Annual Conference of the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association

Something for Everyone at the 2009 Shepherd’s Holiday!

Sheep enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels are invited to the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers (MLWP) Shepherd’s Holiday conference and trade show. Participants will be able to choose from a wide array of sessions related to sheep health, nutrition, reproduction and management, as well as fiber arts classes.

Friday’s highlights include workshops on Out of Season Breeding, Feeding and Managing Replacement Ewe Lambs, Biosecurity, Ask the Vet, Selecting Terminal Sires, Wool Dyeing, Basic Computer/e-mail skills and more. The day concludes with the MLWP business meeting, followed by a reception with entertainment, lamb shank banquet, and fundraiser auction.

Saturday’s program includes sessions on Ewe Lamb Selection, Scrapie, Felting and Wool Grading. Participants can bring a sample of wool to enter in the quality wool contest. The Silver Bell Luncheon (lamb gyros) will honor some outstanding producers. Participants are then invited to Rafter P Ranch for some on-farm, hands-on sessions on Feeding and Handling Systems, Ultra-sound for Pregnancy Diagnosis, Lamb Necropsy and more. Please dress appropriately.

Once again, the state Make it With Wool (MIWW) contest will be held in conjunction with the conference on Saturday, Dec. 5. Contestants will compete for a chance to represent Minnesota at the National MIWW contest in Nashville in January. The MIWW fashion show will take place after the Silver Bell Luncheon and awards program.

Join us in Alexandria, at the Holiday Inn, December 4-5. For hotel reservations, call 320-763-6577 (ask for the MLWP rate). For reduced registration and meal prices, register by Nov. 18.

See the complete agenda and registration form.