Young North Dakotans with an interest in sheep have an opportunity to get a start in the sheep industry with their own ewes.

Each year, the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (NDLWPA) and North Dakota State University Extension Service select a group of youth and young adults 10 to 22 years old to receive a flock of 10 ewes.

“The intent is to encourage and assist young people to enter the sheep and wool industries and help sustain this important food and fiber industry and our American culture,” says Travis Hoffman, NDSU Extension sheep specialist. “It is an exciting time for growth in sheep and lamb production in North Dakota.”

This is the ninth year for the program. Seventy-six starter flocks have been awarded.

The ewes, which the NDLWPA purchases, will be available for pickup in Hettinger in late September. A mentor will be available to answer the recipients’ questions and help them with keeping records, making progress reports and setting management goals.

Starter flock recipients will reimburse the program for 20 percent of cost of the ewes in each of years two, three and four to keep the program growing for others. This year’s recipients will be recognized at the annual NDLWPA convention in Fargo on Dec. 1-2.

Applications for a starter flock are due June 5. Visit the NDLWPA website at http://www.ndsheep.org for the application. Submit applications to: NDLWPA, 3711 131st Ave. S.E., Tower City, ND 58071 or via email at ndlwpa@gmail.com.

For more information about the starter flock program, contact Hoffman at 701-231-BAAA (2222) or travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - May 26, 2017