
16,000 head of sheep and 85 patrons. Mr. Reti, a sheep technician in southern
Alberta, has held this consulting position with Alberta Agriculture since
1976. In 1990 J & A Reti were involved along with 2 other producers in ovine
silviculture projects on Vancouver Island and at Nakusp involving 900 head of
sheep. Ovine Enviro Systems Inc. has assembled an advisory panel of forestry
and agriculture industry experts. We look forward to working together to make
ovine silviculture a standard tool of vegetation management in Canadian
forests .
The advisory panel consists of:
- Ron Weisenburger , M.Sc, P.Ag., Alberta Agriculture, Branch Head,
Beef Cattle and Sheep Branch, Animal Industry Division
- R. A. (Ray) Fenton, D.V.M., Alberta Agriculture, Head, Livestock
Inspection Section, Health Management Branch, Animal Health Division
- Henry Lange, D.V.M., Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Health
Management Veterinarian, Animal Health Branch, Province of British
Columbia
- L. Anne McClelland, Ph.D., Agriculture Canada, Animal Science
Section, Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta
- Dan Lousier, Ph.D., P.Ag., R.P. Bio President and Senior Consultant,
W.F.S. Enterprises Ltd, Nanimo, B.C.
- Ray Greene and Penny Dewar, principals of West Coast Browsing,
Denman Island, B.C.
Inquiries should be sent to Ovine Enviro Systems Inc., P.O. Box 427, Taber,
Alberta, TOK 2GO, Phone or Fax (403) 223-9418 or Phone (403) 223-1113.
-18-
The Classifieds
FOR SALE - SHEEP
REGISTERED SUFFOLK rams. Born April 1990. $150.
Sharon Loewen, Hythe, 356-2255 (2)
Bred and purebred Suffolk ewes to lamb in March and
April. 2 yrs old. Call Lori, Stettler, 742-1854 (2)
STARTER FLOCK - Polypays - 25 females all under 2 yrs
- from flock with 250% drop average - rams also
available. Rose Willo Ranch, Cranbrook, B.C. (604)
426-3514 (evenings) (2)
125 BRED ewes, 4 rams; 1-5 yrs old. Call 546-2530
(Acme) after 6 PM and ask for Luke (2)
WE HAVE a few choice New Zealand bred Romney rams.
These rams we have used in our flock and are now
offering them to other breeders to improve their
Romney flock, or you may want them for a excellent
sire for your commercial and crossbred ewes. The
Schneiders, Windhaven Acres, Saskatoon, FAX (306)
934-0813 or call (306) 668-2154 (2)
GOOD QUALITY Suffolk and Suffolk cross commercial
herd. Due to lamb in February. 100 plus ewes, 1 pure
Suffolk ram, 1 papered Dorset ram, 1 crossed Suffolk
horn ram. $8500.00 Gus Schroeder, Edmonton,
988-5698 (2)
ROMNEY/DORSET ram lamb. Purebred Finn ram - 3 yrs
old. Miles Sharpies, Myrnam, 366-2266 (evenings) (2)
BRIGHTBANK FINNSHEEP has top quality Finn rams and
ewes. New bloodlines available from semen imported
from Finnland. Good selection of lambs available.
Yearling rams, fall-born ram lambs and Finn/Dorset
cross ram and ewe lambs. ROP tested. Visitors
welcome. Kathy Playdon, Stony Plain, 963-0416 (2)
POLYPAY. EWE lambs. Selected for mothering ability -
naturally raised - multiple births. Vern Gleddie,
Edmonton, 973-5627 (2)
COMMERCIAL EWES exposed to purebred Romanov ram, to
lamb in May. Also crossbred Romanov ewes (1/2 to
31/32nd percent). Purebred Romanov rams, ready to go.
Lyle Bowles, Maple Creek, Sask. , (306) 662-2916 (2)
Rambouillet and Suffolk. Toni, Arras, B.C., (604)
843-7183 (2)
CAMPSIE MINI farm has 10 bred purebred Finn lambs.
Robert, Barrhead, 674-2968 (2)
85 HEAD , 2 yr old Rambouillets; 100 head, black-faced
ewes, 3 and 4 yr olds. All will start lambing March
10. $80.00. Call Ron/Elaine, 936-5480 (leave
message) (2)
BRED POLYPAY ewe lambs. Bred to Idaho import. Rhoda
Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (2)
1 YR old Suffolk ewe lambs. Lambing in March. Brigit
Hofer, Olds, 556-3146 (2)
23 SUFFOLK cross ewes bred Dorset. Lambing last 2
weeks in March. Dewormed, 8-wayed, treated for keds.
$95. Leanne Flewelling, Alix, 747-2175 (2)
MUST SELL! 7 purebred Suffolk rams 2-4 yrs. 25 bred
ewes Suffolk/Dorset cross. To lamb in May. Excellent
price. Pauline, Ponoka, 783-6889 (3)
PUREBRED RAMBOUILLET ewes, born between January and
April of 1990. 28 head, prices ranging from $80 -
$180. Will sell in any size lots. Purebred
Rambouillet rams, born January to April, 1990.
Approx. 40 head, prices starting at $200. Amy-Rob
Rambouillets, Didsbury, 335-4348 (3)
80 SUFFOLK ewes to lamb first week of April. Age from
2 yrs to 6 yrs. Have been in sheep for 25 years.
$80/head. Verna Lange, Grande Prairie, 532-4017 (3)
5 BLACK ewes Dorset/Suffolk bred Leicester (Black) to
lamb in March. This is our black breeding herd and
are not culls. $100 each. Ev Gilmar, Delacour,
285-9804 (3)
28 CROSSBRED ewes - Suffolk & Rambouillet. Ready to
lamb March 25/91. Bred to 1/2 Romonov and 1/2
Rambouillet ram. Also 1 purebred Polypay ram (not
registered). Call Stan Boomhower, Czar, 857-3773 (3)
WILL PUT ewes out on a share basis for the 1992
season. Ron, Sundre, 638-2836 (3)
CROSSBRED EWES due to lamb in April. Bred Polypay,
-19-
NORTH COUNTRY Cheviots - 3 ewes & 1 ram. Also have
registered Suffolk - 16 ewes and 1 ram. All have been
exposed to rams and due to lamb in March & April.
Vivian, Bruderheim, 796-3556 (3)
MOVING - FOR sale 43 bred registered purebred Suffolk
and crossbred Suffolk ewes. All under 4 yrs old. Due
to start lambing February 6. Also 1 yearling Suffolk
ram and one 2 yr old Suffolk ram. Both with papers.
Avril and Malcolm Turley, Cochrane, 932-5676 (3)
15 - 3 YR old Suffolk cross ewes bred to purebred
Romonov. 10 Romonov cross ewe lambs bred purebred
Romonov. Due end of March with 3/4 Romonov lambs. 1
Suf folk/Romonov cross ram - 12 lb birthweight - good
for breeding. John Lorenz, Eckville, 746-3675 (After
8 PM) (3)
PUREBRED DORSET ram. 9 ewes - Finn/Suffolk cross - to
lamb in February. 1 has lambed this morning with
twins. $990 FIRM for complete package. Lena, Lamont,
895-7733 (3)
MOVING INTO town - must sell - Rambouillet, Romney,
Hampshire/Finn, bred ewes and rams, Angora goats.
Christy, Quesnel, B.C. (604) 992-9030 (3)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of 52 grade Angora goats and 1
registered buck. Priced to sell. Phone or write
Julie Odermatt, R R #1, Site 6, Comp. 14, Fort St.
John, B.C. V1J 4M6, (604) 785-9240 (2)
TWO REGISTERED Angora does, bred. 4 grade Angora doe
kids. Rhoda Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (2)
11 BRED milking goats - $100-$125 each, 1 billy goat -
$125. Leslie Schatz, Evansburg, 727-3516 (evenings
only) (3)
4 YOUNG bred Saanen does. Due soon. From excellent
milking stock. Tattooed and papered. Erika Vester,
Carstairs, 337-2496 (H) or 556-2299 (W) (3)
PUREBRED ANGORA wethers for meat. Lynn, Drayton
Valley, 542-5811 (3)
BRED REGISTERED Angora does. Range of ages and
reasonable prices. Also quality raw or spun mohair.
Sharon Bieber, Millarville, 931-3786 (3)
FOR SALE - DOGS
REGISTERED BORDER Collies from working and trial
winning stock - one fully trained trial placed female
2 yr old - one started female 1 yr old. Rose Willo
Ranch, Cranbrook, B.C., (604) 426-3514 evenings (2)
BORDER COLLIE pups, registered. From very good
working parents. Shots, dewormed, born November -
$200. Kathy Playdon, Stony Plain, 963-0416 (2)
GREAT PYREENES crossed with Russian Wolf Hound
puppies. Both parents are purebred and excellent for
coyote control and father is agressive guard dog.
$100 each. Sharon Loewen, Hythe, 356-2655 (2)
PUREBRED BORDER Collie pups. Both parents working.
Excellent cattle dogs. Wainwright, 842-2372 (2)
BORDER COLLIES - This month's special: Ched, tri
colour male, registered Border Collie, born 5 July 89.
Ched is a very strong dog, very protective, for
someone who needs a guard dog, to protect the family
and the farmstead, as well as a working stock dog,
Ched should be a good one. Ched has over 30 days work
on him at the moment and shows lots of potential .
Priced at $700 for this month. All dogs are
guaranteed. Outside dogs trained by the month. Send
for our free catalogue. Ron Gale, Sundre,
638-2836 (2)
SOMETHING NEW, something good. Anatolian pups. Born
June 30/90. Registered. All shots. Started with
sheep and goats but can work with any animal. Ready
to help you guard your livestock and property. Great
companion. From good working parents. Kerry
Benbixen, Marwayne, 847-2135 (3)
REGISTERED BORDER Collies
Trained on cattle & sheep.
Good guard dog for sheep.
■ 1 female coming to.
1 large male coming to.
2 pups - 6 months, 1 male
and 1 female including papers. Reason for selling -
retiring. John Lorenz, Eckville, 746-3675 (After
8 PM) (3;
REGISTERED BORDER Collie pups. The very best of
working lines. Every pup guaranteed to suit the
purchaser. Started dogs also available. Send for
free catalogue. Ron Gale, Box 948, Sundre, TOM 1X0,
638-2836 (3)
-20-
rOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS
CUSTOM MADE sheep tilting squeeze. Heavier built
pivots - $600. Shirley, Ft. Assiniboine, 584-2368 (2)
ROUND BALE sheep feeders. Cradles bales. 7" spacing
between rungs. Holds bale 1 foot off ground - $285
each. Also round bale heavy duty cattle feeders -
$185 each. Rod's Welding, Eckville, 746-5455 (2)
HELP WANTED
HELP TO lamb out approximately 100 ewes end of March -
due to owners pregnancy. Jackie, Millicent,
378-4466 (3)
SHEARER AVAILABLE
LAMBING PENS with attached feeders and corral panels
and scale. All in top condition. Also round bales -
1st cut hay and second cut hay. Brigit Hofer, Olds,
556-3146 (2)
ONE ELECTRIC West Falia cream separator - great for
one cow or milk goats. Includes one 5.5 milk pail,
all in very good clean condition. Also 1 electric
butter churn in mint condition. Sold separately or
together. Wool caxdinc machine with 1/3 HP thermal
protected fan cooled motor. Produces approx. 44" x
16" spinning or quilting batts. Complete with doffer
and fettling brushes, in new condition. An industrial
size Patrick Green machine. Lynn, Drayton Valley,
542-5811 (2)
WOODEN GRAIN feeders for sheep or calves. New
construction. Nc nails - all screws. All contacts
treated with lineseed oil. Reversible troughs. Each
will accommodate 12-14 head. $65 each. Ray Ellis,
Breton, 696-2483 (3)
3 SHEEP bale feeders - $150 each, 8 sheep grain
feeders - $60 each, 2 salt and mineral feeders - $60
each and sheep and goat squeeze - $250. Leslie
Schatz, Evansburg, 727-3516 (evenings only) (3)
SUNBEAM FLEXIBLE shaft shearing machines. Through a
special purchase, we are able to offer the Australian
Sunbeam Milti-Purpose Clutch Unit and Flexible Shaft
unit for $3 50.00. The customer would have to purchase
the electric motor and mount it in the machine along
with a pulley and belt. We also have a limited number
of Super Grip Handpieces on sale as well. Cee-Der
Sheep Products, Box 2404, Canmore, TOL OMO,
678-2220 (3)
SHEEP WANTED
1000 HEAD of ewe3 and weaned lambs in 100+ head lots
for free Agro-Forestry grazing project from May 15 -
September 15. Flocks must, be certified disease-free.
Call Bruce, Quosnel, (604) 747-3439 (After 6 PM) (3)
SHEARER AVAILABLE. Peace region. Randy Yaklin,
Beaverlodge, 354-8189 (2)
CENTRAL SHEARING. Contact Blair Kolenosky, Viking,
336-2533 (3)
SHEARER - SOUTH central Alberta. Professional,
reliable. Wool bagger available on request. Book now
for coming season. Nick Warner, Crossfield,
946-5290 (3)
SHEARER AVAILABLE - From $1.70 a head. Noel Downham,
Vilna, 636-2229 (3)
SERVICES AVAILABLE
CUSTOM WOOLEN MILLS - Your complete processing
facility. Full range of custom services for wool and
other fibers - washing, carding, dyeing, spinning and
sewing. Have your wool made into batts, comforters,
mattress pads, sleeping bags, carded wools for hooking
and handspinning, yarns (skeined or coned) in a
variety of colours and styles. CUSTOM PROCESSING SALE
- FEBRUARY AND MARCH. For details write or phone
Custom Woolen Mills, R R #1, Carstairs, Alberta,
TOM ONO, phone 337-2221 (2)
TANNING DONE on lamb pelts. Starting at $30 depending
on size and wool condition. Combed. Roy Peterson,
Cluny, 734-2536 (2)
-21-
EDITOR'S NOTE
Classified Ads and Coming Events may be placed in Sheep
Footnotes free-of -charge by contacting:
The deadline for Classified Ads and Coming Events is the
24th day of the month prior to the month of publ icat ion .
Coming Events will be run every month from when they are
placed until the event. Please Note: Events should be
placed in Coming Events at least 6 weeks in advance in
order to ensure their publication before they occur.
Classified Ads will run initially for two months, unless
cancelled after the first month. After the first two
months, ads may be renewed each month by contacting Janet
Smalley at 427-5083. Ads must not exceed two column
inches in length or they will be edited. Beginning January
1, 1990 all ads must be submitted with a name, an address
and a phone number or they will not be run. Sheep Footnotes
reserves the right to restrict the length, content and run
of any Classified Ad.
EDITORS OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Material in Sheep Footnotes may be reprinted in other
publications, but source must be stated and content of
articles may not be changed without authors' permission.
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Karren Green
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
Ph: (403) 427-5083
FAX (403) 427-1057
Ph: (403) 948-8509
FAX (403) 948-8548
sheep
footnotes
Volume 14, Issue 3, March 1991
Page
Market Report -J
Coming Events 5
Letters to the Editor 7
News Release - Is ley Announces Commencement of
Lambco Sale Negotiations 9
News Release - Isley Announces Stabilization Plan
For Feeder Lambs H
Sheep Code of Practice 12
Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission News 14
Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers - Wool Market
Report 21
The Role of Livestock in Sustainable Agricultural
Systems 23
Classifieds 33
ADVERTISING POLICY 37
CANAD1ANA
MAR 2 6 1991
Editor:
Advertising:
Wray Whitmore
Sheep Specialist
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
#204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
Janet Small ey
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
# 204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
/dlberra
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
Beef and Sheep Branch
-1-
WEEKLY AVERAGE SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES
no, , no
05-Jan-91 06-Apr-91 06-Jul-91 05-Oct-91 28-Dec-91
Weeks (to 23-Feb-91)
SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO 1990
95-110 LBS TORONTO
80-95 LBS TORONTO
Lamb markets remained dull during February, with no real price movements in
a period of relatively high slaughter volumes driven by on flock reduction
strategies in the US.
Statistics Canada's January 1, 1991 sheep and lamb inventory report
indicates that eastern Canadian flock sizes have peaked with no real increase
of breeding animals. In Western Canada, sheep and lamb numbers continue to
climb steadily at and increasing rate as compared to last year.
TOTAL SHEEP AND LAMBS 1 YEAR OR OLDER UNDER 1 YEAR
1990 1991 91/90 1990 1991 91/90 1990 1991 91/90
('000 HEAD)
Marit imes
38
.8
38
6
99%
29.6
29.3
99%
9.2
9.3
101%
Quebec
78
0
80
3
103%
66.0
67.2
102%
12.0
13.1
109%
Ontario
165
.0
169
4
103%
117.3
117.4
100%
47.7
52.0
109%
TOTAL EAST
281
8
288
3
102%
212.9
213.9
100%
68.9
74.4
108%
Manitoba
16
0
17
0
106%
13.2
14.0
106%
2.8
3.0
107%
Saskatchewan
36
0
40
0
111%
24.2
25.3
105%
11.8
14.7
125%
Alberta
144
0
158
0
110%
95.7
105.5
110%
48.3
52.5
109%
B C
37
0
38
0
103%
26.5
27.0
102%
10.5
11.0
105%
TOTAL WEST
233
0
253
0
109%
159.6
171.8
108%
73.4
81.2
111%
CANADA
514
8
541
3
105%
372.5
385.7
104%
142.3
155.6
109%
-2-
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT LAMBCO
WEEK 1
CURRENT MON
FEB 1991
LAST MON
JAN 1991
YR AGO MON
FEB 1990
VOLUMES
FEB 1991
FEB 1990
WEEK2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4
51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
60.00-63.00 60.00-63.00 60.00-63.00 60.00-63.00
WEEK 5
MONTHLY
SUMMARY
51.00-54.00
51.00-54.00
60.00-63.00
1,529
1,335
1,468
1,619
1,419
1,366
1,411
1,519
5,827
5,839
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
CURRENT MON
FEB 1991
LAST MON
JAN 1991
YR AGO MON
FEB 1990
FEB/91 VOLUME
AVG WEIGHT
WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4
74.00-75.00 60.00-75.00 77.00-80.00
(74.09) (62.40) N.E.P. (79.29)
65.50-80.00 67.00-91.00 71.00-108.00 60.00-70.00
(69.64) (78.25) (102.51) (68.03)
74.00-90.00 85.00-96.00 90.00-108.00 90.00-107.00
(85.55) (86.59) (92.99) (95.56)
WEEK 5
25
101.4
17
101.8
47
101.8
MONTHLY
SUMMARY
74.60
79.29
91.19
89
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 80-95 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
CURRENT MON
70.
00-100.
00
70.00-90.
00
65.00-97.
00
80
.00-110.
00
FEB 1991
(80.77)
(81.74)
(79.49)
(93.29)
LAST MON
69
.00-95.
00
70.00-94.
00
78.00-110.
00
70
.00-101.
00
JAN 1991
(79.75)
(84.11)
(92.09)
(80.79)
YR AGO MON
78.
00-103.
00
78.00-114.
00
90.00-110.
00
89
.00-110.
00
FEB 1990
(92.31)
(93.88)
(101.74)
(101.75)
FEB/91 VOLUME
191
11$.
118
122
AVG WEIGHT
87.0
85.9
88.2
84.8
WEEK 5
MONTHLY
SUMMARY
83.49
84.73
96.11
736
Prices quoted for 95-110 lb lambs are bid prices at Lambco and auction prices at Toronto
Public Stockyards for good quality lambs. The lower end of the Alberta price range
reflects bids for short haul unshrunk lambs, while the upper end of the range represents
bids for long haul or shrunk lambs. Producers delivering to the Toronto Public Stockyards
pay commission and yardage fees for each animal sold. Producers delivering to Lambco pay
$l/head checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission.
The Toronto auction price is from the Special Sheep and Lamb Sale held on Monday each week.
N.E.P - No established price *
JO ANN CMOLUCH
MARKET ECONOMIST
Market Analysis Branch
(403) 427-5387
A m e r
» c a n
S h
e e
dustry Association
REPRESENTATIVE LIVE SALES
TYPE OF TYPE
AREA
SHEEP
OF SALE
HEAD
LBS.
WEST COAST
Ah zona
SL Bwe
Direct
350
120-140
C&Ufomia
SL Bwe
Direct
525
120-140
Washington St. Bwe
Direct
1000
150-200
MOUNTAIN
Colorado
Old Crop
Auction
600
113-133
Colorado
Mixed
Auction
300
102-112
Colorado
Peedlot
Direct
750
127
Montana
Mixed
Direct
720
104-124
Colorado
Feeder
Auction
325
80-105
Montana
Feeder
Auction
200
75-90
Montana
Feeder
Auction
300
90-110
Wyoming
Feeder
Auction
250
80-110
Colorado
SI. Bwe
Auction
225
Wyoming
Wyoming
St Bwe
Direct
600
175
St Bwe
Direct
1000
SOUTH CENTRAL
Texas
Old Crop
Auction
600
100-130
Texas
Peedlot
Direct
3500
105-125
Texas
Feedlot
Direct
1500
100-110
Texas
Peedlot
Direct
8000
110-120
Texrj
Feedlot
Direct
1000
120-130
Texas
Feeder
Direct
1000
65-95
Texas
Feeder
Auction
350
60-70
Texas
Feeder
Auction
900
70-90
Texas
Feeder
Auction
700
90-110
Texas
SI. Bwe
Auction
350
Texas
SI. Bwe
Auction
1000
NORTH CENTRAL
Iowa
Old Crop
Auction
450
100-137
Iowa
Old Crop
Computer
384
126
IA-S.MN
Old Crop
Direct
3700
115-135
IA-S.MN
Old Crop
Direct
2200
109-131
Minnesota
Old Crop
Auction
300
100-130
N.Dakou
Old Crop
Auction
335
102-145
S. D ikou
Old Crop
Auction
825
118-142
S. Dakota
Old Crop
Auctioc
1350
107-131
Wisconsin
Old Crop
Computer
400
114
Minnesota
Feeder
Auction
320
60-90
S. Dakota
Feeder
Auction
375
80-95
Iowa
SI. Bwe
Auction
225
S. Dakota
SI. Bwe
Auction
225
S. Daxou
SL Bwe
Auction
475
S. Dakota
St Bwe
Auction
270
S. Dakota
St Bwe
Auction
680
106-129
EASTERN
Michigan
Old Crop
Auction
1200
100-125
Ohio
Old Crop
Auction
400
100-130
Perm.
Spring
Auction
275
80-100
Perm.
Old Crop
Auction
450
80-110
WEIGHING CONDITIONS
AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 1991
PRICE
($/CWT.)
Utility, ihorn, delivered 25.00
Utility, thorn, delivered 20.00-25.00
Running age, whiteface, March lambing (per hd.) 60.00
Choice St prime, wooled St shorn
90% feeder, wooled
Choice St prime, wooled, delivered
80% feeder lamb*, wooled, FOB overnight
Choice & fancy, wooled
Choice St fancy, wooled
Choice St fancy, wooled
Choice &. fancy, woe'ed
Utility St goal
3-4 year olds, fine wooled, April lambing (per hd.)
Short teim, fine wooled. May lambing (per bd.)
Choice &
Choice &
Choice &
Choice &
Choice i t
Choice St
Choice &
Choice A
Choice &
Good
Utility
prime, wooled St shorn
prime, thorn, FOB 4% ihr.
prime, shorn, 51% yield guar,
prime, shorn, 51% yield guar,
prime, thorn, 51% yield guar,
fancy, sLom, FOB 3% shr.
fancy, wooled
fancy, •".ooled
fancy, wooled
Choice & prime, shorn & wooled
$.30 off @13C Jba., shorn, 3% shr.
Choice & primr, No. 1-2 pells, vancd shr.
Choice <& prime, cooled, varied shr.
Choice <k prime, wooled
Choice & prime, wooled & shorn
Cho«re & prime. No. 1-2 pelta
Choice <k prune, wooled
$.30 off <g>130 lbs., $3 wooled disc, 3% shr.
Choice St fancy, wooled
Choice 8c fancy, wooled
Utility to mostly good
Utility St good
2 year old to solid mouth, prcg. tested (per hd.)
Solid to short solid, preg. tested (per hd.)
Bwe
Choice St prime, $3 wooled disc.
Choice St prime, $4-5 wooled disc.
Choice St prime, wooled
Choice & prime, wooled
42.00-45.75
45.00-46.75
45.50
40.00
47.00-48.75
41.75-45.50
«O.25-4200
41.00-41.75
16.00-17.50
69.00
40.00
45.00-49.00
45.0047.00
45. X «i}.03
44.00-45.00
.co~; -.c:-
43.00-49.50
47.00-53.50
4^.00-51.00
45.00-51.00
28.0C-34.C0
20.CO-30.00
48.75-53.50
49.00
46. CXMS.50
<5.00-?6.50
43.0045.00
44.CO-44.50
1T.CX49.50
48.50
45.00-48.00
45.75-49.00
23.00-28.50
19.00-22.00
60.00-68.00
48.00-59.00
45.00-47.50
48.00-52.00
52.75-55.50
60.00-70.00
55.00-60.00
THE PELT MARKET
The pelt market continues to be weak with very spotty
demand. European markets continue to be very limited
and financial difficulties continue to impact Eastern Bloc
and Soviet markets. Europe has been hit with heavy
snow and cold, but this weather is too late to make any
significant impact on the present market
Weakness of the U.S. dollar may spur on some demand
but this demand may be offset by increased Australian
and New Zealand pelt supplies.
Present wool market conditions have impacted the
pulleries most, who are finding the cost of drying,
sorting and bailing wool greater than the prices re-
ceived for wool. In January, pulled pelt prices ranged
from $1.50-$3.00, depending on size and quality.
Cockled pelts have been averaging 5-18 percent of the
supply, but historically increase to 25-40 percent in
March. Spring pelts are still very limited in supply.
California Imperial pelts are bringing $7-$8 for the fall
clips and $4-$5.50 for the No. l's January prices: Spring
- $6.50-$7.00; Full wooled - $1.75-$3.25; Fall clips -
$4.50-$5.00; No. 1 - $3.50-$4.75; No. 2 - $2.75-$3.50.
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
FEDERALLY INSPECTED SLAUGHTER (Head)
OL TUIC
*C I II ij
TO 1 II 13
cr
U L L'L
U1 L' I' t'
1990
THIS
VI
VI
TflTil
1 \J 1 AL
WEEK
LAj 1
I LAN
(wrtlmated)
W V IT w
V IT A D
1 v } U A 1 ft
TOT A I
SHIiHP
109.000
-4.4
-2.4
( iumss
857.000
+0.9
CATTLE 593.000
-4.5
-0.1
598.437
4,760.000
-2.1
CALF
35.000
0.0
-2.5
30.963
262,000
-11.7
HOGS
1.622.000
-0.8
-0.1
1.565,741
12,686,000
-2.9
RED MEAT PRODUCTION (million pound*)
%TH1S
%TH1S
WEEK
WEEK
WEEK
100A
THIS
VI
VI
ENDING
TOTAL
WEEK
LAST
LAST
01/26/91
YEAR
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR
(actual)
TO DATE
TOTAL
LAMB
7.0
-4.4
-5.1
7.0
56.4
+0.2
BEEF
406.9
-4.3
0.0
424.4
3,276.6
-1.3
VEAL
7.1
+ 1.9
+23.7
6.5
52.5
+16.7
PORK
297.3
-0.1
+2.7
292.5
2.328.5
-0.3
TOTAL
718J
-2.5
+1.2
730.4
5,714.0
-0.7
DRESSED WEIGHT PERCENT LAMB SLAUGHTER
THIS WEEK (EST.) 65 02/02/91 95.4
01/26/91 (ACT.) 64 02/03/90 95.3
AVERAGE WEEKLY F.I. SLAUGHTER
HEAD (Thousands)
150 l
80 T I 1 1 I T 1 1 1 I 1 I I I I I I I 1 1 I ! I I 1 T I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I 1 I I I I I 1 I I I I I
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY J UN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE: AS! MARKET INFORMATION / USDA
-*- 1990 1991
WHOLESALE LAMB MARKET
55 ibt-down 55-65 lbs 65-75 lba
EAST COAST WHOLESALE PRICE
WBQHTED AVERAGE ALL WEGHTS
NORTHEAST
HOB RIVER
LOS ANGELES
BAY AREA
• 60 Ib». & down
$1.10
$1.05
$1.05
$1.00
LESS THAN CARLOT
$1.11* $1.03**
$1.15* $1.05**
60-65 lbi.
$1.00
$.95
$.98
$1.00
$165
Wholesale carcass prices were expected to show a 5 cent increase
this week but hopes faded as the market closed steady on both
coasts. Pressure was applied to the 75-85 lb. carcass category and
Friday's prices closed steady to 1 cent lower. This week's quotes on
the jumbo carcasses were $.87-.95 in the Northeast and S.82-.90 on
the River. Overall wholesale carcass prices are 25 cents lower than a
year ago and near 50 cents lower than 5-year averages. Production
is up slightly but carcass weights are a full 2 pounds lighter.
1 1 1 1 n n n i n u i n i n n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 m i n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
JAN FEB MAR
APR MAY J UN JUL AUG SEP OCT
SOURCE: AS) MARKET ^FORMATION / USDA
NOV DEC
DISTRIBUTIVE CUT MARKET
& RETAIL FEATURE ACTIVITY
ITEM
CHUCK CROSS CUT
CHUCK SQUARE CUT
SINGLE LEG
DOUBLE LEG
LOIN
RACK 7 UP
PORB SADDLE
HIND SADDLE
NORTH-
EAST
$.70-.80
No Quote
No Quote
$1.30-1.40
$1.10-1.40
$2.00-2.30
No Quote
$1.30-1.40
BAY LOS GREAT
AREA ANGELES LAKES
No Quote No Quote $1.00-1.02*
$1.05- 1.1 4* $.95- 1.04* $1.05-1.10*
$2.05* $1.95* $1.80-1.90*
$1.75 $1.65-1.70* $1.45-1.50
$2.60-2.75*$2.50-2.65* $2.10-2^50*
$2.65-2.75 $2.55-2.65 $1.65-2.25*
$1.19-1.25 $1.15 $1.15-1.25
$1.55-1.65 $1.45-1.50 $1.65
EAST COAST CUT PRICES
AVERAGE
CENTS PER POUND
Trimmed and/or vacuumed packed
350
300
250
200 -
Prices of distributive cuts continue to be all over the board depending
on who the supplier is. Cut prices are cheap for this time of the year
with price spreads as wide as 50 cents on loins and racks. Packer
prices are chaotic with loins, racks and chucks selling at firehouse
prices. Rack prices are currently being sold $1.15 under the 5-year
averages and loins are selling an average $.50 lower. Retail feature
activity is good and continues to improve. Some of this week's
features include: Safeway, Save Mart, Vonns and Ralphs in Califor-
nia; all the Majors in Seattle; Kroger and Hamidy Stores in Michigan;
Bells in Buffalo, NY.
150 -
100 -
50 -
CROSS CUT CHUCK DOUBLE LEO LWTRIMMED LOW
SOURCE: ASI MARKET WTORMATON/USOA
HI THIS WEEK CZ LAST YEAR
RACK
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Easter Lamb Sale 40-60 lbs, Special Goat Sale.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Uestlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
Entry date for the Ram Test Station. You are
invited to enter ram lambs into this year's
station test from 10:00 A.M. - 12 Noon. As soon
as you have decided to enter rams into this year's
station test, please contact the Station Manager,
Kim Stanford (948-8517) so the pre-entry
veterinary inspection can be arranged where
required.
Special Easter Sheep & Goat Sale at Camrose
Auction Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M.
For further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89,
Hay Lakes, TOB 1H0, phone 878-3784.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
Entry date for the Ram Test Station. You are
invited to enter ram lambs into this year's
station test from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 Noon. As
soon as you have decided to enter rams into this
year's station test, please contact the Station
Manager, Kim Stanford (948-8517) so the pre-entry
veterinary inspection can be arranged where
required.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Fdmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR §lt Westlock, TOG 210,
phone 349-5203.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB WO, phone 878-3784.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Fdmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Uestlock, TOG 210,
phone 349-5203.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Fdmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contactnncBrJic/,e/,
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #1, Hestlock, TOG 210,
phone 349-5203.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB 1H0, phone 878-3784.
Mild Rose Registered Sheep Sale. Alberta Sheep
Breeders Association. 5 P.M., Olds Cow Palace,
Olds, Alberta. Entries close April 30, 1991. For
more information contact Darcee, 295-2185 or FAX
275-8009 or Robert Jackson, Chairman, 335-4348.
1991 Sheep Symposium, Kananaskis Lodge. Hatch
future issues for all the details!
-7-
Letters
C l.i s t o m W a o 1 e n M 1 1 J. s
R . R u 1
Carstai rs , rtb . , TOM DNG
December 11, 1990
Wray Wh i tmore
Sheep Footnotes
Beef C a 1 1 .1 e B r a n c h & S h e e p B ranch
#204 -• 7000 - 113 St.
Edmonton, Ab., 1'6H 5T6
Dear Wrav.
J have been following with interesi the continuing discussion
about the merits of Romanov wool. rs a wool, processor with some
vears of experience, I may as well put my two cents worth in.
Custom Woolen Mills has always wanted to sell Canadian wool at
home for a better price - well intent ioned but it has taken
awhile to establish ourselves.
Custom Woolen Mills is a medium grade woolen mill. Our products
a r e diver s e -- k n 1 1 1 i n g y a r n s , h an d s p i n n i n g wool, b a 1 1 i n g f a r
comforters. mattress pads, sleeping bags, mattresses so we do
have to pay attention to what grade of wool goes into which
product. It is easier to sell the consumer something they would
like r a t h e r t h a n c o n v i n c e? t hem they s h o u Id 1 i k e i t . S e I 1 i n g
Romonov wool would take some convincing! We process a certain
amount of rug or carpec wool annual J , (mostly karakul) ana I i.nd
Romonov with its double coat - one of wool,, and one of hair that
tends to shed out of the finished product not as good for rug
wool. The idea that Romonov wool would be good for handsp inning
is also not very well thought out. Handsp i nners , having spun the
wool, tend to make something else with it. If it is a low grade
rug wool , handspinning it won't change the quality of the woo.1
and what finished products can be made with it.
At present we do not have a suitable application tor Romonov or
R o m o r i o v — c r o s s wool s -
Yours truly
F e n Roe s s i n g I" i — *
Presi dent
C u s t o m Woolen li l 1 I s
-8-
'Jekphone (403)7$rfrZ&/<?
918 First Aftnue South
CMrfye. Alberta
Oil 0/7o
' : MHon Farms
Bos 189
teW, Att»rta TOLOGO
"4
February 3, 1991
Mr. Jerry Pittman, Chairman
Alta Sheep and Wool Commission
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E.
Calgary, AB
Dear Jerry:
A meeting was recently held of the Southern Alberta Sheep
Breeders Assocoation and at that time the subject of
accelerated removal of the tariff on Canadian wool entering the
United States was discussed by the Board of Directors.
A motion was made and passed unanimously that the Southern
Alberta Sheep Breeders Association will support the Alberta
Sheep and Wool Commission in its efforts to accelerate the
removal of these tariffs. The Southern Alberta Sheep Breeders
Association would be pleased to help with this matter, in any
way possible.
At the same meeting a motion was also made to ask the
Alberta Sheep end Wool Commission to look into the licensing of
all wool buyers. The Board felt that this matter needed to be
addressed and that, if done, would provide some measure of
protection to the wool producers.
I am looking forward to hearing more from you on these
matters .
Your sincerely,
Pat Barrott, Chairman
Southern Alta Sheep Breeders
PB:PD
-9-
/diberra news release
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
For Release February 5, 1991
ISLEY ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF LAMBCO SALE NEGOTIATIONS
Agriculture Minister Ernie Isley today announced that the Government of
Alberta has entered into negotiations for the sale of the assets of
Lambco, a division of the Alberta Agricultural Development Corporation,
to Canada West Foods Corp. The owners of Canada West Foods Corp. are
Canada West Trading Corporation and Great Nortl-^rn Grain Terminals Ltd.
Lambco, located in Innisfail, is a federally-inspected processing plant
specializing in lamb, sheep and veal. The facility was opened in 1975
as a co-operative, and subsequently encountered operating difficulties.
In 1977, the Government of Alberta took over the operation, in order to
preserve a processing outlet for the province's lamb and sheep
producers.
The government's stated intention from the time of the takeover was to
return t-ie operation to the private sector as soon as the industry
stabilized and an appropriate opportunity became available. Since that
time, thi industry has matured, markets have been developed, and lambco
has beoocki a major player in the Canadian lamb and veal sector.
Mr. Isley announced the government's offer to entertain proposals for
the assets of Lambco on March 26, 1990. Each of the prcpcc.ais received
in respoiise has been carefully evaluated on the basis of a number of
criteria, including the interests of producers and employees, commercial
viability, and the return to the Alberta taxpayer.
Stated the Minister, "The proposal put forward by Canada West Trading
Corporation and Great Northern Grain Terminals Ltd. was the one that
best met the Province's objectives for the privatization of Lambco, in
terms of contributing to the further development of Alberta's lamb and
veal industry. Canada West Trading and Great Northern Grain Terminals
demonstrated a clear vision of the industry's direction and a strong
grasp of the industry's needs."
Mr. Isley continued, "Canada West and Great Northern Grain presented
well-defined strategies for marketing, new product development, and the
exploration of future opportunities for further value added processing.
Among our most important considerations , they have made a commitment to
ensure a fair return to producers, and to encourage current management
and staff to be part of the renewed strength at Lambco."
"In addition," said the Minister, "the anticipated terms of the
transaction are considered fair. Pending negotiations, the Province of
Alberta expects to more than fully recover its investment in Lambco,
which totals approximately $2.9 million."
-10-
Negotiaticns between the Alberta govermnent and Canada West Foods Corp.
are to commence imaediately . It is expected that these negotiations
will result in an agreement for Larabco's sale that will offer
significant benefits to Alberta's lamb and veal industry.
-30-
Contact: Dennis Glover
Director
Marketing Services Division
Alberta Agriculture
427-3166
NEWS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
For Release February 15, 1991
ISLEY ANNOUNCES STABILIZATION PLAN FOR FEEDER LAMBS
Agriculture Minister Ernie Isley today announced the implemantatian
of the Alberta Purchased Feeder Lamb Stabilization Plan. This five-year
program, designed to stabilize income for purchased feeder lamb
producers, is effective January 1, 1991.
During the past three years, Alberta producers of purchased lambs
have been working diligently with federal and provincial officials to
incorporate purchased lambs into the National Tripartite Stabilization
Program (NISP) . Unfortunately, the diversified nature of the iamb
industry across Canada has made it difficult to integrate Alberta's lamb
feedlot sector with the national program.
Said Mr. Isley, "The Alberta government recognizes the difficulties
our lamb feedlot industry is experiencing. Since tripartite
stabilization is not possible at this time, we will implement a
bipcu~tite piujiain to ensure that appropriate market risk pretention is
available to this important component of the iamb industry."
The purpose of the Alberta Purchased Feeder Lamb Stabilization Plan
is to provide procjcers who purchase feeder lambs for finishjjig with a
market risk stabilizati.cn plan similar to the protection offered under
the National Tripartite Stabilization Program. Under the NTSP, the
federal and provincial governments and participating producers
cunUibute equal shares toward premiums, Tvhich go into a stabilization
account. The account issues payments when market prices far specific
ccsmncdities fall below designated support levels.
The Purchased Feeder Lamb Stabilization Plan is similar to an WISP
plan, except that premiums will be shared equally by the provincial
government and participating producers alone. The support level applied
under the procram will be based on the cash costs of production, plus
95 percent of the average margin. Only North American-born lambs will
be eligible.
Mr. Isley stated, "The Alberta government remains committed to the
on-going development of a viable lamb and sheep industry in this
province. Support to our lamb feedlot sector through this program will
allow for a more regular supply of market lambs after Alberta
home-raised market lambs have passed through the system."
"As well," continued the Minister, "additional marketing
alternatives will be available to ewe flock owners, as they will no
longer have to keep their lambs until slaughter weight is reached. This
program has the potential to benefit all lamb producers, and the
industry in general, through a guaranteed supply and the maintenance of
a viable packing and processing industry in Alberta."
Enrollment farms and program handbooks are currently being
developed, and should be available to producers by the end of February.
Lamb producers wishing more information should contact Alberta
Agriculture's Central Support Office, at 422-0137 or 1-800-232-9479
( toll-free) .
-12-
SHEEP CODE OF PRACTICE (For Sheep Notes and News)
A number of people (not many, considering that this concerns all
of you!) have responded to my request for your thoughts about the
Code of Practice for sheep husbandry. From those letters, I see
that the project should be clarified:
This is not just a little pet project of the Canadian Sheep
Federation. Tt is part of a larger project - the creation of
codes for all livestock in Canada. Our concentrating on sheep in
no way means that, we do net care about other animals! It is simply
that we as a sheep organization aie working on the sheep parr, of
it. And each sector does not write its code in isolation: each
code is a joint effort between the national organization that
represents producers of that particular species, the Canadian
Federation of Humane Societies, and Agriculture Canada.
Neither is the code to be a mere compilation of the suggestions
that the producers send in. (Which is a good thing, considering
the sparse responses.) I am studying worldwide research, reports,
and codes related to animal welfare, as well as opinions of
Canadian sheep farmers, in attempting to draft a code that will be
best for Canadian sheep and Canadian sheep farmers. We all have
opinions, based on our experience, about what sheep need: but this
code must be based not on mere opinion but on scientific research.
Once we (the Canadian Sheep Federation) have an initial draft that
we feel best protects sheep on Canadian farms and ranches, the
Federation of Humane Societies and Agriculture Canada will have
their input. In the end, we should have a document that defines
the basic requirements for humane sheep husbandry.
It will not please everyone. I have already received letters
stating that vaccination should be required, and that vaccination
should be prohibited. Neither of these people can be entirely
satisfied. So please understand - the best we can do is to try to
produce a balanced document that is best for sheep and helpful for
Canadian sheep owners.
Although some of the suggestions are impossible to follow, some of
them have been wonderful. And even when your particular suggestion
cannot be used directly, it is very helpful to me to know what
sheep producers think. I am trying to represent _aH of you. So
please, if you have any thoughts about what you would like to see
in the code, or what you would hate to see, please write to me.
The Code will protect sheep from mistreatment. It will also
protect sheep farmers from harassment by ignorant animal
"defenders". For example, some people have been accused of
"cruelty" for shearing sheep. The sheep Code will state quite
clearly that for heavy - f 1 eeced sheep (most breeds) shearing is not
only not an abuse, it is a necessary part of humane treatment.
Morag W. Othen
Box 40, Blueberry Mtn.\ Alberta TOH 0K0
-13-
Alberta Sheep Breedprc' Association
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E. , Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7
(403) 295-2185 FAX (403) 275-8009
RECOGNITION AWARDS
The Alberta Sheep Breeders are currently planning the first annual
Recognition Awards Banquet. This Award Banquet is being planned to recognize
our living pioneers who have devoted a great portion of their lives to promote
and better the sheep industry in Alberta.
So often our pioneers are passed by and tribute is paid only after
their untimely death which, of course, is too late to say Thank You.
The Alberta Sheep Breeders are now accepting nominations of three such
people that would qualify to be so recognized. The province has been divided
into three sections, as indicated on the map below.
NOMINATION FORM
Deadline - March 31, 1991
contribution was made:
Map Area #:
Name of Nominee:
Current Address:
Town of where major
Name of person making nomination & phone no.:
\
4f ^
Please send nomination forms to, and/or more information:
Warren Moore, R R #2, Lousana, Alta, TOM 1K0, 749-2023.
-14-
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7H7
Phone: (403) 295-1988
Fax: (403) 275-8009
Market Line. (403) 295-3122
GST No. R1 23538373
NEWS ..."
AND VIEWS
SALE NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN
.... ANOTHER CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF LAMBCO
The Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Ernie Isley, has
announced that Canada West Foods of Calgary, has been chosen as the
successful bidder for Lambco. The sale culminates almost a year of
activity by Alberta Agriculture and the bid selection review
committee that ultimately recommended to the Minister the final
choice .
Potential bidders for Lambco were required to meet the parameters
of a prospectus that was issued by Alberta Agriculture. The
prospectus was designed with the assistance of the Alberta Sheep &
Wool Commission (ASWC) in order to protect the interests of
Alberta Sheep producers in the proposed sale. A formal bid
selection committee was subsequently created to review the bids of
those interested in acquiring Lambco. Two representatives of the
ASWC, director Ian Clark and Chairman Gerry Pittman, were formal
voting members of that committee. After deliberating upon the bids
and interviewing some of the participants, the recommendations of
the committee were forwarded to the Minister who then made his
recommendation to cabinet.
The successful bidder is Canada West Foods Corporation of Calgary,
which is jointly owned by Canada West Trading Ltd. and Great
Northern Grain Terminals Ltd. The Chief Executive Officer of Canada
West Foods Corp. is Gary Haley.
Alberta
:.8he$p
Commission
-15-
The sale, which is subject to final negotiations, begins another
chapter in Lambco ' s long history. The plant was originally created
as a co-operative known as the Lamb Processors Co-op. The creation
of the Co-op and the plant itself in its early days was spearheaded
and managed by the Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission. The concept of
a producers Co-op had been promoted for some time by a number of
sheep producer groups, the most active being the Peace River Lamb
Assoc. and the CASH Co-op. The plants days as a Co-op ended in 1977
when, due to a combination of financial, management, and market
difficulties, it was taken over by the Alberta Government under the
auspices of the Alberta Agricultural Development Corp. and renamed
Lambco. In order to guide the bankrupt plant to health and
viability, the Alberta Government acquired the experienced services
of professional packing house managers. They included initially
Gordon Mohler then Jim Coughlin and finally Gerry Kelly. These
individuals, in fairly short order, increased Lambco ' s through put
to a peak of 112,000 in 1987 and have kept the plant profitable and
viable for a number of years.
Although the plant has not been a burden on the Alberta tax payer
for some time, it was felt that continued ownership of Lambco was
not the mandate of the the provincial government. Also, it was felt
that the Alberta Government was not prepared to make the long term
investment in Lambco that it required for it to expand and
diversify its products and marketing. It was felt that under
private ownership it would no longer be bound by political
cons ider at ions .
The plant at this moment in time runs at approximately 50% capacity
so its full capabilities have yet to be tested. Gary Haley, of
Canada West Foods has considerable experience in innovative
marketing methods which will be of considerable value to Lambco if
they intend to increase their share of the Canadian Lamb Market.
The present market place is dominated by the formidable New Zealand
Lamb Co. of Toronto, Ont . New Lambco marketing expertise will put
Canadian Fresh Lamb on a much more equal basis in competing for an
increased share of the Canadian market.
Government and industry sources state that the final details of the
sale and the ownership transfer will be made within the next three
months .
-16-
1991 ALBERTA SHEEP PRODUCERS FORUM SHOWS
DEPTH OF LOCAL EXPERTISE IS VERY IMPRESSIVE
The second bi-annual sheep producers forum was held Feb. 9th and
10th in Red Deer. Over 30 invited representatives of local and
provincial sheep producer groups, clubs, and organizations, were in
attendance. Also in attendance were government extension personnel,
Lambco representatives, and wool buyers. The Chairman of the
Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, Dwane Morvik and a fellow
director Steffan Olsen also accepted invitations to attend. The
format of the Forum was designed to be small so that there is
plenty of opportunity for interaction between speakers and
participants. It is anticipated that representatives of the various
groups and organizations will report back to their specific groups
on the information and discussion that took place at this years
Forum .
Reports were presented by Gerry Pittman on the Alberta Sheep and
Wool Commission, the Canadian Sheep Federation and National Sheep
& Wool Stabilization Programs. The Forum featured three discussion
panels on grazing, wool, and marketing. Separate reports and
presentations were made on forestry grazing, national lamb
classification and shepherding and multi specie grazing.
Forum chairman, Lois George, summarized a number of comments that
were made by participants in that the depth and knowledge of the
speakers and panel participants was most impressive. What was also
noteworthy and a reflection of the maturity of the Alberta Sheep
Industry was that they were all Alberta Producers and
entrepreneurs .
The featured speaker of the evening was Mr. Gary Haley, the
president of Canada West Trading Corp. and the successful bidder of
Lambco .
NEW OWNER OF LAMBCO UNVEILS NEW MARKETING THRUST F*OR LAMBCO
The featured evening dinner speaker at the 1991 Alberta Sheep
Producers Forum held recently in Red Deer, was Mr. Gary Haley, the
chief executive officer of Canada West Foods Corp. This was the
first opportunity for representatives of Alberta and Saskatchewan
sheep producer organizations and groups to meet the new owner and
to learn of the new marketing plans for Lambco. Mr. Haley provided
an overview of his Company and how Lambco fits in with its present
and future plans. Also reviewed were the successes of Canada Wests
present promotion campaigns, specifically the " Taste of Canada"
food promotions being carried out by his company in the Pacific
Basin and the USA.
It is the intention of the new owners to utilize the present unused
capacity of Lambco to increase throughput and to market Canadian
lamb in a much more aggressive and expanded marketing approach.
Mr. Haley stated that "these marketing changes and plans will not
happen overnight but as they evolve, throughput will increase and
the industry will have the opportunity to supply increased numbers
of lambs to the plant".
Producers posed a number of questions to Mr. Haley on his plans,
pricing policy, accessab i 1 i ty , and a number of other factors.
Consensus of producers present was that the ideas and plans
presented by the new owners were certainly enlightening and
impressive and they look forward to seeing what will happen in the
com i ng year .
ALBERTA FEEDER LAMB STABILIZATION PROGRAM TO BE IMPLEMENTED
The Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Ernie Isley has
announced the establishment of an Alberta Purchased Feeder Lamb
Stabilization Plan. This plan fills in the missing link in the
National Tripartite Sheep Stabilization program. It culminates a
four year effort spearheaded by the Lamb Feeders of Canada Assoc.
and the ASWC in providing a support program for a very critical
sector of the Alberta sheep industry.
-18-
The new program which is technically similar to the overall
national sheep program will provide financial stability to present
and future feedlot operators. A feedlot stabilization plan is one
of the components of the Alberta Sheep Strategy proposal that was
presented to the Minister of Agriculture and his senior officials
by the ASWC in Oct. of 1990. Th i s stabi 1 i zat ion plan, along with
the privatization of Lambco will have a long term effect on the
overall development and expansion of the Alberta Sheep industry.
ALBERTA SHEEP HEADING FOR SUMMER CAMP IN THE BC MOUNTAINS
One Alberta based company and one BC company have announced plans
to engage in large scale grazing of reforestation blocks in BC
utilizing Alberta sheep. Both organization have announced that they
will be canvasing producers in Alberta in order to obtain sheep for
these projects. Utilizing sheep to graze unwanted plant species in
reforestation projects in BC has been carried out for approximately
10 years. This approach has gained much favour and interest in BC
due to the high cost of hand clearing and environmentally unpopular
chemical controls. Small scale grazing has occurred throughout BC
to this time with mixed results.
A significant change of attitude by the BC Forest Service has
resulted in a new approach. Rather than it being a favour to local
sheep producers to what it should be, which is a silviculture tool
for BC Forestry Companies. This new attitude has also seen a
professional approach in the form of grazing contractors such as
the Alberta based company, Ovine Enviro Systems of Taber , AB . It is
the intention of this organization to provide a complete
contractual service to forestry companies in BC for a set fee. A
contractor would supply all sheep and accompanying herding services
over a set acreage. A number of other parameters would also be
involved. In return, sheep producers supplying the grazing sheep
would be paid a per head fee for the use of their sheep on these
pro j ec ts .
Although producers are being enticed by the financial incentives
of being paid to rent out their sheep for the summer, it should be
noted that the transportation logistics and grazing stresses can
have adverse affects on the long term productivity of ewes.
The use of sheep for brush and vegetation control in reforestation
projects has yet to be attempted in Alberta but it would appear
that this is just a matter of time considering the high cost of
hand clearing and the unpopularity of chemical control.
The ASWC, through their Alberta Sheep Industry Strategy proposal
-19-
has recommended to Alta. Agri. and to Alta. Forestry to investigate
this innovative approach to environmentally sound brush control by
using sheep.
WOOL MARKET NOT AS DISMAL AS IT WAS
Just as sheep producers were becoming numb to the dismal news of no
hope for any wool market returns, a number of new opportunities
have sprung up over the past few months. Some provide immediate
short term hope others are long term.
At the recent Alberta Sheep Producers Forum some new market
opportunities were unveiled. Allan Brown and Zenek Matkowski
presented their new Woollen Mill proposal for Innisfail. This mill
will utilize equipment from the former Buffalo Woollen Mill in
Brandon. Bill Purves-Smith of Custom Woollen Mill reviewed his
companys efforts in processing and Marketing wool products. Jerry
Reti of Enviro Ovine Systems indicated that he intends to research
the possible marketing of wool from sheep on his grazing project
contracts. The ASWC reported on the progress of their Montana Wool
Market research project.
Marketing conditions are still tough but improving:
Zenek Matkowski of Red Deer, an established shearing contractor and
Wool buyer states that he will pay up to $.30 a pound for wool.
This wool is for export to the USA.
Recent Wool sales in Montana have seen prices up to $.60 for fine
range wools, domestic type wools continue to be under severe
pressure with prices in the .15 to .20 cent range.
-20-
ALBERTA SHEEP & WOOL COMMISSION
1991 ANNUAL ZONE MEETINGS
ZONE #1
DATE :
TIME:
PLACE :
FORT MACLEOD -P I NCHER CREEK -CARDSTON-N ANTON
WEDNESDAY , MARCH 13, 1991
7:00 PM
SCARLET & GOLD INN - FORT MACLEOD, ALBERTA
ZONE 02
DATE:
TIME :
PLACE:
LETHBR I DGE- MEDICINE HAT-MILK RIVER
THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 1991
7:00 PM
EL RANCHO MOTOR INN - LETHBR I DGE , ALBERTA
ZONE 03
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
OLDS - CALGARY - BROOKS
TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 1991
7:00 PM
WHEATLAND COUNTY INN - STRATHMORE, ALBERTA
ZONE 04
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE :
WET ASK I W I N - RED DEER -CORON AT I ON - ROCKY MOUNT A I N
THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 1991
7:00 PM
AGRICULTURE BUILDING - LACOMBE, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
ZONE #5
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
WAINWRIGHT-VEGREVILLE-ST . PAUL-LLOYDMINSTER
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1991
7:00 PM
BRUNSWICK MOTOR INN - VERMILION, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
ZONE 06
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE:
THORH I LP - EDMONTON - DRAYTON VALLEY -WH I TECOURT
THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1991
7:00 PM
PROVINCIAL BUILDING - STONY PLAIN, ALBERTA
(Director election scheduled)
ZONE 01
DATE:
TIME:
PLACE :
PEACE RIVER -VALLEY VIEW
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1991
1 :00 PM
COURTESY CORNER RESTAURANT - RYCROFT, ALBERTA
PLEASE ATTEND THE MEETING CLOSEST TO YOUR OPERATION.
NOTE : YOU MUST BE A RESIDENT SHEEP PRODUCE!* IN THE ZONE WHERE
ELECTIONS ARE SCHEDULED IN ORDER TO VOTE. PHONE THE ALBERTA SHEEP
& WOOL COMMISSION OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
0212 - 6715, 8TH ST. N.E. , CALGARY, ALBERTA T2E 7H7
PHONE: (403) 295-1988 - FAX: (403) 275-8009
-21-
(Eattafttnn ^a a^suim Waal (fbnuto
■ OX 130
Carleton $late, Ontario
K7C 3P3
March, 1991
WOOL MARKET REPORT - CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE WOOL GROWERS LIMITED
Not wishing to dwell on the negative aspects of the wool market
conditions that presently exist world wide, it is difficult to be optimistic
at the moment. The following is a brief update of recent developments which
are significant and are affecting wool growers every where.
The Australian Wool Corporation has announced the suspension of the
floor price for Australian wool for the remainder of the 1991 selling season.
Their wool stock pile of 4.8 million bales had continued to grow and therefore
the decision was made to let the free market establish the new values for wool
without the assistance of a support price system. All other major wool
producing countries with price support programs for wool have followed the
Australian lead and as a result the market place is in great turmoil and very
nervous. When Australian wool auctions resumed on February 25th, wools were
selling at 35 - 50% less than the previous support prices, although it will
probably take several weeks before new market prices become firmly
established. The imbalance between over supply and demand for wool world wide
compounded by the continued absence of some major buyers (Russia & China) are
the major obstacles to resolve before a recovery can be expected to take
place. There is also the uncertainty as to how large unsold wool stocks in
Australia and other countries will now enter the market place, and at what
price level. The gulf crisis has also had a very negative influence on world
textile trading conditions. This news is not at all very encouraging but it
is an accurate reflection of today's market which we must do our best to
endure. However, there are a few rays of promise which hopefully will become
reality in time.
RRANCHFS AND ASSOCIATIONS
ACH055 C*NAC)A
-22-
a) The low market price of wool in relation to other fibres may
attract a new range of clientele and applications for wool which
could ultimately result in increased demand and diversified
usage.
b) Wool, in addition to all of its very desirable characteristics
which cannot be reproduced in a man made fibre, is also
environmentally friendly, and this will become an increasingly
important factor.
c) China & Russia cannot remain out of the market forever and
hopefully will soon be able to re-enter the market place because
of lower wool prices.
In terms of our own domestic industry, it has made the marketing of
our Canadian wool a sometimes difficult and very frustrating task. As the
time of this writing 35% of our 1990 wool production remains unsold and in our
warehouse. This is an unusual situation for us but one that runs parallel to
what every other wool producing country currently faces. Because of the slow
rate of wool sales it has meant delaying 1990 final wool payments and until
the market stabilizes we are accepting 1991 new crop wool on consignment basis
only. We are continuing to collect wool at all our locations and grade at our
Lethbridge and Carleton Place facilities so that we are prepared to market
your wool quickly when confidence is restored and forward wool sales again
resume. We would like to assure all of our wool producers that we are doing
our utmost to market your wool as quickly and competitively as possible in
these very difficult times and thank you for your continued cooperation,
patience and understanding of the situation.
Eric Bjergso
General Manager
-23-
The Role of Livestock in Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Gerald W. Thomas *
I want to express my thanks to Wray Whitmore for inviting me to visit with the
Sheep Producers of Alberta about the timely subject, "What is the role of livestock in
sustainable agricultural systems?"
Mr. Whitmore and I recently attended the 75th Anniversary Celebration of the
U.S. Sheep Experiment Station at Dubois, Idaho. My appearance there led to this
invitation.
In 1970, when I became President of New Mexico State University, someone
conducted a national survey trying to identify the characteristics of university presidents.
The survey indicated that university presidents were an odd lot—unpredictable and
variable. The one thing that most had in common, was that they came from rural
communities and small towns. In that respect I was overqualified since I came from
Small, Idaho.
Small, Idaho was once listed in Ripley's "Believe It Or Not" as the smallest town
in the United States-population one. Walter Findley ran the post office, service station,
general store and the cream testing service. And, even if we added all of the people on
Medicine Lodge Creek who got their mail at Small, we still did not have enough people
to afford a town drunk. Everyone had to take turns.
But, if Small, Idaho was small when I was a boy, it is still smaller now. The post
office and store are closed and the Medicine Lodge schoolhouse has been torn down.
Our home community, like many in rural America, was not "sustainable" as sweeping
changes took place in farming, livestock production, transportation, and economics.
We could see the U.S. Sheep Station from our home ranch on Medicine Lodge.
During the twenties and thirties, my folks did not know much about the research going
on at the Sheep Station. My dad was a "cowman". He stuck with cows and horses even
when several other members of his family appeared to be making more money on sheep.
He often stated "Those damned sheepherders have beat us to the good grass again this
year!"
On the other hand, my mother liked sheep. She made an annual trek to the
Dubois Sheep Station to buy "bum" lambs. She paid 25 cents for each lamb and raised
President Emeritus, New Mexico State University, presented to the Alberta Sheep
Producers at Millarville and Nisku, Alberta, Canada, November 14-15, 1990.
-24-
them on the bottle. Mother made a little money from the Station lambs. So, after 60-
plus years, I thought it would be appropriate to thank the scientists at the U.S. Sheep
Station for the financial help to our family during the Great Depression. The direct
contribution to our family income may not compare with the multi-million dollar value
of the research or the value of the new breeds of sheep the Station has developed, but
those 25-cent lambs meant a lot to us as we struggled to keep from losing the ranch.
During the time when we were trying to make ends meet on the ranch, these
animal scientists at the Sheep Station were testing new innovations for sheep production.
But animal scientists, like University presidents, are an odd lot and you never know
what these researchers will get into next. Let me give you an example of the "far out"
approaches sometimes used by the researchers.
I mentioned my Dad's comment about the sheepherders "beating us to the good
grass". In the early years of this century there were many conflicts on the open range
between sheepmen and cattlemen. However, the Idaho range wars did not reach the
intensity of those in some other areas. For example, the following letter was printed in
the Portland "Morning Oregonian" under the date of December 29, 1904:
Sheep-Shooters' Headquarters, Crook County, Oregon, Editor
Oregonian: I am authorized by the association (The Inland Sheep-Shooters)
to notify the Oregonian to desist from publishing matter derogatory to the
reputation of sheep-shooters in eastern Oregon. We claim to have the
banner county of Oregon on the progressive lines of sheep-shooting,and
it is my pleasure to inform you that we have a little government of our
own in Crook County, and we would thank the Oregonian and the
Governor to attend strictly to their business and not meddle with the
settlement of the range question in our province.
We are the direct and effective means of controlling the range in our
jurisdiction. ...Our annual report shows that we have slaughtered between
8,000 and 10,000 head of sheep during the last shooting season, and we
expect to increase this respectable showing during the season providing the
sheep hold out and the Governor and Oregonian observe the customary
laws of neutrality...."
(Signed) Corresponding Secretary
Crook County's Sheep Shooting
Association of Eastern Oregon.
The sheep and cattle wars have been replaced by other conflicts over land use.
It seems that almost everyone is lined up against the livestock industry -- many with
emotional and unjustified approaches.
There is no doubt that the early concepts of getting to the grass before someone
else and the idea that no good grass should "go to waste" led to problems of overgrazing
-25-
and conflicts over access to the range areas. The result was deterioration in the
vegetation base and soil erosion.
The era of the open range came to a halt with the passage of the Taylor Grazing
Act in 1934. This legislation was passed by Congress at a time when ranchers were
already under stress. The West was in the worst drought in history; the Country was
in the Great Depression; and livestock prices were at an all-time low. Given these
circumstances, the closure of the free range was a final blow. Some of the Thomas
brothers, who were long time ranchers on Medicine Lodge, refused to go to town to deal
with the new Federal bureaucracy. Consequently, they lost most of their historic grazing
rights under the new allotment system.
Many other ranchers also considered themselves "victims of the Taylor Grazing
Act". They found a focus for their anger in the Federal government. I doubt that the
Canadian experience is much different from that of the Western U.S.
As a teenager, I listened in as my dad and the neighbors "cussed" and "discussed"
the government and the newly imposed restrictions on our way of life. I remember also
my dad talking about range conditions-mostly about the "strong" grasses and the "weak"
grasses. Even though these early ranchers could not identify the various grass species,
they knew where to find the good range. They also knew that there were too many
livestock on the open range and too much competition for the limited grass. They
reluctantly had to agree that some regulation was necessary.
In the first paragraph of President Franklin Roosevelf s statement, as he signed
the Taylor Grazing Act on June 28, 1934, we find the words "... in the interests of
National Conservation and the livestock industry." The dual purpose of the Act implies
concern for both the natural resource base and a continued healthy livestock industry.
It is this dual purpose, balancing economic and ecological constraints that emerges
as the primary concept of "sustainable agriculture." It was my privilege to Chair two
national Task Forces on this subject. (1) (2) These committees examined the issue from
a worldwide perspective. I will try to summarize this worldwide challenge on the
subject of sustainability before I focus in on the specific role of livestock.
The Concept of Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural development in all countries of the world has been driven historically
by the need to provide food and fiber for an increasing population. The primary
constraints in the past have been economic, and yet, the long-term success of these
activities will depend on an adequate consideration of the more subtle environmental
or ecological issues.
-26-
The neglect of environmental issues is now a worldwide concern and has led to
the popularization of the term "sus'aiivibility." During the past five decades that I have
been associated with agriculture, I know of no concept that has swept through
international development circles and the halls of the U.S. Congress as rapidly and with
such force as the phrase "sustainable agricultural development."
The choice of words does make a difference in the approach to food and fiber
production. The term "sustainable agriculture" implies both the necessity for providing
food and fiber in the near term for today's population as well as the need to conserve
the resource base for future generations. We are not talking about "exploitation" or
unlimited development. Nor are we promoting "environmental protection" per se.
Humans have already influenced every part of the world's environment, including the
most remote polar areas. The challenge now is to understand these impacts and to
adjust development activities based upon research. The key to our relationships with
the environment is "management" not "protection", with mankind as a part of the
formula.
Sustainable agriculture is not synonymous with low-input agriculture, alternative
agriculture, or organic farming. Low-input agriculture, organic farming, and certain
alternatives have a place in our future, but it would be unrealistic to assume that these
approaches could possibly provide for the world's future food and fiber needs. Our
dependency on inorganic fertilizers, agricultural chemicals and depletable energy
resources will continue into the indefinite future unless some significant and
unanticipated research break-throughs come about.
The concept of sustainable agricultural development also implies a balance
between economic and ecological constraints. It should serve as a compromise between
the so-called environmentalist and the traditional livestock producer. Sustainability is
a far better term than "environmental protection".
For the most part, people respond better to economic incentives than they do to
regulation. The worldwide trend toward capitalism and private enterprise has clearly
demonstrated that countries can increase production by providing an economic
"incentive to produce". The challenge now is to find techniques to create a
corresponding "incentive to conserve". Unless wre build conservation incentives into our
economic system we cannot move toward sustainability.
Population Pressures
My major concern from a worldwide perspective is population growth. There are
two aspects of world population that lie at the heart of all approaches to
sustainability: 1) increased numbers, and 2) higher levels of affluence. While increased
numbers per se present one kind of environmental impact, it is the second factor in the
-27-
population picture (higher per capita incomes) that is of most concern as we look at
worldwide environment change.
Certainly, a major objective of development assistance is to improve the
standard of living for all people in the developing world. But, most of us also realize
that wealthy or middle-class people place more pressure on the environment than do
poor people. Wealthy people require more units of land, more units of water, and more
units of energy. In addition, higher per capita incomes mean greater problems of
pollution and contamination. As incomes rise we can expect more sophisticated food
processing, packaging, and transportation; more fossil fuel and other resource
requirements; more environmental problems.
The World Bank's latest global projections indicate a possible leveling of the
world population for the year 2100 at 10.4 billion people-double the present number.
Most of this growth will take place in the less developed countries. Whether or not
leveling will occur at 10.4 billion will depend upon educational programs and economic
development, both precursors to numbers reduction.
Our greatest challenge is not only to keep the status quo as population increases,
but to meet the needs for a better quality of life for all people. The world average GNP
(Gross National Product) per capita last year was $3470. Think about that--$3470 per
year! (3) Twenty-six countries have average incomes below $300 per year. At the time
of this survey the U.S. stood at $19,780 per capita GNP and Canada at $16,760 per year.
Now, here's the challenge. There are over 4 billion people in the world with annual
incomes of less than $700. A worthy goal would be to bring these four billion people
from the present $700 per capita GNP to the world average-five times their present
level. But, from an environmental impact standpoint,four billion poor people are one
problem, while four billion wealthy or middle-class people are another. Indeed, the
problems for sustainability will increase as these people move into higher income
brackets.
To close the GNP gap between the developed and the less-developed world will
require an annual economic growth rate for these poor countries of 5-10 percent per
year. This will be difficult if not impossible for most countries. We cannot reach this
level of performance in the U.S. or in Canada. The IMF (International Monetary Fund)
report issued last month projects GNP growth in the next few years for the
industrialized world at 2-1/2 percent and for the developing countries about 2-1/4
percent-barely a break-even with population growth. Furthermore, the impact of
increased oil prices resulting from Iraq's aggression in the Persian Gulf, have not as yet
been evaluated.
World population must somehow be brought into balance with the environment.
This will happen only if we continue to emphasize education, family planning, and
economic development. These are precursors to a slow down in population growth.
-28-
Understanding Ecosystems
Many of the ecological implications of agriculture and livestock development
require more knowledge of complex ecosystems and a better understanding of the
interactions among the physical, biological, and climatic components. The relationships
between the "productive capacity" of the resource base and the "absorptive capacity"
of the environment are not well understood.
The term "productive capacity" forces us to ask questions such as, How much
land is required to sustain an individual to a satisfactory standard of living? How much
water is required per capita? How much energy? By the term "absorptive capacity", I
refer to questions of air and water pollution, vegetation change and perturbations in
natural ecosystems.
All too often we attempt to correct a problem at one point in the system and
create more serious problems at another level. For example, a corrective measure to
reduce soil salinity by flushing the soil profile may actually increase the amount of water
required to produce a ton of grain. This is critical if water supplies are limited. A
decrease in the use of inorganic fertilizer or pesticides may mean more units of land are
needed per capita.
The role of energy in agricultural systems is particularly important. Fossil energy
costs and availability remain a major constraint to food and fiber production in most
countries. This fact was again forced on us with the Persian Gulf crisis.
Any comprehensive approach to an analysis of energy in the food system goes
far beyond a simple discussion of petroleum or electricity. It is necessary to consider
food, wood, range vegetation, and all forms of organic material also as energy.
Therefore, two major energy flow patterns must be studied:
1. The capture of solar energy by the vegetation and the movement of this
food energy, or biomass, through the ecosystem until a part of it eventually reaches the
consumer as a food product. One might consider biomass energy as renewable, since
it is driven by an almost unlimited supply of solar energy.
2. The second energy flow pattern is usually called subsidized, or cultural
energy. This is the energy that runs the agricultural system-that required to produce,
process, and deliver food to the ultimate consumer. This later source of energy includes
not only petroleum, hydroelectric power, and coal, but it includes horsepower, oxen or
camel power, man power, and certain other energy subsidies. Most of the energy
subsidies for modern agriculture, unfortunately, must continue to come from petroleum
or coal— depletable resources.
-29-
No country in the world can reach ultimate "sustainability" until we find an
alternative to fossil fuel. We are changing the energy flow patterns for agriculture in
several ways:
• More refined and processed foods, greater consumption at distant points from the
source of production, and a more variable, but perhaps better balanced, diet is
expensive from the standpoint of photosynthetic biomass utilization.
• The trend toward mechanization in the agricultural sector is continuing
worldwide in spite of the emphasis on appropriate technology and the
underdeveloped manpower available in most countries. This trend creates a
greater negative balance in the ratio of renewable-to-depletable energy sources.
But, as one study showed, to slow down the move toward mechanization would
require that labor be valued at almost zero.
• Total world biomass energy is probably going down with the destruction of
many forested areas and with increased desertification, although this reduction
is partially offset by increased crop yields. If worldwide biomass production is
decreasing we are losing some of our ability to utilize surplus carbon dioxide.
• Mankind is consuming a higher percentage of the total biomass as population
increases, leaving less and less available to all other biological populations. We
do not know the impact of this transfer on the total ecosystem.
• Much of the original biomass produced by photosynthesis is lost to the consumer
by processing and distribution before it reaches the consumer. I recall vividly
a statement made by Dr. George VanDyne, Colorado State University, before his
untimely death. Dr. VanDyne was conducting basic research on energy flow in
a grazing system. He concluded from his research:
"Of the total solar energy captured by the vegetarian in the process
of photosynthesis, only .0003 percent reached the consumer as meat
--a small, but tasty percentage!"
These studies by VanDyne and co-workers also pointed out that the role of insects
on range lands is often overlooked. For example, some of our research on semi-desert
range lands in New Mexico, revealed that insects-particularly termites, consume 10
times more biomass than livestock under normal grazing conditions. And of course, all
of the studies show that we have also underestimated the role of rabbits and rodents as
major consumers of range vegetation.
This leads me to several major conclusions about the role of livestock in
sustainable agricultural systems:
-30-
1. The Western range has improved substantially in the last 5-6 decades.
2. Livestock grazing is compatible with the concept of sustainable agriculture
and multiple-use management.
3. Livestock grazing can improve biological diversity and serve as a tool for
vegetation manipulation.
4. Livestock are an essential component of world food production systems.
I will make a few comments about each of these points and conclude with what
I will call "the research imperative".
Point number one: The Western Range has improved substantially since the
1930's and 40's. I graduated from the University of Idaho in 1941 inspired by my
studies in forestry and range management. I learned how to identify the various species
of plants. I was ready to "sell" range conservation to my Dad and other members of the
ranching community. More importantly, I had developed some concepts of range
condition and trend.
I have now had the opportunity to observe and study vegetation change in the
West for more than 50 years. In addition to these personal observations, I have made
a serious attempt to follow the literature and the research. Conclusion Number One:
There is ample evidence that the bulk of the Western range has improved over the
past 40-50 years. This is not only true about the Idaho range where my Dad grazed
cattle and horses but it is true over the West in general.
My second point: Livestock grazing is compatible with the concept of
sustainable agriculture. Range areas in the U.S. were grazed by big game animals
before the introduction of domesticated livestock. Some estimates indicate that the
grazing pressure by wildlife-particularly bison—before the settlement of the West
approached that of today's livestock industry. (4) Thus a certain amount of grazing
pressure is a part of the natural ecosystem. The vegetation complex evolved under
grazing. Research has demonstrated that it is possible to obtain an economic return
from grazing without damage to the natural resource base. Livestock production is
sustainable and compatible with the multiple-use concept now accepted as a principle
of Federal and private land management.
Thirdly, livestock grazing can improve "biological diversity". Biological diversity
is another one of those popular terms in the environmental community but it is often
misunderstood. Anyone who has studied the principles of plant succession and
retrogression should realize that there are generally more species of vegetation and more
variation in biological populations under limited livestock grazing than under the so-
called "climax" condition. For the most part virgin forest or a climax prairie will have
-31-
less biological diversity than one which is subjected to periodic fire and/or livestock
grazing. This observation can be substantiated by an examination of livestock enclosures
on many range experiment stations in several countries of the world. I think it is
important also to point out here that there are potential future conflicts between the
concept of "protecting endangered species" and the ideal of biological diversity.
Management designed to protect a single species may lead to a reduction in the total
diversity of the area. We will hear more about this potential conflict as our research
improves the data base.
Livestock can also serve as a tool for vegetation manipulation. Sheep and goats,
due to their preference for certain species of plants, can be valuable allies for weed and
brush control. More research should be designed to capitalize on the grazing
preferences for the various classes of livestock in order to bring about vegetation
improvement for each of our major range types.
Lastly, livestock are an essential component of world food production systems.
Livestock provide the only opportunity for mankind to convert vegetation on the
millions of acres of uncultivated land to a useful food product. Roughly, 40 percent of
the world's land surface can produce food only if cellulose is digested by a ruminant
animal.
There are now about 1.1 billion sheep and 460 million goats in the world. Fifty
percent of the sheep and 95% of the goats are in the developing countries of Africa, Asia,
the Near East, and Latin America. (5) The United Nations FAO estimates that the
demand for sheep and goat meat in 1990 will exceed production by 600,000 metric tons
or the equivalent of another 30-40 million sheep and goats. The world market is
growing while the resource base is becoming more restricted.
I mentioned earlier that the concept of sustainability included both economic and
ecologic systems. It also implies providing for this generation without sacrificing the
resource base for future generations. Many poor people of the developing world do not
have a bank account. Their only flexibility when the family has an emergency is to sell
a lamb or a kid goat. Likewise, they cannot afford to buy milk, so the family nutritional
status depends heavily on sheep or goat milk and cheese. Unfortunately, many of these
poor people, so dependent upon sheep and goats, are losing their access to adequate
forage because of continued growth in human and livestock populations. This people
pressure is leading to deterioration in the resource base.
Let me conclude my remarks with a plea for additional research on this important
topic--the role of livestock in sustainable agriculture. Some critics continue to say "If you
haven't found the answers to all of the problems facing the sheep industry in the last 75-
100 years, someone must be asleep at the switch!" But, those same critics do not
understand the nature of the livestock industry. There has never been a time in our
history when the research challenge has been greater. As we solve one problem we
-32-
expose two more. We see new diseases, new nutritional problems, and the need for new
breeds adapted to changing consumer demands and world markets. And, probably the
greatest challenge of all, we must find ways to produce livestock at a profit while
maintaining the important natural resource base on which this and future generations
of mankind must depend.
References
(1) Thomas, G.W., et al. Environment and Natural Resources: Strategies for
Sustainable Agriculture. BIFAD Occasional Paper No. 12. USAID, Washington, D.C.,
1985.
(2) BIFAD Toint Panel on Sustainable Agriculture. Committee Report, USAID,
Washington, D.C., June, 1989.
(3) Population Reference Bureau. World Population Data Sheet Washington,
D.C., 1990.
(4) Holechek, J.L., Pieper, R., & Herbel, C. Range Management Principles and
Practices, Prenfce Hall, 1989. ^
(5) A Strategic Plan for the Small Ruminant CRSP. Prepared by the
Management Entity (UC-Davis), January, 1989.
33-
The'ciassifiecbs
FOR SALE - SHEEP
MUST SELL I 7 purebred Suffolk rams 2-4 yrs. 25 bred
ewea Suffolk/Dorset cross. To lamb in May. Excellent
price. Pauline, Ponoka, 783-6889 (3)
PUREBRED RAMBOUILLET ewes, born between January and
April of 1990. 28 head, prices ranging from $80 -
$180. Will sell in any size lots. Purebred
Rambouillet rams, born January to April, 1990.
Approx. 40 head, prices starting at $200. Amy-Rob
Rambouillets, Didsbury, 335-4348 (3)
80 SUFFOLK ewes to lamb first week of April. Age from
2 yrs to 6 yrs. Have been in sheep for 25 years.
$80/head. Verna Lange, Grande Prairie, 532-4017 (3)
5 BLACK ewes Dorset/Suffolk bred Leicester (Black) to
lamb in March. This is our black breeding herd and
are not culls. $100 each. Ev Gilmar, Delacour,
285-9804 (3)
28 CROSSBRED ewes - Suffolk & Rambouillet. Ready to
lamb March 25/91. Bred to 1/2 Romonov and 1/2
Rambouillet ram. Also 1 purebred Polypay ram (not
registered). Call Stan Boomhower, Czar, 857-3773 (3)
WILL PUT ewes out on a share basis for the 1992
season. Ron, Sundre, 638-2836 (3)
NORTH COUNTRY Cheviots - 3 ewes & 1 ram. Also have
registered Suffolk - 16 ewes and 1 ram. All have been
exposed to rams and due to lamb in March & April.
Vivian, Bruderheim, 796-3556 (3)
MOVING - FOR sale 43 bred registered purebred Suffolk
and crossbred Suffolk ewes. All under 4 yrs old. Due
to start lambing February 6. Also 1 yearling Suffolk
ram and one 2 yr old Suffolk ram. Both with papers.
Avril and Malcolm Turley, Cochrane, 932-5676 (3)
15 - 3 YR old Suffolk cross ewes bred to purebred
Romonov. 10 Romonov cross ewe lambs bred purebred
Romonov. Due end of March with 3/4 Romonov lambs. 1
Suf folk/Romonov cross ram - 12 lb birthweight - good
for breeding. John Lorenz, Eckville, 746-3675 (After
8 PM) (3)
PUREBRED DORSET ram. 9 ewes - Finn/Suffolk cross - to
lamb in February. 1 has lambed this morning with
twins. $990 FIRM for complete package. Lena, Lamont,
895-7733 (3)
MOVING INTO town - must sell - Rambouillet, Romney,
Hampshire/Finn, bred ewes and rams, Angora goats.
Christy, Quesnel, B.C. (604) 992-9030 (3)
100 SUFFOLK ewes, 15 North Country Cheviot. Already
to lamb March 17. Alan Potter, Oneway, 967-5171 (3)
RAMBOUILLET EWE lambs - born in Jan and Feb *91. Ron
Bruder, Pincher Creek, 627-5141 (4)
YEARLING RAMS - 2 registered Suffolk and 4 registered
Dorset - $200 each; 1 Hampshire/Dorset cross - $150.
Don, Ft. Saskatchewan, 998-9062 (4)
2 YR old registered and papered Suffolk ram. Breeder
Olds College. Sire Crooked Post, Dam Olds College.
Aaking $200. Lorraine, Sundre, 556-7362 (4)
REGISTERED COLUMBIA rams - 2 yearlings, 1-2 yr old and
1-4 yr old. 4 yr old is sire to two top growing rams
at 1989 Alberta ram test station. Carol, Athabasca,
675-2945 (H) or 675-2951(B) (4)
FINN AND Finn cross rams. Yearling - 2 years and
older. Also, some Columbia rams. Brian Taylor,
Darwell, 892-2967 (4)
5 EWES - $95 each. 4 ewe lambs (all triplets) - $110
each. Mostly Suffolk cross. Bred to lamb starting
April 5/91. Peter or Lindsay, Cherhill, 785-2084 (4)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of Russ & Ursela McRae's Suffolk
flock. 40 purebred ewes; 50 crossbred ewes. All have
lambs. Will sell with or without lambs. Didsbury,
335-4240 (4)
2 YEAR old Rambouillet ram. Proven. 2 yearling
Rambouillet rams. 1 Polypay/Suf folk cross ram.
Reasonably priced. Call anytime. Hythe, 356-2778 (4)
CORRIEDALE EWE lambs, purebred and commercial. Older
ewes, 2 to 5 yrs old $80 to $150 each. Registered
yearling Corriedale ram $150. James & Gayle Vallance,
HoJmhead Farm, 78 Cokato Road, Fernie, B.C., VOB 1MO,
(604) 423-6473 (4)
-34-
MOVING & must sell spinners flock of 9 registered
Romneys, 1 registered Columbia, 3 high % Romney cro3s
breda and 1 Polwarth/Corriedale cross. 10 of these
ewes are bred to registered Romney rams and are due to
begin lambing in mid-April. These sheep are producers
of numerous award winning fleeces which sell for $5/lb
to steady customers. Also selling sundry equipment
9uch as Flex- i- net ana other tools. Priced
individually or 1 buyer takes all for $2250.00 OBO.
Call or write Debbie Loosley, Box 1836, High River,
TOL 1BO, 652-7403 (4)
REGISTERED SUFFOLK rams, various ages and prices.
Mary Stewart, High Prairie, 523-2192 (4)
4 REGISTERED yearling Suffolk ewes. To lamb in April.
1 registered Suffolk ram - Mouritsen breeding. Linda,
Kay Lakes, 676 -370-i (4)
ROMONOV/SUFFOLK cross bottle lambs. Available
mid-March. Isabel, Olds, 556-3814 (4)
FCR SALE - GOATS
11 BRED milking goats - $100-$125 each, 1 billy goat •
$125. Leslie Schatz, Evansburg, 727-3516 (evenings
only) (3)
4 YOUNG bred Saanen does. Due soon. From excellent
milking stock. Tattooed and papered. Erika Vester,
Carstairs, 337-2496 (H) or 556-2299 (W) (3)
PUREBRED ANGORA wethers for meat. Lynn, Drayton
Valley, 542-5811 (3)
BRED REGISTERED Angora does. Range of ages and
reasonable prices. Also quality raw or spun mohair.
Sharon Bieber, Millarville, 931-3786 (3)
REGISTERED PUREBRED Alpine buck. Edelweiss
bloodlines. Jackie Riley, Tofield, 662-2377 (4)
2 YR old registered Angora buck. Sire Angora 4F.
Marilyn, Carstairs, 337-3956 (4)
WE ARE taking order now for registered Nubian and La
Mancha buck and doe kids from top bloodlines $150
each. All have star-sires and can be shown in Hayes
show. John or Joanne Benger, Drayton Valley,
727-2491 (4)
SOMETHING NEW, something good. Anatolian pupe. Born
June 30/90. Registered. All shots. Started with
sheep and goats but can work with any animal. Ready
to help you guard your livestock and property. Great
companion. From good working parentB. Kerry
Bendixen, Marwayne, 847-2135 (3)
REGISTERED BORDER Collies - 1 female coming to.
Trained on cattle & sheep. 1 large male coming to.
Good guard dog for sheep. 2 pups - 6 months, 1 male
and 1 female including papers. Reason for selling -
retiring. John Lorenz, Eckville, 746-3675 (After
8 PM) (3)
REGISTERED BORDER Collie pups. The very best of
working lines. Every pup guaranteed to suit the
purchaser. Started dogs also available. Send for
free catalogue. Ron Gale, Box 948, Sundre, TOM 1X0,
638-2836 (3)
CKC REGISTERED Komondor puppies. From working
parents. Sheep raised. Born Jan 17th. Fred or
Marlene, Lloydminster, (306) 825-2640 (4)
REGISTERED AUSTRALIAN Kelpie pupa. Parents good
working dog3. Dam imported from Australia. Born Nov
23/90. Have had their shots. Longview, 558-3751 (4)
KUVASZ REGISTERED purebred 5 yr old male. Canadian
champion. Good guard dog. Great with kids. Garry
Nixon, Botha, 574-2166 (4)
REGISTERED SHETLAND sheep dogs (Shelti). Mother shows
very good herding instinct. 3 tri-colored, 2 sable
pups. Marilyn, Carstairs, 337-3956 (4)
PUREBRED BORDER Collie puppies. Alder Flats,
380 3328
(4)
PUREBRED BORDER Collies from working stock. Born
January 31/91. Sondra, 286-1993 (Calgary) or 932-2860
(Cochrane) (4)
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS - ASCA registered. Black tris,
males and females, born Aug '90. Also some adults,
blue merles and black tris. Pups in early summer.
Mary Stewart, High Prairie, 523-2192 (4)
-35-
BORDER COLLIE puppie3 out of Boe (a well bred Bitch
imported from Texas) and by my great sire Aaron.
Every pup guaranteed to make top stock dogs. We have
the best guarantees in the business. Started dogs for
sale at all times, or will trade for good ewes. Ron
Gale, Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
WANTED - SHEEP
1000 HEAD of ewes and weaned lambs in 100+ head lota
for free Agro-Forestry grazing project from May 15 -
September 15. Flocks mu3t be certified disease- free.
Call Bruce, Quesnel, (604) 747-3439 (After 6 PM) (3)
FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS
WOODEN GRAIN feeders for sheep or calves. New
construction. No nails - all screws. All contacts
treated with lineseed oil. Reversible troughs. Each
will accommodate 12-14 head. $65 each. Ray Ellis,
Breton, 696-2483 (3)
WANTED 2000 flocking type ewes to put on an agra -
siviculture project from June through September '91.
Ron Gale, Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
25-30 DORSET Finn cross ewes. Due to lamb beginning
of April. Jake Smith, La Crete, 927-3680 (4)
3 SHEEP bale feeders - $150 each, 8 sheep grain
feeders - $60 each, 2 salt and mineral feeders - $60
each and sheep and goat squeeze - $250. Leslie
Schatz, Evansburg, 727-3516 (evenings only) (3)
SUNBEAM FLEXIBLE shaft shearing machines. Through a
special purchase, we are able to offer the Australian
Sunbeam Milti-Purpose Clutch Unit and Flexible Shaft
unit for $350.00. The customer would have to purchase
the electric motor and mount it in the machine along
with a pulley and belt. We also have a limited number
of Super Grip Handpieces on sale as well. Cee-Der
Sheep Products, Box 2404, Canmore, TOL OMO,
678-2220 (3)
WANTED - DOGS
PREFERABLY PUREBRED, Australian Shepherd female.
Would like a bule merl color. Sheila, Holden,
688-2220 (4)
FEMALE PYREENES puppy. Parents must be good guard
dogs. Joan, Tomahawk, 339-2118 (4)
TWO MALE guard dogs, prefer Great Pyrenees or Maramas.
One dog must be a mature working dog, the other can be
a young dog brought up with sheep. I need them from
June through September '91 and will buy or lease. Ron
Gale, Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
SHEEP SCALE - $350. Steel- frame for packing wool (can
hold large bugs) $100. Trailer that will haul 14
mature ewea - $700. Marking harnesses for rams (4
available) - $20 each. Morinville, 939-2000 (4)
ATTRACTIVE MALE Llama - brown & white - born June '90.
Training well started - $850 OBO. Debbie Loosely,
High River, 652-7403 (4)
DONKEYS & Llamas for predator control. Donkeys $500
and up. Gelded male Llamas $500. Also two weanling
female Llamas, $7500 and $10,000. Allison Magee,
Clive, 784-3436 (4)
GRAIN FEEDERS : galvanized steel with wooden frame,
12- foot long, $50; also 8-foot long covered hay
feeders on skids $30, Roux automatic syringe $35, ear
tag pliers $15 and some jug hay feeders and grain'
troughs. Gail Stewart, Delburne, 749-2381 (4)
1 ELECTRIC tall docker, like new condition. $100 OBO
Vivian, Bruderheim, 796-3556 (4)
WANTED - MISCELLANEOUS
ROUND BALE feeders, reasonably priced. Marti, High
River, 652-3722 (4)
WEIGH SCALE and hoof trimming stand. Must be in good
condition. Joan, Tomahawk, 339-2118 (4)
HELP WANTED
HELP TO lamb out approximately 100 ewes end of March -
due to owners pregnancy. Jackie, Millicent,
378-4466 (3)
SHEPHERD OR shepherdess required for May lambing
season- (must be non-smoker). Contact Lyle or Delores
Bowles, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, (306) 662-2916 (4)
-36-
EXPERIENCED SHEPHERDS who can work with the Forestry
(or ref orestration) , and with sheep and dogs, or
sharp, hardworking personnel willing to learn
ref orestration and to work with sheep and dogs. The
shepherding will be June through September '91. The
training period will be April and May '91. Ron Gale,
Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
EXPERIENCED SHEPHERD required for 660 ewe flock of
performance commercial and purebred sheep. Must
handle all aspects of flock management including
sponging for out of season breeding ( 12 lambings per
year). This is an intensive operation. All dry feed
is purchased. Grass management, fence control,
building and facility maintenance ongoing in addition
to shepherding and field record keeping. Applicants
must be prepared to participate in financial outcome,
either on a share or share/equity basis. Housing and
facilities provided. Apply Tom Eggertson, R R #2,
Lousana, TOM 1K0, 749-2280 (4)
SHEARER AVAILABLE
SHEARER AVAILABLE - From $1.70 a head. Noel Downham,
Vilna, 636-2229 (3)
SHEARER AVAILABLE - April 18 - June 14. Garth
Hammond, Edmonton, 459-8051 (4)
SERVICES AVAILABLE
CUSTOM WOOLEN MILLS - Your complete processing
facility. Full range of custom services for wool and
other fibers - washing, carding, dyeing, spinning and
sewing. Have your wool made into batts, comforters,
mattress pads, sleeping bags, carded wools for hooking
and handspinning, yarns (skeined or coned) in a
variety of colours and styles. CUSTOM PROCESSING SALE
- FEBRUARY AND MARCH. For details write or phone
Custom Woolen Mills, R R #1, Carstairs, Alberta,
TOM ONO, phone 337-2221 (3)
TANNING DONE on lamb pelts. Starting at $30 depending
on size and wool condition. Combed. Roy Peterson,
Cluny, 734-2536 (3)
CENTRAL SHEARING. Contact Blair Kolenosky, Viking,
336-2533 (3)
SHEARER - SOUTH central Alberta. Professional,
reliable. Wool bagger available on request. Book now
for coming season. Nick Warner, Crossfield,
946-5290 (3)
ZENFLEX WOOL Marketing & Sheep Shearing Service.
Zenek Matkowski, Red Deer, 343-6308. Wool collection
point in Coaldale, Alta contact Folkert Miedema,
345-5664 (4)
-37-
EDITOR'S NOTE
Classified Ads and Coming Events may be placed in Sheep
Footnotes free-of -charge by contacting:
The deadline for CI assified Ads and Coming Events is the
24th day of the month prior to the month of publication.
Coming Events will be run every month from when they are
placed until the event. Please Note: Events should be
placed in Coming Events at least 6 weeks in advance in
order to ensure their publication before they occur.
Classified Ads will run initially for two months, unless
cancelled after the first month. After the first two
months, ads may be renewed each month by contacting Janet
Smalley at 427-5083. Ads must not exceed two column
inches in length or they will be edited. Beginning January
1, 1990 all ads must be submitted with a name, an address
and a phone number or they will not be run. Sheep Footnotes
reserves the right to restrict the length, content and run
of any Classified Ad.
EDITORS OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Material in Sheep Footnotes may be reprinted in other
publications, but source must be stated and content of
articles may not be changed without authors' permission.
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Karren Green
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
Ph: (403) 427-5083
FAX (403) 427-1057
Ph: (403) 948-8509
FAX (403) 948-8548
AL I. ilf'^
sheep
footnotes
Market Report 1
Coming Events 5
Letters to the Editor 7
Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers News 10
Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission News 21
Classifieds 28
ADVERTISING POLICY 32
CANAD1ANA
Volume 14, Issue 4, April 1991 AP^ 2 3 1991
Page
Editor: Wray Whit mo re
Sheep Special ist
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
§204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
Advertising: Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
# 204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
ydlberra
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
Beef and Sheep Branch
-1-
WEEKLY AVERAGE SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES
no i — no
05-Jan-91 06-Apr-91 06-Jul-91 05-Oct-91
Weeks (to 30-Mar-9l)
28-Dec-91
SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO
95-110 LBS TORONTO
SHRUNK 95-110 LBS LAMBCO 1990
80-95 LBS TORONTO
At Lambco, in Innisfail the bid range remained steady at $51 to $54 per
cwt. Lambco has imported about 430 head of US lambs per week, since the week
ending February 23, 1991, increasing to 860 head two weeks before the Easter
holidays. To date imports to Alberta total under 2,600 head, while for the same
period last year imports were over 4,200 head, about 60 percent of the volume
imported last year.
Expected seasonal price increases were evident in other local markets. Old
crop slaughter lambs destined for British Columbia sold for $55 per cwt at at
recent Fort Macleod auctions. Spring lambs weighing 50 to 55 pounds brought a
$1.00 to $1.10 per pound.
Edmonton's pre-Easter sale saw slaughter lambs go for $54 to $61 per cwt,
while feeder lambs of variable weights and quality, brought $50 to $60 per cwt.
Good quality Easter lambs ranged mostly from $83 to $92 per cwt.
In the United States, markets have begun to show some strength on
increasing seasonal demand, but were limited by continued high slaughter
volumes, running three percent ahead of last year. Slaughter lamb prices
continue to lag about $15 US behind prices for the same period last year, while
prices for feeder lambs are more than $20 US lower. Relatively lower prices for
feeder lambs than for slaughter lambs indicate market conditions that will
continue to see a cyclical contraction in the size of the US lamb flock.
-2-
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT LAMBCO
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
MAR 1991 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
LAST MON
FEB 1991 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
YR AGO MON
MAR 1990 64.00-67.00 67.00-70.00 67.00-70.00 69.00-72.00 69.00-72.00 67.20-70.20
VOLUMES
MAR 1991 1,766 1,781 1,534 2,918 2,340 10,339
MAR 1990 1,567 1,440 1,487 1,228 2,109 5,722
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
CURRENT MON 71.00-107.00 66.00-109.00 70.00-89.00
MAR 1991 (81.23) N.E.P. (79.29) N.E.P. (84.20) 83.12
LAST MON 74.00-75.00 60.00-75.00 77.00-80.00
FEB 1991 (74.09) (62.40) N.E.P. (79.29) 74.60
YR AGO MON 81.00-99.00 86.00-126.00 93.00-117.00 92.00-113.00 87.00-120.00
MAR 1990 (91.31) (103.64) (102.49) (100.36) (94.29) 100.90
MAR/91 VOLUME 67 16 47 248
AVG WEIGHT 99.4 103.1 101.8
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 80-95 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
75
00-111.00
70.00-90.00
78.00-89.00
76.00-93.
00
70
.00-103.00
MAR 1991
(87.63)
(83.41)
(86.68)
(87.79)
(80.92)
85.18
LAST MON
70
00-100.00
70.00-90.00
65.00-97.00
80.00-110.
00
FEB 1991
(80.77)
(81.74)
(79.49)
(93.29)
83.49
YR AGO MON
98
00-116.00
105.00-122.00
94.00-130.00
96.00-119.
00
95
.00-120.00
MAR 1990
[104.38)
(113.34)
(116.40)
(108.71)
(103.43)
108.88
MAR/91 VOLUME
305
129
57
10
122
649
AVG WEIGHT
87.8
90.5
85.2
91.5
84.8
Prices quoted for 95-110 lb lambs are bid prices at Lambco and auction prices at Toronto
Public Stockyards for good quality lambs. The lower end of the Alberta price range
reflects bids for short haul unshrunk lambs, while the upper end of the range represents
bids for long haul or shrunk lambs. Producers delivering to the Toronto Public Stockyards
pay commission and yardage fees for each animal sold. Producers delivering to Lambco pay
$l/head checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission.
The Toronto auction price is from the Special Sheep and Lamb Sale held on Monday each week.
N.E.P - No established price
JO ANN CMOLUCH
MARKET ECONOMIST
Market Analysis Branch
(403) 427-5387
American Sheep
u s t n y Association
5=
■REPRESENTATIVE LIVE SALES
AS OF MARCH 15, 1991
TYPE OF TYPE
AREA
SHEEP
OF SALE
HEAD
LBS.
WEST COAST
Arizona
Pasture
Direct
6250
125-135
California
Spring
Direct
6675
115-120
California
Pasture
Direct
20500
125-135
Washington Old Crop
Direct
271
Washing too Old Crop
Direct
264
California
SI. Ewe
Direct
350
MOUNTAIN
Colorado
Old Crop
Auction
200
125-160
Colorado
Mixed
Auction
250
99-116
Colorado
SI. Bwe
Direct
338
142
Montana
St Ewe
Direct
1200
160-170
SOUTH CENTRAL
Texas
Old Crop
Auction
1100
100-130
Texa«
Feedlot
Direct
6600
110-130
Texas
Feedlot
Direct
7500
100-115
Texas
Feedlot
Direct
1500
115-125
Texas
Feeder
Direct
5000
85-95
Texas
Feeder
Auction
200
40-60
Texas
Feeder
Auction
300
60-70
Texas
Feeder
Auction
450
60-70
Texas
Feeder
Auction
1700
70-90
Texas
Feeder
Auction
1450
90-105
Texas
SI. Ewe
Auction
450
Texas
SI. Ewe
Auction
1000
Texas
SI. Bwe
Auction
300
Texas
St. Ewe
Auction
750
NORTH CENTRAL
Iowa
Old Crop
Auction
500
105-151
IA-S.MN
Old Crop
Direct
13000
106-140
IA-S.MN
Old Crop
Direct
9000
115-140
Minnesota
Old Crop
Auction
230
Nebraska
Old Crop
Auction
220
100-130
N. Dakota
Feedlot
Computer
370
130
N. Dakota
Old Crop
Auction
400
105-131
S. Dakota
Old Crop
Auction
800
97-142
S. Dakota
Old Crop
Auction
1125
147-154
S. Dakota
Old Crop
Auction
975
106-122
S. Dakota
Old Crop
Auction
3100
121-149
Wisconsin
Old Crop
Computer
610
112
S. Dakota
Feeder
Auction
300
70-90
S. Dakota
St. Bwe
Auction
450
100
EASTERN
Kentucky
Old Crop
Auction
282
100-120
Michigan
Old Crop
Auction
950
100-125
Michigan
Old Crop
Pool
230
100-125
Ohio
Old Crop
Auction
450
105-135
Ohio
Old Crop
Pool
250
100-120
Old Crop
Auction
350
80-110
Perm.
Spring
Auction
250
60-110
Perm.
Spring
Auction
375
40-60
Perm.
Spring
Auction
350
25-40
Virginia
Old Crop
Computer
441
95-125
TEXAS FEEDLOT PRICE
GUARANTEE 51% YIELD
CENTS PIR POUND
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY J UN JUL AUO SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE ASJ MARKET ^FORMATION / USOA
PRICE
($/CWT.)
50.00
55.00-58.00
47.00-50.00
47.00
44.00
16.00-23.00
46.00-50.00
51.00-53.25
25.00 '
65.00
47.00-52.00
49.00-52.00
51.00-53.00
50.00-52.50
50.00-51.00
60.00-69.00
57.00-63.50
51.00-55.50
50.00-54.50
49.00-54.00
32.00-36.00
23.00-33.00
12.00-22.50
15.00-25.00
47.50-51.25
50J0-54.00
48.00-52.00
50.00-52.00 /
50.00-51.00 v
49.00-50.00
47.25-50.50
50.00-53.80
47.80-49.60
49.75-53.10
47.00-51.50
55.75-56.50
52.00-54.00
53.25
$.30 off under 100 & over 120 lbs., $2 wooled disc 51.00-53.00
WEIGHING CONDITIONS
Fall shorn & No. 1 pelts, FOB 4% shr.
Choice & prime, wooled, FOB overnight
Fall shorn & No. 1 pelts, FOB 4% shr.
$.50 off @ 128 lbs., wooled, double dressed, del.
$ JO off @ 1 28 lbs. , wooled, del.
Utility and cull, shorn, FOB overnight
Choice & prime, wooled & shorn
90% feeder lambs, wooled
Utility & good, shorn, FOB overnight
Yearling to spreaders, preg. tested (per hd.)
Choice & prime. No. 1-3 pelts
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelts, FOB 4% shr.
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelts, 51% yield guar.
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelts, 51% yield guar.
Choice & prime, wooled, FOB 3% shr.
New crop, choice & fancy, wooled
New crop, choice & fancy, wooled
Old crop, choice & fancy, wooled & shorn
Old crop, choice & fancy, wooled & shorn
Old crop, choice & fancy, wooled & shorn
Good
Utility
Cull
Bwe & lambs (per hd.)
Choice & prime, wooled
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelts, varied shr.
Choice & prime, wooled, varied shr.
Choice & prime, $2 wooled disc.
Choice & prime, $2 wooled disc.
$.30 off @ 130 lbs., shorn, 3% shr.
Choice & prime, wooled & shorn
Choice & prime, shorn
Choice & prime, shorn
Choice & prime, wooled
Choice & prime, wooled
$.30 off @ 130 lbs., $3 wooled disc, 3% shr.
Choice & fancy, wooled
Bwel
Choice & prime, $3 wooled disc
Choice & prune, $3 wooled disc
Choice & prime, $5 wooled disc
$.20 off @ 120 lbs., $2 wooled & $5 buck disc
Choice, wooled
Choice & prime, wooled
Choice & prime, wooled
Choice 8t prime, wooled
Choice A prime, $2 wooled & $3 choice disc
53.00-57.00
52.00
58.00-59.75
55.00
60.00-67.00
70.00-80.00
75.00-100.00
90.00-110.00
53.00
I0WA-S.MINN. DIRECT SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICE
FOB 4% SHRINK
WEIGHT BREAKS MAY BE APPUCABLE
CENTS PER POUND
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY J UN JUL AUO SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE AS1 MARKET WFORMATTON / USOA
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
FEDERALLY LNSPECTED SLAUGHTER (Head)
% THIS
% THIS
%
W V B k'
w r. r. iv
W V l<" k
W V V YC
1 OO 1
THIS
VI
Vi
tn LMI>L»
1 OTAL
VI
W EEK
1 A CT
LAj 1
ATA71/01
VI'AD
I 1.AK
1990
(estimated)
vi'AD
( a c luai j
Tfl H ATE"
TOT A L
>i icBP
1 36,000
♦ 1 J. 3
l i ~> «ur7
11/, \Ji
1 ^/4,ULW
+4.8
CATTU
i 611,000
-1.0
-1.5
588,601
6,5 86.000
-1.5
CAU;
32,000
-3.0
-16.0
30.027
347.000
-15.2
HUGS
1,677.000
-2.7
-1.8
1,618.158
17,709,000
-2.1
RED MEAT PRODUCTION (million pounds)
%THIS
%THIS
_
TV
WEEK
WEEK
WEEK
iyy l
THIS
v«
Vi
ENDING
TOTAL
Vi
WEEK
LAST
LAST
02/16/91
YEAR
1990
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR
(actual)
TO DATE
TOTAL
A KyfU
.AMfl
8.8
+ 15.3
+25.5
7.3
79.5
+3.0
BEEF
4206
-0.9
+0.2
421.6
4.536.6
-0.5
VEAL
6.6
-2.9
+8.9
6.3
71.5
+ 13.3
PORK
304.5
-3.1
+0.1
297.4
3,240.8
+0.3
TOTAL
740.5
-1.7
+0.5
732.6
7,928.4
0.0
DRESSED W EIGHT PERCENT LAMB SLAUGHTER
THIS WEEK (EST.) 65 02/23/91 95.5
U2/16/91 (ACT.) 66 02/24/90 95.1
AVERAGE WEEKLY F.I. SLAUGHTER
HEAD (Thousands)
150 i
SOURCE: ASI MARKET INFORMATION / USDA
NORTHEAST
l-OB RJVER
LOS ANGELES
BAY AREA
WHOLESALE LAMB MARKET
55 lt»-down 55-65 Ibi 65-75 lb«
$1.25 $1.20 $1.15
$1.20 $1.15 $1.10
LESS THAN CARLOT
$1.22-1.23* $1.17-1.18** $1.12-1.13
$1.25* $1.20** $1.15
EAST COAST WHOLESALE PRICE
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ALL WEIGHTS
• 60 lbs. & down ♦• 60-65 lbs.
Wholesale carcass prices improved for the third week in a row.
blaster demand for legs has been the major contributing factor to
increased carcass prices. Wholesale carcass prices were 5 cents
higher across the board in the Northeast and on the River. In Los
Angeles, Calif., light carcasses were 2-6 cents higher while middle
and heavy weight carcasses sold 4-5 cents higher. Prices in the San
Francisco, Calif., area were unevenly steady as the 10-cent price
spread in last week's carcass prices disappeared.
$165
$160
$155
$150
$145
$140
$135
$130
$125
$120
$115
$110
$105
$100
w
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY J UN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
1990
1991
5 YR AVG
DISTRIBUTIVE CUT MARKET
& RETAIL FEATURE ACTIVITY
ITEM
CHUCK CROSS CUT
CHUCK SQUARE CUT
SINGLE LEG
DOUBLE LEG
LOIN
RACK 7 UP
l OKB SADDLE
HIND SADDLE
NORTH-
EAST
$.65-75
No Quote
No Quote
$1.70-1.80
$1.20-1.35
$2.00-2.25
No Quote
$1.60-1.70
BAY LOS GREAT
AREA ANGELES LAKES
No Quote No Quote $1.02
EAST COAST CUT PRICES
AVERAGE
$1.10*
$2.19*
$1.90
$2.65*
$2.40*
No Quote
$1.80
$.95 $1.20*
$2.15-2.19* $2.25-2.30*
CENTS PER POUND
$1.95
$2.40*
$2.20*
No Quote
No Quote
$1.85-1.90
$2.25-2.40*
$2.25-2.40
$1.25
$1.83
* Trimmed and/or vacuumed packed
Wholesale cut prices were unevenly steady to higher in the
Northeast. Leg prices closed 1 5 cents higher and chucks were steady.
Loin and rack prices were unevenly steady as price spreads
narrowed. The Great Lakes region reported good business this
week with strong demand for legs and other cuts finally beginning
to move up in value. Packer coolers in this region are balanced. On
the West Coast, chucks were steady to 5 cents higher, while legs
were steady to 15 cents higher. Loin and rack prices continue to be
soft with prices steady to 20 cents lower. Feature activity is
extremely good nationwide.
CROSS CUT CHUCK DOUBLE LEO UNTRMMED LOIN
SOURCE: ASI MARKET INFORMATX3NAJSDA
■_ THIS WEEK [__ LAST YEAR
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALL 303-771-8472
-5-
The Classifieds
jppi
April 13 & 14 Sheep Shearing Workshop. Sheep Unit. Lakeland
College, Vermilion. Lots of sheep to practise on!
Call 853-8444 to register or for more information.
April 26 (PM) & Stock Dog Training Clinic. Lakeland College,
27 & 28 Vermilion. Indoor Arena - Lots of sheep to work.
Bring your dog and learn together! Call 853-8444
to register or for more information.
April 27 73rd General Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of
the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers Limited will
be held in Lethbridge at 9:00 A.M. at the
Lethbridge Lodge. For more information please
contact: Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers
Limited, Lest Toth, Branch Manager, 918- 1st
Avenue South, Lethbridge, T1J 0A9, telephone & fax
327-3760.
April 27 Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB 1W0, phone 878-3784.
May 2 North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #1, Westlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
May 23 North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Westlock, TOG 2L0,
phone 349-5203.
-6-
May 25
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB WO, phone 878-3784.
June 27
June 29
12th Annual Range Rome Ewe Lamb Sale. Fort
Macleod Auction Market. 80 yearling and ram lambs
from the following prominent Alberta purebred
sheep breeders. Note! This is not an open sale
for rams! A limit of 500 ewes and ewe lambs will
be accepted for this sale. Listings must be
phoned in by June 24, 1990. For information
contact George Bourassa at 553-3315.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB WO, phone 878-3784.
July 6
17th Annual Alberta Ram Test Station Sale. Olds
Cow Palace, Olds. Call 948-8517 for more
information.
July 6
July 25 & 26
Mild Rose Registered Sheep Sale. Olds Cow Palace,
Olds, Alberta immediately following ROP Ram Test
Sale. Entries close April 30, 1991. For more
information contact Darcee, Alberta Sheep Breeders
Association 295-2185 or FAX 275-8009 or Robert
Jackson, Chairman, 335-4348. Match for entry
forms and sales regulations.
Average Sheep Shearing Competition. Vermilion
Fair. Closing date for entry July 5th, Entry fee
$10.00. First prize $100.00. Equipment
available. For more information call 853-2721 or
853-2491.
July 27
August 24
December 5-7
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
Treco Ranch and guest consignors. 2nd Annual
Production Sale. Red Deer Westener Exhibition
Grounds. Same format as last year. For more
information call Tom at 749-2280.
1991 Sheep Symposium, Kananaskis Lodge,
future issues for all the details!
Watch
-7-
Letters >
Your Opinion-
The following article on Romanov sheep will be the last in the
series. The initial article by P. Barott has generated a lot of discussion.
Most of the discussion has been thought provoking, but some may have been
detrimental .
Certain sheep producers concentrate on wool quality as a major part of
their operation. This is fine. To other producers, wool quality is not as
important as market lambs. Again, this is fine. When two sheep producers
have different production goals, it does not make one better than the other.
The past six months has resulted in some strong opinions being
expressed on the Romanov breed. These letters have also included references
to past contributors questioning the information they have reported. This
questioning is not appropriate especially without checking with the original
author. Any specific comment about another producers sheep or management will
be subject to editing.
The "your opinion" column of sheep footnotes is available to you the
readers. Do not use this column to make statements that discredit other sheep
producers .
Wray Whitmore
-8-
Letters
Your Opinion
December 15, 1990
To The Editor
Wray Whitmore
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
#204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Dear Mr. Whitmore:
In 1988 we were the top bidders at the crossbred Romanov sale
at the Experimental Station in Lethbridge, Alberta. We pur-
chased 58 of their top ewes.
Based on the knowledge that Romanov ewes have the natural abil-
ity to breed any month of the year, and'^many ewes no anestrous
period can be detected at all, we have been conducting an on
going farm experiment. We lambed these original 58 ewe lambs
in March of 1989 with a 262% lambing crop. These ewes were
then exposed .again in July of 1989, their lambs were not weaned,
they did not have extra feed and they had a 1/2 section to run .
in, and the weather was extremely hot. Consequently it was only
after the nights became cooler in August & Sept that the matings
were successful. Out of the 58 ewes exposed 29 lambed in Dec &
January of 1990. These 29 ewes formed the nucleus of our exper-
iment. We weaned their lambs at 30 days, and immediately reexpos-
ed the ewes to the ram - 28 out of 29 ewes lambed in July & August
of 1990 with a 335% lambing crop. We will be keeping our ewe lambs
from our July lambings, as well as the earliest cycling ewes from
our commercial flock and adding them to our nucleus gmim. We have
rebred this nucleus group to lamb in January of 1991.
As I mentioned earlier, this is an on going experiment. We are not
saying that all of our Romanov ewes will breec 2 times in 1 year,
nor are we saying that the ewes that are now breeding will continue
to do so, we can only share what the ewes are presently doing and
hope to continue doing doing in the future.
-9-
People have commented on the fact that in order for a Romanov ewe to
raise 4 lambs she must be fed like a dairy cow - I agree 100°o! If they
are producing like a dairy cow, we believe in feeding them like one.
We only get out of them what we put into them, if we're good to them they
will be good to us!
We would like to conclude with the following. Our previous letter to
"Sheep Footnotes" was factual, based on 'hands on experience'. It was
not 'slightly exaggerated', not were we using information from other
sources. We have been experimenting with the Romanov for the past 2
years - we are not reporting what we would like our ewes to do - we are
reporting what they have done and are doing - THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!
Facts speak for themselves.
Thank you for letting us share our experience and voice our opinion!
CYPRESSHILLS ROMANOV
Lyle & Dolorse Bowles
Box 591
Maple Creek, Sask.
SON INO
PHONE: 306-662-2916
-10-
AN OVERVIEW OF CANADIAN CO-OPERATIVE WOOL GROWERS LIMITED
AND CURRENT WOOL MARKET CONDITIONS
THE ORGANIZATION
Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited is a national,
producer owned wool marketing co-operative, in operation since 1918
that was established by the various provincial sheep associations
from across Canada that existed at that time. Our mandate then was
to collect, grade and market Canadian wool to maximum potential and
there by return maximum value to Canadian wool producers. Today
our mandate is exactly the same as it was in 1918. Canadian wool
is our main business and in order to survive in this industry it
has required aggressive purchasing and marketing policies which we
have tried to implement in order to effectively compete on the
international wool market.
Also, In addition to wool marketing, the co-operative
operates two retail divisions which consist of stockman supplies,
including a complete line of animal health products and related
equipment. At our wool shop locations we merchandise a wide
selection of wool clothing and other accessories in addition to
promoting all the desirable characteristic's of wool products.
A producer may become a member of the co-operative by
purchasing a $ 10.00 share which gives entitlement to full voting
privileges on issues relating to the co-operative. A board of
directors consisting of 10 producers who have been duly elected by
the producer shareholders at the provincial level, govern the
affairs of the co-operative. We are not a private company and in
addition to marketing wool to maximum potential we subsidize our
overall cost of operation with any profits realized from our retail
divisions. We operate strictly on behalf of Canadian wool
producers with their best interest in mind and we do not have a
monopoly on Canadian wool purchasing and marketing, Canadian
producers are free to choose whichever method they desire to market
their wool. However, having said this if we were not competitive
and diversified in todays market place we would not remain in
business, no company is immune to this basic business concept and
fact of life. In addition to our branch locations we also co-
ordinate wool collection depots and wool loading days with the
various provincial sheep associations that exist across Canada and
we also work directly with a network of sheep shearers who act as
our agents and who disseminate market reports to producers on our
behalf.
Our organization has made a long term commitment to the
sheep industry and has consistently been there to serve producers
year in and year out in both good times and in bad. The private
wool buyer who may appear from time to time, offers no other
services to the industry and is usually here today gone tomorrow.
-li-
lt is very easy to be a buyer when the market is on the rise but
we all know only too well that when the market becomes depressed
and marketing is a struggle, the itinerant buyer is no where to be
found, and this usually holds true regardless of the commodity or
service that is being marketed. Having said the above there is
still much that our industry as a whole can strive to do to improve
our product so that it will achieve higher financial returns on the
world market.
DOMESTIC MARKET
There is no disputing that competition is good for any
industry and we welcome the competition for Canadian wool, because
we feel the markets we are developing for Canadian wool enables us
to purchase on a very competitive basis. Still it reguires co-
operation from producers in order to succeed and we are truly
grateful for the support we have received over the years. To
further explain, our Canadian wool industry has always been faced
with exporting our product for a number of reasons. The main
reasons are that there are no commercial wool scouring facilities
or wool combers in Canada, and very few woollen mills left. Even
though Canada is a large wool consuming country, our domestic
production is not significant enough to support the processing
facilities required to take the raw product to a semi processed
stage that the mills can readily utilize and transform into a
finished product. It is simply a matter of economy of scale and
availability of consistent quantities of consistent quality wool
types. That is why we have been forced into an export situation
over the years and as a result our domestic Canadian sales are
relatively low in comparison to our export.
EXPORT MARKET
However, as a result of this scenario, we have developed
excellent markets for our wool in the UK, United States, Western
Europe, and recently throughout the Pacific Rim (Japan/Taiwan) .
We are also experimenting with marketing our own line of pure wool
blankets and yarn under private label, but this initiative requires
long term planning and patience before we can expect to penetrate
the market with any sizable wool weights in this specialized field.
Therefore, I do not see having to export as being a disadvantage
even though it would be nice to have a larger domestic market to
tap into. At least we have various marketing options available to
us and are not as vulnerable in the market place as those countries
who have relied strictly on their own domestic market for wool
marketing.
-12-
PREPARING WOOL FOR MARKET
In marketing your wool, we have always laboratory tested by
using objective measurement tests for micron, yield, vegetable
matter percentage and other pertinent data that is required to
describe a particular lot of wool that is available for market.
We have always followed this practice but on a pooled basis rather
than for individual producers because of the numerous small wool
clips that are produced in Canada and the associated costs that
would be incurred. We are now seeing an expansion of flock sizes
in some parts of Canada and an interest in wool genetics for the
purpose of producing fine wool. We encourage producers to utilize
wool testing services that are available so that we can continue
to improve our wool quality through genetic selection of finer
wooled sheep and also through generally good animal husbandry and
management practices. Emphasis on proper fleece preparation must
also be a top priority if we are to be competitive on the
international wool market with wools produced from other origins.
The wool trade is demanding more stringent quality control and
therefore we must strive to accommodate these requirements by
producing sound wool that is free of contaminants and possesses
good colour, length and preparation qualities. These qualities
combined with the excellent lofty characteristic's of Canadian wool
will greatly assist us in maintaining cur present markets and also
developing new ones.
WOOL KARKET SITUATION TODAY
The unfortunate reality of the current wool market is that
there presently exists a tremendous imbalance between supply and
demand on the international market. Over production in every
primary wool producing country at a time when there is world
recessionary conditions has made the marketing of wool (and many
other agricultural commodities) a very difficult task, regardless
of the country of origin. This oversupply situation, which the
wool industry has described as the worst in over 40 years has
created some extraordinary marketing problems around the world,
with a new crop on the sheep's back soon coming to market. As a
result there is a lot of unsold 1990 wool stocks around the world
at the time of this writing.
Not wishing to dwell on the negative aspects of the wool
market conditions that presently exist world wide, it is difficult
to be optimistic at the moment. The following is a brief update
of recent developments which are significant and are affecting wool
growers every where.
The Australian Wool Corporation has recently announced the
suspension of the floor prices for Australian wool for the
remainder of the 1991 selling season. Their wool stock pile of 4.8
million bales has continued to grow and therefore the decision was
-13-
made to let the free market establish the new values for wool
without the assistance of a support price system. All other major
wool producing countries with price support programs for wool have
followed the Australian lead and as a result the market place is
in great turmoil and very nervous. When Australian wool auctions
resumed on February 25th, wools were selling at 35 - 50 % less than
the previous support prices, although it will probably take several
weeks before new market prices become firmly established. The
imbalance between over supply and demand for wool world wide
compounded by the continued absence of some major buyers ( Russia
& China) are the major obstacles to resolve before a recovery can
be expected to take place. There is also the uncertainty as to how
large unsold wool stocks in Australia and other countries will now
enter the market place, and at what price level. The gulf crisis
has also had a very negative influence on the world textile trading
conditions. This news is not at all very encouraging but it is an
accurate reflection of to-day's market which we must do our best
to endure. However, there are a few rays of promise which
hopefully will become reality in time.
a) The low market price of wool in relation to other fibres
may attract a new range of clientele and applications for
wool which could ultimately result in increased demand
and diversified usage.
b) Wool, in addition to all of it's very desirable
characteristic's which cannot be reproduced in a man made
fibre, is also environmentally friendly, and this will
become an increasingly important factor.
c) China & Russia cannot remain out of the market forever
and hopefully will soon be able to re-enter the market
place because of lower wool prices.
CCWG SITUATION
In terms of our own domestic industry, it has made the
marketing of our Canadian wool a sometimes difficult and very
frustrating task. As the time of this writing 35 % of our 1990
wool production remains unsold and in our warehouse. This is an
unusual situation for us but one that runs parallel to what every
other wool producing country currently faces. Because of the slow
rate of wool sales it has meant delaying 1990 final wool payments
and until the market stabilizes we are accepting 1991 new crop wool
on a consignment basis only. We are continuing to collect wool at
all our locations and grade at our Lethbridge and Carleton Place
facilities so that we are prepared to market your wool quickly when
confidence is restored and forward wool sales again resume. We
would like to assure all of our wool producers that we are doing
our utmost to market your wool as quickly and competitively as
possible in these very difficult times and thank you for your
continued co-operation, patience and understanding of the
situation.
-14-
WOOL STABILIZATION
On the subject of wool prices, producers should be aware that
wool is a named commodity under the federal Agricultural
Stabilization Act. This was done by an order in council in 1980
through a request and application by Canadian Co-operative Wool
Growers Limited, and there has been two other marketing years since
this time that a direct wool stabilization payment has been made
to wool producers. Basically a support price is established based
in part on a formula which consists of the average price for the
previous five marketing years. When the current marketing years
average price falls below this support price it triggers a direct
payment to producers. You may also recall that on a couple of
occasions the amount of wool stabilization was relatively small
and it was deemed impractical to send out individual cheques to
producers, and therefore a decision was made by the Minister of
Agriculture to turn over these stabilization funds to the Canada
Sheep Council and provincial sheep associations for their usage.
Based on the depressed wool market of 1990 we feel that the
stabilization payment should be quite substantial to producers,
especially when you consider that the peak wool market prices of
1988 will be calculated into the support price. The Canadian Sheep
Federation has proposed to the Minister of Agriculture and the
Agricultural Stabilization Board that they be allocated $ 50,000
of 1990 wool stabilization funds and that the balance then be
divided amongst the Canadian Sheep Federation and provincial sheep
associations, with no payment to producers. Our organization has
always taken the position that wool stabilization funds should paid
directly to producers who are the rightful owner, stabilization
programs were never intended to finance organizations. We were
advised by the Minister of Agriculture in October 1990 that based
on current price forecasts that wool stabilization payments would
be made directly to producers. Producers experiencing financial
hardship due to sharply lower meat and wool commodity prices
require these funds to survive and we think it is important not to
tamper with stabilization programs and that they should be retained
as they were originally intended.
We must try to remain optimistic, because even though there
are substantial wools stocks available throughout the world, we are
hopeful the situation could improve just as quickly in 1991 as it
deteriorated in 1990. The Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers
Limited is the producers own wool marketing co-op and we encourage
your involvement, comments and suggestions for the betterment of
the wool industry in Canada.
In any event, we look forward to our continued role in the
Canadian sheep industry, and the challenges and opportunities that
lie ahead in collecting and marketing Canadian wool on behalf of
our producers.
Yours sincerely,
Eric Bjergso
General Manager
Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers Limited
limited
fjnAWCHES >N0 ASSOCIATIONS 1 6L. !<IT3»i47.JM4
ACROSS CANADA _ . t _ . TE1.EX 099-4«Qfl
Cnrlctan ^Ince, Ontario
K7C 3P3 FAX - (613) - 257-8896
CCWG - WOOL POLICY STATEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1990 WOOL SETTLEMENTS / 1991 WOOL ADVANCE POLICY
Dear Wool Producers:
We wish to adviBe all sheep producers that in recent days we are
seeing a more optimistic tone on the international wool market. There has
been basically no price improvement at this time but general textile trading
conditions have been more buoyant lately than they have been for quite some
time. It is also of interest that China has re-entered the wool market (in a
small way) and this is an encouraging sign. Hopefully the wool market will
soon be on the road to recovery, although the problem of overproduction world
wide will continue to be a dark cloud for some time to come.
At this time we report that as of April 30 , 1991 we will commence with
issuing final settlement cheques on the 1990 wool clip marketed through CCWG.
We are still carrying a sizable inventory of unsold 1990 wool stocks but
forward wool sales have again resumed which will enable us to settle up 1990
wool consignments and also establish our new season wool advance policy.
Final settlements will be issued in order of receiving date at all CCWG
locations in 1990, so again we respectfully request your continued patience.
Compounding poor wool market conditions has been the fact that for many weeks
now there has also been a chronic shortage of available shipping containers
for overseas shipments from Canadian ports. This has made prompt shipment of
wool contracts virtually impossible in many cases, can we experience any
further difficulties in the market place?
On a more positive note, producers should also be aware that a wool
stabilization payment will be applicable on wool marketed in 1990. Wool
became a named commodity under the Agriculture Stabilization Act in 1982
following a request and application to the federal government by CCWG on
behalf of Canadian sheep and wool producers. We expect an announcement to be
made in the next few weeks from the Minister of Agriculture on the amount of
this payment and the procedure required for individual sheep producers to
apply. We will keep sheep producers fully updated as new information becomes
available on this subject.
In terms of our new season wool advance policy the following will be
implemented effective April 2, 1991 based on current wool market conditions,
to all producers requesting an advance payment on 1991 new crop wool.
1) White Face Range Wool Clips - 20 cents/lb
2) Domestic Wool Clips - 7 cents/lb
3) No advance on Off sorts, Faulty Types, Short Wool, Coloured &
Romanov .
-16-
Final payments will follow at a later date based on your wool grading results
and 1991 wool market prices.
(Advance payments will be based on the results of the previous years wool
grading statement)
Attention to wool guality and fleece preparation has never been more
important, particularly in a very tough wool market and we respectfully point
this out to producers for consideration. These wool advance prices are
subject to change based on prevailing wool market conditions. The continued
support, patience, and confidence by producers in your wool marketing
co-operative in these difficult wool marketing and trading conditions is very
much appreciated. We want to assure producers of our continuing commitment to
market your wool as quickly and competitively as possible in today's global
market place.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact any of the
CCWG offices for further information.
Yours very truly,
Eric Bjergso
General Manager
-17-
WILD ROSE SALE - JULY 6, 1991
GENERAL SALE REGULATIONS
ENTRIES CLOSE - APRIL 30, 1991
1. All consignors must be current members of the Alberta Sheep
Breeders Association (Fee - $20.00 + 7% G.S.T.)
2. Fully completed entry forms must be received in the office of
the coordinator by Tuesday, April 30, 1991.
3. A contributor will be permitted to enter up to a maximum of 3
rams, with a required entry of 3 ewes per ram per contributor.
A pen of 3 range rams may be entered with no ewe requirement.
There is a limit of 1 pen per breed per contributor.
4. Each contributor will be limited to a maximum of 15 ewes per
breed .
5. The entry fee of $10.00 per head, $30.00 per pen of range rams
must accompany the entry form. These are subject to 7% G.S.T.
6. Three generation pedigree information must be provided on all
entry forms for the sheep entered in the sale.
7. It is recommended that R.O.P. 100 day A.D.G. be included oh
the entry form.
8. Each entry must be registered with the Canadian Livestock
Records Corporation, legible tattooed, with a properly
completed application for transfer supplied to the sale
committee at inspection on Friday, July 5. Applications for
registration will NOT be accepted.
9. It is recommended that contributors obtain an Agriculture
Canada (Federal) Flock Health Certificate which is required to
facilitate shipments for export. Animals with the appropriate
certificates will be announced from the stand as eligible for
export .
10. If ewes are exposed, approximate lambing date and name of stud
must be stated. A certificate of service must be submitted.
11. All sheep entered, with the exception of wool breeds must be
slick shorn within 2 weeks of sale. This regulation will be
strictly adhered to. A shearer will be available the day of
arrival, Friday, July 5, at a minimal charge. Wool breeds
must be shorn within the calendar year.
-18-
***»«««•**«•«•**»*»**»*»«»**««**«•»•♦•*•»*««**»*«»»**»»«»»»»«»«»»
** In the survey completed at the 1990 sale, 75% of the
buyers who stated a preference, indicated that they preferred
the sheep to be slick shorn.
«»•**»********»♦****•***♦•*•*#******•■»*♦***•»»«**♦*********#***#*
12. Substitutions are allowed at $5.00 per animal to a maximum of
2 per breed. Substitutions may be made on spring lambs at no
cost. All substitutions must be made prior to inspection.
Registration papers on all substitutions are required as well
as 3 generation pedigree information.
13. The sale commission established will be deducted from each
consignor's sale proceeds on the final sale price. A
contributor may place one reserve bid on any entry to the
auctioneer. In each situation where a reserve bid, other than
the sale established reserve, the seller shall be obliged to
pay the full regular sale commission on the reserve bid.
14. Settlement must be made to the clerk of the sale on sale day,
with a copy of the release provided to the doorman before
physical removal of the animals will be will be permitted.
WILD ROSE SALE CATALOGUE ADVERTISING
We will again be offering advertising in the 1991 Wild Rose Sale
catalogue. If you wish to take advantage of this, please contact
the office as to the space desired, or indicate your request at the
time you submit your Wild Rose Sale entries. The following pricing
has been established.
Centre Page $120.00
1 Page $ 65.00
1/2 Page $ 35.00
1/4 Page $ 20.00
Business Card $ 10.00
ENTRY FOR"
"WILD ROSE SALE" - OLDS COW PALACE , OLDS, ALBERTA - JULY 06, 1991
Submit to: Alberta Sheep Breeders' Association
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E. Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7
Phone: (403) 295-2185 Fax: (403) 275-8009
ENTRIES CLOSE: Tuesday, April 30, 1991
ENTRY FEES: EWES - $10.00 RAMS - $10.00 PEN OF 3 RAMS - $30.00
GBNERAI INFORMATION
Name
Business
Address
City
Prov Pcode
Home Phone C ) Signature
* ONLY THOSE ANIMALS WITH REGISTRATION PAPERS WILL BE ACCEPTED*
Breed
Name
Reg. No
Birth Date
Age
/ /
M D YR
Sex
Test Type
Home
Stn
50 Day Adjusted Weight
Single, Twin , etc
Tattoo
Class
ADG Index
100 Day Adjusted Weight
Comments: (15 words or less)
SIRE
Name _
Tattoo
Single, Twin.etc
Name _
Tattoo
Name _
Tattoo
.Single, Twin, etc
Single, Twin, etc
DAM
Name _
Tattoo
Single .Twin, etc
Name _
Tattoo
Name __
Tattoo
Single , Twin, etc
Single .Twin , etc
Alberta Sheep Breeders' Association
#212. 6715 - 8th Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7
(403) 295-2185 Fax: (403) 275-8009
1991
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
NAME
FARM OR RANCH NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE ( )
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE CANADIAN SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION
YES NO
BREEDS OF SHEEP RAISED? APP.NO. OF BREEDING EWES
SPECIAL INTERESTS, TALENTS OR USEFUL KNOWLEDGE
(e.g. second language etc.)
SIGNATURE
ASBA
MEMBERSHIP FEE - $20.00 + 7% G.S.T.
$21.40
-21-
sheep -d
Alberta
Phone: (403) 295-1988
Fax: (403) 275-8009
Market Line: (403) 295-3122
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7H7
Commission
GST No. R1 23538373
****************** + * + + ** + ***** + ***. *******************************
*************************** * ***************** ********************
THE ORGANIZATION
The Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission is a producer control led and
funded organization which represents the interests of sheep and
woo] producers in Alberta. The ASWC is the recognized voice of the
Alberta sheep industry by all levels of government.
The? ASWC was established in 1°72 under the regulations of the
Alberta Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (Alberta regulation
23/72). Tt is governed under the auspices of the Alberta
Agricultural Products Marketing Council.
OBJECTIVES
The mandate of the ASWC is to initiate, support, and conduct
programs for stimulating, increasing, and improving the economic
well-being of the sheep industry by developing improved marketing
methods. grading standards, quality standards, research and
development programs. The ASWC supports and initiates sheep
industry education, promotion and stabilization programs and plans.
In order to pursue the objectives of the Alberta Sheep & Wool
Commission, the organization, through legislated provincial
authority collects a $1.00 per sheep and .01 cent per pound of wool
levy on sheep and wool marketed by Alberta producers.
THE ALBERTA SHEEP & WOOL COMMISSION AND YOU
-22-
MKMBKRSII I P
All sheep pi orlnf.ers residing in I fie? province of Alberta and paying
sheep and 01 w< >« > 1 1 ho< k-off l.ci tho ASWr. are deemed to h< • members of
t he < >rgan i zal Ion .
STRUCTURE
The ASWC is governed by seven elected Alberta sheep produ< ei
directors. They are elected by Alberta sheep producers from seven
zones located in Alberta. Directors are elected for a throe year
term .
Tn oider to nominate or vote for directors, sheep producers must be
resident in the zones in which elections are scheduled.
The directors annually elect an executive committee composed of a
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary-Manager. The Board of
Directors initiates policy, directs and carries out the mandate of
the ASWC. The secretary-manager is appointed by the Board of
Directors to manage and administrate the business of the ASWC.
ANNUAL ZONE MEETINGS
The ASWC holds seven annual meetings. One. of which shall be in each
of the zones within 90 days of the ending of the fiscal year. (Dec.
31). Th^> purpose of the Annual Zone meetings is to receive reports
from Zone directors as to the operation and activities of the
Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission. To receive and approve an audited
copy of the annual financial statement. To consider any other
matters relevant to the well being of the sheep industry in
Alberta. To receive input and recommendat. ions from Alberta sheep
producers .
The annual zone meetings shall also elect a zone director when
requ i red .
STANDING COMMITTEES
- Promotion and Marketing committee:
This committee is responsible for advertising, promotion and
merchandising programs to increase the availability and consumption
of Alberta lamb and wool. This committee is responsible for
supporting sheep fairs and participates in the provincial classroom
-z3-
agri culture program (CAP). The committee carries out consumer and
market research for lamb and wool . The < ommittee is responsible for
research i ng . i n i t i a t i ng and dove 1 op i ng new market i ng opportun i t i es
for Albert a producers at the provincial , nat ional and international
1 eve 1 s .
- Production and Research committee:
The responsibility of this committee is to research, carry -out , co-
ordinate, supervise, and initiate programs that improve or
facilitate sheep production in Alberta.
This committee is also responsible for Alberta sheep industry
representation on the National Tripartite Sheep Stabilization
committee, the Alberta Purchased Feeder Lamb Stabilization
committee, the National Lamb Classification committee and the
Alberta R.O.P committee. This committee carries direct research on
sheep related pesticide and health products. The committee is
respons i b 1 e for deve 1 op i ng a pi < >v i nc i a 1 'na t i ona 1 code of pract i ce
for sheep production.
RELATED ORCANIZATTONS AND COMMITTEES
The ASWC is a member of the following organizations which are
compatible to the aims, and objectives of its mandate.
- Canadian Sheep Federation ( three directors )
- Alberta ROP Sheep Advisory Committee ( four directors )
- Alberta Feed Grain Users Assoc. ( one director )
- Alberta Food Processors Assoc. ( one director)
- Alberta Purchased Feeder Lamb Stabilization Committee ( three
directors )
- National Sheep Tripartite Stabilization Committee
- National Lamb Grading Committee
- Unifarm Livestock Code of Practice Committee
- Alberta Agriculture Animal Industry Sheep Sub-committee.
- Alberta Canada All Breeds Assoc.
- Alberta Classroom Agriculture Program Committee.
The ASWC is represented on all major sheep and wool fair
committees in Alberta.
The ASWC shares administrative and office facilities with the
Alberta Sheep Breeders Association, The Lamb Feeders of Canada
Association and the Canadian Polypay Sheep Association.
-24-
MAJOR PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
- Fresh Alberta Lamb Promol ion
Since its creation the Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission has been the
major promoter of fresh lamb both in Alberta and Canada. Lamb
promot ions have run under a number of campaign names.
- "Fresh Canadian Lamb"
- " MMMMMM Fresh Alberta Lamb"
- "Fresh Alberta Lamb - Yon Deserve the Best"
Programs include the distribution of point of purchase promotional
material such as posters, recipes, magnets, balloons, etc. Jt has
included radio advertising and a distinct "Fresh Alberta lamb"
television c omme re i a 1 .
Lamb merchandising seminars are held for meat retailers, buyers
and others in the retail and wholesale sector. Lamb taste testing
demonstrations are carried out at fairs, trade shows, food shows,
and home economists conventions. Promotions are carried out in
conjunction with other red meat groups as part of the provincial
Canadian Meat Month promotion campaign.
Alberta 4H sheep clubs and mult i -clubs with a sheep component
receive annual giants.
- Government Liaison
The Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission represents the sheep industry
at. the provincial government level. Briefs are presented and
discussions are held with Alberta Government officials on a number
of issues that have a bearing on the well being of the Alberta
sheep industry. Recommendations and advice are also provided to
government when requested on specific matters* Some of those issues
have been :
- National & Provincial lamb stabilization.
- US/Canada free trade agreement,
- Predator con trol .
- Lambo > sa 1 e .
- Provincial livestock policy.
- Animal health & transports! ion
As a charter member of the Canadian Sheep Federation, national and
international sheep industry issues are addressed through
membership in that organization.
In addition the ASWC maintains a Lamb promotion working
relationship with the American sheep Industry Association.
-25-
- Producer Information
To keep Alberta sheep producers informed on ASWG activities the
following mediums are used.
- Industry news and views are published monthly through the
Alberta Agriculture publication "Footnotes".
- The ASWO prov i des ed i t or i a J con ten t to 1 he i ndependen t ] y owned
national sheep publication "Sheep Canada Magazine".
- An annual report is preset; ted ,i( ASWC annual zone meetings.
- Seven zone directors are available to report on ASWC activities
to local meetings of producer organizations and clubs.
- Zone directors also report to annual meetings of provincial sheep
assoc i a t i ons and A 1 ber fa Agr i cu 1 ture sem i nars .
- The ASWC maintains a 24 hour market line..
PObTCY STATEMENT
The general responsibility of the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission
is to protect, initiate, and promote the well being and interests
of Alberta sheep and wr>ol producers. That vole is carried out in
accordance with the wishes of producers through their elected
p r od 1 1 c e r d i rec t or s .
The ASWC exists to represent the Alberta sheep and wool producer at
every level of production, promotion, marketing, and to every level
of government .
-26-
sheep -d xetri
Commission
Alberta
Phone: (403) 295-1988
Fax: (403) 275-8009
Market Line: (403) 295-3122
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7H7
GST No. R1 23538373
ALBERTA SHEEP AND WOoTj COMMISSION
1990 - 1991 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ZONE # 2 - Director
Lethbridge - Medicine Hat: - Milk River
Gerry Pittman - Chairman
Picture Butte, Alberta
TDK 1V0
ZONE # 6 - Director
thorhild - Edmonton - Drayton Valley - Whitecourt:
Kathy Playdon - V ice-Chairman
Box 10, Site 10, R.R. HU Phone: 963 - 0416
Stony Plain, Alberta
TOE 2C0
ZONE # .3 - Director
Olds - Calgary - Brooks
C 1 arenc.p Jones
DeWi nt on , \ ] berta
TOL 0X0
ZONE # 7 - Director
Peace R i ver - Valleyview
Morag Othen
Box 1 , Site 8 , RR // 1
Sp tr i t R i vol , Alberta
TO H 300
Box 459
Phone and Fax: 757 - 2480
Box 42
Phone: 9 38 - 7896
-27-
ZONE » 4 - Director
WetaskiwJn - Rod Doer - Coronation - Rocky Mountain House
Ian Clai k
Box 491 Phone: ^"48 - 2624
Bent ley, Alberta
TOH Q.TO
ZONE # 1 - Director
Fort Mac 1 cod - Pincher Creek - Cardston - Nan ton
S t en Lundberg
Box 626 Phone: 646 - 5465
Nanl on , A 1 ber ta
TOL IRQ
ZONE H 5 - Director
Wainwright - Vegreville - St. Paul - Lloydninster
Lois George
Box "08 Phono: 847 - 2371.
M« 1 1 wayne , A ] bei ta
TOB 2X0
SECRETARY - MANAGER
Will Verb< >vc!ii
// 212 6715 8th. Street
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7H7
N.E. Phone: 295 - 1988
Fax: 275 - 8009
-28-
5ALE
[ SHEEP SA
Q
Coming Events
FOR SALE - SHEEP
RAMBOUILLET EWE lambs - born in Jan and Feb '91. Ron
Bruder, Pincher Creek, 627-5141 (4)
YEARLING RAMS - 2 registered Suffolk and 4 registered
Dorset - $200 each; 1 Hampshire/Dorset cross - $150.
Don, Ft. Saskatchewan, 998-9062 (4)
2 YR old registered and papered Suffolk ram. Breeder
Olds College. Sire Crooked Post, Dam Olds College.
Asking $200. Lorraine, Sundre, 556-7362 (4)
REGISTERED COLUMBIA rams - 2 yearlings, 1-2 yr old and
1-4 yr old. 4 yr old is sire to two top growing rams
at 1989 Alberta ram test station. Carol, Athabasca,
675-2945 (H) or 675-2951(B) (4)
FINN AND Finn cross rams. Yearling - 2 years and
older. Also, some Columbia rams. Brian Taylor,
Darwell, 892-2967 (4)
5 EWES - $95 each. 4 ewe lambs (all triplets) - $110
each. Mostly Suffolk cross. Bred to lamb starting
April 5/91. Peter or Lindsay, Cherhill, 785-2084 (4)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of Russ & Ursela McRae's Suffolk
flock. 40 purebred ewes; 50 crossbred ewes. All have
lambs. Will sell with or without lambs. Didsbury,
335-4240 (4)
2 YEAR old Rambouillet ram. Proven. 2 yearling
Rambouillet rams. 1 Polypay/Suf folk cross ram.
Reasonably priced. Call anytime. Hythe, 356-2778 (4)
CORRIEDALE EWE lambs, purebred and commercial. Older
ewes, 2 to 5 yrs old $80 to $150 each. Registered
yearling Corriedale ram $150. James & Gayle Vallance,
Holmhead Farm, 78 Cokato Road, Fernie, B.C., VOB 1MO,
(604) 423-6473 (4)
MOVING & must sell spinners flock of 9 registered
Romneys, 1 registered Columbia, 3 high % Romney cross
bredn and 1 Polwarth/Corriedale cross. 10 of these
ewes are bred to registered Romney rams and are due to
begin lambing in mid-April. These sheep are producers
of numerous award winning fleeces which sell for $5/lb
to steady customers. Also selling sundry equipment
such as Flex-i-net and other tools. Priced
individually or 1 buyer takes all for $2250.00 OBO.
Call or write Debbie Loosley, Box 1836, High River,
TOL 1BO, 652-7403 (4)
REGISTERED SUFFOLK rams, various ages and prices.
Mary Stewart, High Prairie, 523-2192 (4)
4 REGISTERED yearling Suffolk ewes. To lamb in April.
1 registered Suffolk ram - Mouritsen breeding. Linda,
Hay Lakes, 878-3784 (4)
ROMANOV/ SUFFOLK cross bottle lambs. Available
mid-March. Isabel, Olds, 556-3814 (4)
10 PUREBRED Rambouillet ewes - to lamb in May - bred
to a registered year old Columbia ram - also for sale.
M. Browning, 722-2128 (5)
RAMBOUILLET & Columbia cross ewe lambs. Rambouillet,
Columbia and Suffolk cross ewe lambs. Will be
available May & June, 1991. Ike Entz, Crystal Spring
Colony, Magrath, 758-6701 (5)
REGISTERED HAMPSHIRE & Columbia sheep. Complete flock
dispersal for health reasons. Ewes with January lambs
at side, open ewe lambs and rams of both breeds. Grand
Champion stock 1 Reasonably priced. Top Quality I
Roger or Lynn Langlois, Tangent, 359-2146 (5)
20 SUFFOLK cross ewes, 2-5 yrs old. 3 registered
Dorset ewes - $150 each. 2 registered Dorset rams -
$150 each. 1 Suffolk/Finn cross ram - 3 yrs old -
$100. Joanne, Ponoka, 783-2600 (5)
50 CROSSBRED ewes. 2-5 yr olds. Pasture available
with them. 533-2333 (5)
10 PUREBRED Finn ewe lambs. Lambing immediately.
Asking $1000 or will sell separate. Robert, Barrhead,
674-2968 (5)
100 PLUS Suffolk cross bred ewes, age 2-5 yrs. 4
purebred Suffolk rams. 1/2 lambed in January, 1/2
lambing soon. Imogene Stevens, Edson, 723-2136 (5)
COMMERCIAL FLOCK. 20 ewes, 1-6 yrs old with lambs at
foot. Some blacks. 1 Hampshire/Finn ram. Robert,
Lamont, 895-7693 (5)
-29-
2 REGISTERED Romanov rams, 3 & 6 yrs old. For more
info, phone 494-2459 or write Mary Luka, Box 112,
Hines Creek, TOH 2A0
(5)
35 SUFFOLK ewe lambs (January/90) bred to purebred
registered Suffolk ram. Due to lamb after April 1/91.
Gary Goyd, Leduc, 986-8797 (5)
FLOCK DISPERSAL. 24 2-yr old Polypay ewes. 10
yearling Polypay ewes. 14 ewe lambs. 1 registered
yearling ram. $3500. Also Jan born ram lambs. Rhoda
Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (5)
PUREBRED HAMPSHIRE & Dorset rams & ewes. ROP tested.
Randy Yaklin, Beaverlodge, 354-8189 (5)
REGISTERED PUREBRED Alpine buck. Edelweiss
bloodlines. Jackie Riley, Tofield, 662-2377
(4]
2 YR old registered Angora buck.
Marilyn, Car3tairs, 337-3956
Sire Angora 4F.
(4)
WE ARE taking order now for registered Nubian and La
Mancha buck and doe kids from top bloodlines $150
each. All have star- sires and can be shown in Hayes
show. John or Joanne Benger, Drayton Valley,
727-2491 (4)
THREE YOUNG Saanen milking does from excellent milking
stock. One bred Saanen doe, one 5-month old doe. All
are healthy, tattooed and papered. Erika Vster,
337-2496 (H), Carstairs or 556-2299 (W), Olds (5)
5 REGISTERED Nubian does. Bred for August kidding.
From quality stock. 4 first & 1 second time kidding.
E.M. Lobb, Edmonton, 476-6396 (5)
FOR SALE - DOGS
CKC REGISTERED Komondor puppies. From working
parents. Sheep raised. Born Jan 17th. Fred or
Marlene, Lloydminster, (306) 825-2640 (4)
REGISTERED AUSTRALIAN Kelpie pups. Parents good
working dogs. Dam imported from Australia. Born Nov
23/90. Have had their shots. Longview, 558-3751 (4)
KUVASZ REGISTERED purebred 5 yr old male. Canadian
champion. Good guard dog. Great with kids. Garry
Nixon, Botha, 574-2166 (4)
REGISTERED SHETLAND sheep dogs (Shelti). Mother shows
very good herding instinct. 3 tri-colored, 2 sable
pups. Marilyn, Carstairs, 337-3956 (4)
PUREBRED BORDER Collie puppies. Alder Flats,
388-3328 (4)
PUREBRED BORDER Collies from working stock. Born
January 31/91. Sondra, 286-1993 (Calgary) or 932-2860
(Cochrane) (4)
AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS - ASCA registered. Black tris,
males and females, born Aug '90. Also some adults,
blue merles and black tris. Pups in early summer.
Mary Stewart, High Prairie, 523-2192 (4)
BORDER COLLIE puppies out of Boe (a well bred Bitch
imported from Texas) and by my great sire Aaron.
Every pup guaranteed to make top stock dogs. We have
the best guarantees in the business. Started dogs for
sale at all times, or will trade for good ewes. Ron
Gale, Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
KUVASZ PUPS. Good predator protection. Excellent
guard dogs. Glenys, Wetaskiwin, 352-3110 (5)
REGISTERED BORDER Collie pups. Seven weeks old. Good
working parents. Six females. $200 each. 533-2333 (5)
LIVESTOCK & guarding dogs. Great Pyreenes puppies due
early April. Registered, shots & guaranteed. Helen,
Strathmore, 934-2778 (5)
FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS
SHEEP SCALE - $350. Steel-frame for packing wool (can
hold large bags) - $100. Trailer that will haul 14
mature ewes - $700. Marking harnesses for rams (4
available) - $20 each. Morinville, 939-2000 (4)
ATTRACTIVE MALE Llama - brown & white - born June *90.
Training well started - $850 OBO. Debbie Loosely,
High River, 652-7403 (4)
DONKEYS & Llamas for predator control. Donkeys $500
and up. Gelded male Llamas $500. Also two weanling
female Llamas, $7500 and $10,000. Allison Magee,
Clive, 784-3436 (4)
1 ELECTRIC tail docker, like new condition.
Vivian, Bruderheim, 796-3556
$100 OBO.
(4)
-30-
GRAIN FEEDERS: galvanized 9teel with wooden frame,
12- foot long, $50; also 8-foot long covered hay
feeders on skids $30, Roux automatic syringe $35, ear
tag pliers $15 and some jug hay feeders and grain
troughs. Gail Stewart, Delburne, 749-2381 (4)
NEW BOOK - Livestock Protection Dogs - selection, care
and training by David E. Sims & Orysia Dawydiak. This
128 page paperback book is just off the press. The
authors share their years of hands on experience
working with these dogs. They trace the history of
these dogs including a number of well known and rare
breeds. The book will tell you how to care for a
puppy and manage an older dog. Some of the chapters
deal with problems that may arise with these dogs and
solutions, diet, evaluation of temperment, health
problems. It is chock full of useful information to
those interested in livestock protection dogs. The
cost postage paid is $16.95. Cee-Der Sheep Products,
Box 2404, Canmore, TOL OMO or phone 678-2220 (5)
WORKING SHEEP, horse or exotic farm. 20 acres, 20
man. east of Calgary. 2 barns, hay shed, tack shed,
$10,000 worth of fencing. 13 paddocks in game wire or
plank with electric waterers. Chicken house,
garage, shop, organic garden with fruit trees. 1142
sq. ft. bungalow. Much more. Second residence and 20
head reg. Suffolk ewes optional. $199,000. E.
Gilmar, Calgary, 285-9804 (5)
1978 MASSEY Ferguson 751. Pull type combine. Melroe
pickup, straw chopper. Cash or will take sheep or ewe
lambs in trade. Alan Hohol, Two Hill3, 657-2691 (5)
FOR SALE OR TRADE
REGISTERED ROMNKY rams - 3 yrs old - Reserve Lamb
Champ 1988. Aluo 1 yr old sired by above. Both
excellent animals. Looking to sell or trade for ewes
or rams of equal quality. M. Thiessen, Grimshaw,
971-2493 (5)
1 REGISTERED Polypay ram. Very satisfactory results
spring 1991. Only reason to trade is for different
bloodline. 1 1/2 yrs old. Howard, Westlock,
349-5128. (5)
WANTED 2000 flocking type ewes to put on an agra -
siviculture project from June through September '91.
Ron Gale, Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
25-30 DORSET Finn cross ewes. Due to lamb beginning
of April. Jake Smith, La Crete, 927-3680 (4)
LOOKING FOR feeder lambs and sheep. T. Wiskel,
Athabasca, 675-4762 (5)
WE WOULD like to purchase approximately 50 Dorset/
Cheviot cross yearlings to 2 yr old open ewes. These
ewes will be used as recipient ewes and must be very
sound. Media visna tests will have to be done on
these ewes. Consideration will be given to all
numbers. Call (306) 668-2154 or FAX (306) 934-0813.
Ask for Garry or Doreen Schneider, Windhaven Acres,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (5)
PREFERABLY PUREBRED, Australian Shepherd female.
Would like a bule meri color. Sheila, Holden,
688-2220 (4)
FEMALE PYREENES puppy. Parents must be good guard
dogs. Joan, Tomahawk, 339-2118 (4)
TWO MALE guard dogs, prefer Great Pyrenees or Maramas.
One dog must be a mature working dog, the other can be
a young dog brought up with sheep. I need them from
June through September '91 and will buy or lease. Ron
Gale, Sundre, 638-2836 (4)
WANTED - MISCELLANEOUS
ROUND BALE feeders, reasonably priced. Marti, High
River, 652-3722 (4)
WEIGH SCALE and hoof trimming stand. Must be in good
condition. Joan, Tomahawk, 339-2118 (4)
4 YR old triplet Polypay ram. Very good producer -
$350 OR WILL SWAP for bales of good alfalfa hay.
Herman, Ardrossan, 922-5973 (5)
HELP WANTED
SHEPHERD OR shepherdess required for May lambing
season (must be non-smoker). Contact Lyle or Delores
Bowles, Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, (306) 662-2916 (4)
-31-
EXPERIENCED SHEPHERDS who can work with the Forestry
(or reforestration) , and with sheep and dogs, or
sharp, hardworking personnel willing to learn
reforestration and to work with sheep and dogs. The
shepherding will be June through September '91. The
training period will be April and May '91. Ron Gale,
Sundre, 638-2836 (*)
SHEEP SHEARING. Kendall Smith, Lloydminster , (306)
825-3770 (5)
SHEARING AVAILABLE. Peace Region. Randy Yaklin,
Beaverlodge, 354-8189 (5)
SERVICES AVAILABLE
SHEARER AVAILABLE
SHEARER AVAILABLE - April 18 - June 14. Garth
Hammond, Edmonton, 459-8051 (4)
SHEARER AVAILABLE. From $1.70 a head. Noel Downham,
636-2229 (4)
SHEARER - SOUTH central Alberta. Professional,
reliable. Wool bagger available upon regue3t. Book
now for coming season. Nick Warner, Crossfield,
946-5290 (4)
SHEARER AVAILABLE - Southern Alberta & B.C. N.
Ronaldron, Cranbrook, B.C. (604) 489-4958 (5)
SHEARER AVAILABLE. Kelson Quarrie, Edmonton,
481-5974 (5)
CUSTOM WOOLEN MILLS - Your complete processing
facility. Full range of custom services for wool and
other fibers washing, carding, dyeing, spinning and
sewing. Have your wool made into batts, comforters,
mattress pads, sleeping bags, carded wools for hooking
and handspinning, yarns (skeined or coned) in a
variety of colours and styles. For details write or
phone Custom Woolen Mills, R R #1, Carstairs, Alberta,
TOM ONO, phone 337-2221 (4)
ZENFLEX WOOL Marketing & Sheep Shearing Service.
Zenek Matkowski, Red Deer, 343-6308. Wool collection
point in Coaldale, Alta contact Folkert Miedema,
345-5664 (4)
Ready for spring
Tracy Murray. 2. gets a surprise kiss
from a new born lamb as she helped dad Bran at the family (arm south
of the old McNaty School
EDITOR'S NOTE
Classified Ads and Coming Events may be placed in Sheep
Footnotes free-of -charge by contacting:
The_ deadline for Classified Ads and Coming Events is the
24tFday of the month prior to the month of publication.
Coming Events will be run every month from when they are
placed until the event. Please Note: Events should be
placed in Coming Events at least 6 weeks in advance in
order to ensure their publication before they occur.
Classified Ads will run initially for two months, unless
cancelled after the first month. After the first two
months, ads may be renewed each month by contacting Janet
Smalley at 427-5083. Ads must not exceed two column
inches in length or they will be edited. Beginning January
1, 1990 all ads must be submitted with a name, an address
and a phone number or they will not be run. Sheep Footnotes
reserves the right to restrict the length, content and run
of any Classified Ad.
EDITORS OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Material in Sheep Footnotes may be reprinted in other
publications, but source must be stated and content of
articles may not be changed without authors' permission.
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Karren Green
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
Ph: (403) 427-5083
FAX (403) 427-1057
Ph: (403) 948-8509
FAX (403) 948-8548
sheep
fcctnctes
Volume 14, Issue 5, May 1991
1
Page
Market Report 1
Coming Events 5
Sheep & Wool Commission News 8
B.C. Forestry Grazing Projects 14
Classifieds 16
ADVERTISING POLICY 19
Editor:
Advertising,
Wray Hh it more
Sheep Specialist
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
$204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
# 204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
/dlbcrra
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
Beef and Sheep Branch
-1-
WEEKLY AVERAGE SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES
110 , , 110
-Jan-91
06-Apr-91
05-Oct-91
06-Jul-91
Weeks (to April 26/91)
SHRUNK 95-1 10 LBS LAMBCO SHRUNK 95-1 10 LBS LAMBCO 1990
95-110 LBS TORONTO
80-95 LBS TORONTO
The Lambco, Inn isf ail bid range jumped in the last two weeks of April
eight dollars per cwt to $59 to $62 per cwt in response to rising prices in
other markets. Limited lamb sales at the Fort Macleod auction saw 105 pound old
crop lambs, go for $60 per cwt, while prices for new crop lambs, destined for
markets in B.C. and Eastern Canada, moved into the $70 per cwt range.
In U.S. markets, slaughter lamb prices have narrowed up to last year's levels
in the past few weeks on lower slaughter volumes. Slaughter lamb prices are now
in the Can $60 per cwt range. Increasing buyer demand has also firmed up feeder
lamb markets, with prices steady to slightly higher.
In the U.S. Sheep and Lamb Supply and Disposition report there was a large
increase in sheep marketings, lower import levels and increased mortality
rates, which resulted in a U.S. flock contraction of about 1.4 per cent.
Despite lower imports and marketings of lambs, slaughter lamb prices, still
reeling from the previous years glut of lamb, fell on average, a further 17 per
cent in 1990. Heavier slaughter weights and increased frozen stocks of lamb
were key factors in undermining market prices.
The transition from market conditions of oversupply and contracting prices to
contracting supply and strengthening prices is likely to occur this year. This
transition will be gradual as the supply of lambs to market will continue to be
large in the near term as producers market more ewe lambs to reduce their flock
sizes.
-2-
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT LAMBCO
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
APR 1991 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 56.00-59.00 59.00-62.00 54.25-57.25
LAST MON
MAR 1991 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00 51.00-54.00
YR AGO MON
APR 1990 69.00-72.00 69.00-72.00 69.00-72.00 69.00-72.00 69.00-72.00
VOLUMES
APR 1991 1,397 1,507 1,867 1,615 6,386
APR 1990 3,397 1,484 1,354 1,491 7,726
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 95-110 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 SUMMARY
CURRENT MON 74.00-94.00 65.00-85.00 76.00-80.00
APR 1991 N.E.P. (86.19) (70.05) (78.61) 78.81
LAST MON 71.00-107.00 66.00-109.00 70.00-89.00
MAR 1991 (81.23) N.E.P. (79.29) N.E.P. (84.20) 83.12
YR AGO MON 99.00-109.00 93.00-126.00 N.E.P. 81.00-102.50
APR 1990 (103.47) (101.84) (90.87) 94.91
APR/91 VOLUME 143 117 159 419
AVG WEIGHT 101.9 100.7 101.4
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 80-95 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
81.00-118.00
75.00-108.00
74.00-115.00
70.00-105.00
APR 1991
(91.56)
(89.09)
(84.15)
(87.79)
87.28
LAST MON
75.00-111.00
70.00-90.00
78.00-89.00
76.00-93.00
70.00-103.00
MAR 1991
(87.63)
(83.41)
(86.68)
(87.79)
(80.92)
85.18
YR AGO MON
89.00-115.00
86.00-125.00
95.00-120.00
93.50-120.00
APR 1990
(102.75)
(106.61)
(117.61)
(97.25)
103.47
APR/91 VOLUME 87
193
86
104
470
AVG WEIGHT
84.4
86.8
83.8
88.6
Prices quoted for 95-110 lb lambs are bid prices at Lambco and auction prices at Toronto
Public Stockyards for good quality lambs. The lower end of the Alberta price range
reflects bids for short haul unshrunk lambs, while the upper end of the range represents
bids for long haul or shrunk lambs. Producers delivering to the Toronto Public Stockyards
pay commission and yardage fees for each animal sold. Producers delivering to Lambco pay
$l/head checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission.
The Toronto auction price is from the Special Sheep and Lamb Sale held on Monday each week.
N.E.P - No established price
JO ANN CMOLUCH
MARKET ECONOMIST
Market Analysis Branch
(403) 427-5387
A m
e p i c a n
S h e
Industry Assoc
t i o n
REPRESENTATIVE LIVE SALES As 0F APRIL 19>
1 oc
991
TYPE OF
AREA SHEEP
WEST COAST
California Spring
California
California
California
California
California
Feederi
SI. Ewe
SI. Ewe
Sl Ewe
Sl Ewe
MOUNTAIN
Colorado Old Crop
Wyoming
Colorado
Montana
Montana
Montana
Colorado
Colorado
Utah
Utah
Feedlot
Feeder
Feeder
Sl.Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl Ewe
St Ewe
SOUTH CENTRAL
Texas
Texas
Kansas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Oklahoma
Kansas
Kansas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Kansas
Kansas
Texas
Texas
Spring
Old Crop
Spring
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
St. Ewe
Sl Ewe
Sl Ewe*
NORTH CENTRAL
IA-S.MN
IA-S.MN
IA-S.MN
IA-S.MN
IA-S.MN
IA-S.MN
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
N. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
Iowa
Iowa
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
owa
S. Dakota
S. Dakota
Minnesota
EASTERN
Michigan
Michigan
Ohio
Spring
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Spring
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Spring
Old Crop
Old Crop
Old Crop
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
SI. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Sl. Ewe
Old Crop
Old Crop
Spring
TYPE
OF SALE
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Direct
Direct
Direct
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Direct
Direct
Direct
Direct
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Computer
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Direct
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Auction
Pool
Auction
HEAD
4660
250
275
200
100
100
200
600
500
150
100
200
400
200
300
300
100
100
200
3000
6500
200
1300
1000
180
200
200 •
100
400
3000
250
500
1000
500
3000
500
250
140
200
320
750
2300
1400
600
1600
1400
200
400
200
420
450
300
200
250
300
200
191
100
200
320
300
125
850
125
150
LBS.
105-120
80- 80
95-125
125
45-80
70-100
105-125
105-125
91-109
100-120
100-130
55
70-90
70- 95
40-85
31-70
70- 84
30-40
40-60
80-90
80-100
60- 80
90-110
107-125
109- 135
120-135
125-140
117- 140
116-137
81-118
128-135
116-149
113
104-110
115-131
118- 138
110- 129
60
51-78
88
43- 49
100-130
100-130
95-110
WEIGHING CONDITIONS
Choice & prime, wooled, FOB overnight
Choice & fancy, wooled
Good, No. 1-3 pelts
Utility, No. 1-3 pelu
Good & choice, No. 1-3 pelu, young with lambs
PRICE
(VCWT.)
56.00-60.00
55.00-63.00
22.00-25.00
18.00-22.00
60.00/unit
Good & choice, No. 1-3 pelu, to 3 yr old w/lamb«58.00-75.00/unit
Choice & prime, wooled & shorn 54.00-56.00
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelu, FOB 4% shrink 53.50
Choice & fancy, new crop 65.00-75.00
Choice & fancy, wooled & shorn 48.25-53.75
Good, No. 1-2 pelu 20.00-25.50
Utility, No. l-2pelu 15.50-20.00
Utility & good, wooled & shorn. No. 1-2 pelu 15.00-18.00
CuU, wooled & shorn. No. 1 -2 pelu 1 1 .00- 1 4.00
Good choice yrl. ewe lamb (per hd.) 55.00
Mixed age, bred Apr/May lambing, fresh shm.(per hd.) 60.00
Choice & prime, wooled 54.00-57.00
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelu 50.00-55.00
Choice & prime, wooled 55.00-57.25
New crop, choice & prime, guaranteed 51% yield 54.00-57.00
Old crop, choice & prime, No. 1-2, pelu guar. 51% yield50.OO-54.O0
New crop, choice & wooled, FOB 3% shorn 59.00
New crop, choice & wooled, FOB 3% shorn 56.00-58.00
Wooled & shorn 50.00-52.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 54.00-58.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 60.00-70.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 54.00-66.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 60.00-63.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 58.00-62.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 56.00-62.50
Choice & fancy, new crop 55.00-6 1 .00
Choice & fancy, old crop, No. 1 -2 pelu 52.00-59.00
Choice & fancy, old crop, No. 1-2 pelu 50.00-58.50
Good, No. 1 -2 pelu 32.00-37.00
Utility, No. 1-2 pelu 27.00-34.00
Cull, No. 1-2 pelu 1 5 .50-27.00
Utility & good, No. 1-2 pelu 23.00-28.00
Good young to solid mouth with lambs (per set) 23.00-35.00
Good & choice baby tooth thorn, No. 1-2 pelts (per hd.)58.00-61 .00
Mixed age, shorn, with lambs (per set) 32.00
Choice & prime, wooled, equiv. 4% shrink 56.00-60.00
Choice & prime. No. 1-2 pelu equiv. 4% shorn 53.00-56.00
Choice & prime, wooled, equivalent FOB 4%, shr. 5 1 .00-54.00
Choice & prime, FOB overnight 53.00-57.00
Choice & prime, wooled, FOB overnight 52.00-57.00
Choice & prime, shm., equiv. 4% shrink 54.00-58.00
Choice & prime, wooled 59.80-65.70
Choice & prime. No. 1-2 pelu 57.60-60.30
Choice & prime, wooled 54.50-58.00
$.30 off at 130 lbs., $3 wooled disc., 3% shorn 57.25
Choice & prime, wooled 66.00-67.60
Choice & prime. No. 1-2 pelu 5850-63.50
Choice & prime, wooled 54.75-61.50
Choice & prime, wooled 54.75-57.00
Choice & fancy, new crop, 3% shrink or equiv. 60.00-65.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 6550-73.00
Choice & fancy, new crop 58.70
Choice & fancy, new crop 82.00-87.50
Utility & good, wooled & shorn 21.50-27.00
Cull, No. 1-2 pelu 11.00-21.50
Utility & good, No. 1-2 pelu 19.00-25.50
Utility & good, shorn No. 1-2 pelu 15.00-22.00
Choice & prime. No. 1-2 pelu 55.00-60.00
Choice & prime, No. 1-2 pelts, $3.00 wooled disc. 56.00
Choice & prime, wooled 68.75-73.50
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CAL1 801-392-7601
warn
•4-
FEDERALLY INSPECTED SLAUGHTER (Head)
% THIS
% THIS
%
WEEK
WEEK
WEEK
1991
THIS
vs
vs
ENDING
TOTAL
VS
WEEK
LAST
LAST
03/29/91
YEAR
1990
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR
(actual)
1 U DA 1 fc
I O I AL
SHEEP
104.000
+5.0
+6.4
117.278
1.796.000
+3.3
CATTLE 634.000
+5.1
+0.1
512.403
9.462.000
-2.6
CALF
29.000
-6.8
-0.3
25.724
482.000
-16.4
HOGS
1,707.000
-0.2
-0.7
1.650.167
25.971.000
-0.9
RED MEAT PRODUCTION (million pounds)
%TH1S
% THIS
at
WEEK
WEEK
WEEK
1991
THIS
vs
vs
ENDING
TOTAL
vs
WEEK
LAST
LAST
03/23/91
YEAR
1990
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR
(actual)
TO DATE
TAT A 1
1U1 AL
LAMB
6.7
+3.0
+5.6
9.3
116.7
+2.5
BEEP
437.8
+4.8
+4.5
392.6
6,537.1
-u.y
VEAL
6.0
-5.3
+31.1
5.9
99.3
+ 7. /
PORK
307.7
+0.1
+6.9
285.2
4.720.7
+0.7
I UTAL
758.2
+2.8
+5.6
693.0
11,473.8
-0.2
DRESSED WEIGHT
PERCENT LAMB SLAUGHTER
i HIS WEEK (EST.)
65
03/29/91
95.7
,,3/23/91 (ACT.)
63
03/30/90
96.7
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
AS
F.I. SLAUGHTER
HEAD (Thousands)
JAN
FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
SOURCE: ASI MARKET INFORMATION I USDA
1990
1991
WHOLESALE LAMB MARKET
55 lbs-down 55-65 lbs 65-75 lbs
NORTHEAST $1.25 $1.20 $1.15
FOB RIVER $1.20 $1.15 $1.10
LESS THAN CARLOT
LOS ANGELES $1.20-1.22* 51-17** $1.12*
BAY AREA $1.22-1.23* $1.20** $1.15
•60 lbs. & down ** 60-65 lbi.
Wholesale carcass prices across the country were steady for the
fourth consecutive week. Demand was light to moderate, in face of
a rather slow cut market. Buyers were willing to settle early on
Thursday at steady prices, rather than delay settlement until late, as
has been the case over the past several weeks. Live lamb prices
advanced across the county this week and with higher live costs,
packers will be trying to force the dressed market higher next
week.
EAST COAST WHOLESALE PRICE
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ALL WEIGHTS
JAN FEB MAR
APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT
SOURCE: ASI MARKET ^FORMATION / USDA
1990 -a- 1991 -x-SYRAVG
NOV DEC
DISTRIBUTIVE CUT MARKET
& RETAIL FEATURE ACTIVITY
hem
CHUCK CROSS CUT
CHUCK SQUARE CUT
SINGLE LEG
DOUBLE LEG
LOIN
RACK 7 UP
FORE SADDLE
HIND SADDLE
NORTH-
EAST
$.70-.85
No Quote
No Quote
$1.40-1.50
$1.20-1.50
$2.25-2.50
No Quote
$1.45-1.55
* Trimmed and/or vacuumed packed
BAY LOS NORTH
AREA ANGELES WEST
No Quote No Quote No Quote
$1.10-1.15*$.99-1.10* $1.15*
$1.85* $1.79-1.89* $1.75-1.85*
$1.65 $1.55-1.60 No Quote
$2.65-2.69*$2.55-2.85* $2.69*
$2.45-2.50*$2.35-2.6O* $2.55*
No Quote 1.45-1.50* $1.25*
$1.55- 1.75*$ 1.50- 1.65* No Quote
Distributive lamb cuts in the Northeast found slow movement this week on light to
moderate demand. Best interest shown for loins, racks and chucks. Supplies and
offerings were moderate. Racks. 1/up sold $5.00 higher. Racks, 7/down, steady to
$15.00 higher, loins steady; chucks $5.00 higher. Double legs sold $10.00-$15.00
lower, hindsaddles steady to $5.00 lower. Other lamb cuts were steady to firm in
light test Distributive lamb carcasses 55/down were steady at $130.00-$1 35.00. In
the Northwest, prices for legs and hindsaddles were $10.00-$ 15.00 lower with loins,
racks and foresaddles $4.00-$5.00 higher. Midwest cut prices little changed.
Moderate feature activity in the Bay Area with Lucky Stores. Good feature activity in
Los Angeles with Ralphs, Hughes and Bonds Stores on feature. Shoulders a big
feature item at Big Bear Stores this week.
EAST COAST CUT PRICES
AVERAGE
CENTS PER POUND
CROSS CUT CHUCK DOUBLE LEG UNTRIMMED LOIN
SOURCE: ASI MARKET IN FORMATION/US DA
THIS WEEK CZ I A ST YEAR
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALI 801 -392-7601
-5-
1991
SHEEP SALE
Coming Events
May 23
May 25
June 27
June 29
July 6
July 6
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. For
additional information (sheep) contact Bruce
McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744
or John Bolay (goats), RR #i, Hestlock, TOG 210,
phone 349-5203.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB WO, phone 878-3784.
12th Annual Range Rome Ewe Lamb Sale. Fort
Macleod Auction Market. 80 yearling and ram lambs
from the following prominent Alberta purebred
sheep breeders. Note! This is not an open sale
for rams! A limit of 500 ewes and ewe lambs will
be accepted for this sale. Listings must be
phoned in by June 24, 1990. For information
contact George Bourassa at 553-3315.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB WO, phone 878-3784.
17th Annual Alberta Ram Test Station Sale. Olds
Cow Palace, Olds. Call 948-8517 for more
information .
Wild Rose Registered Sheep Sale. Olds Cow Palace,
Olds, Alberta immediately following ROP Ram Test
Sale. Entries close April 30, 1991. For more
information contact Darcee, Alberta Sheep Breeders
Association 295-2185 or FAX 275-8009 or Robert
Jackson, Chairman, 335-4348. Watch for entry
forms and sales regulations.
-6-
July 25 & 26 Average Sheep Shearing Competition . Vermilion
Fair. Closing date for entry July 5th. Entry fee
$10.00. First prize $100.00. Equipment
available . For more information call 853-2721 or
853-2491.
July 25-27 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Annual Sheep
Show. Classes in North Country Cheviots,
Hampshires, Suf folks, Columbias and Dorset s. If
enough interest from other breeds, would consider
adding them. For more information write or call
Box 129, Medicine Hat T1A 7N1 or call 527-1234.
July 27 Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB WO, phone 878-3784.
August 9-11 1991 Dawson Creek Fall Fair with shows for sheep,
as well as goats, cattle, heavy horses and
sanctioned rodeo. We would love to see some new
competitors as well as our "regulars" . Come and
enjoy an exciting weekend with the whole family.
All welcome. For prize lists or more information
please call Brad or Victoria Manson (604)
843-7185.
August 24 Freco Ranch and guest consignors. 2nd Annual
Production Sale. Red Deer Mestener Exhibition
Grounds. Same format as last year. For more
information call Fom at 749-2280.
December 5-7 1991 Sheep Symposium, Kananaskis Lodge. Watch
future issues for all the details!
ALBERTA
PURCHASED FEEDER LAMB STABILIZATION PLAN
New Stabilization Option Introduced in 1991
For Lambs Purchased and Fed For Slaughter
This new option provides a level of protection against losses caused by
changes in production costs and/or market prices for producers who
purchase lambs and finish them.
Application Deadline
This plan is available to Alberta producers who apply by May 31, 1991.
Applications received after May 31, 1991 will be subject to late entry
penalt ies .
NOTE: This new option does not apply to the lambs raised from a
producer's own ewe flock. Coverage for such home-raised lambs
has been available since 1986.
Information :
1-800-232-9479 (toll-free)
422-0137 (Edmonton local)
-7-
O 17th Annual Q
ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION SALE
O Saturday July 6th, 1991 O
Olds Cow Palace, Olds
Featuring Performance Tested:
SUFFOLKS DORSETS
o RAMBOUILLETS POLYPAYS o
o
0
0
o
o
0
0
0
0
o
a .
AND MORE!
Only rams which are above average
for rate of gain and which pass the
physical cull will be sold.
Yearling rams from the Wool Breeds
Test will also be available.
Catalogues available at the sale. For
final test station results contact
Kim Stanford
Sheep Specialist
Alberta Agriculture
Bag#1,AlrdrfeAB
T4B2C1
403-948-8617
Ram Viewing: 10:00 A.M.
Sale Begins: 1:00 P.M.
Want to buy a test station ram, but
can't attend the sale? We can buy
one for you. Contact Kim Stanford
for Information on written bids.
-8-
sheep -d
Commission
Alberta
Phone: (403) 295-1988
Fax. (403) 275-8009
Market Line: (403) 295-3122
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7H7
GST No. R1 23538373
****************************************************************
Following the completion of the annual zone meetings the ASWC Board
of Directors held their annual meeting on April 16 in Calgary. This
meeting provides for the election and appointment of the executive,
promotion and production committees. Appointments are also made to
other associations, organizations, and committees.
Executive Committee for 1991
Chairman - Gerry Pittman, Director - Zone #2
Vice Chairman, Kathy Playdon, Director - Zone #6
Secretary-Manager - Will Verboven
Product ion Commi ttee
Chairman - Morag Othen, Director - Zone #7
Lois George, Director - Zone #5
Ian Clark, Director - Zone #4
Gerry Pittman, Ex Officio
Will Verboven, Secretary-Manager
ALBERTA SHEEP AND WOOL COMMISSION
NEWS AND VIEWS
By Will Verboven
Secretary - Manager
ASWC ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
-9-
Promotion Committee
Chairman - Kathy Playdon, Director - Zone #6
Sten Lundberg , Director - Zone #1
Clarence Jones, Director - Zone #3
Gerry Pittman, Ex Officio
Will Verboven , Secretary-Manager
Appointments to related committees and organizations:
Canadian Sheep Federation - Gerry Pittman
National Tripartite Sheep Stabilization Committee - Ian Clark
National Lamb Classification Committee - Ian Clark
Alberta Purchased Feeder Lamb Stabilization Committee - Ken Othen
Alberta ROP Committee - Ian Clark & Pat Barott
Alberta Canada All Breeds Assoc. - Bill Matejka
Alberta Feed Grain Users Assoc. - Sten Lundberg
Alberta Food Processors Assoc. - Sten Lundberg
ASWC Directors also reviewed a number of on-going activities and
made plans for other ASWC initiatives for 1991. Some highlights:
History Book Project
A final decision was made in regards to publishing the History of
the Sheep Industry of Western Canada, the publisher being Parkland
Press. It is anticipated that the book will be available some time
this summer.
Financial Reporting Schedule
Directors passed a motion to initiate new accounting and financial
reporting procedures. This decision is a result of a number of
requests made at zone meetings to clarify with further detail
overall ASWC expenditures in relation to administration and
promotion. Directors also approved the production of a new private
lamb/sheep sales check-off remittance form.
US Wool Tariff Resolution
Directors formally passed a resolution requesting the Canadian
Sheep Federation to expedite the removal of US Wool Tariffs on
Canadian Wool under the auspices of the free trade agreement. It is
felt that the removal of these tariffs would provide further
incentive for American Wool buyers to initiate the purchasing of
wool in Alberta. The overall problem with the tariffs is not the
actual tariff cost but the inherent paper work and delays in
shipping wool into the US in large quantities.
-10-
1991 ASWC PRODUCTION COMMITTEE MEETS
The 1991 production committee had its first meeting April 17. This
years committee chairman is Moras Othen with ASWC directors Lois
George. Ian Clark and Gerry Pitt man as members.
Additional members of the committee are Alberta Agriculture Sheep
Specialists Kim Stanford and Wray Whitmore in addition
representatives will be invited from the Alberta Sheep Breeders
Association and Agriculture Canada.
The Committee was updated on 1991 activities including the Alberta
Sheep Producers Forum and progress on the sheep industry code of
pract ice .
The committee activities for 1991 include the following:
- Support Ked control product efficacy trials at Olds College
in conjunction with Alberta Agriculture.
- Initiation of the national lamb carcass competition.
- Participation in the Alberta Agriculture Sheep Symposium.
The Committee also reviewed a number of other concerns as they
relate to the Alberta Sheep Industry such as the effects of the BC
Forestry Grazing Projects and the possible creation of a national
sheep flock health program.
The status of the draft code of prectice was also discussed by the
committee, it is anticipated to be released soon for further
industry input.
The Board of Directors also approved a request by the Alberta
Trappers Association for prize money in their fur handling
competitions, specifically the senior coyote category.
1991 ASWC PROMOTION COMMITTEE MEETS
The 1991 promotion committee chairman is Kathy Playdon and ASWC
members are Clarence Jones, Sten Lundberg and Gerry Pittman.
Additional promotion committee members will be invited from within
the industry and Alberta Agriculture. The committee made a general
review of the promotional direction of the committee in 1990 and
for 1991. The consensus was that much depends upon the decision of
Alberta Agriculture as to the requests made in the industry
proposal last October.
-11-
Meeting with Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture
The ASWC Board of Directors also met with Barry Mehr the Alberta
Agriculture Assistant Deputy Minister. Discussions evolved around
the status of the Alberta Sheep Industry Strategy proposal ,
ongoing promotional grants, and the latest situation with the
Lambco sale. Discussions were positive and it is anticipated that
a number of new initiatives and agreements with Alberta Agriculture
will be forthcoming in 1991.
1991 ALBERTA SHEEP & WOOL COMMISSION ANNUAL ZONE MEETINGS REPORT
The 1991 annual zone meetings are once again complete. Attendance
averaged approximately 25 producers with a low of 18 in zone #5 to
a high of 35 in zone #6. Some of the highlights of the zone
meetings were the following issues.
- Promotion and administration costs.
Producers wished to see a more detailed breakdown of expenditures
in these two areas.
- Annual zone meeting dates.
A number of zones continue to be concerned with the spring date of
the ASWC and wish to see consideration given to an alternate date
in November. There was also suggestions as to holding an annual
meeting in addition to zone meetings.
- ASA 90 Wool Stab i 1 i zat i on Payment
This issue continues to confuse producers especially considering
that no final price has been established. A general consensus at a
number of zone meetings was that the entire ASA 90 Wool
Stabilization Payment for 1990 be given to the Canadian Sheep
Federation to be disbursed to producers upon request subject to an
administration fee.
Other topics of discussion at zone meetings were the latest update
as to the sale of Lambco and activities of the Canadian Sheep
Federat ion .
Producers at zone meetings also provided their directors with
industry recommendations which the Alberta Sheep & Wool Commission
Board will be acting upon this coming year.
-12-
An advance request on the proposed funding has been forwarded to
Alberta Agriculture as an interim measure. These funds should
provide for replenishing ASWC promotional point of purchase
material and also a number of misc. promotions.
The committee reviewed the status of the Montana wool market
research project to date and felt that this project should be
continued. The date for a final report was not determined.
The committee also met with the general manager of Lambco , Mr.
Gerry Kelly and reviewed Lambco ' s past and present promotional
activities .
The promotion committee agreed to meet in the near future in order
to establish a much more comprehensive promotional program subject
to receiving further funding.
OLDE TYME SHEEP FAIRE TO HOST NATIONAL COMPETITION
An ad hoc committee composed of representatives from Agriculture
Canada, the ASWC, Alberta Agriculture, and directors of the OTSF
have laid the groundwork for a Canadian National Lamb Carcass
Competition. This event will be hosted by the Olde Tyme Sheep Faire
at Olds, September 21, 1991.
The competition will utilize the new National Lamb Grading
Classification standards for judging purposes. The committee will
be inviting participation from across Canada through the auspices
of the Canadian Sheep Federation to an organizing committee meeting
June 4, in Lacombe at the Agriculture Canada Research Station.
y^^^ + ^^^^^^t****** ************************************************
-13-
©tbe Cpme £>i)tzp Jfatr
ricuftmxif Cjtx>and.\
21 September 1991
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: M. Rieberger
(403) 224-3743
OLDS--Plans are well underway for Central Alberta's Sixth Annual Olde
Tyme Sheep Fair, slated to be held September 21st at the Olds
Agricultural Grounds. This year, five Alberta sheep clubs, representing
Battle River, Blindman Valley, Camrose, Mountainview and Rocky View
sheep producers, will pool their talents and energy to produce this
popular family event.
"Showcasing the sheep industry," Mike Rieberger, chairman of
this year's committee, calls it. "In one day, established producers
wanting to get together, new producers looking for information, and
families who would just like outing with their youngsters, can have a
look at the entire spectrum of the Alberta sheep industry."
And quite a spectrum it is. The day is packed with
competitions (master shepherd, sheep-to-shawl, market lambs),
demonstrations (sheep shearing, working dogs), craft booths, industry
displays, and a concession that serves up lamb-on-a-bun , lamb smokies,
and lamburgers. The evening features a ful1 -course lamb barbecue
followed by a select commercial ewe lamb sale.
"A lot of work for everyone," agrees Mike. "But a lot of
fun, too . "
Entry forms for the competitions, bo th rentals, and the ewe
lamb sale are available from the Olde Tyme Sheep Fair committee. Further
information can be obtained by calling Mike at (-'.03) 224-3743.
-30-
l,mif,fSLcr & li.Uf),,;, Com mer<iaf<Cue Safe Cm fl Safe *<C'Jukt:i 'Sbidftfat}* * C*duU
-14-
B.C. Forestry Grazing Projects
Forestry grazing in B.C. has the potential to benefit the Alberta
Sheep Industry providing certain health standards are maintained. The
greatest danger from forestry grazing is that sheep returning from B.C. bring
contagious footrot back into Alberta. Importation of footrot can be avoided
if:
(1) All flocks are closely inspected prior to contract signing.
Flocks showing symptoms of footrot should be rejected from
forestry grazing projects.
(2) The 'clean' Alberta sheep are not mixed with any B.C. sheep.
(3) Trucks used to transport sheep to and from B.C. and between
cutblocks are cleaned and disinfected prior to loading sheep.
(4) Sheep are inspected in B.C. prior to returning to Alberta.
Owners must be informed if any sheep are exhibiting symptoms
of footrot.
Items one through three will be enforced by the three Alberta-based
sheep contractors (Ovine Enviro Systems, Dennis Loxton/Marilyn Verweire and
Ron Gale). Item four is presently being drafted by Ray Fenton of Alberta
Agriculture in conjunction with his B.C. counterpart Henry Lange.
If the threat of footrot is removed, possible benefits to Alberta
sheep producers from participating in forestry grazing projects include:
(1) resting pastures that are suffering from over-grazing
(2) renting pastures to other sheep or beef producers
(3) freeing time in the summer for off-farm work or holidays.
The cash payment per ewe, while initially enticing for producers is
not as big a windfall as it may at first seem. Conditions on cutblocks vary,
but a ewe returning from B.C. will likely need extra feed before breeding. As
producers gain experience, they will quickly determine if the cash payment
received is adequate compensation for thinner ewes and potentially reduced
conception rates. However, it is equally possible that ewes returning from
B.C. could have a heightened response to flushing resulting in higher
conception rates.
Forestry grazing is in its early stages and many unknowns still exist.
Alberta producers should therefore be encouraged to proceed cautiously in
entering forestry grazing contracts. Alberta Agriculture takes the position
that the threat of footrot must be controlled. Other aspects of forestry
grazing will be determined by market forces. If sheep producers and foresters
both benefit, forestry grazing is likely to become a highly significant
feature of the Alberta Sheep Industry. The Province of Alberta has recently
passed 'Freedom to Grow' legislation similar to that existing in B.C. As a
result, increased forestry grazing opportunities within Alberta may develop in
two to three years. While it is difficult at present to predict the future
effects of forestry grazing on the Alberta sheep industry, the next five years
should provide enough data to make an objective assessment.
Kim Stanford
Sheep Specialist
Airdrie 948-8517
-15-
The Classifieds
FOR SALE - SHEEP
FINN & Finn cross rams. Yearling - 2 yrs & older.
Also, some Columbia rams. Brian Taylor, Darwell,
892-2967 (5)
10 PUREBRED Rambouillet ewes - to lamb in May - bred
to a registered year old Columbia ram - also for sale.
M. Browning, 722-2128 (5)
RAMBOUILLET & Columbia cross ewe lambs. Rambouillet,
Columbia and Suffolk cross ewe lambs. Will be
available May & June, 1991. Ike Entz, Crystal Spring
Colony, Magrath, 758-6701 (5)
REGISTERED HAMPSHIRE & Columbia sheep. Complete flock
dispersal for health reasons. Ewes with January lambs
at side, open ewe lambs and rams of both breeds. Grand
Champion stock! Reasonably priced. Top Qualityl
Roger or Lynn Langlois, Tangent, 359-2146 (5)
20 SUFFOLK cross ewes, 2-5 yrs - $65 each. 3
registered Dorset ewes - $150 each. 2 registered
Dorset rams - $150 each. 1 Suffolk/Finn cross ram - 3
yrs old - $100. Joanne, Ponoka, 783-2600 (5)
50 CROSSBRED ewes. 2-5 yr olds. Pasture available
with them. 533-2333 (5)
10 PUREBRED Finn ewe lambs. Lambing immediately.
Asking $1000 or will sell separate. Robert, Barrhead,
674-2968 (5)
100 PLUS Suffolk cross bred ewes, age 2-5 yrs. 4
purebred Suffolk rams. 1/2 lambed in January, 1/2
lambing soon. Imogene Stevens, Edson, 723-2136 (5)
COMMERCIAL FLOCK. 20 ewes, 1-6 yrs old with lambs at
foot. Some blacks. 1 Hampshire/Finn ram. Robert,
Lamont, 895-7693 (5)
2 REGISTERED Romanov rams, 3 & 6 yrs old. For more
info, phone 494-2459 or write Mary Luka, Box 112,
HineB Creek, TOH 2AO (5)
3 5 SUFFOLK ewe lambs (January/90) bred to purebred
registered Suffolk ram. Due to lamb after April 1/91.
Gary Boyd, Leduc, 986-8797 (5)
yearling Polypay ewes. 14 ewe lambs. 1 registered
yearling ram. $3500. Also Jan born ram lambs. Rhoda
Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (5)
PUREBRED HAMPSHIRE & Dorset rams & ewes.
Randy Yaklin, Beaverlodge, 354-8189
ROP tested.
(5)
2 YR old Rambouillet ram. Proven. 2 yearling
Rambouillet rams. 1 Polypay/Suf folk cross ram. '91
Polypay/Rambouillet commercial rams. Reasonably
priced. Call anytime. Mrs. Nolan, Hythe, 356-2778 (5)
FLOCK DISPERSAL of 85 Suffolk cross ewes with lambs at
foot. 3 5 ewes to lamb May 10. Susan Lega,
Waskatenau, 358-2508 (6)
APPROX. 50 ewe lambs Suffolk X Finn X Rambouillet, all
twin or triplet born from high producing established
sheep flock that has been built up since 1975.
Complete records available. Healthy and clean flock.
Lambs were born later part of Feb '91. Katarina
Sjoquist, Valleyview, 524-2465 (6)
FLOCK DISPERSAL. 60+ Suffolk & Suffolk cross ewes 1-4
yrs old. 3 purebred Suffolk rams. 1 vasectozied ram.
Closed flock. All shots. No culls. 200% lambing
average and lambing records available. Ewes - $90
each and rams $100 each but a special price for entire
flock. Brian or Corinne, New Norway, 855-2313 (6)
REGISTERED SUFFOLKS or registered Dorsets. Coyote
Acres, 636-2894, Vilna (6)
PUREBRED ROMANOV ewes, rams and lambs. Hi Lo Hills
"The Ewe Makers", Tom Mackoweki, Two Hills,
657-2004 (6)
25 EWES with lambs. 1 ram. Suf folks. Randy,
Wetaskiwin, 352-0283 or 495-3662 (Edmonton) (6)
18 EWES - 12 have lambed and 19 lambs out of the 12.
6 still to lamb. Rambouillet/Suf folk cross. 1 Suffolk
ram. Bruce Christensen, Carseland, 934-2496 (6)
KATAHDIN SHEEP, purebred, 7/8, 3/4 - $250 & up. Jim
Sabin, Onoway, 967-4453 (6)
FLOCK DISPERSAL. 24 2-yr old Polypay owes. 10
-16-
2 YEAR old Border Leicester/Romney ram. Black. Proven
producer. 60% of progeny black this year. Sound,
healthy, excellent fleece - $125. Also Border
Leicester/Romney X Clun Forest ram lambs. Black -
$125. Dennis Laplerre, Cochrane, 932-5377 (early
evening) (6)
9 SUFFOLK commercial ewes. 22 registered Suffolk ewes.
2 Suffolk rams. PMT Farms, Red Deer, 347-6899 (6)
1 YR old Hampshire/Suffolk cross teaser ram. 1 yr old
registered Hampshire ram. 3 yr old triplet registered
Hamsphire ram. 1-3 yr old Hampshire ewes with lambs.
All animals priced to sell. Must go this month.
Shelley Madu, Beaumont, 929-8407 (6)
SOUTHDOWN & Southdown cross ram lambs - $100 each.
Taking orders now for fall. Gab or Troy, Berrymoore,
542-3007 (6)
25 SUFFOLK cross ewe lambs. Due to lamb June 25. 60
Suffolk cross ewes 2-5 yrs old. Papered Suffolk rams
3-5 yrs old. Open to offers. Mr & Mrs Downey, Hairy
Hill, 768-2350 (After 8 PM) (6)
93 SUFFOLK & Dorset ewes. 1 Suffolk ram. Will sell
with 96 lambs or without. Glen, Mundare, 764-2670 (6)
REGISTERED PUREBRED Suffolk
748-2959
Ian Howell, Bentley,
(6)
FOR HEALTH reasons. Closed flock of 64 ewes 2-5 yrs
old. 9 ramlings - 1 yr old. 4 rams - 2-4 yrs old. 5
have lambed out, 59 to go in May & June. Finn,
Hampshire plus crosses. $4000 takes all. Ed or
Ursula Jones, Athabasca, 675-4099 (6)
BRIGHTBANK FINNSHEEP has for sale top quality
registered Finn rams and ewes at various ages and
prices. Triplets and quads. Finn/Dorset ewe lambs
available at $110 each. Visitors welcome. Kathy
Playdon, Stony Plain, 963-0416 (6)
JANUARY BORN ewe lambs - Suffolk cross and Roraonov
cross. Big, healthy, all shots. Suffolk cross &
Romonov cross ewes - 1-5 yrs. Marg Eden, Stettler,
742-09B6 (6)
64 HEAD of white- faced ewes with lambs at foot or can
be sold as dry ewes when weaned. Peggy, Blackie,
652-7563 (6)
SMALL MANAGEABLE closed flock, 30 Rambouillet/Finn
cross ewes, 18 ewe lambs, Cheviot sired. Asking $2450
for entire flock. Harmony, Hythe, 356-2635 (6)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of commercial flock. 170
the majority 3 yrs old. Also 5 Suffolk rams. Don or
Evelyn Love, Vulcan, 485-6460 (6)
PUREBRED ROMANOV rams with or without papers. 3/4
cross Romanov ewe lambs or rams and 1/2 cross Romanov
ewes. John Lorenz, Eckville, 746-3675 (After 8 PM)(6)
REGISTERED POLYPAY rams and ewe lambs on ROP. New
bloodlines, rams imported from eastern Montana. Blake
Dole, Didsbury, 335-9127 (6)
1 REGISTERED papered Suffolk ram 3 yrs old
Betty Yule, Rocky Mtn House, 845-4139
$175.00.
(6)
TWIN, TRIPLET and quad ewe lambs. Romanov/Suffolk/
Rambouillet and Finn/Suf folk/Rambouillet crosses.
Born January, February & March. Ready to go mid-May.
Brian & Rena Waite, Killam, 385-2335 (6)
MUST SELL. Small western sheep flock. 10 Suffolk, 13
crossbred ewes with lambs at side, 1 purebred
Rambouillet ram (tested). $2400 OBO. Lou, Fairview
(Whitelaw), 596-2404 (6)
30 GOOD OPEN Suffolk & Suffolk cross
Mary, Millet, 387-5538
$70 each.
(6]
1/2 AND 3/4 Arcott ewe lambs born Mar/ Apr. 1/2
Columbia, 1/4 Rambouillet, 1/4 Suffolk ewe lambs born
February. (Our flock lambed at over 200% even though
1/4 were ewe lambs) Registered 3 year old Columbia ram
for sale or trade for proven 2 or 3 year old Suffolk
or Colubmla ram. Call 652-2278, High River (6)
30 COMMERCIAL Suffolk ewes, 2-6 yr old - $75.00. 10
registered North Country Cheviot ewes - $158.00. 3
registered North Country Cheviot 3 yr olds - $150.00.
1 Romanov cross ram, 2 yrs old - $150.00. Lori,
Stettler, 742-1854 (6)
THREE YOUNG Saanen milking does from excellent milking
stock. One bred Saanen doe, one 5-month old doe. All
are healthy, tattooed and papered. Erika Vster,
337-2496 (H), Carstairs or 556-2299 (W), Olds (5)
5 REGISTERED Nubian doeB. Bred for August kidding.
From quality stock. 4 firBt & 1 second time kidding.
E.M. Lobb, Edmonton, 476-6396 (5)
-17-
HERD DISPERSAL. Angora goats - 11 does & kids and 1
buck. Mostly registered stock. Also Cashmere goats -
$250 & up. Jim Sabin, Onoway, 967-4453 (6)
ANGORA GOATS. 8 wethers, 24 adult & yearling does.
Lynn, Drayton Valley, 542-5811 (6)
PYGMY GOATS. Open to offers. Mr & Mrs Downey, Hairy
Hill, 768-2350 (After 8 PM) (6)
LICENSED GOAT dairy has goat kids, males & females.
Heather, Warburg, 848-7603 (Meal times or leave
message) (6)
YOUNG ALPINE buck - born in early March. Brian & Rena
Waite, Killam, 385-2335 (6)
FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS
NEW BOOK - Livestock Protection Dogs - selection, care
and training by David E. Sims & Orysia Dawydiak. This
128 page paperback book is just off the press. The
authors share their years of hands on experience
working with these dogs. They trace the history of
these dogs including a number of well known and rare
breeds. The book will tell you how to care for a
puppy and manage an older dog. Some of the chapters
deal with problems that may arise with these dogs and
solutions, diet, evaluation of temperment, health
problems. It is chock full of useful information to
those interested in livestock protection dogs. The
cost postage paid is $16.95. Cee-Der Sheep Products,
Box 2404, Canmore, TOL OMO or phone 678-2220 (5)
FOR SALE - DOGS
KUVASZ PUPS. Good predator protection. Excellent
guard dogs. Glenys, Wetaskiwin, 352-3110 (5)
REGISTERED BORDER Collie pups. Seven weeks old. Good
working parents. Six females. $200 each. 533-2333 (5)
WORKING SHEEP, horse or exotic farm. 20 acres, 20
min. east of Calgary. 2 barns, hay shed, tack shed,
$10,000 worth of fencing. 13 paddocks in game wire or
plank with electric waterers. Chicken house,
garage, shop, organic garden with fruit trees. 1142
sq. ft. bungalow. Much more. Second residence and 20
head reg. Suffolk ewes optional. $199,000. E.
Gilmar, Calgary, 285-9804 (5)
LIVESTOCK & guarding dogs. Great Pyreenes puppies due
early April. Registered, shots & guaranteed. Helen,
Strathmore, 934-2778 (5)
TAKING ORDERS on Border Collie pups. Born Apr 11th.
Available by May 23rd. Book now. Excellent
bloodlines. Also have 4 only registered Border Collie
pups. Started. 7 months old. From working parents &
have world champion bloodlines. Elaine, Westerose,
586-2768 (After 6 PM) (6)
GREAT PYREENES puppies. Ready May 7th. Gene, Rimbey,
843-3493 (6)
REGISTERED AUSTRALIAN Kelpie pups. 4 months old.
Already working. Both parents good working stock
dogs. Vaccinated and wormed. 4 males and 1 female.
Barb McDonald, 558-3751 (Longview) (6)
REGISTERED BORDER Collies - pups & started dogs from
good working bloodlines. Kathy Playdon, Stony Plain,
963-0416 (6)
TEN MONTH old male purebred Border Collie, papered.
Will be a started dog. John Lorenz, Eckville,
746-3675 (After 8 PM) (6)
1978 MASSEY Ferguson 751. Pull type combine. Melroe
pickup, straw chopper. Cash or will take sheep or ewe
lambs in trade. Alan Hohol, Two Hills, 657-2691 (5)
INDUSTRIAL PATRICK Green wool carder. Produces
spinning & quilting batts of 44" x 16" wide. Complete
with brushes & doffer. Small electric Westfalia cream
separator. Great for 1 cow or milk goats. In very
good, clean condition. Includes pail. Electric
butter churn in mint condition. Lynn, Drayton Valley,
542-5811 (6)
ELECTRIC & manual cream separator.
971-2350
Keith, Dixonville,
(6)
HOT OFF The Press I "Cooking With Lamb" by Jelaine
McDermit - An exclusive lamb cook book. Offering
recipes for ALL lamb cuts plus helpful information and
different methods of cooking lamb. Unlike many lamb
recipes which use rare and exotic ingredients, the
recipes in "Cooking With Lamb" use everyday
ingredients. They are simple and have easy-to-follow
instructions to ensure delicious results every time.
The books are $9.95 plus GST and $1.00 for postage and
handling and are available by contacting Jelaine
McDermit, R R #4, Innisfail, TOM 1A0, 227-1519.
Volume discounts are available on orders of 5 books or
more. (6)
-18-
SHEEP SHED, 12' x 16' , 2 lambing pens, built in hay
feeder with outside access doors. Asking $1400.
Harmony, Hythe, 356-2635 (6)
2ND CUT hay, 19% protein. Cut early. Barry, 427-6361
(days) or 789-3113 (Thorsby - evenings) (6)
FOR SALE OR TRADE
REGISTERED ROMNEY rains - 3 yrs old - Reserve Lamb
Champ 1988. Also 1 yr old sired by above. Both
excellent animals. Looking to Bell or trade for ewes
or rams of equal quality. M. Thiessen, Grimehaw,
971-2493 (5)
1 REGISTERED Polypay ram. Very satisfactory results
spring 1991. Only reason to trade is for different
bloodline. 1 1/2 yrs old. Howard, Westlock,
349-5128. (5)
4 YR old triplet Polypay ram. Very good producer -
$350 OR WILL SWAP for bales of good alfalfa hay.
Herman, Ardrossan, 922-5973 (5)
SHEARING AVAILABLE. Peace Region. Randy Yaklin,
Beaverlodge, 354-8189 (5)
SHEARER - SOUTH central Alberta. Professional,
reliable. Wool bagger available upon request. Hoof
trimming also done. Nick Warner, CrosBfield,
946-5290 (5)
SHEARER AVAILABLE for north east region. Patric
Lyster, Vilna, 636-2894 (6)
SERVICES AVAILABLE
CUSTOM WOOLEN MILLS - Your complete processing
facility. Full range of custom services for wool and
othei fibers - washing, carding, dyeing, spinning and
sewirg. Have your wool made into batts, comforters,
mattiess pads, sleeping bags, carded wools for hooking
and handspinning, yarns (skeined or coned) in a
variety of colours and styles. For details write or
phone Custom Woolen Mills, R R #1, Carstairs, Alberta,
TOM CNO, phone 337-2221 (5)
WANTED - SHEEP
LOOKING FOR feeder lambs and sheep. T. Wiskel,
Athabasca, 675-4762 (5)
WE WOULD like to purchase approximately 50 Dorset/
Cheviot cross yearlings to 2 yr old open ewes. These
ewes will be used as recipient ewes and must be very
sound. Media viBna tests will have to be done on
these ewes. Consideration will be given to all
numbers. Call (306) 668-2154 or FAX (306) 934-0813.
Ask for Garry or Doreen Schneider, Windhaven Acres,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (5)
FEEDER LAMBS, cull ewes, breeding ewes and goats of
all types. John, Bolay, Westlock, 349-5203 (No Sunday
calls please) (6)
SHEARER AVAILABLE
SHEARER AVAILABLE - Southern Alberta & B.C. N.
Ronaldron, Cranbrook, B.C. (604) 489-4958 (5)
SHEARER AVAILABLE. Kelson Quarrie, Edmonton,
481-5974 (5)
TANNING DONE on lamb pelts,
on size and wool condition.
Cluny, 734-2536
Starting at $30 depending
Combed. Roy Peterson,
(6)
KOLTEC ELECTRIC fencing. We have become the Alberta
distributor for the Koltec line of electric fence
controllers and accessories. Koltec is Europe's
leading seller of electric fence controllers and just
recently waB introduced into Canada. It comes with a
5 year guarantee and should there be a problem
servicing is quick as all parts are modularized. We
will also handle a complete line of high tensile
fencing accessories at competitive prices. For
temporary fences we handle the popular Electro Net in
either 33 inch or 42 inch heights and a 150 foot roll
costs $115.00 for 33 inch and $125.00 for 42 inch.
Dealer enquiries are welcome for the Koltec line.
Cee-Der Sheep Products, Canmore, 678-2220 (6)
NOW OPEN in InniBfail. See us in the Co-op Shopping
Center for custom quilting of sleeping bags, mattress
overlays, comforters, pillows, bedspreads. The best
price, the best quality, the best service. For more
information, or to place an order, please contact
Western Heritage Quilting Co., Box 175, Innisfail,
TOM 1AO, phone 227-1690 (6)
SHEEP SHEARING. Kendall Smith, Lloydminster, (306)
825-3770 (5)
-19-
EDITOR'S NOTE
Classified Ads and Coming Events may be placed in Sheep
Footnotes free-of -charge by contacting:
he deadline for Classified Ads and Coining Events is the
4th day of the month prior to the month of publication.
Coming Events will be run every month from when they are
placed until the event. Please Note: Events should be
placed in doming Events at least 6 weeks in advance in
order to ensure their publication before they occur.
Classified Ads will run initially for two months, unless
cancelled after the first month. After the first two
months, ads may be renewed each month by contacting Janet
Small ey at 427-5083. Ads must not exceed two column
inches in length or they will be edited. Beginning January
1, 1990 all ads must be submitted with a name, an address
and a phone number or they will not be run. Sheep Footnotes
reserves the right to restrict the length, content and run
of any Classified Ad.
EDITORS OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Material in Sheep Footnotes may be reprinted in other
publications, but source must be stated and content of
articles may not be changed without authors' permission.
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Karren Green
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
Ph: (403) 427-5083
FAX (403) 427-1057
Ph: (403) 948-8509
FAX (403) 948-8548
sheep
fectnctes
Volume 14, Issue 6, June 1991
Page
Market Report 1
Coming Events 5
Letters To The Editor 9
The ABC's of Sheep Handling U
Sheep & Wool Commission News 14
Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers 21
North-Central Sheep & Goat Sales 1991-1992 23
Classifieds 26
ADVERTISING POLICY 32
CANAD1ANA
IUN 9,51991
Editor: Wray Whitmore
Sheep Specialist
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
§204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
Advertising: Janet Smalley C ^jr-^
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
# 204, 7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
427-5083
/dlberra
AGRICULTURE
Animal Industry Division
Beef and Sheep Branch
-1-
WEEKLY AVERAGE SLAUGHTER LAMB PRICES
110 i . 110
i i I i i i i i i i i i i i i I i i i i
05-Oct-91
05-Jan-91 06-Apr-91 06-Jul-91
Weeks (to 24-May-91)
SHRUNK 95-1 10 LBS LAMBCO SHRUNK 95-1 10 LBS LAMBCO 1990
95-110 LBS TORONTO
80-95 LBS TORONTO
At Lambco, Innisfail, the bids climbed to the $67 to $70 per cwt range prompted
by increases in wholesale lamb markets. The Fort Macleod bi-weekly lamb sales
saw slaughter lambs sell for $70 per cwt reflecting improving demand from
outside markets in B.C. and Ontario. At the Toronto stockyards, slaughter
markets made significant gains over the previous month with average prices
rising $10 to $15 per cwt.
U.S. lamb prices were steady to higher through most of the month, with some
weakening becoming apparent towards the end of the month. In San Angelo, Texas
direct slaughter lamb prices remained steady at about U,S. $57 per cwt. The
wholesale price spread between light and heavy lamb carcasses narrowed down on a
seasonal increase in the relative supply of lighter carcasses.
U.S. lamb production has lagged behind year ago levels for the past two months.
April lamb production was five per cent lower than that of April 1990, while
federally inspected slaughter volumes have consistently lagged behind last
year's level since about the middle of March.
The bad news is that slaughter lamb prices will probably reach the seasonal
peaks of the year over the next month or so. Steady to seasonally declining
prices can be expected until late in the fall. The good news is that this year's
slaughter lamb prices have crept fairly close to last year's levels and are
expected to at least narrow up further and possibly surpass year ago prices.
-2-
n n t r r n * no r
PRICE RANGE 1
f\ND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS
95-110 LBS AT LAMBCO
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK2
WEEK 3
i ir n/ j i ir ri/ r*
WEEK4 WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
MAY 1991
59 . 00-62 . 00
65.00-68.00
65.00-68.00
67 . 00-70 . 00
64 . 00-67 . 1
1 APT" i if I
LAST MON
APR 1991
51.00-54.00
51.00-54.00
56.00-59.00
59.00-62.00
54.25-57.:
YR AGO MON
MAY 1990
69.00-72.00
69.00-72.00
69.00-72.00
69 . 00-/2 . 00
69 . 00-72 . i
wni i imcc
VULUnho
maw 1 nni
MAY 1991
1,057
1,251
1,524
1,473
5,305
MAY 1990
1,594
1,537
1,458
1,622
6,211
rKILt
RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD
LAMBS 95-110
LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC
CTnri/v a one
b 1 UtKYAKUb
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
Mr\MTUl V
MUN 1 HLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4 WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
68.50-74.00
65.00-85.00
70.00-80.00
80.00-95.00
MAY 1991
(71.22)
(83.60)
(71.26)
(85.78)
80.17
LAST MON
74.00-94.00
65.00-85.00
76.00-80.00
APR 1991
N.E.P.
(86.19)
(70.05)
(78.61)
/o . ol
YR AGO MON
61.00-78.00
65.00-116.00
80.50-90.00
79.00-94.00
MAY 1990
(69.55)
(77.22)
(86.25)
(91.75)
95.69
MAY/91 VOLUME 89
115
26
113
343
AVG WEIGHT
101.0
100.5
105.4
97.5
PRICE RANGE AND VOLUMES FOR GOOD LAMBS 80-95 LBS AT TORONTO PUBLIC STOCKYARDS
(With weighted average price in brackets beneath each range)
MONTHLY
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
SUMMARY
CURRENT MON
69.00-85.00
90.
.00-106.00
71.00-95.00
85
.00-106.00
MAY 1991
(77.82)
(93.74)
(88.57)
(91.56)
88.59
LAST MON
81.00-118.00
75,
.00-108.00
74.00-115.00
70
.00-105.00
APR 1991
(91.56)
(89.09)
(84.15)
(87.79)
87.28
YR AGO MON
82.00-115.00
85,
.00-110.00
75.00-118.00
80
.00-127.50
MAY 1990
(94.16)
(92.76)
(101.84)
(97.82)
123.41
MAY/91 VOLUME 53
84
76
47
260
AVG WEIGHT
89.7
87.0
83.9
85.9
Prices quoted for 95-110 lb lambs are bid prices at Lambco and auction prices at Toronto
Public Stockyards for good quality lambs. The lower end of the Alberta price range
reflects bids for short haul unshrunk lambs, while the upper end of the range represents
bids for long haul or shrunk lambs. Producers delivering to the Toronto Public Stockyards
pay commission and yardage fees for each animal sold. Producers delivering to Lambco pay
$l/head checkoff to the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission.
The Toronto auction price is from the Special Sheep and Lamb Sale held on Monday each week.
N.E.P - No established price
JO ANN CMOLUCH
MARKET ECONOMIST
Market Analysis Branch
(403) 427-5387
REPRESENTATIVE LIVE SALES
AS OF MAY 17, 1991
TYPE OF
AREA SHEEP
WEST COAST
California Spring
California Spring
California Spring
California Feeder
California SI. Ewe
MOUNTAIN
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
Colorado
SOUTH CENTRAL
Texas Feedlot
Feedlot
Spring
Feeder
Feeder
SI. Ewe
Texas
Texas
Texas
Kansas
Texas
Texas
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feedlot
Feeder
Feeder
Oklahoma Feeder
Kansas Feeder
Kansas
Kansas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Kansas
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
Feeder
SI. Ewe
SL Bwe
SI. Ewe
SI. Ewe
Oklahoma SI. Ewe
Texas SI. Bwe
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
Texas
SI. Bwe
SL Ewe
St. Bwe
St. Bwe
SL Bwe
NORTH CENTRAL
Spring
Spring
Iowa
IA-MN
IA-MN Old Cn
IA-MN Old Cn
Minnesota Spring
S. Dakota Spring
Iowa
Iowa
Iowa
Feedlot
Feeder
Feeder
S. Dakota Feeder
Missouri Feeder
Missouri SI. Bwe
S. Dakota SI. Ewe
Iowa
Iowa
Missouri
EASTERN
Michigan
Michigan
Ohio
Ohio
Penn.
Kentucky
Kentucky
Virginia
Ohio
Ohio
Virginia
Penn.
SI. Bwe
Sl Ewe
Sl Ewe
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Spring
Old Croj
Spring
Feeder
SI. Bwe
Sl.Ewe
SI. Ewe
TYPE
PRICE
JF SALE
HEAD
LBS.
(5/C Wl .)
Direct
15000
110-146
Choice, few prime, Spring pelts, 4% shr.
61.00-63.00
Direct
5000
95- no
Mixed sl. and feeder lambs, Spring pelu
61.00
Auction
500
90-115
Choice, few prime. Spring pelts
55.75-62.00
Auction
300
80-100
Choice & fancy, Spring pelts
51.00-60.75
Auction
440
Utility & good, No. 1-3 pelu
14.00-24.00
Direct
17000
U5-130
Choice & prime. No. 1-2 pelu, priced day of slaughter
Auction
200
94-119
Choice & prime, Spring pelts
58.00-61.00
Auction
300
43-94
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
54.00-60.00
Auction
300
85-111
Choice Sl fancy, Old crop, wooled & shorn
52.25-57.00
Auction
525
Cull to good, No. 1-2 pelu
10.00-17.00
Direct
4000
100-120
Choice St prime, Spring pelu, 51% yield guar.
58.00-60.00
Direct
4000
100-130
Choice & prime, o.c, 1-2 pelu, 51% yield guar.
55.00-58.00
Direct
3000
115-125
Choice Sl prime, No. 1-2 pelu, FOB 4% shr.
56.00-60.00
Direct
1500
100-120
Choice St prime, Spring pelu, FOB 4% shr.
58.00-62.00
Computer
270
120
Choice & prime, Spring/old crop wooled & shorn
60.00-63.00
Auction
400
71-80
Choice, Spring pehs
53.00-55.50
Auction
600
85-98
Choice, Spring pehs
54.00-57.50
Auction
300
35-95
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
53.00-58.00
Auction
500
35-50
Choice St fancy 0 Spring pelu
0J.UU-06.lAJ
Auction
800
50-65
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
60.0065.00
Auction
800
85-95
Choice & fancy, Spring pehs
55.00-60.00
Auction
1500
40-70
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
52.00-58.00
Auction
5000
70-110
Choice & fancy. Spring pehs
54.00-61.00
Auction
1000
70-105
Choice & fancy, old crop, No. 1-2 pelu
50.00-57.00
Auction
1200
Good, No. 1-2 pelu
26.00-35.00
Auction
3500
Utility, No. 1-2 pehs
20.00-28.00
Auction
500
Cull, No. 1-2 pelu
9.00-18.50
Auction
200
Utility Sl good. No. 1-2 pehs
12.00-18.50
Auction
180
Utility & good, No. 1-2 pelu
1830-23.50
Direct
500
Utility Sl good, No. 1-2 pelu
24.00-26.00
Auction
200
Utility Sl good. No. 1-2 pelu
18.00-24.50
Auction
1700
Baby tooth to solid mouth, No. 1-2 pelu (per hd.)
38.00-45.00
Auction
1000
Yearling ewes, No. 1-2 pelu (per hd.)
40.00-65.00
Auction
700
Solid to cheater mouth. No. 1-2 pelu (per hd.)
27.00-38.00
Auction
500
Solid mouth. No. 1-2 pelu w/lambs (per unit)
18.50-30.50
Auction
530
90-127
Choice & prime. Spring pelu
60.25-65.10
Direct
1000
100-122
Ohnlrtf* & nrimr Snrino rw- 1 1 ft 4% thr
59 00-65 00
Direct
3300
100-137
Ch. & pr , 1-2 pelu, $.20-.30 disc. @120 lbs., 4%
54.00-63.00
Direct
100
120-124
Ch. St pr., wooled $.2O-.30 disc. @120 lbs., 4%
50.00-56.00
Auction
200
100-120
Choice Sl prime. Spring pehs
60.00-63.00
Auction
1100
98-130
Choice St prime, Spring pelu
61.00-63.00
Auction
650
105-138
Choice Sl prime, No. 1-2 pelu
59.00-63.90
Auction
298
151
Choice Sl prime, wooled
58.50
Computer
120
120
Choice Sl prime, Spring/Old crop, wooled & shorn
60.00-63.00
Auction
500
33-66
Choice Sl fancy, Spring pelu
58.25-68.09
Auction
300
42-85
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
51.00-58.00
Auction
485
71-98
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
60.00-70.25
Auction
1125
30-100
Choice & fancy, Spring pelu
49.00-58.50
Auction
225
Utility St good, No. 1-2 pelu
13.00-21.50
Auction
400
cuu at uuuty, ino. i-5 pelts
1 1 a so
1 A . J i o . J\J
Auction
625
Utility Sl good, No. 1-2 pelu
13.00-17.00
Auction
150
2 year old ewes, No. 1-2 pelu (per hd.)
33.00-38.00
Auction
100
1-3 year old ewes, with lambs (per unit)
21.00-34.00
Auction
814
100-130
Choice & prime, $2 disc, on old crop shorn
65.00-70.00
Pool
130
100-130
Choice & prime, $2 disc, on old crop shorn
70.00
Auction
250
95-110
Choice & prime, Spring pelu
67.00-71.25
Auction
225
95-110
Choice & prime, wooled/fresh shorn
64.00-68.00
Auction
700
80-110
Choice & pnme, Spring pelu
72.00-78.00
Auction
zuu
100-125
Choice & prime, Spring pelu
68.00
Auction
200
100-125
Choice Sl prime. No. 1-2 pelu
60.00-63.00
Auction
565
95-125
Choice Sl prime. Spring pelu
62.00-67.50
Auction
200
30-82
Choice Sl fancy, Spring pelu
65.00-71.50
Auction
165
Utility & good, No. 1-3 pelu
17.00-20.00
Auction
125
Cull to good, No. 1-2 pelu
10.00-22.00
Auction
500
Utility Sl good, No. 1-2 pelu
12.00-28.00
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CAUL 801 -392-7601
FEDERALLY INSPECTED SLAUGHTER (Head)
% THIS
% THIS
%
WEEK
WEEK WEEK
1991
THIS
VI
TOTAL
VI
WEEK
1.AST
LAST 04/27/91
YEAR
1990
(estimated)
itAK (actuajj
1 U DA 1 K
TOTAL
SHEEP
96.000
+2.1
-6.0 101.719
2.182.000
+ 1.0
CATTLE 641.000
+2.7
-5.8 645.761
11,981.000
-2.8
CALF
24.000
-11.1
-22.5 23.292
568,000
-18.4
HOGS
1,558,000
-2.5
+2.0 1,662.795
32,450,000
-0.1
RED MEAT PRODUCTION (million pound*)
%THIS
%THIS
or.
TV
WEEK
WEEK WEEK
1991
THIS
Vi
vi ENDING
TOTAL
vi
WEEK
LAST
LAST 04/20/91
YEAR
1990
(estimated)
WEEK
YEAR (actual)
TO DATE
TATA T
LAMB
62
+5.1
-6.4 6.1
141.8
■ n a
BEEF
440.0
+2.4
-4.4 431.5
8,3273
n •)
-v.*
VEAL
5.1
-9.7
+8.7 5.1
117.8
+J.5
PORK
283.2
-2.4
+2J 311.8
5,893.7
+1.2
TOTAL
734.4
+0.4
-1.9 754.5
14,480.6
+0.4
DRESSED WEIGHT
PERCENT LAMB SLAUGHTER
THIS WEEK (EST.)
65
04/27/91
94.1
04/20/91 (ACT.)
66
04/28/90
93.71
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
AVERAGE WEEKLY F.I. SLAUGHTER
HEAD (Thousands)
J
f\
1 1 rn 1 1 1 1 1 1 i 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 n i i 1 1 1 1 1 1 ■ r 1 1 rt i i i i i i i t i t i i i i -
JAN
FEB MAR APR MAY J UN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV
SOURCE ASl MARKET INFORMATION / USD A
DEC
1990
1991
WHOLESALE LAMB MARKET
55 lb* -down 55-65 lbs 65-75 lb*
NORTHEAST $1.27 $1.25 $1.22
FOB RJYHR $1.22 $1.20 $1.17
LESS THAN CARLOT
LOS ANGELES $1.24-1.27* $1.23*» $1.20-1.21
BAY AREA $1.30* $1.25*» $1.25
• 60 It*. & down 60-65 lbs.
Compared to last week, prices in the Northeast were fully $3.00
lower and not fully established by noon Friday. At other points,
lamb carcasses sold steady to $6.00 lower, with full decline on
weights under 55 pounds. Demand was light Offerings were
moderate with the bulk weighing under 65 pounds. Offerings were
very limited on weights over 65 pounds. Pressure was on the
lighter-weight carcasses as the spring lamb numbers increased sea-
sonally, producing lighter weight carcasses too numerous for the
market to absorb at last week's price levels.
EAST COAST WHOLESALE PRICE
WEIGHTED AVERAGE ALL WEIGHTS
JAN FEB M*R
APR K*Y J UN JUL
1990 -9- 1991
AUG SEP OCT
*- 5YRAVG
NOV DB
DISTRIBUTIVE CUT MARKET
& RETAIL FEATURE ACTIVITY
ITEM
CHUCK CROSS CUT
CHUCK SQUARE CUT
SINGLE LEG
DOUBLE LEG
LOIN
RACK 7 UP
PORE SADDLE
HIND SADDLE
NORTH- BAY LOS
EAST AREA ANGELES
$.85-1.05 No Quote No Quote
No Quote $1.12-1.25*$1.05-1.15*
No Quote $1.75* $1.65-1.69*
$1.30-1.55 $1.49-1.59 $1.45-1.65
$1.35-1.90 $3.10* $2.85*
$2.70-3.00 $3.0O-3.05*$2.95-3.05*
No Quote $ 1 .40- 1.45 $ 1 .32- 1 .35
$1.60-1.75 $1.60-1.65 $1.60-1.65
NORTH
WEST
No Quote
$1.19*
$1.69*
No Quote
$3.05*
$3.05*
No Quote
No Quote
* Trimmed and/or vacuumed packed
Compared to last week, prices on distributive lamb cum at Northeart points were
mixed, while prices on legs and loins moved higher and rack and chuck prices moved
lower. Most other cut prices were little changed. Demand in the New York City
area was light to moderate on moderate offerings, and trade was slow. At other
Northeast points, demand and movement was moderate. Prices for legs and loins at
Northeast market centers were steady to $5.00 higher, hind saddles, back and breasts
found steady prices; and racks and chucks declined from $5. 00- $20. 00 following the
Mother's Day holiday push. Distributive lamb carcasses in the New York City area
on 55 and down carcasses were steady at $1.40 $1.45. Retail feature activity was
strong in the Rocky Mountain area. Good feature activity in Southern California on
legs at Ralphs and Vons. In Northern California, Lucky 's featured legs, Ralphs
featured ribs and loins.
EAST COAST CUT PRICES
AVERAGE
CENTS PER POUND
350
300
CROSS CUT CHUCK DOUBLE LEO UNTRMMED LOIN
SOURCE: ASl MARKET INFOFNATlONrtJSDA
■H THIS WEEK LAST YEAR
FOR 24-HOUR LAMB MARKET NEWS CALI 801 -392-7601
-5-
1991
June 13
June 27
June 27
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. All sales
being at 1 P.M. For additonal information (sheep)
contact Bruce McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO,
phone 985-3744 or John Bolay (goats), R R #1,
Westlock, TOG 2L0, phone 349-5203.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. All sales
being at 1 P.M. For additonal information (sheep)
contact Bruce McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO,
phone 985-3744 or John Bolay (goats), R R #i,
Hestlock, TOG 2L0, phone 349-5203.
12th Annual Range Ram and Ewe Lamb Sale. Fort
Macleod Auction Market. 80 yearling and ram lambs
from prominent Alberto purebred sheep breeders.
Note! This is not an open sale for rams! A limit
of 500 ewes and ewe lambs will be accepted for
this sale. Listings must be phoned in by June 24,
1990. For information contact George Bourassa at
553-3315.
June 29
July 6
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB 1H0, phone 878-3784.
17th Annual Alberta Ram Test Station Sale. Olds
Cow Palace, Olds. Call Kim Stanford at 948-8517
for more information.
-6-
July 6 Wild Rose Registered Sale. Olds Cow Palace, Olds,
Alberta immediately following ROP Ram Test Sale.
Feature Breed Show at 9:00 A.M. Feature Breed -
Rambouillets - Sell by order of show finish.
175 head offered for sale. Catalogues available
middle of June. If you have further questions
contact Secretary-Manager Gail Dietz 295-2185 or
Chairman Robert Jackson 335-4348.
July 13 Lloydminster Colonial Days Sheep Show - Purebred
and commercial sheep classes, Junior Shepherd and
Futurity Show, Market Lamb Jackpot. Prize lists
available from Lloydminster Exhibition Assoc., Box
690, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, S9V 0Y7, (306)
825-5571.
July 18 North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. All soles
being at 1 P.M. For additonal information (sheep)
contact Bruce McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO,
phone 985-3744 or John Bolay (goats), R R #i,
Westlock, TOG 2L0, phone 349-5203.
July 20 Provincial Angora Goat Show. Westerner, Red Deer.
Sanctioned by CGS. American judge. Herd, fleece
and garment classes. Money & trophies. Large
display of all Angora products. Information
available from \/era Wager, R R #J, Sylvan Lake,
TOM 110, (403) 887-5649.
July 25 & 26 Amateur Sheep Shearing Competition. Vermilion
Fair. Closing date for entry July 5th. Entry fee
$10.00. First prize $100.00. Equipment
available. For more information call 853-2721 or
853-2491.
July 25-27 Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Annual Sheep
Show. Classes in North Country Cheviots,
Hampshires, Suf folks, Columbias and Dor sets. If
enough interest from other breeds, would consider
adding them. For more information write or call
Box 129, Medicine Hat T1A 7N1 or call 527-1234.
July 27 Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, TOB 1W0, phone 878-3784.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Special goat sale. Edmonton Public Stockyards.
Deadline for sheep deliveries at all sales is 9:00
A.M. All sales begin at 1 P.M. For additonal
information (sheep) contact Bruce McGhan, Box 739,
Calmar, TOC OVO, phone 985-3744 or John Bolay
(goats), R R HI, Westlock, TOG 210, phone
349-5203.
Lloydminster Sheep Extravaganza Show and Sale.
The event includes shows and sales of all classes
of sheep, purebred and commercial; a wool show; a
Junior Shepherd Show; Lamb Carcass Competition;
trade and craft displays; photography competition;
dog demonstrations and much more. For entry forms
and information contact Lloydminster Exhibition,
Box 690, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, S9V 0Y7,
(306) 825-5571.
Mountainview Country Fair. Open sheep show on
Wednesday, August 7, 1:00 P.M. including Suf folks,
Rambouillets, Dorsets, Hampshires and North
Country Cheviots.
NEWS FLASH! The Southern Alberta Sheep Breeders
and The Badlands Hills Grazing Association will be
hosting a SOCIAL EVENT at the Lethbridge Research
Station. Guest Speaker - Gary Haley - new owner
of Lambco. Watch the Advisor for more details.
For more information please contact Pat Barott
599-2141, Brian Murray 320-6996 or Pat DeBoer at
757-2419
1991 Dawson Creek Fall Fair with shows for sheep,
as well as goats, cattle, heavy horses and
sanctioned rodeo. We would love to see some new
competitors as well as our "regulars" . Come and
enjoy an exciting weekend with the whole family.
All welcome. For prize lists or more information
please call Brad or Victoria Manson (604)
843-7185.
North-Central Sheep Sales. Fat and Feeder lambs.
Edmonton Public Stockyards. Deadline for sheep
deliveries at all sales is 9:00 A.M. All sales
being at 1 P.M. For additonal information (sheep)
contact Bruce McGhan, Box 739, Calmar, TOC OVO,
phone 985-3744 or John Bolay (goats), R R #i,
West lock, TOG 2L0, phone 349-5203.
-8-
August 24
August 31
'.ember 21
November 12-16
December 5-7
August 17
Treco Ranch and guest consignors. 2nd Annual
Production Sale. Red Deer Westener Exhibition
Grounds. Same format as last year. For more
information call Tom at 749-2280.
Monthly Sheep and Goat Sale at Camrose Auction
Market, 672-4496, Camrose at 3:00 P.M. For
further information contact S. Spahic, Box 89, Hay
Lakes, JOB 1U0, phone 878-3784.
Olde Type Sheep Fair, Olds Agricultural Grounds.
Entry forms for the competitions, booth rentals,
and the ewe lamb sale are available from the Olde
Tyme Sheep Fair committee. Further information
can be obtained by calling Mike Rieberger at
224-3743.
Farm Fair 1991. Tuesday, November 12 - Purebred
Sheep Show, 9:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 13 -
Junior Sheep Show, 9:00 A.M. Friday, November 15
- Purebred Sheep Sale, 3:00 P.M. and Saturday,
November 16 - Sheep Shearing Competition, 1:00
P.M.
1991 Sheep Symposium, Kananaskis Lodge. Watch
future issues for all the details!
Millarville Angora Goat Show & BBQ. Money &
trophies. Speakers, displays. Hands-on
management & care of Angora goats. Pot luck
lunch. Auction sale of selected does & ROP bucks
(now on test at Olds). Housing available for show
goats. Camp over & field day at Nancy Laskins
August 18. Fun day for all! Call either Nancy at
938-4012 or Karen Haddell at 256-9114 for further
information.
Letters
Landmark-Briar, Glen-Happy, Valley Farms
Box 176
Strathmore, Alberta
TO J 3 HO
IMPACT OF SHEEP VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ON THE ALBERTA SHEEP INDUSTRY
Our team at Sheep Vegetation Management has been closely monitoring all
aspects of the trials conducted by B.C. Forestry using sheep as a vegetation
management tool. As an established sheep breeder with a very large stake in
the Alberta sheep industry, I can see a variety of scenarios developing as a
result of this new trend utilizing an Agro-Forestry combination.
Firstly of course is the monetary benefit whereby they receive $15 per head
each for both ewes and lambs. This enables the farmer to free up his home
pastures for a 3 month period to either rest them or rent them to beef
producers for $15 per cow-calf unit per month. Research has indicated that
cow-calf pasture is in great demand. Therefore the farmers can net a
considerable cash revenue from this system. Most importantly from my view
point, I can see an improved overall health status of Alberta flocks as a
direct result of our health requirements to participate in this program. I
worked for 13 years at the Animal Disease Research Institute in Ottawa where I
qualified by competition to manage the agricultural sector which included
animal husbandry as well as cropping. I am working closely with Dennis Loxton
on the sheep selection and on health guidelines. I have a footrot-free flock
and minimal other health problems which are attended to immediately with
strict culling. I am enclosing a copy of our health guidelines which will be
strictly adhered to, especially regarding footrot. All sheep must come from
footrot-free flocks. They will not graze with B.C. sheep and individual
flocks are large enough so that only one or two flocks will be mixed on one
block. Truckers will be advised that part of their trucking cost bids must
include thoroughly sterilizing their trucks prior to loading our sheep going
both ways. I am enclosing copies of Dennis Loxton 's bid proposals which
define the requirements for "FLOCKING" breeds and reasons why they are being
used in relation to predator losses and shepherding facility. WITH FINANCIAL
INCENTIVES TO SUPPLY ONLY HEALTH SHEEP I can see overall flock health status'
improving dramatically.
Most importantly I can see that as a result of this program there will be the
following trend: Year one - ewe lambs will be retained creating a decrease in
available lambs for slaughter. Year two - further retention of ewe lambs but
increasing lamb crop from previous years ewe lambs. Year three - a boom in
lambs hitting the market.
Realizing that the government agencies can take some tine to implement a
proposal I would advocate starting NOW to:
-10-
1) Utilize the current green movement to point out he
mutual benefits to both forestry and agriculture
by utilizing sheep to save our Canadian forests and
provide a viable alternative to chemicals which in
turn provide increased revenue to troubled farmers
as well as benefit our forests. A popular person-
ality to press home the issue (ie. like the k.d.
Lang scenario, only to our advantage) . A popular
figure skater or someone like that would do.
2) Demonstrate as in our "Farming For The Future"
project whereby we introduced 1000 sheep into an
existing cattle operation utilizing existing
facilities with minimum expense, how we can
increase our own sheep numbers to a sufficient
level at home on Alberta farms to support the
Agro-Forestry program without resorting to imports
or ewe lambs from New Zealand or Australia. Lobby
to stop all imports of live animals.
3) With future increased lamb production use our
"green" initiative and statement of paragraph two
to lobby to cut back frozen and chilled imports
by 20-30% to absorb the increased lamb production.
This combined with Lambco 1 s new marketing strategies
should enable us to market all our lamb profitably
while SAVING OUR CANADIAN FORESTS through Agro-
Forestry initiatives.
4) With demonstrated alternatives to chemicals we
should lobby to get Alberta Forestry to follow B.C.
Forestry's suit.
5) Encourage ALL forestry contractors to bid for
contracts to provide us with an alternative to one
or the other. The competitive process will benefit
the farmers as was seen by one contractor starting
out by offering free grazing only, then having to
pass on the available forestry money for farmers'
sheep, to the farmers themselves. Avoid a monopoly
at all costs. There are millions of hectares to be
contracted which enables several contractors to work
profitably. The only limitation is the availability
of sheep which we can remedy with foregoing programs.
I see a boom in the Alberta sheep industry if contractors follow strict health
guidelines and set high standards from the start. This is a renewable
resource which will continue as long as trees are being planted.
(JtAMrUAji-
Marilyn Verweire
-11-
THB ABCg OF SHEEP HANDLING
Alleyways, Buildings & Corrals
Introduction
Conventional wisdom has it that sheep are one of the easiest livestock animals
to deal with. Sheep, the assertion goes, will eat practically anything and
not very much of that. Sheep don't need any shelter because they carry their
own little roof around with them. Sheep are small and docile and can be
out-muscled by aging men, sedentary women, and very small children. The
conventional wisdom has a great deal to say about sheep. But, strangely
enough, very little to say about shepherds.
So — What about Shepherd's Knees? Or Shepherd's Spine? And how about
Shepherd's Hypothermia? And, to touch briefly on mental health, Shepherd's
Hysteria? This handout will address these questions, and try to suggest some
means of preventing the worst of all shepherd's disorders — the dreaded
Shepherd's Burnout.
Shepherd's Knees
Shepherd's Knees are caused by large numbers of animals pressing their
two-hundred-pound frames against the human's most valuable joints. Shepherd's
Knees are most common in areas where pastures don't grow during the winter
months and the shepherd is reduced to venturing into the sheep pens to feed
the sheep by hand. The condition can be avoided by simply not feeding during
the winter; however, animals rights activists are touchy on the matter of
starving livestock, and tend to insist that the welfare of our flocks takes
precedence over the health of our knees.
Here, then, are a few suggestions on how to feed your sheep while
simultaneously keeping the little beasts at a respectful distance.
Build walk-in feeders
Convert fencelines to feedlines
Feed round bales
Create a feeding yard.
Shepherd's Spine
Shepherd's Spine is caused by years of packing bales and buckets around the
farmstead in a futile effort to stop the flock from yelling to be fed. The
condition is caused by poor body mechanics (ever figured out the correct body
mechanics for carrying a hay bale?) and compression of the spine from trying
to pack four buckets of grain at once. The condition often results in the
complete immobilization of the shepherd for weeks at a time, and can often
interfere with his or her ability to continue doing whatever he or she does to
earn a living.
Here are a few suggestions on how to distribute tons of feed without actually
picking them up and carrying them around on your back.
-12-
Store feed at the point of use to avoid having to
move it later.
Leave alleyways wide enough to drive along between
your corrals, and distribute feed from a truck.
Use of portable auger or a mixmill for moving large
volumes of grain.
Use a round bale mover for moving large amounts of
hay .
Install automatic waterers to avoid having to pack
water buckets.
Shepherd's Hypothermia
Shepherd's Hypothermia is caused by the fact that shepherds do not carry their
own little roof around with them. The condition results in an extreme
reluctance to sort sheep in a howling wind, tag replacements in a driving
rain, or go out to the barn to see how many lambs have frozen to death since
your last visit. Shepherd's Hypothermia is most common in climates with ten
months of winter and a month or two of bad skating.
There are, however, solutions to the problem of Shepherd's Hypothermia. Here
are a few suggestions.
Recognize the difference between designing buildings
for storage, buildings for sheep, and buildings for
shepherds, and make sure that at least some buildings
are designed for shepherds.
Give the shepherd a building where he or she can check
for lambs being born without standing around in a
blizzard. This building can also double as a drop barn
for the sheep.
Give the shepherd a warm room to take refuge in during
a winter lambing. This room can double as a claiming
area for the ewes, a nursery for bonus lambs, or a
first-aid centre when the shepherd is not using it.
Give the shepherd a sleeping area in the barn when the
weather is too bitter to trek back and forth between
the house at night. This sleeping area can double as
the family camper during the summer.
Make sure the shepherd has shelter when sorting, tagging,
treating, and handling sheep. This shelter can double
as a wool-handling area during the shearing season. Your
shearer will thank you.
Shepherd's Hysteria
Shepherd's Hysteria is an embarrassing condition caused by a sheep flock that
has taken over the farm. It is characterized by a tendency on the part of the
shepherd to pursue sheep on foot through large open fields, carry the animals
bodily from one point of the farm to another, and to run screaming around the
sheep pens.
There is no known cure for Shepherd's Hysteria, though there are several means
of prevention. Here are some suggestions:
-13-
Buy or build a sorting system before you buy a single
sheep.
Stock up on panels to create gates, pens, and alley-
ways. If you already have twenty panels, build ten
more.
Incorporate alleyways into all new fence and building
construction .
Avoid extra sorting by having enough corrals to hold
groups of sheep that have different handling require-
ments (eg. lambs, ewe lambs, rams, breeding ewes,
lactating ewes).
Use loaders, tippers, stanchions, and other forms of
restraint, wherever you can afford to do so.
Shepherd ' s Burnout
Shepherd's Burnout occurs when a shepherd contracts all of the above
conditions at once, and is characterized by an extreme reluctance to so much
as look at a sheep, let alone feed, water, move, or manage one. The only cure
is to get out of the sheep business altogether; however, Shepherd's Burnout
can be successfully prevented by ensuring the shepherd never comes down with
Shepherd's Knees, Shepherd's Spine, Shepherd's Hypothermia, or Shepherd's
Hysteria .
Joyce McCart
April 27, 1991
Part of a presentation to the
Prince George Sheep Breeders'
Spring Seminar
-14
Alberta
sheep ^©©1
Commission
Phone: (403) 295-1988
Fax: (403) 275-8009
Market Line: (403) 295-3122
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2E 7H7
GST No. R1 23538373
t , » U M M M M * * * M M M M M M M t * * * i U t M > i M M * M M * M « M M M i -»
f ********************; * + ***** ******* **************. ************
ASWC Chairman - Gerry Pittman, Vice Chairman Kathy Playdon,
Alberta Sheep Breeders Association President & ASWC Director
Clarence Jones , and ASWC Manager Will Verboven on May 15th met with
the Alberta Minister of Agr i culture the Honourable Ernie Is ley, and
his Executive Assistant Brad Klak. The thrust of the meeting was
to discuss developments and progress on the Alberta Sheep Industry
Strategy Proposal that was presented to the Minister last October.
To date some issues have been addressed by Alberta Agriculture
specifically the implementation of a Purchased Feeder Lamb
Stabilization program.
Both the Minister and the ASWC Directors agreed to further
discussions on the issues and ideas raised in the strategy
proposal. The ASWC Directors felt that with the completed sale of
Lambco a number of these issues can now be dealt with.
Other issues discussed were the Lambco sale and its ramifications
on the industry, feeder lamb and tripartite sheep stabilization
programs. The general market situation was also reviewed.
ALBERTA SHEEP AND WOOL COMMISSION
NEWS AND VIEWS
By Will Verboven
Secretary-Manager
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS WITH MINISTER
-15-
- MINISTER TO SPEAK AT ALBERTA SHEEP SYMPOSIUM
The Minister accepted the invitation of the ASWC to be the featured
Keynote Speaker at the Alberta Sheep Symposium on December 6th,
1991 at the Kananaskis Lodge. ASWC Chairman, Gerry Pittman,
expressed the ASWC ' s appreciation of the Minister's acceptance
stating that this is the first time that a Minister of Agriculture
has spoken at this prestigious event.
***************************************** **************** ********
COMMISSION TO MEET WITH AGRICULTURE CAUCUS COMMITTEE
At. a recent meeting between the Executive Committee of the ASWC and
the Chairman of the Government Agriculture and Rural Affairs Caucus
Committee, Glen CI egg, it was agreed that the Alberta Sheep & Wool
Commission would make a formal presentation to the Caucus. The
role of the Caucus Agriculture Committee is to assist the Minister
and the Government in establishing Agriculture policy. The
Committee meets each spring with a number of Agricultural and Rural
groups. This will be the first time the Alberta Sheep & Wool
Commission speaking for the Alberta Sheep Industry will be making
a formal presentation to this committee. The Alberta Sheep
Industry Strategy Proposal will form the basis of the presentation.
*****************************************************************
FEDERATION PREPARES TO MEET WITH AUSSIES AND KIWIS
The Chairman of the Canadian Sheep Federation Gerry Pittman has
announced that the CSF executive committee will hold formal
discussions with Australian and New Zealand Sheep Industry
representatives. The meetings are scheduled for June 16 and 17 in
Calgary. The Australian Meat and Live-stock Corporation, the New
Zealand Meat Board and the New Zealand Lamb Company will be
represented. This is the first time such formal discussions will be
held by the three countries in Canada. The main topic of
discussion will be the Canadian lamb market and the effect and role
of Oceanic imports.
-16-
ALKKRTA SHEEP PRODUCER VETERINARY SERVICE SURVEY
1. Do you feel that the type of veterinary service that you
require is readily available?
Yes No
2. Do you feel that you are able to obtain adequate veterinary
service to satisfy your present livestock production needs?
Yes No
3. Do you feel that an increased availability and amount of
veterinary service would help your livestock operation?
Yes No
4. Do you feel that more specialized food animal veterinary
services (for example: sheep, dairy, beef, swine, etc.) would
help your livestock operation?
Yes No
What maximum distance from a veterinary service would you
consider reasonable?
0 - 15 Km
15 - 30 Km
30 - 50 Km
50 - 75 Km
75+ Km
6. What is the distance to the veterinary service you now use?
0 - 15 Km
15 - 30 Km ~
30 - 50 Km
50 - 75 Km _____
75+ Km
COMMENTS :
PLEASE NOTE: YOUR NAME AND RETURN ADDRESS IS NOT REQUIRED
RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
ALBERTA SHEEP AND WOOL COMMISSION
#212 6715 8TH STREET N.E.
CALGARY, ALBERTA
T2E 7H7
-17-
THE SIXTH ANNUAL OLDE TYME SHEEP FAIR
The 1991 committees would like to invite you to join in the fun at this family sheep fair-to be held this year on September 21st at the Olds
Agricultural Grounds. Just check off the events you'd like to enter, and we'll mail you a registration package right away.
Please send me entry materials for the following events and services:
Event
Categories
Entry Fee
Prize Money
Check
Bench Show
Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing, Weaving,
Handspinning, hobbycrafts, quilts,
and comforters. Wool content required.
.25/item
$1.00/.50/.25
and ribbons
Sheep-To-Shawl
Team event: sheep & shearer (provided)
1 weaver and no more than 4 spinners
10.00/team
$100/$75/$50
plus auction price
Fleece Competition
Range, Domestic, and Natural coloured
Two entries/category permitted.
5.00/fleece
$150.00
Grand prize
Photography Contest
Sheep Landscape, Sheep and/or Lambs,
Sheep Activities, Sheep & People, and
Olde Tyme Sheep Fair.
Two entries/category permitted.
1.00/photo
$10.00/category
$50.00 Grand prize
Master Shepherd
Competition
Market Lamb Assessment, Fleece
Classification, Proper Sheep Handling
10.00/shepherd
$100/$65/$35
Club Challenge
Inter-Club Competition based on
best four scores of club members
Plaque
Junior/Intermediate Sheep Show, Showmanship, Proper Sheep 8.00/shepherd
Shepherd Competition Handling, Market Lamb Assessment,
Stall Competition
Sheep Show
Intermediate All-Round Shepherd
Junior All-Round Shepherd
Future Shepherd (Age 7 and under) No entry fee
$8/$7/$6/$5/$4
t^O /CIO /C 1 <v
$35/$20/$10
and ribbons
TBA
Ewe Lamb Sale
Commercial ewe lambs, 100 pounds
and up, 90+ on Alberta ROP
10.00/head
Sale price
Handcraft Booths &
Industry Displays
Table rental
30.00/table
Dog Trials
Novice & Open
TBA
TBA
WATCH FOR CANADA'S NATIONAL CARCASS COMPETITION
Details to follow. For more information, call 224-3743
Name:
Phone:
Address:
Postal Code:
Mail form to: Linda Riebcrger, Treasurer, Olde Tyme Sheep Fair, RR I, Bowden, AH TOK OKO
Any cheques written for the sheep fair should be made payable to "I^mbs in Trust"
-18-
THE SIXTH ANNUAL OLDE TYME SHEEP FAIR
REGISTRATION FORM
Name:
Address:
u/iliation:
Postal Code:
Phone:
Category
No. of
Entries
Fee/
Entry
Total Entry Fees Enclosed.
Totals
$
$
$
$
$
$
Please Check Age Level if Applicable:
Senior Adult 16-18
12-15
8-11
5-7
3-4
Mail form to: Linda Rieberger, Treasurer, Olde Tyme Sheep Fair, RR 1, Bowden, AB TOM OKO
Any cheques written for the sheep fair should be made payable to "Lambs in Trust"
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
For Release May 16, 1991
ISLEY ANNOUNCES TERMS OF LAMBCO SALE
Agriculture Minister Ernie Isley today announced terms of the sale of
Lambco, a lamb, sheep and veal processing plant in Innisfail, to
CWFC Canada West Foods (Alberta) Corp. for a purchase price of
$2 million for the fixed assets of the company.
Calling the transaction "profitable for the taxpayers of Alberta,"
Mr. Isley noted that the government's original 1977 investment in Lambco
of $1.6 million has been recovered. "At the time of closing," said the
Minister, "the government will gain an immediate profit of approximately
$3.3 million, for a return of $4.9 million to the taxpayers of this
province, plus an additional $1.5 million vendor term loan to be repaid
by the purchaser."
Terms of the sale include a $1.5 million vendor loan from the Alberta
Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) for the purchase of the fixed
assets. The loan is vendor financing provided by ADC, and is secured by
the facility and guarantees from the shareholders. The balance of the
$2 million fixed asset purchase price is being funded from shareholders7
resources.
Mr. Isley said the government reviewed a number of proposals from the
private sector for the purchase, with the guiding objectives of economic
diversification and development of the lamb and veal industry.
Negotiations with the principals of the newly-formed company have been
going on since February 1991.
The Lambco facility was opened in 1975 as a co-operative. In 1977, the
government took over the operation after the co-operative encountered
financial difficulties, thereby ensuring that Alberta producers had a
market for their product. In recent years, Lambco has consistently been
profitable. By 1991, the company, which processes approximately 80,000
head per year, enjoyed sales in excess of $13 million.
Mr. Isley said the future of Lambco and the sheep and veal industry in
Alberta is strong. "I'm confident that Lambco will conrdnue to develop
new markets for Alberta lamb, sheep and veal, and that our producers
will enjoy the benefits of a healthy and progressive industry."
-30-
For further information, contact:
Brad Klak
Executive Assistant
to the Minister
131 Legislature Building
(403) 427-2137
Bob Splane
President
ADC
Camrose
(403) 679-1302
on Recv.lMfi P.io<
-20-
O 17th Annual
ALBERTA RAM TEST STATION SALE
O Saturday July 6th, 1991 O
a
Olds Cow Palace, Olds
Featuring Performance Tested:
SUFFOLKS DORSETS
o RAMBOUILLETS POLYPAYS o
0
0
0
o
o
0
0
o
0
o
n
AND MORE!
Only rams which are above average
for rate of gain and which pass the
physical cull will be sold.
Yearling rams from the Wool Breeds
Test will also be available.
Catalogues available at the sale. For
final test station results contact:
Wm Stanford
Sheep Specialist
Alberta Agriculture
Bag#1,AJrdrieAB
T4B2C1
403-948-8617
Ram Viewing: 10:00 A.M.
Sale Begins: 1:00 P.M.
Want to buy a test station ram, but
can't attend the sale? We can buy
one for you. Contact Kim Stanford
for Information on written bids.
AGRICULTURE
-21-
(EanaMan (Eo-aprattue fflonl (Sraulccs
limited _.
BCK DC
TCt. (<j 13)^57 -27 t.t
TELEX 053-4003
Carleton ^lace, Ontario
<7C 3P3 FAX - (613) - 257-8896
CCWO - WOOL POLICY STATEMENT - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1990 WOOL SETTLEMENTS / 1991 WOOL ADVANCE POLICY
May 1, 1991
Dear Wool Producers:
We wish to advise all sheep producers that in recent days we are seeing a more
optimistic tone on the international wool market. There has been slight price
improvement and general textile trading conditions have been more buoyant
lately than they have been for guite some time. It is also of interest that
China and Russia have re-entered the wool market (in a small way) and this is
an encouraging sign. Hopefully the wool market will soon be on the road to
recovery, although the problem of overproduction world wide will continue to
be a factor for some time to come.
At this time we also report that as of April 30, 1991 we will commence with
issuing final wool settlement cheques on the 1990 wool clip marketed through
CCWG. We are still carrying a sizeable inventory of unsold 1990 wool stocks
but forward wool sales have again resumed which will enable us to settle up
1990 wool consignments and also establish our new season wool advance policy.
Final settlements will be issued in order of receiving date at all CCWG
locations in 1990, so again we respectfully request your continued patience.
On the upside, producers should also be aware that a wool stabilization
payment will be applicable on wool marketed in 1990. Wool became a named
commodity under the Agriculture Stabilization Act in 1982 following a request
and application to the federal government by CCWG on behalf of Canadian sheep
and wool producers. We expect an announcement to be made in the near future
by the Minister of Agriculture on the amount of this payment and the procedure
required for individual sheep producers to apply. We will keep sheep
producers fully updated when this information becomes available.
In terms of our new season wool advance policy the following will be
implemented effective immediately based on current wool market conditions, to
all producers requesting an advance payment on 1991 new crop wool.
1) White Face Range Wool Clips - 25 cents/lb (R. Fine, R. 1/2,
R. 3/8).
2) Domestic Wool Clips - 7 cents/lb.
3) No advance on Off sorts, Faulty Types, Short Wool, Coloured and
Romanov. (Consignment only)
QPAnCmSS and ASSOCIATIONS
aCHOSS CANADA
-22-
In view of the current wool market, all credit purchases of stockman supplies
and wool shop merchandise which are charged against a producers account will
be on a net 30 day basis only. Final payments will follow at a later date
based on your wool grading results and 1991 wool market prices.
(Advance payments will be based on the results of the previous years wool
grading statement)
Attention to wool quality and fleece preparation has never been more
important, particularly in a very tough wool market and we respectfully point
this out to producers for consideration. These wool advance prices are
subject to change based on prevailing wool market conditions. The continued
support, patience, and confidence by producers in your wool marketing
cooperative in these difficult wool marketing and trading conditions is very
much appreciated. We want to assure producers of our continuing commitment to
market your wool as quickly and competitively as possible in today's global
market place.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact any of the CCWG
offices for further information.
Yours very truly,
Eric Bjergso
General Manager
-23-
NORTH-CENTRAL SHEEP & GOAT SALES - 1991-1992
Commercial Sheep Sales are scheduled to serve lamb processors in Northern and
Central Alberta. At two of them grade ewes will also be offered. All sales will be
held at the Edmonton Public Stockyards with the exception of a show and sale tor
registered ewes and rams which will be held on Edmonton Northlands Grounds during
Northlands Farmfair '91. This sale will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, November 15th in
the Northlands Sportex. ENTRIES CLOSE FOR THIS SALE, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH,
1991 .
THE DEADLINE FOR ALL NORTH-CENTRAL SHEEP & GOAT SALE DELIVERIES IS 9 A.M. AT EACH
SALE. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT SHEEP AND GOATS BROUGHT IN AFTER 9 A.M. will be
sold at the Sale and those that are sold are subject to 37. shrink.
SALE DATES
EWES, LAMBS AND GOATS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT ALL SALES (PLEASE NOTE SPECIAL EWE & GOAT
SALES)
ALL SALES BEGIN AT 1 P.M.
1991 -
-
Thursday,
June 13th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday,
June 27th
Fat
and
feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
July 18th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday,
August 1st
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
(Special Goat Sale)
Thursday,
August 15th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday,
September 5th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
September 19th
Fat
an.i
Feeder
Lambs
(Special Ewe Sale)
Thursday,
October 3rd
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
(Special Goat Sale including
Breeding Stock )
Thursday, Octpber 24th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
(Special Ewe Sale )
Thursday ,
November 14th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
November 28th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
December 12th
Fat
ana
Feeder
Lambs
(Special Goat Sale)
- 1992 -
Thursday,
January 9th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday,
January 23rd
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
February 20th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday,
March 12th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
April 2nd
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
(Laster Lamb Sale 40-60 lbs,
Special Goat Sale)
Thursday ,
April 30th
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
Thursday ,
May 21st
Fat
and
Feeder
Lambs
* SELLERS PLEASE NOTE: In order to increase your marketing possibilities *
* all male lambs should be castrates. Also, all lambs should be docked. *
* Feeder buyers will pay a premium on castrated and docked lambs.
EWE LAMBS: Ewe lambs will be offered in special lots as breeding stock at all
sales, provided the owner marks them differently from the rest of the animals he
has entered in the Sale and informs the staff upon arrival with his sheep. These
ewe lambs must be finished and ot good qunlitv and should weigh more than 100 lbs
* 1991 NORTHLANDS FARMFAIR - Judging purebred sheep will be held at 10 a.m.
* Tuesday, November 12th. Auction sale of Purebred Ewes, Grade Ewes, and Purebred
* Rams, Friday, November 15th at 3 p.m. All these events will be held in
* Northlands Sportex, Edmonton Northlands Grounds. Producers are encouraged
* to enter wool fleeces in the fleece wool competition. Fleeces can brought
« to the Grounds November 11th or left with Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers,
* Stony Plain, prior to that time for delivery to the show Edmonton Northlands
* is also encouraging Juniors to compete with ewe lambs in the show and are
* also looking for entries from sheepmen for the sheep shearing competition.
* Entries close Wednesday, September 11th, 1991 Contact the Livestock Department
* Edmonton Northlands, Box 1480, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2N5 or phone £71-7210 for
* further information on Northlands Farmfair.
There is a strong demand tor feeder lambs at all salei Finished lamDs ottered 1:
large numbers at Che Nor t h-Lent r a 1 Sneep & Goat Sales will enable Packers ana orae:
buyers to make purchase:, tor shipment to Vancouver and Toronto markets and thus
assist in keeping Edmonton lamb prices in line with those at othci iamb marketing
centres in Canada.
PLEASE NOTE: PRODUCERS ARE ADVISED TO PLEASE INFORM THE SECRETARY TWO OR THREE DAYS
IN ADVANCE OF EACH SALE AS TO JUST HOW MANY LAMBS AND GOATS THEY ARE BRINGING TO THE
SALE. THE ORDER BUYERS AND PACKING PLANTS CANNOT DO AN EFFICIENT JOB IN MARKETING
YOUR PRODUCT UNLESS THEY ARE ABLE TO INFORM PROSPECTIVE BUYERS IN ADVANCE ON THE
NUMBER OF LAMBS TO BE OFFERED AT EACH SALE. Phone Edmonton Public Stockvards Toll
Free Number 1-800-2 52-9387 or Sale Office at 473-5776.
The Commission realized from these sales, which is paid to North-Central Sheep 6
Goat Sales, is directed toward the publicity of future North-Central Sheep & Goat
Sales, paper supplied for circular letters, stamps, marking paint and also for wage:
to those members of tne Committ ee, who faithfully donate their time to the Sales
each year. Tne assistance of the producer in helping these Committee members with
the sorting of their lambs is greatly appreciated.
NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOP. SHEEP AND GOAT DELIVERIES AT ALL SALES IS 9 A.M. THERE IS
NO GUARANTEE THAT SHEEP OR GOATS BROUGHT IN AFTER 9 A.M. will be sold at the Sale
those that are sold can be subject to 3% shrink. THE COMMITTEE REQUESTS THAT
CONTRIBUTORS OF THE LARGER CONSIGNMENTS (30 head or more) BRING THEIR SHEEP OR GOATS
TO THE STOCKYARDS THE AFTERNOON BEFORE THE SALE SO THAT A MORE EFFICIENT JOB OF
SORTING CAN BE DONE. This will ensure that North-Central Sheep and Goat Sales
Committee and the Edmonton Public Stockvards will have time to mark and weigh all
the sheep and goats prior to the sale.
Purchasers at all sales must have established a line of credit with the Edmonton
Public Stockyards, be an Order Buyers or carry a bank letter of credit.
SHEEP AND GOAT SALE DETAILS AND REGULATIONS
1 . DUE TO PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS FOOT ROT SHEEP WILL NOT EE SOLD THROUGH THE
NORTH -CENTRAL SHEEP SALES The ownership of sneep, detected as having fool
rot, will be asked to remove all his sheep from the sale premises. The
Edmonton Public Stockyards, upon request will assemble all rejected sheep and
arrange for disposal within the regulations.
2. Consign your sheep or goats to Edmonton Public Stockyards, Edmonton, Alberta
3. All Feeder lambs should be docked and castrated early. Any ewe lambs with
tails will not be sold for breeding.
4. Ewes, lambs and goats will be sorted into groups according to quality, age anc
breeds, where possible, in lot sizes to suit all buyers
5. Contributors are requested to assist with the sorting of their ewes and goats
otherwise a charge for this service may have to be made. The sorting time
can be speeded up if tne seller is on hand to assist with the grouping and
marking of his sneep or goats.
6. North-Central Sheep and goat Sales charges will be .50 per head on all ewes,
rams and goats.
7. Producers, especially those with large consignments, are urged to bring their
sheep or goats to tne Stockyards the afternoon or evening before the sale. This
will mean higher prices for lambs because they are shrunk out and also there
Will be no danger of sheep or goats having to be sold privately because thev
were late for the sale. All information on distance travelled and time of
arrival of lambs and goats at the Stockvards, will be announced in the ring.
For additional information on North-Central Sheep Sales, contact:
FOR SHEEF FOR GOATS
Bruce McGhar. John Bolav
R.R.#4, R.R./»1,
Calmar, Alto. TOC OVC Westlock, Alta. TOG 2L0
Phone: 985-3744 Phone: 349-5203
Alberta Sheep Breeders9 Association
#212, 6715 - 8th Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7
(403) 295-2185 Fax; (403) 275-8009
INVITES YOU
TO ATTEND THE 1st ANNUAL
RECOGNITION AWARDS BANQUET
The Following Outstanding Persons Have All Been Nominated!
ZONE 1
IVOR HUGHES
GORDON KURE
CHESTER FOWLER
JOHN WILLS
DAN CADSAND Sr.
ZONE 2
TOM RE ID
HAROLD TRENTHAM
ZONE .3
S.M. GLEDDIE
JOHN MURRAY
TOM SIMPSON
WHO WILL BE THIS YEARS WINNING NOMINEES?
This prestigious event has been planned for the evening of
Friday, July 5th/91. with a Social hour scheduled for. 6pm.
Followed by the Banquet and Recognition Awards at 7pm.
Where ??? - The Royal Canadian Legion Hall
5241 - A6st, OLDS, Alberta
Tickets available now at $20.00 each ( incs GST) from Alberta
Sheep Breeders Office, #212, 6715 - 8th 3t. N.E., Calgary, AB .
T2E 7H7, or ph. 295-2185 or any Sheep Breeder Director.
* »NQTE** There will be a Free Pizza and Video Party for any
children not wishing to attend the banquet. Supervision provide
A block of rooms have been set aside at The Sportsman Inn,
ph. 556-3315 . Remind them your with the Sheep Breeders. Also
Olds has a beautiful camping area just east of the COW PALACE.
And plan on attending the Annual R.O.P. and Wild Rose Sale
on July 6th., it will be a good chance to finish the visit's
you started the night before.
SPECIAL THANKS TO, LAMB CO and ALBERTA SHEEP & WOOL FOR THEIR
CONTRIBUTION, IT'S GREATLY APPRECIATED.
-26-
The'ciassifieds
FLOCK DISPERSAL of 85 Suffolk cross ewes with lambs at
foot. 35 ewes to lamb May 10. Susan Lega,
Waskatenau, 358-2508 (6)
APPROX. 50 ewe lambs Suffolk X Finn X Rarobouillet, all
twin or triplet born from high producing established
sheep flock that has been built up since 1975.
Complete records available. Healthy and clean flock.
Lambs were born later part of Feb '91. Katarina
Sjoquist, Valleyview, 524-2465 (6)
FLOCK DISPERSAL. 60+ Suffolk & Suffolk cross ewes 1-4
yrs old. 3 purebred Suffolk rams. 1 vasectozied ram.
Closed flock. All shots. No culls. 200% lambing
average and lambing records available. Ewes - $90
each and rams $100 each but a special price for entire
flock. Brian or Corinne, New Norway, 855-2313 (6)
REGISTERED SUFFOLKS or registered Dorsets.
Acres, 636-2894, Vilna
Coyote
(6)
PUREBRED ROMANOV ewes, rams and lambs. Hi Lo Hills
"The Ewe Makers", Tom Mackoweki, IWo Hills,
657-2004 (6)
25 EWES with lambs. 1 ram. Suffolks. Randy,
Wetaskiwin, 352-0283 or 495-3662 (Edmonton) (6)
18 EWES - 12 have lambed and 19 lambs out of the 12.
6 still to lamb. Rambouillet/Suf f oik cross. 1 Suffolk
ram. Bruce Christensen, Carseland, 934-2496 (6)
KATAHDIN SHEEP, purebred, 7/8, 3/4
Sabin, Onoway, 967 4453
$250 & up. Jim
(6)
2 YEAR old Rorder Leicester /Romney ram. Black. Proven
producer. 60% of progeny black thiB year. Sound,
healthy, excellent fleece - $125. Also Border
Leicester/Romney X Clun Forest ram lambs. Black -
$125. Dennis Lapierre, Cochrane, 932-5377 (early
evening) (6)
9 SUFFOLK commercial ewes. 22 registered Suffolk ewes.
2 Suffolk rams. PMT Farms, Red Deer, 347-6899 (6)
1 YR old Hampshire/Suffolk cross teaser ram. 1 yr old
registered Hampshire iam. 3 yr old triplet registered
Hamsphire ram. 1-3 yr old Hampshire ewes with lambs.
All animals priced to sell. Must go this month.
Shelley Madu, Beaumont, 929-8407 (6)
SOUTHDOWN & Southdown cross ram lambs - $100 each.
Taking orders now for fall. Gab or Troy, Berrymoore,
542-3007 (6)
25 SUFFOLK cross ewe lambs. Due to lamb June 25. 60
Suffolk cross ewes 2-5 yrs old. Papered Suffolk rams
3-5 yrs old. Open to offers. Mr & Mrs Downey, Hairy
Hill, 768-2350 (After 8 PM) (6)
93 SUFFOLK & Dorset ewes. 1 Suffolk ram. Will sell
with 96 lambs or without. Glen, Mundare, 764-2670 (6)
REGISTERED PUREBRED Suffolk ram. Ian Howell, Bentley,
748-2959 (6)
FOR HEALTH reasons. Closed flock of 64 ewes 2-5 yrs
old. 9 ramlings - 1 yr old. 4 rams - 2-4 yrs old. 5
have lambed out, 59 to go in May & June. Finn,
Hampshire plus crosses. $4000 takes all. Ed or
Ursula Jones, Athabasca, 675-4099 (6)
BRIGHTBANK FINNSHEEP has for sale top quality
registered Finn rams and ewes at various ages and
prices. Triplets and quads. Finn/Dorset ewe lambs
available at $110 each. Visitors welcome. Kathy
Playdon, Stony Plain, 963-0416 (6)
JANUARY BORN ewe lambs - Suffolk cross and Romanov
cross. Big, healthy, all shots. Suffolk cross &
Romanov cross ewes - 1-5 yrs. Marg Eden, Stettler,
742-0986 (6)
64 HEAD of white-faced ewes with lambs at foot or can
be sold as dry ewes when weaned. Peggy, Blackie,
652-7563 (6)
SMALL MANAGEABLE closed flock, 30 Rambouillet/Finn
cross ewes, 18 ewe lambs, Cheviot sired. Asking $2450
for entire flock. Also good flock for enterprizing
spinners. Harmony, Hythe, 356-2635 (6)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of commercial flock. 170
the majority 3 yrs old. Also 5 Suffolk rams. Don or
Evelyn Love, Vulcan, 485-6460 (6)
-27-
1 REGISTERED papered Suffolk ram 3 yrs old
Betty Yule, Rocky Mtn House, 845-4139
$175.00.
(6)
PUREBRED ROMANOV rams with or without papers. 3/4
cross Romanov ewe lambs or rams and 1/2 cross Romanov
ewes. John Lorenz, Eckville, 746-3675 (After 8 PM)(6)
REGISTERED POLYPAY rams and ewe lambs on ROP. New
bloodlines, rams imported from eastern Montana. Blake
Dole, Didsbury, 335-9127 (6)
TWIN, TRIPLET and quad ewe lambs. Romanov/Suffolk/
Rambouillet and Finn/Suf f olk/Rambouillet crosses.
Born January, February & March. Ready to go mid-May.
Brian & Rena Waite, Killam, 385-2335 (6)
MUST SELL. Small western sheep flock. 10 Suffolk, 13
crossbred ewes with lambs at side, 1 purebred
Rambouillet ram (tested). $2400 0B0. Lou, Fairview
(Whitelaw), 596-2404 (6)
30 GOOD OPEN Suffolk & Suffolk cross ewes.
Mary, Millet, 387-5538
$70 each.
(6)
1/2 AND 3/4 Arcott ewe lambs born Mar /Apr. 1/2
Columbia, 1/4 Rambouillet, 1/4 Suffolk ewe lambs born
February. (Our flock lambed at over 200% even though
1/4 were ewe lambs) Registered 3 year old Columbia ram
for sale or trade for proven 2 or 3 year old Suffolk
or Colubmia ram. Call 652-2278, High River (6)
30 COMMERCIAL Suffolk ewes, 2-6 yr old - $75.00. 10
registered North Country Cheviot ewes - $158.00. 3
registered North Country Cheviot 3 yr olds - $150.00.
1 Romanov cross ram, 2 yrs old - $150.00. Lori,
Stettler, 742-1854 (6)
20 SUFFOLK cross ewes, 2-5 yrs - $65 each. 3
registered Dorset ewes - $150 each. 2 registered
Dorset rams - $150 each. 1 Suffolk/Finn crosB ram - 3
yrs old - $100. Joanne, Ponoka, 783-2600 (6)
GOING BACK to school sale! 80 ewe flock of commercial
Suffolks. 5 yr olds and under (majority 3 yrs and
younger). 10 years of heavy culling and careful
selection for prolificacy and milking ability. Mostly
Sudon Suffolk breeding, some Romanov. ROP tested and
extensive records available. $6000 takes entire flock
including 2 young (Sudon) Suffolk rams. Tracy
Hagedorn, Wetaskiwin, 352-4372 (7)
Price range from $250-450. Amy-Rob Rambouillets, Amy
& Robert Jackson, Didsbury, 335-4348 (7)
QUALITY RAM lambs & owe lambs from Walter Strand
Suffolk rams. Good growth. Ram lambs - $150, ewe
lambs - $80. Fred Dierkhising, Mayerthorpe,
786-4432 (7)
REGISTERED CLUN Forest ram lambs. Excellent for
breeding your ewe lambs for easy lambing also for
crossbreeding your ewes for hybrid lambs. Don Spicer,
Cochrane, 262-5717 or 932-4262 (After 7 PM) (7)
SELLING ALL my crossbred ewes & 2 registered Suffolk
ewes. Approximately 20 head. Leave message on
machine. Keith, Onoway, 967-3401 (7)
1 REGISTERED Suffolk ram, Annia 24 W. His bottom side
is Annis 6 S and the top side is Fowler CW 12 T. His
grandfather is Kilannan 06/ N. He weighs approx. 300
to 350 lbs. Asking $350. Delivery can be arranged.
Georgia, Golden, B.C. (604) 348-2200 (7)
SUFFOLK & Columbia crossbred ewes that are 2-6 yrs
old, all raised from papered Suffolk rams and papered
Columbia rams. Also a number of ewe lambs & ram lambs
born Feb 10 to Mar 30/91 from the above ewes. Call
Marie Bougerolle, Ponoka, 783-5548 (7)
FLOCK REDUCTION. Healthy closed flock. High
percentage Romney ewes. 1-5 yrs old. Some colored.
Prodjcers of award-winning fleeces. Also purebred
Romney ram lambs. Henry & Esther Lambert, Hals 1/2
Aker, Winfield, 403-682-3742 (7)
BLACK EWES & ewe lambs.
Millet, 352-9368
$85 each. Curtis Brandt,
(V)
Emile Cretin, Cluny,
60 WHITE Faced ewe lambs.
734-2124 (7)
REGISTERED CANADIAN Arcott sheep. Flock dispersal.
19 ewes with 39 lambs, 8 yearling and 1-2 yr old rams.
New breed specially bred to produce crossbred market
lambs. Easy birthers - rapid growing. Call to
arrange for appointment. A & J Grosseth, St. Paul,
724-2058 (7)
2 BLACKFACE ewes 2 yrs with twins and triplets at
side. 4 purebred North Country Cheviot 2 yrs with
twins at side & 2 registered 3 yr old ewes. Easy
larabers, not culls. Also ewe and ram lambs from March
lambing flock of registeied North Country Cheviots.
Excellent breeding. Dianne Devlin, R R #1, Cache
Creek, B.C. (604) 459-7716 (7)
POLLED YEARLING Rambouillet rams born Jan & Apr '90.
-28-
100 SUFFOLK cross awes, 5 yrs 6 younger - $85. 6 yrs
& younger - $65. Also feeder lambs. John, Irricana,
935-4459 (7)
24 YOUNG ewes with lambs. Born from Dec to 1st Mar.
Some lambs are feeders now. Earl & Edith Bolton,
Sundre, 556-3118 (7)
YEARLING SUFFOLK rams. Suffolk ram lambs.
Farms Ltd., Lethbridge, 327-9766
Grandview
(7)
HERD REDUCTION. 14 purebred registered Suffolk ewes.
Strand breeding. 1-3 yrs old. No culls. Asking $230
each. 14 purebred Suffolk ewe lambs. Born Mar-Apr
•91. Asking $170 each. Fast gaining purebred Suffolk
Ramsl Ramsl Rams! Born Mar-Apr '91. Asking $260
each. Satisfaction guaranteed. Susanne Wall, Hays,
725-2104 (7)
4 ROMANOV cross ram lambs.
Lake, 887-2107
$140 each. Darryl, Sylvan
(7)
MOVING, MUST sell small flock of Suf folks. Waco and
Red Saturn breeding. 14 ewes, 1 yearling ewe, 3 ewe
lambs, 4 ram lambs. Reasonably priced. Jelaine,
Innisfail, 227-1519 (7)
4 PROVEN yearling Suffolk cross Romanov rams. 1
registered Suffolk ram, triplet. Reg or Gail, Alsike,
696-3647 (7)
10 SUFFOLK cross ewes, 2 & 3 yrs old. Lambed first
part of March, mostly twins. Lambs are weaned.
Reasonably priced or offers. Reason for selling is
not enough pasture. M. Airdrie, Lloydminster , (306)
825-3605 (7)
125 SUFFOLK cross and Suffolk ewes @ $75 each. 3
registered Suffolk rams @ $150 each. Very clean flock
at 185% lambing rate in 1991. Norm Hamilton,
Stettler, 742-5989 (7)
PUREBRED REGISTERED and unregistered Suffolks - ram,
ewes and yearlings. Reasonable prices. B. Armstrong,
Edson, 723-2671 (7)
37 - 2-3 year old Polypay ewes. Lambed in January.
Exposed to ram for fall lambing. 1 - 3 yr old Polypay
ram. Gary West, Rocky Mtn Hse, 845-4752 (7)
16 REGISTERED Suffolk ewes. Good big ewes. 1-3 yr.
Lambing records available - $150 each. 11 registered
ewe lambs from above ewes. March born. $100 each.
E. Gilmar, Calgary, 285-9804 (7)
FARMS SOLDI Complete flock dispersal. 135 Polypay
ewes 2-4 yrs old. 125 March born Polypay ewe lambs.
Pat Kirk, Calmar, 985-3272 (7)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL. Healthy young flock. 47 Suffolk
and Suffolk cross ewes & lambs. 10 ewe lambs to lamb
in September. 3 rams - 2 registered Suffolk and 1
Suffolk. John Dodds, Ponoka area, 783-6816 (7)
REGISTERED DORSET and Suffolk yearling rams, ewe
lambs. ROP home test. John or Edith Williams,
Ponoka, 784-3511 (7)
COMPLETE DISPERSAL of 2 registered purebred Outaouais
-Arcott flock. Must sell immediately due to owners
serious health problems. 3-4 yr old rams, 5 - 3 yr
old rams. 40 yearlings. 40 - 2 yr olds & 70 - 3-5 yr
olds. Will sell in units of 25 ewes, mixed ages with
1 ram. 150 ewes - super mothers, very good milk
quality. Only 3 minor assists to lambing ewes in 3
years. Multiple births - as many as 6 lambs. Plus
good quality wool. Gordon or Elaine Forrester,
Westerose, 586-2768 (7)
5 SUFFOLK cross ram lambs. From triplet & twins.
Parented by registered purebred Suffolk ram. Bred to
Suffolk cross ewes. Pat, Elnora, 442-2246 (7)
JANUARY BORN Polypay ram lambs by an Idaho import -
$125 each. Rhoda Stone, Peace River, 624-8515 (7)
REGISTERED RAMBOUILLF1 rams, 2 - 2 yr olds, 1 - 3 yr
old. Mike or Linda, Bowden, 224-3743 (7)
2 REGISTERED yearling Suffolk rams. 1 registered 2 yr
old Suffolk ram. Waco Gold News 85X Gold 3 yr old
Suffolk ram. Also ram lambs. Circle S Suffolks,
Beaumont, 929-9300 (7)
FOR SALE - GOATS
HERD DISPERSAL. Angora goats - 11 does & kids and 1
buck. Mostly registered stock. Also Cashmere goats -
$250 & up. Jim Sabin, Onoway, 967-4453 (6)
ANGORA GOATS. 8 wethers, 24 adult & yearling does.
Lynn, Drayton Valley, 542-5811 (6)
PYGMY GOATS. Open to offers. Mr & Mrs Downey, Hairy
Hill, 768-2350 (After 8 PM) (6)
-29-
LICENSED GOAT dairy has goat kids, males & females.
Heather, Warburg, 848-7603 (Meal times or leave
message) (6)
YOUNG ALPINE buck - born in early March. Brian & Rena
Waite, Killam, 385-2335 (6)
PIGMY BUCKS. Excellent confirmation & a wide variety
of colors. Very tame & easy to handle. Perfect for a
pet or for breeding. Need a good home. Call Rob or
Sharon, Ft. Macleod, 553-2196 (7)
Quality Nubian buck. 9 months old. Very gentle.
Interesting color teamed with exceptional confirmation
is a sure bet. Very large Alpine doe. Strong and
sturdy. Great milker. Due to kid in June. Also,
miniature doe, silver in color, very friendly and
needs much well deserved time. Call Danin, Ft.
Macleod, 553-2356 (AFTER 6 PM) (7)
30 REGISTERED Angora goats. V. Germann, Westlock,
349-5525 (7)
REGISTERED ANGORA buck, 7 yrs old - $150.00. Cliff,
Legal, 349-6315 (7)
NUBIAN BUCK. No papers but good breeding. Henry &
Esther Lambert, Hal3 1/2 Aker, Winfield, 682-3742 (7)
2 ANGORA bucks - registered. 2 yr old - $150. 4 yr
old - $300. Proven breeders. Judy Zuchetto, Calgary,
286-8354 (7)
963-0416
(6)
TEN MONTH old male purebred Border Collie, papered.
Will be a started dog. John Lorenz, Eckville,
746-3675 (After 8 PM) (6)
LIVESTOCK GUARDIANS. C.K.C. registered Hungarian
Komondor pups from working stock. $400 at weaning or
$600 when bonded to stock at 5-6 months of age. These
dogs are socially well adjusted and used to working
around herd dogs. Delivery can be arranged. Georgia,
Golden, B.C. (604) 348-2200 (7)
KUVAZ DOGS. Born Sept 5/90. Have worked & trained
with working parents all winter. Excellent predator
control. Losses to predators are zero on our farm.
Norma, Beaverlodge, 354-8330 (7)
1 YEAR old Border Collie. Already started with sheep.
Shows lots of potential. Pat Kirk, Calmar, 985-3272(7)
BEST PREDATOR protection: Great Pyreenes/Komondor
pups. From long line of working parents with proven
dispositions. Parents are extremely fast dogs able to
out run coyotes with ease. Very reasonable. Paul,
Meadowcroft, Hi Prairie, 523-2473. LET PHONE RING! (7)
BORDER COLLIE puppies. Can be registered. M.
Marenholf., Flatbush, 681-2430 (7)
FOR SALE - MISCELLANEOUS
FOR SALE - DOGS
TAKING ORDERS on Border Collie pups. Born Apr 11th.
Available by May 23rd. Book now. Excellent
bloodlines. Also have 4 only registered Border Collie
pups. Started. 7 months old. From working parents &
have world champion bloodlines. Elaine, Westerose,
586-2768 (After 6 PM) (6)
GREAT PYREENES puppies. Ready May 7th. Gene, Rimbey,
843 3493 (6)
REGISTERED AUSTRALIAN Kelpie pups. 4 months old.
Already working. Both parents good working stock
dogs. Vaccinated and wormed. 4 males and 1 female.
Barb McDonald, 558-3751 (Longview) (6)
INDUSTRIAL PATRICK Green wool carder. Produces
spinning & quilting batts of 44" x 16" wide. Complete
with brushes & doffer. Small electric Westfalia cream
separator. Great for 1 cow or milk goats. In very
good, clean condition. Includes pail. Electric
butter churn in mint condition. Lynn, Drayton Valley,
542-5811 (6)
ELECTRIC & manual cream separator. Keith, Dixonville,
971-2350 (6)
SHEEP SHED, 12* x 16', 2 lambing pens, built in hay
feeder with outside access doors. Asking $1400.
Harmony, Hythe, 356-2635 (6)
2ND CUT hay, 19% protein. Cut early. Barry, 427-6361
(days) or 789-3113 (Thorsby - evenings) (6)
REGISTERED BORDER Collies - pups & started dogs from
good working bloodlines. Kathy Playdon, Stony Plain,
-30-
HOT OFF The Press! "Cooking With Lamb" by Jelaine
McDermit - An exclusive lamb cook book. Offering
recipes for ALL lamb cuts plus helpful information and
different methods of cooking lamb. Unlike many lamb
recipes which use rare and exotic ingredients, the
recipes in "Cooking With Lamb" use everyday
ingredients. They are simple and have easy-to-follow
instructions to ensure delicious results every time.
The books are $9.95 plus GST and $1.00 for postage and
handling and are available by contacting Jelaine
McDermit, R R #4, Innisfail, TOM 1A0, 227-1519.
Volume discounts are available on orders of 5 books or
more. (6)
2 MINIATURE yearling jack donkeys. Raised with sheep.
Henry & Esther Lambert, Hala 1/2 Aker, Winfield,
692-3742 (7)
WANTED - SHEEP
FEEDER LAMBS, cull ewes, breeding ewes and goats of
all types. John, Bolay, Westlock, 349-5203 (No Sunday
calls please) (6)
QUALITY SUFFOLK, Hampshire or cross lambs. Top
prices. Joan, Tomahawk, 339-2118 (7)
SIX, 2 or 3 year old ewes with lambs. W. Rusel,
Cochrane, 932-6811 (7)
SHEEP ON shares in Calgary area. You provide the
sheep. I provide experienced year-round shepherding
and feed. Richard Verrin, 285-8049 (After 6 PM) (7)
COME AND live in the beautiful Peace River countryl
70 acre scenic Smoky River valley farm could be yours.
Just 5 miles off major hiway approx. 80 miles NE of
Grande Prairie. Buildings, power, water, etc. Sound
interesting? Phone Val at 837-8278 (private sale) for
details and photos, or write Box 15, Donnelly,
Alberta, TOH 1GO (7)
PRICED TO sell. Heavy duty wooden grain troughs and
covered salt boxes. Pat Kirk, Calmar, 985-3272 (7)
600 BUSHEL steel grain bin, hopper bottom, on steel
gram. $800. New 300 gallon gas tank on steel frame,
nozzel. $350. Working sheep, horse or exotic farm.
20 acres, 20 min. east of Calgary. 2 barns, hay shed,
tack shed, $10,000 work of new fencing done. 13
paddocks in game wire or plank with electric waterers.
Chicken house, garage, shop, organic garden with fruit
trees. 1142 sq. ft. bungalow. Much more. Price
reduced to $180,000. E. Gilraar, Calgary, 285-9804 (7)
WANTED MISCELLANEOUS
APPROX. 10 acre acerage with house & barn, between
Olds & Calgary or within 50 mile radius of Calgary.
Jelaine, Innisfail, 227-1519 (7)
CLOTHING DESIGNERS, artisic, creative people who work
with lambskin, woven or knitted wool. Would you like
to show off your products at Ye Olde Tyme Sheep Faire
on September 21, 1991 in Olds. We offer booth space
and/or a fashion show. M. Rieberger, Bowden,
2?4-3743 (7)
SHEARER AVAILABLE
SHEARER AVAILABLE for north east region. Patric
Lyster, Vilna, 636-2894 (6)
FOR SALE OR TRADE
3 REGISTERED Romney rams, 2 registered ewes and 2 ram
lambs PCJR SALE OR TRADE for Romney/Suf f oik ewes. Call
J. Thieesen, Grimshaw, 971-2493 (7)
3/4 SUFFOLK, 1/4 Hampshire - 3 yr old ram. $100 OR
WILL TRADE for ram of equal value. Mary, Millet,
387-5538 (7)
1 PYGMY male goat. 3 months old. Black with white
markings. TRADE for same different bloodlines. Judy
Zuchetto, Calgary, 286-8354 (7)
SERVICES AVAILABLE
CUSTOM WOOLEN MILLS - Your complete processing
facility. Full range of custom services for wool and
other fibers - washing, carding, dyeing, spinning and
sewing. Have your wool made into batts, comforters,
mattress pads, sleeping bags, carded wools for hooking
and handspinning, yarns (skeined or coned) in a
variety of colours and styles. For details write or
phone Custom Woolen Mills, R R #1, Carstairs, Alberta,
TOM ONO, phone 337-2221 (6)
-31-
KOLTEC ELECTRIC fencing. We have become the Alberta
distributor for the Koltec line of electric fence
controllers and accessories. Koltec is Europe's
leading seller of electric fence controllers and just
recently was introduced into Canada. It comes with a
5 year guarantee and should there be a problem
servicing is quick as all parts are modularized. We
will also handle a complete line of high tensile
fencing accessories at competitive prices. For
temporary fences we handle the popular Electro Net in
either 33 inch or 42 inch heights and a 150 foot roll
costs $115.00 for 33 inch and $125.00 for 42 inch.
Dealer enquiries are welcome for the Koltec line.
Cee-Der Sheep Products, Canmore, 678-2220 (6)
TANNING DONE on lamb pelts. Starting at $30 depending
on size and wool condition. Combed. Roy Peterson,
Cluny, 734-2536 (6)
NOW OPEN in Innisfail. See ua in the Co-op Shopping
Center for custom quilting of sleeping bags, mattress
overlays, comforters, pillows, bedspreads. The best
price, the best quality, the best service. For more
information, or to place an order, please contact
Western Heritage Quilting Co., Box 175, Innisfail,
TOM 1AO, phone 227-1690 (6)
EDITOR'S NOTE
Classified Ads and Coming Events may be placed in Sheep
Eootnotes free-of -charge by contacting:
The deadline for Classified Ads and Coming Events is the
24th day the month prior to the month of publication.
Coming Events will be run every month from when they are
placed untjl the event. Please Note: Events should be
placed in Coming Events at least 6 weeks in advance in
order to ensure their publication before they occur.
Classified Ads will run initially for two months, unless
cancelled after the first month. After the first two
months, ads may be renewed each month by contacting Janet
Smalley at 427-5083. Ads must not exceed two column
inches in length or they will be edited. Beginning January
1, 1990 all ads must be submitted with a name, an address
and a phone number or they will not be run. Sheep Footnotes
reserves the right to restrict the length, content and run
of any Classified Ad.
EDITORS OF OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Material in Sheep Footnotes may be reprinted in other
publications, but source must be stated and content of
articles may not be changed without authors' permission.
Janet Smalley
Beef Cattle & Sheep Branch
7000 - 113 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5T6
Karren Green
Alberta Agriculture
Bag Service #1
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2C1
Ph: (403) 427-5083
FAX (403) 427-1057
Ph: (403) 948-8509
FAX (403) 948-8548
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