SKSA Spring Annual Fall Meeting

October 26th - 10:30 am
Elks Hall
Raymore, SK

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!  We need the voice and input of our members!  Please bring an item for lunch.

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From the Editor
by Janette Mish

Well, fellow Katahdin producers, here goes my second attempt at a newsletter!  And this time I would like to ramble on about an article I recently read. It was done by Susan Schoenian, Area Agent for Sheep and Goats at the University of Maryland and presented at the 2002 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.  The article is enetiled "A Cornucopia of Sheep Breeds: which one do I pick?"

The article goes through things to be considered when deciding on a breed of sheep to raise.  Such as meat, wool, milk and if it is a "ewe", "ram" or dual purpose breed, prolificacy, commercial production and so on.  Now, you are wondering where I am going with this information, right?  Well the article rates the Top Ten Ewe Breeds in the United States.  And I found it fairly interesting to note that Katahdin Ewes are rated as Number 5 on that Top Ten list!!

Unfortunately, at this point in time our rams didn't make that list, but in order to have those top Katahdin ewes we need producers breeding with pure rams!  I believe that if we hang in there and keep working on our industry in time we will make our mark on the Canadian sheep industry as well.  It seems that the USA has learned the benefits of Katahdins but our Canadian buyers are lagging behind.

In other articles I have read, the purebred Katahdin is considered an exception "ewe breed" and is used in commercial based production in the USA.  They make wonderful mothers that raise hybrid market lambs.  However, you do need those purebred Katahdin ewes in order to achieve Hybrid Vigour.  Once you have crossed the ewes, each generation loses those mothering abilities of that Katahdin - so someone needs to keep raising purebred Katahdins!!  Hopefully, in the future, we will have a federal slaughter facility and/or a market for the remainder of our Katahdins.

Like I said, just some ramblings - but remember bring those Katahdins out to the Agribition and show off what our breed really has to offer.

**If you have any submissions or suggestions for the newsletter, please feel free to contact me at:

- Phone: 306-429-2221
- Fax: 306-429-2221
- email: jmish@sasktel.net 
- or by mail: Box 218  Glenavon, SK  S0G 1Y0

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Classified Advertising is now free to SKSA members.

When submitting information by fax....be advised that it does not always reproduce logos adequately enough for publication.  If you can, please mail logos.

Please send payment for advertising to the treasurer:
Terry Shackleton
Box 463
Kipling, SK
S0G 2S0

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Membership fees are used for the following purposes:

• To send information packages to prospective Katahdin buyers.  This package consists of the latest membership list, promo material, and a complimentary newsletter.
• To pay for the printing and distribution of a quarterly newsletter.  At present, Carol Cairns is the newsletter co-ordinator.
• We bring the taste of Katahdin to potential customers through promos in stores and trade fairs.
• Promote breeding stock through booths at trade fairs, giving the opportunity to view first rate Katahdins and talk to Katahdin owners.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

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Many producers are well into lambing and some are already done.  I hope everyone had some good luck with their percentages, I myself will be lambing the end of May, first part of June.

Many things are happening in the sheep industry, as you read through this newsletter you will hopefully become more familiar with what's going on.  Most producers have received letters from the Lamb Marketing Initiative Steering Committee as well as Living Sky Products - Tom Porter.  If you have any questions regarding either of these initiatives, please call me at 306-874-5484.

Our Annual Spring General Meeting will be coming up shortly.  The fall meeting was poorly attended with less than 20 producers present.  We must have 20 or more to have a quorum, the lack of interest was very surprising.  Usually when things are tough, producers come out to voice their concerns and look for some kind of insight as to what the future holds for the sheep industry.

Many potentially positive things are happening with the sheep industry.  It is very important to the SKSA Board of Directors to hear from you as we do need to know what direction our Association should go.  Without our producers as members, the Association has no future.

Hopefully, we will have a good turn out March 23rd, and our Board will not be faced with making a decision on the future of the SKSA.

Plan to attend.

Lillian Meekins,
President SKSA

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Sask. Ag & Food: provided assistance op Sherri Dobbs (Specialty Livestock Specialist), Roy White (Industry Development), and new to the project Amos Skinner (Industry Development).  These individuals are providing services to our Canadian Prairie Lamb Committee and it is very valuable.  Sask. Ag & Food is providing funding for us through the ANGen Program.  Funding under this program is provided for market assessment, feasibility study, business plan, membership offering, market plan and professional assistance.  Dave Fiddler: (Horizon Consulting) expertise in development of such a project.

Today Canadian Prairie Lamb is functioning, product is reaching the consumer.  Lamb is being slaughtered at Canada West Foods, being shipped to Saskatchewan Food Centre and being processed currently into two products; Marinated Kabobs and Cooked Lamb in Moroccan Orange Sauce.  Shortly we plan to add more products to our product line.  These products are being distributed to select restaurants in Regina and soon restaurants in Saskatoon will be added.  From there we will continue to expand.  So, at the present time, we are concentrating on the restaurant trade.

We still have a long hard rode ahead as we need to secure some kind of network that would see a huge increase in volume.  This would require more lambs and hopefully a larger demand for lamb would mean a better price.

I will keep you posted as new developments occur.

Have a great fall and I do hope that lamb prices increase soon.

~Lillian Meekins

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by Lillian Meekins
Saskatchewan Katahdin Sheep Association

Hope that most of you have enough feed for the winter.  Things sure have changed in this province, from being to dry to too wet for the crops.  "Only in Saskatchewan" isn't that the saying or another one is "Wait a minute and the weather will change."  For livestock producers who were facing a real shortage of feed, the rains were a godsend.  Instead of a shortage we now have a surplus in some areas.  Quality may not be very good, but at least we have feed.

For producers who are intending on feeding silage or green feed, talk to your area Ag. Rep or look at some of the information offered in the Sheep Shape Magazine.  The article I am referring to is "Drought & Feeding Sheep."  The information for this article was provided by Susan Hosford, AAFRD & Wray Whitmore, MFA.  She gives recommeded rations for flushing, feeder lambs, ewe maintenance.  This is a very worthwhile article to look at.  You can also talk to your feed company nutritionist about feeding silage and green feed.  It is recommended that you feed limestone with these feeds as they are very rich and may cause lameness.  I actually experienced lameness in some of my ewes this summer.  It was a very stang thing sas my ewes had been out on my rye pasture for two weeks and then pulled off for two weeks and put on another pasture.  In the meantime the rains came and my rye grew quite tall and lush.  When I put my flock back out on the rye I had about 6 to 8 ewes that became lame for a couple of day sand then they got over it.  I investigated and found out that it was from the lushness of the rye.

If you are thinking of applying for the Drought Assistance Herd Retention Program or LIvestock Drought Loan Program, you can get the application forms fromt he RM Office in your area.  Deadline for application is Dec. 31, 2002.

Canadian Prairie Lamb is the name that was given to the organization which I sit as a producer representative.  Our partners are:

• Sask. Food Centre: Product & packaging development & processing
• Agri-food Innovation Fund: Market & product development funding
• CARDS: Funding for both the Value Chain Initiative and for our New Marketing Initiative which includes a marketer, brand development & promotion

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Well, the Canadian Western Agribition is fast approaching once again!  With our entries being so low last year, the CWA has expressed concern about the future of our show.  This event is an important tool in marketing our animals and it would be a shame if the CWA was forced to cancel it due to low numbers.  I have also been informed by a producer that has sold sheep to the Mexican market that they will be returning to purchase more animals.  So, bring out your top quality animals and keep your show alive!

The CWA is also a great time with lots of socializing, visiting with fellow sheep producers and exchanging ideas about lambing, feed rations, predator control, etc... Our judge for the show this year will be Brent Brooks from Rosthern, SK and it will take place in Barn 5 (the sheep barn).

• Arrival: 8:00 am
  • Sheep must be stabled by 12:00 noon Thursday, November 28, 2002
• Shows:
  • 6:00 pm Thursday November 28, 2002: Costume & Junior Show
  • 2:00 pm Friday November 29, 2002: Open Purebred Show
• Sales:
  • 2:00 pm Saturday, November 30, 2002 Sale in the Sheep Barn

Notes:

• Entry fees are $15.00 per entry plus GST with an entry deadline of October 15, 2002.
• Entry forms and show books may be obtained by calling 306-565-0565 or at www.agribition.com.
• The CWA has implemented a $10.00 plus GST substitution fee and all substitutions must be in to the SKSA chairperson by 2:00 pm Thursday, November 28, 2002.
• Ribbons will be awarded to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place finished only with the first 5 being called forward.
• The Vet inspection will be immediately following the Junior show on
• There will be unlimited entries for each breeding class.
• Show animals will be released 8:00 pm Saturday November 30, 2002 with sale animals being released following the sale.

This is my last year as show chairman.  I have been involved with the CWA for 5 years and I have enjoyed doing it.  It is an exciting great time.  The first few years that I organized our show I was very nervous that I might forget to do something, but with Terry Shackleton (Barn Boss) there to help me, everything went smoothly.  A big THANK YOU to Terry!  I am also resigning as a Board of Director and from the Marketing Position.  As you all know, we have tried many marketing avenues but we always ran into a dead end.  The bottom line is that we need a Federally Inspected Slaughter Plant to do any type of real marketing outside of Saskatchewan.  So, I do hope that Tom Porter has success in his venture.  I have enjoyed working with all of you over the years and I'm sure I'm going to miss not being part of the SKSA.  Also, Arnold and Thelma Terry from Fairy Glen have graciously agreed to look after the Saskatoon market with Federated Co-op.  So, I wish you all the best of luck and I'll see you at the Fall meeting in Raymore.

Agribition Showing Information by Jean L'Arrivee

In the midst of a struggling industry, we must find avenues to display what a truly great product we have!  Our numbers were low for the Agribition last year, but we must remember that this is one avenue in which we can advertise our quality animals.  It aids us in keeping our Katahdins visible and promotes our industry.  So, in order to assist our future exhibitors, I have put together a list of items and some information that you will require in order to show you animals.  If you have any questions after viewing this information, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Louis at 769-8981.  We would be glad to help you!!

First, you must enter your sheep!  You can do that by calling 565-0565 to obtain an entry form and exhibitors book or by visiting www.agribition.com  and printing off the required information.  Also, keep in mind that all entries must be in by Oct. 15/02!  They can be faxed with the entry fee and original following in the mail.  Your animals must have their original registration papers present for the CWA show.

There is a block of rooms set aside for the association if you require a place to stay.  They are at the Quality Inn and you can call 569-4656.  The SKSA will also be hosting a social Friday evening and the location will be determined by the fall meeting.  We will again attempt one of our famous auctions for the association, so if you have an item you would like to donate, please bring it out!!  It is an excellent time to socialize with our members and exhibitors and have some fun!

Now here are some of the items you will need in order to exhibit your Katahdins at Agribition:

• straw
• feed for sheep
• water pails
• halters
• fork
• rubber boots
• bottom of a wet suit
• soap
• water hose and sprayer (12 feet is good)
• rags for wiping nose and eyes
• towels and dryer for drying
• tack box (big rubbermaid container works great)
• combs & brush for finishing
• lawn chairs
• a sign with your farm name is also a nice touch
• a cooler with snacks & drinks as you will be busy!
• a photo album with pictures of your sheep

Well I hope this list helps you out a bit and I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you at Agribition.  And, remember, call if you need any other information!!

Fitting Katahdin Sheep

• Wet sheep thoroughly with warm water.  Lather in a shampoo.  Orvus, a livestock shampoo is recommended, however, any mild shampoo could be used.
• Rinse well to remove all traces of shampoo.
• Remove as much water as possible with a thick towel.
• Trim feet while still soft from washing. (The major trimming should have been done 2 weeks prior to show.)  Take off overturned hoof parts, level to sole.  Square off toe.  Caution:  Do Not over trim because this could result in lameness.
• Use shears or scissors to trim unruly areas.
• Blow dry lifting the hair with a curry comb or hair pick to lift hair and create fullness throughout.  Mousse may be added to the hair in the rump area to create more fullness.
• To add lustre use a spray shine product such as “Show Sheen” a livestock product or any similar human hair product.  Do not spray the face because this could irritate the eyes. (Once home wash the products off the sheep, and dry thoroughly.)
• Wipe face, ears and nose with a moist rag.
• Wipe head and face with a rag moistened with mineral oil.  This will add shine to these areas.
• Cover with a blanket if travelling in a dusty trailer.

In The Show Ring: Pre-Show Preparation and Training

• Fit sheep with a good fitting rope halter for training and a nylon halter for showing.  Make sure the rope halter tightens under the chin, not over the head.  The lead rope should come out the left side.  The nose band should be up under the eyes, rather than down around the nose area where it may interfere with breathing.
• To get the sheep used to the halter, tie them  to a sturdy fence every day starting with a short period of time.
• When your animal is no longer fighting the halter you can start teaching it to lead.  The sheep should walk beside you with no appearance of lagging, rushing ahead or fighting the halter.

• After it is leading well, you can practice stopping it and setting up the feet so that the animal looks the best it can.  The feet should be placed wide and square under the body.  Have someone else hold the sheep so that you can look at it from a distance, as though you were the judge.  Do this with each sheep you will be showing because the stance may be different

• Keep your eye on the judge.  Make adjustments on your sheep when it is not the focus of the judge’s attention.

• Always place the sheep between yourself and the judge.
• When the sheep are stationary, crouching down behind your sheep will make the animal more visible.  Use your own judgement, if your sheep are high strung they may take this opportunity to bolt.  Do not rest your hands on the sheep’s back while under judge’s view.
• Dress according to the dress code of the show.  And, above all keep calm and move slowly.
• Treat the judge with respect even if you disagree with the placing.
• Only approach the judge with questions after the show, and have fun!!

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REMINDERS!!

I was recently in contact with Tom Porter of Living Sky Products to see where things were with him.  I thought that our Katahdin producers may be interested in what he has been doing lately, so I asked him to submit an update on his venture.  The following information is what he submitted:

"The proposed federal standard slaughter plant is moving ahead.  Complete information is listed at www.livingskyproducts.com Bank financing of $1.5 million is committed and one of several venture capitalists will commit depending on industry investment.  A large number of Western Canadian producers (sheep, goat, emu, ostrich and rabbit) will be able to own the plant.  Producer ownership allows greater control and an additional source of net farm income.  The approval process will be completed during the next four months (Canadian Food Inspection Agency, SaskWater and the RM of Vanscoy).  A conditional offer has been accepted to buy a parcel of land that is 6 miles west of Saskatoon on Highway #14.  Construction will begin following industry investment.  Public meetings will be held across Western Canada in October and November.  Please consult the website or call Tom Porter (306) 241-2117 anytime day or night."

At this point in time the SKSA is not involved in this venture, but we are keeping track of what direction it is headed.  The above information may or may not be of interest, but is a summary of what is going on.

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SKSA Annual Fall Meeting to be held in the Elks Hall in Raymore, SK, October 26 @10:30 am

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SKSA Social - Friday November 29th!  We will once again be having an acution to benefit the association.  So please bring an item to auction off it possible and come out and socialize with fellow Katahdin producers.  The time and place will be finalized by the Annual Meeting.

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CKSA Annual Meeting will be held Saturday November 30th, 2002 at 10"15 am upstairs in the Winter Fair Building at the Canadian Western Agribition Grounds.

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One more important thing!!  With Agribition fast approaching, we are in need of some volunteers.  If you are able to help out in anyway, please contact Val Crozon at 306-874-2063

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Internet Update by Janette Mish

This is just a brief updated on our SKSA website.  For the months of August and September we have had a total of 4987 hits and a total of 613 actual visits.  In case you don't remember from the last newsletter, a hit is someone that is on our site for up to 30 minutes and a visit is someone that was on our site for more than 30 minutes.  So we have some pretty impressive numbers for the summer months!  So remember the site is free to SKSA members, get your pictures and information together and we can put them on there as well, or if you want to simply put a classified ad on the site there is a spot for that as well.  This is a valuable advertising tool and we the members need to make the most of it!!!!  So if you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call and I will gladly help you out.  I can be reached at 306-429-2221 or by email at jmish@sk.sympatico.ca 

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