Newsletter. The North Dakota. z Reid s Remarks. Winter 2013 Issue

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1 Sheep The North Dakota Industry Newsletter Publication No. 68 A joint publication brought to you by the NDSU Extension Service and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association z Reid s Remarks Reid Redden, Newsletter Editor As I write this, I am preparing for another trip to Texas, this time for work! I spent Christmas with family in Texas and was fortunate to get to see my alma mater (A&M) beat the heck out of OU and NDSU beat up on Sam Houston. It would have been a more competitive event had A&M and NDSU played one another. The American Sheep Industry annual convention will be held in San Antonio on Jan It should be a good event with lots of heated debates regarding recent inefficiencies in the lamb marketing industry, among other hot topics. I hope some good can come of a bad situation. In my opinion, two things that would improve our industry should be addressed. First, finished lamb contracts should be more openly traded and available to the common shepherd. Lamb is not a traded commodity and markets Winter 2013 Issue Reid s Remarks...1 Message from the Association...2 Flock Health Take Steps to Prevent Abortions in Sheep...3 Timely Tips...3 Newer Knowledge Reproductive Performance in Sheep: Utilization of Various 5-day Estrous Synchronization Protocols...4 Marketing Matters Livestock Risk Protection-Lamb...5 The Sheep Bleat An Interview With a Guard Dog Producer...6 Minutes...7 Starter Flock Profile Jess and Jake Sanders...9 Congratulations...9 Test Your Sheep Knowledge...10 Upcoming Events Webinar Series...11 Membership Form...11 Roasted or Grilled Rack of Lamb...11 are set by the larger auction barns and lamb sales. Since a majority of Western lambs are not traded on the open market, the industry does not have a good finished or feeder lamb reporting system. Carcass sales are more consistent across the nation; therefore, I encourage producers to watch the carcass value market, in addition to live prices ( The price discrepancies between live and carcass value have hurt the industry. Second, we need to improve the methods of grading lamb carcasses. Quality grading of lamb is not that important because 95 percent of lambs grade choice or better. Lamb is and always has been a high-quality product. Yield grade calculations for lamb need improvement. The only factor in a lamb yield grade calculation is a backfat measurement. FYI: The beef and pork yield grade calculation includes a measure of lean muscle. Therefore, lambs with a rib-eye area of 2 vs. 3.5 inches receive the same price, although the second lamb produces considerably more high-value cuts than the first lamb. This system provides very little incentive to make genetic improvement to produce more a marketable product per unit carcass weight. This is not a good system to promote the production of lamb so it would be more attractive to the consumer. Under the current system, producers work hard and do the right thing, and don t get paid for it. On a lighter note, the January lamb market improved at many sale barns in the region. I hope that in 2013, we can reid.redden@ndsu.edu n Publication #68 Winter

2 keep that trend going in the right direction. In the past two years, January prices set the stage for the year. Note: This is not an economic prediction. To protect yourself against market shifts, I encourage you to investigate the lamb livestock risk protection insurance program. See the Marketing Matters section (page 5) of this newsletter for more details. Lambing will begin for the NDSU Hampshire and Columbia ewes in late January. The NDSU Sheep Unit crew does a great job of keeping the sheep and the facilities looking great. The unit definitely leaves a positive impression on all who visit or tour the operation. Skip Anderson, Sheep Unit manager, always enjoys providing tours to producers who may be in the area. I am excited to see how the sheep perform in relation to their estimated breeding values. As many of you may know, Lyle Warner will be the 87th Little International Agriculturalist of the Year. This award is given by the NDSU Saddle and Sirloin Club, and Lyle will be recognized during Little I on Feb Congratulations, Lyle! A special thank you goes to Wyman and Mary Scheetz! When I began this position, I knew very few people in this state and almost nobody on the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association board. Wyman and Mary were more than welcoming. They are the nicest people I know. Working with you to better this industry has been a pleasure. Thanks for your service to the organization. I also have been pleased to work with the North Dakota sheep industry during the past 2½ years. NDSU is a great place to be and I am fortunate to work with the NDLWPA. Your organization is one of the most active and progressive associations. I know that I have learned a lot about the sheep industry during my time here and I hope that I can share that information if and when it is needed. If I can be of assistance in any way, please feel free to contact me at (701) or reid.redden@ndsu.edu. Like Us on Facebook! Search for NDSU Sheep Specialist or North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association Message From the Association By Nathan Robbin, President, NDLWPA Greetings, fellow shepherds and affiliates, As I am sitting here to type this, we are days from starting to lamb, so the anxiety, sleepless nights and anticipation are getting almost overwhelming. Even after all the years I have been doing this, every year is the same. It is almost like being a kid in the days leading up to Christmas. I have learned that you cannot get too excited or too depressed over the course of lambing season, but it still doesn t help the anxious feeling shepherds get this time of year. My name is Nathan Robbins and I am the new president of the NDLWPA board of directors. I feel very humbled by the amount of trust and confidence everyone has in my ability to lead this group. I will look to build on the solid foundation and work with the great board of directors we have elected during our past convention. The 2012 convention was very good from beginning to end. It is great to see more and more youth becoming involved, as was apparent Saturday morning during their session, while the adults listened to interesting presentations. We would like to build on the youth involvement and activities over the year, so if there are enthusiastic youth in your area, get them involved and let us know of ideas or activities we can support to encourage the next generation of producers. It is encouraging to see a little move in the right direction for feeder and fat lambs recently. I hope that is an indicator of good things to come. We all want to know that the hard work and effort we put in will pay off with a profitable outcome. It has been a challenge this past year with suppressed pricing, rising input costs and consumption declining again. But it appears that fellow producers have risen to the challenges and, with improvements to the lamb markets, would realize the risk taken has been rewarded. Several shepherds in my immediate area are going through expansion with the if I can survive this past year s challenges, it can only get better attitude. The optimism of next year keeps us all going, and I appreciate the dedication many have to our industry. I am always available to listen and am constantly looking for things we can do to improve our organization. Please let me or one of the other board members know your ideas. Keep track of NDLWPA s activities on our website: I hope everyone has a safe and rewarding lambing season. 2 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

3 z Flock Health Take Steps to Prevent Abortions in Sheep Reid Redden, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist, and Charles Stoltenow, NDSU Extension Veterinarian Prevention is the key to protecting ewes against abortioncausing diseases. Sheep producers need to watch for abortions, stillbirths and weak lambs during the upcoming lambing season. Numerous infectious agents commonly are found in U.S. sheep flocks, and they can cause diseases such as chlamydia, vibriosis and toxoplasmosis. Chlamydia is caused by a pathogen that is transmitted through the placenta and birthing fluids. Unexposed ewes, including ewe lambs, have a high rate of abortion (20 to 30 percent), whereas previously exposed ewes have a much lower rate of abortion (0 to 5 percent). A high rate of weak and unhealthy lambs can be a sign of chlamydia in a sheep flock. We recommend that shepherds add feed-grade antibiotics to late-gestation diets to treat ewe flocks diagnosed with chlamydia. Vaccines also can improve resistance to the disease. However, they are not 100 percent effective and do not provide lasting immunity. Vibriosis, also known as campylobacteriosis, is caused by bacteria that are transmittable through birthing fluid. Previously exposed ewes appear to develop protective immunity. Feed-grade and injectable antibiotics can be used to treat the disease during an outbreak. Vaccines are available; however, they must be given every year prior to breeding and during midgestation. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that almost always is a result of feed contamination by cat feces and/or birthing fluids. Unless ewes previously were exposed to the toxoplasmosis, the infectious agent will invade the placenta and cause placentitis, an inflammation of the placenta. Exposure during early gestation may lead to fetal reabsorption or expulsion, and late-gestation exposure may lead to stillbirths or weak lambs. No effective treatment is available. Coccidiostats can be added to the ewe diet during gestation to prevent this disease. Prevention is the key to protecting ewes from these diseasecausing agents. Most all ewe abortions result from ingestion of contaminated feed or birthing fluids of infected ewes, so access to clean, high-quality feed and water during gestation and proper disposal of placentas are crucial to reducing the likelihood of ewe diseases. Here is what producers should do if a ewe aborts a pregnancy: Separate the ewe from the flock. Properly dispose of the placenta, fetus and contaminated bedding to reduce any further flock exposure. Handling these items is a human health risk, so wear gloves. Contact your veterinarian to properly diagnose the infectious agent that caused the abortion. Maintain current vaccination programs if positive diagnoses have been made in your flock. Consider whether using feed-grade antibiotics during late gestation is appropriate for your flock health. Many of the aborting agents also have the potential to cause human disease, especially in pregnant women. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should limit their exposure to pregnant ewes. Timely Tips 1. Develop nutritional plans for gestation and lactation. Test feedstuffs. Formulate a diet for each class of ewes. Discuss your plan with a nutritionist or Extension personnel. 2. Shear ewes one month prior to lambing. Work with your shearer to best prepare your wool clip. Talk with your wool buyer about increasing the value of your wool. 3. Develop and implement a health plan prior to lambing. Vaccinate ewes and/or lambs for overeating and tetanus. Deworm ewes before or shortly after lambing. Treat for external parasites shortly after shearing. Provide vaccinations or oral antibiotics to prevent abortions. Plan to keep good conditions (warm, dry, clean air) for newborn lambs. Publication #68 Winter

4 z Newer Knowledge Reproductive Performance in Sheep: Utilization of Various 5-day Estrous Synchronization Protocols Christen Jackson, Lecturer, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science, and Former Graduate Research Assistant, NDSU Animal Sciences Department; and Reid Redden, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist Successful reproductive performance ensures future success and long-term sustainability of the sheep industry. Although lamb prices have dropped in the last year, for the sheep industry to be competitive and grow to meet the needs of consumers, producers are going to need to look at alternative ways to improve reproductive efficiency. Increased reproductive efficiency ultimately would lead to an increase in flock productivity. To do so, a producer may begin to utilize controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) inserts. Effective ewe synchronization protocols could offer numerous advantages to consumers and producers by the production of a more continuous supply of lamb throughout the year and reducing the overall length of breeding and lambing season(s), thereby reducing labor, feed and facility costs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of CIDR inserts for use in sheep in The label recommendation is to insert one CIDR per ewe for five days with the intention of inducing estrus in ewes during the anestrous season. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the effects of various estrous synchronization protocols utilizing the five-day CIDR inserts that are infused with progesterone (P4) alone and when used with gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandin (PG) during the fall and spring breeding seasons. Treatments used: 1. Untreated (U) 2. Five-day CIDR insert only (C) 3. Five-day CIDR and PG at CIDR removal (P) 4. GnRH at five-day CIDR insertion and PG at CIDR removal (G) Rams equipped with marking harnesses were introduced to all treatment groups at CIDR removal and ewes were observed twice daily for breeding marks. In the fall breeding study (August and September), ewes receiving any CIDR treatment (C, P and G) expressed estrus sooner after ram introduction than untreated ewes. Consequently, pregnancy and lambing rates during the first week of lambing was greater for all ewes receiving a CIDR treatment compared with untreated ewes. However, overall pregnancy and lambing rate were not affected by CIDRs. Table 1. Reproductive performance of Columbia and Hampshire ewes after five-day controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) synchronization protocols administered during the transition period. Treatment Variable U C P G SEM Days to estrus 9.7 a 3.6 c 6.5 b 6.2 bc 1.12 Days to lambing Ewes exhibiting estrus, % First Week 35 a 85 b 73 b 71 b 6.8 Overall Pregnancy rate, % First Week 0 a 37 b 36 b 28 b 6.3 Overall Lambing rate, lambs/ewe exposed First Week 0 a 0.53 b 0.58 b 0.38 ab 0.12 Overall Prolificacy, lambs/ewe lambing First Week Overall Means with different superscripts differ (P < 0.05). In the spring study during the anestrous season (April), we found all ewes treated with a CIDR came into estrus more quickly post-ram introduction than untreated ewes. Overall reproductive performance was not affected by CIDR treatments. Table 2. Reproductive performance of Dorset and Katahdin ewes after five-day controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) synchronization protocols administered during the anestrous season. Treatment Variable U C P G SEM Days to estrus 6.5 a 3.4 bc 5.9 ac 3.0 b 1.05 Days to lambing Ewes exhibiting estrus, % First Week Overall Pregnancy rate, % First Week Overall Lambing rate, lambs/ewe exposed First Week Overall Prolificacy, lambs/ewe lambing First Week Overall Means with different superscripts differ (P < 0.05). Newer Knowledge continues on page 5 4 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

5 z Marketing Matters Livestock Risk Protection-Lamb U.S. Department of Agriculture-Risk Management Agency Fact Sheet General Background Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)-Lamb is designed to insure against unexpected declines in market prices. Sheep producers may select from a variety of coverage levels and insurance periods that match general feeding, production and marketing practices. LRP-Lamb may be purchased weekly throughout the year from the U.S. Department of Agriculture s Risk Management Agency (RMA)-approved livestock insurance agents. Premium rates, coverage prices and actual ending values are posted online weekly. Coverage Availability Sheep producers submit a one-time application for LRP- Lamb coverage. After the application is accepted, specific coverage endorsements may be purchased. The number of lambs insured under a specific coverage endorsement is limited to 2,000 head. The annual limit for LRP-Lamb is 28,000 head per producer for each crop year (July 1 to June 30). All insured lambs must be in a state approved for LRP-Lamb at the time the insurance is purchased. The length of insurance available for each specific coverage endorsement is 13, 20, 26 or 39 weeks. Lambs covered under the policy are feeder or slaughter lambs that are expected to weigh between 50 and 150 pounds by the ending period. LRP-Lamb is available to sheep producers with lambs in the following 28 States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Newer Knowledge continued from page 4 In conclusion, we found that utilizing a CIDR reduced days to estrus, and could accelerate pregnancy and lambing rates. These data also suggest that the natural stimulus of ram exposure to noncycling ewes was equally effective at induction of estrus; however, the response was delayed compared with the CIDR. Our findings warrant further research to develop an estrous synchronization protocol that achieves pregnancy rates (greater than 95 percent) and prolificacy (greater than 1.80 lambs/ewe) equal to or better than reproductive performance during the natural breeding season (October to December). Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Coverage Levels, Prices and Rates Sheep producers may select coverage prices ranging from 80 to 95 percent of the expected ending value. At the end of the insurance period, if the actual ending value is below the coverage price, an indemnity will be paid for the difference between the coverage price and actual ending value. The LRP-Lamb program s coverage prices, rates, actual ending values and per-hundredweight cost of insurance may be viewed on the RMA s website. The actual ending values are based upon the weekly average prices for Formula Live Lambs as reported by the USDA s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Actual ending values will be posted on the RMA s website at the end of the insurance period. About the Application Process LRP-Lamb insurance must be purchased through a livestock insurance agent. An application can be filled out at any time; however, insurance does not attach until a specific coverage endorsement is purchased. Coverage will not start unless the premium is paid on the day insurance coverage is purchased. Multiple specific coverage endorsements may be purchased with one application. Insurance coverage starts the day a specific coverage endorsement is purchased and approved by the RMA. All livestock programs have funding limitations; therefore, the RMA tracks total policy sales against available underwriting capacity using a real-time, Web-based program. Sales will cease when under writing capacity is reached. Contact the RMA USDA/RMA, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Stop 0801, Washington, D.C ; RMA website: rmaweb.content@rma.usda.gov Daily LRP coverage prices, rates and actual ending values: Premium calculator: Approved livestock agents and insurance companies: Related AMS online livestock reports: Publication #68 Winter

6 z The Sheep Bleat Q: How effective are guard dogs and how many do you need? An Interview With a Guard Dog Producer Reid Redden, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist Q: How and when did you get started raising sheep guard dogs? A: In July of 1990, we moved to Billings, Mont., from Oregon. In November of that same year our home burned to the ground. I moved my family into town and I lived in a bunk house so that I could care for the livestock. Domestic dogs attacked our flock of ewes. As a result, the insurance company purchased a livestock guard dog. Within a few years, we were raising guard dogs for other sheep producers in the area. Q: How do guard dogs stop different predators? A: This depends on the disposition of the dog, the situation and the type of predator. Most sheep producers lose lambs to coyotes and foxes. Typically, guard dogs are aggressive to these smaller predators and will either seek to kill or not allow any trespassing by these predators on smaller farms. In larger range operations, guard dogs may allow honest predators (those that do not prey upon sheep) to exist on the premises but at a large distance from the flock. With regard to wolves, it is a numbers game. Your guard dog pack needs to be larger than the wolf pack. Mountain lions are the most respectful to a guard dog s presence, and it is rare to have a mountain lion prey upon sheep that have a guard dog on duty. Bears generally intimidate guard dogs and the dogs attempt to keep the sheep away from bears. In some cases, the dog/s will act with aggression toward the bear; however, it depends on the dog and the spontaneous nature that the bear attacks. A: In regard to effectiveness of dogs, it depends on placement. Many factors, such as size of farm/ranch, number of dogs, fencing, breed of sheep and disposition of dogs, all affect how effective a dog will be. As a general rule, range producers need four dogs per band (about 800) sheep. I have a formula that I use to determine how many dogs a person will need to provide adequate protection. It is not written down but rather a guide that I have developed after many years of placing dogs on different operations. First of all, more dogs than you need is not always a good thing. Guard dogs must be busy protecting sheep or problems can arise. Because I never have more dogs than I sell and I have a guaranteed placement program, we never try to place more dogs on an operation than are needed. Once we place the dog/s, I call the producer 5, 30, 60, 180 and 365 days to assure that all is well with the placement and to make sure that additional dogs are not needed. In my guaranteed program, we track every dog that we sell. Q: What breeds are most effective in various situations? A: There is no correct answer to that question. The 5 breeds we raise are Maremma, Great Pyrenees, Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd and Komondor. We look for the fundamentals of a successful guardian dog rather than fancy traits. Some breeds, such as the Great Pyrenees, are most often better suited for small-acreage farms because they are the least aggressive, whereas the Akbash breed is often better suited for larger range operations because they are the most aggressive and tend to travel more. Komondor and Akbash crossbred dogs have been a popular cross for our program because of their disposition, among other reasons. Photos by Marvin Dunster 6 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

7 z Minutes The 2012 NDLWPA annual meeting was called to order by Chairman Wyman Scheetz at 2:00 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2012 at the Seven Seas in Mandan, N.D. Photo by Hattie Barham Photography Q: What is the most common mistake that people make when training or receiving a bonded guard dog? A: First-time producers must be educated. A common response is, Damned dog is not doing what it is supposed to be doing! Our dogs are bonded to sheep, not trained to guard. Most often, the dog is doing what is needed, but the new owner has a false perception of what a dog should be doing. Dogs are usually doing their job at 16 to 24 weeks. There are many people who raise and sell guard dogs, but very few will stand behind their dogs. We stand behind our dogs because of proper breeding, bonding and placement. Q: How old are the dogs when you sell them, and how long do dogs remain effective at guarding livestock? A: We place dogs at 16 to 24 weeks. The longer that dogs remain on our place, the more set in their ways they become and they do not adapt as well to the new placement. Most guard dogs are effective from eight to 12 years but become less active at 5 to 6 years of age. In many cases, if producers add a new dog to the operation when the older dog is 5 or 6, they get a couple of extra years of protection from the older dog because they do not need to be as active to provide the needed protection. Q: What information do you need from sheep producers to properly place them with the right dog? A: I need to know the type of fencing, size of pastures, breed of sheep, proximity to roads and neighbors, type of lambing operation and common predator loss. Q: How can North Dakota sheep producers contact with you? A: My name is Marvin Dunster and my number is (406) Lyle Warner and many others in North Dakota have purchased dogs, and Lyle has agreed to share his experience with a recent placement that I made. In addition, I am planning to be at Lyle s house at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 15. If anyone is interested in purchasing a dog, please contact me or Lyle at (701) Brent Stroh moved to dispense of the reading of the minutes, second by Chris Schauer. Correction to the minutes, Terry Mangnall is the Southeast District director not Julie Mangnall. Motion by Julie Mangnall to approve the minutes as corrected, second by Terry Mangnall, motion carried. The Treasurer s Report was presented by Julie Mangnall. The December 2011-November 2012 Profit & Loss report indicated $8, net profit for the year. The NDLWPA balance sheet indicated a $38, in total equity. There was a request to move the Starter Flock program to a separate account. Motion by Paul Klose to accept the Treasurer s Report, second by Nathan Robbins, motion carried. The reports from the Hettinger and Jamestown sheep sales were presented. The association thanked Dave Merwin for the donation of ½ of the profit from the sale of the sheep equipment, which was sold at the Hettinger Ram Sale. Motion by Dean Swenson to accept the sale reports, second by Luke Lillehaugen, motion carried. Shearing School Chris Schauer thanked the NDLWPA for the support for the 2012 shearing school and talked about its successful attendance. There were 18 shears of which 5 or 6 were from North Dakota. Facebook and Website Brad Gilbertson updated the board on the usage of the media options to promote NDLWPA. The membership talked about encouraging starter flock recipients to post pictures on Facebook and the Website. Encouraged members to place ads on the website and have the board determine rates for posting at their January meeting. Old Business: Wyman provided an update on the support given by the NDLWPA to oppose measure #5. Measure #5 was defeated by a margin of 2-1. Burdell Johnson talked about the superwash machine that was purchased. Sheep Venture Company applied for a loan of $750,000 to purchase a superwash machine from the National Livestock Producers Association. The machine washes and prepares the wool for fabrication without the need to send it to China for proper cleaning. The machine has been a very good investment and most of the loan has been paid back in a short period of time. Publication #68 Winter

8 New Business: Resolutions: State Board of Agricultural Research and Education Legislative Priorities WHEREAS, by legislative decree, the State Board of Agriculture Research and Education was established in part to develop a biennial budget request for the Agricultural Experiment Station and the NDSU Extension Service; and WHEREAS, constituents have provided input for the past 18 months in regard to the priority list for funding for the 2013 legislative session; and WHEREAS, sheep production is important to the economy of North Dakota by providing employment and generating new wealth; and WHEREAS, agricultural research and Extension programs are important to maintain or improve productivity and profitability in sheep production; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NDLWPA supports the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education priorities for the 2013 legislative session for increased funding for livestock research and extension programs and capital improvement projects. Motion by Lyle Warner to have the NDLWPA Association go on record to support the above stated Resolution, seconded by Misty Steeke, motion carried. NDSU Research and Extension Facility WHEREAS, the American Sheep Industry (ASI) is actively pursuing to rebuild the sheep industry through its Let s Grow Campaign. and; WHEREAS, increased volume is needed through existing infrastructure to remain competitive in national and international markets, and; WHEREAS, the sheep industry is experiencing record high feed costs for both lamb/wool producers and lamb feeders, and; WHEREAS, technology exists to collect individual animal intake to establish animal feed efficiency data, and; WHEREAS, research exists that supports these data are economically important, differences in feed efficiency are present within most flocks, and these measure of feed efficiencies are heritable; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers supports the pursuit of funding for a research and Extension facility designed to evaluate feed efficiency in sheep, specifically through the use of equipment and technology that collects individual animal intake data at North Dakota State University (Department of Animal Sciences and Hettinger Research Extension Center). Motion by Dean Swenson to have the NDLWPA go on record to support the above stated resolution, second by Brent Stroh, motion carried. Lyle Warner nominating committee chair (Past President) Wyman Scheetz was presented a clock for his service to the NDLWPA for serving as Chair for the past 3 years. Chair nominations Nathan Robbins was nominated by the nominating committee to serve as chair. Dean Swenson moved to cease nominations and cast unanimous ballot for Nathan Robbins, second by Curt Stanley, motion carried. Vice Chair nominations Brad Gilbertson was nominated by the nominating committee to serve as vice chair. Motion by Josh Saunders to cease nominations and cast unanimous ballot for Brad Gilbertson, second by Brent Stroh, motion carried. Secretary nominations Rick Schmidt was nominated by the nominating committee to serve as Secretary. Motion by Dean Swenson to cease nominations and cast unanimous ballot for Rick Schmidt, second by Curt Stanley, motion carried. Treasurer nominations Julie Mangnall was nominated by the nominating committee to serve as Treasurer. Motion by Misty Steeke to cease nominations and cast unanimous ballot for Julie Mangnall, second by Brad Gilbertson, motion carried. ASI Director Dean Swenson was nominated by the nominating committee to serve as ASI Director. Motion by Brent Stroh to cease nominations and cast unanimous ballot for Dean Swenson to serve as ASI Director, second by Dave Pearson. Dean encouraged members to attend the ASI Convention and learn what ASI does and then consider serving as the ASI Director. Motion Carried. District caucuses were held: Northwest Curt Stanley was elected - first term. Southwest Dave Pearson was elected - first term. Southwest Misty Steeke was elected - second term. (Filled in one year and completed one term) Northeast Janelle Lagein was elected first term. Southeast Brent Stroh was elected first term. Motion to adjourn by Misty Steeke, second by Josh Saunders, motion carried. Submitted by Rick Schmidt NDLWPA Secretary 8 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

9 z Starter Flock Profile Jess and Jake Sanders, New Salem, N.D. 1. What sparked your interest in this program? Jess: I wanted a project that could be profitable to help me save for college. Sheep work well with our existing operation. Jake: I have always been interested in sheep. The starter flock offered a great opportunity to get started in the sheep industry. 2. What do you enjoy most about your flock? Jess: They are very efficient ewes. They are steadily getting more gentle. They raise really good lambs. Jake: I really like lambing. It is busy and fun to see all the new lambs. 3. What is the most exciting event that occurred with your flock? Jess: Last year I was really excited at my lambing percentage and weaning as well. Jake: My ewes haven t started lambing yet but shearing was great. Jake (left) and Jess Sanders Photo by Kayla Sanders 4. What would you tell a friend interested in the sheep business? Jess and Jake: Now is a great time to get started. The starter flock is a good way to get into the business because you get a lot of help from people in the industry with experience. Congratulations to Hilary Geitzen, the Distinguished Service Award recipient. Congratulations to Jill Lagein (left) and Callie Loftsgard, who were named Youth Master Sheep Producers. Photo by Connie Henning Photos by Christen Jackson Publication #68 Winter

10 Test Your Sheep Knowledge Across 1 testing can lead to the identification of OPP positive sheep. 5 When shearing, wool should be sorted by. 6 During late gestation, ewe intake is due to limited space available for digestive tract. 8 Roughly 70% of fetal growth occurs in the last weeks of gestation. 9 Developed from the Spanish Merino in France. 12 Unit by which wool is sold from the brokers. 13 The natural waviness of the wool fiber; it varies with the diameter of the fiber. 14 Embryo 16 The most important stage of production for the ewe is. 17 Dried distiller's grains contain almost times the amount of crude protein as corn. 18 You must wool into yarn. 20 Imported into the U.S. in 1914, this sheep breed is moderately prolific and is considered a dual purpose breed. 23 This is a fungus that replaces the ovarian tissue of infected plants and as stated in the Spring 2012 newsletter, can cause poor milking in ewes Down 2 Issues in this system of the body account for almost $3 million in losses in the sheep industry. (Spring 2012) 3 This is a policy that would exclude sheep from large tracts of publicly held land allotments in Idaho, used for summer range. (Spring 2012) 4 The organization devoted to the genetic improvement of sheep 7 Developed at the Idaho Experiment Station as a Finn x Dorset x Rambouillet x Targhee cross, especially noted for its prolificacy. 10 The ewes production of this is directly related to lamb birth weight. 11 Ewe energy and protein requirements by 50-75% from early to late gestation. (Fall 2011) 14 This sheep breed is the most recently introduced to the U.S. and is known for its extreme muscling. 15 This sheep breed is commonly used in crossbreeding programs because of its prolificacy. 19 A continuous strand of partially manufactured wool, which has been scoured, carded and combed an intermediate stage in the process of worsted yarn. 21 One year's growth of fleece is about pounds of wool. 22 An equine protection animal Created by Alison Crane Answers available at or on the NDSU Extension sheep specialist s Facebook page 10 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

11 Upcoming Events Little International Feb. 8-9 Sheppard Arena, NDSU, Fargo, N.D. Winter Webinar Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. Spring Webinar May 15 at 7 p.m. National Sheep Symposium June 19 Bozeman, Mont Webinar Series NDSU Extension will be hosting educational webinars on a quarterly basis. To participate, go to and click on webinars. The webinars are free to attend but registration is required. How Much Do I Feed Them? Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. What is That Ram Worth? May 15 at 7 p.m. How to Get More Lambs Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Where is the Value in Wool? Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. NDLWPA Membership Form This form is a membership application for the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (NDLWPA) and American Sheep Industry (ASI) Association. Please print clearly Name Street address City State ZIP Phone ( ) Fax ( ) Number of sheep/goats Please check all that apply: Commercial Purebred Club lamb Dairy Lamb feeder Shearer Allied industry Business Please check membership type: NDLWPA annual membership $20 NDLWPA annual junior membership (under 18 years of age) $5 ASI annual membership $.04/head or $25 minimum (whichever is greater) Joint NDLWPA/ASI annual membership $40 Printed copy of the ASI Weekly Newsletter $10 Note: ASI annual membership will entitle you to an copy of the ASI Weekly Newsletter. Total $ Please make checks payable to NDLWPA Send this application and your payment to: Julie Mangnall, NDLWPA Treasurer th St. S.E. Stirum, ND For more information, call (701) or visit Thank you for taking an active interest in your industry! Roasted or Grilled Rack of Lamb # Reid Redden Ingredients Rack of lamb Carnivore Catering Rub 10 parts salt 1 part pepper 0.5 part garlic Photo by American Lamb Board Directions Trim excess external fat. I recommend serving lean racks to individuals who are not accustomed to the flavor of lamb. Remember that most all of the flavor comes from the fat. At home, I leave a little more fat on my side of the rack. Rub the lamb with olive oil, then season the rack with the Carnivore Catering Rub. 6 x 4 clip-and-save recipe card. Roasting and grilling instructions on following page. Publication #68 Winter

12 North Dakota State University Agriculture Communication NDSU Dept P.O. Box 6050 Fargo, ND NDSU encourages you to use and share this content, but please do so under the conditions of our Creative Commons license. You may copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this work as long as you give full attribution, don t use the work for commercial purposes and share your resulting work similarly. For more information, visit North Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, public assistance status, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, race or religion. Direct inquiries to the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, 205 Old Main, (701) County Commissions, NDSU and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating. This publication will be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities upon request, (701) Roasting: Place the rack in a skillet with a small amount of oil on medium to high heat. Sear until all sides are brown, two to four minutes per side. Place the rack on a roasting pan and roast for eight to 12 minutes at 425 F. Cook until center of rack reaches 135 to 140 F. # Grilling: Preheat the grill to 400 F and place the lamb on grill. Grill the lamb for five to 10 minutes per side. Lamb fat drippings are extremely flammable. Be careful to not let the fire get too hot and char the outside of the lamb. If flares occur, move the lamb to another area of the grill or to the top rack. Cook until center of rack reaches 135 to 140 F. Allow the rack to rest for five minutes. After this time, the rack s internal temperature will reach 145 F, which equates to medium rare. After the rack has rested, slice between each rib and serve. Check out this great video produced by the American Lamb Board: 12 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter