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Sheep and Lambs F.A.Q.s |
Do I need a permit to start a sheep operation?
No, a permit is not required to start a sheep operation.
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Are there regulations that I must follow related to sheep production?
If you intend to produce dairy products, there are BC regulations under the Milk Industry Act (RS Chapter 258) that require producers of raw milk intended for public sale to have their farm premises inspected by the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. The raw milk produced on the farm premises must be processed by a milk plant inspected and licensed by the BC Ministry of Health prior to public sale.
You may also wish to become familiar with the Agricultural Waste Management Regulation of the Waste Management Act.
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Where do I find information and assistance for entry into the sheep industry?
Your local sheep association can provide you with information and assistance. Please see Section E1 of InfoBasket for a listing of producer association Web sites. By joining an industry association you will meet people with experience in the industry. You may be able to learn from others' successes and mistakes. Also keep abreast of market prices and current news on the industry.
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What does membership to a sheep association provide?
These associations provide information to sheep producers through seminars, field days and newsletters.
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Is there government support available for start-up sheep producers?
There are several federally and provincially funded programs that provide support for start-up sheep producers. Each program has different aims — some focus on exports, while others focus on research. These programs have strategic priorities and formalized eligibility and application guidelines. And many programs provide services rather than funding. Funding programs include:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Electronic Information Service
Provides information on inspection, regulations, industry information, research and technology, and human resources.
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca/
BC Investment Agriculture Foundation
A non-profit agricultural association that helps fosters growth in the agri-food industry. A secondary role is to assist industry in responding to current issues facing the sector.
Phone: 250 356-1833
Fax: 250 953-5162
Website: http://www.iafbc.ca/
Business Development Bank of Canada
Provides information on financial products, venture capital, and consulting services.
Website: http://www.bdc.ca/
Canada/British Columbia Business Service Centre
A business resource centre that provides information on starting a new business, entering new markets, accessing government programs and services, taxation, and regulations.
Phone: 604 775-5525
Fax: 604 775-5520
Website: http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca/
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Assists companies to succeed in the global marketplace.
Website: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/
If you are looking for general information on export marketing, financing and logistics, go to http://exportsource.ca/, Team Canada Inc's powerful search engine.
Export Development Corporation
Provides programs that can assist Canadian exporters to compete in foreign markets.
Website: http://www.edc.ca/
Farm Credit Canada (FCC)
The FCC offers innovative products and services to farmers and small- and medium-sized agri-businesses. The family farm has been and will continue to be the main focus of their lending operations. They also support farmer-controlled diversification initiatives and value-added agricultural operations on the farm and beyond the farm gate.
Website: http://www.fcc-fac.ca/
Industry Canada
Provides programs and funding to assist with exporting and research and development.
Website:
http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/
Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
WD offers a network of business professionals to help with business planning and development, accessing capital, export or trade development, selling to government markets, and providing information on government programs and services for which a business may be eligible.
Website: http://www.wd.gc.ca/
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Are there quotas or other methods of market allocations?
No.
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How do I market my lambs?
Lambs can be marketed through different means such as auctions, classic show, private sales or what ever method that is convenient and profitable to you. Direct marketing of lambs is the most popular method of sale in BC especially on Vancouver island, the Gulf Island, the Lower Mainland and the Southern Interior. Your local industry association can provide you with more details.
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Is there a demand for sheep products?
Yes. Demand currently exceeds supply. BC produces about 15-20 per cent of its lamb requirement.
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What are the legal requirements of slaughter?
Sheep or lamb meat for export outside of BC or Canada must be slaughtered and inspected at a federally registered plant. Sheep or lamb meat intended to be marketed in BC must be slaughtered and inspected either at a federally registered plant, a provincially licensed plant, or a licensed abattoir. Provincial licensed plants and abattoirs are slaughtering premises that are regulated by the BC Centre for Disease Control under a process of inspection of the premises before a license is issued.
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What are animals selling for?
Sheep and lamb prices fluctuate according to supply and demand. On average, a slaughtered lamb dressed out at about 25 kg may sell for about $125 to $150.
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Is there a future for sheep production?
Yes, the future looks good for sheep production. The demand for lamb is driven by a growing ethnic population, especially in the Lower Mainland.
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