Alberta Lamb Producers
Alberta Lamb Producers is a dynamic partner in building a sustainable, thriving industry for sheep producers.
Latest News
June 2013
Managed Grazing module now available
An Introduction to Managed Grazing is a comprehensive grazing guide based on extensive research applicable to Western Canada. It was developed by Alberta Agriculture and is available to producers through Alberta Lamb Producers.
With ever-increasing land and feed costs lamb producers are looking to make the most of their pastures. Managed grazing helps get the most out of pastures by looking after the forages and improving pasture productivity; by selecting forages that can help extend the grazing season and reduce ‘days on feed’; and by managing pastures to meet the nutritional needs of a flock. This module covers the proper techniques for pasture rotation, paddock management and the pros and cons of each type of forage that is available in Western Canada.
This module is free to view or download from the website. Print and electronic copies are also available for purchase.
May 2013
Setting It Up: Sheep Infrastructure module now available
The Setting it Up: Sheep Infrastructure module was designed to help producers create the most cost-and time – effective operation possible. To run a profitable sheep business, producers need to take advantage of every tip, strategy and tool they can. This manual has gathered that information into a one-stop resource.
Topics covered include: Farm planning, Information management, Buildings and penning, Utilities, Feed and water considerations, Fencing and Handling, Manure and Deadstock management.
The module provides a brief description of each topic, and links to a variety of specific information within each topic. To access the information contained in the module, open the module, and click on the title of the numbered document you wish to view.
April 2013
Challenging Market Conditions
ALP is very aware of the impact of low prices on producers; your directors too are producers experiencing these problems. There are no simple solutions, but we will achieve more if we act as a cohesive group to: understand the issues; share our ideas; investigate some strategies. The industry needs your commitment to create constructive ways to work through this time. As always, ALP is committed to open and transparent communications as available. We urge you to stay current with N'eweslines and N'ewesletters so you can receive information and see what is already happening. Your directors are accessible by phone and e-mail to receive your direction and ideas.
April 2013
April N’ewesletter now available
The April N'ewesletter is now available. In this issue:
- Alberta-Canada Market Update
- Growing Forward 2
March 2013
Growing Forward 2 Agricultural Programs Launched in Alberta
Some Growing Forward 2 programs are now accepting applications
Go to www.growingforward.alberta.ca for details and apply as quickly as you can - grants are allocated on a first come, first served basis and demand is high.
For Growing Forward 2 - you do not need a registration number.
See the FAQ tab for helpful information.
Remember - to apply for On Farm Food Safety grants, you must have attended a workshop or register for online training.
Go to www.cansheep.ca for information on the program.
March 2013
Free Lamb death investigation study
Producers have a great opportunity in Alberta to participate in the Small Ruminant Abortion, Stillbirth and Perinatal Mortality Project, provided by Alberta Agriculture. If you are lambing and have had unexplained neonatal deaths, consider participating in this study. For full details and contact information see the full news release.
March 2013
Shepherding 101 module now available
If you are new to the sheep industry, or want to learn more about raising quality market lambs, Shepherding 101 – Getting Started can help. This practical and easy to understand resource was created for people thinking about getting into sheep or expanding their flocks, and serves as an excellent refresher for established producers as well. The module covers a variety of topics, including: an introduction to sheep, considerations setting up facilities, feeding & nutrition, breeding & reproduction, flock health, marketing, and much more.
This module and the Shepherding 101 – Getting Started course have been created as part of the Resources and Tools project. Our thanks go to Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development for their assistance and Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency for funding.
November 2012
Business module now available
Improve your business skills with “The Busine$$ of Sheep", a free and easy to read resource module created for experienced producers as well as for people who are just thinking about getting into sheep production.
Provided with the module are some tools to help you create information to help you make good business decisions, including the Flock Snapshot, a sample business plan and other business tools.
This module links with the new courses; Sheep: Build Your Business 101 and Build a Better Sheep Business 201 - workshops developed in 2012 from Lamb Traceability Project and Precision Flock Management projects - collaborative ventures between Alberta Lamb Producers, Alberta Agriculture and industry stakeholders. Funding from the Alberta Livestock & Meat Agency enabled the material and courses to be created.
New modules coming soon: Grazing and Sheep Infrastructure.
September 2012
SheepBytes now available
A newly launched online software application aims to help reduce the single biggest input cost for lamb producers. Over forty percent of the cost of getting a lamb to market is the cost of feed.
SheepBytes is an online tool that helps adjust feeding rations not only to make them more cost effective, but also to provide optimal flock nutrition for sheep in every stage of production.
For more information, to try out the free demonstration, or to sign up for a subscription to the program, visit: www.sheepbytes.ca (see sidebar for quick link).
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