Flock Talk

Shawn Chadwick gives an overview of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and its operations, explaining that it is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping businesses create safer and healthier workplaces, with a strong presence in agriculture by offering tools, training, and expert advice to prevent injuries and meet compliance without stress. Shawn addresses common risks and safety issues in livestock and small flock operations and emphasizes the importance of proactive safety measures, especially for new and young workers. Shawn breaks down the various recourses and services offered and highlights the benefits of the WSIB Excellence Program, which helps farmers earn recognition and rebates for meeting safety standards. There’s tons of valueable information in this conversation you won’t want to miss!

For more information on Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, visit https://www.wsps.ca/

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Derk Maat, CEO and President at SciCorp International and Matthew Rowe, CEO for the Campaign for Wool discuss their product, SciCorp BIOLOGIC™ which is an eco-friendly industrial odour control and sludge reduction solution that improves waste water treatment and environmental performance across the agricultural sector and beyond. Derk shares how their products benefit sheep farmers struggling with barn ammonia, barn odour and fly issues, ect, and how it improves the speed and effectiveness of common approaches in mortality composting. Derk and Matthew share tips on how to use their products and ensures farmers of their ongoing technical support. Derk and Matt also share how their products help with wastewater from wool scouring operations, and the certifications and testing that’s been done ensuring it’s farm-safe!

For more information on SciCorp BIOLOGIC™ or to book a call, visit https://scicorp.net/

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Dr. Gregory Aitken discussed the benefits of Solvet's Lidobands for pain management in sheep during castration and tail docking. These bands, which contain lidocaine, provide local anesthesia, reducing pain and stress. Aitken highlighted the importance of minimizing stress in sheep, noting that chronic stress can weaken their immune systems. He also mentioned Metacam, an anti-inflammatory, and emphasized the need for practical, low-stress handling systems. Aitken recommended producers consult with veterinarians for pain management strategies and consider investing in flock health visits and pain relief medications. He also shared his background in veterinary medicine and his passion for improving animal welfare and much more!

For more information on Lidoband, visit www.lidoband.com

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Brent Patterson from the Ministry of Natural Resources discusses coyote behaviour and management and explains their range expansion due to human activities and their presence in various parts of North America. Brent explains coyotes' coursing predator behaviour and their familiarity with their territory, including farms and potential vulnerabilities. Brent shares tips that farmers can use to prevent coyote attacks on their flocks plus much much more!

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and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Ali Dehghantanha discussed the growing cybersecurity risks for farmers and the potential impact of cyber attacks on farm operations, emphasizing the vulnerability of digital tools like automated feeding systems and animal health monitors. He highlighted that 80% of farms lack adequate security measures, making them easy targets for attacks. Dr. Ali shared a case where a ransomware attack on a dairy farm caused a calf's death due to delayed recovery. He stressed the need for farmers to implement security measures and advocated for government subsidies to make cybersecurity solutions affordable. Dr. Ali's team at the University of Guelph is developing practical tools to help farmers protect against cyber threats.

For more information or to connect with Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, visit https://cybersciencelab.com/

Sarah Loten details her expertise and experience with livestock guardian dogs such as the importance of having them on the farm, how she helps producers choose the right breed, how she tracks the dogs on her property and provides tips on choosing a breeder. Sarah also discusses essential health checks, vaccinations and deworming and also talks about building the proper environment for the dogs to be successful on farm and so much more!

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

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and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

We’re excited to have Rob Gribble on Flock Talk to share more about Serval’s products and services plus a sneak peak of what they’ll be bringing to this year’s Ontario Sheep Farmer’s Field Day on July 24th at Orono Fairgrounds. Rob talks about what makes their products different from others on the market and a common mistake that could be costing farmers performance or profit when using milk replacers on farm. Rob also talks about Serval product and customer support, how their products are formulated, and how Serval is positioned to help producers stay ahead of the curve with livestock nutrition innovations in the future plus much more!

For more information about Serval Canada and their products, visit https://servalcanada.com/

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and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Trillium Mutual Insurance Company specializes in farm and rural lifestyle insurance and offers a wide range of products to protect the livelihood and operations of Ontario Farmers. Mike Brine talks about farm mutual insurance, and how it’s cooperative model benefits policy holders and the insurance solutions they provide to farmers. Mike also shares how they work with their agricultural clients to determine the level and type of coverage they would need in a way that specifically focuses on farmers. Mike addresses some of the biggest risks to farmers that could be insured and also talks about cyber insurance, potential liability, and some of the proactive risk management tools they utilize. Mike also highlights how Trillium Mutual gives back to the community through some environmental sustainability initiatives.

For more information on Trillium Mutual Insurance or to find a broker, visit https://trilliummutual.com

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and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of Flock Talk, 4-H Ontario’s coordinator of programming & resources, Elizabeth Johnston shares how the organization has evolved to meet the needs of today’s youth in agriculture, how it's has been able to balance traditional hands-on learning with digital online education as well as some of the most valuable skills that members are gaining. Elizabeth also talks about the newly updated version of the 4-H sheep manual and how it reflects where the sheep industry is headed, how organizations like OSF could work more closely with 4-H and what types of support and collaborations could help elevate these programs even further plus much more!

For more information or to get involved at 4-H, visit www.4h-hontario.ca

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and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Derryn Shrosbree is the founder of 33Seven, a Toronto based firm that specializes in farm succession, wealth transfer and continuity planning for Canadian agricultural families. Derryn gives us a brief overview of his farming experience and what drew him in to working with farm families in Ontario. Derryn breaks down what succession planning is, why it’s important, and what farm families should be thinking about when it comes to continuity. Darren also breaks down ways to save on taxes when it comes to wealth transfer, passing down your farm to your family and tax structures that farmers aren’t taking advantage of plus much much more! You don’t want to miss this episode!

For more information or to connect with Derryn Shrosbree, visit www.33seven.ca

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

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and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠