Our first ever podcast guest, Dr. Emma Borkowski from the University of Guelph, returns to share updates on her latest research on parasites in sheep including her most important findings and tons more information that can help farmers better manage parasites within their flock.

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Amherst Island producer, Mark Ritchie talks about Footflats Farm, why he chose pasture lambing and some of the biggest factors influencing survival in their pasture-based lambing system. Mark discusses pre-lambing management, maintaining healthy body condition of the ewes and strategies used to navigate cold, wet and windy weather during lambing. Mark also shares some of the more common causes of lamb loss within the first 48 hours of lambing and how he addresses these issues plus much more!

For more information on Footflats Farm, visit their website: https://www.footflats.ca

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

We're joined by Heather Thoma from Farms at Work, an organization based in East Central Ontario that helps farmers and land owners connect, manage land responsibly and strengthen local food systems. Heather shares how Farms at Work got started, how she got involved and the challenges the organization is addressing. Heather also discusses how Farms at Work helps people find land, how they engage with land owners who don't farm and the resources they offer. Heather shares her perspective on how Farms at Work is helping Ontario farmers keep land in agriculture, helping farmlands and farming communities thrive and the organizations future initiatives.

For More Information on Farms At Work, visit: https://farmsatwork.ca/ & https://findfarmland.ca

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shawn Chadwick gives an overview of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and its operations, explaining that it is a not-for-profit organization focused on helping businesses create safer and healthier workplaces, with a strong presence in agriculture by offering tools, training, and expert advice to prevent injuries and meet compliance without stress. Shawn addresses common risks and safety issues in livestock and small flock operations and emphasizes the importance of proactive safety measures, especially for new and young workers. Shawn breaks down the various recourses and services offered and highlights the benefits of the WSIB Excellence Program, which helps farmers earn recognition and rebates for meeting safety standards. There’s tons of valueable information in this conversation you won’t want to miss!

For more information on Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, visit https://www.wsps.ca/

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Derk Maat, CEO and President at SciCorp International and Matthew Rowe, CEO for the Campaign for Wool discuss their product, SciCorp BIOLOGIC™ which is an eco-friendly industrial odour control and sludge reduction solution that improves waste water treatment and environmental performance across the agricultural sector and beyond. Derk shares how their products benefit sheep farmers struggling with barn ammonia, barn odour and fly issues, ect, and how it improves the speed and effectiveness of common approaches in mortality composting. Derk and Matthew share tips on how to use their products and ensures farmers of their ongoing technical support. Derk and Matt also share how their products help with wastewater from wool scouring operations, and the certifications and testing that’s been done ensuring it’s farm-safe!

For more information on SciCorp BIOLOGIC™ or to book a call, visit https://scicorp.net/

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Gregory Aitken discussed the benefits of Solvet's Lidobands for pain management in sheep during castration and tail docking. These bands, which contain lidocaine, provide local anesthesia, reducing pain and stress. Aitken highlighted the importance of minimizing stress in sheep, noting that chronic stress can weaken their immune systems. He also mentioned Metacam, an anti-inflammatory, and emphasized the need for practical, low-stress handling systems. Aitken recommended producers consult with veterinarians for pain management strategies and consider investing in flock health visits and pain relief medications. He also shared his background in veterinary medicine and his passion for improving animal welfare and much more!

For more information on Lidoband, visit www.lidoband.com

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Brent Patterson from the Ministry of Natural Resources discusses coyote behaviour and management and explains their range expansion due to human activities and their presence in various parts of North America. Brent explains coyotes' coursing predator behaviour and their familiarity with their territory, including farms and potential vulnerabilities. Brent shares tips that farmers can use to prevent coyote attacks on their flocks plus much much more!

For more OSF content, follow us on Social Media

Instagram & Facebook: @OntarioSheepFarmers

X : @OntarioSheep

and Visit our Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ontariosheep.org⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Ali Dehghantanha discussed the growing cybersecurity risks for farmers and the potential impact of cyber attacks on farm operations, emphasizing the vulnerability of digital tools like automated feeding systems and animal health monitors. He highlighted that 80% of farms lack adequate security measures, making them easy targets for attacks. Dr. Ali shared a case where a ransomware attack on a dairy farm caused a calf's death due to delayed recovery. He stressed the need for farmers to implement security measures and advocated for government subsidies to make cybersecurity solutions affordable. Dr. Ali's team at the University of Guelph is developing practical tools to help farmers protect against cyber threats.

For more information or to connect with Dr. Ali Dehghantanha, visit https://cybersciencelab.com/