Join Live Lambing Workshop for Sheep Farmers

By Scout Nelson

An interactive lambing workshop, titled "Live from the Lambing Barn," will be hosted by North Dakota State University Extension and University of Minnesota Extension on February 20 at 7 p.m. This webinar will be broadcast live from the Rafter P Ranch, owned by Dan and Kay Persons near Kensington, Minnesota.

The session will offer valuable insights on preparing for the challenges of lambing season and provide essential tips for managing a successful sheep operation. The focus will be on the Polypay breed, which has been raised at the ranch for over 20 years. The Persons’ flock is managed with innovative technology, including radio-frequency identification (RFID) ear tags, which help track and manage the sheep more efficiently.

Travis Hoffman, the Extension sheep specialist for both NDSU and UMN, will lead the virtual tour alongside Dan Persons, providing a unique opportunity for participants to learn from experienced shepherds. According to Hoffman, the best learning comes from peers, and the webinar offers a chance to hear practical, hands-on advice from producers who take great pride in their work.

This event is being organized in collaboration with Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers, further strengthening the connection between industry professionals and aspiring or current sheep producers.

To participate, attendees must preregister at ndsu.ag/lambwebinar25 to receive the Zoom link. After the event, a recording of the session will be made available to those who register. For additional details, interested individuals can reach out to Travis Hoffman at travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu or Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu.

This webinar presents an excellent learning opportunity for anyone involved in sheep farming, particularly those interested in or already working with Polypay sheep. It provides an accessible way for producers to connect with experts and peers in the industry, gaining practical knowledge that can be applied to their own operations.

Photo Credit: istock-heebyj