Ringside November 25 Issue

The Ultimate Sheep Magazine Volume 20: November 2025

TTTHHHI HI SSSIIISSUE IISSSU SSU E HI SSU E THIS II IN NIIN N T H I S I S S S U U E E T ININ NIN T I S S S U E I I S I S S U E INNTOHTHI S I SSU E VE M BE J UN E 2R02 05 2 5 EFNEBEBJUNE BRJVE BORVE RURUUUMBE RYRY2025 YR22YR2002022202002525252555 FFFENO AUANMARRAEBE

ON THE COVER ONTHE THECOVER COVER THE COVER ON ON THE COVER ON ON THE THE A close-up look COVER atCOVER aCOVER Southdown ewe during ON THE ON THE ON THE COVER Featured on this issue of Ringside is during MacCauley Ashowmanship close-up lookatatFreedom a Southdown ewe Fest, captured

by Tarah Featured on this issue of Ringside is MacCauley

A close-up look atat aFreedom Southdown ewe during Suffolks.Though the of MacCauley Do Do simple simple better.

It’s It’s adirection phrase aofphrase I Iuse I use ininMacCauley coaching incoaching coaching Featured onbetter. this issue Ringside is showmanship Fest, captured bySuffolks Tarah Do simple better.

It’s afront phrase use Ferguson.

Such athe cool end shot captured! direction of MacCauley Suffolks DoSuffolks.Though simple better.

It’s a phrase I use in coaching has shifted over the years, the goals remain the showmanship at Freedom Fest, captured by Tarah Suffolks.Though the direction ofshot MacCauley Suffolks athletes athletes as as well well as as conducting conducting business. business.

InIntoday’s Intoday’s today’s Ferguson.

Such athe cool frontthe end captured! athletes as well as conducting business. has shifted over years, goals remain the athletes as well as conducting business.

Inand today’s same: performance in the show ring production hasworld, shifted years, the goalscaptured! remain the complex complex world, difficulties difficulties and adversity adversity hit hit us every every Ferguson.

Such aover coolthe front end shot complex world, difficulties and adversity hit usus every We hope everyone had aand wonderful Springfield same: performance in the show ringtrip andto production

complex world, difficulties and adversity hit us every insame: the barn!

The MacCauley flock strives to produce performance in the show ring and production day. day.

We We understand understand the the late late night night hours hours in the inthe the barn barn We hope everyone had a wonderful trip to Springfield day.

We understand the late night hours in barn and made it home safely. in“Functional the barn! The MacCauley flock strives to produce day. We understand the late night hours in the barn Suffolks with Style.”

The entire program inthe the barn!

The MacCauley flock strives toWe’ve produce and and the results results not not being being what we we hoped hoped for. for.

We’ve and made itSuffolks home safely. and the results not being what we hoped We’ve We hope everyone had awhat wonderful trip tofor.

Springfield “Functional with Style.”

The entire program and the results not being what we hoped for.

We’ve emphasizes structural soundness, easy fleshing on “Functional Suffolks with Style.” entire program been been there there with with you you when when the the LAI LAI ororThe flush or flush didn’t didn’t go go as been there with you when the LAI flush didn’t go as A big thank you to our photographers for capturing soas and made it home safely. emphasizes structural soundness, easy fleshing on been there with you when the LAI or flush didn’t go as grass, superior maternal instincts, male fertility, emphasizes structural soundness, easy fleshing on planned. planned.

We’ve We’ve watched watched the the input input costs costs increase. increase.

We Weso Agrass, big thank you toofour photographers for capturing planned.

We’ve watched the input costs increase.

We many great shots both the showmen and the sheep superior maternal instincts, male fertility, planned.

We’ve watched the input costs increase.

We longevity and breed character.

As the industry grass, superior maternal instincts, male fertility, tootoo have have had had people people ask us us why why we we do do this. this.

And And atatthe atthethe many great shots of both the showmen and the sheep have had people ask us why we do this.

And —we couldn’t do itask without you! longevity and breed character.

As the industry big thank you to our photographers for capturing so tooAtoo have had people ask us why we do this.

And at the continues to change and the demand for more longevity and breed character.

As the industry end end of the of the day, day, we we all all take take a deep a deep breath, breath, collect collect our our —we couldn’t do it without you! end of the day, we all take a deep breath, collect our toperformance-oriented change and the showmen demand for more end ofcontinues the day,shots we allchange aand deep breath, collect oursheep many great oftake both the and the functional, sheep increases, continues tocontinue thedo demand for more thoughts thoughts and and continue trying trying to to do simple simple better. better. functional, performance-oriented sheep increases, thoughts and continue trying to do simple better. thoughts and continue trying to dotosimple better. the MacCauleys look forward the sheep challenge of —we couldn’t doperformance-oriented itcompliments without you! functional, increases, One One ofofthe ofthethe best best compliments I Ihave I have received received over over the MacCauleys look forward to the challenge of One best compliments have received over thatcompliments demand with sheep that can perform Onemeeting of best I have received over thethe MacCauleys look forward to the challenge of in thethe past past few few years, years, from from both both buyers buyers and and sellers, sellers, is in is meeting that demand with sheep that can perform past few years, from both buyers and sellers, allmeeting arenas. thethe past few years, both buyers sellers, is is in thatfrom demand with sheepand that can perform how how simple wewe areare totowork towork work with. with.

No No games, games, no allsimple arenas. how simple with.

No games, nono ewes over 350 The MacCauley consists how simple wewe areare toflock work with.

Noof games, nobrood all arenas. gimmicks, gimmicks, no no side side deals, deals, no no empty empty promises. promises.

We The MacCauley flock consists of over 350Kyle brood ewes gimmicks, no side deals, no empty WeWe owned by Bill, Betsy, Justene and gimmicks, side deals, noChris, empty promises.

Theno MacCauley flock consists ofpromises. over 350Webrood ewes owned by Bill, Betsy, Chris, Justene and Kyle started started with with the the principle principle ofofexpert Integrity~Everyone ofIntegrity~Everyone Integrity~Everyone started with the principle MacCauley all under the care of Evan Synder, byprinciple Bill, Betsy,ofChris, Justene and Kyle started owned with the Integrity~Everyone MacCauley all under the expert care ofphilosophy Evan Synder, Always Always and and we we will will continue continue with with that that philosophy philosophy as Always and we will continue with as Manager.

It is truly aexpert family business born outasof MacCauley under the care of Evan Synder, AlwaysFarm and we willallcontinue with thatthat philosophy as Farm It is trulyaaIthobby business born out of long long aslifelong as weManager. we are are ininbusiness. inbusiness. business. really It really isisthat isthat that simple. simple. long are Itfamily simple. wild.The Farm It and is truly areally family business born out of long asaas wewe areManager. inpassion business.

It really isgone that simple. aus lifelong passion and aserve hobby gone wild.The LetLet us know know how how we we can can serve serve your your marketing marketing needs needs us how we can your marketing needs MacCauley team is forever thankful for all their a know lifelong passion and a hobby gone wild.The LetLet usMacCauley know how we can serve your marketing needs team is forever for all their inin2025 in2025 2025 and and beyond. beyond. and beyond. customers, both and thankful new!

Customer MacCauley teamloyal is forever thankful for allsuccesses their in 2025 and beyond. customers, both loyal and new!

Customer successes and faith in the breeding program is the fuelsuccesses that customers, both loyal and new! Customer and faith in the breeding program is the fuel that keeps this in firetheburning. and faith breeding program is the fuel that keeps this fire burning.

Tokeeps see MacCauley Suffolks in action, stop by their this fire burning.

Topens seeatMacCauley Suffolks action, their Louisville, orSuffolks betterinyet, planstop astop tripbyto the To seeIntegrity MacCauley in action, by theirfarm Integrity Livestock Livestock Sales Sales pens at Louisville, or better yet, plan a trip to the farm Integrity Livestock Sales inpens Atglen, PA. Or, at the very least, visitathe Integrity Livestock Sales at Louisville, or better yet, plan tripwebsite to the farm Mike Mike Crowder inwww.maccauleysheep.com Atglen, PA. Or, at Crowder the very least, visit the website Mike Crowder in Atglen, Mike PA. Or,Crowder at the very least, visit the website 765-366-3135 765-366-3135 www.maccauleysheep.com 765-366-3135 765-366-3135 www.maccauleysheep.com mike@integritylivestocksales.com mike@integritylivestocksales.com mike@integritylivestocksales.com 4 RINGSIDE mike@integritylivestocksales.com

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL EDITORIAL Letter From The Editor............................................page 5 LetterFrom FromThe TheEditor............................................page Editor............................................page5 5 Letter

Letter Letter From From The The Editor............................................page Editor............................................page Subscription Information......................................pages 75 55 55 5 The Editor............................................page Letter From The Editor............................................page Letter From The Editor............................................page Letter From The Editor............................................page Letter From The Editor............................................page Subscription Information........................................page 75 Subscription Information......................................pages 7 Subscription Subscription Information......................................pages Information......................................pages 8 78 From The Kitchen.....................................................page 9 Subscription Information........................................page Subscription Information......................................pages Subscription Information........................................page Subscription Information......................................pages Subscription Information......................................pages From TheKitchen.....................................................page Kitchen.....................................................page 978 8 7 From The 9 From From The The Kitchen.....................................................page Kitchen.....................................................page Industry News........................................pages 10-11, 13, 15 9 99 99 9 From The Kitchen.....................................................page From The Kitchen.....................................................page From The Kitchen.....................................................page Kitchen.....................................................page Industry News.........................................pages 11, 13, From The Kitchen.....................................................page Industry News........................................pages 10-11, 13,16-17 15129 Junior Member Spotlight........................................page Industry Industry News..........................................pages News..........................................pages 10,12,16,21 10,12,16,21 News.........................................pages 11, 13, Industry News........................................pages 10-11, 13, 15 Industry News..........................................pages 10,12,16,21 Industry News.........................................pages 11, 16-17 Upcoming Industry Events.....................................page 1713,16-17 Industry News..........................................pages 10,12,16,21 Junior Member Spotlight........................................page 12 StockLink..................................................................page 14 Protein Protein Requirements Requirements For For Sheep.................pages Sheep.................pages 17, 17, 20 20 Junior Member Spotlight........................................page 12 Upcoming Industry Events.....................................page Protein Requirements For Sheep.................pages Upcoming Industry Advertising Pricing..................................................page 17 20 17 17 Protein Requirements ForEvents.....................................page Sheep.................pages 17,1417, 20 StockLink..................................................................page Digital Marketing Services...................................pages22-23 161422-23 Breed Breed News.....................................................pages News.....................................................pages StockLink..................................................................page Advertising Pricing..................................................page 17 Breed News.....................................................pages 22-23 Sibling Spotlight...............................................pages 18-19 Advertising Pricing..................................................page 17 Breed News.....................................................pages 22-23 Digital Marketing Services...................................pages 16 Ready For Lambing...............................................pages 171624 RSG RSG Foundation......................................................page Foundation......................................................page 24 Digital Marketing Services...................................pages Sibling Spotlight...............................................pages 18-19 RSG Foundation......................................................page 24 Freedom Fest Show Results.................................page1723 Ready For Lambing...............................................pages RSG Foundation......................................................page Sibling Spotlight...............................................pages 18-19 Breed News............................................................pages 1824 Ready For Lambing...............................................pages 1725 Advertising Advertising Index...................................................page Index...................................................page 25 Freedom Fest Show Results.................................page 20 Advertising Index...................................................page 25 Breed News.............................................................page 22 Breed News............................................................pages 18 Advertising Index...................................................page 25 Freedom Fest Show Results.................................page 2026 Advertising.....................................................page 1918 2220 Breed News............................................................pages Breed News.............................................................page Boys Of Summer Sire & Semen Catalog..............page 2026 Advertising.....................................................page 192124 22 Breed News.............................................................page Advertising Index...................................................page 2026 Advertising.....................................................page 19 30 Advertising Index...................................................page AdvertisingIndex...................................................page Index....................................................page Advertising 21 25 Advertising Index...................................................page 30 Advertising Index...................................................page 21

STAFF CONTACT CONTACT STAFF STAFF STAFFCONTACT CONTACT CONTACT CONTACT STAFF CONTACT STAFF MORGAN KOLB KOLB MORGAN MORGAN KOLB MORGAN MORGAN HAUGER HAUGER Owner/Creative Director MORGAN HAUGER MORGAN HAUGER Owner/Creative Director 765.541.1932 Owner/Creative Director Owner/Creative Owner/Creative Director Director Owner/Creative Director 765.541.1932 Owner/Creative Director ringsidesheep@gmail.com 765.541.1932 765.541.1932 765.541.1932 765.541.1932 ringsidesheep@gmail.com 765.541.1932 ringsidesheep@gmail.com ringsidesheep@gmail.com ringsidesheep@gmail.com ringsidesheep@gmail.com ringsidesheep@gmail.com

STAFF CONTACT STAFF CONTACT STAFF MEDIA CONTACT SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL MORGAN HAUGER SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine SOCIAL SOCIAL MEDIA MEDIA SOCIAL MEDIA MORGAN HAUGER SOCIAL MEDIA FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine Owner/Creative Director FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine

FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK: Ringside Ringside Sheep Sheep Magazine Magazine FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine Owner/Creative Director 765.541.1932 FACEBOOK: Ringside Sheep Magazine FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK: Simplicity Simplicity Creative Creative FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative 765.541.1932 ringsidesheep@gmail.com FACEBOOK: Simplicity Creative ringsidesheep@gmail.com Owner/Creative Director

MORGAN HAUGER 765.541.1932 ringsidesheep@gmail.com

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L E TT ER FR O M THE EDIT O R A SEASON OF THANKFULNESS There’s something magical about fall. The crisp mornings, the golden sunsets, and the way the countryside lights up in shades of orange and red — it’s hard not to fall in love with this time of year. It’s always been my favorite season. The days are full of color, the holidays are just around the corner, and for so many of us in the livestock world, it means one thing — babies hitting the ground and NAILE! This season also brings a feeling of thankfulness. It’s the time of year we slow down just enough to look around and realize how blessed we are: for the people in our lives, the opportunities we’ve been given, and the community that surrounds us. The livestock industry is built on hard work and heart, but it’s also built on the friendships and families that make it all worthwhile. I’m so grateful for everyone who continues to support Ringside Sheep Magazine — from our readers and advertisers to the families who share their stories and photos with us. You’re the heartbeat of what we do, and we couldn’t do it without you!

On a personal note, this fall has been one for the books — I’m newly married! It’s been such a joy stepping into this new season of life, surrounded by so much love and encouragement from friends, family, and the livestock community. My heart is full, and I’m reminded daily just how lucky we are to have people in our corner cheering us on through all of life’s adventures.

As we dive into lambing season and gear up for NAILE, I want to wish everyone the very best — may your lambs be healthy, your shows successful, and your hearts happy! I’m looking forward to seeing so many of you in Louisville soon!

Here’s to a season full of thankfulness, new beginnings, and a whole lot of excitement!

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US RINGSIDE!

Morgan Kolb

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AMERICAN LAMB SKEWER BOARD

4 SERVINGS

35 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS 1-2 LB AMERICAN LAMB SHOULDER OR LEG (BONELESS) 1 RED PEPPER (CUT INTO 1 INCH PIECES FOR THE SKEWER) 1/2 ONION (CUT INTO 1 INCH CHUNKS FOR THE SKEWER) 1/2 CUP PITTED OLIVES 1 CUP CHERRY TOMATOES 2 TBSP FRESH PARSLEY & DILL MARINADE: 4 TBSP OLIVE OIL 3 TSP LEMON JUICE 4 CLOVES MINCED GARLIC 1 TSP SMOKED PAPRIKA FRESH PARSLEY SALT & PEPPER SIDE SAUCES: 5 OZ FETA CHEESE BLOCK 2 TBSP GREEK YOGURT 2 TSP LEMON JUICE OR LEMON ZEST 2 TBSP OLIVE OIL STORE BOUGHT TZATZIKI STORE BOUGHT PESTO

DIRECTIONS 1.HEAT OVEN TO 425 F 2.LINE TWO BAKING SHEETS WITH PARCHMENT PAPER 3.CUT UP YOUR PARSLEY AND DILL FINELY 4. CUT YOUR AMERICAN LAMB SHOULDER INTO 1" CHUNKS TO FIT ONTO THE SKEWERS AND ADD THEM INTO A BOWL 5. FOR THE MARINADE (INGREDIENTS ON THE NEXT PAGE), COMBINE OLIVE OIL, LEMON JUICE, MINCED GARLIC, CHOPPED PARSLEY & DILL, AND SPICES IN A SEPARATE BOWL AND MIX WELL 6. ADD MARINADE TO YOUR LAMB AND MIX WELL. IDEALLY, COVER THE LAMB AND LET MARINATE IN THE FRIDGE FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS. 7. ADD LAMB ON SKEWER AND MIX IN SOME VEGGIES OR OLIVE EVERY OTHER LAMB CHUNK YOU ADD ON. 8.PUT THE SKEWERS ON THE BAKING SHEET ABOUT 1/2" APART FROM ONE ANOTHER 9.BAKE FOR 10 MINUTES AND THEN FLIP THE SKEWERS AROUND AND BAKE FOR ANOTHER 10 MINUTES 10.OPTIONAL: FOR AN EXTRA 2-5 MINUTES AT THE END, PUT THE OVEN ON BROIL TO GET A CRUST ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE LAMB SKEWERS 11.SERVE RIGHT AWAY! WHIPPED FETA RECIPE: 1.TO MAKE THE WHIPPED FETA, COMBINE FETA CHEESE, YOGURT AND LEMON JUICE IN A FOOD PROCESSOR 2.BLEND IN THE OLIVE OIL TO MAKE IT THICK AND CREAMY 3.ADD TO A BOWL AND SERVE RIGHT AWAY 4.THE WHIPPED FETA WILL STAY FRESH IN THE FRIDGE COVERED FOR UP TO 5 DAYS THE FOLLOWING TIME AND TEMPERATURE PARAMETERS GROUND LAMB INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 160°F ALL OTHER CUTS INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF 145°F, WITH A 3 MINUTE REST

INDUSTRY I N D U S T R YNEWS NEWS be a part of it.

So,Mutton they leased sheep to us and we run them on Lamb and Tradetheir Discussion solar. USDA They get a check and are through part of solar the released statistics June,grazing givingwithout a mid-year American Solar Grazing Association Treasurer Chad Raines spent a hassle.

Through July and into the first part of August, weekly lamb and perspective on trade flows. Through the first six months of the year, yearmutton studying solar grazing he ever turned his sheep outpounds onto per “Your mindset really has to change to do this. Yes, you’re still production has before been averaging just over 2 million lamb imports totaled 147.4 million pounds, which is a decline of 6.2 a site. In early May, he was on hand as the American Lamb Board’s managing a flock and managing grass, but you have to do things a week. This is about on par with lamb and mutton production levels million pounds (-4.0%) from the same period last year. Year-to-date Targeted Grazing Workshop in Sulphur Springs, Texas, tried to teach little differently on these sites. You have to realize this is a service during the same time last year. Weekly lamb and yearling slaughter declines were seen from both Australia and New Zealand. Imports sheep producers everything they needed to know about solar in two industry. My sheep take the place of lawn mowers. There are places in July ranged from 32 to just over 34 thousand head per week, from Australia totaled 108.1 million pounds through June, a decrease and a half days. where I’m rotating earlier than I normally would, and it’s not because which was above year-ago levels by roughly 1,400 per head per week of 2.1 million pounds (-1.9%) from last year. Lamb imports from New “I wish I’d had something like this when I was getting started,” said I’ve run out of grass or I’m worried about overgrazing. It’s because (5%). While the number of head slaughtered has been tracking Zealand decreased 3.4 million pounds (-8.2%) to 38.0 million pounds Raines, who runs 10,000 head of owned and leased sheep with a I’ve got other places that really need to be hit.” above year-ago levels in recent weeks, this increase has been through the first six months. From January to June, Australia partner on a handful of solar sites in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

GET CERTIFIED partially offset by dressed weights tracking lower than last year by accounted for 73% total lamb and New Zealand “It’s been a great introduction to solar grazing.”

Students of the school will of receive a USBimports, drive featuring ASI’s more than -2% (2 lbs.) on average, leading to similar year-over-year accounted for 26%.

While veteran solar grazer JR Howard and ALB’s Camren Maierle Targeted Grazing 101 and Targeted Grazing Handbook. They also production levels.

Lamb imports for May and were the 22.4workshop, and 23.8 which million pounds, served as official instructors for the workshop, they turned to received an ASGA certification forJune attending Lamb mutton in cold storage wasregularly reportedduring at justtwo under respectively, which declined 5.7 and 4.6 million pounds,– or -20.3% Raines forand his perspective on the industry days21 could potentially open the door to more grazing opportunities million pounds in June, a decline of -11.6%, or almost 2.8 million and -16.3%, priorstarted year. Mutton in May of classroom instruction before workshop attendees visited a solar especially for thosefrom just the getting with animports opportunity thatwere has 816 pounds, from a year ago.

Each month in 2025 has reported inventory thousand pounds, a decrease of nearly 3.0 million pounds site grazed by Howard’s Texas Solar Sheep on the third day. excited the American sheep industry like no other in the past 50 (-78.5%), levels below ago and course well below “They didn’t haveaayear certification like the this five-year when I gotaverage. started,”Lower years.while imports of mutton in June were just over 1.0 million pounds, levels of “So, lambI was and just mutton in coldtrying storage is a positive corresponds a decrease of 2.1K-Bar million pounds (-67.1%). The Raines said. out there to learn it on my signal own.” that “That’swhich why I’m here,” said to Matt Kraus, whose Resource inventory levels do not appear to be building, and demand is pulling slowingoffers of lamb and mutton imports andTexas.

June is notable as it Fortunately, he had some mentors in fellow Texas grazers Ely Valdez Management small-scale solar grazingininMay south Based chain, which price-supportive andproduct Howard.through They ledthe himsupply to ASGA, which was is developing online in the in FallsisCity not –only reflective of seasonal patterns but also changing south of San Antonio – he has grazed sites for a coupletrade near term. resources for grazers, and his education took off from there. Now, of years now. “It’sduring alwaysthose goodmonths. to see what other people are doing dynamics Moving into the second half of this he’sLamb looking at plans to run up to 20,000 sheep on solar sites within Price Update and what’s forlamb them.and I haven’t done any mowing yet because year,working if monthly mutton imports follow similar declines to the Feeder next fewlamb years. mostly smaller sites.

But it sounds like I might have to be openthrough prices (60-90 lbs., 3-market average) continue to track I’m on May and June, then this could signal a slowing of shipments “Solar grazing really ourthe family farm,”months. said Raines, whofeeder was a lamb to doing in thehalf future.” seasonally lowersaved through summer In June, thethat second of the year. fourth-generation cotton grower in Lamesa, Texas.

“We were the site visit, Kraus spent timeofexamining the Hustler prices ranged from about $240 to just over $260 per cwt. Prices in DuringLamb exports through the some first half the year were 785 thousand struggling with cotton and dug ourselves a hole with it.

We were brand commercial mowers that Howard uses almost daily in July were between $220 to $240 per cwt with the first week of pounds, an increase of 361 thousand pounds (+85.2%)hisfrom the digging out reporting of it with sheep, at a much areprice for hybridsame modelperiod of service, which combines August a pricebut of $223.75 perslower cwt. Arate yearthan ago,wethe in 2024.

Lamb exportsgrazing, in May mowing and Juneand were both over nowthe thanks to solar grazing.

It’s an exciting time for the sheep spraying to control vegetation on solar sites. first week of August was $214 per cwt, and the five-year average 200 thousand pounds, which is significant because the last time industry.

I love the that oldest son is now working for me.

Havinglamb worked with were the U.S. Department ofwas Agriculture’s National (2019-2023) wasfact $195 permycwt. exports above that level December 2019 (239 million AndSlaughter my younger son is in college but when he finishes, he can come Resources Conservation Service for more than a decade, Kraus has through lamb prices (national negotiated live) surged through June pounds). Mutton exports totaled just over 3.0 million pounds andand workinto withtheusfirst too ifpart that’s what he wants.

Without solar grazing, experience in vegetation management and developing grazing plans. of July, increasing from $161 per cwt to almost the first six months of the year, an increase of 812 thousand pounds that wouldn’t have been possible.”

Solar grazing provided him with an opportunity to get into the sheep $200 per cwt. The first week of August reported the highest (+36.4%) from the previous year.

As was the case with previous grazing workshops hosted by ALB, industry. slaughter lamb price for the year, so far, at $204 per cwt. A year ago, Wool Update some attendees left the training with a new determination to move “At the peak of things, we had about 750 ewes,” he said. “Last year the first week of August reported a price of $196 per cwt. Seasonally, Wool prices in July, on a weekly basis, generally saw favorable their sheep operations toward contract grazing. Others decided the was pretty dry, so we scaled back a bit. I’ve got a small place at slaughter lamb prices strengthen during the summer months and improvement. The Australian Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose opportunity wasn’t the right fit and more than a few fell somewhere home to put some sheep on when they aren’t on solar. I’ve done peak around July, so the price strength into August is noteworthy. about +1.5% from June to July. Prices for 17- and 18-micron wool in the middle as they were a bit overwhelmed by the challenge yet some targeted grazing for about 10 years at home, so now I’m just Seasonally, slaughter lamb prices tend to moderate lower through increased about +1% to +2% month over month while the 19-micron intrigued by the opportunity. applying it to solar.” the second half of the year, which will be an item to watch through wool price decreased marginally less than from June to July.

“A ranch we lease a bunch of sheep from as at this workshop last Certification in hand, Kraus said the three-day trip-1% to northeast August and into September. to 22-micron wool reported increases that ranged year,” said Raines. “They like solar grazing, but realized it wasn’t for Texas Prices provedfor well20worth the time and financial investment. from +2% to nearly +3% in July when compared to June prices. them. They didn’t want to deal with all of the paperwork and jumping “It’s been a good training,” he added. “I appreciate all of the Stronger price increases were the seenquestions for 25- tothat 32-micron through hoops that comes with this industry. But they still wanted to speakers and their input and hearing everyonewool ranging from +5% to more than +8% from June to July.

PRODUCERS LA MBGET A NDTARGETED MUTTON EDUCATION SUPPLIES

I N D US T R YNEWS N EW S INDUSTRY among A teaser ramonis a be a topic part ofofit.conversation So, they leased theirsheep sheepproducers. to us and we run them Compared to a year ago, to 22-micron wool prices in July PRODUCERS GET17-TARGETED EDUCATION maleand thatare still hasofhis testicles, with solar.vasectomized They get a check part solar grazingalong without thethe increased about +1% to almost 9%, while 25- to 32-micron wool accompanying hormones and attitude, but essentially shoots blanks American Solar Grazing Association Chad+13% Rainestospent hassle. prices posted double-digits gainsTreasurer ranging from +23%.a In year studying solar grazing before he ever turned his sheep out onto when it comes ejaculation. thisyou’re male be “Your mindset reallytohas to change Why to dowould this. Yes, stillof any use to a July, the Australian Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) increased about a site. early May,tohea was hand as the American Lamb Board’s managing flock and managing you have do can things sheepaproducer?

There are grass, a few but reasons why to they be auseful, +9%Incompared yearonago.

Targeted Grazing in Sulphur Springs, Texas, teach littlebut differently onnot these sites. have to realize this is a service they may work forYou everyone.

Australian woolWorkshop supplies have increased leading uptried to thetomid-year sheep producers everything they needed to know about solar in two industry.

My sheep take the place of lawn mowers.

Therepattern are places Sheep are known for their seasonally polyestrous of auction recess. The number of bales offered in July ranged from and a half days. where I’m rotating behavior, earlier than I normally would, and it’smultiple not because reproductive meaning they experience estrous 23,623 to 37,946, with the later number of bales offered came the “I wish I’d had something like this when I was getting started,” said I’ve run out during of grassone or I’m worried about overgrazing. because cycles season of the year.

Sheep are It’s primarily short-day last week of July. This was the highest weekly number of bales Raines, who runs 10,000 head of owned and leased sheep with a I’ve got other places that really need to be hit.” breeders, so this season is in the fall for most breeds, although there offered since the first week of May when it was reported at 40,295 partner on a handful of solar sites in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.

GET CERTIFIED are a few exceptions. Due to their seasonality, sheep often start to bales. Compared to June, the number of bales offered in July was an “It’s been a great introduction to solar grazing.”

Students the school willbegins receive USB drivebut featuring ASI’s cycleofwhen daylight toadecrease, this can be hastened a increase of nearly +16%. Looking ahead, support for wool prices will While veteran solar grazer JR Howard and ALB’s Camren Maierle Targeted Grazing 101 and Targeted Grazing Handbook.

They also bit by introducing a ram. be driven in part by global demand for wool, meaning exchange rates served as official instructors for the workshop, they turned to received an ASGA certification for which attending the means workshop, We call this the “ram effect” simply thatwhich when a ram is will also remain a factor.onThe dollar has seentwo some Raines for his perspective theAustralian industry regularly during days could potentially open the door to more grazing opportunities – introduced, usually a novel male that they have not seen before and in recent weeks a year ago, which is ofweakening classroom instruction beforecompared workshoptoattendees visited a solar especially for those just getting started with an opportunity that has have not had close contact with, females will start to cycle because supportive Australian wool prices. site grazed byfor Howard’s Texas Solar Sheep on the third day. excited the American sheep industry like no other in the past 50 they are stimulated by pheromones produced by the ram. It is “They didn’t have a certification course like this when I got started,” years. important that the females are kept away from any male sheep for SI PROV IDES GRANTS S Raines said.A “So, I was just out there trying toTO learnSHEARER it on my own.”

“That’s why I’m here,” said Matt Kraus, whose K-Bar Resource at least a month prior to this introduction in order for the ram effect For the fourth consecutive year,inASI has Texas provided grants Fortunately, he had some mentors fellow grazers Elytotaling Valdez Management offers small-scale solar grazing in south Texas. Based to be strongest, and yes this includes ram lambs. Once the novel ram $15,000 to They developing Seeingwas thedeveloping large and continuing and Howard. led himshearers. to ASGA, which online in Falls City – south of San Antonio – he has grazed sites for a couple is introduced some females will immediately start to cycle and some resources grazers, and across his education from there. need forfor more shearers the U.S.took for off both large andNow, small of years now. “It’s always good to see what other people are doing will start to cycle these done are often “silent heats” meaning he’s looking at plans to to 20,000 sheep on solar sites within and what’s working forlater, them.but I haven’t any mowing yet because sheep operations, therun ASIupWool Council created the Developing they showsmaller no outward signs of beinglike in heat. theShearer next few I’m on mostly sites. But it sounds I might have to be open & years.

Mentor grant program to incentivize the development of A teaser ram can help by stimulating ewes to come into heat and “Solar grazing really saved our family farm,” said Raines, who was a to doing that in the future.” domestic shearers. then mounting them.

However, if the vasectomy was fourth-generation cotton grower in Lamesa, “We was weregiven to 8 During theactually site visit, Kraus spent some time examining the Hustler The 2025 grant ran from January throughTexas.

June and correctly, willHoward not beuses able almost to cause anyinpregnancies struggling withshearers cotton and ourselves hole with it. Maryland, We were to brandperformed commercial mowershe that daily his developing whodug sheared in 18astates from duemodel to there being no sperm in his ejaculate.

By introducing the digging out of it with sheep, but at a much slower rate than we are hybrid of service, which combines grazing, mowing and North Dakota, to Kansas, to Oregon. Two of their mentors were also teaser ram, the producer knows which females are cycling and the now thanks grants to solartograzing.

It’s an for exciting time forinstruction the sheep and jobs spraying to control vegetation on solar sites. provided compensate equipment, fertile ramwith doesthe notU.S. have to do all this work to initiate cyclicity. Most industry. the fact that my oldest son is now working forfor me.

Having worked Department of Agriculture’s National given toI love students.

Developing shearers utilized the funds research indicates that the for fertile ram cana decade, be introduced 17–23 days And my younger is in college but when he finishes, he can comeand a Resources Conservation Service more than Kraus has equipment andson supplies including handpieces, combs, cutters, and work with us too if that’s what he wants. Without solar grazing, after introduction the teaser ram; the fertile ramplans. can breed experience in vegetationofmanagement andthen, developing grazing wool packer. that wouldn’t have been possible.”

Solarthe grazing provided him the withteaser an opportunity thebut sheep females.

In short, ram doestoallget theinto work, the fertile “This program has been an absolute blessing that has helped me to As was the case with previous grazing workshops hosted by ALB, industry. ram comes in and can hopefully provide a tighter breeding and finish the transition from being a wrangler/wool packer that got to some attendees left the training with a new determination to move “At the peak ofwindow. things, we had about 750 ewes,” he said. “Last year lambing shear at certain jobs, to a full-time shearer that can now operate their sheep operations toward contract grazing. Others decided the was Teaser pretty dry, so are we scaled I’ve got ainsemination small place at(AI) and rams utilizedback oftena bit. in artificial independently. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone opportunity wasn’t the right fit and more than a few fell somewhere homeembryo to put some sheep when theybecause aren’t onthey solar. doneheat in transfer (ET)onprograms canI’ve detect involved who made this program possible and I look forward to in the middle as they were a bit overwhelmed by the challenge yet somefemales targetedbygrazing for about 10 years at home, so now I’m justor another marking them (if equipped with a ram harness continuing my career as a full-time shearer.”, said grant recipient intrigued by the opportunity. applying solar.” paint). This way the veterinarian performing these formitoftomarking “AKatie ranchPierce. we lease a bunch of sheep from as at this workshop last Certification in hand, Kraus said the trip to northeast procedures can be assured thatthree-day the synchronization protocol UTILIZING TEASER RAMSit wasn’t for year,” said Raines. “They like solar grazing, but realized Texasworked provedand wellthe worth the time and financial females are indeed in heatinvestment. prior to performing AI or them.

They didn’t want to in deal of the paperwork jumping “It’s been a goodprograms training,”can he added.

“I appreciate all the of the Teaser rams have been usewith for all many years, but dueand to the ET. These be successful without use of a teaser through hoops that comes with this industry.

But they still wanted to speakers and their input and hearing the questions that everyone increasing use of advanced reproductive technologies, such as ram, but most producers find them to be helpful when a teaser is artificial insemination and embryo transfer, they have become a detecting heat for you.

JUNIOR MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

e i d d a M HAUGER What breed of sheep do you currently show and why?

I currently show Southdowns and Hamps. I like these breeds because of the friends that I have made through my time participating in them. Both of these breeds are competitive, but friendly at the same time.

What is your favorite breed of showing/raising sheep?

What's your least?

My favorite part of showing/raising sheep is getting to share my passion with my friends and family. Some of my best and closest friends have come from the show ring. I also like being able to see the start to finish product of animals I raise. My least favorite part of showing is taking care of illnesses the sheep pick up from all of the traveling.

What is your favorite show and why?

My favorite show is the All American Junior Show because there is a lot of free time to spend with friends, as well as a lot of different activities put on by the show.

If you could pick any other breed to show what would it be and why?

If I could pick any other breed to show I would pick Romney's because there is something that is intriguing about them, and I think giving fitted sheep a try would be fun. Even though my dad would say otherwise ;)

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

What advice would you give to younger members?

The biggest lesson I have learned while showing sheep is responsibility.

As I grew up I continued to have more and more responsibilities, and it is very important to make sure I do everything asked of me to have a successful summer. If I was giving advice to a younger member I would tell them to enjoy every moment they have in and out of the ring, because you only have a short amount of time to do those things.

12 RINGSIDE

fulfill the same roleRAM for producers of all ages. expansion might be captured by the inventory survey.to A teaser ram is that created by not removing a section of the vas deferens OPTIMIZING FERTILITY: BREEDING “I’m looking forward taking the baton and keep the organization Increased slaughter might indicate growth.

SOUNDNESS EXAMSto & BRUCELLA OVIS CONTROL prevent sperm transport.

This allows thesome teaser to act, smell and moving forward,” Palm said.

“I feel that the timing is right for me, our I expect prices to exhibit some normal seasonal behavior but if perform just like a fertile ram, but he is not capable of ejaculating As we prepare for the upcoming breeding season, the health and family and our farm business to step into this role.” domestic production declines there is some higher sperm.

It is important to note that the teaser will opportunity need time tofor heal fertility of our rams deserve careful attention. Rams may make up a Palm and her husband, Rick, have two young children.

Retail lamb prices have been competitive – at times from prices. this relatively simple procedure, which is performed by a – with small fraction of the flock, but they carry the weight of its beef in the pastgeneral year and high beefHe prices arebe likely to continue. veterinarian under anesthesia. should recovered and reproductive success.

A single infertile or infected can quietly ADSBS ANNOUNCES 2025ramSHOWS While not directly impacting lamb or meat prices, the discovery of ready to work a few weeks before you actually need to use him. It is derail a lambing season, making proactive health management screwworms on a cow in southern Mexico should be of interest. Even The American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society has announced its two also worth mentioning that a quick semen check is beneficial to essential. though it seems far away, keeping screwworms eradicated in the nationally sponsored shows and sales. The Mid-America Show & Sale make sure the teaser is indeed shooting blanks and cannot get any At the heart of this effort are two tools that work together: the United States is hugely important for all livestock producers. The will be held April 10-12, in Duncan, Okla., while the Southern States females pregnant. That would be a bad day if your “teaser” was breeding soundness exam (BSE) and Brucella ovis testing. Together, ranch level costs of dealing with screwworms would likely be Show & Sale will be June 26-28, in Cookeville, Tenn. actually fertile and ended up breeding all your females who were set they offer a reliable way to ensure your ram battery is ready for the prohibitive.

Located at the Stephenville County Fairgrounds, the Mid-America up for an AI or ET protocol!

What happens on tariffs will be an important factor this year. Tariffs work ahead.

Show and Sale will showcase more than 250 Dorpers and White Teaser rams, like other advanced reproductive techniques, are just a Looks: What a Breeding Soundness Exam Tells You on imported lamb should result in higher domestic prices benefiting BeyondDorpers.

The event will kick off with a junior show on April 10 and an tool toproducers. help bringYet, yourhigher females into heat sooner and hopefully in a A breeding soundness exam is more than a quick glance at body prices will impact what consumers buy, annual meeting of the American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society. tighter timeframe than with natural breeding by itself.

They are not a condition or a confident gait across the pasture.

It’s a thorough having an opposite effect on purchases and prices.

Single Dorpers and White Dorpers will show on Friday morning with requirement, and they might not work well for everyone. Some of the assessment critical question: Can thiswill ramsort the pens ofdesigned two ewestotoanswer follow.one South African Philip Strauss MICHIGAN HIRESrams NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR drawbacks to utilizing teaser would be the actual surgery.

Both settle ewes? sheep. There will be competitions throughout the day to keep the the cost to perform it and the task of finding someone qualified to Ideally performed six to eight weeks sales beforepitch, breeding turnout, a BSE youth engaged.

A skill-a-thon, judging contest and Elaine Palm of West Branch, Mich., was recently hired as the do it can be hard to justify for some people needing a teaser ram begins with a full physical exam.

The veterinarian will evaluate the production contest will cap off the youth events.

Friday evening will Michigan Sheep Producers Association new executive director. Palm quickly. Producers do sell teaser rams from time to time but be ram’s general health, musculoskeletal soundness, body condition, include an Oklahoma-style BBQ with a live band. replaces Samantha Bos, who concluded her duties with the cautious because this male may not have impregnated females, but vision,Saturday and evenmorning his teeth. ramsashould have meeting, a body followed by willHealthy begin with consignors organization in January. Bos led the organization for four years. he certainly has performed the act of breeding them and may be an instructional meeting. be able to view lots during score between 3 and 4Sales on aguests 5-pointwill scale and be free of Palm works alongside her parents – Jim and Sherrie Bristol – on their condition transmitting disease without your knowledge. the morning The bidding 10 a.m. and be or injury,hours. particularly to the will headbegin and at neck—common northern Michigan sheep farm. She purchased her first farm in 2015 lameness Only purchase from someone you know has healthy animals that you broadcast live on CCI. trouble spots in group-housed rams prone to fighting. to build a second-generation business, adding value to the flock can trust.

If you already have your females around males, then enter theisshow sale,reproductive visit Showman.app/#/.

If you need givenand to the tract. The external through sales of meat, raw wool and superior genetics. She grew up SpecialToattention assistance, pleaseforcontact Karla Blackstock at hernias, 210-305-2565. utilizing a teaser not benefit yourmember flock much to athe genitalia are examined abnormalities like scrotal pizzle Entries as an active ram 4-H, may FFA and MSPA youth anddue holds degree be accepted throughepididymis, March 15 forand thespermatic Mid-America.

Show females being exposed to male TeaserShe rams rot, or will abscesses.

The testes, cords are fromalready Michigan State University in agpheromones. communications. has an placings will determine the sale order.

For sale order, please still act like rams!

This cannot be overstated as these males can still employment history of working with non-profits. palpated for symmetry, tone, and the presence of granulomas or visit the association website at DorperSheep.org. be aggressive and have as much attitude their fertile “The strength of thisjust organization is in itsas people, and we have masses.

A scrotal circumference measurement gives insight into The Southern States Show & Sale will be held at the end of June. counterparts.

Treat teaser rams just like your fertile rams in terms incredible people and partnerships,” Palm said. “I look forward to sperm production potential—mature rams should measure at least Make plans now to attend as 150 of the best lots in the United States of housing them in solid structuresand and/or within well with maintained building strong relationships communicating current and 33 centimeters. Mature rams with a small scrotal circumference, or will be sold. More information will be available soon. fences.

Teaser rams also need to have good teeth, vision, structure prospective members.” an abnormal scrotal palpation, should be removed from the breeding The American Dorper Sheep Breeders’ Society is one of the fastest and be healthy with aJohn highSchut libido.applauded A few sheep breeds that make MSPA President Palm’s skills and long-term flock. growing sheep breeds in the United States. The South African import to the goodcommitment teasers include hairorganization. breeds, Suffolk, Dorset and Finn Sheep.

Semenisisversatile collectedwith either by electroejaculation or artificial vagina a high parasite resistance.

“Elaine brings anteaser extensive of sheep and agricultural The goal of utilizing ramshistory is to tighten up your breeding and analyzed under a microscope. Both the sperm motility and experience to the your position, and window we are excited haveplanning her serve window and therefore lambing as well.toGood is the sperm morphology (sperm shape) are important for fertility. Good organization,” he said.

“It issuccessfully, a great timeas towell be involved the essential to using teaser rams as doinginyour fertility is marked by at least 30% progressive motility and fewer industry and working with professionals such as her.” research and asking questions. Have this conversation with fellow than 30% abnormal sperm cells. While libido—the ram’s actual Palm praised her predecessors for building a strong foundation producers, your veterinarian, or an Extension professional in your of desire to breed—is not measured directly, factors like age, nutrition, including Symposium, summer stateprograms to help you decide ifMSPA’s using Shepherds a teaser ram could benefit your picnic, a and social hierarchy all influence this critical trait. Keeping detailed blossoming online sheep and equipment auction, quarterly webinars operation. records on previous breeding performance can help fill in the gaps. and newsletters, and frequent email blasts focused on training, JESSY SHANKS EXTENSION SPECIALIST It’s worth noting that young rams are often sold before reaching SMALL RUMINANT AND YOUTH PROGR AMS event updates, and useful industry news and information. She UNIVER SITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE credits previous leadership within the organization for encouraging her toward achieving goals and she is eager for the opportunity to

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14 RINGSIDE

INDUSTRY NEWS INDUSTRY NEWS PRODUCERS GET TARGETED EDUCATION

sexual maturity. While they may not yet produce semen for analysis, American Solar Grazing Association Treasurer Chad Raines spent a a physical exam can still reveal congenital defects such as penile or year studying solar grazing before he ever turned his sheep out onto scrotal abnormalities that could affect future fertility. a site. In early May, he was on hand as the American Lamb Board’s The Silent Threat: Brucella ovis Targeted Grazing Workshop in Sulphur Springs, Texas, tried to teach While structural soundness and semen quality are essential, sheep producers everything they needed to know about solar in two infectious disease status is just as critical—and Brucella ovis is one and a half days. of the most important pathogens to ruleI was out.getting This bacterium “I wish I’d had something like this when started,” causes said epididymitis in rams, causing poor quality semen and, in some Raines, who runs 10,000 head of owned and leased sheep with a cases, to abortion, or weak Louisiana lambs in ewes.

It is a partnercan on alead handful of solar stillbirth, sites in Arkansas, and Texas. significant cause of reduced conception rates and decreased “It’s been a great introduction to solar grazing.” lambing percentages, especially in multi-sire While veteran solar grazer JR Howard and ALB’sflocks.

Camren Maierle Brucella spreads primarily venereal transmission. served asovis official instructors forthrough the workshop, they turned to Rams become infected when they ewes that were during previously Raines for his perspective onbreed the industry regularly two days covered by another infected ram, often during the same heat cycle. of classroom instruction before workshop attendees visited a solar Ram-to-ram is also common during the non-breeding site grazed bytransmission Howard’s Texas Solar Sheep on the third day. season through behavior andlike preputial licking.

“They didn’t havemounting a certification course this when I gotInfected started,” Raines said.

“So, I was just out there trying to learn it on my own.” rams may not show clinical signs for weeks, and fewer than half will Fortunately, he hadlesions some in mentors in fellow Texas grazerspalpation Ely Valdez develop palpable the epididymis.

That means and Howard.

They led him to ASGA, which was developing online alone is a poor screening tool. resources for grazers, and his education took from there. Now, Thankfully, there is a reliable diagnostic test.off A blood-based ELISA he’s looking at plans to run up to 20,000 sheep on solar sites within developed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories detects the next fewwith years. antibodies approximately 97% sensitivity. It is most useful “Solar grazing really our family farm,”before said Raines, whoseason. was a when performed on saved the entire ram battery breeding fourth-generation cottonshould growerbeinisolated Lamesa,immediately Texas. “We were Rams that test positive and either struggling with cotton and dug ourselves a hole with it.

We culled, castrated, or, in very limited cases, retested and towere confirm digging out of it with at a much slower rate than we are infection status usingsheep, semenbutPCR. thanks to solar grazing. It’s an exciting time for the sheep Ifnow fewer than five percent of rams test positive, these animals can industry. I love the fact that my oldest son is now working for me. be reevaluated in two to four weeks. All rams that were exposed to And my younger son is in college but when he finishes, he can come positives should be retested after 30 to 45 days to ensure they and work with us too if that’s what he wants. Without solar grazing, haven’t seroconverted during the incubation period. Repeat testing that wouldn’t have been possible.” after the breeding season is also advisable, particularly in flocks As was the case with previous grazing workshops hosted by ALB, that are actively managing this disease. some attendees left the training with a new determination to move One often overlooked aspect of B. ovis control is the role of teaser their sheep operations toward contract grazing. Others decided the rams.

Thesewasn’t animals, stimulate in ewes, opportunity thecommonly right fit andused moretothan a few estrus fell somewhere may vasectomized but still their accessory sex glands. in thebemiddle as they were a bitretain overwhelmed by the challenge yet If these glands become infected, teaser rams can shed the bacteria in intrigued by the opportunity. their seminal fluid during While may not cause “A ranch we lease a bunch mounting. of sheep from asthey at this workshop last pregnancy, they can absolutely transmit disease.

For that reason, year,” said Raines. “They like solar grazing, but realized it wasn’t for teaser ramsdidn’t should be to tested just as carefully as them. They want deal and withmanaged all of the paperwork and jumping intact throughbreeders. hoops that comes with this industry. But they still wanted to

16 RINGSIDE

be a part of it. So, they leased their sheep to us and we run them on solar.

They and get aOther checkKeys and are part of solar grazing without the Feeding to Success hassle.

Ram fertility is also dependent on good nutrition. Trace minerals like “Your mindset really has to change to do this. Yes, you’re still selenium, zinc, and copper are essential for spermatogenesis and managing a flock and managing grass, but you have to do things a hormone production. Diets that are too heavy in grain or alfalfa can little differently on these sites. You have to realize this is a service disrupt the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio and lead to urolithiasis, industry. My sheep take the place of lawn mowers. There are places especially in winter when water intake tends to drop. Rams need where I’m rotating earlier than I normally would, and it’s not because free-choice access to clean water, loose salt and mineral, and I’ve run out of grass or I’m worried about overgrazing. It’s because enough energy to maintain good condition through the breeding I’ve got other places that really need to be hit.”

GETseason.

CERTIFIED Biosecurity another of reproductive success.ASI’s Rams should Students of theisschool willpillar receive a USB drive featuring be quarantined upon andGrazing routineHandbook. testing and monitoring for Targeted Grazing 101 andarrival, Targeted They also B. ovis,an caseous lymphadenitis, Small Ruminant Lentivirus (also received ASGA certification for attending the workshop, which known as OPP),open sorethe mouth, abortion pathogens should could potentially door and to more grazing opportunities – be part of every flock’s protocol.

Keeping detailed records—scrotal especially for those just getting started with an opportunity that has measurements, semen evaluations, testing, excited the American sheep industry likedisease no other in the and pastbreeding 50 performance—allows producers to make informed decisions when years. selecting sires.

“That’s why I’m here,” said Matt Kraus, whose K-Bar Resource Management offers small-scale solarto grazing in south Texas. Based A Season Too Valuable to Leave Chance in Monitoring Falls City – south of Santhe Antonio – he season has grazed for aby couple throughout breeding cansites be aided the use of of years now.

“It’s always good to see what other people are doing breeding harnesses on rams, using different color markers to andshow what’s workingram for them.

I haven’t done diagnosis, any mowingeither yet because individual activity.

Pregnancy through I’multrasound on mostly smaller sites.

But it sounds like I might have betrue open exams or blood-based pregnancy tests, aretothe to measure doing thatofinreproductive the future.” success. Unfortunately, reproductive During theisn’t sitealways visit, Kraus spent some examining Hustler for failure obvious until it’s time too late.

A flockthe ultrasounded brand commercial mowers that Howard usesreveal almostopen dailyewes, in hisbut by pregnancy 60 days post-breeding might hybrid model of service, which combines grazing, mowing and exams then, time and opportunity may have been lost. Pre-breeding spraying to control vegetation on solartosites. and disease testing offer a chance identify problems and make Having worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National changes before the season begins.

Resources Conservation Service for more than a decade, Kraus has In today’s environment—where feed is expensive, labor is limited, experience in vegetation management and developing grazing plans. and market timing matters—no producer can afford suboptimal Solar grazing provided him with an opportunity to get into the sheep fertility. A sound, disease-free ram battery is one of the most industry. valuable assets on your operation. Whether you manage a small “At the peak of things, we had about 750 ewes,” he said. “Last year flock or a large commercial outfit, investing in pre-breeding health was pretty dry, so we scaled back a bit. I’ve got a small place at pays dividends in conception rates, lamb crop uniformity, and longhome to put some sheep on when they aren’t on solar. I’ve done termtargeted geneticgrazing gain. for about 10 years at home, so now I’m just some For help developing applying it to solar.” a ram evaluation protocol or interpreting B. ovis test results, out to said yourthe local veterinarian contact us at UC Certification in reach hand, Kraus three-day trip toornortheast Davis.

Texas proved well worth the time and financial investment.

DR. ROSIE BUSCH D R .

B R E T M C NaA BB “It’s been good training,” he added. “I appreciate all of the UC DAV I S S C H O O L O F V E T E R I N A RY M E D I C I N E speakers and their input and hearing the questions that everyone

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16 RINGSIDE

READY FOR LAMBING? TIPS EVERY TIPS EVERY SHEPHERD SHEPHERD SHOULD SHOULD KNOW KNOW

GET EQUIPMENT AND SPACE READY Make sure Make sure you you have have a a clean, clean, well-ventilated well-ventilated lambing lambing area. area. Plan Plan ahead ahead so so once the first first lamb lamb arrives, arrives, you you aren’t aren t scrambling for supplies. supplies. Having Having once the scrambling for warm bedding, heat heat lamps, lamps, towels, towels, disinfectant, disinfectant, and and a warm bedding, a designated designated birthing pen makes makes all all the the difference. difference. birthing pen

’

VACCINATE AND BOOST NUTRITION EARLY

—

Check that Check that your your ewes ewes are are up up to to date date on on key key vaccinations vaccinations — for for example example booster shots shots for for clostridial clostridial diseases diseases four four to to six six weeks before lambing. lambing. booster weeks before Also, ensure ensure ewes ewes are are in in good good body body condition condition so so they’re they re ready to carry carry Also, ready to and nurse nurse healthy healthy lambs. lambs. and

’

MONITOR DURING LAMBING When lambs When lambs start start arriving, arriving, be be ready ready to to assist assist if if needed. needed. Make Make sure sure the the navel is treated treated (e.g., (e.g., dipped dipped in in iodine), iodine), that that lambs lambs get colostrum soon soon navel is get colostrum after birth, and and that that ewes ewes are are nursing nursing them them well. well. These hese early early actions actions will will after birth, improve lamb survival. survival. improve lamb

KEEP CARE GOING After the After the initial initial birth, birth, continue continue monitoring monitoring until until all all lambs lambs are are up up and and nursing, and the the ewe’s ewe s udder is healthy. healthy. If If lambs lambs appear appear weak weak or or inactive, inactive, nursing, and udder is check that that they they are are getting getting milk milk and and check check the the ewe ewe for like check for problems problems like mastitis. Also, Also, maintain maintain clean clean bedding bedding and and pens, pens, proper proper sanitation, sanitation, and and mastitis. good records. records. good

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BREEDNEWS NATURAL C OLOR ED N EW S I hope everyone that is able to attend or exhibit at the North American has a good time and best of luck to all exhibitors in both junior shows and the open shows. I expect a large entry of natural colored sheep for our open show with a lot of quality sheep as well as some excellent fleece entries.

The NAILE show traditionally is the crowning final event of the “show season” for most folks and is also a time to review one’s entire breeding program and reflect on what went right the past year and what we can do to make 2026 even better. This is true not only for our own individual flock, but just as importantly for our various breed associations. If you are not actively involved in your breed association now is a good time to consider becoming so.

The various associations are the backbone of the purebred sheep business and every one of them needs the support of their members, not just by registering your sheep but by voicing you thoughts and opinions and being active in supporting the various programs provided. Think about seeking to serve as an officer or director or chair a project or committee.

I have been involved in several associations for a lot of years and all too often when your association’s ship so to speak sails way too many of us are standing on the shore when we need to be in the boat helping to row! As such the next time your association is setting up a display exhibit or sponsoring a youth program or show step up and donate or volunteer to help out. The more members that are actually involved in some capacity is the strength of any association. Believe me when I say the friendships you develop from taking an active part in your association will be something you will enjoy the rest of your life.

John S. Merlau President, NCWGA

SOUTHDOWN NEW S Southdown Jr Public Speaking contest and skillathon contests to be held Saturday, November 15 at NAILE. Check out the Southdown website (southdownsheep.org) and Facebook page for more information.

The 2025 Southdown Stars of Louisville Sale will be held Saturday, November 15 at 12:30. Lots can be viewed ahead of time on Willoughby Livestock Sales. There will be live bidding as well as online bidding with Willoughby Livestock Sales.

The 143rd Annual Meeting of the American Southdown Breeders' Association will be held on Saturday, November 15, at NAILE. A junior awards program will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the business meeting to follow.

The Southdown Association was very pleased with how well our first year of the Ewes for Youth program went. This program is open to any Southdown junior member who has begun paying junior dues within the last three years. Rules and applications can be found on the Southdown website (southdownsheep.org).

The Southdown Association offers Regional Southdown show grants. If any show manager is interested in applying, please email Ann Fry at ann@southdownsheep.org. For regional junior shows to be eligible for $500 in matching funds from the ASBA, requests must include a general outline of planned show activities and description of at least one educational event or program other than showmanship competitions. Subsequent requests must include a report on the previously funded ASBA regional junior show.

Southdown juniors, remember to continue turning in Futurity points. Our 2025 Futurity season ends with the NAILE junior show. Awards will be presented at the conclusion of the show.

Ann Fry American Southdown Breeders’ Association Secretary

EMAIL YOUR BREED NEW S TO R I N G S ID E S HE E P @ G M A IL . C O M A T A N Y T IME A N D W E WI LL B E H A P P Y TO R U N IT IN O U R U P C O M IN G IS S U E !

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THA NK YOU F OR ALL THE SUP P OR T & COMPLI MENTS I N YEAR six W HAT A W ONDERF U L AND B U S Y YEAR! W E HOPE TO CONTI NU E BEI N G Y OU R A DV ERTI SI NG CHOI CE F OR MAN Y YEARS TO COME. LOOK F OR M OR GAN AT NAI LE TO TALK A LL THIN GS RI NG SI DE! HERE’ S TO YEA R SI X!

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