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The Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB) with its office in Saskatoon, has been given responsibilities and authorities under a specific mandate enacted by legislation, the SSDB is responsible to collect a service fee (check-off) in order to promote and develop the industry. The direction for the SSDB is provided by a Strategic Plan developed by the producer membership of Saskatchewan. To become members, producers are required by the Agri-Food Act 2004 Producer Registration Order 20/10 to complete a no-charge registration annually. Five board members elected from the five regions across the province represent the producers of Saskatchewan. The board operates under the regulatory structure of the Saskatchewan Agri-Food Council. Orders and annual reports from the council can be located at the Agri-Food Council website.

Mission Statement

To develop,improve and grow the Saskatchewan Lamb and Sheep Industry by providing services to producers, promotion and marketing of lamb, sheep and their products

SSDB Focus Areas

1. Marketing and market development (live & value-added)
2. Extension and referral services
3. Communication and information transfer
4. Industry issues
5. Program implementation (i.e. traceability, OFFS)
6. Industry promotion
7. Development and research
8. Industry representation and liaison
9. Sustainability of the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board
10. Providing access to production supplies (Ewe Shoppe)

Vision Statement

A lamb and sheep industry that is competitive, viable and environmentally sustainable, growing and responding to market opportunities, consumer demands and providing support for all production and processing methods.

Current Flock Statistics

The following table contains the distribution of ewes and registered producers within Saskatchewan for 2011.

Region	Reg'd Producers	Size of flock
Central	183	9,743
Northeast	157	9,374
Northwest	142	7,874
Southeast	296	22,994
Southwest	144	13,883

Industry Issues

1. Predation
2. Limited availability of federal slaughter and processing facilities.
3. Perception that lamb production is not a viable agriculture option.
4. SSDB balancing producer expectations and financial resources.