PHOTO: Lambs at Rafter P Ranch, Kensington, MN

Dan and Kay Persons to Host Spring Sheep Workshop

 Sheep health and handling is the theme for the 2018 Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association (MLWPA) Spring Sheep Workshop at Dan and Kay Persons, Rafter P Ranch, Kensington, MN.

Topics and speakers include: Scrapie and Regulatory Issues, Dr. Steven Just, Board of Animal Health; Electronic ID & Handling Demo, farm staff; Ewe/lamb Necropsy, Dr. Greg Sonstegard, DVM; Hoof Care, Al Hendrickx, producer; Wool / Shearing set-up, Dr. Travis Hoffman, UM/NDSU; Lambing Barn / Orphan Lambs, Dan & Kay Persons, producers; Lamb Feedlot Management, farm staff.

The Spring Sheep Workshop will be Saturday, April 7. Registration starts at 8:30 am, and the day concludes at 3 pm. The cost is $10 per person for youth, students and MLWPA members ($20 for non-member producers) and includes a lamb lunch courtesy of Superior Farms and MLPWA. Go to mlwp.org for registration materials.

Froehlich Family Receives Silver Bell Award 

Steve and Jean Froehlich family have always demonstrated a true interest and love for the sheep industry. Their willingness to help out, and use their sheep for display in Baa Booth and other events to increase awareness to the general public. The family spends countless hours in the sheep barn during the Minnesota State Fair tending to their sheep on display and also volunteering their time.

Mike Caskey Receives Dedicated Service Award

Mike received this award for his 40+ years of being an instructor and educator, and also being a producer and an advocate for the industry by the many committees and positions he has served over the years. Mike is a passionate advocate for the sheep industry and works tirelessly to help sheep producers succeed.

Thank you to our Sponsors

This year, the joint annual conference with the North Dakota producers was a huge success, and this was only made possible by the businesses that contributed to the event!

This year our annual conference – a.k.a. “Shepherd’s Holiday” – will be a joint event with Minnesota and North Dakota producers. We worked with NDLWPA on planning an outstanding convention. Make plans to head to Fargo, ND on December 1-2.

The conference starts with an optional bus tour that leaves Friday morning (see the agenda for a list of tour stops). Join us back at the Double Tree Inn for the evening lamb social and auction. Saturday is jam-packed with educational sessions (again refer to the agenda – there’s something for everyone) throughout the day, as well as state annual meetings, a lamb lunch, and trade show. The event concludes with our keynote speaker – Kate Lambert (Agvocate, blogger, sheep producer, marathon runner) who will discuss “Advocating for modern Agriculture: Why it matters to producers“.

Click on the “Shepherd’s Holiday” button to review the agenda, registration materials and hotel information.

See you in Fargo!

The Baa Booth at the State Fair was a big hit again! Plenty of sheep industry information, and lamb recipe cards, and good discussion to fill the day. Special thanks to John and State Fair reps, the booth is looking great, and even has a new game to test your sheep knowledge!

Spring Sheep Day is a resounding success with over 100 participating – excited to learn hands on and share knowledge about sheep and lamb health! “Thanks to U of M Veterinary Diagnostic Lab and Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Assoc for a great day.”

Hands-on demos included: ewe health – assessing body condition, disease symptoms, collecting blood samples; examining euthanized ewes for signs of OPP, CL, and other health issues; and lamb necropsy station determining causes.

Great lecture sessions on sheep diseases, focusing on Scrapie and OPP, and other health concerns, and an OPP producer panel, and finished the day with U of M Sheep Barns or DVL tour.

Look for more pictures and post on our Facebook page; Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers Association, or https://www.facebook.com/groups/MLWPassociation/