WI Sheep Breeders Spring 2015

THE

WisconsinShepherd

Spring 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 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 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 Ryan Bingen: Allenton 262 339-9816 Sara Troxel: Plainfield 715 340-4812 Maralyn Fowler: Cascade 920 528-8013 2

President’s Message

I would like to start my inaugural president’s message in The Wisconsin Shepherd with a Thank You to all of those who were able to attend the Annual meeting of the WSBC held in March following the Arlington Sheep Day Program. It was great to see the public events facility full of people excited about the sheep industry. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Jill Alf, our executive secretary for her work in getting the annual meeting put together, Dave Thomas and Todd Taylor for the excellent Morning Program, and Elmer Held for his service to the WSBC as an outgoing board member.

After living in a part of the country that, in my mind, had only two seasons ( summer and “isn’t winter nice?”), Spring is a season that I truly enjoy. Depending on the goals of your flock, facilities, labor, or market, lambing may be done, in progress, or waiting to start. Others are in process of breeding for fall lambs. Spring is full of new life and new opportunities. In our barn, we are weaning lambs, welcoming in customers to see the year’s lamb crop, and a lot of nights, spending time in the barn helping our son with his show lambs. We believe in the benefits that showing livestock can provide to our son.

No matter what breed of sheep you raise, the production system used to raise them, or the method used to market the finished product of lamb, wool, seedstock, ect..., the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative desires to be your partner in accomplishing your goals as we work to continue to improve what is already an excellent sheep industry in the state of Wisconsin.

2015 will see us working on a membership drive for the WSBC, continuing to improve our largest public outreach project, the already state of the art Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, and working to provide new opportunities for all segments of the industry through events like the Wisconsin Wool Works and a Carcass Competition to name a few. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact myself, or anyone on the board and we will be willing to listen.

Happy Shepherding, Alan Thorson, WSBC President

Dedication to Fund Raising Recognized At Arlington

The Friend of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Award was presented to three couples who have dedicated countless hours to the cooperative’s efforts to build youth and education funds through many years of auctions at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival and its predecessor event, the Wisconsin sheep industry conference.

Receiving the recognition were (l-r) Elmer and Etta Held, Oakfield, WI; Richard and Sylvia Roembke, Cedarburg, WI; and Richard and Barb Schultz, Fort Atkinson, WI. (photo courtesy Lynn Grooms/AgriView) Cover photo Take Me Down to the Little White Church by Crystal Retzlaff. 2014 Best of Show and First Place Scenic Photo, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op Wild and Woolly Photo Contest.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

Dick Boniface, Longtime Wool Industry Leader Honored Arlington, WI — Richard “Dick” and the Dick Boniface and Juanita Boniface, Oak Grove, MN, was Reed-Boniface 4-H Endowment awarded the Art Pope Award at the was established to assure support annual meeting of the Wisconsin of these awards into the future.

Sheep Breeders Cooperative The couple also sponsors special held recently at the University of awards for several categories of Wisconsin-Madison Agricultural hand-constructed wool items in Research Station at Arlington, WI. the Creative Activities Department The award recognizes an individual at the Minnesota State Fair. for outstanding service and Although his primary work dedication to the American sheep has been in the sheep and wool industry and was was established industries, Boniface has given in 1995 to honor Dr. A. L. Pope, his time and talent generously to an Animal Science professor, many other aspects of agriculture.

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dick and his wife Juanita for his leadership and service formed an agriculture education to the sheep industry. Boniface consulting firm, JRB Associates, was a familiar face to hundreds Inc. in 1992 and from 1997-2008 of Wisconsin sheep producers Richard 'Dick' Boniface, long-time wool industry they were program Coordinators throughout his 40 year wool- leader, was recognized for his leadership and for Minnesota Foundation for marketing career at North Central achievements in the American sheep industry Responsible Animal Care. They Wool Marketing Corporation, a and awarded the Art Pope Award at the annual gave leadership to designing regional co-op headquartered in meeting of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders and implementing Minnesota’s Minneapolis and is the twentieth Cooperative on March 14. (photo courtesy Lynn Livestock Quality Assurance recipient of the prestigious honor. and Ethics Program for young Grooms/AgriView) He started working on a grading producers, a program which crew in the warehouse, became a now reaches 50,000 youth in the wool buyer, supervisor of field staff, Director of Field Service Minnesota 4-H program. He has provided resources on sheep and Director of Public Relations. During his time there, he and wool and taught hands-on activities to hundreds of originated the grade and yield method of marketing wool students for Ag-In-The Classroom, Ag Adventures Day Camps, which made it possible to sell an individual producer’s 4-H Family Farm Fests and County and State Fair educational wool on the current market based on its quality and yield. exhibits.

In addition, he implemented and helped operate the wool Dick and Juanita are both Anoka County Farm Bureau testing lab. He traveled and spoke to grower meetings and officers and help to conduct award winning educational events in many states and organized and led buyer training programs in agriculture literacy including presentation sessions throughout the cooperative's member states. As of Children’s Literature Book Bundles to elementary Public Relations Director he arranged annual meetings and schools, Oliver H. Kelley Historic Farm and giving classroom edited the company newsletter, The Wool Sack. At one presentations. In 2004 they were inducted into the Minnesota point this publication had a circulation of 20,000, including Livestock Hall of Fame and in 2010 Dick received the American woolgrowers, industry personnel and agriculture libraries in Sheep Industry Camptender award for his commitment and the United States and abroad. long-lasting contributions to the wool industry.

He worked with the Universities of Minnesota, Wisconsin, His interest in cooperatives includes credit unions. He Iowa, State, North Dakota State, and South Dakota State served fourteen years (1970-1984) on the Board of Directors teaching livestock students the basics of wool grades and of Twin Cities Coop Credit Union (now SPIRE) including the proper wool preparation with both lectures or warehouse last four years (1980-1984) as president. tours. He was also a popular wool show judge and many Acknowledging he had been given a great honor, Boniface Wisconsin exhibitors will recall his over 20-plus years of said while accepting his award, “It’s been a privilege to spend judging the fleece show at the Wisconsin State Fair. my career working in this industry. It’s not a job that has Boniface helped organize the Minnesota Lamb and Wool made me a millionaire, but I am rich in another way. Getting Producers Association (MLWP)and continues to support that to know and work with hundreds of the greatest people in organization’s events at the Minnesota State Fair. He is a donor the world—the farmers and ranchers in the North Central of 4-H State Fair awards in Lamb Lead and the wool show. and Western parts of the United States…has been truly Dick and his wife Juanita have been long-time contributing rewarding. The friends I gained through my work are among buyers of lambs at the Minnesota 4-H Livestock Auction my life’s prized possessions.”

Spring 2015 The Wisconsin Shepherd 3

Kurth Farms Recognized The recipient of the 2015 Master Shepherds Award – Purebred Division at the annual recognition program for the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op was Kurth Farms of Pewaukee, WI. Now in its eighth decade, Kurth Farms is nestled in a subdivision in Waukesha County where, despite its urban setting, the family is committed to investing in another generation and the farm’s rich heritage.

Patriarch of that effort is Bob Wiese, whose roots in the sheep industry go back to when he was five years old and his grandmother gave him five sheep for his birthday. He started showing sheep at the Wisconsin State Fair in 1953 and over the years the flock eventually grew to 200 ewes. Currently the Kurth Farms flock numbers sixty registered ewes made up of Hampshires, Dorsets, & Border Leceisters.

Bob and Adair Wiese were 4-H leaders and enjoyed the sheep project with their children, Wally, Kurth Farms of Pewaukee were recognized as the Master Shepherds Wynn, & Wanda. As a family, they shared their – Purebred Division at the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op annual sheep with many youth in their community which meeting on March 14 in Arlington. Shown are (l-r) Bob Wiese; Sue provided a great opportunity for many kids to show Rupnow, President, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders; Wynn and Jon an animal at the county fair. This tradition has been Wittkopf. Photo courtesy Lynn Grooms/Agri-View passed down a generation as Wynn is currently a Jon & Wynn continue to support local 4-H youth and their 4-H leader and very active in the sheep project at families with Sunday night meetings at Kurth Farms, where the county level.

Bob, Wynn, and her husband Jon, have taught over fifty the kids hold and walk lambs, learn something new and neighborhood youth how to show sheep. Bob has attended practice their skills. As the fair gets closer, the families meet 66 Waukesha County Fairs and has hauled over 530 sheep to with Jon & Wynn several times a week. Jon jokes that just the Waukesha County Fair, serving as Fair Marshall in 2014. when the group of kids have a few years of experience and The family routinely brings over thirty head of breeding stock can shear and fit their own sheep, Wynn goes out and finds from the farm to the county fair every summer, where Bob more kids! Currently 15 youth are a part of this year’s group also sponsors the trophies for the Champion Ewe of each and six of them are new to the sheep project. breed and the Lead Line classes, while Wynn coordinates the Wynn says the hardest thing to teach the kids is selecting Lead Line. the most complete ewe lamb and comments that, “We struggle with the ‘Cuteness Factor’ every year.”

With ten girls of the fifteen youth, the younger girls always want to take the “cute lambs” to the fair. She laughs, “We might not always take our best lambs to the fair, but we definitely take our cutest lambs.

It’s a good thing the girls like pink, because they might be bringing home a pink ribbon.” Wittkopf is also the State Director for the Wisconsin Make It Wool competition held each year at The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival.

Bob’s grandkids, the “Kurth Farm Cousins” as they are often called, show annually at the Spring Preview, Waukesha County Fair, Wisconsin State Fair (open & junior shows), the WLBA Summer Spectacular, and the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival. They love participating and are thankful for Kurth Farms invests heavily in youth livestock activities, holding all of these wonderful opportunities to exhibit their weekly Sunday evening meetings where currently up to fifteen 4-H sheep as they carry on the Kurth Farms tradition. kids learn and practice skills such as shearing, fitting and showing.

4 The Wisconsin Shepherd Spring 2015

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Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Announce 2015 Scholarship Opportunities Edgerton – The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op announced changes to its scholarship program and its deadline for applications of June 15. The new criteria include: • Parents or applicant must have been members of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative (WSBC) for a minimum of two (2) years, including the year in which application was made.

• Applicant must be a high school senior graduating in 2015 or a college student age 25 or younger.

• Applicant must be enrolled in the University of WisconsinMadison Agriculture Short Course, technical school, community college or an accredited four-year college in the fall of 2015.

• Previous WSBC scholarship recipients are not eligible to reapply.

• Applicant must have carried sheep as a 4-H or FFA project for a minimum of two years.

Up to $4000 in scholarships will be awarded annually based on qualified applications submitted and scholarship amounts apportioned according to the WSBC Scholarship

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scholarships continued on page 10

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The Wisconsin Shepherd

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Change at the Top: More Directors, Longer Terms The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op increased the number of its directors from nine to eleven at its annual meeting held on March 14 in conjunction with the Arlington Sheep Days. The adopted bylaws changes also increased the term limits for director to three consecutive three-year terms from the previous two term limit. Both measures passed on

a voice vote and as a result five nominees were presented on the ballot which was approved following a motion to have the secretary cast a unanimous ballot. Returning to the board are Jeff Nevens, Lodi and Keith Schultz of Fort Atkinson. Joining the board for the first time are Maralyn Fowler, Cascade; Ryan Bingen, Allenton; and Sara Troxel, Plainfield.

The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op board of directors is now eleven strong. Shown (front row l-r) Jeff Nevens, Vice-President, Lodi; Sue Rupnow, Past President, Wausau; Alan Thorson, President, Columbus; (second row 1-r) Tim Miller, Beloit; Laura Meyer, Watertown; Ryan Bingen, Allenton; (third row l-r) Brandon Knutson, Clinton; Sara Troxel, Plainfield; Keith Schultz, Fort Atkinson; Debbie Petzel, Centuria. Not shown: Maralyn Fowler, Cascade. Photo courtesy Lynn Grooms/AgriView

September 11-13, 2015 Jefferson Fair Park Jefferson, WI www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com 6

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

Sattler Family Receives Master Shepherd Honors The Darren and Cheri Sattler Family of Chilton, Wisconsin received the 2015 Master Shepherd – Commercial Division Award at the recent Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op annual meeting in Arlington. In presenting the award, WSBC director Tim Miller, emphasized the passion that the family has for producing and promoting quality lamb and remarked that the family exemplifies the future of progressive sheep production in the Midwest. Taking over the farm in 1989, Darren and Cheri became early innovators in the direct-to-consumer market, building a customer base through farmers’ markets, on-farm sales and eventually online merchandising of quality lamb retail cuts and offering whole and half carcasses on an order basis. They now take part in numerous farmers’ markets throughout the Green Bay and Sheboygan areas and promote the industry through their annual Open Barn tours of the farm. They recently hosted the TV cooking gurus and “Grillologists” Mad Dog & Merrill, as a host farm to the popular outdoor grilling show.

The Sattler flock is comprised of Hampshire/Suffolk wether type ewes and while the emphasis is on meat, muscle and quality consumer products, the flock has won recognition in the show ring at county, regional and state shows for son Tjark and daughter Abby. Active in the farm’s operation as the fifth generation, Abby has been a five-time champion in the Wisconsin State Fair Lead Class and Tjark advocates for vocational agriculture education as FFA advisor at Parkview High School in Rock County, while his wife Jordyn is an agronomy specialist with Dow. In his comments Miller noted that sadly Cheri Sattler had passed away suddenly just after Christmas adding, “Her touch is clearly evident in the passion, soft-spoken style, enthusiasm and promotion of an industry we all love and can only hope will be as successful as the Sattler Farm.”

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Direct market sales at Green Bay and Sheboygan area farmers’ markets, as well as on-farm and on-line sales of retail cuts and carcasses drive the success of Sattler Farm Lamb, LLC, a fifth generation sheep operation near Chilton, Wisconsin. Photo – Sattlerfarmlamb.com

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The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Announce 2015 Events The Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA) is busy gearing up for another year of educational shows and events. The Wisconsin Spring Preview Show will be held on Saturday, June 6, at the Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI. The three-species, beef, sheep and swine show is a popular show to prepare youth and their livestock projects for the summer show season. This show is a sanctioned point-show by both the Wisconsin Club Lamb Association and the Wisconsin Show Pig Association. Entries are due and must be postmarked by May 1, 2015.

The 2015 Wisconsin Junior Livestock Show Camp is scheduled for June 13-14th, at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis. This two-day camp is organized and held each year for youth interested in learning or perfecting showing and fitting techniques, livestock management and evaluation, and meeting new friends involved in the livestock industry.

This year’s beef presenters are Bobby May and his son Brock, May Cattle Company of Mineral Point, WI. The May family have been highly successful in the club calf ring, and show cattle arena for many years. Troy Sloan, Team Sloan Livestock will be sharing his secrets to success showing, feeding and raising show pigs. Troy will be traveling from Cameron, MO. This year’s sheep presenters will be Mark and Amy Johnson of

A&M Ranch, Sandwich, IL. The Johnson’s have many years of experience breeding, feeding and exhibiting sheep across the country. A unique aspect of this camp is the ability for parents to participate in the camp with their child for a more effective learning experience, especially for younger exhibitors. The Wisconsin Livestock Breeder’s Association, Purina Animal Nutrition, and the Blue Ribbon Sale of Champions Foundation are pleased to host this outstanding youth livestock event.

Registration deadline is May 15, 2015.

The 2015 Wisconsin Summer Spectacular show will be held on Saturday, August 22nd and will be held again in its new location at the Central Wisconsin State Fair, in Marshfield, WI. This popular end of the summer show will continue to be the relaxed, fun-filled show held in northern Wisconsin that it has been known for. Educational contests will be held at this event as well as the historical beef, sheep and swine shows.

Entries are due and must be postmarked by July 31, 2015.

More detailed information and applications for each of these events can be found on the WLBA website at www. wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com or by contacting WLBA Executive Director, Jill Alf at 608-868-2505 or alfhamp@ centurytel.net.

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The Wisconsin Shepherd

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FAMACHA Producer Workshop Announced

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Dodgeville - A workshop will be held in Arena, Wisconsin on Saturday, June 27, 2015 on Intensive Parasite Management and Grazing and Pasture Management for sheep and goat producers. Focus of the program will be use of the FAMACHA score card for assessing internal parasitism in sheep and goats.

FAMACHA is a diagnostic tool developed in South Africa to help farmers identify Haemonchus contortus (Barber Pole worm) infection in sheep and goats. The tool is a chart that matches eyelid color to anemia levels, an indicator of parasite infection. This type of diagnosis allows farmers to target treatment only to infected animals, which in some systems has reduced use of deworming agents by 90 percent. Not only do farmers save money, they significantly reduce the likelihood of causing parasites to become resistant to dewormers.

Identification of susceptible and more resistant animals enables producers to make more informed breeding and culling decision in managing their flocks and herds. Attending an approved training session, such as this FAMACHA Producer Workshop, is the only way that a producer can obtain a FAMCHA score card.

Jim Morgan, Operations Manager with Katahdin Hair Sheep International, Fayetteville, Arkansas will make presentations on intensive parasite management and use of the FAMACHA score card, and Gene Schriefer, Iowa County Agriculture Agent, Dodgeville, Wisconsin will make a presentation on grazing and pasture management.

The program will be held at Grandma Mary’s Café, 216 Hwy 14, Arena, Wisconsin followed by hands-on use of the FAMACHA score card at the Vince Pope farm near Arena.

Registration starts at 10:45 a.m., and the hands-on program at the farm should conclude by approximately 4:30 p.m.

Advance registration ($30 per person, $20 per person for each additional family/farm member) is required and is limited to the first 65 people registering. Lunch and the FAMACHA score card are included.

Contact Gene Schriefer, Iowa County Extension Office, 303 W. Chapel St., Dodgeville, WI 53533 (608-930-9850, gene.schriefer@ces.uwex.edu) for a brochure and registration form or more information. scholarships continued from page 5

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Committee’s discretion. 2015 scholarship recipients will be announced at the 2015 Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival Saturday, September 12 just prior to the Shepherd’s Auction at 1:00 pm. Scholarships will be paid out after January 1, 2016, upon submission of scholarship recipient’s fall 2015 college transcripts and a spring 2016 class schedule. Applicants are reminded that scholarship applications are due postmarked June 15, 2015 at the office of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op in Edgerton, WI. Late applications will not be accepted.

Scholarship application forms may be found on-line at www. wisbc.com. For further information, contact the WSBC office at 608 868-2505 or email wisbc@centurytel.net.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

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The Wisconsin Shepherd

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Attention 2015 Wisconsin State Fair Junior Market Lamb Exhibitors!

Performance Information Those who wish to exhibit in the 2015 Wisconsin State Fair Performance Lamb Division must have lambs weighed at one of the following locations: May 16, 2015 • St. Croix County Fairgrounds (Glenwood City) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Ed Dittbrenner – 715-419-1952 • Plymouth High School Agriculture Department (Plymouth) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Walter Taylor – 920-980-7865 • Wisconsin Valley Veterinary Clinic (Wausau) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Kevin Schmoll – 715-370-2064 • Juneau County Fairgrounds (Mauston) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Alan Thorson – 920-344-1235 • Jackson County Fairgrounds (Black River Falls) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Rick Olson – 715-896-3771 May 17, 2015 • Grant County Fairgrounds (Lancaster) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Alan Thorson – 920-344-1235 May 23, 2015 • Arlington Agriculture Research Center Headquarters (Arlington) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Todd Taylor – 608-332-4914 • Stoughton Fairgrounds (Stoughton) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Brian Bolan – 608-576-7312 • Mint Gold Ranch (DePere) – 9 to 10 am Contact: Dale Dobberpuhl – 920-864-7732 Eligible performance division lambs must have been DNA/ RFID ear tag identified for Wisconsin State Fair through the WLIC statewide identification program by May 11th. Do NOT go to a Performance Weigh-In Site without the official RFID tag (submitted by May 11th) placed in the lamb(s) ear(s).

2015 Wisconsin State Fair Performance Lamb Rules

as well as the “Junior General Rules and Regulations” section located on www.wistatefair.com. Castrated males (wethers) and female lambs are eligible.

4) Overall placing will be based on 40% average daily gain, 20% on live visual appraisal and 40% Ultrasound carcass evaluation.

Rate of Gain Component: Lambs will be weighed at the Fair on Monday, August 10, 2015. The Fair weight and beginning weight recorded at the official Wisconsin State Fair performance identification site (May 17th or May 24th) will be used to calculate average daily gain.

Live Show Component: Lambs will be shown on Tuesday, August 11th following the breeding show. The specific judging time will be announced at the Fair. Lambs will show by official Fair weight. The top lambs in the live show will be selected from the top two placings in each class.

Lambs must be slick shorn.

Ultrasound Carcass Component: Lamb carcasses are evalu ated via ultrasound to generate a projected ”Boneless Retail Product Yield” as well as a “Lamb Carcass Index”. Each system uses measures of fat thickness and distribution combined with measures and evaluations of muscling. In general, a higher score in either or both calculations leads to a carcass that ranks well. However, there is further consideration given to carcass weight and fatness “desirability” as influenced by industry standards and expectations. “Heavy” carcasses and carcasses lacking “sufficient” finish (carcasses need approximately .15” of fat cover to be considered “desirably finished”) will be ranked lower due to their deficiencies.

Lambs showing characteristics of the callipyge gene will be heavily discounted. Lambs weighing under 115 lbs will be heavily discounted.

5) Since the carcass measurements will be collected by the use of ultrasound technology the performance lamb division is non-terminal. Please check the Superintendent’s Office to see if a marketing agent interested in purchasing the lams is secured.

This program emphasizes the exhibitor’s ability to select and raise lambs which will be evaluated on rate of gain, carcass merit and visual appraisal. The Performance Division AWARDS/PREMIUMS – (Straight placing) uses ultra-sound technology and is non-terminal.

Grand Champion Overall – $300 & Banner QUALIFICATIONS 1) Lambs must be entered in the Performance Lamb Division Reserve Grand Champion Overall – $250 & Banner on the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Sheep Entry Form. 3rd Overall – $200 & Rosette Entry fee is $6 per head. Performance lambs are eligible 4th Overall – $150 & Rosette to exhibit in the market lamb division with an additional 5th Overall – $100 & Rosette 6th – 10th Overall – $50 & Rosette entry fee and appropriate entry.

Champion Average Daily Gain – $200 & Plaque 2) Only lambs born January 1, 2015 or after are eligible.

3) Lambs must have been weighed and DNA sampled at one Reserve Champion Average Daily Gain – $100 & Plaque of the official Wisconsin State Fair lamb identification Champion Ultrasound Carcass – $200 & Plaque sites on May 16th and 23rd. See www.wistatefair.com Reserve Champion Ultrasound Carcass – $100 & Plaque for locations and details. An unlimited number of lambs Champion Live Show – $200 & Plaque per exhibitor may be identified but no more than two Reserve Champion Live Show – $100 & Plaque Any questions? may be exhibited in the performance division at the Fair.

Please contact Wisconsin State Fair via email at Performance lambs are subject to all rules for drug residue and unethical practices listed in the Junior Sheep section entryoffice@wistatefair.com 12 The Wisconsin Shepherd Spring 2015

Wild and Woolly Photo Contest

On display in the Activity Center Friday – Saturday – Sunday

Give us your best shots! The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival and the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative invite you to submit your sheep and wool photos to their annual photo contest. The contest is open to everyone, regardless of whether they raise sheep or are WSBC members.

A panel of judges will select the winning photos based on theme, clarity, content, composition and appeal. Each class winner will receive a cash or merchandise prize, and premiums will be awarded to the top photographer in each class based on the number of contest entries.

Entries must be postmarked by August 15.

CONTEST RULES: Enter photographs in the following classes: • Scenic Photo • Just Lambs • Kids and Sheep • Wisconsin Shepherd Cover Photo - (Photo taken in vertical/ portrait format suitable for magazine cover. Magazine title will cover approximately the two inches.)

• Photo Taken by Youth (only for youths aged 18 and younger as of August 15).

• Photographers may enter more than one class, and they may enter more than one photograph in each class.

• Enter 8” x 10” color or black-and-white prints - no mounting please

MAIL PHOTO CONTEST ENTRIES BY AUGUST 15 TO: Debbie Petzel 2037 180th Ave. Centuria, WI 54824 Questions?

Contact Debbie at 612-578-1528 or dspetzel@gmail.com

This year...

EW N

• $5 per photo entry fee must accompany each entry. Make checks payable to Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival.

• Write the following information on a 3 x 5” card and attach it to the back of each photograph: Title of photo, contest class, and the photographer’s name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Entries in the Photo Taken by Youth class also must include the age of the photographer as of August 15.

• By entering the contest, all photographers and those photographed agree that entries become the property of WSBC to be used or reproduced at its discretion.

• The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative reserves the right to publish a selection of entries in the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival catalog, on the Festival and WSBC websites and in other selected media and venues.

• The Best of Show entry will be selected by the judges.

• Photos will not be returned via mail, but contestants may pick up their photos at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, in the Activity Center at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival.

Live Streaming All Shows and Sales, Online Entries and Searchable Catalog

America’s largest and greatest sheep sale giving buyers and sellers both hands-on comparison and online viewing of animals from top flocks in the country.

View CATALOG Online Don’t miss this longstanding tradition in the sheep industry!

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Ram Sale

@Midwest Sale Bret Oelke, Media Contact (218) 770-2428

PO Box 72- Milo, IA 50166 bret@midwestsale.com entries@midwestsale.com

ALL SHOWS & SALES BROADCASTED LIVE ON

www.dvauction.com

Spring 2015

www.midwestsale.com

List of Sedalia Hotels can be found at www.visitsedaliamo.com, click on the “Stay” tab.

Please contact hotels directly to make your own reservations.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

13

2015 Wisconsin 4-H Quiz Bowl and Skillathon Results Madison, WI - The Wisconsin 4-H Quiz Bowl and Skillathon contests were both held on Saturday, March 7 at the University of Wisconsin Madison Animal Sciences Building. Livestock Quiz Bowl is a competition where questions are about beef, sheep, swine and meat goat topics and students use a buzzer in order to answer. Teams compete in a double elimination format by giving oral answers to questions posed by a judge. Each match has both an individual and toss-up question round. A group discussion round is included in the senior division to simulate the national competition.

The senior team winner represents Wisconsin at the National 4-H Quiz Bowl contest at AKSARBEN in Omaha, NE in September. Winners of the senior division (14 years of age or older) was Iowa County Team A. Members included: Kristin Keenan, Natalie Elfering, Morgan Fitzsimmons and Paige Gaffney with coach Valerie Gaffney. Dodge County was second. Members included: Tim Rynearson, Natalie Siedschlag, Morgan Wollin and Samuel Nehls, coaches Christine Siedschlag & Annie Grillo.

Winners of the Junior Quiz Bowl division (under 14 years old) was Langlade County. Members included: Allison Peters, Marcus Schroepfer, Tyler Schroepfer, Robby Hegerty and Camree Powell, and coach Jolynne Schroepfer. Iowa County Jr. Team A was second. Members included: Noelle Elfering, Bree Gaffney, Morgan Vondra and Joey Robinson, coached by Valerie Gaffney.

Winners of the Mixed division (must contain at least one youth from each age division) was Marathon County. Members included: Stephanie Witberler, Kailen Smerchek, Cortney Zimmerman and Alexis Bulak, coached by Mark Zimmerman.

Columbia County was second place. Members included: Hannah Taylor, Zach Mickelson, Justin Taylor and Tyler Cross, coached by Todd Taylor.

In the Skillathon contest, participants complete a 25 question written test, 4 individual skill-a-thon stations where contestants take part in livestock breed identification, feed identification, equipment identification and meat Identification. The final portion is the team exercises where each team works together to best solve 4 different scenarios involving live animals/concepts. This phase helps youth learn problem solving, critical thinking and teamwork.

The winning 4-H Skillathon team was from Marathon County and will represent Wisconsin at the National 4-H Quiz and Skillathon Contest in Louisville, KY in November. They were coached by Mark Zimmerman. Members included: Katelyn Zimmerman, Emma Walters, Jake Thunder, and Nathan Utecht. The team was coached by Mark Zimmerman. Second place senior team was Iowa County Team A, which included: Kristin Keenan, Natalie Elfering, Morgan Fitzsimmons and Paige Gaffney. This team was coached by Valerie Gaffney.

Top Ten Overall Senior Skillathon Individuals were: Hannah Taylor, Columbia, Katelyn Zimmerman, Marathon, Morgan Fitzsimmons, Iowa A, Nathan Utecht, Marathon A, Amber Patterson, Grant, Dillin Meier, Grant, Samuel Nehls, Dodge, Emma Walters, Marathon A, Natalie Siedschlag, Dodge and Zachary Mickelson, Columbia.

Columbia County topped the Junior division. Members included: Tyler Cross, Justin Taylor, and Hayden Taylor, coached by Todd Taylor. Second place was Langlade County.

Team members were: Allison Peters, Marcus Schroepfer, Tyler Schroepfer, Robby Hegerty and Camree Powell, and coach Jolynne Schroepfer.

Top Ten Overall Junior Skillathon Individuals were: Tyler Cross, Columbia, Marcus Schroepfer, Langlade, Justin Taylor, Skillathon continued on page 15

57 Head Sell at ISBA Spring Sale River Falls, WI - The Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association held its annual Spring Sheep Sale on Sunday, April 12 at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Mann Valley Farm. The sale was conducted by auctioneer Jon Mork of Beldenville, WI. The sale was well attended with 57 head sold at a sale average of $296. Consignments sold included 44 ewe and wether club lambs, 1 registered Southdown ram lamb, 3 wether-style ram lambs, 1 registered Dorset ewe lamb, 1 registered Shropshire ewe lamb, 2 registered Suffolk ewe lambs, 2 registered Southdown ewe lambs, 2 registered Hampshire ewe lambs and 1 registered Hampshire yearling ewe. Consignors included: Kinsley Show Lambs, Dennison, MN; Rocky Knob Farm-Liddle Family, Roberts, WI; Arnevik Family Suffolks, Cameron, WI; Subra Suffolks, Taylor, WI; Rupnow Hamps & Show Lambs, Wausau, WI; Gleason Family Show Lambs, Ringle, WI; G String Ranch-Eric Grover, Plainview, MN; Autumn Run Farms-Tracy Claude, Prescott, WI; Promise Kept Farm-Coss Family, Cannon Falls, MN; Windswept 14

Cress Sheep Farm-Emily Petzel, Centuria, WI; Beyrer Farms, Colfax, WI; Cloverfield Farm-Haley Yunker, St Croix Falls, WI; Presidential Livestock-Russell Family, Shullsburg, WI; Lindow Farms, Chili, WI; UW-River Falls Farm-Nathan Hanson, River Falls, WI; Werner Club Lambs, Byron, MN. The highest selling lamb was a registered Southdown fall ram lamb consigned by Cloverfield Farm and sold to Wallace Larson of Cologne, MN for $725. More top sales included a crossbred wether from Arnevik Family to Jon Mork of Beldenville, WI for $500, a wether-style ram lamb from Arnevik Family to Paul Esser of Glen Haven, WI for $500, a crossbred wether from Kinsley Show Lambs to Rodney Peterson of Brantwood, WI for $440 and a registered Southdown ewe lamb from Cloverfield Farm to Nicole Dittbrenner of Cumberland, WI for $440.00. The sale included a youth clinic presented by Emily Petzel and Haley Yunker. For complete sale results, go to www.indianheadsheep.com.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

Skillathon continued from page 14 Columbia, Allison Peters, Landglade, Noelle Elfering, Iowa A, Morgan Vondra, Iowa A, Kelly Gaffney, Iowa, B, Tyler Schroepfer, Langlade, Joey Robinson, Iowa A, Bree Gaffney, Iowa A. In the Mixed division Marathon County A was 1st place.

Members included: Stephanie Witberler, Kailen Smerchek, Cortney Zimmerman and Alexis Bulak, coached by Mark Zimmerman. Dodge County was second place. Team members were: Riley Kappell, Natalie Rennhack, Mackenzie Schraufnagel, and Liz Grillo. Coached by: Christine Siedschlag & Annie Grillo Top Ten Overall Mixed Skillathon Individuals were: Stephanie Witberler, Marathon A, Kailin Smercheck, Marathon A, Cortney Zimmerman, Marathon A, Riley Kappell, Sterling Kleist, Richland, Liz Grillo, Dodge, Dyllan Griepentroy, Marathon B, Rachel Moseley, Jackson, Alexandria McKibben, Marathon B, and Ryan McKibben, Marathon B. These events were organized and facilitated by Bernie O’Rourke, UW Extension Youth Livestock Specialist , Alissa Grenawalt, Outreach Specialist, Pam Hobson, 4-H Youth Development Specialist and partially funded by the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation. Numerous judges and helpers from University of Wisconsin – Extension, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Platteville and River Falls assisted in the success of these contests.

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.

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.

MINT GOLD RANCH

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

For upcoming events and programs in the animal sciences, contact your county UW-Extension office or the Wisconsin Livestock Youth Web Site http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock.

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 Spring 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

15

Reducing the Incidence of Ovine Progressive Pneumonia in a Midwestern Flock

A case Study from the Arlington Agricultural Research Station, University of Wisconsin-Madison David L. Thomas We are encouraged by the results. Following are the Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics number of ewes by their year of birth and the OPP infection Department of Animal Sciences percentage: University of Wisconsin-Madison 2003-2010 – 247 ewes, 47% infected Ovine Progressive Pneumonia (OPP) is a chronic viral 2011 – 123 ewes, 24% infected disease of sheep caused by a lentivirus, which is characterized 2012 – 118 ewes, 7% infected by a long incubation period. In sheep, the virus primarily 2013 – 170 ewes, 4% infected infects the udder and lungs, and infection results in reduced 2014 – 119 ewes, 5% infected milk production, lighter weaning weights in lambs, greater As expected, most of the infected ewes born since 2012 death and culling rates of ewes, and increased replacement were born in the OPP-positive flock. In 2014, all 6 of the OPP rates. positive ewes were born in the infected flock.

It was previously thought that the primary route of It is obvious that we are making progress in reducing the infection was from lambs nursing infected dams. This led to incidence of OPP in the flock. Even the 24% infection rate in the costly recommendation that lambs from infected ewes be the 2011-born ewes is encouraging. These 2011-born ewes raised artificially on milk replacer. Recent research from the were with the general flock of ewes with a 47% infection U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, rate during the preweaning period and with their ewe lamb NE has shown that the main route of infection is through contemporaries until almost a year of age before being comingling of lambs and young ewes with older infected separated into the OPP positive or OPP negative flocks based ewes, probably through aerosol droplets from infected ewes on their OPP test results in February 2012. The fact that being taken up by uninfected ewes. This finding allows a these ewe lambs were comingled with OPP positive ewes and less costly approach to the elimination of OPP from a flock contemporary ewe lambs for almost a year and, to date, have by allowing potential replacement ewe and ram lambs to about half the OPP infection rate of the original ewes lends be raised on their dams, testing the lambs at 8 to 9 months support for the primary route of transmission of OPP being of age for OPP infection, separating the OPP negative lambs long-term exposure to infected ewes. from the rest of the flock, and establishing an OPP-free flock We continue to retest ewes in the OPP-negative flock each in separate quarters from the main flock. Each year, new OPP year.

Of 278 ewes born in 2012, 2013, and 2014 that initially negative ewe lambs are added to the OPP-free flock, and tested OPP-negative, only 6 ewes (2%) have been OPP-positive only rams testing negative for OPP are used in the OPP-free on a retest.

This could be due to cross-contamination from flock. While maintaining two separate flocks on the farm may the infected to the uninfected flock or an error in mislabeling require modification of facilities and some extra work, the the ewe ID on the sample submitted to the lab. elimination of artificial lamb rearing results in a large savings We hope to be able to announce that the Arlington Sheep in labor and expense. Within a few years, the number of ewes Unit flock is OPP-free in a couple of years. in the OPP-free flock will outnumber and completely replace Another tool available to producers in the fight against the main flock.

OPP is the recent discovery of genetic susceptibility to OPP. A two-flock system was initiated in the Arlington Sheep Researchers at MARC have identified variations in the sheep Unit in 2011 with the goal of eventually eradicating OPP. transmembrane protein 154 gene (TMEM154) that influences We have not quite met our goal, but we are very close. susceptibility to OPP. In a recent study from MARC, ewes with We identified a potential OPP problem in our flock in April the susceptible variants had an OPP infection rate 8.8 times of 2011 when it was very difficult to obtain a reasonable greater than the infection rate of ewes with two copies of the quantity of milk from 21 ewes on a research trial. Nine of less susceptible variant at 3 years of age. these ewes (43%) tested positive for OPP. Whole-flock testing We have tested the Arlington flock for these TMEM154 in December 2011 and early 2012 of ewes born through 2010 variants and have confirmed the MARC results of an increased revealed a flock infection rate of 47%. Based on the results of incidence of OPP in sheep with the susceptible variants. The these initial tests, the OPP positive animals were separated TMEM154 genetic test is commercially available through from OPP negative animals. The two flocks have been kept GeneSeek, Lincoln, NE at $12.00 per animal. separate within the Arlington Sheep Unit since early 2012.

After lambing in 2012, the flocks have been bred at different times so they do not come through our lambing facility at the same time. We also instituted a “single needle” program for all sheep in both flocks where needles are changed between every sheep.

16 The Wisconsin Shepherd Spring 2015

2015 Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival “LIVE” Auction Saturday, September 12th, 1:00 PM Activity Center sponsored by WSBC Scholarship/Education Fund

“WE WANT TO FUND EWE” Did you know the WSBC established this fund in 1993? Did you know funds raised reach over 1000 youth annually and the WSWF auctions are how the monies (over $10,000) are raised? BUT the WSBC Fund is also for education of all ages! Yes WSBC, like the You-Tube site, WANTS TO “FUND EWE” ADULTS! Do you have a fiber arts event that promotes the attributes of wool to consumers? Are you wanting to hold a culinary event with young chef’s sharing idea’s on preparing fresh American (Wisconsin-raised) Lamb? Do you have a local 4-H Club that wants to hold a lambing barn Sheep 101?

Do you have a shearing day at your farm and want to demo skirting, grading, selecting fleeces to your Fiber Arts club?

Holding a sheep field day and pasture walk with guest speaker?

The WSBC Education Fund wants to promote raising sheep, producing lamb, sheep cheeses & butter, and fiber in a humane, healthy and sustainable way. GO to our website

www.wisconsinsheepbreeders.com and click on education fund see how your WSBC membership can help “FUND EWE.” The WSBC festival “LIVE” Auction is for ALL Ages. Support the auction for all age of shepherds, fiber arts enthusiasts, make-it-with wool contestants, and consumers of fresh American Lamb!

Help us to reach our goal of $12,000 for 2015 by supporting the above programs with your donation (art, tickets, weekends, feed, seed, tools, gift baskets) and/or bid! When you register as a buyer on saturday, September 12th, you’ll get a ticket to win a $100 in free bid from WSBC Auction Committee.

So have some fun, take home something special from a donated list of almost 35 live auction items (see this issue) and help guarantee our industry’s future of raising food and fiber.

Donated to 2015 Shepherd’s Youth Scholarship/Education Auction Badger’s Basketball Basket* 150th Anniversary ASI Pewter Sheep Medallion* 250# Sheep Mineral 4-50# Sheep Energy Tubs

Sheep Breeding Season Basket 100# Pioneer Brand Alfalfa 250# Lamb Creep Feed 1000 ml Ivomec Sheep Drench

Lambing Barn Basket 100# Pasture/Hay Grass Seed 5-Scrapie Codon 171 genetic tests Sheep Weathervane

Shepherd’s Basket Sheep Crossing Sign 10-bags of 20 Eazi-Breed Ovine CIDR’s Complete Holiday Lamb Dinner

Badger Football Tailgate Basket* 4-25# Lamb Milk Replacer 10# Purple Top turnip seed for pasture Lamb Creep Head Gate

Contact WSBC board members: Debbie Petzel (funding) 715 646-2640 | dspetzel@gmail.com or Tim Miller (2015 Auction) 608 751-2963 | tailwindfarm@gmail.com Spring 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

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The Long View of the Sheep Industry and Sheep Science in Wisconsin Dan Schaefer, Chair, Department of Meat & Animal Science University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison—The Wisconsin sheep industry and UWMadison have had a long, close relationship. The Sheep Industry Conference and then the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival have provided a venue at which UW’s sheep expertise could be displayed.

The board of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative has been active in its engagement with the sheepmen of this department. Art Pope, Dick Vatthauer and Dick Vilstrup played key roles in this relationship and so did Fred Giesler and Arthur Chapman in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Woody Lane followed in Dick Vatthauer’s role and then all efforts consolidated into the research, teaching and Extension program of Dave Thomas as of 1990. Of course, it was Jim Elphick, Yves Berger, Dan Schaefer, Chairman of the Department of Meat & Animal Science Rob Zelinsky and now Todd Taylor who have been at The University of Wisconsin-Madison, was presented with the 2015 very often approached by adults and youth seeking Wisconsin Sheep Industry Award at the recent annual meeting of answers to questions. Over all these decades, the the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-op at Arlington. Schaefer (l.) was communication between industry leaders and this presented the award by Todd Taylor, Shepherd at the UW Arlington department has been harmonious and productive. Sheep Unit and Dave Thomas (r.) UW Professor of Sheep Management Our efforts with the meat and wool breeds & Genetics. In an accompanying article in this issue, Schaefer takes a are centered at the Sheep Farm on the Arlington long view of the future of the state's sheep industry and its role within Agricultural Research Station. Many students the university's programming and research. Photo by Lynn Groom/ have gained valuable sheep experience through Agri-View. employment or educational programs conducted available to them are diminishing. But then, they are not at the Sheep Farm. Since the College of Agricultural and Life weighed down by the perspective of us senior faculty who Sciences became accredited by a national organization in 2009, knew how it used to be. They have fresh ideas and boundless facility maintenance investments have been made so that the energy. Hopefully, this department chooses and the College 45-year-old site is in good shape. Todd Taylor is managing affords to hire such young assistant professors to sustain the sheep flock and operation in a manner that makes the livestock research, teaching and Extension for another enterprise financially stable. generation.

It is difficult to predict the future. Some of us need to As for me, I have had a very enjoyable career in the Animal retire so that, UW budget permitting, new faculty members Sciences Department. I am a Wisconsin farm boy, from can be hired into the Animal Sciences Department. None of Kewaskum. I came into contact with this department in 1971 us can predict the choices that those who remain behind us as a transfer Junior. After earning my B.S. and M.S. degrees will make and what fiscal or personnel challenges they may in Meat and Animal Science, I departed for the University face. To date, the faculty in this department have been firmly of Illinois to earn my Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences. After two committed to maintaining the array of food animal species years on the Animal Science faculty at Purdue University, I that we currently support. We know that our curriculum is had the opportunity to join the faculty of this department broad and deep and that our students place high value on in 1981. In 1999, I became Chairman of this department. the hands-on contact with livestock that is available to them. While faculty members typically spurn the administrative I believe my colleagues will aim to maintain the departmental role of Chair, I have enjoyed it because I like my colleagues, identity that currently exists. However, our departmental our students, and our subject matter. As Chair, I have had financial flexibility continues to erode and this is also true for the opportunity to get to know many in the fellowship that our college’s budget. While faculty members, research and surrounds sheep. This has been a joy for me. They have facilities are expensive, so also is student tuition. These are taught me the attributes and issues of the sheep industry. I challenging times for higher education. Funding sources for would be so pleased if the sheep industry could reverse the livestock research continue to wane. I admire young assistant trend in per capital lamb consumption, but this is a challenge professors who step into a university career. The professional that will await the creativity and resourcefulness of the next expectations for them are daunting while the resources generation of sheep scientists.

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The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

ASI Quilt Winner From Mukwonago The lucky winner for the 2014 MIWW Quilt Raffle was Tara Robert from Mukwonago, WI, whose ticket was purchased at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival and drawn at the ASI Convention held in Reno, NV in January. Shown receiving the quilt is Tara's daughter Mallory (l.) with MIWW State Director Wynn Wittkopf of Pewaukee.

Trailing of the Sheep

By Wynn Wittkopf In October of last year my dad, Bob Wiese, and I landed in Boise, ID. We had read about the “Trailing of the Sheep” and were eager to begin our adventure. This Festival is rated in the top 10 fall festivals in the world and takes place in two towns: Ketchum and Hailey.

The first sheep arrived in the Wood River Valley in the late 1860s, when Idaho recorded a breeding sheep population of 14,000. By 1890 there were a reported 614,000 sheep in the state, and by 1918 the sheep population reached 2.65 million, almost six times the state’s human population. Ketchum became known as a major sheep center, second only to Sydney, Australia.

Wynn Wittkopf and her father Bob Wiese of Pewaukee followed a band The sheep migrate north each spring of 1500 sheep being moved through the Idaho mountains as part of the from the Snake River plain of Southern Idaho Trailing of the Sheep festival that takes place annually in the towns of through the Wood River Valley to summer high Ketchum and Hailey. The event is ranked as one of the top ten festivals mountain pastures. The sheep travel in bands of worldwide and attracts thousands of onlookers.

1,500, and the traditional route takes them up gracefully and the beautiful aspens and healthy sheep was Highway 75 through newly populated residential areas. In the fall, the sheep retrace the trail south to desert a sight you could gaze on for hours. Our days were spent fields. Ketchum and Hailey have turned this return migration in Hailey at the national sheepdog trials and the folk fair, into quite an event. This five day event is packed with lamb which featured wool displays, shearing demonstrations, tasting, national sheepdog trials, a folk fair, educational, fiber, Peruvian and Basque dancers, bagpipes, and lamb prepared & cooking classes, concerts, and of course the Trailing of the several different ways. Our evenings included delicious lamb Sheep parade through downtown Ketchum. Each fall one of tastings. Seven restaurants in Ketchum prepared free lamb five ranchers is featured in the parade. samples and the crowded town ate its way from restaurant After checking into our hotel, we decided to try to find the to restaurant. sheep. Looking for 1500 sheep on 500,000 acres could prove Approximately, 20,000 people rolled into Ketchum, a town to be challenging, but we were up for it. We headed North on of only 3,000, on Sunday afternoon for the “Trailing of the Highway 75 to try to find the band. About 25 miles North of Sheep Parade.” While bystanders were in awe of the sheep Ketchum, we came across four Akbash (Turkish Guard dogs) in the road. We pulled the car over and waited. Sure enough, walking through town and got a glimpse of them for a few a band of 1500 sheep with four border collies, a horse, and minutes, Dad and I sat back in our chairs and grinned. We a shepherd came over the crest. Our adventure had begun! had spent a great adventure trailing this band for days on the We trailed this band for 4 days as they approached Ketchum. road, in the mountains, and in the valleys. The parade was just We would search for them in the morning and in the late the icing on the cake! For more information about the Trailing afternoon. They moved across the mountainous terrain so of the Sheep Festival visit: www.trailingofthesheep.org.

Spring 2015

The Wisconsin Shepherd

19

Christopher Eckerman Awarded $2,500 Wisconsin Cheese Originals Scholarship Madison, Wis.—A University of Wisconsin-Madison student aiming to develop his own brand of sheep milk cheeses is the recipient of the 2015 Beginning Cheesemaker Scholarship from Wisconsin Cheese Originals.

A committee of industry leaders selected Christopher Eckerman, Antigo, for the $2,500 annual award. Wisconsin is the only state to require cheesemakers to be licensed, an 18-month process that involves attendance at five university short courses, 240 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed cheesemaker, and passing a written exam at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture.

Eckerman is a full-time student at UW-Madison majoring in Food Science. He grew up on a sheep farm of 200 milking ewes in Antigo. He is a member of the Dairy Product Evaluation Team on campus, and hopes to apprentice this summer in the Babcock Dairy Plant under Master Cheesemaker Gary Grossen. His long-term goal is to continue the family farm and craft his own brand of seasonal sheep milk cheeses.

This marks the sixth year Wisconsin Cheese Originals has offered a $2,500 scholarship to a beginning cheesemaker.

Past recipients include: • 2014: Sandra Acosta, dairy goat farmer in Port Washington, Wis. She is continuing to work toward obtaining her

cheesemaker’s license.

• 2013: Jennifer Digman, licensed cheesemaker and dairy farmer in Cuba City, Wis. • 2012: Anna Landmark, licensed cheesemaker and owner of Landmark Creamery. She won a gold medal at the 2015 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest for Petit Nuage, a fresh sheep’s milk cheese.

• 2011: Rose Boero, licensed cheesemaker and dairy goat farmer in Custer, Wis. • 2010: Katie Furhmann, licensed cheesemaker at LaClare Farms in Pipe, Wis. At the 2011 U.S. Championship Cheese Contest, she took Best in Show for her goat’s milk cheese, Evalon, and was named U.S. Champion.

Wisconsin Cheese Originals is a member-based organi­ zation dedicated to growing and promoting the state’s artisan cheese community by hosting seminars, cheesemaker dinners, dairy tours and educational events, including CheeseTopia, an annual traveling one-day cheese festival. For more information, contact Jeanne Carpenter, 608-358-7837 or email Jeanne@wordartisanllc. To learn more, visit www. wisconsincheeseoriginals.com.

Don’t feel like bottling lambs?

Rio—A Wisconsin sheep O’brion started with a producer has come up with heated pail that begins to warm what may be one of the least when the temperature drops expensive ways to avoid the below about 32 degree F, and daily chore of bottling orphan turns off at about 50-60 degree lambs. It’s a basic heated F. The pail he chose had the bucket with either a single heating element on the bottom or multiple nipples and it’s of the pail so that drilling into an hour’s project or less with the side of the bucket for the easily purchased parts. nipple was not an issue. He Warren O’brion, a Polypay cautioned that some pails have breeder located just outside the heating element located up Rio, says his goals in coming the side of the bucket. up with a simpler method of Locating a point above the feeding bottle lambs were cost, lower radius of the pail bottom, Searching for a better orphan lamb feeder led Rio producer ease of cleaning and ease of drill a 7/8 inch hole, for which Warren O’brion to come up with his own heated version use. The parts are easy enough for under $50, resulting in ease of cleaning as well as less O’brion suggests using a brad to find and consist of either a labor and time spent feeding. Parts are available through point drill bit commonly used heated or unheated plastic in woodworking shops to keep farm supply outlets. bucket, pail holder and nipple, the hole clean and true. Using all sourced from a mail order a spade bit to drill the hole can farm supplier like Nasco. The costs are less than fifty dollars result in an opening that may be slightly over sized for the for the heated version and under twenty dollars for the Bottling continued on page 21 unheated model.

20

The Wisconsin Shepherd

Spring 2015

Polypay Association Sponsors Two Summer Events in 2015 The American Polypay Sheep Association has ramped up efforts to promote Polypay sheep and expand its association membership! A prolific breed, known for exceptional maternal traits, a high level of adaptability and ease of maintenance, Polypays can work well in helping the American Sheep Industry in its effort to grow the United States sheep flock!

National Polypay Show and Sale, Sedalia MO Once again the Polypay National Show and Sale will be held in Sedalia Missouri, in conjunction with the Midwest Studram Show and Sale, June 22nd to 27th. The National Junior Show, for Polypay youth exhibitors, will take place Monday June 22nd. This is a great opportunity to expose youth sheep exhibitors to the ease in which Polypays can be prepared and exhibited and still be very competitive. The National Show will be held Tuesday morning, June 23rd. The annual meeting and dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, and the sale will be held Thursday June 25th. This event is a great opportunity to “show-off” the dual purpose aspects of the breed to sheep enthusiasts who may have not had any exposure to Polypays. More information for this sale can be found at: www.midwestsale.com or the Polypay association website.

Polypay Summer Kickoff Sale and Symposium, Arlington WI New for 2015, the APSA is also sponsoring the Polypay Summer Kickoff Sale and Symposium, to be held at the University of Wisconsin, Arlington Ag Research Station, June 12-13, 2015. So far seventeen consignors from ten states have entered forty head of rams and ewes. This sale will have a more non-traditional format. Sale order will be established by the Polypay association members present Friday afternoon. Entries will be presented loose and in natural wool growth after being shorn two weeks to 60 days prior to the sale. While not required, any performance data or Estimated Breeding Values, (EBV’s), that might help market entries is encouraged and will be included in the presale catalog.

With cooperation and support from the University of Wisconsin Animal Science and Sheep Extension programs,

the Wisconsin event will include an educational symposium with topics suited for any and all sheep enthusiasts. Friday afternoon sessions will cover data collection and software associated with the National Sheep Improvement Program. A second session will focus on the University of Wisconsin Sheep Programs efforts to manage and eradicate the Arlington flock of Ovine Progressive Pneumonia. A short tour of the Arlington Ag Research station will conclude with a tour and description of the Sheep Unit facilities and activities. Friday will wrap up with a lamb cutting and cooking demonstration from Cody Hiemke. Lamb prepared by Hiemke will highlight an evening meal sponsored by Buchan & Bremer Insurance Agency, Minnesota. A Saturday morning session entitled “Filling Your Toolbox” will focus on combining every day management, visual selection and current technology to increase the productivity of your sheep flock. The weekend will conclude with the sale of some of the best registered Polypay rams and ewes the association members have to offer!

The combination of these two events should not only highlight the overall productivity of Polypay sheep, but also display the versatility and adaptability of the breed. Breeders have dug deep and consigned ewes and rams that exemplify their programs. Sheep producers of all types should consider attending one or both events as they are great opportunities to network with other breeders. For more information on either sale feel free to contact the American Polypay Sheep Association at: http://www.countrylovin.com/polypay/index. html or contact a member of the Polypay Association Board of Directors.

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Bottling LAMBS continued from page 20 nipple used, especially in uninsulated buckets. If the hole is too large to prevent leaks once the nipple is installed, O’brion says he has used an elastrator band as a washer, placing the band over the nipple flange (groove) between the nipple and the side of the bucket. A thicker walled bucket may not be as much of a problem.

O’brion reports that he has used a single nipple pail to feed as many as six lambs, but says that adding nipples to the pail can easily increase the number of lambs that can feed.

He cautions however that the opening on the end of the nipple needs to be in a vertical position to work properly and that if the nipple feels hard, it should be coated with Vaseline for a few hours to soften it. Place the pail at a 10-15 degree angle, tipped down toward the nipple and make sure the pail holder is secured and that electric cords are out of the way.

Spring 2015

The pail holder can be easily altered to fit a large 3 gallon pail by cutting out a section of the ring and then expanding the holder slightly to fit the bucket.

The long-time producer says there are many advantages to this simple and inexpensive system. “Less labor is the primary advantage,” he says, “along with better growth since lambs may eat whenever they want and don’t gorge themselves as they would if fed on a bottle.” Add the ease of cleaning and the time it takes to feed is substantially reduced. “I have started lambs on the bottle with a Pritchard nipple, then switched to the pail with a starter nipple made by Shoof, after which I changed over to an Excal lamb/ kid non-drip nipple.”

He adds that all the parts except for a 3-gallon version of the heated bucket (available elsewhere) are available through Nasco.

The Wisconsin Shepherd

21

Calendar of Events

June 13-14 • WLBA/Purina Animal Nutrition Livestock Show Camp, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI. www. wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com 608 868-2505, alfhamp@ centurytel.net

May 9 • Dodge Point Lamb Extravaganza, Iowa County Fairgrounds, Mineral Point, WI. Mike Robinson, 608 987-0730 Ext 474, mikerobinson@mp.k12.wi.us

June 22-27 • Midwest Stud Ram Sale, Sedalia, MO. Heartland Livestock Services, www.midwestsale.com, Entries: entries@ midwestsale.com. Email: midweststudramsale@gmail.com

May 11 • Wisconsin State Fair Market Livestock SelfIdentification 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

June 25 • NW Region – Dunn County – Area Animal Science Day. Information: Bernie O’Rourke, borourke2@ ansci.wisc.edu or 608 263-4304 http://4h.uwex.edu/events/ animalsscience.cfm

May 15 • Entry Deadline, Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA) WLBA/Purina Animal Nutrition Live­ stock Show Camp Deadline, 608 868-2505, alfhamp@ centurytel.net or www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com

June 21-24 • Howard Wyman Sheep Industry Leadership School, Denver, CO. Contact: NLFA 503 585-1921 email: info@nlfa-sheep.org. Application at: www.nlfa-sheepusa.org

May 15-17 • 18th Annual Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival, Lake Elmo, MN. Julie McKenzie 612 961-9625 www.ShepherdsHarvestFestival.org May 16-17 • 21st Annual Door County Shepherds’ Market, Egg Harbor, WI, www.dcshepherdsmarket.com May 17 • UW Platteville Block & Bridle Lamb Show, Grant County Fairgrounds, Lancaster, WI. Rose Herschleb, 608 4453756, or Kodi Walsh 608 547-6658, www.pioneershowdown. com 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.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.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 10 • Restoration Agriculture in Action Workshop, Sauve’ Terre Farm, Mantoan Family, 4540 Hillcrest Drive, West Bend, WI. Registration Fee: $45 Register at: www.glacierlandrcd. org. Information: Kirsten Jurcek, 920 342-9504 kjurcek1@ centurytel.net June 12-13 • Polypay Sale & Symposium, American Polypay Sheep Association, UW-Madison Arlington Research Station Public Events Building. Information: http://www.country lovin.com/polypay/index.html or Todd Taylor, taylorsheep@ yahoo.com, 608 846-5858.

June 27 • Katahdin Hair Coat & FAMACHA Training Classes.

For more information: Gene Schriefer 608 930-9850 or gene. schriefer@ces.uwex.edu

July 2-5 • 22nd Annual All-American Junior Show, Big E Mallary Complex, West Springfield, MA infor@allamerican juniorshow.com or cdcdorset@cox.net, 401 647-4676 July 2-5 • National Junior Suffolk Sheep Association Show, West Springfield, MA, www.njssa.org 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 23-25 • US Targhee Sheep Association National Sale & Show, Sweet Grass County Fairgrounds, Big Timber, MT. Contact: Many Rutledge, USTSA Secretary, ustargheesheep@ gmail.com, www.ustargheesheep.org July 31 • Entry Deadline: Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association (WLBA) Summer Spectacular Show, www. wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com 608 868-2505, alfhamp@ centurytel.net August 6-16 • Wisconsin State Fair, www.wistatefair.com Note Open Sheep Show schedule changes.

August 12-16 • Michigan Fiber Fest, Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan, MI. www.michiganfiberfest.info August 15 • Entry/Registration Deadline, Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, 608 868-2505 www.wisconsinsheepand woolfestival.com, wisbc@centurytel.net August 22 • 63rd Spooner Sheep Day, Spooner Agricultural Research Station, W6646 Hwy 70, Spooner, WI. Contact: Dave Thomas, 608 263-4306 dlthomas@wisc.edu August 22 • WLBA Summer Spectacular Show, Central Wisconsin State Fair Park, Marshfield, WI www.wisconsinlive stockbreeders.com, 608 868-2505, alfhamp@centurytel.net Entries due July 31.

June 13-14 • 11th Iowa Sheep & Wool Festival, Jaspar Co. September 11-13 • Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, Fairgrounds. Info: Claudia 319 726-4357 info@iowasheep. Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI, www.wisconsinsheepand com, www.IowaSheepAndWoolFestival.com woolfestival.com 22 The Wisconsin Shepherd Spring 2015

September 19 • Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association Fall Shearing School, Duane Klindworth Farm, Augusta, WI. Contact: 715-286-4157 or via email: drklindworth@aol.com September 27 • 8th Annual Badger Production Sale, Public Events Facility, Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Road, Arlington, WI. Contact: Todd Taylor, 608 8465858, toddtaylor@wisc.edu October 15 • Ad/Copy Deadline – Fall 2015 Issue, Wisconsin Shepherd, Copy: rbblack@powercom.net, Ads: Lynn Crooks, 608 723-6817 alcrooks@tds.net

November 4 • Pre-Symposium (DSANA Symposium November 5-7) Sheep Milk Cheese Making Course. Dave Thomas, 608 263-4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu November 5-7 • 21st Annual Dairy Sheep Association of North America (DSANA) Symposium. Pyle Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus. Program: www.dsana.org, Bill Halligan, 308 235-5900, bill.halligan@hotmail.com, Dave Thomas, 608 263-4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu December 4-6 • Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Shepherd’s Holiday, Oak Ridge Conference Center, Chaska, MN Contact: Jeremy Geske, jeremy.geske@gmail.com

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Clothing, jewelry, Christmas cards, stationery, stuffed animals, books, figurines and calendars for the sheep enthusiast.

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For Your Advertising Needs, for Subscription Rates or to Receive a 4-week Complimentary Paper Contact:

Texels – to put the MEAT back in your sheep!

“Ewe” too can join The Business Directory Members pay $110 for 4 issues or $40/issue; non-members $140 for 4 issues or $50/issue.

Call Lynn Crooks at 608 723-6817 Spring 2015

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