New and experienced shepherds will have an opportunity to learn more about lambing at a clinic hosted by NDSU Extension on Jan. 20, at NDSU's Carrington Research Extension Center (CREC).

“Lambing time is the culmination of your breeding program, and an exciting and rewarding time as a sheep producer,” says Travis Hoffman, NDSU and University of Minnesota Extension sheep specialist. “This workshop will focus on providing resources and education to sheep producers wanting to optimize their lambing management.”

The clinic starts at 10:30 a.m. Central time at the CREC, 663 U.S. Highway 281, and will also include a producer tour at the Jared Higgins Ranch, Woodworth, North Dakota.

“A healthy lamb and caring ewe are important, so the clinic topics will benefit novice and experienced sheep producers alike,” says Hoffman.

Lambing workshop presenters and topics are:

• Hoffman – Lambing difficulties and young lamb management
• Joe Hochhalter, veterinarian at Steele Veterinary Clinic, Steele, North Dakota – Disease, vaccines and antibiotics
• Monica Fitterer, NDSU Extension agent, Steele County – Parasite management
• Cody Krause, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Predator control
• Karl Hoppe, Extension livestock systems specialist at the CREC – Ewe nutrition

During the tour of his sheep operation, Higgins will offer an interactive look at his lambing barn and protocol during their lambing season and discuss potential challenges.

“There has been extraordinary interest in expanding operations with sheep in North Dakota,” adds Hoffman. “This workshop will be a great opportunity for producers to connect and learn from each other.”

The clinic is free of charge but pre-registration is encouraged so notifications can be sent in case of winter weather issues. A lamb brat lunch will be provided by the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. The event will conclude at 3 p.m.

Registration and event information is available at ndsu.ag/lambingworkshop.

For more information, contact NDSU Extension – Foster County agent Jeff Gale at 701-652-2581 or jeff.gale@ndsu.edu, or Travis Hoffman at 701-231-7006 or travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Jan. 3, 2024

Source: Jeff Gale, 701-307-0369, jeff.gale@ndsu.edu

Source: Travis Hoffman, 701-231-2222, travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu

Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-7006, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu