The Canadian Texel Association was officially launched this month and association president Fred Brettell says the executive board is excited about the new sheep group.
The association began after a meeting at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina last fall.
Brettell said the group wants to be a unifying force for Texel producers throughout Canada.
“We’ve been just working on officially getting everything in place and we’ve just received our letters of patent, which means we’re officially under way,” Brettell said.
The association’s main office will be located in Lousana, Alta., and members can join for $50 per year.
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“We can advertise as a group … and also it’s a central place to call for information on Texels. We can work as a group and it’s easier for people to locate where they can purchase them.”
Texel sheep are known for their muscle development and leanness.
“Generally speaking, they’re a terminal breed. It’s the extra muscling meat and lean meat, that’s what they’re noted for is their carcass,” said Brettell, a Texel producer for more than five years.
“They’re more for meat than wool, I would say, especially at the present time with wool prices down. But they do have quite a good wool too.”
Texels have no wool on their head or legs and are a white-faced breed. Brettell expects membership to increase as the group nears its first annual meeting later this month. The meeting will be part of the sheep show at this year’s Agribition Nov. 19 to 26.
For information on becoming a member, producers can call 403-749-2280.
