Sheep Industry News October 2023

SheepIndustry Volume 27, Issue 10 October 2023

News

October 2023 Volume 27, Issue 10

Contents

4

President’s Notes

6

Market Report

9

ASI Member Listing

36

Breeders' Directory

38

Industry Calendar

ON THE COVER: Tina McAllister of Ohio submitted End of Day Graze in this year's ASI Photo Contest.

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Great Lakes Lamb Achieves AWA Level III Certification Michigan’s Great Lakes Lamb recently became the third domestic sheep operation – and first from East of the Mississippi River – to reach Level III: Certified status through ASI’s American Wool Assurance program.

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16 Photo Contest Winners Winners of the ASI Annual Photo Contest have been announced. Check out some of the best photos entered in this year’s contest.

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Wisconsin Festival Offers Variety To Large Crowds They could have used a few good Border Collies from the stock dog competition for crowd control over at the Country Store’s two buildings during the 2023 Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival the second weekend in September.

Miller, Johnson Retire From Board Longtime members

Next Generation Examines Genetic Future

Pierce Miller and Dave Johnson stepped down earlier this year from the board of the National Livestock Producers Association’s Sheep and Goat Innovation Fund.

Sheep Genetics USA brought 15 young producers, researchers, university staff and industry personnel to Colorado State University for two days of brainstorming on industry issues

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 3

President’s Notes BRAD BONER ASI PRESIDENT

Awards Season Is Upon Us

A s I write this column for the October issue, ram sale season is in full swing. At the Wyoming State Ram Sale, av erage prices were higher by about $250 per ram than they were last year with an almost $1,300 per head average. The lamb market is much improved from last year, but seems to be experiencing some seasonal softness as we move into the fall. With fall approaching, I am reminded that it won’t be long before we are all getting together for the 2024 ASI Annual Convention in Denver. The convention will be a week earlier than normal from Jan. 10-13. An important part of the an nual convention is our awards program that recognizes those who have had a positive impact on our industry. There are five awards that we hand out annually. The McClure Silver Ram Award is dedicated to volunteer commitment and service and is presented to a sheep producer who has made substantial contributions to the sheep industry and its organizations in his/her state, region or nation. The award may recognize a lifetime of achievement or may recognize a noteworthy, shorter-term commitment and service to the industry. The Peter Orwick Camptender Award recognizes industry contributions from a professional in a position or field related to sheep production. Nominees should show a strong commitment and a significant contribution to the sheep industry, its organizations and its producers above and beyond what is called for in his/her professional capacity. Nominees should be well respected in their fields by their peers and by sheep producers. The Distinguished Producer Award was launched in 2014 to recognize the 150th anniversary of the national organization – the oldest livestock association in the country. This award is a way to recognize an individual who has had a significant long-term impact on the industry, including involvement with the National Wool Growers Association or American Sheep Producers Council, the predecessor organizations to ASI. The Industry Innovation Award recognizes the accomplishments of an individual or organization that improves the American sheep industry in a game-changing way, regardless of whether its impact is felt at the regional or national level. The Shepherd’s Voice Award for Media recognizes outstanding year-long coverage of the sheep industry by either print or broadcast outlets. The award excludes all publications and affiliates related solely to the sheep industry, allowing for recogni tion of outlets with general coverage for excellence in covering sheep industry issues. Please be thinking of deserving individuals or entities for each of these awards. You can find the nomination form online at SheepUSA.org/events-awards or contact Chris at chris@sheepusa.org or 303-771-3500, ext. 107, and he can send you the nomination forms. The deadline for these nominations is Nov. 17. As we move into a new season, I hope you all have an enjoyable fall and we all look forward to seeing each of you in Den ver in January. Until next time, keep it on the sunny side.

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SheepIndustry NEWS October 2023: Volume 27, Issue 10

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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

Breeding & Selection • Dairy Sheep • Forages Health • Reproduction • Management • Wool Nutrition • Marketing • Predator Damage Control

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ASI Office Staff: Peter Orwick, Executive Director Rita Kourlis Samuelson, Deputy Director/Wool Marketing Larry Kincaid, Chief Financial Officer Zahrah Khan, Operations Manager Erica Sanko, Director of Analytics & Production Programs Christa Rochford, Wool Marketing Programs Manager Heather Pearce, Wool Production Programs Manager Chris Jones, Administrative Assistant The Sheep Industry News is published monthly as the official publication of the American Sheep Industry Association Inc. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Payment of member dues in an ASI affiliated 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 fifth 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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Call us about selling your wool at our sales or by Private Treaty. It’s not just our motto, It’s our reputation. mwc1983@roswellwool.com www.roswellwool.com 1-800-624-WOOL Mike Corn, Manager

The American Sheep Industry Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 5

Market Report

CHARLES MARTINEZ, PH.D. University of Tennessee

Prices Trending Upward

A cross the lamb supply chain, prices are starting to be steady, and even trending higher depending on where the market is located. For producers, this is a welcome sign after more than a year of depressed and low prices. The accumulation of a shrinking national flock and steady demand has spurred higher slaughter prices and all aspects of the supply chain are seeing positivity. tremely strong in retail stores. Each week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service reports the activity index. The index is a measure of the absolute frequency of feature activity equal to the total number of stores for each advertised lamb/veal item (e.g., a retailer with 100 outlets featuring three lamb/ veal items has an activity index of 300). Through mid-September, lamb and veal retail activity has been 3,030, which is almost 300 percent higher than a year ago. The main features and activities have centered around chops, which are around $6.99 to $7.99/lb. (shoulder chops) and $8.80/lb. (loin chops). While price per pound is below a year ago for shoulder chops ($9.90/lb.), prices for loin chops are up $0.50/lb. at $8.85/lb and have been featured a heavy RETAIL/WHOLESALE In the most recent retail reports, lamb activity has been ex

amount in store. The retail activity has given support to the national lamb cutout value. The lamb cutout represents the estimated gross value of a lamb carcass based on prices paid for individual items – primal cuts – derived from a lamb carcass. Essentially, as consumers pay for items derived from primal cuts (i.e., chops from the loin and shoulder primals) in conjunction with expected seasonal demand, retailers and foodservice entities purchase primals or boxes of specific cuts that translate into the price and value seen in the lamb cutout value. Figure one displays the 2017 to 2021 average (solid thick red line), 2022 (dotted line), and 2023 (solid thin blue line) national lamb cutout values. Through 2023, the cutout has been above the previous five-year average, and even peaked to $456.92/cwt. in August, which was the highest price since $461.40/cwt. in late January-early February. The cutout has remained below 2022, but the gap between 2022 and 2023 is closing. There are two primals that have actually increased such that prices are above the previous five-year average and 2022 prices. Shoulder prices reached $397.76/cwt. in early September, which are the highest prices since July 2022. Similarly, leg prices reached $452.43/cwt. in late August-early September, which are the highest prices since August 2022. Given the retail activity and

cutout values, it seems that demand is strong for lamb, which is provid ing positivity up through the supply chain. SLAUGHTER Another factor that impacts prices at the wholesale level is sup ply. Through 2023, slaughter (figure 2) has relatively stayed on pace with 2022. The largest difference in total supply of lamb is due to the average slaughter weights being well below last year. Through 2023, average slaughter weight has been approximately 125 pounds, which is 7 pounds lower than the 2022 average. But, through the summer (July –September), the average

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slaughter weight has dropped to an average of 119 pounds, and hit a low of 114 pounds/ head in August. The combination of relatively similar slaughter numbers compared to a year ago and smaller slaughter weights has yielded tighter supplies of total product. The smaller total supply also influences the lamb cutout value, and provides support for the increased prices seen in the cutout. As mentioned in previous market articles, slaughter lamb prices were starting to trend upward. Through the summer, the trend held, and slaughter lamb prices reached $202.08/cwt., which is the highest slaughter lamb prices and first time above the $200/

so much and there hasn’t been an uptick, imports probably won’t pick up this year. But continued monitoring on the exchange rate is war ranted not only for lamb products but also wool. WOOL Through week 10 of the marketing year, the world wool market has had mixed signals throughout. In the early parts of the summer, the Eastern Market Indicator went from $3.39 U.S. per pound and increased week over week for three weeks to $3.60 U.S. per pound, to only then decrease back down to $3.29 U.S. per pound mid-way through August, and has been steady through week 10. Similarly, fine wool (17 to 19 micron) increased from June through mid-July, but since then, all have steadily decreased. For example, 17-micron wool went from $5.6348 U.S. per pound on June 30, up to $5.7388 U.S. per pound on July 14, then decreased down to $5.0015 U.S. per pound through Sept. 8. In the crossbred wools, the story has been opposite. For example, 28-micron wool was $0.93108 U.S. per pound on June 30 and increased steadily up to $1.0116 U.S. per pound on Sept. 8. The contrasting trends between fine wool and crossbred wools leave the wool market with mixed signals. The reason for these con trasting trends could be due to the uncertainty of China’s economy. If there was to be a true financial crisis in the coming months, one could expect for the wool market – along with other markets – to trend down and become extremely bearish. If China doesn’t have a financial crisis – like its government has suggested – then questions about where will demand come from (Europe) becomes the key driver. SUMMARY For American producers, the continuation of higher prices throughout the lamb supply chain is a welcome sign. The inputs have been high for extended periods of time throughout the last year due to drought and other factors. With low import numbers and tighter supplies, prices seem to really have some longevity on the positive side for producers, which hopefully turns into increased profit mar gins for producers, as well.

cwt. threshold since June 2022. Given the market signals from the retail and cutout values, there seems to be real reason to be bullish on slaughter lamb prices as 2023 comes to a close. Additionally, with expected tighter supply of feeder lambs, slaughter lamb prices could really ramp up moving forward. FEEDER PRICES Throughout this article, the summer of 2022 keeps popping up because of prices being the highest since then. The story is a little dif ferent in feeder lamb prices. Through the summer, feeder lamb prices in the three-market (Colorado, South Dakota and Texas) average for 60 to 90 lbs. feeders have trended upward and have reached levels of more than $200/cwt. in September, which is higher than a year ago ($152.79 to $153.38/cwt.) and above the previous five-year average ($180 to $182/cwt.). Prices tend to pick up through the last quarter of a given year for feeders, thus with 2023 being above both the previous five-year aver age and last year, there is reason to also be bullish in the three-market average. TRADE While there is positivity through the supply chain, imports are a common next question from producers. Through 2023, total lamb imports (130.3 million lbs.) have remained below the previous five year average (133.5 million lbs.) and through the same 2022 time period (163.9 million lbs.). Given that the Australian flock is expected to increase, while the New Zealand flock is expected to decrease, the question becomes when will we see an increase in imports (if any at all)? There are two macroeconomic factors that impact this: 1. ship ping costs and 2. exchange rates. Through 2023, the global container freight rate index has trended down from $2,046.51 (January) to $1,494.46 (June). During the same time frame in 2022, the index went from $9,420 (January) to $2,119.96 (December). Thus, shipping costs have drastically decreased. Whereas, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against the Australian dollar. Given that freight costs have decreased

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 7

Next Generation Examines Genetic Future

S heep Genetics USA brought 15 young producers, research ers, university staff and industry personnel to Colorado State University for two days of brainstorming on industry issues and possible solutions in late August as the group considers topics it should attempt to tackle in the months and years to come. The Sheep Genetics Research Summit in Fort Collins, Colo., was moderated by veteran cattle producer Lee Leachman – who was featured in the August issue of the Sheep Industry News for genetic work in his industry. The two-day session generated seven priorities that the group is passing along to the Sheep Genetics USA Board of Directors. Chief among them is how genetic data is entered into the National Sheep Improvement Program and devel oping a software platform to streamline the entering and analysis of that data. “There’s a lot of software investigation in the industry right now among the sectors and the breed associations,” said Superior Farms Director of Producer Resources Karissa Isaacs, who recently joined the board of SGUSA. “We just need to come together on those and be collaborative. One, to bring the cost down, and two, so that ev eryone is on the same platform for ease of data transfer and usage.” Additional goals included finding ways to streamline the collec tion of genetic data – which is essential to allow for implementa tion among large commercial operations – and the addition of paid staff to achieve strategic goals in the next two years. “One of main topics was how to move sheep genetics in all breeds forward in a progressive manner,” said Isaac Matchett, a commercial producer from Michigan. “I agree with data being a priority. Most would agree that there’s value in data and in being able to understand what parts of your enterprise make money and what parts don’t. Collection of that data hasn’t been adopted wide ly within the industry because it’s cumbersome to collect. It takes time at the farm level to collect, so we discussed a lot of avenues to make that a more streamlined process, to improve the technology that is available and the software we have available to get that data from raw data points to a utilizable management tool.” Matchett said he was somewhat familiar with the initial work of Sheep Genetics USA – which began back in 2021 – and was excited to be invited to the summit in Fort Collins. “Genetic progress is a limitation to sheep producers every where,” he said. “If we can expedite the genetic progress we make in all of these breeds, that’s a huge benefit to a commercial pro ducer and a huge benefit to our production potential. I think it’s good to be a part of that conversation.” Andrew Weaver, Ph.D., of North Carolina State University was the lone representative from the hair sheep side of the industry, but felt like many of the problems (and solutions) discussed applied to the industry as a whole.

“The traits we’re interested in and the tools we want to develop are going to go across all breeds,” he said. “Katahdins have set an example for the industry having genomics for a couple of years now. They’ve got their foot in the door there, and can be leaders for the other breeds.” Suffolk producer Gavin Blonquist works with a breed that has also led the way in genetic research and on the technology side with the Digital Suffolk program. As a seedstock producer, he understands the work required to move the industry forward. “Nearly every lamb we weaned this year, the genomic testing is already done,” he said. “That’s sort of expected from the seedstock producers. When the average producer starts looking at all of this, it’s pretty intimidating to see all of the data you need to collect and submit. The extra work it takes to collect that data is a pretty big task for most producers. And it doesn’t always mean an immediate increase in the dollars you’ll get out of your sheep. But down the road, that information is going to be pretty valuable to the produc ers and the industry.” Participants in the summit included: • Sheep Producers: Gavin Blonquist (Utah), Ryan Boner (Wyo.), Kyle Hurley (Iowa), Cameron Krebs (Ore.), Isaac Matchett (Mich.) and Shane Mickel (Utah). • University and Extension Personnel: Brady Campbell (Ohio), Kelly Froehlich (S.D.), Ryan Knuth (Minn.), Chad Page (Ariz.), Christian Posbergh (Mont.) and Andrew Weaver (N.C.). • Sheep Genetics USA Board Members: Rusty Burgett (Iowa) and Karissa Isaacs (Colo.). • Agricultural Research Service: Tom Murphy (Neb.).

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

VOTING MEMBERS

National Lamb Feeders Association 605-224-0224 • lambfeeders@outlook.com Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers Association 308-386-8378 • Ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com Nevada Wool 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 Mexico Wool 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 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 931-510-1322 • info@tennesseesheep.org Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers’ Association 325-655-7388 • tsgra@wcc.net Utah Wool 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

Alabama Meat Goat & Sheep Producers 334-613-4221 • BRagland@alfains.com ASI Women 435-528-7570 • sherrischumann@utah.gov Arizona Wool Producers Association 520-560-4202 • caauza@peoplepc.com Arkansas State Sheep Council 870-853-7404 • wjcalloway@gmail.com California Wool Growers Association 916-444-8122 • info@woolgrowers.org Colorado Wool Growers Association 970-874-1433 • cwgawool@aol.com Connecticut Sheep Breeders Association 860-819-8339 • secretary@ctsheep.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 Idaho Wool Growers Association 208-344-2271 • director@idahowoolgrowers.org Illinois Lamb & Wool Producers Inc. 573-205-9208 • amanda.limback@gmail.com Indiana Sheep Association 317-896-2213 • bobenosu@icloud.com Iowa Sheep Industry Association 641-625-4248 • info@iowasheep.com Kansas Sheep Association 620-393-5204 • kssheep@ruraltel.net 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.

Brad Boner Wyoming President

Ben Lehfeldt Montana Vice President

Joe Pozzi California Secretary/Treasurer

573-578-0497 • christy576@gmail.com Montana Wool Growers Association 406-442-1330 • leah@mtsheep.org

Peter Orwick Colorado Executive Director

Wyoming Wool Growers Association 307-265-5250 • alison@wyowool.com

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 9

Great Lakes Lamb Achieves AWA Level III Certification

M ichigan’s Great Lakes Lamb recently became the third domestic sheep operation – and first from East of the Mississippi River – to reach Level III: Certified status through ASI’s American Wool Assurance program. “I learned about the AWA program at the 2022 ASI Annual Convention,” said Elaine Palm, who operates Great Lakes Lamb with her husband, Rick, and parents, Jim and Sherrie Bristol. “We didn’t really have to make any changes to what we do on a daily basis, getting certified just helped us put some language behind what we do and why we do it.” Palm said researching the program and then starting the certi fication process was one way in which she could contribute to the family operation during her pregnancy in 2022. She tackled AWA Level I: Educated by completing two online courses in half a day, then set about working on the farm’s operating plan in the summer of 2022 as part of Level II: Process Verified. Reaching Level II certification required an independent evalua tion, which was done by an ASI-trained evaluator. AWA evaluators are located throughout the United States and are often university or extension personnel who understand the daily workings of a livestock operation. “We used a person who we were familiar with through the Michigan Sheep Producers Association, so the process was very comfortable,” Palm said. Level III certification requires a third-party audit using Clo verLeaf Animal Welfare Systems, who was selected by ASI as the

official auditor of the AWA program. “It was really easy to get that scheduled,” Palm said, “and the process of the audit was really smooth and conversational. I’m glad we went through the whole process and got certified. Now, we’ll just have to see where it goes from here and how the program evolves.” Palm said she was hoping the certification would provide two benefits: a premium for the family’s wool and the opening of ad ditional markets that aren’t available to non-certified producers. “I’d definitely like to get a list of buyers who are looking for certified wool,” she said. ASI Wool Production Programs Manager Heather Pearce is working with producers in the AWA program and can answer any questions about the process. Contact her at heather@sheepusa.org or visit AmericanWoolAssurance.org for more information. The AWA program is centered around the international standard of the five freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury or disease; freedom from fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behavior. Additionally, accountability programs preserve the reputation of wool, the growers and the retailers, and encourage better communication between growers, shearers, wool buyers and customers. Better recordkeeping required by such programs can increase profitability, and increased dialogue between growers and consumers helps to educate consumers and keep agriculture thriving.

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Wisconsin Festival Offers Variety to Large Crowds

T hey could have used a few good Border Collies from the stock dog competition for crowd control over at the Coun try Store’s two buildings during the 2023 Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival the second weekend in September. A herding dog or two would have come in handy in pushing the masses past the 100-plus vendors on hand at the Jefferson County Fair Park in Jefferson, Wis. Packed with everything from raw fleeces to finished yarn to sheep-inspired trinkets and sheep milk cheeses, the Country Store drew huge crowds of fiber enthusiasts to a festival that offered something for everyone. The festival is organized by the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co operative – ASI’s state sheep association in Wisconsin. In addition to the opportunity to purchase anything they could possibly need, the festival offered nearly 100 Wonders of Wool classes for those interested in fiber arts. At the same time, it was a celebration of the state’s storied sheep industry, with a producer education workshop, a commercial carcass competition, a fleece show and sale, and the chance to show live animals. Winners in the state’s Make It With Wool Competition were crowned and American Lamb Board Lambassador Nick Forrest put on multiple lamb cooking demonstrations. “Sometimes, I’m not sure how we got here,” said Bob Black, chairman of the festival. “But here we are. Our 94 classes are 82 percent filled, so that’s a record for us. There really is something for everyone here.” PEN OF THREE While it hasn’t generated as much interest as the fiber classes, the festival offers commercial sheep producers the opportunity to participate in a Pen of Three Carcass Competition. Producers enter three lambs, who are weighed and judged on their live appearance and the consistency of the pen as a whole. Following the weekend festival, the lambs are processed at the meat lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The carcasses are then

judged, as well. Awards are offered for both the live and carcass judging aspects of the competition. But finishing first isn’t really the goal of the Pen of Three. “Win or lose doesn’t matter at all,” said Ralph Giorno of White water, Wis. He entered a pen of three Hampshire-cross lambs and has been a participant in the competition nearly every year it’s been conducted. “I want to know the statistics on my lambs. What size is the loin eye? Are they fatty or lean? “I’ve been surprised at the results – both good and bad – several times. In some instances, I had some lambs that I didn’t think were all that great that ended up pretty nice when they were processed. And I’ve had some that I thought were super lambs that didn’t have as big a loin eye as I thought they would. You just never know for sure until they’re hanging on the rail.” Suffolk producer Lisa Paskey organizes and competes in the competition, entering lambs she raises with her brother and mother. She says the competition offers a valuable tool for produc ers who choose to take advantage of it. “We’re so lucky to be just down the road from Madison and the meat lab,” she added. “The data they collect and share with us is a great resource. It’s good information, but it’s only as valuable as what we’re doing with it. This is a real reflection of our breeding programs.” Paskey said she has the information gleaned from every year of the competition and hopes to find a way to pull it all together for the betterment of the state’s entire sheep industry. Until then, it’s up to the individual producers who enter to implement changes based on the data into their own programs. Crystal Retzlaff’s pen of Texels took top honors in the live judg ing, which was performed by veteran livestock judge Samantha Piper. “The Texels were consistent through and through and more than market ready,” Piper said, adding that judging such a competition is different from her usual sheep judging process. “For me, I priori

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Opposite Page: More than a dozen producers took part in the Profit Workshop at the festival. This Page (clockwise from top left): Nick and Kathy Forrest put on three cooking demonstrations; ASI Executive Board Member Anne Crider in her trade show booth; fiber arts classes are extremely popular at the festival; a few festival go ers got to feed newborn lambs; Randy Cutler offers a look at various fencing options.

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 13

tized the finished lamb. Are they filling out that frame, that struc ture? Then, we’re talking about a pen of three, is there consistency in terms of size? That’s what I was looking for today.” Following Piper’s comments on how she judged each pen, Abdullah Hussaini of Equity Cooperative Livestock – and a mem ber of ASI’s Lamb Council – offered thoughts on the local lamb market, which caters to ethnic buyers throughout the Midwest and East Coast. Results from the carcass judging weren’t available as of press time on this issue. PRODUCER EDUCATION The festival’s Sheep 101 (Friday) and Profit Workshop (Saturday) classes offered sheep producers an educational opportunity that touched on topics ranging from grazing and finishing lambs on pasture to basic shepherding skills to fencing options, and market ing of meat and fiber. Forrest also provided a discussion on lamb cuts and a cooking demonstration at each of the classes. “I’ve been raising sheep for over a decade,” said Waldo, Wis., based producer Heather Wroblewski, who attended the Profit Workshop. “But I started out raising goats, so I’m more familiar with dairy goats than sheep. So, there’s always something to learn. I graze my sheep, and that was challenging this year with the drought that we had. Normally, I wouldn’t start feeding hay until October at the earliest. This year, we were feeding hay in June.” Wroblewski was drawn to the class by Randy Cutler’s fencing segment, adding that she has a steep pasture that is usable only for grazing. “I’ve looked online, but it was nice to get a real overview of the fencing options that are out there. I’d like to take advantage of this gorgeous pasture, but it’s useless without fencing.” ADDITIONAL EVENTS The festival offered plenty of other options for exposing the public to the sheep and fiber industry. Among them was a unique offering in the Walk and Knit (and Walk and Crochet) Relay Challenge. Each contest required teams of knitters (or crocheters) to navigate obstacles along a quarter

mile section of street while performing their particular fiber skill. Obstacles this year included a slalom section, rocking for a minute and singing Ba Ba Black Sheep to a group of sheep as spectators lined the course and cheered them on. “That’s something our volunteers came up with,” Black said. “I didn’t tell them to develop a walk and knit challenge. I don’t know that anyone else has something like that. It’s a fun event that people enjoy watching.” A more traditional sheep to shawl competition also took place, and the fleece show drew dozens of entries in a wide range of colors that were sure to catch any fiber enthusiasts’ attention. There was a silent auction to benefit the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative and a live auction of used equipment that offered everything from spinning wheels to ear tags to fencing. Forrest offered his final lamb cooking demonstration of the weekend on Sunday afternoon. He was feeding the show’s masses as the sheep to shawl competition ended with a vocal countdown just a few feet away. Throughout the weekend, those in attendance got an up-close look at lambing as a handful of ewes from the University of Wis consin’s Arlington Sheep Unit were specifically bred to give birth during the festival. A few, of course, dropped twins before even heading to Jefferson. In the same barn where ewes bonded with their new lambs, the festival offered a Hall of Breeds. A dozen different breeds were on display throughout the weekend. And the area provided the unini tiated an opportunity to milk sheep, as well. Just down the way, a variety of antique shearing equipment sat on display and shearing demonstrations took place throughout the day thanks to Huber’s Sheep Shearing. Off on a distant field, the Crook and Whistle Stock Dog Trials turned into an all-day event during each of the festival’s three days. “Thanks to all of our volunteers, we’re putting on a festival that we can all be proud of,” Black said. “There’s always room for improvement. We’d like to see more involvement from some of the state’s sheep producers, and we’re working on that. I’d just encour age everyone to come out to our festival. I think they’ll enjoy the time they spend here.”

14 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

First Place - Shepherd Larry Blain, Utah End of the Day

16 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 17

Third Place - Shepherd Amy Kruckenberg, Colorado Shepherd

Second Place - Shepherd Katrina Steele, Ohio Friends Love Treats

For Sale New Zealand Working Huntaway Pups

Doug Rathke 320-587-6094 or 320-583-7281

18 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org Vaccinate Your Lambs Needle-Free Curtis Civis ccivis@pulse-nfs.com 620-544-6895 www.pulse-nfs.com

OPP

New Test — New Strategy No more bottle lambs!

To Advertise in the Sheep Industry News, Contact Kyle Partain at kyle@sheepusa.org or 303-771-3500.

www.OPPsociety.org 952-955-2596 hjneaton@gmail.com

Kyle, please use this for all months. Thanks! Judy 8/7/18

STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL:

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ENCOURAGING PRODUCTION

Announcing Regional Workshops

REGIONAL WORKSHOPS FOR PRODUCERS BEGIN FALL 2023 AS THE LAMB BOARD INCREASES ITS EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH CONSISTENT, YEAR-ROUND SUPPLY OF AMERICAN LAMB TO MEET CONSUMER DEMAND AND LESSEN THE NEED FOR IMPORTED PRODUCTS. Topics focus on best practices to maximize productivity and profits such as genetics, reproduction, nutrition, health management, facilities, equipment, profitable grazing systems and marketing opportunities.

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First Place - Scenic East Elaine Palm, Michigan Did Ewe Just Fall in Love With Us

20 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 21

Second Place - Scenic East Brianna Matchett, Michigan Fields of Green

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To Advertise in the Sheep Industry News, Contact Kyle Partain at kyle@sheepusa.org or 303-771-3500.

22 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Third Place - Scenic East Anna Hopkins, Florida Seeing Double

Nationwide Online Auctions Servicing all Classes of Sheep and Goats Commercial and Ethnic Buyers Bonded Check within 24 Hours of Pickup Full Service Risk Management Ag Lending Available 401 Commerce Ave., Baraboo, WI 53913 800 - 362 - 3989 www.equitycoop.com

Pipestone Lamb & Wool Program • Online Course Offerings • Short Courses and Tours • Home Study Sheep Course

www.pipestonesheep.com ( 507) 825-6800 | (800) 658-2330 A member of Minnesota State. An Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer.

bk SHEEP NUTRITION Bill Keough – Owner & Nutritionist of BEAR LAKE ENTERPRISES, INC. & CEDAR LANE DORSETS Specializing in

profitable nutrition designed for your flock's needs. Manawa, Wis. 920-428-5712 bksheep@wolfnet.net

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October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 23

First Place - Scenic West Kay Benson, Utah Wooly Insulated

24 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 25

Second Place - Scenic West Caleigh Payne, Colorado Shades of Green

Corner Post Farm Unique Sheep Gifts, Books, Baby Items, T-shirts, Reprints, Sweatshirts, Cards, Calendars & Wool items Plus: Unique Pig, Dairy, Beef, Corn & Tractor Items cornerpostfarm.com cornerpostfarm@gmail.com 309-826-2256

Serving producers since 1947 406-994-2100 mtwool@montana.edu https://ecommerce. montana.edu/woollab

Producers Livestock Auction Co. David Quam ~ Benny Cox San Angelo, Texas Buyers andsellers ofall classes oflivestock. Ask about online sales. Mobiles: 325-656-8506 ~ 325-234-4277 Office: 325-653-3371

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26 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Third Place - Scenic West Sara Portwine, Wyoming A Long Winter Ahead

Ask An Expert Have a question about sheep or goats?

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Check Us out ! www.dorpersheep.org Email: office@dorpersheep.org Tel: 573-696-2550 PO Box 259. Hallsville MO 65255

premier1supplies.com/advice

KATAHDIN

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To Advertise in the Sheep Industry News, Contact Kyle Partain at kyle@sheepusa.org or 303-771-3500.

• 200% Lamb Crop • Documented Parasite Resistance • No Shearing, Docking or Crutching • Lamb on Pasture or Range Katahdin Hair Sheep International 717-335-8280 • info@katahdins.org www.katahdins.org

Mike H. Harper Cell: 970-381-1238 Office: 970-454-3181 Fax: 970-454-3210 Catherine Harper Cell: 970-590-7342 Email: harperfeeders1977@gmail.com PO Box 36, Eaton, CO 80615

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 27

First Place - Working Animals Katrina Steele, Ohio Faithful

28 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 29

Second Place - Working Animals Joshua Blouin, Vermont Sam

Third Place - Working Animals Marie McClaren, Wyoming Watching the Incomers

30 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

JANUARY 10-13 DENVER, COLORADO Issues Are Not Always Black & White REGISTRATION Opens: Tues. October 3, 2023 Closes: Mon. December 18, 2023 American Sheep Industry Annual Convention 2024

www.sheepusa.org

32 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

First Place - Open Maryn Sadler, Wyoming Cozy

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 33

Second Place - Open Jenna Poe, Indiana The Wool Pile

Third Place - Open Staci Hughes, Montana The Next Generation

Purina Announces New Products

P urina Animal Nutrition is excited to announce two new leading-edge nutrition products designed to address the top challenges of sheep and goat produc ers today – Purina Accuration Sheep & Goat R+R Block and Purina RestEZ Sheep Balancer. Purina Accuration Sheep & Goat R+R Block is a unique, weather-resistant vitamin and mineral supplement designed to support animals during the high stress of reproductive and receiving transitions. It contains 12 percent protein, 5 percent fat, a high-quality mineral pack with bioavailable zinc and manganese for reproductive health, as well as three different heat abatement technologies. “High protein levels can negatively impact pregnancy and conception rates in ewes and does,” says Elliott. “That’s why we worked to decrease the protein level in this block while still providing the needed amount of fat to help support reproduction.”

Whether you’re using artificial insemination, embryo transfer or natural service, the block is recommended to be fed from 60 days before breeding through the end of the sec ond trimester. The product is also recommended for feedlots to help get newly weaned lambs or kids on feed faster. The popularity of balancer products continues to grow as producers look to reduce the nutritional gap when feed ing commodity blends. After launching the Purina RestEZ Sheep & Goat Supplement last year, Purina responded to customer requests and included this new technology in an existing balancer product. The Purina Sheep Balancer many producers have come to trust now includes RestEZ technol ogy, formulated to support immune and digestive health in many environmental conditions, including dirt and dust, close quarters and extreme heat or cold. Learn more about these two great new products at PurinaMills.com.

34 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org

Miller, Johnson Retire From Board

L ongtime members Pierce Miller and Dave Johnson stepped down earlier this year from the board of the National Livestock Producers Association’s Sheep and Goat Innova tion Fund. Miller – a past president of ASI – had served the fund since its inception. Johnson had served nearly as long. Their departure will leave a void that will be difficult to fill said NLPA’s Scott Stuart. “Both Pierce and Dave will be greatly missed as members of the fund’s lending committee,” he said. “Their integrity, knowl edge and experience are second to none, and NLPA and their fellow committee members are all the better for it.” Miller said he had planned for awhile to resign during the fund’s meeting in Idaho Falls, Idaho, back in August. But he was completely caught off guard when Johnson joined him in stepping down during the meeting. “It was just time for me,” Miller said. “And I think Dave felt the same way for himself.” The fund provides loans to the industry at a competitive rate – which is currently less than the prime rate of 8.5 percent. “With our rate lower than the prime rate, I think we always hoped we’d have even more loans outstanding,” Miller said. “The fund has provided an invaluable resource, and I’d like to see even more people in the industry take advantage of the opportunity the fund can provide.” Miller’s resignation means the fund will forge ahead without him for the first time in its history. “The NLPA Sheep and Goat Innovation Fund would not exist today without the vision and work done by Pierce Miller to help create it as a lending intermediary,” Stuart said. “Pierce served on

the fund’s lending committee for 23 years and, most recently, as chairman of the committee for the past two years. Pierce’s experi ence in sheep and goat production, as well as his financial savvy helped the fund to revolve over $54 million into the industry since its creation.” Johnson played a crucial role in the fund’s success, as well. Like Miller, he was in the room when the fund was first created. “Dave Johnson’s passion for the sheep industry helped the fund to assist smaller producers and younger producers to grow their businesses,” Stuart said. “Dave’s experience as a producer, proces sor and marketer in the sheep industry during his 18-year career has brought a unique perspective to the fund’s lending commit tee.” Johnson said travel has been more difficult in recent years and he’s stepping down to spend more time at home. “It’s been a really satisfying position, working with a great, small group of individuals,” Johnson said. “We had a pretty good budget to make things happen, and I felt like we did a lot of good for the industry. It’s been a real pleasure, and I gave it all I could for as long as I could.” Johnson went out in style. Traveling home from the summer meeting, he was stranded in Idaho for the better part of a day and had to run through the Denver airport to catch his connecting flight to Wisconsin. But his efforts were rewarded with an unex pected seat in first class for the second leg of the trip. “That was probably my last official business trip, and I ended up in first class for the first time in my life,” he said. Visit SheepandGoatFund.com to learn more about NLPA’s Sheep and Goat Innovation Fund.

ASI Executive Director Peter Orwick (left) joined NLPA’s Scott Stuart (right) in honoring retiring Sheep and Goat Innovation Fund board members Dave Johnson and Pierce Miller earlier this year in Idaho.

October 2023 • Sheep Industry News • 35

Breeders’ Directory AKBASH LIVESTOCK PROTECTION DOGS AKBASH DOG ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA AkbashClub.com • akbashdogAA@gmail.com Established in 1978. Proven livestock

802-429-2064 info@AmericanCoopworthRegistry.org AmericanCoopworthRegistry.org To learn about hardy, productive, dual-purpose Coopworths, visit us and our members online. DEBOUILLET HILLINGDON RANCH Robin, Carol, Grant & Misty Giles 346 Giles Ranch Road, Comfort, TX 78013 830-995-3917 • Cell: 254-592-3746 gileslivestock@hotmail.com Years of wool, gain and ultrasound data; 18.2 micron clip; stud rams & ewes with more than 1 lb. average daily gain and 2.5 REA CWT. DONHE MERINO PAUL & RENAE NEILSON

Blackbellysheep.org recordingsecretary@blackbellysheep.org Registering Barbados Blackbelly (polled) and American Blackbelly (horned) sheep. Two beautiful hairsheep breeds, highly resistant to parasites and hoof problems. Non-seasonal breeders with easy lambing, a high rate of multiples and excellent mothering traits. MOUNTAIN SHEEP ASSOCIATION Eugenie McGuire, Secretary/Treasurer P.O. Box 534, Paonia, CO 81428 info@blackwelsh.org • blackwelsh.org DESERT WEYR 16870 Garvin Mesa Road, Paonia, CO 81428 970-527-3573 • sales@desertweyr.com BORDER COLLIES Karl Hostetler 8111 Hwy. 168, Shelbyville, MO 63469 660-988-8422 or 573-633-2012 Top American and Imported bloodlines. Puppies and occassionally started or trained dogs available. COLUMBIA Charles Worm, Executive Secretary PO Box 722, Lakefield, MN 56150 507-360-2160 • charliew@extendedag.com Columbiasheep.org The all-american breed. SNYDER RANCHES, LLC PO Box 363, Norwood, CO 81423 970-327-0271 • Cell: 970-708-9906 snyderranch56@yahoo.com Providing quality Columbia range rams to producers for three generations! LANGHUS COLUMBIA SHEEP Gene and Mary Langhus This year we celebrate 25 years of NSIP mem bership. Our performance-oriented sheep are selected for maternal, growth, carcass and wool traits. NSIP mean trait values for Columbias: 60-day wt 61.8 lb; 120-day wt 105.8 lb, number lambs born 1.85 lambs/ewe. More than 95 per cent of our ewes have USA Range Index of 100 or higher. We believe in genetic diversity and, with 25 years of pedigrees in the program. We sell ewe lambs, ram lambs and yearling rams. COOPWORTH AMERICAN COOPWORTH REGISTRY Marianne Dube, Secretary PO Box 48, West Newbury, VT 05085 BLACK WELSH MOUNTAIN AMERICAN BLACK WELSH COLUMBIA SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 147 Main Boulder Road, Big Timber, MT 59011 406-932-4718 • langhussheep@mtintouch.net LanghusSheep.com

protectors. UKC Registered – Pure Turkish Akbash Dogs. Breeder list on website. Like us on Facebook at Akbash Dog Club. AMERICAN BORDER LEICESTER AMERICAN BORDER LEICESTER ASSOCIATION Siri Swanson, Secretary 363 Fisher Road, Orwell, VT 05760 781-264-0430 • yankeerockfarm@gmail.com borderleicesters.org AMERICAN CORMO AMERICAN CORMO SHEEP ASSOCIATION Ruth Gerbig, Secretary 22849 MuleBarn Rd., Sheridan, IN 46069 317-627-7071 AmericanCormo.com Yields a high-quality spinning fleece. A high- luster white fleece, with a good clean weight, and a fiber diameter of 17 to 21 micron. Smaller and calmer than other fine wool sheep with a fast growth rate and a high fertility rate. Rugged animals, able to thrive in all areas of the United States. Excellent for smaller flocks. Visit Cormo Breeders' Coalition on Facebook. AMERICAN HAMPSHIRE AMERICAN HAMPSHIRE SHEEP ASSOCIATION asregistry@gmail.com • Hampshires.org If you are looking for sheep with NSIP data, farm flock sheep, show sheep or club lambs, Hampshires is the breed for you. AUSTRALIAN/AMERICAN WHITE SHEEP HARRISON VALLEY FARMS Kim Harrison 5199 County Rd 351, Fulton, MO 65251 573-590-0643 cell • Australianwhiteusa.com KHarrison@harrisonvalleyfarms.com The Australian and American White Sheep are poised to become "Champions of the Lamb Meat Market" with lambs that thrive and per form in forage-based finishing systems, as well as grain-based feedlot environments. Adaptable and low maintenance sheep. Specifically bred for high meat quality and a premium dining experience. This includes higher Omega 3, lower fat melting points, more intramuscular fat, unmatched tenderness and flavor, and consistency in carcass size. BARBADOS BLACKBELLY BARBADOS BLACKBELLY SHEEP ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL Constance Katzenbach, recording secretary 90 Lambertville Hopewell Road Hopewell, NJ 08525 Jeff Ebert, Executive Secretary PO Box 231. 305 Lincoln St. Wamego, KS 66547 • 785-456-8500

PO Box 656, Meeker, CO 81641 970-623-2098 • 970-878-5102 rbcvet1@gmail.com

Truly dual purpose sheep. Prime lamb dams with Merino quality wool. Rams for sale. DORPER

WILLOW CREEK RANCH STROMAN RANCH L.C. Bill Stroman Box 4, Sterling City, TX 76951 wmstroman73@gmail.com EAST FRESIAN & TUNIS

WHISPERING PINES FARM, DAIRY & CHEESE 681 Campbell Bridge Road, Seneca, S.C. 29678 864-360-3222 • dairysheepdeb@gmail.com Dairy sheep ewes, rams and lambs. Multi purchase discounts, starter flocks.Classes and Mentoring for milking and cheese making. Add East Fresian bloodlines to meat sheep – Grow market lambs faster. Sheep and Goat colostrum for sale. FINNSHEEP FINNSHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION PO Box 231, 420A Lincoln Wamego, KS 66547 • 785-456-8500 asregistry@gmail.com • Finnsheep.org Finnsheep are a multi-purpose breed. In the United States, their primary use has been in cross-breeding programs to increase the lamb ing percentage of commercial flocks. GOTLAND AMBLING BROOK FARM’S RAINBOW GOTLANDS Dr. Polly Matzinger 4810 Elmer Derr Road, Frederick, MD 21703 240-444-2047 • amblingbrookfarm@gmail.com 100% Gotlands from imported embryos, & vari ous percentages from Shetland or Leicester (BL & BFL) foundation ewes. A rainbow of colors (traditional Blue-Grey, as well as Black, Brown, White & Red/Moorit). Ram leasing, starter flock discounts, imported Swedish and New Zealand

36 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org 36 • Sheep Industry News • sheepusa.org