We empower the sheep industry through education, innovative research, and advocacy. Our focus is on working in the best interests of our producers by building connected relationships through accountability and transparency.
This program is designed to introduce small ruminant producers in Alberta to the principles and practices of rotational grazing, focusing on improving pasture health, animal productivity, and long-term sustainability. Each session includes interactive presentations, Q&A opportunities, and actionable takeaways. For more information, see poster.
Dates: Feb. 11, 18, 25, March 4 & 11 at 7 pm MT
The intake for the 2025-2026 Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP), delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will be opening soon. Applications will be accepted between January 27, 2025 and February 24, 2025. The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps support employers who hire youth (between the age of 15 and 30 inclusive) for agricultural related jobs by providing funding for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000 to employ one (1) employee.
For more information, click here, or visit the AAFC website at Youth Employment and Skills Program.
New to sheep or looking to brush up on your knowledge? The basics of nutrition, housing, infrastructure and husbandry will be covered in the webinar Wednesday, February 5. Free to attend, but registration is required. Course Registration
The Targeted Grazing Course is now accepting registrations! This online course includes information on grazing principles, grazing tame and native forages, stockmanship and animal welfare, and building a business plan. Delve into information on unique grazing opportunities such as cutblocks, urban areas, solar sites, forested areas and for weed management. The next course session starts January 29. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info.
For more information on course content, please view the Course Outline.
Albertans can share input on ways to increase water availability and improve the water management system in Alberta.
Survey closes January 10, 2025
Overview
We want to hear your thoughts on opportunities or barriers that can be addressed to enhance the water management system in Alberta and make more water available to use for years to come.
Population growth, economic growth, and water variability are challenging the water management system in Alberta. New or updated policy and regulatory tools could be used to increase water availability for Albertans and optimize the water management system to better address these issues while continuing to protect the aquatic environment.
We welcome your thoughts about any opportunities to increase water availability and more effectively manage water.
Producers - this is your chance to connect your veterinarian with an opportunity to expand their knowledge in your industry!
The Small Flock Sheep & Goat Course webinar series is intended for Canadian veterinarians and veterinary professionals and will assist the mixed animal veterinarian and veterinary staff in understanding the normal production cycles of sheep and goats, how to perform a clinical examination of individual animals as well as the flock and understand the common diseases and conditions that affect these species, their proper diagnosis, and control measures. Important and common zoonotic diseases and how to protect their clients will also be covered. Specific welfare issues, e.g., euthanasia, disbudding, tail-docking and castration, will be also included.
Click here for details and share the information with your veterianarian!
Ontario Sheep Farmers if offering a Master Shepherd's Course (Professional Development), which is set to begin in January14, 2025.
If you or a fellow sheep farmer could benefit from this comprehensive program, we encourage you to apply and share the course details.
https://www.ontariosheep.org/master-shepherds-course
The Rangeland Sustainability Program works to promote the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands and the ecosystem services these working landscapes provide. Alberta’s Rangelands provide many ecological goods and services that benefit all Albertans.
Organizations can apply for grant funding for projects promoting the conservation and long-term sustainability of Alberta’s rangelands.
The application deadline is October 16.
Learn more and apply
It’s estimated that at least 40 per cent of Canada’s farmers will retire within the next decade, making farm succession planning a hot topic in agriculture. With the average age of farmers on the rise, the need for transition strategies is now more pressing than ever.
Succession looks different for every farm, as the transition path must meet the needs of the farming family and its business.
Common options include:
family succession, where the farm is passed down to a relative.
partnerships, which allow for a gradual transition of responsibilities.
the formation of corporations or LLCs to manage assets and operations.
Other options include selling the farm to a third party, leasing it to a successor, setting up trusts and estates, or even employee buyouts for long-term workers familiar with the farm’s operations.
