The Found family reduced lamb loss from 25% to 1% by switching to a climate-controlled barn and improved breeding practices.

The Found family in Oshawa, Ontario, expanded their farm to 260 acres and built a 60’x240’ climate-controlled barn in 2023 to support a flock of about 800 Rideau ewes. They transitioned from a pasture-based system to reduce predation and congestion, using a modified accelerated breeding program that achieves 1.9 lambs per ewe. Lambs are weaned at 110 pounds and fed a 36% pellet diet, with ewes receiving a total mixed ration including apples from local orchards. The barn design includes bunk space, a center alleyway, and a turkey curtain for ventilation, helping reduce lamb loss from 25% to just one since the move. The farm is divided into four groups for staggered lambing, and a recent tour drew about 50 regional sheep producers interested in the operation’s management practices.