Latest News
Canadian genetic improvement programs survey
Please find below a survey about participation in various components of Canadian genetic improvement programs, including animal identification, registration, performance recording, use of on-farm management software, and genetic evaluation. The survey is being done as part of a project to integrate genetic services across multiple species (see below for more information on the project).
We would greatly appreciate your cooperation in completing the survey, which should take 10 to 15 minutes. The survey can be accessed online at: https://forms.gle/pKAXPQEyhQeezeX87
We have agreed to distribute the survey to our members, and in return will have access to the results. The survey will be open for responses until July 31, 2023. Please complete the survey at your earliest convenience.
If you require a hard copy version of the survey, please contact Brianna Sullivan by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Thank you for your cooperation,
About the Integrated Genetic Services Project
The survey is being conducted as part of a 3 year project entitled ‘National integrated genetic services for breeders across multiple species in Canada’. Participants in the project include the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association, the Canadian Goat Society, the Canadian Meat Goat Association, the Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock (CGIL) at the University of Guelph, the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI), Le Centre d’expertise en production ovine du Québec (CEPOQ), Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF), the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC), AgSights, EweManage and Lactanet. An update on what the project has accomplished until last October is attached.
ALP Town Hall Meeting Cancelled
At the Thursday, June 15, 2023 ALP Board Meeting, the upcoming July 5, 2023 Town Hall meeting was discussed by your Directors. Unfortunately, due to poor registration numbers by producers and no speakers confirmed for the producer panel, they have made the decision to cancel this event.
Even though the meeting itself is cancelled, ALP still wanted to share the meeting pack that was put together as it provides important, written updates for our producers to be aware of.
Download the Information Package here
Farmer Stress, Coping and Resilience Study
Are you a farmer or rancher in Alberta? If so, you are invited to complete an online survey! The University of Alberta is partnering with Agknow, the Alberta Farm Mental Health Network, to create a survey about farming stress, health and well-being, and the ways to cope with stress. The input from this study will be used to help inform new tools and resources to help Alberta farmers. It's a short survey, and you can enter a draw for a $200 Amazon.ca gift card!
Here is the survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FarmStressCopingSurvey
International Wool Textile Organization needs Canadian Committee Members
The International Wool Textile Organisation is the global authority for standards in the wool textile industry. Since 1930, IWTO has represented the collected interests of the global wool trade. With 33 members in 22 countries, IWTO’s membership encompasses all stages of the wool textile pipeline. From farm to retail, through research, education, and knowledge sharing, IWTO ensures a sustainable future for wool.
IWTO Working Groups
IWTO’s Working Groups provide forums in which the industry can focus on key areas of importance. Through the Working Groups, research is facilitated and shared, strategies developed, and issues reviewed. All members are encouraged to actively participate in the working groups.
Product Wellness
Consumer demand for products related to health and wellbeing is a key and long-term trend – and one in which wool has a large part to play. Wool has many natural properties that are proven to be beneficial for health, wellness and comfort. The Product Wellness Working Group focuses on research, development and communication of wool's health and wellness benefits.
There are currently no Canadian members.
Sustainable Practices
IWTO and its Members are dedicated to making wool’s environmental qualities more understandable and quantifiable. The Sustainable Practices Working Group focuses on research, development and communication of wool's environmental credentials. Wool is an all-natural, renewable fibre, grown on sheep.
There are currently no Canadian members.
Wool Interiors
Naturally flame resistant and capable of filtering VOCs, wool lends itself readily to applications for home and other interiors. The Wool Interiors Working Group focuses on the research, development and communication of benefits pertaining to wool for interior textiles.
There are currently Canadian members.
Wool Trade Biosecurity
Ensuring positive animal health outcomes is of paramount concern for the global wool industry, including ensuring freedom from emergency animal diseases, such as Foot-and-Mouth disease. The Wool Trade Biosecurity Working Group is tasked with issues related to Wool Trade Biosecurity.
There are currently no Canadian members.
If you are interested in joining one of the Working Groups please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Spinning Yarns Speaker Series
This month’s Spinning Yarns Speaker Series will feature a discussion of The Upholstery Plan to coincide with its release. The Canadian Wool Council’s Jane Underhill will speak about The Upholstery Plan and the opportunities that it presents.
The Upholstery Plan is the second in a series of feasibility studies from the Canadian Wool Council that assess the potential of Canadian wool in residential and commercial interior applications. The report examines the use of Canadian wool in the furniture and transportation industries, both of which could have a significant impact on its usage.
Similar to our first study, The Carpet Plan, the Upholstery Plan proposes three policies:
- Fairtrade pricing for wool at the farm gate.
- Dual manufacturing pathways in Canada and Europe to mitigate risk and encourage investment in a Canadian supply chain.
- Social giveback framework for the Canadian wool industry to bring it closer to financial autonomy, like many other wool-producing nations.
The Upholstery Plan will be released shortly before the event.
All are welcome, but registration is required.
https://spinning-yarns-speaker-series-the-upholstery-plan-discussion.eventbrite.com
Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies Alberta Fire Relief 2023
The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) is offering support for agricultural producers affected by recent wildfires, provided by TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods. Eligible recipients include any agricultural producers with an operation located in an area of an emergency evacuation or disaster declaration made by the Alberta Government. Recipients must have been directly impacted by the Alberta Wildfires of 2023 and/or the mandatory evacuations. Nominations can be made on behalf of an individual/family or self nomination. One nomination per family. The application deadline is June 15.
|
Agricultural Societies Wildfire FundAAAS is also offering emergency aid funding provided by Farm Credit Canada to support its dedicated agricultural society members who have incurred expenses while assisting their communities during the 2023 Alberta wildfires. The application deadline is June 15. |
CCWG Announcements - May 2023: Shearwell Tag Price Increase
It is important to note that this tag fee increase is solely coming from CCWG and is not associated with ALP check off, which has not been increased since January 1, 2008.
|