Sheep Breeding Workshops Focus on Performance and Production – July 26-27
Are you interested in increasing performance and profit in your sheep operation? A New Direction in Sheep Breeding is an educational program that will be held July 26 and 27 at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, Iowa. The program is funded by ASI Let’s Grow and is being sponsored by the United Suffolk Sheep Association. It is a free program and is open to any producer who is interested in improving performance, increasing profitability, and impacting the value of American lamb.
The program will offer components for both seedstock and commercial producers. The program on July 26 will begin in the afternoon and run through early evening. Dr. Dan Morrical will present on utilizing quantitative genetics, utilizing Estimated Breeding Values, and understanding the needs of the commercial producer. Rusty Burgett will demonstrate how to use the free National Sheep Improvement Program searchable database. Dr. Ron Lewis will explain breed improvement and progress in the industry that has been made by using Estimated Breeding Values. A lamb dinner will be included and will be followed in the evening with and hands-on ram evaluation.
The July 27 program will be held in the morning and is designed for commercial producers. Dr. Dan Morrical will present on sire selection for commercial flocks and how to select rams using Estimated Breeding Values to maximize profit. There will be a panel discussion featuring Shawn Capouch, Mark Hoogendoorn, and Mark Van Roekel who are commercial producers that have successfully used Estimated Breeding Values in their flocks.
Participants who attend either of the workshops and complete and evaluation will be entered into a drawing to win $100 in sale credit that can be redeemed at the Center of the Nation Sale that will take place in the afternoon on July 27 at the same location.
For a full listing of the program details go to www.suffolks.org. Preregistration is recommended by July 17. Please contact the Brenda Reau, USSA Director 734-755-8282 or .
Sponsors supporting the program include Superior Farms, Premier 1 Supplies, National Sheep Improvement Program, Dry Sandy Sheep Company, Reau Suffolks, and Center of the Nation Sale Suffolk consignors.