Flock Talk

Professor Michael Rogers of the University of Guelph's Food Science Department discusses the nutritional value of alternative meat plant-based food options compared to traditional meat. Michael shares his research, which involves using simulated digesting equipment and breaks down the categories of processed foods. Michael also addresses common misconceptions about the health benefits of plant...

AgSights' General Manager, Betty-Jo Almond, provides an overview of AgSights and how it works with sheep famers and shares key features of their farm management software. Betty-Jo also discusses how the farm management software and helps farmers track and manage their flocks health & productivity. Betty-Jo also talks about ProcessorLinks, Headwhistle long distance tags and other new and up...

Chris Vervoort talks about how he got involved in the sheep business and started working with Ewe Manage, and what differentiates Ewe Manage from other farm management software.  Chris also dives into the advantages of digitally collecting data and how Ewe Manage helps sheep farmers improve profitability of their operation, the various reports available and transferring data from between user acco...

Dr. Kim Schneider, assistant professor in forage and service crops at the University of Guelph gives an overview of The Living Labs Project, improving soil & crops and the agronomic & environmental benefits of raising cover crops. Kim explains how sheep farmers are involved in the research project, the incentive to participate in the project and how the findings will help sheep famers incr...

CEO of Farmers Hub, Nabil Irfan talks about his journey that lead him to starting Farmers Hub, the problems the mobile app solves, and it’s overall mission. Nabil also shares how the app benefits sheep farmers, and the collaboration with Ontario Sheep Farmers Board of Directors to release a customized version for OSF members. Nabil also discusses seller ratings, verification, avoiding scammers and...

Jackie Fraser, owner of Frabert's Fresh Food, provides an overview of the Ontario Food Terminal, its role in the local food supply chain and also shares her responsibilities as the newly appointed Vice Chair of the board. Jackie also discusses how Frabert's Fresh Food supports local farmers and producers and the importance of prioritizing locally sourced products plus much more! Visit http...

OSF’s on-farm programs lead, Anita O’Brien shares her experience with OMAFRA as well as running a sheep farm in Eastern Ontario and coordinating the Master Shepherd’s Course. Anita shares the inspiration behind the creation of the Master Shepherd’s Course and provides a thorough breakdown including the benefits of taking the course, time commitments, success stories, return on investment, and much...

Owner & operator of Herrington's Quality Butchers in Port Perry, Brent Herrington discusses the impact butchery has on the quality & marketability of their products, current trends and the most popular cuts that customers are interested in. Brent also provides an overview of the Canadian Butchery Team, the World Butcher Challenge and much much more! To learn more about Herrington's...

Erin and Jordan talk sheep related research with Mike McMorris, the CEO of Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC). Recently retired, Mike reflects on some of the highlights of his career and discusses what LRIC does and the significant role it plays in the industry as well as their focus on developing relationships. Mike also gives the sheep industry some heartfelt advice and shares how...

OMAFRA’s Engineering Specialist, Steve Beadle,  discusses the function and importance of barn ventilation, the effects of poor ventilation, and the various types of ventilation systems and what to consider when choosing the right system. Steve also provides tools and methods of measuring and tracking temperature, humidity, ammonia ect. and where to find more out more information.  For more OSF con...

Tim tells listeners about the importance of the role of OMAFRA inspectors, the knowledge & training required to become certified and everything that happens during the inspection process at a slaughter plant. Tim also talks about what condemnation means when it comes to animal or carcass inspection and what deems it condemned plus much much more! For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media...

Mike provides an overview of the Yield More Financing Program with Scotia Bank and how it specifically benefits sheep farmers. Mike shares the eligibility criteria for the program, the max credit amount available, the interest rate, and application process. For more details and to sign-up for Yield More Financing Call:  1-866-603-4188  Email:  yieldmorefinancing@scotiabank.com

Jaye Atkins, CEO of Agricultural Credit Corporation, provides an overview of the two financing programs they have available and invites sheep producers looking to grow their business to apply. Jaye also goes in depth about the application process, qualifications, borrowing rates and their quickest turnaround time in Canada plus much more! For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media Instagram &...

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...

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...

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 m...

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 syste...

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 s...

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 ch...

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 OS...

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,...

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 Purchas...

In this educational episode Don Matheral shares how he got started over 30 years ago and gives producers advice on where to find a shearer, when to shear and how a producer should prepare for shearing plus so much more!  For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers X (formerly Twitter): @OntarioSheep and Visit our Website:  ⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠

Tom & Erin chat with Mark & Chris Ferraro from Brussels Livestock and Ontario Stockyards in Cookstown to discuss their family livestock auctioning business. They share the benefits of buying and selling through auction, best times to sell to maximize profits, future opportunities for lamb producers and much much more! Tune in to get the full scoop as this father/son due share a wealth of i...