“3rd Annual Sheep Shearing Course” scheduled for March 23 & 24 of this year.  It runs 8:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.  It is taught by Shawn Fajnor at J & M Farms just outside of Lethbridge, AB. 

Shaun will teach you how to shear your own sheep. 

The cost is $275.00 + GST.  You will need to register and send in the non-refundable deposit to save your spot as they can only accommodate 14 students maximum. 

Snacks and lunch will be provided for the 2 days.

To register, please contact:
jmfarms@look.ca and mention “Sheep Shearing School” in the subject line of your email.
You may also contact Jim or Margaret Oosterhof by phone: 403-317-0330.

From the Canadian Animal Health Institute:

Effective December 1, 2018 a Veterinary Prescription Will Be Required to Obtain Medically Important Antibiotics for use in Animals.
Change is coming. Medically important antibiotics used in animals will have to be accessed by prescription from a licensed veterinarian as of December 1, 2018. To help farmers, ranchers and animal owners prepare for these changes, we ask that you hang the following poster in a prominent, high traffic area within your facility. This poster lists the impacted antibiotics by brand name and category of medical importance to help animal owners identify the products they currently use.

As of December 1, 2018, a veterinary prescription will be needed to purchase medically important antibiotics (antimicrobials) for use in an animal. These drugs will no longer be available for purchase at livestock medicines outlets, co-operatives, or other places where over-the-counter animal medications are currently sold. Medically important antibiotics will only be available, with a veterinary prescription, from a veterinarian, pharmacist or as a mixed medicated feed from a commercial feed mill.

Wheels on Fire
Spin-in at La Ferme Moore!  

Les Rouets en Feu
Spin-in à La Ferme Moore!

Fibre enthusiasts from the Ottawa and Gatineau region met at the La Ferme Moore on Saturday, January 20th for the first annual Wheels on Fire/Rouets en Feu spin-in. 

The event, hosted by the Ottawa Valley Weavers and Spinners Guild, gave spinners the opportunity to practice their craft away from distractions at home, meet other spinners and shop for items produced by regional farmers and craftspeople.

There were also demonstrations of "ceinture fléchée" (arrow sash) finger weaving and the operation of an antique sock...

CCWG Wool Market and Business Update – Fall 2017

During the 2016/17 wool marketing season there has been a very significant contrast comparing the fine and coarse wool markets. Fine wool has experienced solid global demand and record prices have been achieved for many wool types 22 micron and finer.  A number of factors can be attributed to this success including the positive international branding of Merino wool.  As well, new and innovative wool products such as double faced and fake fur fabrics being manufactured in China have created new consumers for wool and these products require significant quantities of fine wool to produce.  
The specifications for Chinese government uniforms including military, railway and postal etc have recently been changed to favour more fine wool content and huge quantities of wool are required for these contracts.  In China mills are currently focused on increasing productivity and product quality, they have also made significant capital investment in order to comply with new stringent government environmental regulations. 

The broader crossbred wool market has struggled the past 18...

Nominations for 2018 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer

Here’s your chance to recognize someone with the title of the 2018 Ontario Outstanding Young Farmer. The OYF program is designed to recognize farmers that exemplify excellence in their profession and promote the tremendous contribution of agriculture to Ontario’s economy. We are seeking nominations of farmers who contribute to their community, who seek new opportunities and who generally are assets to Ontario’s agri-food industry.

Anyone can nominate a young farmer/farm couple/farm partnership for the award.

The OYF program begins each year with the nomination of farmers at the local level. This award will be presented at the Regional Event to be held next September, in conjunction with Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock.

Nominees must meet the following criteria:

• between the ages of 18 – 39
• be farm operators
• derive a minimum of 2/3 of their income from farming

More information about OYF & nomination forms can be found at

Wheels on Fire - Spin-in at La Ferme Moore!

Please join us at la Ferme Moore in Gatineau, Quebec (Hull sector) for a day of spinning or any other fibre-filled activity.

The date is Saturday, January 20, 2018  from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
The entry fee is only $5 per person and there will be door prizes and local vendors.
Food and beverages are available at the farm’s café or at nearby restaurants.
There is an elevator for people with mobility issues.  Parking is free.
La Ferme Moore is easily to get to from Ottawa! 
MAP LINK : https://goo.gl/maps/Pa4GYSp2Asv
We’ll be sending more information about this event, in mid-December. Hope to see you at the spin-in!

Les Rouets en Feu - Spin-in à La Ferme Moore!