New brochure promotes benefits of Saskatchewan sheep industry

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

A new brochure, “Why Raise Sheep in Saskatchewan?,” has been produced by the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board (SSDB) and Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF), aimed at promoting the growth of Saskatchewan’s sheep flock.

“Saskatchewan is a leader in Canada in terms of the innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and drive of producers,” said Tara Jaboeuf, Livestock Development Specialist with SAF. “The new sheep brochure is about those characteristics, and the kind of support that has been provided to the industry here.”

The brochure notes that Saskatchewan’s vast land resources and relatively low livestock density are distinct assets for sheep producers, providing a strong foundation for continuing expansion of the sector. It points out that land here is not only available, but also affordable. It quotes land prices of $139 to $225 per acre in Saskatchewan, compared to costs of $248 to $345 per acre in Manitoba, and $438 to $627 per acre in Alberta.

“The sheep industry has maintained its numbers and is poised on the edge of exceptional growth,” Jaboeuf said. “The industry is ready for this growth, and the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board is anticipating it.”

Information on the SSDB in the brochure describes it as a highly organized and productive association. The brochure also outlines the board’s involvement in the industry, including market development, research, promotion, extension and education. There is also discussion of the board’s marketing system, which connects with buyers and brokers across Canada.

In Saskatchewan, there is financial support for sheep producers from government, including the Livestock Loan Guarantee Program and Feedlot Construction Loan Program, which are intended to give sheep producers the opportunity to start and/or expand their flocks with loan guarantees. SAF also funds the Livestock Predation Program, which assists all livestock producers in the management of losses from predation. The program is administered by the SSDB. Saskatchewan Environment also funds the Guardian Dog Program, which assists producers in purchasing guardian dogs to protect their livestock.

“We are the only province to start a value-added lamb processing business to promote lamb products,” noted Jaboeuf.

Canadian Prairie Lamb Inc. was created to facilitate processing of lamb in Saskatchewan, and to add value to the meat by developing new products for the global retail market. The company currently offers eight different products, including seasoned lamb kabobs, two kinds of meatballs and a variety of sausages.

The new “Why Raise Sheep in Saskatchewan?” brochure is available from the SSDB website at www.sksheep.com, or from SAF.

For more information, contact:

Tara Jaboeuf, Livestock Development Specialist
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 933-5099
E-mail: tjaboeuf@agr.gov.sk.ca