On this episode, Erin and Walker are joined by three members of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), Lindsay Dykeman, Andrew Munro, and Michael Barun who recently completed a project exploring how the Ontario sheep industry can work toward supplying 50% of the domestic demand for lamb by 2040. They discuss their findings, the challenges faced by producers and the opportunities for growth across the province. For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers X : @OntarioSheep and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://ontariosheep.org/)

We're delighted to have Brent Herrington of Herrington's Quality Butchers back on the podcast to discuss what consumers really want and how producers can deliver it. Brent shares how his years of experience on a dairy farm and working as a butcher have shaped the way he looks at lamb production and talks about what today's consumers are really looking for when buying lamb as well as some misconceptions that producers may have about what consumers actually want. Brent discusses how consumer trends have changed over the years and how they've influenced the way he markets and prepares lamb today. He also talks about developing strong relationships with producers, the characteristics he looks for in a lamb carcass to provide a great experience for both the butcher and the customer and some missed opportunities that can reduce the value of an otherwise good lamb. Brent shares how he maximizes all the opportunity of the lamb, the various ways he utilizes it, how to grow customer awareness and interest in Ontario Lamb and much more!

This week we have Bill McCutcheon joining Flock Talk to discuss how carcass-based marketing works for Ontario lamb producers. Bill talks about his business and his role on Ontarios lamb industry. Bill talks about the various options available to Ontario sheep producers for marketing lambs and where his program fits. Bill shares what the qualifications are for new producers with market-ready lamb to go through his program and the information producers receive to improve their flock. Bill talks about what producers are paid versus the live auction price and what keeps a producer committed to this marketing option despite market fluctuations plus much more!

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers X : @OntarioSheep and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ (http://ontariosheep.org/)