Ontario Sheep Farmers has a five-year strategic plan called Building Strength for a Better Future.
It could turn the page on years of internal bickering and sharply differing ideas about what the industry needs.
Some foresee a future of large-scale flocks and meat-packing plants and products tailored for supermarket chains. Others prefer smaller-scale flocks, local marketing directly to consumers, and custom-slaughtered and frozen meats.
“Our new plan sets an ambitious and engaging path forward for the organization,” said John Hemsted, district six director who is the new chairman.
“We are well-positioned to seize the opportunities and address the challenges we heard directly from our members and industry partners,” he said.
Colleen Alloi, district 11, is first vice-chair and Jay Lewis, district two, is second vice-chair. Ken Lamb replaced Marc Carere as district seven director and Art Alblas took over from Ed Post as district one director.
Keith Todd, district three, Marusha Kostuk, district four, Heather Little, district five, Gary Fox, district eight, Reg Campbell, district nine and Lee Brien for district 10 are the other directors.
Carere advised directors that “a good dose of humility and willingness to learn is always a good place to start.. I’ve learned that the ability to come to the table with an open mind and learn from your fellow producers is what makes being a part of a group like the OSF board so meaningful.
“Allowing your beliefs and ideas to be challenged while listening to and respecting people who see things differently and focussing on the objectives are essential to growth and change,” Carere said.
“I know that my time on the board has changed me dramatically.”
