7811 N. Consolidated School Rd. Edgerton, WI 53534
Phone: 608-868-2505
Fax: 608-868-6200
Email: wisbc@centurytel.net
UWEX
Arlington Sheep Day Matches Breed and Feed to Lamb Markets
Arlington, Wis. – The annual Arlington Sheep Day will be held on March 10, 2012 at the Public Events Facility of the Arlington Research Station. Dr. Mike Neary, Purdue University Extension Sheep Specialist will address two topics: Should I sell my lambs as light ethnic lambs or finish them to heavier weights? and Economical diets for ewes and lambs. With rising feed costs, Dr. Neary will help producers evaluate their lamb market and how to make the most from their ewe flock.
Three commercial sheep producers will share their management ideas on the following topic: What drives decisions on your sheep farm? Do breed selection and management strategies determine your market OR do market opportunities drive your management and breed choices? The panel will feature Carrie Johnson of Jordandal Farms (Argyle, WI), who use Icelandic and Clun Forest ewes to produce fine fleeces and finished lamb for direct sales. Paul Esser (Glen Haven, WI) manages 160 to 200 Polypay ewes, selling feeder lambs from Suffolk rams.
Sheep producers in 22 states participated in the USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System’s 2011 Sheep Survey. The survey gathered data regarding management practices and the prevalence of sheep diseases such as scrapie, ovine progressive pneumonia, Johne’s disease, Mycoplasma ovipneumonia, and caseous lymphadenitis. In addition, the survey collected information regarding internal parasites and anthelmintic resistance in Wisconsin flocks. A USDA APHIS veterinarian will share the latest updates on the results on this work.
During these educational sessions, a beginner and youth session will be held concurrently at the Sheep Unit of the Arlington Research Station, featuring a Sheep Skill-athon. Please register at the Public Events Facility before proceeding to the Sheep Unit.
Following the morning educational session, the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative will hold its annual WSBC Recognition Dinner beginning at 12:30 pm, followed by the annual members meeting beginning at 1:30 pm. A youth program will be held during the annual meeting.
Educational sessions begin at 8:30 am and pre-registration is required by February 24, 2012. Registration fees and cost for dinner to be announced. All are welcome at the Recognition Dinner. Please register for the event through the WSBC website (http://www.wisbc.com/annual-meeting.php) or the University of Wisconsin Sheep and Goat Extension Website (http://fyi.uwex.edu/wisheepandgoat/programs/). For more information, contact Claire Mikolayunas at 608-890-3802 or mikolayunas@wisc.edu.
EWEniversity Sheep Production Program Scheduled for Winter 2012
The University of Wisconsin-Extension will hold a 6-week educational program on commercial sheep production from mid-February to March. The course is intended for producers new to sheep, those thinking about starting a sheep business, or experienced shepherd just looking to re-fresh their information. This pilot course will be held Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm from February 16 to March 22, 2012 at the Iowa County Health and Human Services Building (303 West Chapel Street, Dodgeville). Additional courses may be held in other parts of Wisconsin in future years.
The course will cover topics related to commercial sheep production, including breed selection, animal health, lambing management, flock nutrition, marketing opportunities, and economic analysis. This hands-on course will include a farm visit and practical exercises for new and experienced shepherds. In addition to the 6-week program, students will be invited to summer follow-up meetings at sheep production facilities, such as pasture walks and processing facilities. The course will be limited to 25 participants. A registration fee of $65 will be charged if registered by February 10. After this date, registration will be accepted for a fee of $80. Course details will be posted by January 1 on the following websites: http://fyi.uwex.edu/wisheepandgoat/ and http://iowa.uwex.edu/. For more information, contact Gene Schriefer at the Iowa County Extension gene.schriefer@ces.uwex.edu or 608-930-9850.
New Sheep & Goat Extension Website
A new, UWEX on-line resource is being developed to keep small ruminant producers informed of current events, new research, recent publications, and producer resources. Go to http://fyu.uwex.edu/wisheepandgoat/ As the site develops, it will serve as as a central information site for sheep and goat producers in Wisconsin.
