Flock Talk

Founding Director Mike Carter shares how he became involved in Agrivoltaics Canada, what agrivoltaics is and how it integrates renewable energy development with agricultural practices plus the main benefits of agrivoltaics for farmers and the environment compared to traditional solar installations. Mike also discusses the  process of developing an agrivoltaic project,why Ontario has fallen behind in renewable energy development and what changed his mind from working in hydro electrical to working in solar, plus much much more!

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X (formerly Twitter): @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠

This week we discuss sheep mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) with Dr. Shannon Walsh who is a Technical Services Veterinarian at HIPRA Animal Health. Shannon shares the most common causes of mastitis, early signs, preventative measures and new developments plus much more! Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode for Updates at OSF!

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X (formerly Twitter): @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠

This week we discuss Genovis and all this sheep genetics with Delma Kennedy who is a sheep specialist with OMAFRA. Delma and breaks down the Genovis Program, gives insight to performance testing and other data collected for the system plus the impact of the Genovis Program has had on improving specific traits in sheep. Delma also gives commercial producers shares the benefits of the program plus much much more!

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X (formerly Twitter): @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠

Josh Groves of Purebred Sheep Breeder's of Ontario discusses the goals & initiatives of the PSBO and their upcoming Flock Fusion Event on June 29th & 30th which educates those interested in working with PSBO as well as the importance of events like the All Canada Classic Sheep Show & Sale. Josh also shares the objectives of their scholarship program, Canada's registration system for purebred sheep, challenges faced by the PSBO and much more! To learn more, visit PSBO.ca

Nicole Moran, a PHD Student at the University of Guelph discusses the focus of her PHD research and what led her to investigate selenium supplementation in sheep. Nicole shares the various tests and tracking lambs go through to detect low selenium levels, how selenium interacts with other nutrients and its effects on sheep, the different forms of selenium as well as expectations for how selenium supplementation guidelines could change for sheep farmers.

Dr. Neil Karrow, a professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, also adds his experience and expertise to the conversation and shares some of his goals for the study.

So much more information in this episode!

Make sure to stick around to hear about OSF's key priorities for 2024!

This week we officially introduce Jordan Sloggett, Flock Talk's new co-host. Jordan asks Erin some questions about Ontario Sheep Farmers and the sheep industry. This episode provides an in depth look at how the organization operates and its's goals to provide as much value as possible to farmers. Stick around to the end as Erin & Jordan invite farmers to call in with questions for a chance to have them answered on the next Q&A episode last week of May.

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X (formerly Twitter): @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠

Mira Lyonblum shares some of her background on how she came to be the executive director of AgScape, what AgScape is, what they do, the current state of agriculture education in schools. Mira also talks about the importance of agriculture and education, building trust with public plus much more!

To learn more about AgScape and visit https://agscape.ca

This week Erin and new co-host, Jordan Sloggett interview Martin Gooch of Value Chain Management International to talk about Sheep Grading. Martin talks about progress toward adopting and standardizing sheep grading in the industry, its importance and what yield means to each part of the value chain plus where to learn more.

As always, stick around to the very end to hear what's new over at OSF!

Dr. Angela Canovas is a Professor and OAC Research Chair in Phenomics and Systems Biology, Distinguished Professor of Excellence in Research Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants Genomics with the University of Guelph. Dr Canovas shares an overview of her education and experience that lead her to her current career. She also breaks down the difference between genetics and genomics, her current projects, how her research helps farms and her goals for supporting advancements in the sheep industry plus so much more!

Sheep farmer and author Barbara McLean talks about her new book, Shepherd’s Sight: A Farming Life which is a memoir and autobiography of a year in the life after 50 years on her farm. Barbara also describes her writing process, inspiration, taking a photo every day and much more!

Purchase Shepherd’s Sight: A Farming Life by Barbara McLean Here: https://ecwpress.com/products/shepherds-sight

Purchase on Amazon Here: https://a.co/d/9SAmRJp

What’s New!? 

-The Eastern Sheep Expo is April 13th! Stick around to the end of the podcast for details. 

-OSF offers resources for new producers who are required to register with Ontario Sheep Farmers. Visit OntarioSheep.org to complete the form or Download the PDF form and return it to OSF office.