Ontario’s lamb and goat industries are currently in the midst of unprecedented growth. Sources indicate that both sectors will continue to grow steadily for many years to come. With expanding ethnic populations in Ontario there is increasing demand for lamb and goat product. Coupled with a decline in meat producers due to retirement now is the time to enter the industry and flourish!
Although both sectors offer incredible opportunity at present, they are not without challenges. New, as well as experienced producers must evaluate past practices and adapt to the current market place. With an ever-changing marketplace dated practices can lead an industry to suffer. Rather than adhere to a business model that promotes isolation new and experienced producers should strategically align operations to deliver added value to the consumer, while simultaneously increasing revenues and margins. The process of the value chain system (the system of getting the product from producer, feeder, auction house, abattoir, wholesaler to retailer) should be utilized. By doing so, all constituents along the chain can better meet the needs of the consumer. By working together, value chain systems can achieve greater growth and indeed increase the quality of the product on the market.
Research clearly shows that Ontario consumers want Ontario grown lamb and goat it is fresher, healthier and of local origin. However, the serious shortfall in producers of Ontario lamb and goat at present means that the consumer is not consistently receiving the product they desire. Consequently, consumers have to resort to going elsewhere for their product as a result many Ontario lamb and goat value chains cannot function as efficiently and profitably as they might otherwise. It is anticipated by those currently working in the lamb and goat industries that this shortfall in producers will be remedied and that the supply of Ontario lamb and goat can significantly increase in the years to come.