The Ultimate Sheep Magazine Volume 18: February/March 2025
ON THE COVER
complex world, difficulties and adversity hit us every day. We understand the late night hours in the barn and the results not being what we hoped for. We’ve been there with you when the LAI or flush didn’t go as planned. We’ve watched the input costs increase. We too have had people ask us why we do this. And at the end of the day, we all take a deep breath, collect our thoughts and continue trying to do simple better. One of the best compliments I have received over the past few years, from both buyers and sellers, is how simple we are to work with. No games, no gimmicks, no side deals, no empty promises. We started with the principle of Integrity~Everyone Always and we will continue with that philosophy as long as we are in business. It really is that simple. Let us know how we can serve your marketing needs in 2025 and beyond.
EDITORIAL
complex world, difficulties and adversity hit us every day. We understand the late night hours in the barn and the results not being what we hoped for. We’ve been there with you when the LAI or flush didn’t go as planned. We’ve watched the input costs increase. We too have had people ask us why we do this. And at the end of the day, we all take a deep breath, collect our thoughts and continue trying to do simple better. One of the best compliments I have received over the past few years, from both buyers and sellers, is how simple we are to work with. No games, no gimmicks, no side deals, no empty promises. We started with the principle of Integrity~Everyone Always and we will continue with that philosophy as long as we are in business. It really is that simple. Let us know how we can serve your marketing needs in 2025 and beyond.
day. We understand the late night hours in the barn and the results not being what we hoped for. We’ve been there with you when the LAI or flush didn’t go as planned. We’ve watched the input costs increase. We too have had people ask us why we do this. And at the end of the day, we all take a deep breath, collect our thoughts and continue trying to do simple better. One of the best compliments I have received over the past few years, from both buyers and sellers, is how simple we are to work with. No games, no gimmicks, no side deals, no empty promises. We started with the principle of Integrity~Everyone Always and we will continue with that philosophy as long as we are in business. It really is that simple. Let us know how we can serve your marketing needs
Do simple better. It’s a phrase I use in coaching athletes as well as conducting business. In today’s complex world, difficulties and adversity hit us every day. We understand the late night hours in the barn and the results not being what we hoped for. We’ve been there with you when the LAI or flush didn’t go as planned. We’ve watched the input costs increase. We too have had people ask us why we do this. And at the end of the day, we all take a deep breath, collect our thoughts and continue trying to do simple better. One of the best compliments I have received over the past few years, from both buyers and sellers, is how simple we are to work with. No games, no gimmicks, no side deals, no empty promises. We started with the principle of Integrity~Everyone Always and we will continue with that philosophy as long as we are in business. It really is that simple. Let us know how we can serve your marketing needs in 2025 and beyond.
Integrity Livestock Sales
Mike Crowder
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
Letter From The Editor............................................page 5
Letter From The Editor............................................page 5
Letter From The Editor............................................page 5
Letter From The Editor............................................page 5
As we step into 2025, I couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead. This new year promises to be one of growth, opportunity, and discovery—both on a personal and collective level. We are entering a chapter filled with countless joys, challenges, and new experiences that will shape the year ahead in ways we may not yet even imagine!
I’m so grateful to have you alongside us, ready to explore all the stories, inspirations, and moments of beauty this year will bring. Whether it’s exciting new projects, meaningful connections, or simply appreciating the little joys of daily life, 2025 is shaping up to be a year full of promise.
STAFF CONTACT
STAFF CONTACT
STAFF CONTACT
MORGAN HAUGER
Let’s embrace every moment, celebrate each milestone, and continue moving forward with hope and optimism.
Here’s to a wonderful year ahead!
MORGAN HAUGER
MORGAN HAUGER
MORGAN HAUGER
If you need anything, please reach out! I am booking summer shows and all things livestock right now! Send me an email or message to figure out what I can do for you!
Owner/Creative Director
Owner/Creative Director
Owner/Creative Director 765.541.1932
Owner/Creative Director
765.541.1932
765.541.1932
ringsidesheep@gmail.com
765.541.1932 ringsidesheep@gmail.com
ringsidesheep@gmail.com
ringsidesheep@gmail.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine
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FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine
FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative
FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative
FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative
FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative
765-366-3135
765-366-3135
765-366-3135
mike@integritylivestocksales.com
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LAMB CHOPS WITH RED WINE SAUCE AND BROWN BUTTER POLENTA
DIRECTIONS
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE LAMB LOIN CHOPS:
4 AMERICAN LAMB LOIN CHOPS (ABOUT 1 INCH THICK)
1. PREPARE THE POLENTA: IN A SAUCEPAN, MELT 1 STICK OF BUTTER WITH A SPRIG OF ROSEMARY OVER MEDIUM HEAT UNTIL THE BUTTER FOAMS AN D TURNS GOLDEN BROWN. POUR INTO A BOWL, DISCARD THE ROSEMARY, AND SET ASIDE.
2 TBSP OLIVE OIL
2 CLOVES GARLIC, M 1 TSP FRESH ROSEMARY, CHOPPED
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE FOR THE RED WINE SAUCE:
1 SMALL SHALLOT, FINELY CHOPPED
1/2 CUP RED WINE (PREFERABLY DRY, LIKE CABERNET SAUVIGNON)
1/2 CUP BEEF OR VEGETABLE BROTH
1 SPRIG FRESH THYME
2 TBSP BUTTER
SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE FOR THE POLENTA:
4 TABLESPOONS UNSALTED BUTTER
1 SPRING OF FRESH ROSEMARY
1 CUP POLENTA (COARSE-GROUND CORNMEAL)
2 CUPS WATER
2 CUPS WHOLE MILK
1 TEASPOON SALT (PLUS MORE TO TASTE)
½ CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE
BRING 4 CUPS OF WATER TO A BOIL IN THE SAME PAN. AD D 1 TEASPOON SALT, THEN GRADUALLY WHISK IN 1 CUP POLENT A. REDUCE HEAT TO LOW AND COOK, STIRRING OFTEN, UNTIL CREAMY (20-25 MINUTES). ADD A SPLASH OF WATER OR MILK IF I T THICKENS TOO MUCH.
STIR IN THE RESERVED BROWN BUTTER AND ½ CUP GRATED PARMESAN. ADJUST SEASONING AND SERVE.
2. COOK THE LAMB LOIN CHOPS: WHILE THE POLENTA IS COOKING, HEAT 2 TABLESPOONS OF OLIVE OIL IN A LARGE SKILLET OVER MEDIUM-HIGH HEAT. SEASO N THE AMERICAN LAMB CHOPSGENEROUSLY WITH SALT, PEPPER, MI NCED GARLIC, AND ROSEMARY. ONCE THE OIL IS HOT, ADD THE LAMB CHOPS TO THE PAN. COOK FOR ABOUT 3-4 MINUTES PER SI DE FOR MEDIUM-RARE (OR LONGER IF YOU PREFER THEM MORE DONE ). ONCE COOKED, TRANSFER THE LAMB CHOPS TO A PLATE AND COVE R LOOSELY WITH FOIL TO KEEP WARM.
3. MAKE THE RED WINE SAUCE: IN THE SAME SKILLET, REDUCE THE HEAT TO MEDIUM AND ADD THE SHALLOTS. COOK FOR 2-3 MINUTES UNTIL SOFTENED. ADD THE RED WINE, SCRAPING UP ANY BROWN BITS FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN WITH A WOODEN SPOON. LET THE WINE REDUCE BY HAL F, ABOUT 5 MINUTES. ADD THE BROTH AND THYME, AND SIMME R FOR ANOTHER 5 MINUTES. REMOVE THE THYME SPRIG AND STIR IN THE BUTTER. SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER. LET THE SAUCE THICKEN FOR A FEW MORE MINUTES.
4. SERVE: SPOON THE CREAMY POLENTA ONTO PLATES. PLA CE TWO LAMB CHOPS ON TOP OF THE POLENTA AND DRIZZLE WITH T HE RED WINE SAUCE. GARNISH WITH EXTRA ROSEMARY OR FRESH HE RBS IF DESIRED.
INDUSTRY NEWS
IT’S STILL WINTER, BUT ALMOST SPRING
It’s the start of a new calendar year, still winter but, spring is on its way. At the time of this writing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s sheep inventory report has not been released but it will be by the time of publication. So, I’ll leave inventory numbers to the next writer.
But, there remains plenty to examine in the markets between the end of one year and the beginning of the next.
PRODUCTION
Mature sheep slaughter seemed surprisingly large in 2024. Federally inspected slaughter was the equivalent of about 4.3 percent of the ewe inventory in 2024 compared to 4 percent in 2023. That was the largest rate of slaughter as a percent of the ewe flock since 2021. On average in the last decade, that percentage has been about 3.8 percent.
On the lamb and yearling side, federally inspected slaughter totaled 1.75 million head. That was 0.7 percent larger than the prior year. When combined with slightly higher weights in the second half of the year, lamb production was about 2.5 percent larger than the prior year. Greater production likely pressured prices during the year. Dressed weights exhibited the normal seasonal pattern in 2024, peaking in the spring and declining later in the year. What made them interesting was that during the first half of the year they were below 2023’s weights, but in the second half of the year they were heavier than in 2023. When comparing production between 2024 and 2023, lighter weights helped to offset larger slaughter during the first half of the year while later in 2024 heavier weights boosted lamb production.
PRICES
On the meat side of the market, lamb prices exhibited little of the normally expected seasonality in 2024. The lamb cutout traded between $460 and $480 per cwt. all year until a late slide below $460 in the last couple weeks of the year. Shoulders, racks and loins exhibited the same flat trading pattern. Normally, different cuts experience different seasonality of prices, either driven by holidays – Easter or other religious holidays – or by production patterns. For example, tighter supplies of lamb in late summer, but little of that seasonality materialized in 2024.
Live lamb prices exhibited a much more normal pattern than lamb meat. Although, the range from high to low was larger than average. That appeared to hold for traditional heavier slaughter lambs and lightweight, 60- to 90-pound slaughter lambs. The larger range of
prices throughout the year suggests some increase in price volatility compared to past years.
Examining the average, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation as measures of volatility using weekly prices each year from 2020 to 2024 revealed some interesting results. The standard deviation and coefficient of variation of prices in 2024 was not nearly as volatile as in 2022. But 2022 was the year prices collapsed from very high to terribly low levels creating the appearance of more volatile prices.
Price volatility looks a little different depending on the data used.
Auction market data for 100- to 150-pound lambs indicates little difference in price volatility measured using the coefficient of variation in 2024 compared to other years since 2020. For 60- to 90pound lambs, little difference is noted for data from San Angelo, Texas, and Sioux Falls, S.D., auction market reports. However, Fort Collins, Colo., prices indicate a little more volatility in 2024 compared to 2020 to 2023. The USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service 352 national negotiated slaughter lamb report indicates a little less volatility than the last five years, but it is worth noting that much of the data for 2020 was not available due to confidentiality rules. On balance, there is some truth to the idea of more volatile prices when looking at the range of prices this year. The timing of price movements is likely important as well given buying and selling times. But some simple measures of volatility don’t indicate much change from the past.
TRADE & STORAGE
Imports continued to be above a year ago, adding to lamb on the market. Lamb imports did decline later in 2024 but remained above the prior year. Australian lamb leg prices increased compared to American prices later in 2024, which will likely help to pull back imports.
Relatively lower Australian prices relative to domestic prices certainly boosted imports earlier in 2024.
Supplies of lamb and mutton in cold storage have remained restrained. Reduced stock levels combined with increased domestic and foreign supplies does suggest positive movement of lamb in the market. Although there is some uncertainty in the cold storage data. But, overall, lower cold storage stocks are better for prices.
COMING EVENTS
There are a number of things impacting the lamb market that I am interested in for the new year. The first is the inventory report. Mature sheep slaughter, past lower lamb prices and higher costs would indicate falling numbers. Yet, there are some reasons for
expansion that might not be captured by the inventory survey. Increased slaughter might indicate some growth. I expect prices to exhibit some normal seasonal behavior but if domestic production declines there is some opportunity for higher prices. Retail lamb prices have been competitive – at times – with beef in the past year and high beef prices are likely to continue. While not directly impacting lamb or meat prices, the discovery of screwworms on a cow in southern Mexico should be of interest. Even though it seems far away, keeping screwworms eradicated in the United States is hugely important for all livestock producers. The ranch level costs of dealing with screwworms would likely be prohibitive.
What happens on tariffs will be an important factor this year. Tariffs on imported lamb should result in higher domestic prices benefiting producers. Yet, higher prices will impact what consumers buy, having an opposite effect on purchases and prices.
MICHIGAN HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Elaine Palm of West Branch, Mich., was recently hired as the Michigan Sheep Producers Association new executive director. Palm replaces Samantha Bos, who concluded her duties with the organization in January. Bos led the organization for four years. Palm works alongside her parents – Jim and Sherrie Bristol – on their northern Michigan sheep farm. She purchased her first farm in 2015 to build a second-generation business, adding value to the flock through sales of meat, raw wool and superior genetics. She grew up as an active 4-H, FFA and MSPA youth member and holds a degree from Michigan State University in ag communications. She has an employment history of working with non-profits.
“The strength of this organization is in its people, and we have incredible people and partnerships,” Palm said. “I look forward to building strong relationships and communicating with current and prospective members.”
MSPA President John Schut applauded Palm’s skills and long-term commitment to the organization.
“Elaine brings an extensive history of sheep and agricultural experience to the position, and we are excited to have her serve the organization,” he said. “It is a great time to be involved in the industry and working with professionals such as her.”
Palm praised her predecessors for building a strong foundation of programs including MSPA’s Shepherds Symposium, summer picnic, a blossoming online sheep and equipment auction, quarterly webinars and newsletters, and frequent email blasts focused on training, event updates, and useful industry news and information. She credits previous leadership within the organization for encouraging her toward achieving goals and she is eager for the opportunity to
fulfill the same role for producers of all ages.
“I’m looking forward to taking the baton and keep the organization moving forward,” Palm said. “I feel that the timing is right for me, our family and our farm business to step into this role.”
Palm and her husband, Rick, have two young children.
ADSBS ANNOUNCES 2025 SHOWS
The American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society has announced its two nationally sponsored shows and sales. The Mid-America Show & Sale will be held April 10-12, in Duncan, Okla., while the Southern States Show & Sale will be June 26-28, in Cookeville, Tenn.
Located at the Stephenville County Fairgrounds, the Mid-America Show and Sale will showcase more than 250 Dorpers and White Dorpers. The event will kick off with a junior show on April 10 and an annual meeting of the American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society.
Single Dorpers and White Dorpers will show on Friday morning with pens of two ewes to follow. South African Philip Strauss will sort the sheep. There will be competitions throughout the day to keep the youth engaged. A skill-a-thon, sales pitch, judging contest and production contest will cap off the youth events. Friday evening will include an Oklahoma-style BBQ with a live band.
Saturday morning will begin with a consignors meeting, followed by an instructional meeting. Sales guests will be able to view lots during the morning hours. The bidding will begin at 10 a.m. and be broadcast live on CCI.
To enter the show and sale, visit Showman.app/#/. If you need assistance, please contact Karla Blackstock at 210-305-2565. Entries will be accepted through March 15 for the Mid-America. Show placings will determine the sale order. For sale order, please visit the association website at DorperSheep.org.
The Southern States Show & Sale will be held at the end of June. Make plans now to attend as 150 of the best lots in the United States will be sold. More information will be available soon.
The American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society is one of the fastest growing sheep breeds in the United States. The South African import is versatile with a high parasite resistance.
BARNTALK LIVESTOCK
INDUSTRY NEWS
Preparation is Key to Successful Shearing Day
Whether you’re shearing five head or 5,000 head, shearing day is an important time for both producers and their flocks. And even though it happens at least once a year on every wool farm and ranch, it’s easy to overlook the details from one year to the next.
“A year is spent growing the product, while only a few minutes are required to harvest it,” according to the ASI Code of Practice for Preparation of Wool Clips, which is available for download and purchase at SheepUSA.org/shop. “It is in this brief harvest period that quality is often adversely affected.”
With that in mind, here’s a brief overview of how to prepare for the arrival of your shearer.
The first thing you need to do is contact your shearer and set a date for shearing. Keep in mind that nothing is set in stone when it comes to dealing with livestock and weather. Prepare to be flexible as things such as weather, broken equipment and illness can hamper your shearer’s ability to get to your farm or ranch on the designated date. Spring snowstorms make scheduling particularly difficult for shearing crews.
As you await your shearing date, order any needed supplies such as wool packs/bags, clips, markers and health supplies. You should also schedule extra help for shearing day. If your shearer doesn’t offer wool handling/classing services, you’ll want to find someone who can help with that. You’ll also need extra sets of hands to move and pen sheep, as well as a variety of other tasks that will come up on the day.
Larger shearing crews will often bring their own shearing trailers, but producers with smaller operations will need to provide a clean, dry environment for shearing to take place. The area should be large enough for the shearer to maneuver while shearing and easy to sweep so it can be kept clean. Two 4-foot by 6-foot sheets of plywood on flat ground in a covered barn can make an excellent shearing floor for a small flock. Raising the shearing board off the ground in a stable manner will help reduce contamination and make wool handling easier. Sheep should not be shorn on old rugs, carpets or poly tarps. Make sure the area is well lit, and electrical outlets are available within 6 feet of the shearing surface. In the final days before shearing, sheep should be sorted so they can be shorn in the order of: whiteface (from fine to coarse), black face, colored, and hair and hair-crosses. Sheep can be further sorted by lambs and weanlings, rams, sheep that ran in different conditions, and any sheep that might be sick.
Ideally, sheep would be penned under cover in dry, contaminant-free pens to keep their wool clean and dry as wool should not be shorn while wet. Sheep should be kept off feed and water for approximately 12 hours, depending on age and stage of production. Why is that important? First and foremost, for the health and safety of both the sheep and the shearer. If the gut of a sheep is full, it can add significant weight to the sheep, placing additional downward pressure on the sheep’s organs when in the shearing position, which causes discomfort for the sheep. This might cause the sheep to kick or struggle, leading to more stress on the sheep and extra work for the shearer. You also want to avoid having sheep urinate or defecate on the shearing surface. In addition to contaminating the wool, this can create a slippery work surface for the shearer. When the day arrives, shear white sheep first, followed by colored sheep and hair crosses to avoid contamination. Belly wool should be removed from the fleece. Topknots and excess tags should be packaged with the floor sweepings, and any areas of high contamination should be removed from the fleece. Wool should also be skirted and classed and packaged with similar wool if that is advantageous when marketing the wool.
Prepare to provide your sheep with feed and water immediately after shearing. You might also need to provide shelter for the flock if cold, wet weather hits in the days following shearing. And while the sheep and the wool are the first priority on shearing day, remember to take care of your shearers. Always ensure your sheep are penned and supplies are ready. Providing bathroom facilities, a meal and easily accessible water for them will go a long way toward assuring they return the following year. Remember, shearing is a difficult, physically demanding job and there are fewer and fewer people willing to take it on every year. So, you want to keep your shearers happy.
Who's in charge of your marketing?
(SAINT JOSEPH, Mo.,
February 5, 2025)
Protein is the building block for cells. As sheep producers, you know that to ensure the health of your flock, nutrition should be at the top of your priority list. Protein is a vital part of quality nutrition. When the ewe’s diet is deficient in protein, fetal development, growth and milk production are all compromised. That’s where the importance of protein requirements for sheep comes in. At BioZyme® the makers of DuraFerm® we specialize in vitamin and mineral supplements to strengthen your stock by supporting reproductive success and enhancing overall health. DuraFerm is a line of nutritional supplements for sheep and goats that promotes optimal digestion and nutrition for maximized performance at every stage of production. That’s why our team created this resource to address the protein requirements for sheep and how we can help you meet them.
Protein Requirements Range Based on Life Stage
The protein requirements for sheep vary depending on their age, weight, production stage and activity level. Here is a general guideline: Lactating Ewes
Lactating ewes require significant amounts of protein to produce milk.
Their protein requirements usually range from 16-18% crude protein (CP), as milk production can be quite demanding for their resources. In addition to producing milk and raising lambs, they are also trying to maintain their condition.
Finishing Lambs
For lambs raised for meat, protein levels are often higher to support rapid muscle growth.
Protein requirements for feeder lambs can also range from 16-18% CP or more, depending on the target market weight and growth rate. Pregnant Ewes
The protein needs of pregnant ewes increase during the last trimester, especially as they support the growth of their fetuses.
The dietary protein requirement can range from 12-16% CP, with a higher percentage needed in the final stages of pregnancy. Growing Lambs
For growing lambs, protein needs to increase as they build muscle.
A typical range is 14-16% CP for lambs in early growth stages.
Maintenance
For adult sheep in maintenance, such as rams or ewes not in lactation or their third trimester, the protein requirement is around 8-12% CP.
This ensures that they maintain their weight and general health
Sources of Protein for the Flock
Several protein sources exist for your sheep. The critical thing to remember is a balance of energy, fiber and protein is vital in the diet for optimal sheep health, growth and productivity.
Forage
If sheep are grazing on high-quality pasture or fed hay with high protein content, their protein intake is more likely to be met. Remember, you can’t always judge a book by its cover, so it is important to test your hay for nutrient quality.
Supplementation
In cases where forage alone doesn’t meet protein requirements for sheep, concentrated feeds like grains, soybean meal or alfalfa are often used to supplement the diet.
Additionally, DuraFerm knows the value of protein for sheep. That’s why we created the DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® Sheep Protein Tub.
The DuraFerm Concept•Aid Sheep Protein Tub is a protein tub with vitamins and minerals for sheep designed to support reproductive success. This 125-pound tub:
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Contains the Concept•Aid sheep mineral package in a 16% natural protein tub
Supports embryo production and conception using organic trace minerals and high levels of vitamin E.
This tub combines Amaferm, Concept•Aid, organic trace minerals and protein, making it the ideal solution for producers during late gestation and lactation.
Strengthen Your Stock with Protein Tubs for Sheep
Adding protein to your flock seems like a simple choice. However, with DuraFerm, you also offer adequate protein, the other nutrients you need and a prebiotic that will benefit your flock, like Amaferm.
You’ve invested in quality genetics for your flock. It is time to strengthen your stock with a quality vitamin and mineral supplement with adequate protein to help your flock perform to its optimum.
Simply add DuraFerm to your operation. Get the added protein you need to strengthen your stock during the critical times they need it most with protein tubs for sheep—DuraFerm® Concept•Aid® Sheep Protein Tub
Buy your DuraFerm Today!
You can purchase DuraFerm products powered by AO-Biotics Amaferm DuraFerm is available through the extensive BioZyme dealer network. Locate a dealer near you today. DuraFerm offers products that support reproduction, resilience and retention. What more could you ask for?
About BioZyme® Inc.
With a continued commitment to excellence, the BioZyme Stockyards location earned the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and Feedstuffs 2024 Feed Facility of the Year honor. BioZyme Inc., founded in 1951, develops and manufactures natural, proprietary products focused on animal nutrition, health and microbiology. With a continued commitment to research BioZyme offers a complete line of feed additives and high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and protein supplements for a variety of animals including cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep, goats, horses and dogs. BioZyme brands include AO-Biotics,®, VitaFerm®, Gain Smart®, Sure Champ®, Vitalize®, DuraFerm® and Backyard Boost®. With headquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, the company reaches a global market of customers that stretches into countries across five continents. For more information about BioZyme, visit www.biozymeinc.com. ###
INDUSTRY NEWS
The American Lamb Board’s 2025 program includes workshops and summits aimed at equipping sheep producers with the necessary tools and resources to profitably grow their operations. Begin planning your year by discovering more about these upcoming opportunities.
The rapid development of utility-scale solar farms across the country has stimulated a significant need for sheep grazing as a means of vegetation management. There are also increasing opportunities for sheep grazing contracts in wildfire-prone areas and vineyards. Sheep grazing helps to eliminate dried plants that might otherwise become wildfire fuel, and grazing in vineyards and other regions helps clear weeds while reducing or eliminating herbicide use.
ALB’s Targeted Grazing Workshops provide sheep producers a unique chance to learn about these paid grazing contracts, which offer significant potential for expanding the American sheep flock, enhancing the availability and price competitiveness of American lamb.
The 2024 workshops were so successful that six additional workshops are planned for 2025.
“These grazing opportunities offer current and emerging sheep producers the chance to increase their profitability and grow flock numbers,” said ALB Chair Jeff Ebert. “The workshops help producers learn how to take advantage of these opportunities in their area.”
Most three-day events consist of two interactive classroom days, followed by a field day, and cover a range of topics, including vegetation management for solar arrays, vineyards and fire suppression.
The workshops planned for 2025 include: April in California; May in Texas; June in Illinois; August in Maryland; September in Colorado; and October in Kentucky.
The American Lamb Summit is scheduled for July 22-25 at the University of Idaho. This biennial industry event addresses critical strategies to improve the sheep industry’s competitiveness and profitability. The American Lamb Summit seeks to inspire a new level of change and collaboration across all sectors of the American lamb industry as it works to improve competitiveness, product quality, and productivity through increased use of the most efficient, progressive management tools. Visit LambBoard.com to learn more.
consumer-and-producer-workshop-0 Feb 28 Wyoming Wool Growers Association Lambing School For
BREEDNEWS
NATURAL COLORED NEWS
Greetings from NCWGA. The 2024 national show at the North American saw record numbers of entries in both the junior and open shows. The quality ran deep in all classes. I congratulate the winners and all the exhibitors on a great set of sheep being exhibited. Results are available on the NAILE website.
Now that the lambing season is in full swing I hope everyone is enjoying a great crop of natural colored lambs.
The 2025 National Show will be in Oregon at the Wool Festival so watch for more information on this event.
Spring is around the corner and I hope everyone survived the winter so far. There will be many early sales where natural colored sheep are included and I encourage everyone to consider and attend and take advantage of the sheep offered to improve your flock. There will also be several private online sales coming in the Spring as well where quality natural colored sheep will be offered. If you need information on joining NCWGA feel free to contact me or Kate Lowder, our Secretary or visit our website.
John S. Merlau President, NCWGA
CORRIEDALE NEWS
As winter lambing is well under way I hope everyone had a truly blessed holiday season and is looking forward to a good spring born lamb crop.
The recent National Show which took place at the North American Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky was a very strong show and had a nice increase in numbers of sheep and several new exhibitors this year. The quality was present in all classes. Hopefully everyone attending was able to meet our new Secretary, Laurie Majchrzak. Hats off to Laurie especially for stepping up and making sure the junior show ran smoothly. There were a few bumps to get started and she jumped right in and made sure things moved smoothly. The quality in the junior show was also excellent. I was impressed that in both shows all the sheep were presented exceptionally well and believe me I know from past experience how much work and
effort it takes to prepare a Corriedale for a show. The breeders and show people are to be congratulated accordingly. The full list of class winners is contained in this issue elsewhere and I congratulate all the exhibitors.
I am looking forward to our National Show and Sale next May to be held in conjunction with the Ohio Showcase Sale and encourage everyone to attend and if possible to consign to this big event.
John S. Merlau President
OXFORD NEWS
Welcome to 2025! We sincerely hope you ended 2024 on a positive note and that your 2025 is off to a great start. I hope all Oxford breeders and enthusiasts have had a chance to check-out the new American Oxford Sheep Association website as well as the new 2024-2025 AOSA Directory. We are very pleased with both of these and hope you will be too. You can find the website at www.americanoxfords.org and if you need a copy of the new 20242025 Directory, just email me at oxfordsecretary7@gmail.com and I’ll send a copy your way.
With the new year comes the reminder about annual dues payments We prefer that dues be paid at the beginning of the year however, we do realize that you may want to wait to send those in until you have some office work (registrations/transfers) to be completed as well.
Dues are as follows:
Seniors (22 years of age and over) - $30 and Juniors - $20.
In the upcoming year we will be hosting a National Oxford On-line Sale and a live National Sale. The online sale will be hosted on the Breeders’ World site on April 22 and the live sale will be at the IL State Fairgrounds in Springfield on June 7.
OXFORD NEWS
The entry information for the on-line sale is available, just email me and can forward the forms directly to you; the entry forms for the live sale will be on the AOSA website very soon.
Each year, the AOSA recognizes folks with a couple of awards. The Oxford Hall of Fame award is given annually to recognize an Oxford person(s) who have made a significant impact on the success and promotion of the Oxford Breed. The nomination form for this award can be found at the AOSA website and the deadline for nomination is May 15. The other award is the Oxford Foundation Flock award; this award consists of a donation of a group of Oxford ewes to an individual(s) who wish to get started raising Oxford sheep. The application deadline is March 15. Guidelines for applying for the Foundation Flock can be found on the AOSA website. Both these awards are at the Documents/Forms tab of the website. Karen and Suzanne Shields of Indiana head-up the AOSA Queen program. Junior members wishing to learn more about the AOSA Queen program are encouraged to contact these ladies at kshields@eiwifi.com or 765-934-2149.
The official photographer of the Oxford Junior Show and the Mary Blome National Oxford Show at NAILE 2024 was Morgan Hauger of Simplicity Creative. If you would like to check out those photos and possibly order prints, go to www.simplicity-creative.com .
SOUTHDOWN NEWS
At the November meeting, the ASBA Board of Directors voted to make quite a few changes to the Futurity program.
Futurity animals can now be registered in partnership among immediate junior family members. Points will be accumulated based on the one junior’s name listed on the first Futurity point submission form turned into the ASBA office. Only that junior member will be able to collect Futurity points for that animal. No farm, family, 4-H Club or FFA Chapter names accepted.
Yearling ewes will need to have the $25 nomination fee paid by either the junior member or the breeder to compete in the Yearling Futurity. Nomination fees must be paid prior to or with the first submission form.
Futurity nominations including the $25 fee, Flock ID and Scrapie ID must be submitted to the ASBA office 24 hours prior to the start of any sale. This applies to online sales, live sales and off-farm sales. Off-farm sales must be publicly advertised 7 days before the sale begins. Public advertisement includes Facebook posting and/or website listing. A screenshot of the advertisement must accompany the nomination.
For divisions with 10 or more participants the ASBA will add $500 to the premium amount. If a division has less than 10 participants, $50 per participant will be added to the payout.
Exhibitors must turn in at least one submission form prior to the North American to be eligible for premiums and awards.
The point scale was also changed.
Full Futurity Rules and 2024 Results are on the Southdown website at southdownsheep.org/juniors/futurity
RSG Foundation Announces 2025 First Flock-Herd Grant Recipients
[Lebanon, IN] –
The RSG Foundation is proud to anno unce the winners of the 2025 First Flock-Herd Grant Program, a national initiative designed to support young and aspiring livestock producers in acquiring their first breeding sheep or goat. This year’s recipient s will receive a high-quality breeding animal, a $5 00 monetary award from the RSG Foundation, and an addi tional $500 credit from Premier 1 Supplies, providi ng them with essential resources to establish and sust ain their breeding programs.
The 2025 First Flock-Herd Grant recipients are:
Corlely Atyeo, Age 9, Clear Lake, SD
Noah Davis, Age 11, Fountain City, IN
Riley Ellis, Age 8, Shepherd, TX
Zoe Flowers, Age 11, Hope Hull, AL
Ashlyln Goodwin, Age 14, Kissimmee, FL
Beau Kniestedt, Age 10, NV
Bristol McCracken, Age 11, IA
Ethan Richner, Age 9, MO
Hayden Turner, Age 9, KY
Case Williams, Age 16, IN
Elizabeth Wipperfurth, Age 9, WI
Autumn Zook, Age 20, IA
“We are thrilled to support the next generation of sheep and goat producers through this program,” sai d Doug Edge, Director at the RSG Foundation. “By prov iding young producers with the necessary breeding animals and resources, we will be sure to cultivate their passion for agriculture and ensure the sustainability of the sheep and goat industries.”
The First Flock-Herd Grant Program is open to youth across the United States who have demonstrated a strong interest in raising and breeding sheep or go ats. This initiative is a part of the RSG Foundatio n’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational opportu nities, industry engagement, and the growth of responsible livestock management among young produc ers.
The RSG Foundation extends its gratitude to Premier 1 Supplies and all breeder supporters who have mad e this opportunity possible.
For more information about the First Flock-Herd Gra nt Program and how to support the initiative, please visit www.rsgfoundationinc.org.
April 24 -27, 2025
12:00 PM- 1:00PM Lunch 1:00PM-2:00PM Tour of the Sire Center 5:00PM-6:00PM Live Stream showcase of sires 5:00PM-6:00PM BBQ 7:00PM Band 25 April 24 April 1:00 PM-8:00PM 5:00 PM-6:00PM
WE’RE THANKFUL FOR YOUR belief IN OUR PROGRAM FOR entrusting US WITH YOUR SHEEP AND ALL OF THE friends ALONG THE WAY
