John and Eadie Steele have been primary producers of Ontario Lamb for over 20 years and they are still in the expansion mode as the demand for Ontario Lamb continues to increase. Currently they have a flock of 2300 maternal line genetics and 200 Purebred Texels producing over 4,000 lambs each year on an annual system of lambing
Their farm consists of 1,000 acres split between cropping and pasture. Cropping land is dedicated to production of winter forages of haylage, corn sileage and dry hay. Pastures are managed under intensive rotational grazing therefore predation control is very important. Their farming operation is a combination of British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand technologies and production system adopted to suit Ontario conditions and markets.
John and Eadie's innovative ideas and dedication to providing a quality breeding stock have earned them industry recognition.
| 2001 |
Peterborough County Agriculture Leadership Award |
| 2002 |
Ontario's Outstanding Young Farmer |
| 2004 |
Canada's Countryside Stewardship Award |
| 2005 |
OSMA Forward Contract award for Best Average index in the Over 250 lambs shipped category |
| 2007 |
Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year |
| 2008 |
Commercial Wool Production Award given by the Canadian Co-Operative Wool Growers |
| 2009 |
Premier's Award for Agriculture and Agri-food Innovation - for the Management of the OLIBS Breeding Stock Program |
| 2010 |
Premier's Award for Agriculture and Agri-Food Innovation - for the Creation of the Hand Held Flock Management Software |
Currently, there is a huge demand not only for Ontario lamb as a meat, but for quality, uniform breeding stock to create those lambs. They are usually sold out of breeding stock a year in advance.
|
