Evolution of The No-Sheep Sherlock In 2011, as we became increasingly aware of the impact of internal parasites on our sheep’s health and productivity, we started an aggressive parasite management program . This program included individual fecal egg counts, selection for resistant lines and culling of susceptible animals, optimizing nutrition and comprehensive pasture management. While we took training where available, we found that training resources on this topic, especially where it puts control back in the hands of producers, was sorely lacking. As other producers learned of what we were doing, we were approached to train them. We started with one-on-one training but quickly realized that the demand was too great. Several years ago we designed a formal workshop and started to run organized, multi-producer classes. We started with a laboratory module training producers to do a McMaster Fecal Egg Count. In 2018, we added a second module on Parasite Management Planning because we are committed to bringing this skill set to Ontario producers. It is now time for this training to evolve into a business, especially when we retire from sheep production. We hope to continue offering producers the training they require in this area. - Laurie Maus and Robert Garner, Hawk Hill Farm

Training in Integrated Parasite Management

Why we are doing this? • internal parasites are a large financial drain for livestock producers • resistance to available control drugs is an increasing problem • animal welfare • producer mental health • environmental protection and enhancement • farmers helping farmers • provide training that was not widely available • personal experience in dealing with the frustration of parasites • love of sharing our knowledge • the thrill of seeing producers take control of their future • Note: these services in no way should replace working with your vet to develop diagnostic and treatment plans for your livestock Why should producers do this? • reduce costs • increase profits • increase animal health and welfare • taking more control of your livestock’s health

What are we offering: Fecal Egg Counting (FEC) Workshops - Half day, hands-on training on the McMaster Fecal Egg Counting technique. $60 per participant (for more than one participant per farm inquire) Spring/Summer 2024 for limited number of students. Payment upon registration. All courses are on site in Dunvegan. 2024 FEC workshops Workshops will start in May until September depending on enrollment. Minimum registration is 3 participants. Tentative class dates: Aug 17th 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Aug 31st 9:30 am to 12:30 pm Parasite Management Planning Workshop - Half day training course on developing farm-specific parasite management plans $40 per participant. Payment upon registration. Recommended pre-requisite: FEC Counting Workshop Spring/Summer 2024 2024 Parasite Management Planning Workshop Workshops will start in May until September depending on enrollment. Minimum registration is 3 participants. Tentative class dates: Aug 17th 1:15 pm to 4:30 pm Aug 31st 1:15 pm to 4:30 pm Custom FEC Counts - technical services to analyse fecal samples for parasite eggs - $20 per test - May to October Samples must be delivered fresh and chilled to our Dunvegan address. Site Visit and Report: Farm tour and review of management practices to give recommendations in areas for improvement in infrastructure and management. Final report provided. $300+HST for 4 hours and mileage charges are extra. $65+HST for each additional hour (starting June 2019) M3 Monitoring Package Includes: • 60 individual fecal egg counts • 3 seasonal parasite profile analyses • end of year analysis with next year management recommendations • breeding stock selection recommendations • Cost $1000.+ HST, Delivery costs for samples is the responsibility of the producer. Combo Package includes: • Site Visit and Report • M3 Monitoring Package • Bonus Fecal Egg Reduction Test for one test period • Cost $1300 + HST and milage* Custom Package: We are willing to work out a custom package where the producer does more of the analysis and we help with interpretation and the direction forward. Cost per hour of consultation. * Delivery costs of fecal samples is the responsibility of the producer

We would like to thank one of our 2018 sponsors. Chalex LLC . Over the years I have used a number of McMaster Slides and we have found that those from Chalex are of the best quality with the longest useful life. I am still using my original Chalex slides 8 years and over 1000 samples later. We strongly recommend that you order the slides with the green lines.

Our Goal: To train ourselves out of business. To never see another Ontario sheep die due to internal parasites.

We require all visitors to the farm to wear a mask while on site and if attending a course to show proof of vaccination for Covid 19. We are seniors, vulnerable and need to protect our health. These requirements are not negotiable.