In the fall of 2003 the Okanagan Shuswap Sheep Producers’ Association (OSSPA) was formed. The area was not represented at the British Columbia Sheep Federation since the Shuswap Sheep Breeders a few years earlier. With the funds of the inactive group OSSPA was formed, providing valuable start up assistance.
Initially the well-attended meetings were held in members’ homes. An educational component on a wide variety of topics of concern and interest to sheep producers was a feature of the meetings, which continues to present.
OSSPA has been invested in the community and sheep industry locally and province-wide through various activities such as hosting a weekend Symposium bringing together speakers knowledgeable in their field and supporting Local 4 H Lamb Clubs.
Our members gather monthly from Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Salmon Arm, Chase, and Falkland. We share ideas, concepts, information, and resources. In addition as a member of the BC Sheep Federation we speak locally to the provincial sheep industry and in turn, speaks for the sheep industry on a national level.
