Health Canada issued a temporary stop sale order for all Deccox products in Canada due to a regulatory compliance issue with an ingredient supplier said animal nutrition company Philbro Animal Health Corporation.

Deccox, the trade name for decoquinate products sold by Philbro, is a non-antibiotic medication for preventing coccidiosis in calves. It’s administered through feed, milk or milk replacers, according to Philbro’s site.

There are no safety or efficacy concerns with Deccox, the company said in a fact sheet posted to the Ontario Sheep Farmers website. It said the issues are with the manufacturer of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), not Philbro and are procedural in nature. Products are not being recalled.

No other products in the company’s portfolio are affected.

Health Canada hasn’t provided a timeline for the stoppage, Philbro said.

“Philbro is working closely with the API manufacturer to obtain clarification and will communicate updates as soon as additional information becomes available,” it added.

Coccidiosis is a disease affecting calves which is caused by protozoan parasites according to an article from Ohio State University. Infection can cause symptoms ranging from depressed appetite and poor weight gain to bloody diarrhea and death.

Coccidiosis can affect calves as young as three weeks of age but is most frequently diagnosed at stressful times like weaning or entry to a backgrounding operation or feedlot, the Ohio State University article said. Calves usually develop immunity by one year of age.

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Canadian farmers and ranchers held 11.1 million cattle and calves on Jan. 1, up 2.5 per cent from one year before. Inventories rose across all categories of cattle. Beef heifers for breeding were up 4.8 per cent and beef cows were up 1.9 per cent.

Producers held 3.6 million calves, 4.3 per cent more than a year prior. This was mainly due to a 42.7 per cent increase in international imports of calves between July and December.

In the last six months of the year, slaughter of cattle and calves fell by 6.5 per cent to 1.6 million head, StatCan said. International exports dropped by 8.9 per cent to 361,300 head. Despite decreases, feeder and slaughter cattle prices climbed to record highs over the latter half of 2025 on global demand.

Hog inventories down

Canadian hog farmers reported 13.9 million hogs on farms as of Jan. 1, down 0.8 per cent from one year prior. They reported 1.2 million sows and gilts — up 0.4 per cent. The number of boars was unchanged at 15,300 head.

The pig crop for the second half of 2025 rose by three per cent year-over-year to 15.2 million. StatCan attributed this to an increase in demand from processors and international trade.

International exports of live hogs were up eight per cent year over year at 3.5 million head. Hog slaughter rose by 1.8 per cent to 10.9 million head.

Sheep and lamb inventory up

Canadian sheep and lamb inventories rose by three per cent year over year to 833,000 head.

The sheep breeding herd was up 2.2 per cent as inventories of ewes and replacement lambs both increased. Ram numbers were stable.

Sheep and lamb slaughter fell by 2.9 per cent year over year between July and December. Average producer prices for slaughter lambs fell well below those in the previous six months.

Between July and December, international exports of live sheep and lambs rose by 19.5 per cent to 4,900 head.

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According to Dr. Rob Swackhammer, veterinarian with Upper Grand Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ont., who specializes in large animal veterinary care, these situations can often be managed with a little common sense and confidence.

“Having the basic skills and self-confidence to assist an animal that’s uncomfortable not only improves the animal’s welfare but can be the difference between calling the vet or not, or even buying time until the vet arrives,” says Swackhammer. Knowing what to look for and how to manage an animal health situation can also provide a veterinarian with valuable information to make timely decisions.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Swackhammer often works with clients to educate them on early symptoms and signs of animal illness or distress. He shares his practical on-farm approach with farmers to identify common issues, how to manage emergency situations and when to call in a veterinarian for help.

Here are the top four animal health concerns Swackhammer believes livestock farmers should be able to identify and know what to do if faced with the situation. 

1. Dystocia 

Commonly known as an abnormal or difficult birth, dystocia can occur at any stage of labour, in all types of livestock and at any age.

Swackhammer advises farmers to brush up on the stages of labour based on the type of animal they have. For example, the first stages of labour in a cow could take up to five hours, and once feet are presented the calf should be born within the hour. Understanding the labour stages can help farmers understand if the situation is prolonged or problematic, and if they need to call a veterinarian for help.

If an animal’s labour becomes prolonged or it exhibits signs of discomfort, Swackhammer advises farmers to perform an internal examination. “The ability to properly assess an animal, like checking on the position of the baby, can help everyone make informed decisions. If a vet needs to be called, the ability to provide as much information over the phone about the length of labour and position of the baby inside the mother will benefit everyone, especially the animal in distress,” says Swackhammer.

“If labour is going well and progressing there is no need to touch the animal,” Swackhammer reminds farmers. “But knowing when to step in can save the baby and result in a healthier mother.”

Of course, mitigating dystocia can be managed even before the animal becomes pregnant, by selecting sires that offer calving, lambing, foaling or kidding ease and proper nutrition to maintain ideal animal body weight and animal condition before and during pregnancy. 

Swackhammer recommends pregnancy checks or ultrasounds to identify the accurate birth timing and determine if the animal is carrying multiples. He reminds farmers that the more information you know ahead of time, the better prepared you can be.

When it comes to being prepared, having the right supplies on hand is a must. These should include OB gloves and lube, clean rope, anti-inflammatory medication, needles and syringes, and colostrum. 

Swackhammer reminds farmers that wearing personal protection when assisting with livestock births is important because some zoonotic diseases can be transmitted to humans. 

A clean and dry environment where animals can be caught easily and restrained, if necessary, should also be prepared to reduce stress on the animals and farm workers.

2. Scours

Scours refers to diarrhea and is most common in young animals, such as calves, lambs, piglets, kids and foals. It’s a common and potentially serious condition that can lead to dehydration, weakness and even death if not treated promptly. 

According to Swackhammer, the best defence against scours is colostrum. Ideally, every newborn animal should drink colostrum within eight hours of birth to reduce the risk of scours. Young animals should also have access to plenty of clean water to supplement their hydration.

Watery, loose feces are the most common signs of scours. Young animals can also show signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes and a dry mouth or nose. They can also be lethargic and show little interest in nursing, drinking or eating.

Early intervention is key to managing scours. As soon as signs are detected, the animals should be quarantined to reduce the transmission of pathogens to other young animals. If the animals are on pasture, Swackhammer advises farmers to rotate pastures and isolate sick animals to reduce pathogen buildup in the animals’ environment. 

Early treatment can be as simple as supplementing the young animal’s hydration with oral electrolytes once or twice a day. Electrolytes can be easily fed with a bottle and, as an added benefit, can help reduce the risk of acidosis in young animals. Swackhammer reminds farmers to read and follow label directions when administering all medication, including electrolytes. Providing an anti-inflammatory can also help young animals recover faster and keep them comfortable.

Swackhammer says it’s time to call the veterinarian when more severe signs of dehydration and lethargy are visible, or if the animal doesn’t respond to electrolytes. He explains that more severe stages of scours can be identified by drooping ears, sunken or glazed eyes, or if the young animal has difficulty standing. 

“That’s when you really need to call your vet,” he says, reminding farmers to keep detailed records of the illness timeline and any medication they have administered to provide the veterinarian with the most accurate and timely information.

If a herd or flock is prone to scours, Swackhammer advises farmers to consult with their veterinarian about preventative vaccine programs for mature animals that can help reduce the risk when young animals are born.

3. Lameness

Lameness is a frequent issue in livestock and, according to Swackhammer, the most common cause is foot rot. This is especially prominent during the muddy seasons of spring and fall, and that’s why he reminds farmers that prevention starts with keeping a clean and dry environment for livestock.

“Lameness due to foot rot can look like a broken foot, too,” says Swackhammer, noting that other common signs include swelling and an animal’s inability to bear weight on the foot. 

On-farm treatments can start with a long-acting antibiotic that should show signs of improvement within two days. Administering an anti-inflammatory is also recommended to reduce swelling and improve recovery time. 

If the animal doesn’t respond to treatment, or doesn’t improve within two days, Swackhammer recommends calling a veterinarian for a consultation. He says that in prolonged cases, it’s best to seek professional medical care to determine the cause and best course of treatment.

4. Respiratory infections

“Pneumonia is the predominant respiratory illness in livestock, especially in young animals,” says Swackhammer. He says that once again colostrum is a young animal’s best defense, along with a clean, dry and well-ventilated environment. 

Signs of pneumonia in young animals can vary, but common symptoms include coughing, laboured or rapid breathing, nasal discharge, fever and lethargy. Swackhammer says that in cases of respiratory illness, he recommends calling a veterinarian if any of these signs appear, especially if an animal is open-mouth breathing. 

Having a thermometer on hand to monitor the animal’s temperature is the first step to managing pneumonia. He says the first line of treatment will likely be a long-acting antibiotic, but that should be directed by a professional. And if there’s no response to treatment within 24-48 hours, then a second call to the veterinarian is recommended. 

Infected animals should also be quarantined, and nose-to-nose contact with other animals should be restricted or prevented altogether.

To help prevent pneumonia, farmers can start by minimizing stress in young animals. “Stress weakens an animal’s immune system and increases their risk of picking up bacteria and infections, especially respiratory infections,” explains Swackhammer.

Some of the most stressful periods in a young animal’s life can be weaning and transportation. Swackhammer advises farmers to consider a pre-weaning vaccination program to reduce the risk of illness and a weaning program that reduces animal stress. These management considerations can also help manage stress and boost immunity during transportation, reducing the risk of “shipping fever,” a common term for respiratory illness in livestock.

Empowering farmers

“Farmers are resourceful and intuitive, they just need to feel empowered sometimes, and have the proper tools and skill set to take action,” says Swackhammer, who recommends that farmers consult with their veterinarian to learn more about these common illnesses and what they can do to prevent and manage them on their own farm.

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Adopting a proactive approach to animal care is one of the most effective ways to minimize veterinary costs.

“Establishing animal health protocols and early intervention as a regular practice on your farm can not only enhance the health and well-being of livestock, but can help farmers manage a reasonable vet bill, too,” says Dr. Rob Swackhammer, veterinarian with Upper Grand Veterinary Services in Guelph, Ont. 

Swackhammer, who specializes in large animal veterinary care and focuses on fostering a preventative health approach with his clients, says, “The more systems we can put in place on the farm that promote good nutrition, reduce the stress of animal handling and minimize the risk of disease, the better off our animals and overall farm operation will be.” 

• RELATED: Veterinary know-how on the farm

As a farmer himself, Swackhammer has some practical advice for livestock management systems. These recommendations come from decades of personal and professional experience, combined with lessons his clients have learned first-hand.

Eight strategies for managing and preventing animal health issues on the farm

1. Animal nutrition: Managing the risk of any animal health concern starts with the right diet. Swackhammer recommends farmers consult their nutritionist to develop rations that provide proper nourishment and help farmers achieve their production goals in the most efficient and healthy way.

2. Vaccination and deworming programs: Establishing regular vaccination and deworming programs for livestock is a valuable investment in the animal health and welfare of a herd or flock. An effective program can also have an impact on livestock productivity and protect farm workers against the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases and parasites.

Swackhammer recommends farmers consult with their veterinarian to develop a program and determine the right products, method of administration, timing and frequency. 

3. Proper handling facilities: “Sometimes the greatest obstacle to animal health is the inability to catch and restrain the animal for treatment,” says Swackhammer. Integrating proper animal handling facilities, such as a chute or locking head gate where animals can be safely restrained, not only reduces the stress on the animal but creates a safer working environment for farm workers. Swackhammer advises farmers to invest in equipment that fits their farm, noting the setup doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive, but it has to work when you need it. He recommends farmers consult with an animal handling equipment company or advisor if they need help creating a solution.

To reduce the stress on animals and farm workers in the face of an animal health emergency, Swackhammer also suggests running livestock through the handling system periodically to allow everyone — animals and employees — to become comfortable. He also points out that if a veterinarian is required, restraining the animal before the veterinarian arrives will make the visit more efficient and easier on the pocketbook.

4. Veterinary emergency kit: Having a livestock on-farm first aid kit is the best way to help farmers prepare for animal health issues. Swackhammer recommends stocking the kit with supplies that can be used in emergency situations that can’t wait an hour for the veterinarian to arrive and for general day-to-day concerns that could prevent a veterinarian visit. 

Farmers can easily create their own on-farm emergency kit with the help of their local veterinarian who can advise on specific items they should have on hand. These could include basic go-to tools, such as a thermometer, medical gloves, needles and syringes, along with anti-inflammatory medication and electrolytes.

“Being prepared with the proper tools on hand can help minimize an emergency, or at least prevent a bad situation from getting worse,” says Swackhammer. “Something as simple as having a thermometer to take an animal’s temperature can also help streamline a call to a vet and determine the right course of action.”

5. Build confidence and skills: Farmers who feel confident in their ability to handle animal health issues are better equipped to make informed decisions and provide necessary care on their own. Often, this confidence is built through experience, skill development and in collaboration with a local veterinarian. “Becoming comfortable with giving an animal an injection is a great first step,” says Swackhammer, who encourages farmers to pursue hands-on training opportunities and educational courses to build their skills.

6. Record-keeping: Maintaining accurate health records is essential, particularly when it comes to diagnosing and treating animals effectively. Having the information readily available to share with a veterinarian if a problem arises is also important. Key information that should be recorded includes the animal’s birth date or arrival on the farm, vaccination and deworming programs and treatment schedules, any past illnesses or treatments, and for mature females, the date of their most recent birth.

7. Quarantine area: Swackhammer reminds farmers that any new animal or group of animals arriving on the farm should be quarantined for two to four weeks in an isolated area away from other animals. “Animal quarantine requires a separate water source and no nose-to-nose contact with other animals,” he explains. Following a quarantine protocol decreases the risk of introducing unknown diseases into the existing herd and reduces a new animal’s stress, allowing it to adjust to its new surroundings.

An established quarantine pen can double as an isolation or health pen for other animals when they need to recover from treatment or illness. Swackhammer suggests quarantine and health pens be equipped with animal handling equipment to reduce hands-on interaction with the animal and make treating or processing animals easier.

8. Find a mentor: “One of the easiest and most effective ways farmers take charge of their herd health is through experience. And who has more experience than a fellow farmer?” says Swackhammer, who recommends farmers find a neighbour, retired farmer or informal mentor they can learn from to build their confidence and rely on for advice. He also points out that consulting with a mentor on animal health issues before they call their veterinarian could also save on the veterinary bill, too.

Proactive health management

Proactively implementing practical tips, such as being prepared with veterinary supplies on hand, having someone to call when you have a question or simply implementing an effective vaccination program, can go a long way to enhancing the overall health of a herd, improve productivity and support a farm’s bottom line.

“No matter the size of your operation, your own experience or what type of livestock you have, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to managing the health of your animals,” says Swackhammer. “Don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to explore how you can collaborate more effectively and identify areas where you can confidently take the lead in managing animal health concerns.”

The post How to take charge of animal health on your farm appeared first on Country Guide.

“Canada’s new government is committed to supporting our livestock producers,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald in a news release.

Livestock Tax Deferral allows producers in prescribed areas to defer a portion of their income from sales until the next tax year if they are forced to sell at least 15 per cent of their breeding herd due to drought.

“Buffer zones” have been added to capture producers who are not in the prescribed zones but who may be experiencing similar adverse conditions.

“Weather, climate and production data from across Canada will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the season and regions will be added to the list when they meet the criteria,” the federal government said.

At the end of July, 71 per cent of the country was classified as abnormally dry or experiencing moderate to extreme drought according to Agriculture Agri-Food Canada data.

In the Pacific region, 91 per cent of agricultural land was classified as abnormally dry or experiencing moderate to extreme drought. In the Prairie provinces, 81 per cent of the agricultural landscape was considered abnormally dry or in moderate to extreme drought.

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New Zealand ag biotech company Lucidome Bio was chosen as one of 14 global finalists to pitch at the Animal Health, Nutrition and Technology Innovation USA event in Boston.

Why it matters: the Canadian beef and dairy industries have pledged to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

A May 14 news release described the company’s vaccine — which is still in development — as “a low-cost, high-impact tool that could dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock.”

The pitch night is a global platform for animal health and ag tech companies to present “game-changing” innovations to industry leaders, investors and collaborators. Attendees vote for the most promising ventures.

According to Lucidome Bio, the vaccine triggers an animal’s immune system to produce antibodies in saliva that suppress the activity of methane-producing microbes (methanogens) in the rumen. These microbes are responsible for the bulk of methane emitted by livestock, considered significant contributors to climate change.

“A vaccine that reduces methane would be transformative for farmers worldwide,” wrote Bridgit Hawkins, company chair, in the news release.

“What we’re developing has the potential to fundamentally shift how livestock emissions are managed, offering farmers a practical, cost-effective tool that doesn’t compromise productivity. It’s a solution that works with nature, not against it.

“Being recognized on the global stage affirms not just the calibre of New Zealand science but the urgency and relevance of what we’re building. It isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake — it’s a critical lever for climate action in agriculture and we’re proud to be leading from the front.”

Efforts to mitigate livestock gas emissions have been taking place worldwide ever since they were identified as a sizeable contributor of greenhouse gases in the environment.

In 2023, the federal government made $12 million available to help scientists find ways to reduce these emissions as part of its Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge.

In 2024, Bovaer, a powdered supplement that cattle feeders and dairy producers can mix with feed, was approved for use in Canada. The developers, Switzerland-based dsm-firmenich, claimed it could reduce methane emissions in beef cattle by an average of 45 per cent and by 30 per cent in dairy cattle.

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In that way, 10 years can seem like a lot of time. Yet in others, such as when managing a busy farm, it can pass in the blink of an eye.

And that decade is certainly filled with vast knowledge acquisition, unexpected surprises and important insights. To capture some of those experiences and advice, Country Guide asked a few farmers from across Canada to share the biggest lessons learned during their first 10 years in agriculture.

Lesson: Diversify

In 2014, Rebecca Papadopoulos and her husband George purchased Keating Farm, one of the oldest farms on Vancouver Island, with a goal of building a diversified farm. Although the property needed serious TLC, it had a lot of the infrastructure the couple needed to start farming.

“We had orchards that were already here,” says Papadopoulos. “It was pretty amazing to buy a piece of property and our first year here, we were harvesting apples and pears.”

During four years of extensive renovation on the 28-acre farm, Papadopoulos used the available resources to begin generating sales and focused on executing a long-term plan. Keating Farm started selling pressed juices made from the fruit growing in the established orchards and expanded into eggs, honey, turkey, chicken, pork and lamb in 2018. The farm is also an agritourism destination and offers lodging for overnight visitors.

A “farm angel” mentored the engineering project manager and paramedic turned farmers on how to raise livestock and develop products for the farm. A diversified approach helped Keating Farm overcome significant obstacles with individual crops, including storms that had an impact on their apple harvest and pests that decimated their beehives.

“Things that are very much outside of our control happen every year,” Papadopoulos says. “Every time something like that happens, I think, ‘I’m glad I’m not just a honey farmer because this year we would have been done,’ or ‘I’m glad I’m not just an apple farmer because we would be (in trouble).’ So, it’s really made me a strong believer in diversification.”

Diversification has also been essential in making the Keating Farm financially viable. Individually, none of the products that the couple produce generate enough revenue to run the farm. Expanding into multiple product lines and adding agritourism have been essential to their continued survival.

“Agritourism has actually been our absolute best possible marketing tool,” says Papadopoulos. “It turned out to be the best possible marketing strategy for direct-to-consumer sales.”

But diversification comes with challenges and Papadopoulos has spent the past decade learning to navigate them. Regulatory hurdles have been the hardest to overcome.

“Every product that we raise has its own set of regulations associated with it,” she says. “For diversified farmers like us with eight or nine products, I have to go out and familiarize myself with the set of regulations for every one of those products.”

Now that the farming operation is “dialed in,” Papadopoulos wants to help other farmers create diversified, sustainable farms, explaining, “There are a lot of great opportunities for collaborative workshops… and to share our knowledge.”

Lesson: Invest in the future

Morgan Smallman joined the family farm full-time in 2014 and quickly realized there were generational differences when it came to farm planning.

“I was 28 years old and pretty excited about everything and I wanted to expand,” Smallman recalls. “My father and my uncle are at the end of their farming career, so they’re thinking about an exit strategy, where I want to farm 20 years and make it profitable. It’s an interesting dynamic to be to be working in… because there are three of us and if we’re making decisions, everybody has to be on board.”

Smallman took part in a farm transition workshop offered through Farm Management Canada that helped the family come up with a plan and honed their communication skills. He calls it “the best decision we ever made as a farm.” Now, he meets with his dad and uncle once a week to talk through farm issues and ensures the lines of communication remain open during the transition.

The process helped Smallman advocate for changes he felt were important, including investing in new technology to make the Ola, P.E.I. potato farm more efficient and profitable. He had the experience to back up his plan.

The sixth-generation farmer graduated with a double minor in business and plant science and worked in crop insurance, GPS sampling and soil health before moving back home join J and J Farms.

Smallman helped the farm expand from 200 acres of potatoes to 500 acres. He was also part of the decision to scale back the acreage after recognizing it wasn’t feasible to farm on such a large scale with older equipment and older workers.

He’s focused on improving soil health and upgrading technologies to include a GPS-enabled tractor and new potato washer. “It’s taken the farm to the next level being able to work with these tools that are out there.”

Along the way, Smallman has dealt with challenges from hurricanes to potato wart to COVID. The struggles have solidified his commitment to embracing sustainable farming strategies, such as cover crops and slow-release fertilizer. He has plans to make additional investments over the next decade, including installing solar panels and selling power back to the grid.

These initiatives require upfront investments, but Smallman hopes they will offer significant long-term dividends — and could help expand their contracts with companies, such as Frito Lay, that have encouraged their growers to use green energy and other sustainable efforts.

“I want to be the early adopter on those environmental issues,” he says. “We’ve seen that it has an effect and that we’ll be incentivized to do it and I think it’s a good way to keep moving forward.”

Lesson: Be prepared to pivot

First-generation farmer Amber Rowse-Robinson was so excited about raising livestock on her East Sooke, B.C. farm that she introduced chickens, ducks and goats in the first year. Her plan was to farm as a hobby, not a business, but strong interest in her pastured meat led Rowse-Robinson to pivot.

“We started opening up sales just to friends and family. I realized that it was an amazing privilege to be able to feed people food that they really valued and felt like they had a connection with,” she recalls. “And that’s what really spurred the business on. I realized, ‘If I could do this on a bigger scale, that would be pretty great.’”

Brass Bell Farm has gone through significant changes since Rowse-Robinson started farming in 2009. She expanded the farm to include cattle and the demand for grass-fed beef on the island was strong. The farm developed a unique niche, but everything changed when a 2023 drought fried their pastures and made it impossible to purchase hay. Rowse-Robinson made the decision to sell the cattle.

“What it would have cost to bring in feed to keep them going was not in our budget and was not going to make sense from a business perspective,” she says. “I made the really hard decision of letting them go.”

Rowse-Robinson shifted her focus to sheep. While there had been a few ewes on the farm since the beginning, she recognized that sheep were well-suited to the climate and easier to sustain during drought. Sheep were also easier for Rowse-Robinson, who farms mostly solo with occasional help from her husband, to manage on her own. The fact that there were multiple revenue streams from a single flock was also attractive.

Brass Bell Farm purchased a flock in 2024, and Rowse-Robinson plans to establish a dairy, sell lambs to local farms and restaurants, and, eventually, market the fibre. The shift, she acknowledges, was difficult, but also exciting.

“Pivoting from the focus on beef to sheep was fairly significant,” she says. “In the moment it felt awful… I’d made all this progress and a lot of sacrifices over the years to build up what we had and then I saw it all driving away in the back of a trailer. Once I had my time to be heartbroken, I was ready to tackle the next thing.”

Her 15 years of experience has included a lot of trial and error, but Rowse-Robinson feels more confident in planning for the next decade.

“We probably have a clear idea of what we want to do and how we’re going to do it,” she says. “And if we can make these systems viable, we can support new and young farmers to get their start.”

Lesson: Never stop learning

Jim Lavers got the idea to grow Christmas trees from a tree farming friend in Nova Scotia who wanted to expand in Ontario. After researching the local market, he realized that many local Christmas tree farms had gone out of business and decided to fill the gap by starting the Christmas Tree Farm. There was just one problem: Lavers and his wife, Deni, spent their entire careers in the military and had no experience in agriculture.

“The learning curve was quite steep,” he recalls. “We joined the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario before we even bought a farm and spent the next two years basically learning everything we could.”

Taking a tactical approach to farming served Lavers well. He attended association meetings and field days, took business planning classes and met with mentors before the first saplings were planted at their Harrowsmith, Ont. farm in 2012.

Growing Christmas trees has proven challenging. Lavers has dealt with poor soil depth, gypsy moth infestations and climate change. A 2016 drought wiped out 2,500 trees — more than half of his plantings — and made him question whether to continue farming.

“It was really eye-opening for us,” he says.

The support of mentors and advice from other growers led to the decision to install an irrigation system that helped them get back on track. Even at peak production, the Christmas Tree Farm can’t meet the demand for locally grown Christmas trees.

The farm sold 1,750 trees in 2024, including 600 trees cut fresh from the farm with the rest shipped in from other growers. Tourism is a huge element of their business and the “Hallmark experience” draws thousands of visitors around the holidays.

Although Lavers has run a successful Christmas tree farm for more than 10 years, he still looks for opportunities to learn new things. He participates in association meetings and workshops, attends field days and reads about the latest agritourism trends.

Lavers is also eager to share his knowledge with the next generation of growers. He shares his contact information with new members of Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario and has invited potential growers to the farm to get more information. Growing Christmas trees is a long game, he explains, and he wants to make sure that potential farmers have the information they need to make smart decisions.

“You have to learn your discipline before you start. You absolutely cannot walk onto a farm and expect to start raising Christmas trees without getting the required background,” he says.

“We’re always open for people interested in doing a like-minded thing to learn from us.”

The post Ten years on the farm appeared first on Country Guide.

Why it matters: While Canadian poultry farmers have been plagued by bird flu, transmission to other types of animals increases the risk of the disease becoming more widespread

Many different mammals have died of the H5N1 bird flu virus across the globe including bears, cats, dairy cows, dogs, dolphins, seals and tigers.

“The case was identified following routine surveillance of farmed livestock on a premises in Yorkshire where highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) had been confirmed in other captive birds,” Britain’s government said in a statement.

There have been cases among humans which have ranged in severity from no symptoms to, in rare cases, death. But there has not yet been any confirmed transmission between humans.

The sheep that tested positive was a ewe with signs of mastitis, an inflammation of mammary tissue, and no other clinical signs, the statement from the British government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and the Animal and Plant Health Agency said.

Ed Hutchinson, professor of molecular and cellular virology, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, said the fact that the sheep’s milk also tested positive suggested parallels with the ongoing H5N1 outbreak among dairy cows in the United States.

Bird flu has spread among U.S. dairy cattle since March 2024.

He added, however, at the moment there was no evidence of ongoing transmission from the sheep and the case appeared to have been contained.

The ewe was culled and no further infection was found in the rest of the flock.

Britain’s rural affairs ministry has introduced surveillance of livestock on premises where bird flu has been confirmed in captive birds following the outbreaks among dairy cows in the United States.

“Globally, we continue to see that mammals can be infected with avian influenza (H5N1),” Dr Meera Chand, emerging infection lead at the UK Health Security Agency, said.

“However, current evidence suggests that the avian influenza viruses we’re seeing circulating around the world do not spread easily to people – and the risk of avian flu to the general public remains very low.”

— Reporting by Nigel Hunt and Sarah Young

The post UK detects first case of bird flu in a sheep, stoking fears of spread appeared first on Country Guide.

Almost three years later, that focus on quality sheep production has netted twenty-five mature Dorset ewes and two Canadian Arcott rams.

And although the Borsas are new to sheep production on the Prairies, they are not alone.

Gordon Schroeder, executive director of the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, says that the sheep industry is growing provincially and nationally.

While the board doesn’t collect official demographic statistics from their producers, judging by those participating in shows and taking part in workshops, Schroeder puts the average age of sheep producers between 30 and 40 years old. This is far from the national average age of 56 in 2021, and 55.8 for Saskatchewan alone.

The development board is seeing a lot of young people get into sheep because of lower entry costs.

Much lower capital costs than other sectors is one reason Carla and Tyrone Borsa chose sheep. Sheep also require less land compared to other livestock and government entry grants were available to help the family get started.

“The biggest expense is normally the breeding animals,” says Schroeder. “Sheep don’t need a lot of facilities and they’re not hard on facilities, so you can accommodate sheep in just about anything you have.”

Growing up on a cattle farm, Carla knew she wanted to raise her two young children with farm animals but needed a livestock operation that would be conducive to their children’s safety and active participation. When the Borsas decided to give sheep a go, the little red barn, a remnant of the long-ago cattle operation, was easily converted into a sheep barn. Well-insulated with suitable pens and alleyways, it is the perfect maternity ward for lambing during the coldest months of the year.

The first bundle of lambs arrived in chilly November, a challenging time of year for first-time lambers. “Minus 20 was the coolest. You might think that’s pretty cool, but lambs are up and at it right away,” says Carla. Tyrone adds that the key is just keeping them out of the elements.

The second round of lambing went much smoother. “It was a lot better in the sense that everything was lambed much closer together, and we had a much more uniform group of lambs,” says Tyrone.

Rams brought to the farm this past August ensure that the 40 summer-pastured ewes will begin the winter lambing season in January. This means that animals are ready for sale in April or May just in time for Easter and ethnic markets. The Borsas have high hopes for twins, triplets, even quadruplets to make the most out of their commercial market efforts.

And there are plenty of market options for Saskatchewan growers across Canada through the Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board, farm gate and direct sales, and out-of-province markets. Schroeder says they ship a load every two weeks, averaging 15,000 to 20,000 lambs per year. “If someone calls and tells us they want 50 lambs in mid-September, we’ll record that and fill the order as it comes,” he says.

The development board and producers ship animals east and west. Schroeder says that producers just have to do their research on what market option works best for their farm.

“Sometimes auction marts are a little bit more risk,” he says. “You don’t know what the prices are, but there can also be very good gains on it. There are buyers that have a set price before those animals leave the farm.”

Schroeder says that as the sheep community continues to grow, more producers mean even better access to markets for everyone. “They need volume, and many producers don’t have volume on their own. That’s why the board got into market facilitation in the first place,” he says.

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Courtney MacDougall, president of the Saskatchewan Sheep Breeders Association, says, “We’re finding a lot of on-farm auctions going so that’s pretty inspiring as well. I think when you look across the provinces, that’s not always the case. As an association, we really pride ourselves on being able to provide more avenues for our industry and the producers to advertise and sell.”

Several production models

There are three different production models in Saskatchewan, all with various degrees of resource and labour needs.

The Borsas use the semi-confinement model, which is the most popular among provincial producers.

While their model requires more labour and housing since lambing takes place during the coldest winter months, Carla says it works well for them. “Dorset sheep have great mothering instincts, and they can also be bred out of season,” she says. Out of 30 ewes, they only had to intervene to help a ewe four or five times. On one occasion, only Carla and her two young children, Grace and Ella, were home (Tyrone was at his day job in Saskatoon), but the three of them got the job done. “If that had been one of our cows, I would have been phoning for backup,” Carla says.

Other production models have ewes lambing on pasture between May and June, but that requires more pasture land. Larger operations use the synchronized accelerated model where lambing occurs three times in two years, requiring more labour but less land. The range grass lambing model means animals give birth on the range during the summer months, which requires less labour but more land.

When I visited their farm on a blustery June day, Carla and Tyrone pointed out their two pastures, including one newly fenced area surrounding a copse of trees that had never been grazed. Carla says the sheep love it.

“They’re eating all the brush that’s never been grazed. It allows us to have two separate pastures for different breeding groups, because these ewe lambs will be bred to our new ram lambs.”

Not without its challenges

One major challenge for would-be sheep farmers is that financing is currently hard to come by, says Schroeder, because lenders are hesitant to offer money when they’re not familiar with niche markets, like sheep.

Farmers also need a significant number of animals to make a profit, which is why smaller operations often need an off-farm job to cover costs. However, Schroeder sees this in all livestock industries across the agriculture industry and says that to make any size of operation work every farmer needs a proper business plan and to set goals.

“There’s no money in any kind of farm enterprise if you don’t have enough volume to justify your costs, unless you have a different goal,” says Schroeder.

Predation is also an issue because lambs are easy targets for coyotes and wolves.

Tyrone says they’ve solved this issue by fencing around their pastures with very little clearance between the ground and the fence, keeping sheep in and unwelcome animals out. They also have a guardian llama and another on the way. While dogs can be a wonderful addition to the herd, they say that because there are dogs on surrounding farms and their farm is situated on a major highway, a llama in the sheep pen works better for them.

And it really comes down to learning what’s best for them, their sheep and their operation.

Learning fuels farm and sector growth

Learning was, and continues to be, key to the Borsas’ success. The sheep production network in Saskatchewan, including the development board and a group of sheep-raising friends, helped make their entry easier, so Carla and Tyrone are always ready and willing to answer any questions if they can help someone else.

“Our biggest goal was to really make sure we had a good understanding about the production model that we were going to use, and how we were going to do that going forward and make sure we were doing it properly,” says Carla. “There’s lots of things to learn and you want to have it down to a T.”

Carla can’t say enough good things about the development board’s workshops and training opportunities, especially the basic 101 course, Getting Into Sheep, which helped them find their footing in the industry. She says she can’t imagine having the same amount of success without a strong provincial sheep industry behind them.

“We had a good start, our feet under us, and then we just tried to grow it from there. We attend as many industry events as we can just to learn and develop those contacts,” says Carla.

MacDougall also raves about the board’s “top notch” workshops that have helped farmers across the province get into sheep. It takes a lot of sacrifice to raise any animals from birth to market, whether that’s for meat or their genetics, and many sheep-raising lessons are best learned hands-on.

MacDougall says that amazing mentors and organizations are a great asset to the industry, as are the two shows and sales that feature the province’s sheep genetics, Grasslands and the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina.

And since the Borsas’ Rosthern farm is only an hour from Saskatoon, quick trips to the city for supplies usually include a stop at the board office where they can sit down with Schroeder, whose door is always open.

“He can pretty well answer any question on the spot. Any questions that we have, it’s always a quick response,” says Tyrone.

After two years of learning the ropes, the Borsas are more than likely going to hit their three-year goal of a 50-breeding-ewe herd for next year. But they still want to make sure they’re doing it right and they know that having a strong network of peers and resources will continue to be important to their business growth.

Schroeder highlights that the last Grasslands Sheep Exhibition in July 2024 featured 37 junior sheep producers from five provinces showing homegrown sheep, and that sheep production is currently number five out of 48 4-H programs in the province. Entries increased at the regional show in Saskatoon prior to Grasslands this past year as well.

“We’re going to see that translate into future sheep producers,” says Schroeder. “Not all of them, but there’s definitely going to be a chunk of those that are going to continue on in the industry.”

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