Why we at Prairie Lamb Co-op are Here.
Prairie Lamb Co-Op is a non-profit organization that was started by lamb producers like you looking for positive change in the industry.
Prairie Lamb Co-op is licensed and bonded in Alberta and Saskatchewan, standing independently from other cooperatives.
Embarking on a fresh journey, Prairie Lamb Co-op aims to support producers facing challenges in the industry. Drawing inspiration from the resilience and dedication that has fortified the cattle sector, we strive to foster the same robustness in the sheep industry across the prairie provinces.
Our cooperative comprises a diverse range of producers, spanning from newcomers to seasoned veterans, uniting individuals of all ages and backgrounds within the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prairie Lamb Co-Op does not buy or sell your livestock.
Prairie Lamb Co-Op is a non-profit that was started by lamb producers like you. We have two goals: (1) to grow the sheep industry in Western Canada and (2) to get more money for lamb producers by sourcing and opening markets that had previously been inaccessible to them. We coordinate smaller groups of lambs into numbers needed to fill truck liner loads. We also work with larger producers.
In addition, we benefit livestock buyers because they gain access to a larger number of lambs in numbers necessary to fill their respective weight classes and pen sizes.
As producers, we already know how lamb prices fluctuate on a bi-weekly or weekly basis. Until we know how many lambs you, the producer, have available in each weight class, we aren’t able to canvass for a buyer.
However, once a lamb buyer responds with the numbers and weights they want to purchase, we will receive a set price. That price will be sent to you, the producer, IF you responded to our call for lambs. You have the option to decide at that time whether the price is acceptable or not.
If you find the price acceptable, you fill out the load form and send it to the load coordinator. If you don’t find it acceptable, you can withdraw your lambs without penalty.
Yes, Prairie Lamb Co-Op facilitates the sale of fat lambs as well as feeders. When a buyer puts out a call for fats, there’s usually a two-to-three-week lead time which allows us to assess the numbers of lambs available. If you have fats available, let us know. Once we have numbers to fill the order, you’ll be contacted with the price, date and details for the sale.
Yes, Prairie Lamb Co-Op will have regular opportunities to sell heavy cull ewes and rams that cannot be readily sold in Western Canada. We can pool your animals with those from other sheep producers and sell them to eastern markets.
Prairie Lamb Co-Op can act as a facilitator between the seller and prospective buyer. The seller will be charged a small administrative cost per animal, and is responsible to provide accurate and detailed information about their livestock. (Photos and videos are encouraged.) Once a prospective buyer has been located, we’ll contact the seller with the buyer’s information.
It remains the responsibility of the buyer to research and review breeding stock prior to purchase. Prairie Lamb Co-Op bears no responsibility for the condition or health of the livestock.
Once Prairie Lamb Co-Op receives the proceeds of the livestock sale from the buyer, we’ll transfer money from the sale of your sheep to you via e-transfer or direct deposit.
If you require a cheque, there will be a $22 surcharge per cheque to cover administrative costs and priority post. Please note that requesting a cheque via priority post can result in a seven-to-14-day delay.
The bottom line is more money in your pocket. You can pool your feeder or fat lambs with a coordinated load and gain access to buyers that you couldn’t access before – buyers who are looking for large numbers of lambs and who are paying good prices for them.
Complete the membership application. We’ll contact you to arrange payment and welcome you to our Co-Op. We look forward to you joining us!
Visit our Contact page. We’re happy to answer other questions!
Have Questions?
Get In Touch With Us
Contact us for general inquiries or questions, or sign up to become a member with the Prairie Lamb Co-Op.