The North Dakota State University Extension Service is hosting three free seminars on basic sheep husbandry for beginners in the sheep industry and producers who want to expand their flock.
"High sheep prices likely will attract newcomers to the sheep industry and encourage producers to expand existing sheep operations," says Reid Redden, NDSU Extension sheep specialist. "Also, the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association has a perpetual flock program that awards starter flocks to 10 youth, most of whom do not have much experience with sheep."
The Shepherds Clinics are set for June 16 in Fargo, Aug. 3 in Minot and Oct. 1 in Hettinger. All three programs will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Topics to be covered are breeding/reproduction/gestation, lambing barn management, ewe nutrition, lamb nutrition, genetics, wool production and harvesting, common health issues and marketing. The program also includes a sheep tour.
Registration is required one week prior to the seminar. Lunch will be available for purchase at each session.
For more information or to register, contact Redden at (701) 231-5597 or reid.redden@ndsu.edu for the Fargo seminar; Oliver County Extension agent Rick Schmidt at (701) 794-8748 or rick.schmidt@ndsu.edu for the Minot seminar; or Adams County Extension agent Julie Kramlich at (701) 567-2735 or julie.kramlich@ndsu.edu for the Hettinger seminar.
