The Canadian Sheep Breeders’ Association (CSBA) held its 137th Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 28, 2026, bringing members together virtually via Zoom to review the year behind them and set a clear course for the future. Despite ongoing challenges facing the purebred sheep sector, the meeting underscored financial stability, leadership renewal, and continued investment in services that support breeders across the country.
New Leadership Elected
Following the conclusion of the AGM, the CSBA Board of Directors held a special election meeting to appoint its executive for the coming term. Craig Emke of Ontario was voted in as the new Chair, with Johanne Cameron of Quebec elected as Vice Chair.
They are joined on the executive by David Mastine of Quebec, Laura Mosley of Ontario, and Sarah Lewis of Manitoba, reflecting strong regional representation and a balance of experience from across Canada’s sheep-producing provinces.
The board also formally recognized the contributions of outgoing Chair and Alberta director Bernadette Nikkel. Nikkel has represented Alberta on the CSBA board since 2020 and served as Chair since 2024. Her leadership, passion, and dedication to Canada’s purebred sheep industry were acknowledged with appreciation, as the organization marked the conclusion of her term.
CSBA also welcomed new and returning perspectives to the board. Stephanie Arndt of Alberta joins as an incoming director, while Pam Bartlett of Saskatchewan has now officially begun her role on the board. Their participation is expected to strengthen regional input and support CSBA’s mandate at a time of continued change within the sector.
Strong CSBA Finances
While the association reported declines in memberships, registrations, and transfers, CSBA ended the 2025 fiscal year with a profit. This positive outcome was attributed in part to a successful All Canada Sheep Classic as well as well-timed investments made by the organization.
As a result of this financial stability, the board made a key decision that directly benefits members. CSBA will absorb a recent cost increase implemented by the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC), ensuring that registration and transfer fees remain unchanged for 2026. CLRC costs have increased by approximately 10 percent over the past two years.
Fee Structure Adjustments for Alternative Services
While core registration costs will remain stable, members can expect changes to certain alternative fees. Increased Rush Fees on registrations are planned, along with the reintroduction of late registration fees for animals registered after 24 months of age.
Under the updated structure, a late fee of $5 will apply to animals registered electronically, while a $20 fee will be added for animals registered using the paper method. These changes are intended to encourage timely registrations while still maintaining affordability for the majority of breeders.
Moving Fully into Paperless Registration
In 2025, CSBA launched fully paperless registration options, marking a significant step forward in modernizing its services. Members choosing paperless registration no longer receive a hardcopy certificate but retain full ability to manage and transfer their herd through CLRC’s “Manage My Account” function.
To support this transition, printable PDF digital certificates are available within the system, allowing breeders to keep records as needed. Physical certificates will remain available upon request, potentially subject to an administrative fee.
Paperless registrations will be offered at a cost of $8 plus the applicable provincial levy and are expected to launch more widely in the coming months. Current fee structures are available on both the CSBA and CLRC websites.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 All Canada Sheep Classic
In collaboration with the Purebreed Sheep Breeders Association of Nova Scotia, CSBA invited members to participate in the 2026 All Canada Sheep Classic, scheduled for July 9 to 11 in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The event promises to bring together breeders, buyers, and industry supporters from across the country.
Information on attending, sponsoring, consigning, or purchasing animals is available at www.sheepbreeders.ca or through the All Canada Sheep Classic Facebook page.
Encouraging Online Sheep Sales and Clear Presentation
Building on the success of online sheep sales in recent years, CSBA continues to encourage online participation in the Classic. To ensure buyers have a clear and accurate view of sale animals, all Classic entries, with the exception of Leicester, Lincoln, Romney, Cotswold, Rambouillet, Columbia, Corriedale, and Targhee breeds, must be slick-shorn to no more than one-half inch of uniform wool for both online photos and in-person showing.
Exhibitors of wool breeds are encouraged to submit additional photos or videos showing parted fleece and full-body views. These materials will be included in the DLMS online catalogue to better showcase breed characteristics and wool quality.
CSBA remains focused on balancing affordability, modernization, and national collaboration, all while supporting the long-term strength of Canada’s purebred sheep industry.