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The OSF Committees are maintained to provide input and make recommendations for approval by the Board.
To provide recommendations to the OSF board on issues related to OSF’s accounting framework; and financial performance. Provide oversight in the areas of budgeting, Financial statements, Internal controls and risk tolerance and Financial legislation
Monitor current issues and trends in animal health, care and welfare including federal and provincial legislation and regulation, activism, and research. Provide technical support to the OSF staff on issues and recommend animal husbandry related policy to the OSF board of directors.
Make recommendations to the Board regarding individuals and/or groups to be nominated or supported by OSF for awards and recognition for the following categories: Outstanding Shepherd Award, Long Service Award, Undergraduate Scholarship, OSF Memorial Fund – Industry Leader Award
Support the OSF District in the process to elect a qualified candidate and fill an OSF provincial board of director position, when required in a specified district. The elected individual will bring key skills and commitment to the OSF board to build strong relationships with and for the OSF membership.
Provide recommendations to the OSF board on issues related to business risk management programs, including program enhancements and redesigns.
Support OSF’s staff with the planning and preparation of the annual Ontario Sheep Convention & AGM and ensure that the Convention aligns and supports the direction of the OSF board.
To monitor current issues and trends in the dairy sheep industry; provide technical support to the OSF staff on dairy sheep related issues and to recommend related policy to the OSF board of directors.
Build strong working relationship with the OSF district committees and provide the District Chairs with the opportunity to network and leadership development. To provide oversight to the Board in the areas of district and policy issues
Monitor current issues and trends in environmental policy and agriculture, including federal and provincial legislation and regulation, activism, and research. Provide recommendations to the OSF board on issues related to the environment, including ways that sheep farming can improve and adapt to a changing environment.
Provide strategic direction and counsel to the Executive Director when they are making decisions on operational matters that arise between board meetings and support the preparation of board discussion materials.
Support the work of the Ontario GenOvis working group in the development and dissemination of educational material on genetics and performance testing to Ontario sheep producers.
Ensure the board fulfills its legal, ethical and functional responsibilities through adequate governance, policy development, monitoring of board activities and evaluation of board member performance. Establish an effective governance framework consisting of principles, policies and by-laws that reflect current best practices in governances and conduct an annual review of the governance framework and recommend changes to the Board
Provide recommendations to the OSF board on issues, testing protocols; program controls and risk tolerance related to the Ontario Maedi Visna Flock Status Program.
OSF has a mandate to improve the value of sheep and lamb for Ontario producers. Advise the OSF board and staff on marketing goals and strategies to promote and improve the value of sheep and lamb meat and wool. Advise staff on current marketing initiatives.
Support OSF’s staff with the recruitment for new members. Provide support/input into the development of resources for members and promotional and communication resources to encourage sheep production in Ontario and provide support to start an OSF Youth Committee
Provide recommendations to the OSF Board on issues related to managing and mitigating predation. Provide technical support to the OSF staff on predation-related issues. Liaise with other commodity groups, OMFRA, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ontario Fur Managers Federation and other relevant groups where appropriate and provide membership to the Agriculture Wildlife Conflict Working Group
Provide recommendations to the OSF board on ways that data can be easily and affordably collected from farmers. Provide oversight to the board on data to be collected; means to collect and development of tools to help collect data.
Issue calls for proposals and review submitted research proposals and provide recommendations to the OSF Board on funding potential research projects.
Ontario sheep producers are members of more than one production-focused organization. Facilitate a relationship; improve communications and collaboration with the producer groups with a focus on improving Ontario sheep production to bring education, opportunities, challenges and issues to the OSF board. Discover ways OSF can support these sheep producer groups in Ontario.
To monitor current issues and trends in providing sheep grazing services and vegetative abatement. Provide technical support to the OSF staff on related issues and to recommend policy to the OSF board.
Enhance Ontario Sheep Farmers support of the wool industry, and to strengthen its relationship with Ontario spinners and weavers. Provide insights and recommendations to the board on education, research, marketing requirements and development for education and promotional materials. Connect with relevant processors, consumers, commercial, and hobby spinners and weavers.