No

N-Profit

US PoStag

e

Paid

Permit No

. 203eaU Claire, W

i

Ad

dress serv

ice req

uested

Winter 2013 volume 25, number 1

A PublicAtion of the Wisconsin sheeP breeders cooPerAtive7811 Consolidated School Rd., Edgerton, WI 53534 • www.wisbc.com

See Arlington on Page 2

See Iowa on Page 7

The December 20th blizzard, while bringing much needed moisture, made getting to hay feeder a little more difficult for these Shropshire ewes at the Hiemke farm outside of Stoughton. Close to twenty inches fell across parts of the state. Photo by Cody Hiemke

Bred Ewe Sale 1952 - 2012After almost six decades, the

2012 Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Annual Bred Ewe Sale was gaveled to a close for the last time in late October with only 24 head sold, averaging just over $340. At its January meeting, noting the growing red ink and dwindling consignments, the WSBC board voted to end the venerable sale’s run and to explore alternatives. The sale’s latest average had plummeted over $100 from the previous year and in 2010 the sale had been cancelled outright for the first time in its history.

Low numbers didn’t diminish quality however. In the Suffolks, Aceline Suffolks & Club Lambs, Brooklyn, consigned a yearling which sold to Elyssa Grant of Waupaca at $450 and a ewe lamb going to Richard Piechowski of Waupaca at $350.

The three Lincolns were con­signed by David Hammer, Cuba City, and all were purchased by Stephen Redman, Wilmot; two yearling ewes at $250 and $150 each and a ewe lamb selling at

$250.Two Shropshire ewe lambs

were brought to the ring by Nob Hill Shropshires, Jerry and Robin Pardus, McConnell, IL. One was sold to Elyssa Grant for $275, while the second went to Tim Elsbury, Adell at $300.

The three Hampshires were consigned by Roembke Hampshires, Mark and Richard Roembke, Cedarburg. A mature ewe and a ewe lamb went to Mike Larson of Brussels at $300 each, while a yearling ewe sold to Jon, Wynn, Robyn, Kurth and Auretta Wiitkopf of Pewaukee for $300.

The largest group of consignments was the Wether­Type sheep. Aceline returned to the sale ring with three ewe lambs, two selling to Susan Doman, Watertown; one at $800 and the second for $475. The third Aceline lamb went to Shawn O’Donovan, Waupun at $475. No Hill Shrops brought in a ewe lamb that went home with Jillian Bingen, West Bend for $200, while Roembkes sold their

ewe lamb to Stephen Redman for $325. Rupnow Hamp Show Lambs, Jim and Sue Rupnow, Wausau, consigned three yearling ewes and all three were sold to Andy Larsen, Casco at $250 each. That entry was followed by a ewe lamb brought into the ring by Metro Hamps, Heidi & Ty Thorson, Columbus, which sold to Courtney Wilson, Evansville at $300.

Smerchek Show Lambs, Dan & Shelly Smercheck, Rosholt, came with five ewe lambs, four of which sold to Shawn O’Donovan at $375, $450, $325 and $450. The fifth lamb went to Courtney Wilson for $325. O’Donovan was the volume buyer for the day.

The 2012 Bred Ewe Sale brings to a close a nearly sixty year history of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative providing an opportunity for producers to market and purchase bred ewes and ewe lambs in an auction setting. The first Bred Ewe Sale was held in 1952 at the Madison Livestock Sales Pavilion.

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Annual MeetingArlington Sheep Day • Saturday, March 16, 2013

The 5th Annual Arlington Sheep Day will be held on Saturday, March 16, at the University of Wisconsin­Madison’s Arlington Agricultural Research Station. The program is packed with useful information on sheep grazing, genetics, health, and nutrition.

Dr. Kreg Leymaster, Research Geneticist at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska, will be the featured speaker and make two presentations. He will first discuss the great economic benefits to be realized from the wise use of complementary breeds of sheep in an organized crossbreeding program. His second presentation will feature the ground­breaking results of the recent USDA research on the genetics of susceptibility to ovine progressive pneumonia (OPP). OPP is an endemic disease in sheep flocks throughout the U.S., and the Clay Center group has identified

genes that reduce the probability of a sheep becoming infected. DNA tests are now commercially available to flock owners to test their sheep for the presence or absence of these desirable genes. There also is new data to suggest that some of the previous ideas on the major routes of transmission of OPP are not correct.

Pastures and pasture manage­ment for sheep will be discussed by Dr. Rhonda Gildersleeve, Extension Grazing Specialist, UW­Madison, and Dr. Dave Thomas, Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics, UW­Madison will discuss the use of alternative feeds for sheep. With the current high cost of forage due to last summer’s drought and the continued high cost of corn due to large quantities being diverted to ethanol production, producers are looking for ways to reduce their annual feed costs. Greater use and

Arlington Sheep Day Scheduled

Stating that “This is a radical proposal but I think we are in desperate times,” Dan Morrical, Sheep Extension Specialist at Iowa State University, recently circulated a resolution by the Iowa Sheep Industry Association (ISIA) to numerous sheep extension specialists and researchers around the country that takes aim at over weight lambs and the grading practice of no­rolls. The resolution, passed at the December 11, 2012 ISIA meeting of its board of directors, will be directed to the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the Lamb Council for approval at the annual ASI meeting in San Antonio, TX, on January 23­26. Morrical requested that his contacts support the resolution with their respective state producer organizations. The resolution reads:

“Be it resolved, the American Sheep Industry Association requests the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement a change to the lamb grading standards to include a maximum carcass weight of 85 lb. for a carcass to be graded as a lamb. Be it further resolved that lamb processors who utilize USDA graders must grade all carcasses in the plant and discontinue the practice of no-rolls. ISIA asks that this resolution please be directed to the appropriate council, the Lamb Council, for discussion and approval at the Sheep Industry Annual Convention next month in San Antonio.”

Basically, a processing plant that wishes to have lamb carcasses USDA graded must have a USDA grader put both a quality (prime,

Iowa Grading Resolution Controversial

The Wisconsin shepherd WinTer 20132

2013 is here, and with it, hope for a stronger market for our lambs, wool—and sheep in general.

I continue to hear the question, “What do I get for my membership in the WSBC?” No, you won’t see any tickets to a Packer playoff game, or a voucher for the ram of your choice at a national sale, but here are just some of the ways in which your $25 annual dues works for you as a producer.

The WSBC is a member of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), and as such we have representation at their annual meeting. This year, WSBC board member Keith Schultz will attend the meetings in and educational sessions offered in San Antonio, TX, and we’ll ask him to do a summary for the next edition of the Wisconsin Shepherd.

The most visible activity of the WSBC is of course the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival held each September in Jefferson. This is our (yours and my) opportunity to showcase our industry—sheep, wool, fiber—and our supporting businesses. This event is a window to the public as well, as thousands of non­industry people attend, purchase, and become better acquainted with what the sheep industry is all about. The value of this to you as a producer or small business owner is undoubtedly worth the price of a membership, even though it really cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Exposure to the public is a growing challenge that we as producers constantly face and the festival does much to bridge the gap. The festival is also home of the Wisconsin’s annual Make It With Wool contest,

whose contestants vie for a trip to the National Finals, this year held in San Antonio. Your co­op has consistently supported this and many other youth­oriented programs all designed to make our industry stronger, including college scholarships.

If you’ve attended the Wisconsin State Fair and then visited the Sheep Barn, you may have noticed the little shop in the middle of the barn crammed with woolen products galore. Well, that houses the Wisconsin Wool Works!, also sponsored by your cooperative, which brings those hundreds of woolen products to the attention of many of the nearly one million fairgoers. Here is an eleven­day opportunity to introduce a mostly urban population to not only the beauty and versatility of wool, but to our industry as well.

Please join us for Arlington Sheep Day, held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Sheep Breeder Cooperative annual meeting. This year it is being held on March 16 at the Public Events Building on the UW­Arlington Farms. The morning will be devoted to educational sessions for both adults and youth, followed by a great meal. We urge you to stay for your annual meeting, and we even more importantly urge you to become actively involved in your organization.

I do hope that 2013 brings you all the good things that go along with being involved in the sheep industry, but most of all I hope it brings you health and happiness.

Sincerely,Sue Rupnow

President, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative

NoTeS from THe PreSIDeNT’S PeN

the Wisconsin Shepherd is a quarterly publication of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, a

non-profit organization dedicated to the diverse interests of the Wisconsin sheep industry. Inquiries about WSBC and address changes for WSBC and The Wisconsin Shepherd should be directed to Jill Alf, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, WSBC, 7811 Consolidated School

Road, Edgerton, WI 53534; 608-868-2505 or wisbc@centurytel.net.

eDitor Bob Black, 920-623-3536

aDvertiSiNg maNager Kelli Gunderson, 9726 N. Fork Creek Rd., Shannon, IL 61078; 815-821-5905 or robkelgundy@yahoo.com

WSBC officers and directors are:PreSiDeNt Sue Rupnow: Wausau, 715-675-6894

viCe PreSiDeNt Keith Schultz: Ft. Atkinson, 920-568-0895

Steve Bingen: West Bend, 262-629-4221Elmer Held: Oakfield, 920-583-3084Bill Keough: Manawa, 920-596-1931Gary Klug: Platteville, 920-309-2181Laura Meyer: Watertown, 920-206-8445Jeff Nevens: Lodi, 608-592-7842Alan Thorson: Columbus, 920-344-1235

As Sue Sees It:

Then mark your calendar

for next year....

September 6-8 2013

Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival

Did you miss The

2012 Festival?!

Groenewold Fur & Wool Co.

304 E. Avon Street PO Box 663

Forreston, IL 61030 USA

Tel: 815-938-2381 email: office@gfwco.com

web: www.gfwco.com

The Midwest’s #1 Wool Merchant

An integral part of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op youth programming is the awarding of up to two $1000 college scholarships annually. The scholarships are underwritten through the generous contribu­tions of supporters who each year donate to or purchase items at the Silent or Shepherds Auctions at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival. Applications for 2013 scholarships are due by June 15, 2013 (no late applications will be accepted). A downloadable application form is available at www.wisbc.com.

Criteria For Scholarship Applicants

• Parents or applicant must have been members of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op for a minimum of two (2) years, including the year of application.

• Must be a high school senior graduating in 2013 or college student age 21 or younger.

• Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited 4­year college the fall of 2013.

• Previous WSBC scholarship winners are not eligible to re­apply.

• Applicant must have carried sheep as a 4­H or FFA project

for a minimum of 2 years.

2013 scholarships will be announced at the 2013 Sheep and Wool Festival to be held at the Jefferson County Fair­grounds, September 6­8, 2013. Scholarships will be paid any time after January 1, 2014 upon submission of scholar­ship recipients Fall 2013 college transcript and a Spring 2014 class schedule. Copies of these documents should be sent to: Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, 7811 N. Consolidated School Rd, Edgerton, WI 53534. Scholarship checks will be sent after these requirements are met.

rachel Schambow, daugh­ter of Dr. richard & Judy Schambow, Janesville, is the recipient of the 2012 Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative scholarship. She is a 2012 graduate of milton High School, currently attending the University of Wyoming­Laramie to earn a degree in Biology. She hopes to pursue a career in wildlife ecology or veterinary medi­cine. rachel and her family raise registered Suffolk and Tunis sheep, and she has served as the Treasurer of the United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association as well as the President of the newly formed National Junior Tunis Association.

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Offers Scholarships

better management of pastures and use of some non­conventional feedstuffs need to be considered.

Dr. Kay Nelson, UW­Madison Veterinarian, and Todd Taylor, Arlington Sheep Unit Manager, will conduct a session at the sheep farm for youth and interested beginning producers on “What’s Wrong with My Lamb or Ewe?” Participants will be involved in hands­on activities including taking temperatures, monitoring respiration rates, and foot trim­ming; in addition to learning how to identify and treat some common diseases in sheep.

Cost for the Arlington Sheep Day educational program is $5 per individual and $10 for a family. The program schedule and registration form can be found on the UW­Madison Extension Sheep and Goat website (http://fyi.uwex.edu/wisheepandgoat/) and on the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative website www.wisbc.com).

For more information on the Arlington Sheep Day program, contact Dave Thomas (608­263­4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu) or Todd Taylor (608­846­5858, toddtaylor@wisc.edu).

ArLINgToN CoNT. from PAge 1

Winter 2013 the Wisconsin shepherd 3

5th Annual Arlington Sheep Dayand

Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative2013 Banquet, Recognition Program & Annual Meeting

Saturday, March 16, 2013Public Events Facility, Arlington Agricultural Research Station

8:30 a.m. Registration

8:45 a.m. Welcome

Public Events Facility Sheep Unit

9:00 a.m. Pastures and Pasture Management for Profitable Sheep Production Dr. Rhonda Gildersleeve, Extension Grazing Specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, UW-Madison and Cooperative Extension, UW-Extension

9:45 a.m. Optimum Use of Breed Resources for Profitable Sheep Production Dr. Kreg Leymaster, Animal Research Geneticist, USDA Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska

10:30 a.m. Break

10:45 a.m. Ovine Progressive Pneumonia: Genetic Susceptibility and New Thoughts on Transmission Dr. Kreg Leymaster, Animal Research Geneticist, USDA Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska

11:30 a.m. Use of Alternative Feeds for Sheep in the Era of High Feed Costs Dr. Dave Thomas, Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics,

Department of Animal Sciences, UW-Madison

12:15 p.m. Adjourn morning program

12:30 p.m. Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Banquet

1:30 p.m. Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative 2013 Recognition Program and Annual Meeting

9:15 a.m. What’s Wrong with my Lamb or Ewe? Intended for youth and beginning shepherds— Dr. Kay Nelson, D.V.M., Research Animal Resource Center, UW-Madison and Todd Taylor, Shepherd, Arlington Sheep Unit, UW-Madison

A hands­on session where participants will learn how to detect signs of illness in sheep and discuss treatments for common diseases. Participants will take the temperature of sheep and use a stethoscope to monitor respiration rate. There will be some foot trimming involved also.

11:45 a.m. Return to Public Events Facility

Arlington Sheep Day is sponsored by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences of the University of Wisconsin­Madison, Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin­Extension, and the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative.

For more information on the 5th Annual Arlington Sheep Day, contact Todd Taylor (608­846­5858, toddtaylor@wisc.edu) or Dave Thomas (608­263­4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu).

For more information on the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Annual Meeting & Recognition Banquet or membership to the WSBC, contact Jill Alf, Executive Secretary­Treasurer (608­868­2505, wisbc@centurytel.net)

Sheep Day Attendee Name (s): ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________Email: _________________________________________________

Membership Name: _____________________________________________________________________

Farm Name: _________________________________Website: __________________________________

Breed(s) of Sheep Raised: _______________________________________________________________

Public Events FacilityArlington Agricultural Research Station

N695 Hopkins Rd., Arlington, WI

Directions:The Public Events Facility is located east of Interstate Hwy 90 approximately 14 miles north of Madison.

Arriving from the south on I­90: Exit at DeForest (Hwy V). Go left (west) on Hwy V over I­90. Take first right (north) onto Hwy I. Go north on Hwy I approximately 4 miles to Hwy K. Turn right (east) onto Hwy K. Go approximately 2 miles on Hwy K and turn right (south) onto Hopkins Rd. Go approximately ½ mile to Public Events Facility.

Arriving from the north on I­90: Exit at Arlington (Hwy 60). Go right (east) on Hwy 60 approximately 3.5 miles. On the west side of Arlington, turn right (south) on Hwy I and go approximately 2 miles to Hwy K. Turn left (east) onto Hwy K. Go approximately 2 miles on Hwy K and turn right (south) onto Hopkins Rd. Go approximately ½ mile to Public Events Facility.

Annual Meeting Banquet & Recognition ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison

Arlington Agricultural Research Station, N695 Hopkins Rd., Arlington, Wisconsin

Saturday, March 16, 2013REGISTRATION

(One form for each individual or family. Please list all information if purchasing a membership)

Make checks payable to WSBC/send to: Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op, 7811 N. Consolidated School Road, Edgerton, WI 53534

Registration Fees Cost Total

Morning Educational Programs—Individual registration $5.00

Morning Educational Programs—Family registration, all family members $10.00

Number

WSBC Recognition Banquet Menu: Leg of Lamb & Chicken Cordon Bleu, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, 7-Layer Salad, Assorted Pie w/Ice Cream. Open to all Sheep Day attendees and WSBC members x $15.00

Children’s Menu: Hot Dog, Cheesy Potatoes, Jell-O, Cookies/Brownies x $5.00

2013 WSBC Annual Membership Dues See additional membership information needed below x $25.00

Registration Deadline: Postmarked by March 5, 2013 Total Due

The Wisconsin shepherd WinTer 20134

In today’s sheep industry with high cost feed and lower market prices, it is extremely important that producers focus on goals —producing and marketing a high lambing percentage while keeping the cost of production as low as possible. Management prior to, during and after lambing will greatly impact lamb losses, pounds of lamb marketed and input costs. The Pipestone Lamb Time Short Course and Bus Tour offers producers an opportunity to help recognize and effectively deal with common lambing time problems within their own flocks. Participants will tour two commercial sheep operations where they will see how each producer has laid out their barn, set up creep pens, dock, vaccinate, feed and manage their ewes and lambs.

The 2013 Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program Lambing Time Short Course and Bus Tour will be held on February 8 ­9 in Pipestone, Minnesota. For registration con­tact Jodi Christensen, email jodi.christensen@mnwest.edu or (507) 825­6806 to register by phone. There is a maximum enrollment of 100 paid registra­tions for the bus tour, so early registration is encouraged. The cost of tuition, bus, lunch and

breaks is $99.00 per person.

Randy Dombek Farm TourRandy is one of the most

practical producers in the Pipestone area. He runs around 900 commercial ewes plus a smaller flock of Suffolk and Hampshire ewes. Randy employs a multiple lambing period system and does nearly all the work himself. Therefore, he has employed many low labor feeding, lambing and management practices. He has been very successful at producing and marketing a high lambing percentage for many years. Over the past 40 years, he has built several buildings of different styles and designs including a low cost lambing barn that incorporates good ventilation concepts. His innovative sheep management ideas and years of experience make him one of the top producers in the country. Randy received the Pipestone Outstanding Producer Award in 1990 and received the Minnesota Silver Bell Award for Outstanding sheep production in 1991. He was also inducted into the Pipestone Sheep Hall of Fame in 2008.

Brian Winsel Farm TourBrian is one of the young

newcomers to the sheep business. He started in sheep five years ago

and has steadily grown his flock size to 600 ewes. To accommodate this expansion he has remodeled an existing building to be a labor efficient lambing facility and has built additional cold housing with a drive through feeding system to provide a low labor feeding system. Plus, he has incorporated a working and shearing area into the same building. Brian has many low labor concepts built into his operation that will make it easier to run a large number of ewes for many years to come. He employs a wave system of lambing and has developed a great set of sheep management skills in a very short

period of time.The Pipestone Lamb &

Wool Program at Minnesota West Community & Technical College has worked with over 12,000 sheep producers from around the U.S. and several foreign countries, bringing them the latest in sheep management information. Currently, the Pipestone member producer program has 76 producers enrolled who collectively manage approximately 30,000 ewes. For additional information on the Pipestone Lamb & Wool Program, go to www.pipestonesheep.com.

2013 Lambing Time Short Course and Bus Tour

Pipestone Lambing Time Short Course & Bus Tour Program ParticipantsMike Caskey

Mike is an instructor in the Pipestone Lamb & Wool Program at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, where innovative sheep management concepts and education methods have helped producers in the Pipestone area prosper in sheep pro duction and have earned the program the reputation of being on the “cutting edge” of sheep management technology. Mike also runs 300 head of purebred Hampshire and Dorset ewes.

Philip BergInstructor at Pipestone Lamb

& Wool Program, Philip was born and raised on a Pipestone area sheep farm and continues to work with his family’s sheep operation. After receiving his Masters Degree, he worked for North Dakota State University at the Hettinger Research and Extension Center for six years, after which he returned to the Pipestone where he worked as an Extension agriculture educator for eleven years. He is highly respected for his outstanding work as an educator and has completed five on­line sheep management courses for those who find it difficult to attend onsite programs at Minnesota West.

Dr. J.D. BobbDr. Bobb is a veterinarian

at the Pipestone Vet Clinic and grew up on a sheep ranch near Taylor, ND, receiving his BS Degree in Animal Science at North Dakota State University. He then worked as an instructor at Wadena Technical College, after which he returned to college at Iowa State University, graduating with a DVM Degree. He then joined the Pipestone Vet Clinic where he provides the sheep and reproductive technology leadership to the staff. He also raises purebred Rambouillet sheep.

Dr. J.L. GoelzDr. Goelz is a veterinarian

at Pipestone vet Clinic and grew up near Redwood Falls, MN on a diversified livestock farm with registered sheep, hogs and cattle. He attended the University of Minnesota, graduating with a DVM Degree in 1996. He has been very involved with the sheep program at Pipestone Vet Clinic, where his knowledge of sheep and his helpful personality have made him popular with sheep producers.

Friday, February 8, 20136:30 p.m. Registration

7:00 p.m. Welcome – Opening remarks – Mike Caskey

7:15 p.m. Properly Obtaining and Using Sheep Health Products – Dr. Goelz

8:00 p.m. Be Smart About Genetics – Philip Berg

8:45 p.m. New Genetic Testing for OPP Resistance – Dr. Goelz

9:30 p.m. End of evening program

Saturday, February 9, 20138:00 a.m. Registration

8:20 a.m. Opening remarks

8:30 a.m. How Did the Industry Get Here? – Mike Caskey

9:15 a.m. Managing Common Ewe Health Problems – Dr. Bobb

10:00 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m. Keys to Ewe Nutrition – Philip Berg

11:00 a.m. Effectively Dealing with Common Lamb Health Problems the First 3 Weeks of Life – Dr. Bobb

Noon Lunch

12:45 p.m. Board Bus

1:15 p.m. Tour Brian Winsel Farm

Tour Topics Discussed/Demonstrated:

• Lambing Barn Layout

• Low Labor Management Concepts

• TMR Ewe Rations

• Raising Lambs on Milk Replacer

• Creep Setup and Design

• Grafting Lambs

2:15 p.m. Board Bus

3:00 p.m. Tour Aaron and Bethany Lass Farm

Tour Topics Discussed/Demonstrated:

• Lamb management philosophies

• Newborn lamb care

• Tubing lambs

• Fixing inverted eyelids

• Docking and Castrating Methods

• Hoop Barns for Sheep

• Self feeding Soybean Hulls and DDGS to ewes

4:15 p.m. Board buses

5:00 p.m. End of program, Arrive back at Minnesota West College

Heinold Feedsor Ordinary Sheep Feed?

• Palatable & Nutritious

• Vitamin & Mineral Fortified

• State Of The Art Nutrition

• Premium Quality

• #1 Choice Of Top Breeders

You Decide.“A Family Tradition of Quality Since 1936”

Larry Mrozinski,Heinold Sheep FeedNutritionist, knowssheep and sheep people and will

gladly work with you.Give him a call at

1-800-331-8673and Join The

Leaders!

HeinoldSHOW FEEDSP.O. Box 639 • Kouts, IN 46347

800-331-8673

Sheep Feed Made For Sheep People …… By Sheep People

222379_7-14-04 ©2012 CRI A3242-072

• Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Friday 8 a.m. to noon

Sheep and Goat auctions on Tuesday at 8 a.m., and a Breeding Sheep & Goat auction on the first Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m.

Central LivestockAssociation

A Company of Genex Cooperative, Inc.

Zumbrota MarketPhone 877/732-7305 • www.centrallivestock.com

Tom Ostlie 612-532-0966

WE SELL SHEEP EVERY DAY IN ZUMBROTA

5WINTER 2013 THE WISCONSIN SHEPHERD

Give them the best fuel, right from the starting line. New Ultra Fresh®

Optimum lamb milk replacer features an enhanced fatty acid profile to provide added energy and a healthy start. In research trials1, Ultra Fresh

®

Optimum lamb milk replacer delivered significant increases in average daily gain and lamb weaning weights. Fill your lambs with an efficient and effective fuel this lambing season and watch your flock pull out ahead.

Contact your local Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products

representative today, or visit: www.lolmilkreplacer.com

1 Land O'Lakes Animal Milk Products Research Trial on 423 lambs. Spring 2012.

Optimize nutrition for your lambs and energize your bottom line.

New Ultra Fresh® Optimum

The latest models, now with increasedfuel efficiency.

The Wisconsin shepherd WinTer 20136

877.780.6410 www.badgerlandfinancial.com

© 2012 Badgerland Financial, ACA

Stable. Steady. Strong.At Badgerland Financial, we can help you save time and money by offering added flexibility and convenience:

Loan Commitment for the Long Term. Badgerland Financial offers permanent loan terms up to 30 years. There is no need to worry about renewal fees or re-qualifying down the road.

Loan Conversion Option. When interest rates change or other circumstances arise, in most cases you can ‘convert’ your Badgerland Financial loan to a new product for a small processing fee. No lengthy and expensive refinancing process is required.

The Annual Beginning Sheep Shearing School was held at the Arlington Agricultural Research Station Sheep Unit of the University of Wisconsin­Madison on December 1­2. A total of 16 students from Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan participated in the school, and over 160 sheep were sheared.

The lead instructor was Joe Huber, a professional sheep shearer from Wisconsin Dells, who has taught the school for several years. He was assisted in instruction by his two sons, Josh and Jordan, Todd Taylor, manager of the Arlington Sheep Unit, and Dave Thomas, Professor of Animal Sciences. In addition, several members of the Taylor family and other UW­Madison employees provided valuable assistance in conducting the school.

The shearing method taught was originally developed in New Zealand and allows an experienced shearing to remove the wool from a sheep in 40 to 50 “strokes” or “blows” with the

shearing machine. In addition, students are provided instruction in the different types of shearing machines and how to properly set­up and maintain the machine for optimum cutting of the wool. Each student was provided a large notebook of printed information and a DVD on shearing methods, machine maintenance, and proper handling of wool provided by the American Sheep Industry Association.

Wisconsin ranks 16th among U.S. states in total sheep numbers but 9th for number of sheep operations. Therefore, Wisconsin flocks are relatively small, averaging about 25 breeding sheep per flock. Professional shearing crews are reluctant to come onto a farm to shear a small number of sheep, and when they do, the cost per sheep is much greater than for larger flocks. The shearing school provides these small flock owners with the training they need to effectively shear their own sheep. Many students of these schools will further develop their shearing skills, offering their services to

their neighbors and, in a few cases, going on to professional shearing.

The Arlington Beginning

Shearing School is co­sponsored by the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative and the University of Wisconsin­Madison, College

of Agricultural and Life Sciences through its Department of Animal Sciences and the Arlington Agricultural Research Station.

Arlington Beginning Sheep Shearing School

Sixteen students from three states attended the 2012 Beginning Shearing School hosted by the UW Arlington Sheep Unit and Shepherd Todd Taylor (behind sheep). Students are also provided with instructional materials including a DVD on shearing methods, proper handling of wool and machine maintenance provided by the American Sheep Industry Association. Joe Huber, professional shearer from Wisconsin Dells, was the lead instructor for the school. Photo supplied by University of Wisconsin Madison CALS

The Wisconsin Southdown Association has scheduled the 2013 Southdown Stars Sale and Symposium for Saturday, April 20 at the UW Agriculture Research Center Public Events Building, Arlington, WI. Pictures of all sale sheep will be published in an online catalog. Bidders who cannot attend the sale in person are invited to view the sheep online and bid on the “real time” bidding phone line. Details about how to participate, as well as the sale catalog, results and YouTube video of the 2012 sale, can be found on the association’s website, www.wisconsinsouthdowns.com.

Several short learning ses­sions will start the day with basic infor mation necessary to having a successful Southdown flock. Chris, Kent and Dan Spilde will teach a session on fitting a South­down for show. There will be a special hands­on youth session

and ASBA (American Southdown Breeders Association) President, Barbara Bishop, will give an update on news in the Southdown breed at the national level, including the new Ectodermal Dysplasia (Hairy Lamb) policy the ASBA recently adopted.

Ewe lambs purchased at this year’s sale will be eligible to win one of two $250 cash jackpots sponsored by the WI Southdown Association. This cash award will be given to the two junior members with the highest number of points earned in the ASBA Pot O’Gold futurities. This jackpot is in addition to any monies awarded by the ASBA.

The association will also award the 2013 “Starter Ewe Lambs” to several Wisconsin youth at the event. Starter ewe lamb appli­cations are due on March 15th and can be found at the website listed above. Prior applicants are encouraged to apply. The Starter

Ewe Lamb program is in its 6th year and has been a popular way for youth who currently don’t have Southdowns to get a start in the breed. The youth are provided a high quality ewe lamb and mentorship from the donating breeder up through the first year of breeding. Southdowns numbers have significantly in­creased in Wisconsin youth sheep projects partly due to the network of breeders in the state who have made high quality Southdowns breeding stock very accessible. The Southdown’s moderate size, good temperament and conven­ience of showing slick shorn have also contributed to the attraction to the breed.

If you are unable to visit the association’s website and need more details on the event, please contact Amy Jones at 920­253­5473, circlejsouthdowns@hughes.net or Troy Lobdell at 608­482­1502, lobdell@yousq.net.

Wisconsin Southdown Association 2013 Stars Sale and Starter Ewe Program

Haley Yunker (left), Southdown breeder and ewe lamb donor from St.Croix falls, WI, awards morgan eilers, Waupaca, WI, (right) with a Southdown fall ewe at the 2012 Southdown Stars Sale. The 2013 sale is scheduled for April 20 at the UW­Arlington farms Public events Building, where the Wisconsin Southdown Association will award ‘Starter ewe Lambs’ to several Wisconsin youth. Wisconsin Southdown Association file photo

Winter 2013 the Wisconsin shepherd 7

WE’RE LOOKING OUT FOR THE LITTLE GUYS

Introducing the NEW Omni 2 Special, designed for your small animals.

• Lower profile for Calves, Goats, Sheep

• All rounded edges to protect your animals

• Durable 304 stainless steel trough

• Heavily insulated with Electric heat and adjustable disc thermostat

• Comes with Ritchie’s 10 year warranty

To learn more, or to find a dealer or installer near you contact us at 800-950-4882 or email Jeremy Jeremy.Tritten@ferguson.com.

On October 18th, Bob and Carol Black of Columbus were recognized by the UW­Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with the Honorary Recognition Award for their Leadership, dedication and support of the Wisconsin Sheep Industry.

Bob joined the Wisconsin Sheep Industry Conference plan­ning committee in 1981 and served as its chair from 1984 until 2002, when the annual producer event became the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival. The festival now draws close to 8000 visitors yearly, giving producers an opportunity to interact with the consumer, as well as providing educational opportunities for both the producer and the consumer ­ many who are new to the industry or from a non­farm background. Bob has held numerous positions within the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, currently serving as festival chair and editor of The Wisconsin Shepherd, the quarterly publication of the co­op.

Carol serves as the publicity chair for the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival and for the past twelve years has managed the Wisconsin Wool Works. The Wisconsin Wool Works is a retail program of the co­op that markets consigned products and wool items at the Wisconsin State

Fair and at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival. She also owns and operates a small mail order company begun in 1978 that specializes in wool products and sheep related items.

With about thirty friends and family in attendance, Bob and Carol graciously accepted the honor and shared with those in attendance the values instilled in them by their parents to work hard, do the best that you can and to give back to your community. The Wisconsin sheep industry is just one of many communities that Bob and Carol Black are a part of.

Submitted by Alan Thorson, Director, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative.

Bob and Carol Black Receive UW CALS Honorary Recognition Award

choice, good, standard, or cull) and yield grade (1,2,3,4, or 5) on each carcass that is graded. However, the plant is currently not required to have all carcasses graded if they have a USDA grader in the plant. Un­graded carcasses are called no­rolls and a plant may have various reasons for not grading them. One reason might be that the carcasses may be overly fat and therefore have an undesirable yield grade. Such carcasses may simply be trimmed

of excess fat and end up being sold into the restaurant trade or a market where the customer would not see or need to see a yield grade on the piece of meat they purchase. A Yield Grade 5 carcass may be difficult to sell, though if ungraded the same carcass might be easier to merchandise when trimmed back with no yield or quality grade markings. Note: All carcasses are required to be “USDA inspected” for food safety, but not all carcasses are

required to be “USDA graded.”The ISIA resolution was

presented to the board of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative at its January 6 meeting. In a unanimous vote, the board members directed ASI Representative Keith Schultz, Ft. Atkinson, to oppose the measure when he attends the ASI annual meeting, citing a general concern that too many good quality lambs would be overlooked by the 85 pound limit set by the proposal.

IoWA continued from page 1

Sheep exhibitors, particularly junior exhibitors, will find a number of changes for the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair. All Junior Show entries will now be made on­line or be mailed in, not made through county offices as in the past. There will be a limit of six head total per exhibitor, including

a maximum of two market lambs, and no yearling rams will be permitted. All supreme champions will be judged on Wednesday in the Coliseum.

All sheep exhibitors will find a major change waiting for them when they arrive at the State Fair this year. A new wash rack will be

in place in the southeast corner of the barn. Open Show exhibitors with Wether­Type sheep will now be showing with the Meat Breeds.

The Wisconsin State Fair will be held August 1­11. Stay up to date by visiting www.wistatefair.com.

Changes for State Fair Sheep Shows

Wisconsin Wool Works! – Looking Ahead

The retail arm of the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op will experience a shift in managerial responsibilities this year as the Wisconsin Wool Works! gets ready to open for its twelfth year at the Wisconsin State Fair. Long­time WWW manager, Carol Black, will turn over more of the day­to­day management of the booth during the fair to Kim Ogle of St. Francis. Ogle manages her own fiber arts business, Ogle Designs, and has been both a consignor to the Wool Works and a vendor at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival for many years. Black will continue with inventory, financial responsibilities and for the management of the booth during the festival.

The Wisconsin Wool Works! experienced a second year of record sales in 2012 following the remodeling and enlarging of the booth, which is open daily during the eleven day run of the fair. The retail space offers an excellent opportunity to showcase the efforts and products of Wisconsin fiber artists and small fiber­related businesses. For information on consigning to the Wisconsin Wool Works!, contact Carol Black at carol@ewesfulgifts.com or 920 623­3536. The Wisconsin State Fair runs August 1­11.

The Wisconsin shepherd WinTer 20138

TLC FOR YOUR LAMBS Sav-A-Lam® Milk Replacer

Ultra Start® Multi Colostrum Supplement

Electrolytes Plus

*Learn more at www.SavALam.com Sav-A-Lam® and Ultra Start® are registered trademarks of Milk Products LLC. ©2012 Milk Products LLC.

Winter 2013 the Wisconsin shepherd 9

Nasco Farm & RanchWisconsin ShepherdWinter 2013WS1301

WS1301

Tired of the stress and complications caused by elastrator rings?

..... Put a ‘WEE’ in your pocket today!

HIGH TENSION

Worth theInvestment

1-800-858-5974 www.callicratebanders.com

The Columbia/Dodge Grazing Network will host a Winter Grazing Meeting at the Randolph Village Hall Community Center on Thursday, February 14, from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. During the morning sessions, speakers will present information on: the basics of managed intensive grazing; a producer panel will discuss their experiences grazing small ruminants, hogs and chickens; and soil health for pastures will be explained. The morning producer panel will include sheep producer and veterinarian Greg Brickner. The Brickners graze a commercial flock of 200+ ewes and their lambs on 155 acres on their farm near Wonewoc, WI. Their sheep are moved every 2 to 3 days to maximize dry matter intake on their high quality pasture swards while decreasing parasite intake. The Brickners have added annuals to their grazing system to extend the season.

The afternoon sessions will focus on drought management for pastures and a panel of pro­ducers will discuss what they have implemented on their farms for drought management. Pro­ducers considering grazing are encouraged to join this group of graziers who’ve been networking for many years, sharing ideas, touring each other’s operations and gaining insight on how to streamline their production, remain sustainable, and market their products.

Registration Fee: $20.00

Deadline: Friday, February 8, 2013

Checks Payable to: UW­Extension Columbia County P.O. Box 567, Portage, WI 53901

For more information visit www.tacrcd.com or contact Kirsten Jurcek, Grazing Educa tion Specialist, Town & Country RC&D

at (920) 342­9504 or kjurcek1@centurytel.net. Or George Koepp, UW­Extension Columbia County, (608) 742­9682 or george.koepp@ces.uwex.edu.

This event is being sponsored by the Columbia/Dodge County Grazing Network, UW Cooper­ative Extension, and Town & Country RC&D with funds from the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Program (GLCI) and the Wisconsin Department of Agri culture, Trade and Consumer Protec tion.

UW-Cooperative Extension pro vides equal opportunities in employ ment and programming includ ing Title IX and ADA. To ensure equal access, please make requests for reasonable accom-modations to any of the above.

Columbia/Dodge Grazing Network Plans Winter Grazing Meeting

2013 National Targhee Show Coming Back To Wisconsin

The United States Targhee Sheep Association (USTSA) is excited to be coming back to Wisconsin for their 2013 National Show & Sale. All events will again take place at the Arlington Public Events Center, UW­Arlington Research Farm, Arlington, WI, with the open, junior and wool shows being held on Friday, July 19, and the national sale being held on Saturday, July 20.

The USTSA will also be awarding its 5th Annual Starter Flock Award to a deserving youth at the national show. Any youth between the ages of 9 and 17 as of January 1, 2013, and whose family does not already raise

Targhee sheep, are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found on the USTSA website (http://www.ustargheesheep.org/) or the A&J Nevens Livestock website (http://myplace.frontier.com/~jrnevens/).

Updated show and sale infor­mation will be available on the USTSA website or if you have questions, please contact the event chairpersons (Todd & Lynette Taylor – TaylorSheep@yahoo.com, or Leslie & Jeff Nevens —AandJNevensLives tock@frontier.com), or the USTSA Secretary, Mardy Rutledge— ustargheesheep@gmail.com.

Auction Coordinator Opening

The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative is seek­ing applicants for the position of Auction Coordinator. The responsibilities include solici­tation of contributions and donations for the Silent and Shepherd’s Auctions at the annual Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, managing the auctions, coordinating volun­teer assistants, main tain ing accurate records, recog nizing contributors and buyers, responsibility and account­ability of expenses and receipts, and acknowledgment of all donor contributions. Inter ested persons should con tact the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op, 7811 Consoli dated school Road, Edgerton, WI 53534 or email wisbc@centurytel.net.

Sheep & Wool Festival - September 6-8, 2013

The Wisconsin shepherd WinTer 201310

Pipestone Veterinary Supply

We are the answer people!

To Order Call: 800-658-2523Fax: 507-825-3140

Ask-A-Vet: gkennedy@pipevet.comWebsite: www.pipevet.com

2012 has been a good year, with sales to more than 10 states. RAM LAMBS have been our main focus for sales, but this year we have sold over 40 ewes as well. Customer reports are very positive. At Ohio State Fair, of 17 pens of market lambs, MGR 223-sired lambs had the top pen, and carcass contest confirmed the placing. For 2012, see us for that special ram lamb. We could also put together small flocks of ewes. 2013 lambs will be sired by 5 stud rams, 2 of which are new.

MINT GOLD RANCHDale & Judy Dobberpuhl

5807 County Road X • De Pere, WI 54115920-864-7732 • email: mintgoldranch@hotmail.com

website: http://www.mintgoldranch.com/

19th Annual Indianhead Sheep Breeders AssociationShepherd’s Clinic and Trade Show—February 2

The 19th Annual Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association Shepherd’s Clinic will be held at the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Conference Center in Rice Lake, Wisconsin on February 2. This all­day educational, networking event and trade show will include a variety of concurrent educational topics by industry leaders. The sessions will be broken out into Special Topics; Profitability & Sustainability; Show World; Genetics & Health; and Hands­On Sessions. The following program schedule is tentative and subject to change. To register, and to confirm speakers and times, please go to the ISBA website, www.indianheadsheep.com. Please pre­register by January 25!

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Registration

8:30 – 8:45 Welcome/Introductions

8:45 – 9:10 Keynote Session – Selling Sunlight, Running A Sustainable,

Profitable Sheep Operation – Woody Lane

9:25 – 10:25 Orphan Lambs and Weaning On Pastures – Woody Lane

Panel: Club Lambs – Bernie O’Rourke, Justin Luther, Brian Johnston, Corrine Arnevik­Hansen

Pricing Our Product – Kara Berlage Hands­On Session: Internal Parasite Prep (off­site) Cover Crop Grazing: Minimize Input Costs –

Gene Schriefer

10:40 – 11:40 Forage Discussion Groups – Woody Lane Good Fences (& Dos) Make Good Lambs – Gene Schriefer Showmanship – Bernie O’Rourke Ask the Vet – Dr. Bob Leder, DVM

11:00 – 12:25 Lunch, Nepal Trip: Sheep Productivity in Other Cultures, Auction

12:25 – 1:25 p.m. Lamb Carcass Valuation – Gary Onan Transferring the Farm – Gene Schriefer Genetic Problems: Tests You Can Do –

Dave Thomas1:00 Hands­On Session: Internal Parasites

Fecal Count Seminar Dr. Bob Leder, DVM (off­site)

Skillathon – Bernie O’Rourke (off­site)

1:40 – 2:10 Meat Cuts Demonstration Is AI For You? – Justin Luther

2:10 – 2:40 Special Youth Presentation

A roast lamb and chicken luncheon program will feature the awarding of ISBA Scholarship and Essay Contest winners.

For additional information, sponsorship opportunities or trade show reservation information contact Duane Klindworth at 715­286­4157. A printable registration form is available on the ISBA website. Pre­registration by January 25 is requested.

EQUITY’S LAMB POOL��

Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales

Association’s Wisconsin Lamb Pool

forms of marketing lambs for the

progressive sheep producer. We have

a reputation for supplying quality

lambs to our buyers.

EQUITY COOPERATIVE LIVESTOCK SALES ASSOCIATION

401 Commerce Ave. Baraboo, WI 53913 800-362-3989www.equitycoop.com

T he Way To Go!

For more information or a lamb pool schedule,

please call 800-362-3989, ext. 131.

The state 4­H Meats Judging Contest is scheduled for Febru­ary 16th at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Meat Lab oratory. Registration is from 12:30 to 1 p.m. with the contest starting at 1 p.m. The highest scoring senior team will participate in the National 4­H Meat Judging Contest in

Manhattan, KS. The second place senior team may participate in the National Western 4­H/FFA Meat Judging contest in Fort Collins, Colorado. All of the information per taining to this contest is located on the Extension Youth Live stock Website http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/programs /4hmeatscontest/.

The deadline for registration is Friday, February 8, 2012. The registration form is on the website. For information please contact, Bernie O’Rourke, Exten­sion Youth Livestock Specialist at borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu or 608­263­4304.

4-H Meats Judging Contest Slated for February 16th

Winter 2013 the Wisconsin shepherd 11

The Performance Leader in Baby Animal Nutrition

®

with

SPECIAL DIRECT FED MICROBIALS

LAMB & KID

ELECTROLYTE PACK

BLUE RIBBON

TM

Show your appreciation for our advertisers.

Tell them you saw them in...

©2012 CRI A-03972-12

Economics dictate that you need a fast and reliable way to pregnancy check your ewes. DG29™ is as simple as drawing blood and you receive results within days. Visit http://tinyurl.com/DG29Sheep to learn more.

Cooperative ResourcesInternational

Genex 888/333-1783 • AgSource 800/236-0097www.crinet.com

IS SHE or ISN’T SHE...IS SHE or ISN’T SHE...

Visit Our Website: www.wwsda.org

A stock dog...Your most economical and loyal employee

Mark your calendars for the Jack Knox Herding Clinic.

Fitchburg, WisconsinFebruary 4-5, 2013

www.indianheadsheep.com

Shepherd’s Clinic featuring all-day educational sessions for

beginners to experienced shepherds, a youth program,

trade show, silent auction, and a lamb luncheon program with live

auction items, awards and scholarship presentation

Saturday February 2nd, 2013 Registration 8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Featured Speakers & Topics Include: Woody Lane- keynote speaker, grazing nutrition, orphan lambs Dave Thomas - UW Madison, testing for genetic problems Justin Luther - UW River Falls, reproductive technology Dr Robert Leder - parasites, Ask a vet session Bernie O’Rourke - UW Madison, youth sessions Gary Onan - lamb carcass evaluation, meat cuts demo Gene Schriefer - crop grazing, fencing, transferring the farm And many more!! Check our website for complete listing.

19th Annual Shepherd’s Clinic & Trade Show

For details and online registration contact Jim Holmes at 715-637-8015 or visit www.indianheadsheep.com

INDIANHEAD SHEEP BREEDERS ASSOCIATION

2013 3.79 x 6.00 ISBA Cl... page 1

Composite

Tuesday, January 08, 2013 07:44

The Wisconsin Junior Targhee Sheep Association will be giving away a starter flock of three Targhee ewes in 2013 to a lucky Wisconsin youth. Applicants must be aged 12 to 17 as of January 1, 2013, must be a resident of Wisconsin, and must not currently raise Targhee sheep. The winner must also be eligible and agree to exhibit their animals at both the 2013 Wisconsin State Fair open sheep show and Wisconsin Junior

State Fair sheep show. The winner will receive a combination of ewe lambs, yearling ewes and/or brood ewes, and take ownership of the animals before any 2013 State Fair ownership deadlines.

The Targhee breed has a long history in Wisconsin and the purpose of this program is to promote growth and visibility of the breed along with promoting youth involvement and education within the Targhee breed.

Applications are available online at both the US Targhee Sheep Association website (http://www.ustargheesheep.org/) and the A&J Nevens Livestock website (http://myplace.frontier.com/~jrnevens/), and are due no later than April 1, 2013. For more information or questions, please contact Leslie & Jeff Nevens at 608­592­7842, or AandJNevensLivestock@frontier.com.

Wisconsin Junior Targhee Sheep Association Announces 2013 Starter Flock Giveaway

The Wisconsin shepherd WinTer 201312

Calendar of Events

3696 Country Aire DriveCedarburg, WI 53012

262-377-1491 • Dick262-375-0814 • Mark

rsrmke@att.net4 Miles East of Jackson on SE Corner of

Hwy. 60 and Country Aire Drive (Hwy. M)

Clothing, jewelry, Christmas cards, stationery,

stuffed animals, books, figurines and calendars for the

sheep enthusiast.

Ewesful Gifts7868 State Road 73

Columbus, WI 53925 Order Toll Free 877 393-7385

or 920 623-3536www.ewesfulgifts.com - free catalog

HIDDEN VALLEY FARM& WOOLEN MILL

• Custom Carding• Roving & batts for

spinning• Quilting batts &

reconditioning• Hand-tied quilts• Registered

Coopworth Sheep

Paul & Carol Wagner14804 Newton Rd.,Valders, WI 54245

920-758-2803

Registered C.S.S.N.A.

Erdman Texel SheepTexels –

to put the MEAT back in your sheep!

OPP Negative

• Scrapie Certified

RON ERDMAN4362 So. Lake Fern Rd.,

Polo, IL 61064815-564-7149

www.erdmantexel.com

The Business DirectoryPublished by The Wisconsin Shepherd

“Ewe” too can join The Business Directory

Members pay $110 for 4 issues or $40/issue; non-members $140 for 4 issues or $50/issue. Call Kelli at 815-821-5905.

For Your Advertising Needs,for Subscription Rates or to Receive a 4-week

Complimentary Paper Contact:

The Country TodayPO Box 570

Eau Claire WI 54702715-833-9276 • 800-236-4004

joann.utphall@ecpc.comwww.thecountrytoday.com

Jones Shearing

Experienced and dependableShearing sheep, goats,

alpacas, and llamas.

Covering Wisconsin,Northern Illinois, and Eastern Iowa

jonesshearing@gmail.com715-424-1023

www.facebook.comsearch: jonesshearing

W12855 Christianson Rd.Bruce, WI 54819

715-868-9045reichert@brucetel.net

www.bluehillsfibermill.comA full service mill. We provide processing from raw fiber to finished yarn and all the

steps between (guidelines for spinning orders can be found on the website).

We handle most fiber types. There are no minimums. We accept both large and small

orders. You get your own fiber/finished product back in a timely manner. Our own

line of finished yarns are also offered.

January 9 – April 7—“Taking Flight” Quilt Exhibition, Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts, Cedarburg, WI. www.wiquiltmuseum.com or 262 546­0300.

January 23-26—2013 Annual ASI Convention, Hyatt Regency San Antonio, San Antonio, TX. For information: www.sheepusa.org

January 29—Grazing Winter Seminar, Randy’s Restaurant & Funhunters’ Brewery, Whitewater, WI. Pre­registration: Peg Reedy, UWEX Walworth County, Peg.Reedy@ces.uwex.edu or 262 741­4961.

February 2—Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association Shepherd’s Clinic, Rice Lake, WI Information: www.indianheadsheep.com or Duane Klindworth 715 286­4157 for registration, trade show, sponsorship opportunities. Pre­registration requested by January 25.

February 2—Out-Wintering Pasture Walk, N5072 Blackbird Road, Beaver Dam, WI. Information: Kirsten Jurcek 920 342­9504 or kjurcek1@centurytel.net

February 7—Meat Animal Quality Assurance (MAQA) Train­the­Advisor Training Sessions. 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. For information on participating counties and locations, http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/ or contact Bernie O’Rourke, Borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu or 608 263­4304.

February 8-9—Pipestone Lambing Time Shortcourse & Bus Tour. Pipestone Lamb & Wool Program, Minnesota West Community & Technical College. For information and to register: Jodi Christensen, 507 825­6806 or jodi.christensen@mnwest.edu

February 14—Dodge/Columbia Grazing Network Winter Meeting, Randolph Village Hall Community Center, Randolph, WI. Information: Kirsten Jurcek, 920 342­9504 or email kjurcek1@centurytel.net Register by February 8.

February 16—State 4-H Meats Judging Contest, University of Wisconsin­Madison Meats Laboratory. Registration Deadline February 8. Contact Bernie O’Rourke borourke2@ansci.wisc.edu 608 263­4304. For contest details: go to http://fyi.uwex.edu/youthlivestock/programs/4hmeatscontest/

February 22-24—12th Annual Winter Weekend Warm-Up, Fiber Retreat, Manitowoc Holiday Inn, Manitowoc, WI. Information: www.fiberthing.info

March 1—Wisconsin Club Lamb Association Annual 2013 Memberships Due Contact: metrohamps@hotmail.com

March 2—4-H Livestock Quiz Bowl and State Skillathon Contests. UW­Madison Animal Sciences Building, UW Campus, Madison, WI. Information and registration, Bernie O’Rourke, 608 263­4304 or Boruorke2@ansci.wisc.edu. Registration deadline: February 22.

March 16—Arlington Sheep Day, UW­Madison Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Public Events Building, Arlington, WI. For information and/or registration: 608 868­2505 or wisbc@centurytel.net or website www.wisbc.com

March 16—Annual Meeting & Recognition Dinner, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op, UW­Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Public Events Building, Arlington, WI. For information, dinner reservations, 608 868­2505 or wisbc@centurytel.net

March 16—Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association Spring Shearing School, Duane Klindworth Farm, Augusta, WI. For information: 715 286­4157 Email drklindworth@aol.com

March 23—2013 ‘Spring Ahead’ Livestock Education Sessions & Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association Annual Meeting, UW Arlington Research Station, Public Events Building. Educational Sessions, 9:00 am; Banquet/Recognition Program/Annual Meeting, 12:30 pm. www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com

April 1—Deadline – Applications: Wisconsin Junior Targhee Sheep Association 2013 Starter Flock Giveaway. Information: Leslie and Jeff Nevens, 608 592­7842 or AandJNevensLivestock@frontier.com Applications at: www.ustargheesheep.org

April 5—Copy/Ad Deadline – Wisconsin Shepherd Spring Issue Ad Contact: Kelli Gunderson robkelgundy@yahoo.com 815 821­5905 Copy Contact: Bob Black rbblack@powercom.net 920 623­3536

April 7—Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association Spring Sale, University of Wisconsin­River Falls Mann Valley Farm. Information: www.indianheadsheep.com

April 7-8—Wisconsin Club Lamb Association Online Sale Information: metrohamps@hotmail.com

April 13—17th Annual Stephenson County Fiber Arts Fair, Jane Addams Community Center, Cedarville, IL. www.SuzyBeggin.com/FAF.htm or 815 541­0897.

April 20—Wisconsin Southdown Sale, Public Events Building, UW­Arlington Research Farm, Arlington, WI. Information: www.wisconsinsouthdowns.com

April 20-21—Wisconsin Spin-In, Waukesha County Expo Center, Waukesha, WI. For information: Luci Williams, 262 623­0244 or lilviking5@hotmail.com

May 4-5—40th Annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival, www.SheepAndWool.org

May 10-12—16th Annual Shepherd’s Harvest Sheep & Wool Festival, Lake Elmo, MN. www.ShepherdsHarvestFestival.org

May 25-26—Great Lakes Fiber Show, Wayne County Fairgrounds, Wooster, OH. www.greatlakesfibershow.com

May 31-June 1—Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Franklin, IN. www.hoosierhillsfiberfestival.com

June 8—WLBA Spring Preview Show, Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI, Information: www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com

June 15-16—WLBA Wisconsin Livestock Show Camp, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI. Information: www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com

June 15—Deadline – Scholarship Applications, (postmarked June 15) Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co­op For application/information: www.wisbc.com. Youth Activities or contact wisbc@centurytel.com or WSBC, 7811 Consolidated School Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. (Late applications will not be accepted)

July 4-7 —All-American Junior Show, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, www.countrylovin.com/AAJSS/index.html or info@allamericanjuniorshow.com 641 942­6402

July 5—Copy/Ad Deadline – Wisconsin Shepherd Summer Issue, Ad Contact: Kelli Gunderson robkelgundy@yahoo.com 815 821­5905, Copy Contact: Bob Black rbblack@powercom.net 920 623­3536

July 19-20—2013 National Targhee Show, Public Events Facility, UW­Arlington Research Farm, Arlington, WI. Information: www.ustargheesheep.org or email, Todd & Lynnette Taylor, TaylorSheep@yahoo.com or Leslie & Jeff Nevens, AandJLivestock@frontier.com

August 1-11—Wisconsin State Fair, www.wistatefair.com

August 15—Entry Deadline – Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com

August 17—WLBA Summer Spectacular Show, Marathon Fair Park, Wausau, WI, Information: www.wisconsinlivestockbreeders.com

September 6-8—2013 Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, Jefferson Fair Park, Jefferson, WI. www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com

September 20—Copy/Ad Deadline – Wisconsin Shepherd Fall Issue, Ad Contact: Kelli Gunderson robkelgundy@yahoo.com 815 821­5905, Copy Contact: Bob Black rbblack@powercom.net 920 623­3536

September 21—Indianhead Sheep Breeders Association Fall Shearing School, Duane Klindworth Farm, Augusta, WI. For information: 715 286­4157 drklindworth@aol.com