New shepherds will have an opportunity to learn more about managing sheep during a clinic Sept. 21 at North Dakota State University’s Hettinger Research Extension Center.

The Hettinger clinic starts at 10 a.m. Mountain time. It’s a joint effort of NDSU Extension, the Hettinger Research Extension Center (HREC) and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (NDLWPA), which is sponsoring lunch. Clinic participants will be able to tour the HREC sheep facilities as part of the clinic.

Topics that will be covered during the clinic are:

• Sheep nutrition
• Sheep economics
• Ewe and lamb health
• Lambing barn management

“This is the 11th year of the Starter Flock Program in North Dakota, and this educational event is geared for providing youth and experienced producers with an opportunity to answer production questions and learn from each other,” NDSU Extension sheep specialist Travis Hoffman says.

“Now is a great time for young people to get involved in a growing sheep industry,” says Luke Dukart, Mandan sheep producer and NDLWPA board member. “It is very affordable for an initial cost, and people can either start with sheep on a small acreage or expand and diversify to graze with cattle on an existing livestock operation. We look forward to seeing you in Hettinger.”

Hoffman urges new and experienced sheep producers to also check out the Hettinger Ram Sale catalog at http://www.ndsheep.org/ram-sales for a list of entries offered for sale Sept. 18. They include Targhee, Rambouillet, Suffolk, Hampshire, Polypay, Columbia, Dorset, and crossbred rams and ewes.

Registration for the clinic is free of charge. The registration deadline is Sept. 19.

For more information or to register, contact Hoffman at 701-231-2222 or travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication - Sept. 4, 2019