News for Sheep Producers in BC

Advance Payment Program now available for Sheep Producers in BC

 The BC Sheep Federation has arranged for the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program to include sheep producers from BC in their Advance Payment Program (APP).  The Advance Payments Program is a federally-funded program that provides producers with a cash advance on the value of their lambs during the growing and finishing phase.  By improving your cash flow throughout the year, the APP helps producers meet their financial obligations and benefit from the best market conditions.  The Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program was established in 2007 and is a producer-driven, non-profit organizations representing 10,000 Manitoba producers, mostly in the beef cattle industry.  MLCA also represents sheep producers from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba – and now BC.  For information on how to apply call 1-866-869-4008 and an application can be mailed or faxed to you. You may also visit their website and download the application at www.manitobalivestock.com.   Financing for sheep may also be available from British Columbia Co-operative Feeder and Bred Heifer Associations in the future. Contact an association near you and the BC Sheep Federation for more information.

Vancouver Island Sheep Producers Receive Certificates of Merit at Canadian Cooperative Wool Grower's AGM

This year the AGM for the Canadian Cooperative Wool Growers was held in Abbotsford BC. Among the producers across Canada recognized for their efforts, two sets of producers from BC, both from Vancouver Island, received  Certificates of Merit. Wayne and Mary Schaad from Black Creek and John and Lorraine Buchanan from Metchosin were the Certificate of Merit winners from BC.   Pieter DeMooy from Central Saanich was the shearer of both flocks.  .
The selection was made by a panel of judges representing the shearing, warehousing, grading, selling and buying aspects of wool. Consideration was given to volume, breeding, care of the fleece, proper preparation and shipment to the Co-op.

BC Sheep Federation surveying farm organizations and sheep producers in the province about the effectiveness of the dog bylaws in their communities.

The BC Sheep Federation will be conducting a scan of regional district and municipal bylaws, as well as seeking input from farm organizations and individual sheep producers, in order to determine the effectiveness of the various dog bylaws in the province. Since the repeal of the Livestock Protection Act in 2003, local governments have had the responsibility of controlling dogs in their communities.  This has been generally in the form of licence tag fees and fines, with some providing compensation to livestock owners who have had livestock killed or injured by stray dogs.  Although the Livestock Protection Act was repealed, the part of the Act allowing livestock owners to shoot and kill dogs chasing or attacking livestock was retained and put into the Livestock Act.  To participate or request more information, please contact Barbara Johnstone Grimmer (250) 629-3817 or firhill@gulfislands.com