NDSU hosts sheep management clinic

By Scout Nelson

New shepherds will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge on sheep management during a workshop scheduled for Sept. 21 at North Dakota State University’s Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC). The event starts at 10 a.m. MDT and will be free to attend.

The workshop is being organized by NDSU Extension, the HREC, and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association, which will also sponsor the lunch.

Key topics to be covered during the clinic include essential aspects of sheep management such as breeding decisions, ewe and lamb health, lamb barn management, and sheep nutrition. According to NDSU Extension sheep specialist Travis Hoffman, “This educational event is geared for youth and novice producers and provides them an opportunity to ask production questions and learn from each other.”

Participants will also have the chance to tour the HREC sheep facilities as part of the day’s activities. This will provide them with a hands-on look at sheep operations and allow for in-depth discussions on sheep care.

Additionally, the clinic will mark the distribution of Rambouillet yearling ewes to 10 young producers as part of the North Dakota Starter Flock program, which is now in its 16th year. The program aims to encourage new producers to get involved in the sheep industry by offering starter flocks to support their endeavors.

Rachel Gibbs, HREC Extension livestock specialist, emphasizes the value of the workshop, stating, “Our young people will be provided the expertise and tools to be a part of a bright sheep industry. We enjoy seeing beginning producers thrive and offering new people information to diversify an existing livestock operation.”

Registration for the clinic is free, with a deadline of Sept. 16 to confirm lunch numbers. For more information or to register, contact Rachel Gibbs at 701-567-4323 or rachel.gibbs.1@ndsu.edu.

Photo Credit:istock-heebyj