The Ultimate Sheep Magazine Volume 17: October 2024
NATIONAL DEBUT SHEEP AND GOAT SALE- NOW OPEN TO ALL ENTRIES IN 2025!
Richmond, IN | February 22, 2025
BIG 4 WEEKEND
Midwest Elite Show and Sale, Premier Goat Show and Sale, Premier 10 Sheep and Goat Sale
Indianapolis, IN | March 28-29, 2025
LADIES OF THE NIGHT EWE & DOE INVITATIONAL SALE
Lebanon, IN | March 29, 2025
BLACK & WHITE SHEEP SHOW & SALE CORPORATION SHEEP & GOAT SALE
Chickasha, OK | April 18-19, 2025
NUGGET ALL AMERICAN SHEEP SHOW & SALE WESTERN HAIR SHEEP EXPO ROYAL FLUSH PROVEN FEMALE GENETIC SALE
Reno, NV May 30-31, 2025 PREMIER BRED EWE & EWE LAMB SALE
Louisville, KY November 14, 2025
The RSG Foundation Building a Sustainable Future for the Sheep Industr y
The U.S. sheep industry is a vital part of the agri cultural landscape, yet it faces unique challenges that require innovative solutions and a community-driven approach. Enter th e RSG Foundation—a non-profit organization dedicate d to fostering a vibrant, sustainable, and socially responsible smal l ruminant industry. With a coalition of producers, youth, researchers, advocacy groups, breed associations, and consumers, the Foundation aims to build a model for responsib le sheep production that benefits not just the industry but also rural communities, animals, and future generations.
Our Mission, Vision, and Goals
The RSG Foundation was established with a clear mis sion: to strengthen the U.S. sheep industry through research, education, and community engagement. Our vision is to create an et hical and viable industry that is both sustainable and compassionate, setting a global standard for small ruminant produc tion. By focusing on three core areas—Youth Engagem ent, Thought Leadership, and Genetic Preservation and Expansion— we are driving meaningful change that impacts every level of the industry.
Youth Engagement: Cultivating the Next Generation o f Sheep Breeders
Youth are the future of the sheep industry, and the RSG Foundation is committed to investing in their success. Through our First Flock-Herd Programs, we provide young and aspiring breeders with the resources, mentorship, and financ ial support they need to establish their own flocks. These programs are d esigned to lower barriers to entry, offering access to high-quality genetics, hands-on learning experiences, and a supportive com munity of seasoned breeders who are eager to share their knowledge. By supporting youth engagement, the RSG Foundation is not just helping individual breeders succeed; we’re nurturing a new generation of leaders who will carry the industry f orward. Our programs inspire young people to see sh eep breeding as a pathway to career options and provide them with the tools to learn about the industry in a deeper more meaningful way.
Thought Leadership: Driving Innovation and Best Pra ctices
The RSG Foundation is a thought leader in the small ruminant industry, advocating for best practices t hat promote animal welfare, sustainability, and ethical breeding. We c ollaborate with researchers, industry experts, and advocacy groups to drive forward-thinking solutions that address the most pr essing challenges facing breeders today. From devel oping new semen quality standards to exploring cutting-edge flock managemen t technologies, our work is rooted in a commitment to innovation and excellence. Through educational events, research pa rtnerships, and community outreach, the Foundation provides breeders with access to the latest knowledge and resources. Our g oal is to empower breeders with the tools they need to improve their operations, enhance animal health, and increase pro fitability, all while maintaining the highest stand ards of ethical production.
Genetic Preservation and Expansion: Securing the Fu ture Through the Gene Bank
One of the RSG Foundation’s flagship initiatives is the Gene Bank, a program designed to preserve and expand the genetic resources of the U.S. sheep industry. By storing se men and embryos from a wide range of breeds, the Ge ne Bank ensures that valuable genetic materials are not lost but instead made available to breeders across the country. Thi s initiative supports genetic diversity, enhances breeding programs, and provides a safety net for the industry in times of need. Breeders can donate surplus genetics to the Gene Bank, receiving a rece ipt that may qualify for charitable deductions on f ederal tax returns. These donated genetics are then made available for purcha se at discounted rates or distributed through grant s, making high-quality genetics accessible to all breeders, regardless of their financial situation. This democratization of genetics helps create a more resilient and inclusive industry.
How You Can Support the RSG Foundation
The RSG Foundation relies on the support of the she ep breeding community to fulfill its mission. Whether you’re a breeder, a researcher, or simply someone passionate about sustainable agriculture, there are many ways you ca n get involved:
� Donate Genetics: C ontribute your surplus or unwanted genetics to the Gene Bank and help preserve the industry’s genetic diversity.
� Support Youth Programs: Sponsor a young breeder, participate in mentorship opportunities, or donate to the First Flock-Herd Pr ograms.
� Share Your Expertise: Join us as a speaker, writer, or volunteer and help us spread knowledge and best practices throughout the industr y.
� Make a Financial Contribution: Donations of any size help us fund our programs and expand our reach. As a registered non-profit, your contributions may be tax-deductible.
By supporting the RSG Foundation, you are investing in the future of the U.S. sheep industry. Together, we can build a model of responsible and c ompassionate sheep production that benefits us all.
To learn more about the RSG Foundation, explore our programs, or find out how you can get involved, visit www.rsgfoundationinc.org . Let’s work together to create a sustainable, ethi cal, and thriving future for the sheep industry—one that we can all be proud of.
