List of Upcoming Events and Products

Most Recent Ag News Article

April 15, 2026 - Small Ruminants Coming Your Way

A successful small ruminant seminar could mean more events in the future.

Alberta’s lamb and goat industries are growing; we are the third ranking Canadian province for sheep inventory and show high resilience compared to the national declines. There is renewed enthusiasm towards the industry with key stakeholders like the Alberta Goat Association (AGA) and Alberta Lamb Producers (ALP) making strides towards growth. 

Clearwater County celebrates all local agriculture operations and gives full opportunities to be successful and to coexist in a well-balanced rural community. The Agriculture and Community Services Department hosted a successful and well-attended Small Ruminant Seminar recently. Dovercourt Hall was full of local producers, new producers and attendees who traveled near and far. The atmosphere was full of eager faces lead by speakers who encouraged questions and conversations. Even our local 4-H club participated in the event, taking advantage of a learning opportunity right next door. 

Merna Gisler and Antje Grab from the AGA prepared an excellent overview presentation to entice new producers, “so you want to get into goats…” The AGA had resources available and displayed a booth which was frequented by attendees throughout the day. 

Jennifer Wood represented the ALP and was present throughout the day with a well-stocked booth full of knowledge and resources. 

Dr. Kathy Parker with Grassroots Veterinary Services and Parker Stock Farm laid the foundation for "Reproductive Health and Lambing". Dr. Parker was the top-rated presenter at the seminar, and those positive reviews weren’t lying! Wow, what an incredible amount of information provided in a small amount of time. Her charisma was unmatched and had the audience captivated from start to finish. 

Courtney Lundy, a Ruminant Nutritionist with Blue Rock Animal Nutrition, presented on the nutrition considerations for small ruminants. Courtney provided excellent recommendations from lamb to ewe and ram health considerations. Her niche knowledge is exactly the kind of contact you want in your back pocket. 

Clearwater County’s own Sierra and Dylan Berg with Triple Rafter Ranch gave a personal testimony on the rotational grazing management practices they implement on their own ranch. It was refreshing listening to a first-generation producer’s trials and tribulations which have attributed to a very successful and healthy flock. The passion for the industry and self-pride was evident, and we tip our hat to their success. 

Wrapping up our day we watched Duncan Henry with DH Custom Sausage, the proclaimed “meat head.” Examples of what butcher shops want to see when you bring in your carcasses and what never to do were shared. Duncan discussed some great ideas on increasing your profits through added value products. He emphasized demand in the sheep and goat industry and the exciting potential for producers. 

By mid-April now, most producers will be wrapping up their lambing and kidding season. Transitioning ewes and nannies to pasture with their young, cleaning barns, and completing health checks are now on the to do list. It is a busy, rewarding time transitioning from intense care to walking through the fields. 

All of us at Agriculture and Community Services wish you a successful spring with green pastures and healthy herds!