Newsletter. The North Dakota. Reid s Remarks. Spring 2015 Issue

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1 Sheep The North Dakota Industry Newsletter Publication No. 77 A joint publication brought to you by the NDSU Extension Service and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association Reid s Remarks Reid Redden, Newsletter Editor Writing this edition of the North Dakota Sheep Industry News gives me a somber feeling. As many of you are aware, I have accepted the sheep and goat specialist position at Texas A&M. This is an opportunity to be closer to family and continue to do the job for which I have a passion. However, the decision did not come easily. Our time spent here has been great, and much of this is due to how well everyone has treated us. So much so that, this past spring, we bought a home (small farm) and were beginning to set down our roots. However, life happened and our plans were changed. The future for the sheep industry in North Dakota and this region is very bright. You have more affordable resources land and feed commodities than most anywhere in the nation. Plus, you have a workforce of people who have a strong work ethic and desire to be livestock producers. And your organization has some very committed, forward-thinking and dedicated leaders. The starter flock program is the best example of an industry looking forward. Often, we tend to worry about eminent threats, such as predators, parasites and political matter. These threats are important but also might be irrelevant in 10 or 20 years if we don t recruit and mold the next generation of sheep producers. Your organization has taken a proactive approach, and it s the envy of many sheep associations around the nation. Keep thinking forward! reid.redden@ndsu.edu Photo courtesy of the NDSU Extension Service I have no doubt that your industry will thrive as long as you keep thinking forward and not be too concerned about what is behind you. Thanks for all the great memories, and stay in contact. Look me up if you find yourself in West Texas. One thing is for sure: I ve learned more from you than you ve learned from me. Thank you! Spring 2015 Issue Happy trails, Reid s Remarks...1 Message From the Association...2 Former NDLWPA President Elected to Lead ASI...2 Executive Secretary Report...3 Director Profi le...4 Legislative Update Starter Flock Applications Being Accepted...5 Research Update...5 Starter Flock Profi le...6 Producer Profi le...7 Timely Tips...8 Calendar of Events...9 Recipe Coconut Milk Marinated Lamb Kabobs...9 Membership Form...11 Publication #77 Spring

2 Message From the Association By Nathan Robbins, President Greetings, As I write this, the calendar says March 1, and we are a week away from the daylight-saving time change and only 19 days from the first of spring. It appears we have survived another winter and, with that, another lambing season is winding down. I hope that as you read this, you are enjoying a good lambing season. There is little to rival the ecstatic feeling of a barn full of new lambs bouncing through freshly laid straw. Simple things sometimes bring the greatest joy! Photo courtesy of Nathan Robbins There are many sheep events that will be coming up in the following months, so I would encourage you to keep monitoring the NDLWPA website as David keeps the site up to date. One important date to keep track of is the application deadline for the starter flock program. I know I have stated it in the past, but I would encourage everyone reading this newsletter to think about worthy youth who may be good candidates for the program and encourage them to apply. Better yet, make contact with them, help them fill out the application and volunteer to act as their mentor. As always, remember this is your association and voice to the country, so utilize it. Let us know if there are issues to address in your area. Also, make sure the first weekend of October is open as plans continue to develop for the 2015 NDLPWA convention in Medora. Also, have continued luck with the current lambing season. As the new lambs are being born, keep accurate records so that you can keep some good replacements and help grow the industry. There is continued enthusiasm within the industry as we continue to strive for growing and sustainable numbers. Nationally, there was a slight increase in the total herd, which is good to see, and we hope that growth will continue. Lamb prices appear to be stable, so that, combined with moderate feed prices, suggests another profitable year for It is deeply reassuring to see the leadership coming from the state of North Dakota in relation to the sheep industry. Congratulations to NDLWPA member Burton Pfliger, who accepted the presidency of ASI at the most recent national convention. Along with that, we have several other members who accepted roles nationally: Brad Gilbertson, Wes Limesand, Reid Redden, Chris Schauer and Burdell Johnson will again be serving on ASI committees for It is with volunteerism such as this that we will continue to see our industry strengthen. I want to take a moment to say thank you and best of luck to Reid Redden, who has accepted a position with Texas A&M and has the opportunity to move close to home and family. It is regretful seeing him go as he has been a great asset and resource to our association. Best of luck to him and his future plans! Former NDLWPA President Elected to Lead ASI The board of directors for the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) elected new officers Jan. 31 during the 2015 ASI convention in Reno, Nev. Burton Pfliger of North Dakota was elected president. Pfliger is a third-generation sheep rancher who was born into the industry. He and his wife, Pattie, run approximately 400 ewes, which make up a purebred Hampshire flock, as well as a purebred Suffolk flock and a flock of Rambouillet/Dorset cross commercial ewes. The Hampshire and Suffolk flocks are used to produce range and terminal sires. Prior to being elected president, Pfliger was ASI s vice president. His experiences include serving as the Region IV representative, and chairman of the Production, Education and Research Council and the Wool Council. In addition, he served on the Legislative Action Council and the 2 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

3 Predator Management Committee. He also was elected to four terms as president of the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. Pfliger also has been active in other agricultural organizations. He has served as vice chairman of the Ag Coalition in North Dakota and chairman of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education s livestock granting committee. Pfliger was nominated as NDSU s Agriculturist of the Year and was presented the North Dakota Master Sheep Producer award in Pfliger earned a bachelor of science degree in animal science from NDSU. The sheep industry is in a very exciting and a very challenging time, and I look forward to working with the entire industry to strengthen and build upon what we ve accomplished in recent years, said Pfliger, who credited outgoing president Clint Krebs with setting a standard for hard work and dedication to the industry. I am honored to be elected by my fellow producers and look forward to working with all segments of the industry to improve and strengthen domestic sheep production. Other ASI officers entering new terms are Mike Corn of Roswell, N.M., who was elected as vice president, and Benny Cox of San Angelo, Texas, who is ASI s new secretary/treasurer. Jeff Ebert of St. George, Kan., was elected to represent Region IV on the ASI s executive board. Ebert, who labels himself a lifelong sheep man, said he is excited to become involved on the ASI board representing Region IV, which consists of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and North Dakota. ASI is a national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations. It benefits the interests of more than 79,000 sheep producers. Executive Secretary Report By David Brown, NDLWPA Executive Secretary Is anyone ready for spring? For some of you, lambing might be finishing up, while others are just getting started or preparing for April lambs. How are the lambs looking? For those of you who are tired of lambing in the snow and 30-below temperatures, the NDLWPA has offered a workshop centered around out-of-season lambing. This is a good opportunity to learn about fall and summer lambing to avoid the harsh cold of our North Dakota winters. Photo courtesy of David Brown Also on the calendar is the Ram Day at the NDSU Hettinger Research Extension. Chris Schauer and his staff will present the result of this year s ram test. Again, here is another great opportunity to learn more about sheep and meet with other breeders. North Dakota sheep numbers are basically the same from last year. It is a great time to keep the ewe base, with feed prices low and lamb prices steady. We cannot complain if bred ewe prices from Bowman early in January averaged $309. Congratulations go out to former NDLWPA President Burton Pfliger. Burton was elected the president of ASI at the end of January. Through the years, Burton has been of one the biggest supporter of the North Dakota lamb and wool industry, and it great to see that his time and effort have been rewarded with his election. We are very lucky to have his support and leadership. Well, it is sad to say that Reid Redden is leaving us at the end of the month for a bigger pasture Texas. Reid has been very instrumental in so many endeavors within our industry. We are truly better off with having had him as our sheep specialist. Like Us on Facebook! Search for NDSU Sheep Specialist or North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association I personally have learned from him and would like to thank him for his time and enthusiasm, especially with the starter flock program, NSIP and shearing school. Reid, good luck in Texas, and I hope that you realize that the North Dakota shepherds cherish your friendship, knowledge and expertise. Publication #77 Spring

4 Director Profile By Joana Friesz My name is Joana K. (Engelter) Friesz. I live with my husband, Duane, and sons, Taylor and Thomas Friesz, on a farm north of New Salem, N.D., a mile north of where I grew up. I started in the Corriedale breed in 1976 with 10 head of bred ewes from Tim Doll, New Salem, N.D., for a 4-H/FFA project. We currently run 55 head of Corriedale brood ewes, along with 60 head of Photo courtesy of registered Polled Hereford cattle David Brown and 30 head of Boer goats. I was elected to the American Corriedale board of directors in May I have been in the insurance business for 35 years, and have owned my own independent property and casualty insurance agency, Northland Insurance Agency Inc., in New Salem, N.D., for 24 years. My husband is a mechanic for Napa of New Salem, N.D. Taylor will graduate from NDSU in May with a bachelor s degree in ag econ and minor in animal science. Thomas will graduate from Bismarck State College in May with an associate s degree in renewable energy. He plans on going to NDSU in the fall of 2015 and pursuing a degree in ag econ and minor in animal science. Both plan on coming back to the farm and continue raising livestock. I have attended and consigned to many Midwest Stud Ram Sales since the late 1970s. I attended the National Corriedale Show and Sale in Ohio in 2000 and have been consigning to most of the National Corriedale Sales since then. My sons have been coming with me when their school schedule has allowed them to do so. We have met many lifelong friends in our Corriedale path. It has been a great sheep breed to be raising and truly is a dual purpose breed. This past year during the 2014 National Corriedale Show and Sale in Sedalia, Mo., we not only celebrated the Corriedale breed being in the U.S. for 100 years but also accomplished something we still think is a dream. Our yearling ewe, Friesz 332, was named 2014 national champion Corriedale ewe and then was selected as the supreme ewe in the entire breed show at the Midwest Stud Ram Show and Sale. She sold the next day in the National Corriedale Sale and set a high selling breed record for $5,750. Her twin sister, Friesz 333, sold two sheep later and topped her twin sister s record, selling for $6,000 - both selling to Kody Wolf of Ohio. Kody exhibited Friesz 332 at the 2014 National Corriedale Show in Louisville, Ky., where she was champion Corriedale ewe in the junior and open shows, and was named supreme champion ewe in the junior show. Congratulations to Kody and his family. We appreciate your support in our program and wish you success with these ewes! A few years ago, some Corriedale breeders were interested in seeing what the northern Plains are like and were interested in having a National Corriedale Show in our area. With the support of the North Dakota State Fair Association, we will be hosting the 2015 National Corriedale Show in Minot, N.D., during the North Dakota State Fair. The Corriedale Show dates are July The North Dakota State Fair and the Visit Minot Convention Bureau are very excited to be hosting this national event. I have the support of the NDSF, Visit Minot, North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association, South Dakota Corriedale Association, Corriedale breeders and other sponsors. If you have any questions, please let me know. Legislative Update By Lyle Warner It has been an interesting legislative session so far. There seems to be a lot of fear generated by low oil prices at the present time. Below are a few of the items that have a direct impact on our industry. The legislators are coming back from cross-over and oil prices are on the rise, so we may see some better attitudes. The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab facility has been pulled out of the governor s budget. This is an $18 million project. It was ranked first on the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education (SBARE) priority list of facilities and included in the governor s budget. The area livestock Extension specialist for the Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) was included in the governor s budget and was the No. 1 priority of SBARE. It has been pulled out for the time being. I think the Senate will look more favorably on this position. The animal science technician for the HREC also was pulled for the present time. The $1 million annual fund for funding agriculture research competitive grants passed the Senate with only one person in opposition. The House basically gutted the governor s budget except for pay raises. I think the Senate will put most of the priorities back in. 4 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

5 2015 Starter Flock Applications Being Accepted The North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (NDLWPA) is seeking application for its starter flock program. Since the beginning of the program in 2008, the association has provided more than 700 ewes to young people in the state to get involved with sheep. The starter flock program is an initiative started by the NDLWPA and NDSU Extension Service with the intent to encourage and assist young people to enter the sheep and wool industry and help sustain this important food and fiber industry in the American culture. Each recipient will receive 10 ewes. These ewes will be purchased by the NDLWPA in late September. The recipients will be recognized at the annual NDLWPA convention held in October each year. The program is open to any youth from 10 to 22 years old. Applications must be submitted by mail or by May 15 of each year. Participants must: Be between the ages of 10 and 22 as of Jan. 1 of the year of the application Submit with the application two letters of recommendations from people who are not a family member Include with original application a letter of support and endorsement from a parent or legal guardian Maintain junior or senior membership in the NDLWPA Attend the NDLWPA convention in the year you receive your flock Provide an annual report of your flock status by May 1 of the following year Accept mentorship by a NDLWPA member in your region Repay 20 percent of the original cost of the flock in October of the second, third and fourth years of the program to the NDLWPA to continue the program for future years Mail the application to: NDLWPA st Ave. S.E. Tower City, ND the application to ndlwpa@gmail.com. If you have questions or need an application mailed to you, contact David Brown, NDLWPA executive secretary, at (701) or ndlwpa@gmail.com. Research Update Use of CIDRs and PG 600 for January Lambing Reid Redden, Dani Black, Melissa Crosswhite and Carl Dahlen NDSU Animal Sciences Department Problem Pregnancy and lambing rates are low for January-lambing ewes Limited data is available on current industry recommendation to induce estrus Approach 425 primarily Western white-faced ewes were used in the study Four treatments were applied randomly to ewes: Control no CIDRs or PG 600 CIDR ewes received a CIDR for seven days CIDR d -1 CIDR for seven days and PG 600 (3 ml) was given one day prior to CIDR removal CIDR d 0 CIDR for seven days and PG 600 (3 ml) was given at CIDR removal 15 rams were joined with ewes immediately after CIDR removal (Aug. 5) for 21 days Results About 50 percent more CIDR-treated ewes lambed in the first 10 days About 15 percent more CIDR- and PG600-treated ewes lambed in the first 10 days About 25 percent more CIDR-treated ewes lambed in the first 30 days Prolificacy was not affected by CIDRs or PG 600 Percent Ewes Lambing 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 1% 49% Pregnancy Rate 42% 73% 74% 72% 59% 54% Control CIDR CIDR d -1 CIDR d 0 Treatments 10 Days 30 Days Publication #77 Spring

6 Starter Flock Profile Richard Harnisch, Hebron (Mentor, Steve Kitzan) Q: What is the most surprising thing about your starter flock? A: The most surprising thing was they fit in well with my other sheep at home. I put them all together when I came home with my new 10. I have three rams and 42 ewes. The majority of my flock is young ewes. My parents don t have sheep. My dad runs calves and cows, and farms and ranches. My mom works at Hebron School as a para-teacher in the elementary grades. Q: What did you do to prepare your ewes for breeding, winter and lambing? A: I flushed them with high-quality feed before breeding. I feed them corn and high-quality hay. I expect to start lambing at the end of March. We sheared our flock on Feb. 23. I went together with two other sheep farmers, and we sheared about 100 head. We had Hilary Geitzen shear, and I was the person pushing them in the alleyway before shearing. I plan buy 15 yearling ewes this year. I also am going to make sure to keep back the best ewe lambs from this year s lamb crop. Q: Name some interesting things about your flock. A: We use my sheep during Christmastime for our live nativity scene at our church. Also, my mom is planning a field trip for elementary students to come see my lambs and sheep. Also, I judge livestock for our local FFA chapter and am doing well so far. Q: What advice would you give anyone interested in getting a starter flock? A: The starter flock program is a good experience to meet new people who have been in the industry, and the association provides a lot of education and help with the sheep. I attended shearing school. Also, if you have any question, there is always someone willing to help you. Q: Any favorite sheep? A: Hopper is my favorite sheep. She was a bum lamb that started out in the basement of our house in a water tank, and at 2 days old, she could clear the tank and was walking around in the house. Last spring, I bought eight ewes, and they were range runners; no fence would keep them in. They were in my dad s wheat field and also in my mom s garden. Needless to say, they went back to the sales barn. Photo courtesy of Richard Harnisch 6 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

7 Producer Profile Skip Anderson, NDSU Sheep Unit manager Q: Can you provide a short description of the NDSU Sheep Unit? A: The NDSU Sheep Unit can be described as a live classroom. The sheep unit serves numerous roles in the educational process at NDSU. First and most important is the teaching role. Each year, hundreds of undergraduate students utilize the Sheep Unit for a number of classes with hands-on opportunities for learning that include animal sciences, veterinary technology and livestock evaluation. In addition, students outside of the Animal Sciences major and the College of Agriculture, including engineering and art students, have utilized the Sheep Unit. The second role is research. Each year, a number of research projects are conducted at the Sheep Unit or on campus using sheep. Many of these projects are industry-relevant and are centered around nutrition, reproduction and animal health. Finally, the Sheep Unit serves as a tool for Extension and outreach. Throughout the year, a large number of groups and schools visit the Sheep Unit. Many of these groups include producers on tours and county Extension agents. On any given year, the NDSU Sheep Unit will have more than 500 visitors and guests. From a sheep standpoint, the Sheep Unit is home to 250 ewes from four breeds of sheep. Those breeds are registered Hampshires, Columbias, Katahdins and commercial Dorsets. The NDSU Sheep Unit has had a long history in the sheep industry. As of 2015, the Hampshire flock is 100 years old and the Columbia flock is 70 years old. The Sheep Unit has two lambing seasons. The majority of the ewes lamb in the spring, typically from mid-january to late March. A smaller second group of ewes lambs in the fall starting around mid-september. The two lambing seasons serve as a great opportunity for teaching and research to be conducted year-round. The three registered breeds are all enrolled in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), and extensive performance data is collected on the commercial sheep as well. The NDSU flock remains relatively closed, with very few outside genetics being added to the breeding, and only through ram purchases. All replacements are bred and developed from within the flock. Rams also are developed from within the program but only after a multistep selection criteria including phenotypic appraisal, pedigrees and DNA testing, as well as growth and performance analysis. Q: What are the goals of the unit? A: The goals of the NDSU Sheep Unit are very simple but ongoing. The first goal is to stay focused on student education and teaching by providing high-quality, healthy stock for students to enrich their education in an environment that remains inviting and relevant. From a sheep standpoint, NDSU continues to breed high-quality sheep that fit the needs of the students, faculty and the industry. Furthermore, NDSU aims to be a source for performance-tested genetics through data collection, as well as sheep that remain attractive with usefulness and function. Q: What has happened in the last couple of years that makes you the most proud? A: In the last few years, the NDSU Sheep Unit can be proud of many accomplishments. The facility has seen a number of improvements, making feeding and lambing more efficient. More specifically, these include a modern bunk line feeding system, expanded lambing room and insulated bunching rooms. The commitment to infrastructure has been ongoing and continues to improve each year. Furthermore, the Sheep Unit takes pride in the presence it continues to build in the College of Agriculture and Fargo community. Q: How do you see the NDSU Sheep Unit best serving the North Dakota sheep industry in the future? A: The NDSU Sheep Unit can best serve the North Dakota sheep industry by remaining visible in a number of ways. The first way is by assisting with the education of future shepherds through high-quality learning opportunities for undergraduate students. Next, we will continue to conduct industry-relevant research and disseminate that information to producers throughout the state. Finally, we will support the state-sponsored sheep events, such as shows and sales, and solidify our commitment and presence to the state industry. Publication #77 Spring

8 Timely Tips 1 Early weaning lambs (45 to 60 days of age) a. Provide lamb creep feed in a well-lit, dry area at least two weeks prior to weaning b. Eliminate grain and reduce hay quality provided to ewes one week prior to weaning c. Remove ewes from lambs and keep on low-quality diet for at least one week d. Provide lambs an overeating booster at or before weaning e. Don t allow early weaned lambs access to parasite-contaminated pasture 2 Prevent fly strike a. Consider docking tails prior to fly season b. Apply fly repellants to open wounds during fly season c. Consider docking options that reduce likelihood of fly strike 3 Prevent nutritional disorders in lambs a. Water belly i. Provide supplemental calcium, limestone ii. Add ammonium chloride to high-grain diets b. Overeating i. Provide overeating vaccine and booster ii. Adjust lambs to high-grain diet slowly c. Polio i. Consider giving thiamine supplement to lambs on high-grain diets ii. Give vitamin B-complex injections to lambs that go off feed or stargaze d. White muscle disease i. Add forages high in vitamin E (alfalfa) to ewes in late pregnancy ii. Supplement vitamin E to ewes or lambs if diets are low in vitamin E e. Goiters i. Add supplemental iodine to salt for pregnant ewes and lambs 8 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

9 Calendar of Events March 11 March 14 May 15 July 7 July Out of Season Lambing Seminar Carrington Ram Field Day Hettinger Research Extension Center Starter flock applications due Starter flock recipients announced National Corriedale Show, North Dakota State Fair, Minot July Open Class Sheep Show, North Dakota State Fair, Minot Aug. 1 Aug. 8-9 Sept. 16 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Oct. 1-3 Jamestown Ram Sale, Stutsman Count Fairgrounds, Jamestown Fiber Arts Festival, Fargo Hettinger Ram Sale, Adams County Fairgrounds, Hettinger New Shepherds Workshop, Hettinger Research Extension Center Starter flock pickup, Hettinger Research Extension Center Tri-state Symposium and NDLWPA Lamb and Wool Convention, Medora coconut Milk Marinated Lamb Kabobs Lamb 3 pounds boneless American Lamb leg 15 ounces coconut milk 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Skewers Tarragon-Mint Pesto 2 garlic cloves 1 bunch tarragon leaves ½ bunch mint leaves ¼ cup shelled and toasted pistachios Zest and juice of ½ lemon ½ to ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Recipe and photo courtesy of American Lamb Board (industry check-off that makes these recipes for the industry to use). 6 x 4 clip-and-save recipe card. Recipe continues on following page. Publication #77 Spring

10 Directions Lamb Remove as much excess fat as possible from lamb leg; cut into 1-inch cubes. In a shallow baking dish, place lamb cubes; top with milk and vinegar. Gently stir mixture; cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove cubes from marinade; gently pat meat dry. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Skewer 6 to 7 cubes of lamb onto each skewer. Place skewers on an oiled grill rack about ½ inch apart. Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove from heat; allow meat to rest for about 4 to 7 minutes. Tarragon-Mint Pesto In a food processor, add garlic; pulse until chopped. Add tarragon, mint, pistachios and lemon; continue to pulse 6 to 8 times. With the motor running, add oil in a slow and steady drizzle until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper. Serve Tarragon-Mint Pesto with kabobs as a dipping sauce, or drizzle over the lamb. 10 North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter

11 North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Membership Form This form is a membership application to the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (NDLWPA) and American Sheep Industry (ASI) NAME FARM NAME ADDRESS PHONE ( ) CHECK WHICH APPLIES TO YOU will be put in NDLWPA Directory Commercial Rambouillets Columbias Feedlot Targhee Katadins Shearer Hampshire Dorpers Corporate/business Suffolks Corriedale Feed distributor/supplier Southdowns Montadales Dorsets Texels Goats Polypays Handspinner other Tell us the size of your fl ock MEMBERSHIP TYPES 2015 dues $50 Annual NDLWPA (ASI included- ed newsletter weekly) $25 JR NDLWPA (Under 18 yrs old) $35 Corporate Sponsor $10 ASI Newsletter Mailed Hardcopy ($75 max for families) Please make check payable to: NDLWPA Mail to: NDLWPA st Ave S.E. Tower City, ND Like us on Facebook North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers or view our website at ndlwpa.com Publication #77 Spring

12 North Dakota State University Agriculture Communication NDSU Dept 7070 PO Box 6050 Fargo ND Non-Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit No 818 Fargo ND The NDSU Extension Service does not endorse commercial products or companies even though reference may be made to trade names, trademarks or service names. 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) North Dakota Sheep Industry Newsletter