© Hawk Hill Farm 2003
Made with Xara
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, were 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. We designed a formal workshop and started to run organized, multi-producer classes,starting with a laboratory module training producers to do a McMaster Fecal Egg Count and later adding a second module on Parasite Management Planning. These classes have been running for more than a decade with close to 100 producers (sheep, goats, horses and cattle) taking the class. We hope to continue offering producers in this area the training they require. in this area. - Laurie Maus and Robert Garner, Hawk Hill Farm
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 - $60 Half day, hands-on training on the McMaster Fecal Egg Counting technique. Spring/Summer 2025 Parasite Management Planning Workshop - $40 Half day training course on developing farm-specific parasite management plans Recommended pre-requisite: FEC Counting Workshop Spring/Summer 2025 Custom FEC Counts - technical services to analyse fecal samples for parasite eggs - $20 per test HST included - May to October 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. $250+HST and mileage for 4 hours, $65+HST for each additional hour (starting June 2025) 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* Combo Package includes: • Site Visit and Report • M3 Monitoring Package • Bonus Fecal Egg Reduction Test for one test period • Cost $1250. + 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
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
Training in Integrated Parasite Management
Our Goal: To train ourselves out of business. To never see another Ontario sheep die due to internal parasites.
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, were 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.
© Hawk Hill Farm 2003
Made with Xara

Services

Fecal Egg Testing We will analyse fecal samples from sheep, goats, horses and cattle between May and October. Because samples must be collected fresh and kept cool, this service is only available to local producers who can deliver to the farm. Please note this is technical service only and does not constitute diagnosis nor veterinary services. We recommend you work with your vet to develop a parasite management program whenever possible. $20 per sample
FEC Training Workshops We have been doing on-farm fecal egg testing as part of our parasite management program for over a decade. We strongly recommend other producers learn this simple technique. The benefits far outweigh the costs. Workshops are held between May and September and is a half day workshop. Frequency is based on demand. Enrollment is between 3-4 students to ensure sufficient one on one training. Payment is required on registration. $60 per participant
Parasite Management Planning Workshop There is no such thing as a one size fits all parasite management plan. We will be teaching methods and planning tools to develop a “Farm Specific” parasite management plan. We will also teach methods you can use to monitor improvements and adapt to changing risks. Workshops are scheduled between May and September as a half day afternoon course. It is recommended that you take the FEC workshop as a pre-requisite course. The two workshops are scheduled on the same day. Payment is required on registration. $40 per participant