Manitoba's sheep industry gathered in Portage la Prairie last weekend, as the Manitoba Sheep Association hosted its annual symposium and AGM.

Kate Basford is the northwest district rep for the group.

She noted that Manitoba was one of the only provinces in the 2016 Census that showed growth potential.

"We have new producers every month. We have Vision 2020, which is to grow the industry to 2020. Some of the aspects that we need to achieve more people coming into sheep production, that it's a viable industry and for producers to actually expand their flock."

Basford said one of the important resolutions that was passed at the meeting dealt with the establishment of a sheep enhancement board, which would provide one more marketing option to selling sheep.

She noted there are about 300 producers in the province, with the trend moving towards less producers handling more sheep.

About 65 members attended the event.