The Ontario Sheep Marketing Agency (OSMA) has hired a consultant to investigate the possibility of a privately run sheep research station in Timiskaming.
In a cost-cutting measure, the OSMA board of directors announced last month it would shut down their New Liskeard pasture-research program by the end of October and consolidate all research at the University of Guelph. The cost savings would be around $250,000.
However, given the support the program provides to the emerging sheep industry in northeastern Ontario, the board agreed Aug. 28 to hire a consultant to examine possible partnership opportunities, operational models and funding sources to defray some of the ongoing operating costs.
The consultant will also consider reducing the research flock, which now stands at about 700 head, including 350 breeding ewes.
