Alberta Lamb!

Local pride from our gate to your plate.

There are several resources on this page aimed at supporting mental wellness.

Building Wellness on the farm 

A healthy farmer is a safe farmer and a safe farmer is a strong farmer. Look after your health and wellness. It's one of the best investments you can make for the future of your farm. 

Check below for Resources, Crisis Lines and Support Websites

If you are in crisis, please visit your local emergency department or call 911 immediately.

PROVINCIAL RESOURCES

NATIONWIDE RESOURCES

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Have additional resources that would be helpful for this page?  Let us know via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Retiring Farmer Wealth Management - website that has tax, succesion, retirement, and estate planning resources and services for farmers.

Will and estate planning with FCC: What farmers need to know

In this virtual event recording, Dr. Tom Deans, intergenerational wealth expert, walks you through some of the will and estate planning issues unique to farm owners, like selecting an executor and developing an exit plan if you're selling to someone outside the family.

Watch here

Transition Planning with FCC

Resources to set you up for success in every stage of farm transition.

Transition planning guide for agribusiness from the Government of Alberta

Transition planning is the process of planning to transfer the ownership (capital), management, and operations (labour) of an agribusiness to a child(ren), relative or other successor. This guide breaks transition planning into three phases: readiness assessment, plan development, and plan implementation.

For more information or to access the guide

Ranch Your Way
They teach and empower ranchers to finance their own operation using The Infinite Banking Strategy, which utilizes whole life insurance policies to create a personal banking system and achieve financial independence. By teaching ranchers how to implement this strategy, they can become more financially independent and self-sufficient, which can lead to greater success and stability in their operations.

They offer Attracting the Next Generation, Generational Wealth & Estate Planning and Optimizing Cash Flow.

For more information visit thier website: https://www.ranchyourway.com/

Scotiabank Yield More FinancingTM Program

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The Scotiabank Yield More FinancingTM Program offers ALP members access to a line of credit to expand their flock by purchasing ewes. The new program is open to Alberta sheep farmers with at least two years of experience, with a simple application and approval process.

*Application window opens March 1, 2023.

  • For more information including frequently asked questions click here
  • Program Fact Sheet
  • Contact ALP to complete an application at 403.948.8533 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can contact Scotiabank at 1-866-603-4188 or by email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)  offers an assortment of different loans for beginning producers. Information on the type of loans offered can be found by clicking here or by calling 888.332.3301.

Additional resources which help to focus on management and planning for your farm include Farm Credit Canada workshops that take place in the fall and winter with registration beginning in the summer. Some of these workshops include: Farm Financial Management, Transferring the Farm, Vision and Goal Setting, and Commodity Marketing Management.

For more information and a list of dates and locations phone 888.332.3301 or click here.

Feeders Associations of Alberta Limited (FAA)

Looking for financing through a local feeder association? Reach out to your local feeder association to find out if they currently finance sheep, or would be interested in doing so. 

Click here to connect with your local feeder association and inquire.

Western Cash Advance Program

Western Cash Advance Program

Government of Canada Implements New Regulations to Enhance Advance Payment Program. Please see the attached link for the official news release and Quick facts.

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2019/06/government-of-canada-implements-new-regulations-to-enhance-advance-payments-program.html

The increased loan limits for the Advance Payments Program (APP) will be accessible to Canadian farmers through administrators will be able to apply for the new amounts as early as June 10, 2019 and the new advances above $400,000 will be issued on June 26, 2019. The Increased cash advance funds include the following:

  • Maximum loan  limit increases from $400,000 to $1 million on all commodities,
  • Interest-free portion on canola advances increases from $100,000 to $500,000, and
  • Interest-free portion on all other commodities remains at $100,000.

The government also announced that the maximum loan limit increase to $1 million will be a permanent APP amendment for all producers. The government also announced a two-month extension to AgriStability enrollment for the 2019 program year without penalty, from April 30, 2019 to July 2, 2019. 

WeCAP has been working closely with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to implement the new limits since the initial announcement of the APP loan limit increases made by Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on May 1, 2019. Producers will be apply to apply for the new amounts as early as June 10 and new advances above $400,000 will be issued as of June 26, 2019. Farmers looking to begin their application process or for more information are encouraged to call the WeCAP office at 1-844-333-3377 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The Advanced Payments Program (APP) offers:

  • $100,000 interest-free and up to $1,000,000 available to you!
  • Low Interest Rates
  • Increase your Profitability and the Flexibility to sell your commodity when the market is in your favour.
  • Up to a 2 year repayment period, depending on commodity advanced (see application for details).
  • Friendly Staff willing to help you with all your questions and concerns.
  • Production Insurance, AgriStability, WLPIP and/or GARS Options for Security.

This program is made available by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)

For more information click here

Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)

For over 80 years, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation has provided Alberta farmers with crop insurance, livestock price insurance, farm loans, commercial loans and farm income disaster assistance.

For more information click here.

Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA)

A financial loan guarantee program or the Canadian Agricultural Loans Act (CALA) program can help give a producer access to credit. This program is open to beginning and existing farmers, farmers taking over the family farm and also to agricultural co-operatives. The maximum loan granted for land and construction or renovation of buildings is $500,000. For all other purposes the maximum amount is $350,000. For complete details about this program phone 1-888-346-2511 or click here.

Financial Institutions 

Most financial institutions offer lending and agriculture financing opportunities.

Marketing:

  • Marketing Your Lambs (ALP Management Module): The purpose of this module is to outline the marketing choices available to you as a lamb producer and to explore the opportunities and demands associated with each. The first part of the module will introduce lamb market opportunities in more detail to show the drivers of lamb production and lamb meat marketing. The second part of the module will introduce and explore each of these market options. We’ll review the advantages and challenges associated with each, and provide tips for selling into each market. Finally, the module will touch on other market considerations related to the marketing of lambs. We’ll point you to the many excellent resources on the Alberta Lamb Producers’ website, as well as other industry and government sites. The information in this module is intended to give producers the insight they need to build their skills in marketing their lambs.

Shearing & Animal Welfare:

Wool growth is continuous and, with the exception of 'hair' breeds, all sheep need to be sheared.  Shearing as needed or at least annually, is neccessary to minimize animal health and welfare problems, such as:

  • difficulty moving
  • becoming cast (unable to rise)
  • external parasites
  • wool blindness
  • flystrike
  • overheating

The Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep states that regular shearing is a 'Required' practice for animal welfare.  Read the ALP factsheet 'Shearing and Animal Welfare'.

Use the resources listed below to learn more about shearing and how you can make the most from your wool.

  • Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers (CCWG) Resources: Click this link to visit the CCWG website to access these resources relating to wool preparation and shearing:  
    • Code of Practice for Wool Preparation
    • Before Shearing / Shearing Tips
    • Use Sheep Behaviour to your Advantage
    • Sample Wool Grading Statement
    • Fleece Judging Score Card
    • Electric Wool Baler
    • Fleece Sorting Table Plans
    • Plans for a Fleece Packing Frame
    • Plans for Horizontal Square Wool Press
    • Plans for a Rectangular Wool Sack Stand
    • Using Paint & Markers to Identify Sheep
    • Wool Production in Canada (booklet)

Alberta Lamb Producers is proud to announce their new partnership with The Campaign for Wool Canada and The Canadian Wool Council. Through this partnership, the two organizations will be looking at future research and commercial projects that will benefit sheep producers in Alberta while also supporting national and international efforts to rebrand and revalue Albertan/Canadian wool.

The Campaign for Wool Canada/The Canadian Wool Council currently has two research studies underway that will be supported by Alberta Lamb Producers, and look for any input or ideas from members:

The Shearing Plan

Shearing was identified as an area of priority need in The Campaign for Wool’s/The Canadian Wool Council’s recent strategic plan. The Shearing Plan will look at Canada’s shearing needs in order to create access to high-quality, affordable shearing for the entire sheep industry. Proposed ideas include a Canada-wide standard for shearing education and testing, recruitment, international apprenticeships, the potential for a free-shearing model and other solutions based upon feedback from the industry.

The Upholstery Plan

Following the success of the Carpet Plan, The Campaign for Wool Canada/The Canadian Wool Council have created the Upholstery Plan that follows the same strategic initiatives. The Upholstery Plan will evaluate the potential of creating 100% Canadian wool upholstery textiles for use in Canadian furniture, automotive, and aerospace manufacturing. It will look at processing, manufacturing, distributor and design partners as well as potential export markets.

If you are interested in contributing to either project, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

International Wool Textile Organisation

The Campaign for Wool Canada/The Canadian Wool Council recently secured Canada’s first ever seat at the International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO), the voice of the global wool trade. Working with the IWTO will amplify Canada’s voice on the global stage and will create opportunities for partnerships with members from other countries. Canada’s delegation has representatives on each of the organization’s working groups including Market Intelligence, Product Wellness, Sustainable Practices, Biosecurity, Wool Sheep Welfare and Wool Interiors where Canadian Carol Sebert serves as Chair.

If you are interested in supporting the work of the Canadian Delegation to the IWTO please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Fabric of Canada

A series of short films called The Fabric of Canada were also released as part of Wool Month. The Fabric of Canada is part of the Campaign for Wool Canada’s/The Canadian Wool Council’s strategic initiative to rebrand and revalue Canadian wool. The films are a series of documentary shorts that tell four different stories about our wool and the Canadians who transform it. Each video shows how Canadian wool’s unique properties lend it to endless possibilities.

Click here to view the films

Point-of-Sale Kits

The Campaign for Wool Canada/The Canadian Wool Council would also like to support Alberta producers who sell their own wool and wool products with Point-of-Sale Kits. Each kit contains material that describes the benefits of wool to consumers and position Alberta/Canadian wool as a premium fibre. To receive your complimentary kit please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Visit https://campaignforwool.ca

Follow the Campaign for Wool Canada on Facebook and Instagram

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Management:

  • The Canadian Sheep Industry Information for Lenders report was prepared by the Expansion Working Group under the Sheep Value Chain Roundtable. When applying for loans, producers are frequently required to provide general information about the sheep industry. The Lenders Report provides key information regarding production, marketing, economic, and other aspects of the Canadian sheep industry, together in one document.
  • Shepherding 101: An Introduction to Sheep Production (ALP Management Module): If you are new to the sheep industry, or want to learn more about raising quality market lambs, Shepherding 101 – Getting Started can help. This practical and easy to understand resource was created for people thinking about getting into sheep or expanding their flocks, and serves as an excellent refresher for established producers as well. The module covers a variety of topics, including: an introduction to sheep, considerations setting up facilities, feeding & nutrition, breeding & reproduction, flock health, marketing, and much more.
  • The Business of Sheep (ALP Management Module):  The Busine$$ of Sheep was created for experienced producers as well as for people who are just thinking about getting into sheep production. Provided with the module are some tools to help you create information to help you make good business decisions, including the Flock Snapshot, a sample business plan and a set of worksheets. All of these are downloadable from the module.
  • Setting It Up: Sheep Infrastructure (ALP Management Module):  Where to start? How to expand efficiently? How do I lay out my farm to cut down on my workload? What are the most efficient penning structures? What tools can save me time? Whether you are new to the sheep industry, or a veteran, this collection of operational best practices is invaluable! The Infrastructure module was designed to help producers create the most cost-and time – effective operation possible. To run a profitable sheep business, producers need to take advantage of every tip, strategy and tool they can. This manual has gathered that information into a one-stop resource. Topics covered include: Farm planning, Information management, Buildings and penning, Utilities, Feed and water considerations, Fencing and Handling, Manure and Deadstock management. The on-line module provides a brief description of each topic and each numbered heading links to specific information on that topic. To access the information contained in the module, open the module, and click on the title of the numbered document you wish to view.

Management videos on ALP's YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta:

 

 

  • Sheep and Goat Management in Alberta: Reproduction (ALP Management Module): Optimum reproduction is the cornerstone of successful sheep rearing and key to the profitability of the production unit. The objective of this text is to provide a solid understanding of what is normal, what is abnormal, and what can be done to improve herd or flock productivity.
  • Building Better Lambs: Terminal sires.

The Lakeland Carcass Sire (LCS) project, conducted at Lakeland College, Vermilion, Alberta, was designed to compare the growth and carcass characteristics of lambs sired by the five terminal sire breeds commonly used in Western Canada. Factsheets are available to provide information on using, selecting and managing terminal sires as well as using performance records.

Building Better Lambs 1: Using Terminal Sires

Building Better Lambs 2: Selecting Terminal Sires

Building Better Lambs 3: How to Use Performance Records

Building Better Lambs 4: Managing Rams

  • Videos on ALP's YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta

Nutrition:

  • Sheep and Goat Management in Alberta: Nutrition (ALP Management Module): Feed is the single largest cost associated with raising small ruminants, typically accounting for 60% or more of total production costs.  The quality of nutrition exerts a huge influence on flock health, reproduction, milk production, and lamb growth. This document provides information about the sheep digestive system, nutrient requirements, feedstuffs and feeding management. 
  • 'Feeding Your Flock When hay is Limited' webinar with Dale Engstrom: Nov 14, 2015

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SheepBytes Ration Balancer is an on-line program specifically designed to balance cost-effective feed rations for all types of sheep.  To learn more about SheepBytes and to access the video tutorial, go to www.sheepbytes.ca.

 

Grazing Management:

  • An Introduction to Managed Grazing (ALP Management Module): With ever-increasing land and feed costs lamb producers are looking to make the most of their pastures. Managed grazing helps get the most out of pastures by looking after the forages and improving pasture productivity; by selecting forages that can help extend the grazing season and reduce ‘days on feed’; and by managing pastures to meet the nutritional needs of a flock. This module covers the proper techniques for pasture rotation, paddock management and the pros and cons of each type of forage that is available in Western Canada.
  • Videos on ALP's YouTube channel, Sheep Central Alberta:

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Subcategories

Management Modules

Print copies and memory sticks (jump drives) are available for purchase on a cost recovery basis. For complete information see Alberta Resource Modules for Purchase (pdf).

Health Management