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Our Commitment to Sustainability
Ontario’s sheep farmers play an integral role in reducing the impacts of climate change to ensure a sustainable, biodiverse environment for all Ontarians. Pasture and grassland grazing improves biodiversity and soil health. Grazing innovations in orchards and solar sites build soil carbon, provide pollinator, and bird habitat, and reduce reliance on mechanical mowing. Ontario wool offers a durable fibre that is natural, renewable, and biodegradable.
Ontario Sheep Farmers are committed to environmental sustainability with healthier soils and cleaner water. OSF provides industry leadership on several environment and climate change issues including the Lake Erie Phosphorus Ag Sector Working Group and Farmers for Climate Solutions.
Ontario’s sheep farmers make significant contributions every day to a more sustainable, biodiverse environment for all Ontarians click here to read more about our commitment to sustainability.
Read more about OSF’s work on sustainability.
Climate Change
In February 2015, the Government of Ontario released a discussion paper on climate change. The intent of the document is to share ideas about how to successfully fight climate change while fostering economic growth in the province.
The discussion paper:
- Identifies the climate change challenge, the risks and threats it poses to Ontario's environment, economy, and way of life.
- Suggests actions that encourage individuals, businesses, government, and communities to do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Asks important questions to help inform a comprehensive climate change strategy and action plan, to be released in 2015.
Grassland Bird Conservation on Farms
Grassland Bird Conservation Project
The Ontario Sheep Farmers are proud to support research efforts to conserve grassland birds, whose populations have significantly declined since 1970. This multi-year project focuses on three species at risk: Grasshopper Sparrow, Bobolink, and Eastern Meadowlark. It combines ecological research with farmer-led stewardship to enhance habitat and nesting success on agricultural lands.
Key Activities (2022–2024):
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Field Surveys: Researchers assessed grassland bird populations across over 1,700 acres of hayfields, pastures, and fallow lands on farms in Grey and Wellington Counties.
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Nesting Studies: Intensive monitoring of breeding territories and nesting attempts provided insights into bird behavior and the effects of farm management practices.
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Farmer Engagement: Stewardship actions such as delayed haying, modified grazing rotations, and nest-area protection were implemented on participating farms.
Conservation Outcomes:
Farmers received detailed reports with site-specific recommendations to support long-term conservation efforts. By integrating sustainable agricultural practices with bird conservation, this project promotes healthy grassland ecosystems and helps protect vulnerable bird populations.
Learn more about this project here.