WI Sheep Breeders Fall 2014

THE

WisconsinShepherd

Winter 2015

A publication of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative

The Wisconsin Shepherd is a quarterly publication of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, a non-profit organization dedicated to the diverse interests of the Wisconsin sheep industry.

Inquiries about WSBC and address changes for WSBC and The Wisconsin Shepherd should be directed to Jill Alf, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, WSBC, 7811 Consolidated School Road, Edgerton, WI 53534; 608-868-2505 or wisbc@centurytel.net.

EDITOR Bob Black 920-623-3536 Advertising Manager Lynn Crooks 6742 State Road 35 & 81 Lancaster, WI 53813 608-723-6817 alcrooks@tds.net

2014 First Place, Any Other Sheep or Wool Photo Hay Ewe!!

Debbie Petzel, Cameron, WI $50 sponsored by Sarah Lien.

WSBC officers and directors: President Sue Rupnow: Wausau 715-675-6894 Vice President Keith Schultz: Ft. Atkinson 920-568-0895 Debbie Petzel: Centuria 715-646-2640 Elmer Held: Oakfield 920-583-3084 Tim Miller: Beloit 608-751-2963 Brandon Knutson: Clinton 608-732-4955 Laura Meyer: Watertown 920-206-8445 Jeff Nevens: Lodi 608-592-7842 Alan Thorson: Columbus 920-344-1235

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2014 First Place Photo Taken by Youth Untitled Jackie Rosenbush, age 13 $50 Gift certificate, sponsored by Ewephoric!

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

2014 Wild & Woolly Photo Contest Winners!

2014 Best of Show and First Place Scenic Photo Take Me Down to the Little White Church, Crystal Retzlaff Gift subscription sponsored by The Banner Magazine

2014 First Place Kids & Sheep Having Fun Diane Christenson, Chippewa Falls, WI, $50 sponsored by Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative.

Entries due for 2015 Photo Contest August 15 Information: Debbie Petzel dspetzel@gmail.com 715 646-2640

Winter 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

2014 First Place Just Lambs Twins Jeff Nevens, Lodi, WI $50 Gift certificate sponsored by Ewesful Gifts.

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7th Annual Arlington Sheep Day and

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 2015 BANQUET, RECOGNITION PROGRAM & ANNUAL MEETING Saturday, March 14, 2015 Public Events Facility, Arlington Agricultural Research Station 9:00 a.m. Registration - Public Events Facility 9:30 a.m. Welcome

Public Events Facility

Sheep Unit

9:45 a.m. Remodeling Facilities for Sheep – David Kammel, Professor and Extension Specialist - Agricultural Building Design, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, UW-Madison, Madison, WI

9:45 a.m. Selection of Your Project Market Lamb or Breeding Ewe, Halter Training, Showing Techniques, and Tools for Your Show Box. Intended for youth sheep project members and interested parents Tom Murphy, Ph.D. Graduate Student, Department of Animal Sciences, UW-Madison; Bernie O’Rourke, Extension Livestock Youth Specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, UW-Madison; Hannah Taylor, Sheep Project Member, Arlington, WI; and Todd Taylor, Arlington Sheep Unit Manager, Department of Animal Sciences, UW-Madison

10:30 a.m. Growing Cover Crops for Sheep Grazing – Gene Schreifer, Agriculture Agent, Iowa County, Cooperative Extension, UW-Extension, Dodgeville, WI 11:15 a.m. Break 11:30 a.m. Reducing the Incidence of Ovine Progressive Pneumonia – A Case Study at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station – David Thomas, Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics, Department of Animal Sciences, UW-Madison, Madison, WI

12:15 p.m. Adjourn morning program Noon Return to Public Events Facility 12:30 p.m. Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Banquet 1:30 p.m. Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 2015 Recognition Program & Annual Meeting Arlington Sheep Day is sponsored by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, and the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative.

For more information on the 7th Annual Arlington Sheep Day, contact Todd Taylor (608-846-5858, toddtaylor@wisc.edu) or Dave Thomas (608-263-4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu).

For more information on the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Annual Meeting & Recognition Banquet or membership to the WSBC, contact Jill Alf, Executive Secretary (608-868-2505, wisbc@centurytel.net) Public Events Facility, Arlington Agricultural Research Station N695 Hopkins Rd., Arlington, WI 53911 Directions: The Public Events Facility is located east of Interstate Hwy 90 and west of State Hwy 51 approximately 14 miles north of the east side of Madison, WI. Arriving from the south on I 90: Exit at DeForest (Hwy V). Go left (west) on Hwy V over I 90. Take first right (north) onto Hwy I. Go north on Hwy I approximately 4 miles to Hwy K. Turn right (east) onto Hwy K. Go approximately 2 miles on Hwy K and turn right (south) onto Hopkins Rd. Go approximately ½ mile to Public Events Building.

Arriving from the north on I 90: Exit at Arlington (Hwy 60). Go right (east) on Hwy 60 approximately 3.5 miles. On the west side of Arlington, turn right (south) on Hwy I and go approximately 2 miles to Hwy K. Turn left (east) onto Hwy K. Go approximately 2 miles on Hwy K and turn right (south) onto Hopkins Rd. Go approximately ½ mile to Public Events Building.

4 The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

7th Annual Arlington Sheep Day and

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 2015 ANNUAL MEETING BANQUET & RECOGNITION PROGRAM Saturday, March 14, 2015 Public Events Facility, Arlington Agricultural Research Station College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison N695 Hopkins Rd., Arlington, WI REGISTRATION

(One form for each individual or family - Please list all information if purchasing a WSBC membership) Sheep Day Attendee Name (s): ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Address:______________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________Email:__________________________________________________ WSBC Membership Name:________________________________________________________________ Farm Name: _________________________________Website:___________________________________ Breed(s) of Sheep Raised: ________________________________________________________________ Registration Fees Cost (Registration available at the door only for the morning educational programs)

Morning Educational Programs—Individual registration

$5.00

Morning Educational Programs—Family registration, all family members

$10.00

(Advanced registration required, unless attending the morning educational sessions only)

Total

Number

WSBC Recognition Banquet Menu: Leg of Lamb & Pulled Pork, Au Gratin Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, 7-Layer Salad, Assorted Pie w/Ice-cream. Open to all Sheep Day attendees & WSBC members

x

$15.00

Children’s Menu: Same as above, youth 10 years and younger only

x

$5.00

2015 WSBC Annual Membership Dues x $25.00 Advanced Registration Deadline: Total Due Postmarked by March 2, 2015

Make checks payable to WSBC/send to:

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op 7811 N. Consolidated School Road Edgerton, WI 53534

Winter 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

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Feeding Lambs David L. Thomas Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics Department of Animal Sciences University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison - While some sheep producers in the Midwest have moved to later lambing and the raising of lambs on pasture, many flocks still lamb in the winter and raise their lambs in drylot on high concentrate diets. Justifiable reasons for both systems can be made, and I won’t attempt to compare the two systems here. If you have a winter-lambing flock, the expected lower grain prices in 2015 compared to recent past years definitely makes the feeding of lambs to market weights on concentrate diets more attractive this year than in recent past years.

Providing feed to lambs during the time they are nursing is called “creep” feeding, and is done in order to obtain maximum gains from the lambs and to have them started on feed early so they easily transition to grower/finisher diets once they are weaned. The creep area is constructed so that the lambs can enter between vertical slats in a panel that are close enough together to prohibit entry by the ewes. Creep feed should be available starting when the first lambs are about a week of age, but creep feed consumption will not be significant until the lambs are about 4 weeks of age. For these young lambs, the diet should be cracked, crimped, rolled, or pelleted, but not ground. Ground feed should not be fed to sheep because it is too dusty. These young lambs need a considerable amount of protein for rapid muscle and lean tissue growth, but excessively high protein creep diets (20% or greater crude protein) do not need to be provided because the lambs are getting considerable protein from their mother’s milk. The following example creep diet provides about 18% crude protein: • Corn – 51% • Oats – 20% • Soybean meal – 21% Additions:

• Liquid molasses – 5% (for increased palatability and to reduce dust)

• Limestone – 2% (additional calcium and to prevent urinary calculi)

• Ammonium chloride – 0.5% (to prevent urinary calculi)

• Sheep mineral – 0.5% (to provide essential minerals, especially selenium)

• Bovatec – 30 grams/ton (to prevent coccidiosis).

economical ways to provide a grower diet to lambs is to feed whole shelled corn mixed with a commercial, high protein pellet formulated for lambs. The pellet will generally be 34 to 36% crude protein and contain the necessary minerals, vitamins, limestone, ammonium chloride, and medications.

A diet that is approximately 68% whole shelled corn and 32% commercial pellet (34% crude protein pellet) will provide an 18% crude protein grower diet.

For convenience, producers may choose to feed the 18% crude protein grower diet all the way from weaning to a market weight of 120 to 150 pounds.

However, after lambs reach 80 to 85 pounds, their protein requirements are greatly reduced to 13% – 14%, and money can be saved by feeding them a finishing

diet with more corn and less of the expensive commercial pellet. A diet that is approximately 83% whole shelled corn and 17% commercial pellet (34% crude protein pellet) will provide a 13.5% crude protein finishing diet.

A small amount of good quality hay can be offered along with these diets to stimulate appetite and to meet the desire of the lambs for some fiber in their diet, and fresh clean water must be available at all times.

There are many diet formulations that will meet the nutritional needs of lambs, and those given above are just examples using conventional feedstuffs. Publications with good information on diets for lambs include “Management Guidelines for Efficient Sheep Production” available from the UW-Extension Learning Store (http://learningstore. uwex.edu/) and the “Sheep Production Handbook” available from the American Sheep Industry Association (http://www. sheepusa.org/shop). Your county Extension Agriculture Agent is a very good local resource for livestock nutrition information.

www.facebook.com/WisconsinSheep

When lambs are weaned at 60 to 70 days of age, they can eat whole grains and will require a grower diet that is approximately 18% crude protein. One of the easiest and most 6 The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

Back in Balance Minerals

Bishop Receives NAILE Shepherd Award

Formulas for Sheep, Goats, Camelids and Horses A bioavailable line of minerals formulated by herbalist and traditional naturopath Alethea Kenney.

Created to improve digestion, growth, fiber, health, immune function and reproduction. Contains no fillers or artificial preservatives, non-GMO.

For Orders: North Central Feed Products, LLC Pete Kjolhaug Orders: Zena Dunker 70 Alice St. Gonvick, MN 56644 877-487-6040 ncfpllc@gmail.com

Product Information: Alethea Kenney

Traditional Naturopath Western Herbalist, Aromatherapist, Small ruminant nutrition consultant for North Central Feed Products, LLC

The Sheep Department of the North American International Livestock Exposition presented the H.C. Besuden Shepherd Award to Barbara Bishop during the Supreme Champion Ewe selection on November 21. Known as MB Genetics, Michael and Barbara Bishop established their Southdown flock 20 years ago near Rio and maintain 60 brood ewes and 20 registered Angus cows. The Bishops and their daughter, Megan, started exhibiting Southdowns at the North American in Louisville, Kentucky in 1996.

The Shepherd Award is based on attractiveness of exhibit, bedding, signs, exhibitor’s behavior, and appearance of animals at all times. The traveling trophy is in honor of H.C. Besuden (1904-1985), a Kentucky farmer, sheep breeder and conservationist whose portrait is in the Saddle and Sirloin Club, originally in Chicago and now at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Besuden exhibited the champion carload of market lambs at the International Livestock Show in Chicago 18 times and the Grand Champion Southdown Ram of the International Livestock Show in 1970 and 1971.

Wisconsin Wool Works!

218-657-2502 allie@borealbalance.com

www.backinbalanceminerals.com www.borealbalance.com

Bloomington

Livestock Exchange 9663 Cty Rd A 608-994-2020

Bloomington, WI 53804 bloomingtonlivestock.com

Buyers of Quality Fed Slaughter Lambs, Feeder Lambs and Cull Sheep For a consistent and competitive market in the upper Midwest for your quality sheep, please call us at any time at one of our two different locations.

Bloomington Livestock Exchange, Bloomington, WI 608-994-2020 -or- Kevin’s Cell: 608-732-0732 Jerome Huber Reload Facility, Oxford, WI 608-586-5735 -or- Jerome’s Cell: 608-697-0421

Wisconsin State Fair August 6-16, 2015 Grassroots Promotion of Wisconsin Fiber Artists For consignment opportunities, contact Carol Black - Manager 920 623-3536 ✦ carol@ewesfulgifts.com Winter 2015

Now that you have tried the rest, please try the best! No trucking fees, no commission fees and a competitive market.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

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Make It With Wool Winners Headed To Reno Wisconsin’s 2014-2015 Make It With Wool Junior and Senior Division winners are headed to the national competition held January 29th – February 1st in Reno, NV. Representing Wisconsin are Kimberly Westenberg of Watertown and Sara Mark of Ixonia. They are accompanied

by Wisconsin Make It With Wool State Director, Wynn Wittkopf of Pewaukee.

Westenberg and Mark will compete with state winners from all over the United States. Their garments will be judged on fashion and construction by a panel of six judges representing the fashion industry, wool and fiber industry and sewing professionals. A style show featuring all contestants will be held during Saturday’s American Sheep Industry banquet. The American Sheep Industry is celebrating 150 years.

Major sponsors of the national Make It With Wool contest are the American Sheep Industry and the American Sheep Industry Women. Wisconsin’s major sponsor is the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative. Plans are already under way for Wisconsin’s 2015 Make It With Wool contest which will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015, at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson, WI. Information regarding age divisions, garment requirements, and novelty guidelines can be found by visiting www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival. com or contacting Wynn Wittkopf, Wisconsin Make It With Wool Director at jwwittkopf@core.com or 262-367-6192.

Your full-service livestock marketing, commodity trading and agricultural financing cooperative!

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Wittkopf 2015 Miss Congeniality Wisconsin Sheep Breeder’s Cooperative scholarship winner, Robyn Wittkopf, was recently named first runner up in the 2015 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. The competition was held during the 92nd annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Wisconsin Dells and featured 39 contestants from county and district fairs around the state.

Wittkopf was also named Miss Congeniality, an award voted on by the contestants.

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IT’S THE WAY TO GO! FOR MORE INFORMATION Please Call 800-362-3989, ext 131.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

www.equitycoop.com Winter 2015

Yarn Extravaganza 2015 Jefferson - Imagine! Jefferson County bursting with unexpected color as Tomorrow’s Hope, area Art Alliances and community organizations, along with volunteer artisans, yarn bomb their Main Streets! Beginning in midJuly, trees lining Main Streets or other strategic locations will be decorated with lively knitted and crocheted wraps. Knitters or sponsors need to adopt their tree in advance. Cost per tree is $100. Images of available trees in each community may be found on our website.

Important dates to keep in mind are the following: March 15 - start of the tree sale and knitters/crafters/artisans start their projects; July 15 - creations installed in area communities; July 16 - communities wake up to whimsical, lively Main Streets; October 10 - removal date.

Join us to build stronger, healthier communities through Tomorrow’s Hope. Email us at info@tomorrowshope.org or visit our website www. tomorrowshope.org, or call 920-674-8967.

Tomorrow's Hope works to foster health related research, education and support activities that have a direct impact on individuals in our health care service area touched by Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, seizure disorder and other life-limiting illnesses. All funds raised are used locally, to help residents of Jefferson, Dodge and Dane counties - and beyond. Tomorrow's Hope, 147 W. Rockwell St., Jefferson, WI.

Photos in part: Lowell Arts Council, Lowell, Michigan.

From July 15 through mid-October, streets of participating communities in Jefferson County may enjoy spectacular bursts of color thanks to the yarnbombing efforts of Yarn Extravaganza 2015, a fund raising effort on behalf of Tomorrow’s Hope and area art alliances.

Winter 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

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Expanding Your Flock Through Pasture Lease Agreements Laura Paine, Grazing Broker, Southwest Badger RC&D Have you ever thought about renting pasture? Livestock prices have been on the rise, and with grain prices and land rents coming down, this may be a good time to think about expanding the flock or creating a drought reserve. Pasture is always the cheapest source of forage, and as long as hay prices remain relatively high, renting pasture for managed grazing can be profitable. The Grazing Broker project makes it easy by bringing together landowners with grasslands and livestock producers looking for pasture.

An estimated 60% of land in the upper Midwest is now owned by people who don’t farm. These include properties that were purchased for recreation, investment, or by people who work in town, as well as farms inherited by the children who have moved away from the farm. These landowners are diverse and have diverse goals for their land, many of which are compatible with managed grazing.

Pasture forage Expense

per acre 3.5 T @ $150/T Fertilizer $50 Chemicals` $10 Electricity $20 Labor $60 Operating interest $4 Land Cost $150 Total $294 Net income Per acre

Income per acre $525

Incredible Edible Grass-fed Green Bay Thursday, February 12 at 6 p.m.

Kavarna Coffeehouse 143 N. Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54301

$525

$231

Pasture rent economics table provided by Paul Dietmann, Badgerland Financial.

Over the last year, Laura Paine, Grazing Broker for the Southwest Badger RC& D, has worked with a number of nonfarming landowners in SW Wisconsin. If they’ve owned their land for more than a couple of years, many have come to realize the critical role that livestock grazing plays in keeping their grasslands open and free of brush and weeds. Paine has been impressed by how many landowners are interested in finding a livestock producer to work with to help manage vegetation and maintain the beautiful open landscape that inspired them to buy the land in the first place. Right now, according to Paine, there are a number of smaller parcels that would be ideally suited for sheep, and a number of landowners who have expressed a preference for sheep grazing.

Brokering these relation­ships is essentially a matchmaking process. Many factors go into making a good, lasting relationship. For landowners, how the land will be cared for is often the most important factor. For producers, the size of the pasture and distance from the home farm are key factors.

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A smaller acreage can be worth it if it’s close, while a distant pasture may be desirable if it’s large and the landowner can keep an eye on things between visits. Paine says that, “Both partners are concerned with infrastructure costs, productivity of the land and, of course, rental rates. Through the brokering process, we help the parties come to a mutually beneficial agreement.”

She adds, “We are there to provide resources and information to help answer all of these questions. We create grazing plans, estimate stocking rates, help with seeding and pasture management questions, identify cost-share programs for building infrastructure, provide lease templates, and advice on negotiating terms.” Producers interested in accessing additional pasture for their flock are encouraged to contact Laura Paine, Grazing Broker, Southwest Badger RC&D, 138 S. Iowa Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533, 608-7321202 or laura.paine@swbadger.org.

When you purchase grass-fed products from local farmers you’re doing more than buying good food for your family - come learn about how purchasing grass-fed products positively impacts northeast Wisconsin. We’ll hear from local experts about how grass-fed products are produced, the health benefits of eating grass-fed products, the benefits on water quality in our local rivers & lakes, and how we can support our local graziers & producers of grass-fed products.

Trust Local Foods will also provide samples of grass-fed products from local farms!

Speakers include: ❖ Val Dantoin – SLO Farmers Co-op ❖ Michael Finney – Oneida Nation ❖ Molly Meyers – Glacierland RC&D ❖ Debra Pearson – Nutritional Sciences, UW-Green Bay ❖ Fred Depies – Trust Local Foods For more information, contact: Molly Meyers 920-680-6484 mgc@glacierlandrcd.org This event is sponsored in part by Glacierland RC&D thanks to funding from the Natural Resource Conservation Service through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

Winter Grazing Meeting Announced Portage - The Columbia/Dodge Grazing Network invites you to their annual Winter Grazing Meeting at the Randolph Village Hall Community Center on Tuesday, February 10, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Morning presentations will include: “Grazing Broker – Making Connections” with Laura Paine, Southwest Badger RC&D Grazing Broker; “PRF – Grazing Land Insurance” with Lucas Conmey, Badgerland Financial; “Animal Wellbeing – Consumer Expectations”, Lyssa Seefeld, Marquette County UW-Extension Ag Agent; “Grazing Parasite Challenges – Resistance and Dewormer choices”: Gene Schriefer, Iowa County UW-Extension Ag Agent.

There will be a catered lunch for this event. The afternoon program will provide participants breakout session choices.

Attendees may choose either Session A “FAMACHA© System for managing barber pole worm in small ruminants” with Elsie Gonzales, Dodge County UW-Extension Dairy and Livestock Agent; or Session B, “Grazing and Robotic Milker Integration” with Andy Jaworski, a dairy farmer from the Green Bay area.

A second round of breakouts will follow with participants choosing between Session A “Pasture Management for Beginners” with Rhonda Gildersleeve, UW-Extension Grazing Specialist, or Session B “Advanced Weed Management for Grazers” with Mark Renz, UW-Extension Weed Specialist.

If you are considering grazing please join this group of

4-H families and progressive seasoned flocks look to Mint Gold Ranch for top rams to give their lambs a boost in Market Lamb and Carcass classes.

Madeline Ploor of Door Co. used MG rams and 14 lambs averaged 4.10 in2 at 129 lbs. in actual County carcass show. Top lamb, the Champion, had 4.9 in2 loineye at 122 lbs.

Nationally the top 7 rams from 32 rams on NSIP (National Sheep Improvement Program) for loineye depth were bred by, sired by or used by Mint Gold Ranch. The result of scanning all lambs for loineye for 16 years.

grazers who’ve been networking for many years sharing their ideas, touring each others’ grazing farms, and gaining insight on how to streamline their production, remain sustainable, and market their products more effectively. There will be many opportunities for questions, networking with existing grazers, and good conversation, so mark the date and be sure to attend.

Registration and Lunch Fee is $20.00 per person for the entire day. The deadline for registration with payment is Monday, February 2, 2015; after February 2nd the registration fee is $35.00. Please send name, address, phone and email with a check made payable to Columbia County, and send to Joyce Dunbar, UW-Extension, 120 West Conant St., Suite 201, Portage, WI 53901. Other questions about registration should be directed to Joyce at 608-742-9687, or email her at joyce.dunbar@ces.uwex.ed.

The Randolph Village Hall Community Center is located at 248 West Stroud Street in Randolph.

This event is being sponsored by the Columbia/Dodge County Grazing Network, UW Cooperative Extension, Columbia County Land and Water Conservation Department, and the Dodge County Land Conservation Department.

For more information contact George Koepp, UWExtension Columbia County, (608) 742-9682 or george. koepp@ces.uwex.edu.

“Raising a Passion for Excellence” Dave & Mary Troxel Chris, Sara, Courtney and Seth N6127-9th Ave Plainfield, WI 54966

In 2014 MGR sold rams to 6 states from W. Virginia to California, Kansas to S. Dakota. Yet we provide many reasonably priced rams to families here in Wisconsin. Contact us for your next ram that will make an impact in your flock.

Sara 715-340-4812 Farm 715-335-6854

MINT GOLD RANCH

Dale & Judy Dobberpuhl 5807 County Road X, De Pere, WI 54115 920-864-7732 • mintgoldranch@gmail.com www.mintgoldranch.com

Winter 2015

Sara.troxel@rpespud.com The Wisconsin Shepherd

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Opportunity Knocks: Arcadia Shepherds Offer Start-up for New Shepherds Picturesque Shepherd Valley Farm is located eight miles northwest of Arcadia, in the rolling hills and valleys of Wisconsin’s Buffalo County. It’s where Dave and Sonja Johnson, engaged in farming for nearly forty years, have raised sheep for almost two decades. It’s also where opportunity abounds since the couple is now offering to help a young sheep producer or family become commercial sheep producers by either working into their operation or as a stepping stone to developing a flock and purchasing another piece of property.

Shepherd Valley Farm consists of 110 acres of cropland and grazing, with 72 acres of forestland. Johnson says “Currently, we graze and hay approximately 68 acres and rent another 42 acres to a neighbor, who works cooperatively with us on field work and bales approximately 100 large, round bales per year.” There is an IH 574 diesel tractor with loader, Hesston 12’ windrower, and a hay rake as part of the farming operation. All border fencing and internal fencing is woven wire, and there are 15 paddocks, with water, ranging in size from one to eight acres in size.

The sheep facilities consist of a large barn with fifty

lambing jugs, along with two lean-tos attached to the barn with concrete floors, plus a covered 10’ x 96’ round bale feeder. There is a second smaller barn for storing round bales and all hay is stored under cover, on concrete. In 2004 Land Conservation installed a concrete barnyard with run-off control and filter strips, where sheep are wintered from the first deep snow until after lambing usually by early April. The flock then heads for grass, grazing until the first heavy snow.

The ewe flock is ¾+ Dorset with decreasing Finn and Rambouillet usually bred to purebred Suffolk rams. There are 167 mature ewes and 17 ewe lambs bred for this spring, with 4 Suffolk rams,1 Dorset ram and a guard llama as part of the startup package. The Johnsons emphasize that there are many options available to prospective shepherds or families interested in getting a foothold in the industry, including housing. The couple are currently members of GrassWorks and the Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association. Persons interested in this opportunity should contact Dave and Sonja Johnson at 608 323-2109 or email shepherdvalley1859@ gmail.com.

River Bend Farm Suffolks “Jack” Sire of our 2014 and 2015 lamb crop.

g stock n i d e e r B . for sale

Kimm 11055-12211 RR/NN Age

Wt.

Hrt. Girth

Shld. Ht.

Length

Hd. Saddle

Hip

2 yr.

355#

55”

37”

39”

23.5”

14”

Brth Type

Brth Wt.

Adj. 60 day

Adj. REA

Adj. Bk Fat

DNA

TW

12#

80#

3.32 sq.

0.18

RR/NN

Tst. Size C. Bone 42 cm

14 cm

Elmer & Etta Held

117 N. Main St., Oakfield, WI 53065

eheld3084@charter.net ✦ 920-583-3084 12

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

The latest models, now with increased fuel efficiency.

Ultra Fresh® Optimum Optimize nutrition for your lambs and energize your bottom line. ®

Give them the best fuel, right from the starting line. New Ultra Fresh Optimum lamb milk replacer features an enhanced fatty acid profile to provide added 1

®

energy and a healthy start. In research trials , Ultra Fresh Optimum lamb milk replacer delivered significant increases in average daily gain and lamb weaning weights. Fill your lambs with an efficient and effective fuel this lambing season and watch your flock pull out ahead.

For optimal results, feed Ultra Fresh® Optimum

Contact your local Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products

lamb milk replacer after

representative today, or visit: www.lolmilkreplacer.com

feeding Land O'Lakes Colostrum Replacement

1

Winter 2015

Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products Research Trial on 423 lambs. Spring 2012.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

for Kid Goats and Lambs for the first feeding.

13

Vierck Wins South­down Scholarship

Vierck’s judging foundation came from Wisconsin 4-H and FFA events. The American FFA degree recipient had been high individual in the state FFA meats contest and was a gold individual in the national FFA contest. She was a member of the Dodge County 4-H teams that represented Wisconsin at National Western and American Royal meats contests, National Western 4-H livestock judging contest and the National 4-H Skillathon Contest held at the North American.

Workshop – Developing A Plan: Managing Your Farm & Rural Property DODGEVILLE – Everyone who owns rural land-both farmers and non-farming landowners-will benefit from a whole farm planning workshop to be held on Saturday, February 7th at the Iowa County Health and Human Services building at 303 W. Chapel Street, Dodgeville, WI. The whole farm planning process helps landowners assess their land’s natural resources along with its production capacity. It provides a means of bringing all of the pieces together in an integrated management plan to achieve financial, production, and land stewardship goals.

“As we’ve worked with landowners on managing their grasslands, many have expressed interest in a more comprehensive program to help them understand and manage their whole property,” said Laura Paine, Southwest Badger RC&D Grazing Broker and coordinator of the workshop.

“Although these plans are often called 'farm' plans, any piece of land, whether it is currently being farmed or not, would benefit,” added Paine. “Every property is a unique combination of hills, valleys, streams, springs, forests and open land, each needing site-specific management.”

Participants in the February 7 workshop will be introduced to the framework for whole farm planning as well as gain knowledge of financial and legal matters, identifying and managing natural resources, and using managed grazing as a conservation practice. Southwest Badger is launching a whole farm planning service (fee-based). Landowners will also learn more about the service and writing their own plan, if desired.

The program begins at 9:00 a.m. with an overview of the whole farm planning process, followed by a three-track breakout series covering a total of nine topics. An economics/ legal track will include presentations on use value property tax assessment, understanding lease agreements, and whole farm income options. A natural resources track will cover assessing native habitats, cropping practices that promote soil health, and protecting your land investment with estate planning and conservation easements. The third track will focus on managing pastures and grasslands, including using livestock grazing for vegetation management, silvopasturing, and fencing and watering for livestock.

Dave Vetrano, a long-time DNR fisheries biologist now retired, will wrap up the workshop with a presentation on

The American Southdown Breeders’ Association recognized several Wisconsin juniors at their annual meeting last November during the North American International Livestock Exposition. Kelly Vierck, daughter of Steve and Dawn Vierck, Juneau, received the Southdown scholarship in recognition of her involvement in breeding, showing and promoting Southdown sheep locally and nationally.

Wisconsin juniors earning awards in the Southdown Skillathon held the same day were third place junior, Carson Lobdell, Darlington; third place intermediate, Hannah Taylor, Arlington; and in the senior division, first place, Kelly Vierck; second, Jenna Langer, DeForest; and fourth, Haley Yunker, St. Croix Falls. Langer was the top Southdown junior in the all breeds showmanship, winning the senior division (16-21) trophy buckle. Both Yunker and Vierck serve as American Southdown ambassadors, helping to coordinate events and youth activities.

Vierck will be completing a degree in food science with a meat science emphasis, this spring at Oklahoma State University.

She will then continue graduate studies in meat science with a teaching assistantship at Kansas State University. As a member of the Oklahoma State livestock judging and meat judging teams, Vierck’s achievements included being high individual in specifications at the International meats contest and being named to the All-American Livestock Judging Team. The AllAmerican awards program created by the University Livestock Judging Team Coaches’ Association annually recognizes ten students who’ve made a personal commitment to livestock judging and have also excelled in academics, university and industry activities and community service.

14 The Wisconsin Shepherd

Continued on page 15 Winter 2015

the natural and human history of Wisconsin’s Driftless area.

“Dave’s presentation provides us with context: a way to understand how our properties came to be the way they are and what we need to do to manage for long-term land health,” said Paine.

Registration for the workshop is $15 ($10 for the second person from the same household). Lunch is provided and a vendor area will be set up with related companies and organizations participating. For more information or to sign up for the workshop, contact Laura Paine, Southwest Badger RC&D, 138 South Iowa Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533, laura. paine@swbadger.org, 608-732-1202.

Indianhead Sheep Breeders Plan Spring Sale The Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association will be holding its annual Spring Sheep Sale on Sunday, April 12 at the UW-River Falls Mann Valley Farm. This date is a week later than previous years due to Easter falling on April 5.

The sale is mainly geared to offering show lambs to 4-H youth for their market lamb project. There has also been an increase in entries of show quality registered and wether style breeding stock. There will be a short youth clinic before the sale. Consignments are open to any ISBA member.

Consignment information will be sent out in February. If interested in consigning, please contact Corinne Arnevik-

Hansen at chansen@lsdwi.org or 715-205-9603. If you have not attended the spring sale before, add April 12 to your calendar and attend to see some great sheep and purchase your next winner.

Calendar of Events (Cont’d from pg. 22) July 15 • Ad/Copy Deadline – Summer 2015 Issue, Wisconsin Shepherd. Copy: rbblack@powercom.net; Ads: Lynn Crooks, 608 723-6817 alcrooks@tds.net July 18-19 • Fiber “U” Cowan Civic Center, Lebanon, MO www.mopaca.org/fiber-u July 31 • Entry Deadline: Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA) Summer Spectacular Show, www. wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com 608 868-2505, alfhamp@ centurytel.net August 15 • Entry/Registration Deadline, Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, 608 868-2505 www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com, wisbc@centurytel.net August 6-16 • Wisconsin State Fair, www.wistatefair.com August 12-16 • Michigan Fiber Fest, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan, MI. www.michiganfiberfest.info August 22 • WLBA Summer Spectacular Show, Central Wisconsin State Fair Park, Marshfield, WI www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders. com 608 868-2505 alfhamp@centurytel.net September 11-13 • Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com

September 11-13, 2015 Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com Winter 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

15

“Lamb” is used to define sheep meat from an animal that is less than one year old, while “mutton” is used to define meat from sheep one year old and older. Lamb has a milder flavor “Lamb” is used to define sheep meat from an animal that than mutton. In 2010, the United States produced approxiis less than one year old, while “mutton” is used1to define meat mately 163 million pounds of lamb and mutton. from sheep one year old and older. Lamb has a milder flavor In the past, almost all lamb produced in the United States than mutton. In 2010, the United States produced approxiwas sold in supermarkets and restaurants. In recent years, the mately 163 million pounds of lamb and mutton.1 nontraditional market has grown substantially as well as lamb In the past, almost all lamb produced in the United States sales at farmers markets. Lamb consumption in the United was sold in supermarkets and restaurants. In recent years, the States is concentrated on the East and West Coasts and in larger nontraditional market has grown substantially as well as lamb metropolitan areas. sales at farmers markets. Lamb consumption in the United When it comes to lamb, there is none better than AmeriStates is concentrated on the East and West Coasts and in larger can! That’s because American sheep genetics are geared tometropolitan areas. ward producing high-quality products. Also, feeding or treatWhen it comes to lamb, there is none better than Ameriing lambs with artificial hormones for growth promotion is not can! That’s because American sheep genetics are geared topracticed in the United States. ward producing high-quality products. Also, feeding or treatWhat sets American lamb apart? Its portion size, mild flaing lambs with artificial hormones for growth promotion is not vor and product freshness. American sheep are reared on highpracticed in the United States. quality, natural-forage diets. Some lambs are marketed directly What sets American lamb apart? Its portion size, mild flafrom the range or pasture while others are grain-finished for a vor and product freshness. American sheep are reared on highshort period of time before being processed. Natural or organic quality, natural-forage diets. Some lambs are marketed directly lamb is also available to meet the demands of today’s consumers. from the range or pasture while others are grain-finished for a There are only a few days from the time American lamb is short period of time before being processed. Natural or organic processed until the product is available in grocery stores and lamb is also available to meet the demands of today’s consumers. restaurants. Therefore, the meat is always very fresh. ConsumThere are only a few days from the time American lamb is ers prefer American lamb to imported lamb; they ranked it suprocessed until the product is available in grocery stores and perior in terms of quality, taste and healthfulness.2 restaurants. Therefore, the meat is always very fresh. ConsumAmerican lamb is available in a wide variety of cuts. All maers prefer American lamb to imported lamb; they ranked it sujor lamb processors now have a full line of case-ready products perior in terms of quality, taste and healthfulness.2 available for their retail and restaurant customers that are packAmerican lamb is available in a wide variety of cuts. All maaged with freshness in mind. If you don’t see your favorite cut jor lamb processors now have a full line of case-ready products of lamb at your store or restaurant, please ask. And, be sure it is available for their retail and restaurant customers that are packlabeled “Fresh American Lamb.” aged with freshness in mind. If you don’t see your favorite cut of lamb at your store or restaurant, please ask. And, be sure it is labeled “Fresh American Lamb.”

American lamb is a strong competitor in the nutritional arena, with comparable ratings in major nutrition categories with other meats.

American lamb is a strong competitor in the nutritional 3 arena, with comparable ratings in major nutrition categories Nutritional Comparison with other3meats. oz. Cooked Serving Trimmed of Visible Fat Total Saturated3 Calories Cholesterol NutritionalFat Comparison Fat 3 oz. Cooked Serving Trimmed of Visible Fat Lamb Leg 175 8g 3g 80mg Total Saturated Calories Cholesterol Fat Fat Pork 179 8.02g 2.8g 80.2mg Lambham) Leg 175 8g 3g 80mg (fresh Pork Beef Round (fresh ham)

164 179

6.59g 8.02g

2.4g 2.8g

69.0mg 80.2mg

Chicken (dark light) Beef &Round

162 164

6.32g 6.59g

1.74g 2.4g

75.3mg 69.0mg

Turkey Chicken

145 162

4.23g 6.32g

1.4g 1.74g

64.4mg 75.3mg

(dark & & light) light) (dark

Turkey

145 4.23g 1.4g 64.4mg American Lamb Nutritional Composite

(dark & light)

Percentages of U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) provided by a 3-ounce serving of cooked lean lamb.

American Lamb Nutritional Composite

Percentages of U.S. Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) Protein ...............

47 percent Zinc.....................

32 percent provided by36 a percent 3-ounce serving cooked lean10lamb.

Vitamin B-12 .....

Ironof ..................... percent Niacin ................. 26 percent Riboflavin .......... 13 percent Protein ............... 47 percent Zinc..................... 32 percent 1 Vitamin B-12 ..... 36Association percent Iron..................... 10 percent American Sheep Industry 2 American.................

Lamb Tracking Study, April 2004, Synovate Niacin 26 percent Riboflavin .......... 13 percent 3 American Lamb Board - www.leanonlamb.org

American Sheep Industry Association American Lamb Tracking Study, April 2004, Synovate American Lamb Board - www.leanonlamb.org

1 2 3

5-9/11

16

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

5-9/11

State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon contests scheduled for March 7, 2015

Central Livestock Association, LLC A Subsidiary of Cooperative Resources

Madison - The Wisconsin State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon contests will be held together on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at UW Madison Animal Sciences Building, Madison, WI. Deadline for registration, in the office, is Friday, Feb 27, 2015. Not postmarked Feb 27th. The cost is $10 per youth.

Registration starts at 9 a.m., and competitions begin at 9:30 a.m. Teams are encouraged to participate in both contests as they will be occurring at the same time. The planning committee reserves the right to alter schedule if needed to manage both contests effectively.

Teams are divided into three age divisions and teams can consist of 3 or 4 members. The junior division covers youth who are under 14 years of age as of Jan.1, 2015. The senior division includes youth who are 14 years of age or older as of Jan. 1, 2015. A mixed team must contain at least one youth from each age division.

Livestock Bowl is a quiz competition where all the questions are about beef, sheep, swine, and meat goat topics and students use a buzzer in order to answer the questions.

Teams compete in a double elimination format by giving oral answers to questions posed by a moderator. Each match has both an individual and toss-up question round. The winning 4-H senior team will represent Wisconsin at the National 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl competition in Omaha, NE at the AKSARBEN Livestock Exhibition.

The Livestock Skillathon contest is made up of a written quiz and learning stations such as breed identification, feed identification, equipment identification as well as some team activities such as demonstrating evaluation skills. The top Senior level 4-H team will represent Wisconsin at the National 4-H Skillathon Contest, held each fall in Louisville during the North American International Livestock Exposition.

Competition in Livestock Quiz Bowl & Skillathon encourages members to develop a more complete knowledge of animals and related subjects. This contest provides an educational program for all project members, including those

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For more information call Tom Ostlie at 612-532-0966 or visit our website at www.centrallivestock.com who may not own a project animal, and provides a way to develop self-confidence. These programs are a great parallel to some similar programs that breed associations and other organizations conduct such as Junior Cattle Nationals, NJSA (National Junior Swine Association) and the All-American Sheep Show.

For more information and registration information, please contact Bernie O’Rourke, UW Extension Youth Livestock Specialist and contest coordinator at (608) 263-4304, borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu or the Animal Science Youth Website at http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/programs/ quizbowlskillathon/. You can also “like” Wisconsin Youth Livestock Program on Facebook as well.

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18

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

2015 WI 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and Skillathon Contest Registration Form (Complete one form for each team)

Circle Division:

❍ Junior

❍ Senior

❍ Mixed

County Team Name:______________________________________________________________________ Coach (person who will be following team):_____________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________________ Email:__________________________________________________________________________________ Team Members:

Birth date & Age as of Jan. 1, 2015

Address, City, Zip Code & email

Sex M/F

1.

2.

3.

4.

County Extension 4-H Agent Signature:______________________________________________________

Cost is $10/person, includes both contests. Make payable to: Wisconsin 4-H Return completed form and check by Feb. 27, 1015 to: (FIRM DEADLINE: NOT postmarked on Feb. 27, RECEIVED BY) Bernie O’Rourke Department of Animal Sciences 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 608-263-4304 608-262-5157 (fax)

borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/programs/quizbowlskillathon/ Winter 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

19

2015 4-H Meat Judging Contest – February 14 Madison – Coaches with 4-H meat judging teams that have participated in the 2013 and 2014 Meat Judging Contests are invited to bring county junior and senior teams to the upcoming 4-H Meat Judging Contest, to be held Saturday, February 14, at the University of WisconsinMadison Meat Laboratory. All of the contest materials may also be found online at http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/ programs/4hmeatscontest/ Pursuant to changes after the 2005 contest, junior contestants will be given a copy of the “Beef Carcass Evaluation Worksheet,” which they may use in the contest,

which will assist them in learning about and applying beef yield and quality grades. Senior contestants cannot use the “Beef Carcass Evaluation Worksheet” in the contest.

The national meats judging contest has incorporated oral reasons at the National contest for many years. To better prepare our participants for reasons at this year’s contest, there will be an opportunity to hear a set of reasons on a class. In addition, students can practice giving a set of oral reasons to coaches and contest officials if desired. Plans for the 2016 contest include oral reasons for the senior division.

2015 4-H Meat Judging Contest Registration Form University of Wisconsin, Madison February 14, 2015 County:_________________________________________________________________________________ Advisor/Coach:_____________________________________ Phone:_______________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________ Zip:____________________ Email:__________________________________________________________________________________

Senior Participants* (Grades 9-13)

Junior Participants* (Grades 3-8)

_______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________ It is not necessary that we know in advance exactly who will be participating, but having some names will assist us in making up contest summary sheets in advance.

Additions or deletions can be made on the day of the event. Because of space limitations in the Meat Science Lab, we are initially asking counties to limit their entries to 9 total participants (seniors and/or juniors). If you wish to bring more, contact Bernie O’Rourke after February 6.

Additional participation will be permitted if space allows (to date no one has ever been turned away).

Note: if you have more than 9 youth in each division, please put your more experienced youth on the first team and put the others on the second team.

Return by February 6 to: Bernie O’Rourke Animal Science Building 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706 608-263-4304 (Tel) • 608-262-5157 (Fax) • borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu

20

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Winter 2015

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Winter 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

21

Calendar of Events February 7 • Whole Farm Planning: Work­ shop for Landowners, 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Iowa County Health & Human Services Bldg, 303 West Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI. RSVP Laura Paine, Southwest Badger RC&D, 608 732-1202 or laura.paine@swbadger.org.

Registration: $15 person, $10 second person (from same household).

February 10 • Winter Grazing Meeting, Columbia/Dodge Grazing Network, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Randolph Village Hall Community Center, 248 West Stroud Street, Randolph, WI. Registration begins 8:30 a.m. ($20/person prior to Feb. 2; $35/person after Feb. 2) Register with Joyce Dunbar, UW-Extension, 120 West Conant St., Suite 201, Portage, WI 53901. Contact: 608 7429687 or joyce.dunbar@ces.uwex.edu February 14 • 2015 4-H Meat Judging Contest, University of Wisconsin-Madison Meat Laboratory. Information: Bernie O’Rourke, UWEX Youth Livestock Specialist, 608 263-4304 borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu.

Registrations due February 6.

February 20-22 • Knit In, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, WI. Madison Knitters’ Guild, www.madisonknittersguild.com February 26-28 • MOSES Organic Farming Conference, La Crosse Center, Harborview Plaza, La Crosse, WI. http://mosesorganic. org/conference/ March 4 • Winter Grazing Seminar, 841 Brewhouse (formerly Randy’s Brewpub), Whitewater, WI Full Information: Peg Reedy, Walworth Co. UWEX, 262 741-4961 peg. reedy@ces.uwex.edu March 7 • Wisconsin State 4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl, 4-H Skillathon Contests. Bernie O’Rourke, UW Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, 608 263-4304 borourke2@ansci. wisc.edu. Registration deadline: February 27, (not postmarked) March 14 • Arlington Sheep Day, Public Events Facility, Arlington Ag Research Station, Arlington, WI. Contact: Todd Taylor 608 846-5858 toddtaylor@wisc.edu or Dave Thomas 608 263-4306 dlthomas@wisc.edu March 14 • Annual Meeting, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative. Public Events Building, Arlington Ag Research Station, Arlington, WI www.wisbc.com or Jill Alf, 608 22

868-2505 or wisbc@centurytel.net March 15 • Wisconsin Club Lamb Associ­ation Breeders Memberships Due, Forms at: www.wisconsinclublamb association.com March 27-29 • Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival, The Westin Conven­tion Center, Pittsburgh, PA. www.pghknitand crochet.com March 28 • Annual Meeting, Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA) and Spring Ahead Livestock Educational Sessions, UW-Arlington Research Station Public Events Facility, Arlington, WI. 608 868-2505 or alfhamp@centurytel.net, www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com April 6-7 • Wisconsin Club Lamb Association Online Club Lamb Sale www.wlivestock.com April 11 • 19th Annual Stephenson County Fiber Arts Fair, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Jane Addams Community Center, Cedarville, IL. Info: Suzy@SuzyBeggin.com April 12 • Indianhead Sheep Breeders Assn.

Spring Sheep Sale, UW-River Falls Mann Valley Farm. www.indianheadsheep.com To consign: Diane Arnevik-Hansen chansen@ lsdwi.org or 715 205-9603.

April 15 • Ad/Copy Deadline – Spring 2015 Issue, Wisconsin Shepherd.

Copy: rbblack@powercom.net; Ads: Lynn Crooks, 608 723-6817 alcrooks@tds.net April 17-18 • The Fiber Event, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, Greencastle, IN www. thefiberevent.com April 25 • Wisconsin Southdown Asso­ ciation 5th Annual Stars Sale, UWArlington Public Events Facility, Arlington, WI. Educational program precedes sale which starts at noon. Information: www.wisconsinsouthdowns.com May 1 • Wisconsin Club Lamb Associa­tion Youth Memberships Due, Forms at: www. wisconsinclublambassociation.com May 1 • Entry Deadline, Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA) Spring Preview 608 868-2505 alfhamp@ centurytel.net www.wisconsinlivestock breeders.com May 2-3 • 42nd Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, Howard Co. Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD. www.SheepAndWool.org The Wisconsin Shepherd

May 11 • Wisconsin State Fair Market Livestock Self-Identification Deadlines for 2015 Potential Junior State Fair Market Lamb Exhibitors. Questions related to the DNA/RFID identification process contact: WLIC helpdesk@wiid.org – 888.808.1910.

Questions related to Wisconsin State Fair or entry proce­dures contact: entryoffice@ wistatefair.com or 414.266.7000 May 15 • Entry Deadline, Wisconsin Live­stock Breeders Association (WLBA) WLBA/Purina Animal Nutrition Live­stock Show Camp Deadline, 608 868-2505, alfhamp@centurytel.net www.wisconsin livestockbreeders.com May 15-17 • 18th Annual Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival, Lake Elmo, MN. Julie MacKenzie 612 961-9625 www.ShepherdsHarvestFestival.org May 23-24 • Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne Co. Fairgrounds, Wooster, OH www.greatlakesfibershow.com June 5-6 • Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival, Johnson Co. Fairgrounds, Franklin, IN. Le Burgett leburg58@yahoo.com www.

HoosierHillsFiberFestival.com June 6 • Spring Preview Show, Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA).

Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI, Entry Deadline: May 1. www.wisconsinlivestock breeders.com 608 868-2505 alfhamp@ centurytel.net June 8-13 • 2015 National Columbia Show & Sale, Martin County Fairgrounds, Fairmont, MN. www.columbiasheep.org; Wayne Bush, wayneb1000@gmail.com June 13-14 • WLBA/Purina Animal Nutrition Livestock Show Camp, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI. www.wisconsinlive stockbreeders.com 608 868-2505, alfhamp @centurytel.net June 13-14 • 11th Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival, Jaspar Co. Fairgrounds. Info: Claudia 319 726-4357 info@iowasheep. com, www.IowaSheepAndWoolFestival.com June 15 • WSBC Scholarship Deadline, application can be found at www.wisbc.com June 27 • Katahdin Hair Coat & FAMACHA Training Classes. For more information: Gene Schriefer 608 930-9850 or gene. schriefer@ces.uwex.edu June 21-24 • Howard Wyman Sheep Industry Leadership School, Denver, CO. Contact: NLFA 503 585-1921 email: info@ nlfa-sheep.org Application at: www.nlfasheepusa.org.

Continued on page 15 Winter 2015

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The Wisconsin Shepherd

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