It shouldn't come as a surprise that the province of Ontario Canada has the highest concentration of dairy sheep operations in any political jurisdiction in North America (Thomas, 2004, proceedings, 10th annual Great Lakes Dairy Sheep Symposium) and probably the Western Hemisphere. Ontario is rich in agricultural land, talented, conscientious farmers and home to a vibrant marketplace asking for specialty items such as exotic cheeses, wines and other items that are beyond the scope of commodity agriculture. In a very short time, Ontario has become the home of the greatest variety of dairy sheep breeding stock in North America and has a growing system of sheep milk processing companies producing unique taste experiences.
The Association was created to encourage interest and improvement in dairy sheep production and finds itself involved in all aspects of advocacy and promotion. We operate as a not-for-profit organization that is counting on a bright future in dairy sheep farming. We are a constitutional democracy that depends on dairy farmer cooperation for guidance and the good wishes of everyone in the marketplace for prosperity. The year 2005 finds us just a decade into our history and there is so much to be done in terms of finding our place in a vast system of food production.
We would enjoy having your input. Please consider becoming a member of the Association and part of an exciting future. Please browse the site and I trust that through this we have added to the pleasure of your day.
All the best,
Larry Kupecz,
President, Ontario Dairy Sheep Association