Sheep Industry News August 2022

SheepIndustry NEWS Volume 26, Issue 8 August 2022

Genetics Issue

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SheepIndustry NEWS Volume 26, Issue 8 August 2022

A Look Inside 22 Genetic Reference Flocks Established 24 Collaboration Guides Sheep Gems Project Sheep GEMS was born in January as a collaboration between the American sheep industry, two land-grant universities and three U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service locations. In last August’s genetics issue, we presented the concept of setting up the USDA's Agricultural Research Stations as NSIP Genetic Reference Flocks. We have established these GRF in Booneville, Ark., Dubois, Idaho and Clay Center, Neb.

ON THE COVER:

Genomic technology will play a vital role as the American sheep industry looks to produce more lamb and wool with smaller flock .

Using Ag Tools to Produce Sustainable Animals In 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture outlined its blue print for agricultural research for the next decade. One of its major goals was the development of more sustainable practices in animal agriculture.

32

Departments 4 President’s Notes 6 Market Report 9 ASI Member Listing

39 NLFA Leadership School

10 Sheep Shot 40 Obituaries

43 Breeders’ Directory 45 Industry Calendar 46 The Last Word

August 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 3

President’s Notes SUSAN SHULTZ ASI PRESIDENT

Learning to Embrace Technology

I am pleased to introduce the second Genetics Issue of our ASI Sheep Industry News . Th is issue of our magazine has nearly 20 contributors from producers and scientists that believe in the power of adopting modern genetic technology to improve their fl cks. Th is year’s articles include updates from our Agricultural Research Service stations plus features on a few of the exciting new research projects that our university scientists are work ing on. Th issue also takes a look at the challenges faced by our breed associations and the relationships between seedstock providers and producers as our industry moves into the new world of genomics. Th ere is a great conversation that introduces two of our new er scientists who have chosen to be a part of our sheep world and an article that highlights collaboration that is written by Rusty Burgett and Karissa Isaacs on how the National Sheep Improvement Program and Flock 54 are able to work hand-in hand in advancing the next generation of genetic technology. Spearheading this collaborative e ff ort between ASI and Sheep Genetics USA are fi ve producer leaders: Tom Boyer of Utah, Rusty Burgett of Iowa, Bill Shultz of Ohio, Ben Lehfeldt of Montana, and Brad Boner of Wyoming. Th is group of volunteers were able to recruit and organize 10 action leads to guide the action committees that will provide input to this new organization. Leading the seedstock/registry committee

are Amanda Everts of Iowa and Todd Taylor of Wisconsin. Dan Lippert of Minnesota leads the Feeder and Packers team. Dr. Ron Lewis of Nebraska is the action lead for the Research and Emerging Technology committee, the NSIP committee is led by Brett Pharo of Michigan and Curt Stanley of North Dakota, and the Education and Outreach committee is led by Dr. Reid Redden of Texas and Dr. Whit Stewart of Wyoming. Dave Olilla of South Dakota leads the ASI/producer team and Karissa Isaacs of Colorado leads the ALB/consumer team. Th hope is that Sheep Genetics USA will become a forum for the exchange of ideas between all segments of our industry in the quest to adopt genetic technology. New genetic technology is ultimately depen

dent on sound data collection. Beginning with ac curate animal identifi ation to recording weight, carcass and wool data, plus reproduction and health information all are important to improving genetics. Key to implementing good data collection will be the willingness to adopt new management tools such as electronic ID tags and readers, elec tronic scales, and improved handling systems. Please enjoy this special edition of the Sheep Industry News. And a special thank you to each of you who have contributed to this collaborative eff ort. My best.

Denise and Ben Bartlett of Michigan utilize several working tools to improve the accuracy of data collection in their flock Electronic identifi ation ear tags, an RFID wand reader, a well designed working chute, and electronic scales allow them to collect data in a timely manner with reduced labor.

4 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

SheepIndustry NEWS August 2022: Volume 26, Issue 8

AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION INC. 9785 Maroon Circle, Suite 360 Englewood, CO 80112-2692 Phone: 303-771-3500 • Fax: 303-771-8200 info@sheepusa.org • Sheepusa.org

EDITOR/ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Kyle Partain

ASI O ffi ce S taff : Peter Orwick, Executive Director Rita Kourlis Samuelson, Deputy Director/Wool Marketing Larry Kincaid, Chief Financial O ffic er Erica Sanko, Director of Analytics & Production Programs Christa Rochford, Wool Marketing Programs Manager Zahrah Khan, Project Manager - Accounting & Convention Heather Pearce, Wool Production Programs Manager Chris Jones, Administrative Assistant The Sheep Industry News is published monthly as the offici publication of the American Sheep Industry Association Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Payment of member dues in an ASI affil ted state organization entitles a member to a subscription. For non-members, the subscription rate is $50 per year. ADVERTISING INFORMATION: Rates available at Sheepusa.org. Deadline is the fi th of the month preceding the cover date. All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Advertisers must assume all liability for their advertising content. Publisher maintains the right to cancel advertising for nonpayment or reader complaint about service or product. Publisher assumes no liability for products or services advertised in Sheep Industry News .

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mwc1983@roswellwool.com www. r oswe l lwoo l . com 1-800-624-WOOL Spring 2022 Sale Dates will be announced soon. We also sell by Private Treaty. Give us a Call Today! Dedicated to a Tradition of Integrity It’s not just our motto, It’s our reputation. We’re producer owned and operated and

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August 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 5

Market Report TYLER COZZENS, PH.D.

Livestock Marketing Information Center

Drought Creating Poor Lamb Conditions

M uch of the Western United Stats has been Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service on range and pasture conditions, more than 30 per cent of the Western region has been rated as poor and very poor conditions in recent weeks. Compared to a year ago, conditions have improved from the 60 percent rating of pastures at poor and very poor. For the Great Plains region, pasture conditions have steadily im proved from 60 percent rated poor and very poor to recent weeks rated just less than 30 percent. In the Southern Plains, range and pasture conditions rated as poor and very poor remain elevated at around 50 percent. Last year, conditions were below 20 percent. Persistent drought and marginal pasture conditions are proving to be a challenge for producers. SHEEP AND LAMB MARKET SITUATION Since the start of the year, Colorado lambs on feed have been tracking well above the prior year. Each month this year has seen lambs on feed at levels that have not occurred plagued by drought conditions for almost three years. According to data released by the U.S.

in nearly four years. On July 1, the number of lambs on feed in Colorado was 103,032 head – a 74-percent or about 44,000-head increase from a year ago – and well above the fi ve-year average of about 77,000 head. Th last time lambs on feed were higher for the month of July was 2018, which was 107,311 head. Th higher lambs on feed is likely due to drought related issues and poor pasture conditions push ing more lambs on feed. Additionally, producers are likely seeking to put a little more weight on the lambs to maximize profi s from the elevated lamb prices. Th is can be seen in recent weekly slaughter and dressed weights data. Weekly sheep and lamb slaughter started the year below typical levels for the fi rst quarter. In early April, weekly slaughter levels followed the typical seasonal pattern with increased slaughter rates to fil demand for the Easter holi day. Th is was evident by the peak weekly slaughter level so far this year of 41,921 head the fi rst week of April. During the month of April, weekly slaughter averaged about 40,000 head with total slaughter for the month at 197,800 head. As expected, weekly slaughter in May and June fell from the April highs with weekly averages at about 32,000 head. During the peak slaughter levels in April, lamb and year

ling dressed weights steadily declined from about 70 pounds down to about 60 pounds during the course of four to six weeks. Th decline in dressed weights follows the typi cal seasonal pattern that occurs during the Easter holiday as producers market more lambs to meet rising demand. Typically, dressed weights trend lower through the third quarter before rising in the fourth quarter. Since early May, weekly lamb and year ling dressed weights have been averaging about 70 pounds, a counter seasonal move and higher than the 63-pound average during the same period last year. In June, higher weekly dressed weights have partial ly off et the lower weekly slaughter levels to keep lamb production at or slightly higher than year ago levels.

6 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

The three-market (Colo., S.D. and Texas) feeder lamb prices have been on a seasonal decline with prices in June averaging at or more than $200 per cwt. The softening of feeder lamb prices is likely a result of el evated lambs on feed in Colorado and high feed costs. Slaughter lamb prices – national negotiated live – have been trending lower for most of the year and fell below 2021 levels the last week of May. In June, slaughter lamb prices aver

aged about $200 per cwt., which is still well above typical levels that are usually around $140 to $160 per cwt. The support for slaughter lamb prices comes from a lamb cutout value, which has ranged from $553 to $570 per cwt. in June, well above the $340 per cwt. five-year average price. Support for the lamb cutout comes from elevated prices in June for the shoulder, leg, loin and rack, which remain elevated with levels near the prior year and well above the five-year average.

2022 sheep and lamb slaughter to decline nearly 6 percent – or 132,000 head – to 2.131 million head. The lower slaughter rate during the second half of the year is expected to be partially offset by higher dressed weights leading to about a 4-percent

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MARKET REPORT Continued from Page 7

184 cents from the 2020-2021 season average price of 1,201 Australian cents per kg clean. For the month of June, the Aus tralian EMI ranged from 1,438 to 1,474 Australian cents per kg clean with an average of 1,425 Australian cents per kg clean. June’s EMI was a 2-percent increase from the average price in May. Compared to a year ago, the Australian EMI has im proved 10 percent. During the month of June, the Australian EMI weekly prices trended higher for three consecutive weeks before fin shing the last week of the season on a weaker tone. Season average prices for the fi er wools – between 17 and 21 micron – saw improvement over 2020-21 prices. In June, fi er wool prices were generally better when compared to May with increases ranging from 1 to 6 percent higher. Compared to a year ago, June’s prices were even to slightly weaker with the 18 to 20 micron wools posting 3- to 6-percent declines. June’s prices for the 22 to 32 micron wools were mixed com pared to those in May, but compared to a year ago prices were generally weaker.

decrease in lamb production for the year. Elevated lamb prices are likely to encourage further imports from Australia and New Zealand with levels expected to be near or slightly below 2021, which should off et some of the low lamb production. Feeder lamb prices during the fi rst half of 2022 averaged just more than $290 per cwt. – 8 percent or $22 higher than the fi rst half of 2021. For the second half of 2022, feeder lamb prices are forecast to be between $238 and $250 per cwt., put ting the annual price range at $263 to $273 per cwt., which is slightly lower than the prior year. Slaughter lamb prices fi nished the fi rst half of the year up 15 percent or $29 per cwt. from a year earlier to $218 per cwt. For the second half of the year, slaughter lamb prices are ex pected to ease lower ranging from $193 to $204 per cwt. with an annual price forecast of $203 to $213 per cwt. for a decline of about 4 percent from 2021. WOOL With the conclusion of June came the closing of the 2021-22 wool selling season. Annually, the Australian Eastern Market Indicator fi nished the season with an average price of about 1,385 Australian cents per kg clean – up 15 percent or about

As the new wool season begins, uncertainty remains sur rounding the global economic outlook and Australian ex change rates, which will continue to be concerns for global wool demand. I nfl ationary pressures are expected to remain an issue not only in the United States, but also globally. Th is is starting to aff ct some consumers, raising concerns for wool demand in the near term. Rafter 7 Merinos – A "Fresh" Genetic Source! Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022 (Saturday) – 1 p.m. Eureka, Nevada, Fairgrounds Offering: 200 Rams and 25-50 Merino Yearling Ewes * Importing "World Class" GENETICS for Over 30 Years! * From North Ashrose • Poll Boonoke (Wanganella) • Lewisdale • Hyfield • Willemenup, etc. Our 2022 Ram Sale Will Feature A Few A.I. Rams from Australian Stud Sires. ^

2022 Rafter 7 Wool Clip Topped @ $4.91/lb. (grease basis) Next @ 4.77/lb (grease basis) Next @ 4.50/lb. (grease basis)

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Gary McCuin, Director, UNR-GBREC 775-237-6134, 775-385-5248, gmccuin@unr.edu

Tom Filbin, Manager, Rafter 7 Merinos 775-221-3206, rafter7tom@yahoo.com

CONTACT:

8 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

ASI Member Listing WWW.SHEEPUSA.ORG l INFO@SHEEPUSA.ORG

VOTING MEMBERS

Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers 334-613-4221 • BRagland@alfains.com ASI Women 435-528-7570 • sherrischumann@utah.gov ArizonaWool Producers Association 520-560-4202 • caauza@peoplepc.com Arkansas State Sheep Council 870-853-7404 • wjcalloway@gmail.com CaliforniaWool Growers Association 916-444-8122 • info@woolgrowers.org ColoradoWool Growers Association 970-874-1433 • cwgawool@aol.com Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association 860-819-8339 • hillviewdorpers@gmail.com Meat Sheep Alliance of Florida 352-502-2564 • ruthtaber@embarqmail.com Georgia Sheep &Wool Growers Association 706-340-1098 • georgiasheep@gmail.com Hawaii Sheep and Goat Association 808-775-8075 • alohadjam@yahoo.com IdahoWool Growers Association 208-344-2271 • director@idahowoolgrowers.org Illinois Lamb &Wool Producers Inc. 815-544-9582 • jane@ilwoolfibermill.com Indiana Sheep Association 317-896-2213 • bobenosu@icloud.com Kentucky Sheep &Wool Producers Association 502-682-7780 • kyates@kysheepandgoat.org Maine Sheep Breeders Association 207-324-1582 • donna.flint@maine.edu Maryland Sheep Breeders Association 410-746-5768 • chestnutcreekfarm@gmail.com Massachusetts Federation of Sheep Associations 508-829-4556 • brmacphee@aol.com Michigan Sheep Producers Association 616-610-5628 • samaludl@gmail.com Minnesota Lamb &Wool Producers Association 320-760-5727 • kinneylamb@gmail.com Missouri Sheep Producers Inc. 573-578-0497 • christy576@gmail.com MontanaWool Growers Association 406-442-1330 • leah@mtsheep.org National Lamb Feeders Association 605-224-0224 • lambfeeders@outlook.com Iowa Sheep Industry Association 641-625-4248 • info@iowasheep.com Kansas Sheep Association 620-393-5204 • kssheep@ruraltel.net

Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association 308-386-8378 • Ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com NevadaWool Growers Association 775-934-8860 • pr_paris@yahoo.com New Hampshire Sheep &Wool Growers nhswga@nhswga.org Garden State Sheep Breeders Inc. (N.J.) 609-947-2260 • kmelvinnjsheep@gmail.com New MexicoWool Growers Inc. 505-247-0584 • nmwgi@nmagriculture.org Empire Sheep Producers Cooperative (N.Y.) 585-367-2775 • sheepkath@aol.com North Carolina Sheep Producers Assoc. Inc. 919-522-4110 • wewillservethelord@nc.rr.com North Dakota Lamb &Wool Producers Assoc. 701-333-8009 • curtsheep@gmail.com Ohio Sheep Improvement Association 614-499-2931 • rhigh@ofbf.org Oregon Sheep Growers Association 503-364-5462 • info@sheeporegon.com Pennsylvania Sheep &Wool Growers Association 814-880-3314 • psushepherd@yahoo.com Rhode Island Sheep Cooperative 401-578-2012 • ballydufffarm@yahoo.com South Carolina Sheep Industries Association 864-360-3222 • debbiewebster615@gmail.com South Dakota Sheep Growers Association 406-581-7772 • lisa@sdsheepgrowers.org Tennessee Sheep Producers Association 615-519-7796 • shepherdboy1@yahoo.com Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers’ Association 325-655-7388 • tsgra@wcc.net UtahWool Growers Association 435-915-6119 • sierra@utahwoolgrowers.com Vermont Sheep & Goat Association 802-899-2104 • settlementfarm@comcast.net Virginia Sheep Producers Association 540-231-9159 • sgreiner@vt.edu Washington State Sheep Producers 360-999-8118 • washingtonsheep@gmail.com West Virginia Shepherds Federation 304-445-1516 • wvashepherds@yahoo.com Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 608-743-9080 • wisconsinsheepbreeders@gmail.com

Susan Shultz Ohio President

Brad Boner Wyoming Vice President

Ben Lehfeldt Montana Secretary/Treasurer

Peter Orwick Colorado Executive Director

WyomingWool Growers Association 307-265-5250 • amy@wyowool.com

August 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 9

SHEEP SHOT

10 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Under Abe's Watchful Eye

Wisconsin's Carrie Flores captured this photo of Abe guarding the flock

August 2022 • Sheep Industry News • 11

Sheep Genetics USA TOM BOYER SHEEP GENETICS USA

Innovation Comes From Collaboration

T he value of a good team is hard to measure, and the value of a great team is immeasurable. Sheep Genetics USA has been blessed with multiple great teams. Th board members with whom I have the great honor to associate are premier industry lead ers, the action leads are equally amazing, and our industry stake holders provide critical direction and vision for the future. A jet airliner is off course for most of the time it is in the air. Con stant course corrections are required to arrive at the correct destina tion every time. Such is the value of team leadership, which when based on clear future vision provides necessary course corrections to arrive at the desired mileposts. Sheep Genetics USA is collaborating with multiple industry stakeholder teams, including the ASI Genetic Stakeholders Com mittee and the National Sheep Improvement Program and we will once again jointly off er a genetics-based session at the 2023 ASI Annual Convention. We are excited about team eff orts in research areas with the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station and several other research facilities. Th se science-based teams will provide topics, scopes of work and struc tural integrity to the various research projects undertaken. Projects are under discussion with lamb feeders, packers and producers for production-focused, ranch-based projects assuring real world conditions and outcomes. We are blessed with a large number of young sheep-oriented specialists in our industry. Th se include extension specialists, university professors, researchers and producers. Th se folks make up teams of specialized, empowered and enthusiastic partners that will create a quantum leap forward in the industry through the

transmission and adoption of genetic projects to make American lamb not just the fi est meat available, but also make it internation ally competitive. We have committed to assisting with the GEMS project, which Dr. Ron Lewis has created. We believe it has the power to make a paradigm s hift in the industry, and you can read more about it in this issue. Th is climate-based project has a variety of real-world components that will assist all producers in making better trait se lection for multiple production factors. Get and stay engaged – this is going to be great. What an exciting time to be in the sheep business. What a marvelous opportunity to be part of one of these incredible teams. Earlier the term stakeholders was used. Th is generic term is used to encompass anyone – and everyone – interested in producing the ultimate lamb, which will be a continuous journey into the future. Th ere is room on this journey for everyone, more importantly we need everyone. While research, education, technological advances and lamb economics continually evolve, no change occurs, no advancement is made, and no success is gained until adoption and implementa tion are in place. Only then will we take a step closer to achieving the ideal lamb that is consistently an absolute masterpiece on the plate and a powerful competitor on the world economic front. Th is will only happen as we join forces and collaborate as teams, which is why Sheep Genetics USA was created. Join one of our teams today. Get involved and be part of an empowered team that makes a dif ference. Learn more at SheepGeneticsUSA.org.

12 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

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Breeds Face Challenges In Meeting Commercial Needs

S heep Genetics USA traveled to the upper Midwest to visit with two longtime Polypay and Su ff olk breeders. Represent ing Polypays is immediate past president of the American Polypay Sheep Association Brett Pharo of Michigan, and speaking for the Su ff olk breed is Jeremy Geske of Minnesota, who is cur rently president of the United Su ff olk Sheep Association. SG USA: Brett and Jeremy, your respective breeds have had a much diff erent history within the United States. Will you br iefl y describe a little of that history? BRETT: Polypays are a composite breed developed in Idaho as a result of a dream of producer Reed Hulet to create a breed that could produce two quality lamb crops and one wool crop per year, to make sheep more profi able. He shared his dream with his brother, Dr. Clarence Hulet, at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station. Th y crossed Finnsheep X Rambouillet and also Dorset X Targhee. Th en, in 1970, crossed the resulting animals to create the four breed composite. Th Polypay breed was developed as a production/performance breed and was the fi rst breed to request cross-fl ck evaluations from NSIP. Th original by-laws of the American Polypay Sheep Association did not allow the showing of registered Polypays in

the show ring. In the words of Dr. Hulet penned in 1992, “We have been pleased with the resolve of foundation Polypay breeders who have resisted the attraction of the show ring, which shift the selection pressure from production to appearance. Th ere seems to be little correlation between appearance and productivity. Th s, when one uses selection opportunities to enhance appearance, one reduces the opportunities to enhance production.” With the rapid early growth of interest in the breed, that prohi bition was overturned and for a time much emphasis came to be put on the show ring. In the last several years, though, we have turned that around and put the emphasis back on production. Now around three-quarters of all registered Polypays come from NSIP fl cks. JEREMY: S uff olks rose to prominence in this country as the ter minal sire of choice as they excelled in growth rate, with quality, meaty carcasses. Studies done by the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center have shown that S uff olk-sired lambs just simply grow faster than lambs sired by rams of other breeds. For many decades, they were “the breed in the lead” in terms of number of registered sheep, as well as their infl uence on the commercial sheep industry. While the number of registered S uff olks – like most breeds in all species – has declined, the importance of Su ff olk genetics to the

American sheep industry remains strong. Th vast majority of lambs going through our ma jor packing plants are sired by Su ff olk rams. SG USA: Your breeds hold prominent positions within our commercial industry, Polypays as a maternal breed and S uff olks as terminal sires. What changes is your breed making to meet the demands of those com mercial producers. BRETT: Th high participation rate of Polypay seedstock producers in NSIP provides com mercial producers with the genetic prediction data needed to select breeding stock that are more likely to meet the unique needs of their individual operations. I think commercial operators understand – sometimes better than purebred operators – that when it comes to the EBVs, maximum and optimum are not

Jeremy Geske of the United S uff olk Sheep Association.

See BREED ASSOCIATIONS on Page 16

14 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

M O N TA NA R AM AND EWE SA L E S

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BREED ASSOCIATIONS Continued from Page 14

collection based on the needs of the commercial sheep industry, while still allowing individual members to raise the type of S uff olks they enjoy and can market successfully. SG USA: Genomics is playing a greater and greater role in genetic advancements. What is your breed doing to face those new chal lenges? BRETT: Th APSA has been an active supporter of genomic research. Th GEMS research project is underway to work on providing genomic-enhanced EBVs, as well as develop EBVs for more traits, and the Polypay breed is fi rmly engaged in this. Tissue samples are being collected from participating fl cks across the country. Having data come from fl cks in the industry – as well as from research fl cks – keeps the focus on the needs of the Ameri can sheep industry. JEREMY: Th United Su ff olk Sheep Association was pleased to provide both a letter of support and some matching funds for a genomics research project that started this year gathering data for genomic-enhanced EBVs. Information like this that can improve the accuracy of our genetic selection can really ben efi t the industry. I personally also think it is critical to try to fi nd funding for ad ditional sheep genetic research that can improve our existing genetic evaluation program (NSIP), in order to encourage greater participation and address concerns voiced by current program participants.

synonyms. Needs of confi ement operations, pasture operations, and range operations are diff erent. Th Polypay breed has animals that can meet those varying needs. Th NSIP tool is still but one tool in the genetic toolbox, and Polypay producers continue to do careful phenotype selection, as well. Th allure of chasing the highest number can be almost as strong as the allure of chasing show ring awards, so care must be taken to consider the whole genetic package and match it to the needs of commercial producers. Th se careful considerations of both phenotype and genotype are being done by progressive Polypay breeders throughout the United States. With their prolifi acy, mothering ability, out-of-season and ac celerated lambing, and availability of EBVs through NSIP, Polypays have become a foundation maternal breed for commercial produc ers across much of the country. JEREMY: Within the Su ff olk breed, there is tremendous diversity in genetics. Th is allows breeders to focus on diff erent target mar kets. Breeders might focus on heavier weaning and post weaning weights, improving carcass traits, optimizing frame size based on production system, show-ring appeal ( fi tted, slick and/or club lamb), or some combination of those factors. On the plus side, we have Su ff olk genetics available to meet many diff erent markets.

On the other hand, it presents a challenge for our breed as a whole to move in a cohesive direction. Th United Su ff olk Sheep Association conducted a comprehensive needs assessment a couple of years ago and we have been using the information gathered to lead our strategic planning process. One of the messages that came through loud and clear in the needs as sessment was the importance of maintaining the important role S uff olks play in the com mercial sheep industry. I think it is important to have frequent dialogue between the United Su ff olk Sheep Association board and other sheep industry organizations, such as ASI and the American Lamb Board. We also recently launched a new digital registration program – similar to what many cattle and swine breeds use – that will allow and encourage Su ff olk breeders to be more data focused. As we move to the future, I envision the Su ff olk breed placing more emphasis on genetic improvement and data

Brett Pharo of the American Polypay Sheep Association.

16 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

join us!

OCTOBER 5-9, 2022 Sun Valley • Ketchum • Hailey, Idaho

Photo: Michael Edminster

trailingofthesheep.org

Brito, Posbergh Among Young Researchers in Industry

A mong the bright, young minds populating the university research side of the industry are Dr. Luiz Brito of Purdue University and Dr. Chris Posbergh of Montana State Uni versity. Both grew up on livestock operations and have a sincere interest in pushing the American sheep industry forward in the years to come. Th two sat down to discuss their backgrounds and how that plays into their current research. SG USA: Gentlemen, what is your background and how did you become involved in genetic research with your respective universi ties? LUIZ: I have been involved in animal agriculture since an early age, as I grew up on a livestock farm in the Southeast of Brazil. I have always been very passionate about small ruminants and since the beginning of my undergraduate studies, I have actively researched genetics and genomics of sheep and dairy goats from a quantitative perspective. Aft r earning my master’s degree in Quantitative Genetics in Brazil, I moved to Canada to obtain my Ph.D. training at the Uni versity of Guelph, where I performed the fi rst studies for the imple mentation of genomic selection in Canadian dairy goats. During that time, I also had the opportunity to develop part of my Ph.D. research in New Zealand, where I worked with the implementation of genomic selection for growth, carcass and meat quality traits in New Zealand Composite sheep breeds. Th knowledge acquired while in New Zealand made me realize the existing gaps in sheep production systems around the globe and the wide range of possibilities for increasing the long-term sustainability of sheep production in North America and else where. Since joining Purdue University (Indiana) in 2018, I have been welcomed by various American sheep researchers and joined the National Sheep Improvement Program technical committee. As a result, I have had the pleasure to be involved in innovative research projects to advance the American sheep industry. CHRIS: I grew up on a small farm in central New Jersey, where we raised Dorset and Romney sheep that I showed in 4-H. My family still maintains about 30 ewes there, selling breeding stock and hand-spinning fl eces. My passion for genetics originated from a funky-colored lamb we purchased while I was in high school. I became enthralled with understanding how that color originated and trying to learn if I could replicate it further in the fl ck.

Dr. Luiz Brito

From there, I pursued my degrees in animal science at Cornell University. For my Ph.D. projects, I studied the molecular genom ics of complex traits in small ruminants, such as aseasonality, mature body size and coat color. Aft r my Ph.D., I started as an assistant professor of sheep production at Montana State Univer sity in August 2020. My position is 60 percent research and 30 percent in-campus teaching in Bozeman, Mont. While my position requires a broader approach to sheep production than studying solely genetics, I try to maintain a connection to genetic or genom ics in most of my research projects. LUIZ: As an associate professor of quantitative genetics and genomics at Purdue, I am developing an across-species research program in the area of genomics of animal welfare, behavior and overall resilience. My research focuses on both fundamental and applied research to enable a comprehensive characterization of the genomic background of livestock populations and numerous relevant traits. For instance, my team is working closely with Dr. Ron Lewis (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) and colleagues from the U.S. SG USA: What is the current work you are doing regarding the American sheep Industry?

See YOUNG RESEARCHERS on Page 20

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YOUNG RESEARCHERS Continued from Page 18

temperature on wool fi er evaluation, a longitudinal characteriza tion of the wool microbiome and its relation to discoloration, and the detection of pregnancy-related hormones in wool as a pos sible non-invasive pregnancy test. Th ere’s also some other work developing that might look at various supplementation impacts on production, incorporating precision technology into sheep man agement and measuring climatic impacts of sheep production.

Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service units on a USDA-National Institute of Food Agriculture funded project to generate the resources and lay the foundation for incorporating genomic data into national genetic evaluation procedures, with a focus on climatic resilience and robustness traits. Th is project fo cuses on four main sheep breeds (Katahdin, Rambouillet, S uff olk, and Polypay), but the methods developed will be applicable to all American sheep stakeholders. In addition, we recently completed a research project evaluating genomic prediction methods for growth, wool and reproduction traits in Rambouillet sheep, in which very promising results were obtained. We are also evaluating statistical methods for identifying footprints of selection in the genome of American sheep popula tions. I am very excited and grateful to have the opportunity to continue developing research that meets the needs of the American sheep industry for many years to come. CHRIS: Th ere are a couple of new projects we have started at Montana State focused across several diff erent fi lds in sheep production from genetics, reproduction and wool quality. Th fi rst genetics focused project is investigating feed effici cy in range breeds of sheep – Targhee and Rambouillet – and how it relates to the growth Estimated Breeding Values from NSIP. We also have some small projects investigating reproduction on both the ram and ewe side that are in development. Finally, there are a number of projects focused on wool, taking advantage of the fact the Montana Wool Lab is located on campus. With the wool lab, we are investigating eff ects of humidity and

SG USA: What are the biggest genetic challenges you see our indus try facing in the next 10 years?

LUIZ: Th American sheep industry is making progress on the use of genomics and phenotyping technologies, but many other competitor countries are still ahead of us. Th erefore, early adoption of technologies and breeding methods and the refi ement of our sheep breeding programs to include key traits, such as meat-eating quality, feed effici cy, disease resistance and climatic adaptation will be paramount for maintaining competitive in the international lamb market. In my opinion, the main challenge facing our industry in the next 10 years will be the ability to develop well-structured refer ence populations for implementing genomic selection for a wide range of novel traits that are important to sheep farmers, proces sors and consumers. To meet this goal, all American sheep indus try stakeholders need to work together toward implementing the tools developed by researchers and committing to the collection of accurate phenotypic, genomic and pedigree data. Another important point to keep in mind is the need for as sessing the levels of genetic diversity in our sheep populations and design mating plans that will minimize inbreeding. Otherwise, this could become another challenge in the next 10 years, especially in the smaller-sized breeds. CHRIS: I think one of the biggest challenges on the genetics front will be quantifying traits that do not necessarily translate to direct economic gains. Some of these traits might include resiliency, im munity and other welfare traits that might be diffic ult to quantify, too costly to measure at the moment or do not provide a direct economic ben efi t yet. As societal pressures increase, I believe some current practices will eventually be phased out or reduced in their capacity. One example is the upcoming rule change on the use of antibiotics next year. We will need to have healthier and more resilient sheep, with out a loss in production, while we reduce the utilization of certain tools in our current toolkit. Another challenge – or opportunity – for molecular-based scientists is the cost of genomic testing. While the cost for genetic testing has continually decreased and is more reasonable now, if we can continue to reduce input costs to make the use of genetics and genomics more profi able, it should increase the uptake within the industry.

Dr. Chris Posbergh

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Genetic Reference Flocks Established at ARS Stations

TOMMURPHY, PH.D., BRAD FREKING, PH.D., JOAN BURKE, PH.D. & J. BRET TAYLOR, PH.D. USDA Agricultural Research Service I n last August’s genetics issue, we presented the concept of setting up the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Station locations as National Sheep Improvement Program Genetic Reference Flocks. We have established these GRF at the Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center in Booneville, Ark., the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, and the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Neb. At it's core, the GRF scheme involves purchasing rams from industry NSIP fl cks and collecting standard and novel traits on their

the quantity and quality of milk they produce, among other negative eff ects. Accurately diagnosing subclinical mastitis requires milking ewes and testing milk samples for bacterial species or somatic cell concentration. Th California Mastitis Test is one method used to infer the latter. Th table below has data from CMT of Katahdin ewes at US MARC during the 2020 and 2021 lambing seasons. Milk was collected from 1- and 4-year-old ewes at approximately fi ve days aft er lambing and scored for CMT and related to their total weight of lamb weaned at 70 days. Very few fi rst lactation ewes had high CMT scores, whereas 20 percent of 4-year-old ewes had CMT values indicative of subclinical or undiagnosed clinical mastitis.

future progeny. Measuring these new traits on thousands of GRF animals while maintaining strong genetic connectedness with industry fl cks can make it possible for new genetic selection tools to become available for all users of NSIP breeding stock.

Data collected from these GRF is also instrumental in achieving the objectives of the Sheep GEMS project outlined by Dr. Ron Lewis, which initially focuses on Katahdin, Polypay, Rambouillet and Suf folk sheep. Katahdin sheep are reared at all three locations, Polypay and Su ff olk are reared at the USSES and USMARC, and Rambouillet are reared at the USSES. Th intent of this article is to provide some preliminary data and insights on traits collected within these GRF. UDDER CONFORMATION AND HEALTH According to USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service surveys, approximately half (56 percent) of United States ewes are culled each year because of age. Th erefore, half of these ewes are culled prematurely and for a variety of reasons such as failure to lamb (8 percent), teeth problems (8 percent), hard bag syndrome (7 percent), and mastitis (7 percent). However, we do not presently have ways of accurately selecting for enhanced ewe longevity in NSIP. Measuring variation in udder health and conformation to improve our understanding of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to ewe longevity is a main objective of Sheep GEMS. Sheep producers usually encounter mastitis in the clinical state – swollen udder, abnormal milk, intramammary masses, etc. Fortu nately, the incidence of clinical mastitis is relatively low (i.e., less than 5 percent). In contrast, ewes that have subclinical mastitis do not display observable signs of disease despite harboring pathogens in their mammary tissue. Still, it’s likely that ewes with subclinical infec tion experience some degree of udder damage, which can reduce

Furthermore, total weight of lamb weaned decreased with increas ing CMT score. For example, ewes with a high CMT score weaned 22 percent less (12 pounds) lamb than ewes with a low CMT score. Past research by our group has found similar negative eff ects of subclini cal mastitis on range-type ewe productivity. Clearly, subclinical mastitis has major economic implications, but diagnosing it is labor intensive and expensive for industry fl cks. One of the objectives of Sheep GEMS is to identify more easily measured indicator traits which are related to ewe susceptibility to mastitis. We are concurrently evaluating udder and teat traits – ud der depth, teat placement, teat length, etc. – to determine optimal conformation associated with udder health, ewe longevity and lamb production. Milking ewes and collecting udder conformation traits does add to an already busy time of year for our ARS sheep crews. Th USMARC sheep crew has designed a chute with raised platform and head gate which enables researchers to rapidly milk ewes and collect approximately 10 udder and teat conformation traits in two minutes or less. KATAHDINS AT HOME ON THE RANGE Th Katahdin is the common breed reared at all three ARS loca tions and the latest addition to the USSES. Apart from general ad aptation to a new management system when bringing in ewes, some additional steps have been taken to ensure it is successful as a range sheep. We oft en stress the importance of improving reproductive ef

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ficie cy, health and carcass characteristics, but what is the economic value of fl cking ability? True fl cking ability enables a single shepherd to move hun dreds of ewes and lambs on fenceless rangeland and graze them in a relatively dense area. Flocking requires sheep to be responsive to the herder (and his/her dogs) and function as a single unit with no independent or small groups wandering off . A range-y ewe has got to be tough as a boot and an attentive mother in a climatically variable environment lousy with predators. Are Katahdins up for this chal lenge? Flocking ability likely has a genetic component but might be partly “taught” by seasoned ewes to younger animals and both are being investigated at the USSES. Over three years, 2- and 3-year-old USMARC-born Katahdin ewes will be mated to Katahdin sires at the USSES. Katahdin ewe lambs will be removed from their birth mother, gra ft ed to range-type ewes at birth, and herded in an open range production system therea ft er. So far – 2021 and 2022 – Katahdin ewe lambs have readily been accepted by their gr aft mother and weaned at the same success rate as range-type lambs reared by their birth mothers. Th Katahdin’s fl cking instinct – as mature ewes – will be monitored and compared with that of range-type ewes. ADDITIONAL EFFORTS Concurrent genotyping eff orts in ARS fl cks expand the scope of our projects. We have used genotyping tools to assist mating and selection decisions for many years. Multiple options of genotype plat

forms currently exist for sheep that achieve diff erent objectives, and it is important to know what each platform can or cannot do. Th primary objectives of genotyping tools fi three kinds of general uses: genetic condition tests, parentage identifi ation and/ or genomic-enhanced Estimate Breeding Values. However, a gap in current knowledge is how information from some of the genetic conditions can be combined. Interactions or antagonisms are not well understood even for markers impacting the same phenotype, but part of our current eff orts. Several other standard and novel traits are being evaluated in the GRF as part of Sheep GEMS and other projects. Routine body weight, body condition and health/treatment records collected on ewes and lambs will be useful in understanding relationships among traits. Together with researchers at the University of Wyoming, US MARC has begun evaluating lamb growth and carcass character istics. Recent investment in six electronic feeders will enable us to collect feed intake on 450 lambs per year, a subset of which are followed through commercial harvest to evaluate in-depth carcass characteristics. Other traits collected on ARS fl cks include grazing behaviors, neonatal lamb and ewe behaviors, indicators of parasitol ogy, rumen and respiratory microbiome samples, blood cell counts, out-of-season mating success and ram breeding capacity. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Th mention of trade names of commercial products in this article is solely for the purpose of providing specifi information and does not imply recom mendation or endorsement by the USDA.

A yearling Katahdin ewe and her lamb at the USSES in 2022. The Katahdin ewe was herself reared by a foster Targhee ewe in 2021.

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Collaboration Guides Sheep GEMS Project

S heep GEMS was born in January as a collaboration between the American sheep industry, two land-grant universities and three U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service locations. GEMS’ aim is two-fold. First, to incorporate innovations in molecular technologies into routine genetic evaluation of American sheep. Second, to broaden the scope of those evaluations to improve the robustness and climatic resilience of our fl cks. With funding from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the American sheep industry, both aims are in reach. Th is article summarizes excerpts from interviews with members of the Sheep GEMS team. Th ough their words, it tells the full story about the ambitions and relevance of this project. Dr. Ron Lewis is a geneticist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Technical Advisor for the National Sheep Improvement Program. He is also the Project Director for Sheep GEMS. “Why the name Sheep GEMS?” He explained. “Th acronym GEMS stands for Genetics, Environment, Management and Society, all of which are captured in the project. As a further play on words, we are very hopeful the outcomes will be gems to our industry.” Apparently, a key element of Sheep GEMS is to work in partnership with sheep producers, particularly those engaged in NSIP. Why is that important? “For this project to truly matter, our discoveries must be seen as im portant enough to be adopted by the industry," Lewis said. "By seeking the input and involvement of producers from the start, we believe we can foster the commitment and enthusiasm to achieve just that. As the bottom line, Sheep GEMS is about joining together records collected on-farm and on-ranch – some new and some traditional, with informa

tion at the DNA level – to do a better job of evaluating our sheep. It is through the structure of NSIP, that combination is possible.” Sheep GEMS has a project advisory board made up of key industry groups. Tom Boyer, a third-generation rancher and the chair of Sheep Genetics USA, is also the chair of the Sheep GEMS Board. “I see a variety of roles for this board, including encouraging eligible fl ock producers to participate in the project," Boyer said. "In the world of data – particularly production-related data – the more we have, the better. We need Rambouillet, Su ff olk and Polypay producers to become passionately engaged in GEMS. Th fourth breed, Katahdin, has set the participation standard as they are already anxiously engaged in the project. “Our role also involves keeping a focus on the scope of work, mileposts and achievements gained along the way, and disseminating results. Receiving input from and keeping each industry group up to date on project status will maximize outcomes and project success.” How do you think the planned outcomes will best serve and ben efi t the industry? “ Th is project has the potential to create a paradigm s hift in the U.S. sheep industry. Th is is the fi rst time for a project of this size and scope to focus on the foundational genetic building blocks. Viewing resilience, adaptability and key productivity traits through a combined genetic and environmental [climatic] lens will provide exciting new insights into advances that will provide quantum leaps in selective breeding and management.” Dr. Luiz Brito is at Purdue University specializing in quantitative genetics and genomics. He also is the co-director of Sheep GEMS. Brito was asked about the aims of improving robustness and climatic resilience. What do those terms mean? “Robustness is an animal’s ability to remain healthy and productive within a defi ed environment or set of management conditions. In the same line, climatic resilience is the animal’s ability to either be mini mally aff cted by or recover from changes in climatic conditions, such as extremes in temperature or humidity." Why do they matter? “Most U.S. sheep are raised in pasture-based systems or in facili ties with limited environmental control," Brito explained. "Th erefore, animals need to be able to cope with various environmental challenges, including thermal stress, gastrointestinal parasites, low-quality pastures and greater prevalence of infectious diseases. Th se stressors negatively infl uence animal survival, productivity and well-being, and conse quently, the profi ability of sheep farms. “As climate change becomes more evident, extreme climatic events

24 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org