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History of Sheep Production in Saskatchewan
Sheep production is comprised of farm flocks,
range flocks, and finishing operations with production spread throughout
the province. Saskatchewan enjoys a relatively low cost grain for feedlot lamb, with a few larger finishing operations found in the province. Lamb makes it's way to Canadian and USA markets via order buyers, feedlots and public auctions such as the large sales in Tompkins, Weyburn, Moose Jaw and Yorkton, or through the assembly service of the Saskatchewan Sheep Development board.
Sheep production remains a viable low-cost alternative within sustainable agriculture. A relatively low cost of entry, a higher biological efficiency (more than 1 offspring), and additional income opportunity areas such as wool and dairy make sheep production more attractive. In addition, sheep are a positive ecological grazing control, where they are used to manage weeds such as leafy spurge and others found in emerging reseeded forests. As far as grazing requirements go, you can graze 7 sheep for every cow pastured. While the consumption of lamb is relatively low in Canada (1.7 pounds per year in 1995), the opportunity to increase market share in North America is two-fold. Saskatchewan and Canadian lamb is higher quality than products imported from New Zealand and Australia, and the growing population of traditional lamb-eaters provides a ready-made consumer market. In addition to progressive sheep producers, the provincial industry is comprised of three associations which represent various sub-sectors, the largest of which is the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB). With its office in Saskatoon, has the provincial mandate for industry development and is considered the voice of the industry. With five board members elected from five regions across the province, the SSDB administers a checkoff with funds from ID tag sales which support market development, promotion, extension and producer seminars. Other activity includes liaison with government departments, prioritizing research needs, a leafy spurge grazing project, and other public relation activities.
Purebred sheep production is represented by the Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association, who organize shows and sales throughout the year. Seedstock producers are also involved in the development of record keeping systems which track genetic differences in manual and computerized forms. Breeds such as Hampshire, Dorset, Columbia, Suffolk, Rambouillet, and others contribute to a genetic pool that can be carefully crossed for commercial production.
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Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board |
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