Webinars

45. Growing for the Ethnic Market: the Ins and Outs of Halal Slaughter

August 6, 2024

Kathryn Pipe and her husband have built a successful halal slaughter facility in Unity, Maine called Five Pillars Butchery House. Their goal has been to provide local food production to their local community and the New England area, as well as providing a sustainable and holistic approach to meat processing. They have received funding from USDA to build a larger facility soon. In this webinar, Kathryn shares some of her vast knowledge on the subject of halal slaughter and some of the experiences she and her husband have experienced while building their business. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation.


44. National Scrapie Eradication Program: Options to meet the USDA sheep and goat identification requirements

May 21, 2024

In this webinar, ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Jim Logan hosted Dr. Stephanie Ringler (USDA APHIS) as she discussed options to meet the USDA sheep and goat identification requirements for the National Scrapie Eradication Program. Dr. Ringler is a veterinary medical officer (VMO) for the National Sheep and Goat team with USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. In addition to working for USDA, she owns and operates a small ruminant veterinary practice in western Pennsylvania where she educates, trains, and provides medical treatment to sheep and goat owners in the community. In January 2023, Dr. Ringler was recognized by the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners as their 2023 Emerging Leader which has allowed her to create biosecurity materials that can be used by small ruminant veterinarians around the country. A question-and-answer session followed the presentation.


43. Animal Health Management: How Partnerships can Solve Big Problems

July 11, 2023

This is the second of a two-part series on animal health management in the sheep industry. In this webinar, ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Jim Logan hosted Dr. Linda Detwiler (USDA APHIS) as she presented the history of scrapie in the U.S. in a presentation titled “First Came Scrapie: A big problem with few tools to help.” Paul Rodgers and Dr. Jim Logan then provided some context for the beginnings of the Accelerated Scrapie Eradication Program. Dr. Diane Sutton (USDA APHIS) presented a progress update in “The Turnaround: New Rules and Substantial Progress.” Lastly, Dr. Stephanie Ringler (USDA APHIS) closed out the presentations “Where We are Today” in terms of eradicating scrapie. A question-and-answer session was facilitated by Jay Parsons followed the presentations.


42. Animal Health Management: Keeping Track of It All and Making Good Decisions

May 16, 2023

This is the first of a two-part series on animal health management in the sheep industry. In this webinar, ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Jim Logan welcomes Dan Persons (Rafter P Ranch, Minnesota) and Dr. Larry Goelz (Windy Ridge Veterinary Clinic) as they present on Making Animal Health Decisions and Antibiotic Recordkeeping.

Agenda:

  • Introduction: Dr. Jim Logan, Animal Health Committee Co-Chair
  • Making Animal Health Decisions: Dan Persons, Rafter P Ranch
  • Antibiotic Recordkeeping: Dr. Larry Goelz, Windy Ridge Veterinary Clinic

41. Data Driven Decisions: Incorporating EID in Flock Management

July 12, 2022

This webinar was the second of a two-part series on using EID technology in the sheep industry. In this webinar, ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Jim Logan and Dr. Cindy Wolf, will host a presentation by Julie A. Finzel (Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension) followed by a producer panel discussion.

Agenda:

  • Welcome/information about the webinar – 5 mins.
  • Presentation: Data Driven Decisions: Electronic ID Tags and Genetic Selection (30 mins).
    • Presenter – Julie Finzel (Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension)
  • Producer Panel: Incorporating EID into Flock Management (1 hour, including Q & A)
    • Elaine Palm (Great Lakes Lamb LLC)
    • Kristen Bieber (Montana producer)
    • Ryan Mahoney (Emigh Livestock, Inc.)

40. Overview of EID Technology and Its Uses

June 23, 2022

This webinar was the first of a two-part webinar series on using EID technology in the sheep industry funded by a cooperative agreement between the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). In this webinar, ASI Animal Health Committee Co-Chairs, Dr. Jim Logan and Dr. Cindy Wolf, hosted presentations by Dan Persons and Brandon Manning to provide an overview of the Electronic Identification technology that is available today and how it is adding benefit to the sheep industry.

Agenda:

  • Welcome/information about the webinar – 5 mins
  • Purpose of the webinar series – 10 mins
  • Presentations:
    • Presenter 1 – Dan Persons – RFID On-Farm and in Animal Disease Traceability (25 mins)
    • Presenter 2 – Brandon Manning – Utilizing Low Frequency ID in Flock Management & Official ID (25 mins)
  • Participant Q and A – 15 mins (or longer if necessary)
  • Wrap up – 10 mins
  • Information about Webinar 2 on July 12, 2022.

39. Integrated Parasite Management Strategies for Sheep Producers

May 24, 2022

Presenter: Dr. Andrew Weaver, Extension Specialist, Small Ruminants, North Carolina State University

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Center for Agricultural Profitability, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 90 minutes

Description:
Parasites continue to be a significant challenge for sheep production across the country. The failure of dewormers to adequately treat parasite infections has resulted in the need for alternative parasite management strategies. Unfortunately, there is no single cure. Rather, an integrated approach is needed where multiple strategies are implemented for effective parasite control. These strategies can include environment-based approaches as well as animal-based approaches. In this webinar, parasite biology and host-parasite interactions are highlighted to provide context for parasite management. Discussion follows on various parasite management strategies available and how they can be implemented in a sheep production system. A multifaceted approach to parasite management will be most successful in mitigating infection levels and improving sheep performance and well-being.

38. Farm Flock Economics

October 12, 2021

Presenter: Bridger Feuz, University of Wyoming

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 9 minutes

Description:
Keeping track of things is an important but tall task sometimes in the life of a sheep producer. This webinar discusses some of the essential records for making good management decisions. We also look at useful economic tools to help make good decisions focused on farm flocks.

37. The Skills & Principles of Managed Grazing on Improved Pastures

July 20, 2021

Presenter: Woody Lane, Ph.D., Lane Livestock Services

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description:
Let’s say you have a flock of 125 ewes in early lactation, all raising twins. You want to move them into a 3-acre field of improved fast-growing pasture. Question: How long can your flock graze in that field? Or a similar question: How many acres do you need to graze those sheep for 5 days? Or another question: How many inches of grass will a ewe eat each day to meet her nutrient requirements?

This webinar provides answers to these questions and more. We focus on “Managed Grazing” – the knowledge of how forages grow combined with the skills of moving sheep, estimating intake, balancing the needs of forages and sheep, and managing pastures by grazing sheep in sustainable and efficient ways. We describe how to decide when to open the gate, when to move sheep off the paddock, and practical tips about stocking density, electric fences, weed control, gate latches, the grazing wedge, and a new way of describing grazing systems. Basically, we describe how to manage improved pastures to capture sunlight efficiently and profitably.

36. Sheep Genetics USA: Improving Genetic Tools to Enhance Profitability

May 11, 2021

Presenters/Panelists:
Tom Boyer, Ben Lehfeldt, Brad Boner, and Rusty Burgett
Sheep Genetics USA, Board Members

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Description:
One of the production inputs sheep producers have control over are the genetics they choose for their flocks. Sheep Genetics USA is a proactive and collaborative initiative focused on improving genetic tools to enhance profitability. It is designed with action committees representing all industry stakeholders thereby unifying the industry in an effort to maximize demand for American Lamb. In this webinar, Sheep Genetics USA founding board members Brad Boner, Tom Boyer, Rusty Burgett, and Ben Lehfeldt present the founding framework, goals, and objectives of Sheep Genetics USA and answer numerous questions from a live audience.

35. The Conservation and Comeback of Heritage Breed Sheep

September 8, 2020

Presenter:
Jeannette Beranger
Senior Program Manager
The Livestock Conservancy

Producer Panelists: Leslie Johnson, Brian Larson, and Oogie McGuire.

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Description:
In this webinar we will explore the amazing diversity of heritage sheep breeds found in America and how many are making a remarkable comeback as interest grows in small scale shepherding and in natural fiber arts. We will learn about the decades long effort to bring rare sheep back from the brink of extinction and current efforts to develop new markets for their products. Join us in this discussion about the conservation work and then listen to experiences of several rare breed sheep farmers as they recount the journey they have undertaken with their amazing sheep breeds.

34. Protecting the Flock from Highly Contagious Diseases – Resources in the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan

August 4, 2020

Presenter:
Danelle Bickett-Weddle, Associate Director
Center for Food Security and Public Health
Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 11 minutes

Description:
The most highly contagious disease of livestock is foot and mouth disease (FMD) and it remains a threat in almost 100 countries in the world. Sheep are referred to as the “silent shedders” among livestock species susceptible to this devastating animal disease. Preparedness and response planning for FMD has taken center stage in recent years. Learn about this disease, how the U.S. plans to respond should it be diagnosed in North America, and the Secure Sheep and Wool Supply Plan for Continuity of Business resources available to protect the flock.

33. Lamb Markets and Managing in These Uncertain Times

June 16, 2020

Presenters:
James Robb, Senior Agricultural Economist 
Katelyn McCullock, Director, Senior Economist
Livestock Marketing Information Center

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

Description:
This webinar provides an overview of the current U.S. lamb market situation, including the drivers of turbulence so far this year. A brief lamb price outlook discussion follows to provide a look at future expectations. Key factors to monitor are highlighted along with some management considerations. To wrap-up, there is a live moderated question and answer session with the presenters.  

32. Artificial Lamb Rearing: Transitioning from nuisance to potential profit center

March 3, 2020

Presenter:
Russell Burgett 
Program Director
National Sheep Improvement Program

Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Time: 1 hour 19 minutes

Description:
With the industry wide effort to improve production efficiency of the U.S. sheep flock, increasing lambing rate is integral to making improvements. As the industry identifies which ewes are capable of having and rearing multiple births, efficiently raising orphan lambs artificially can have a positive impact on the overall enterprise finances. This webinar will discuss methods to rear lambs artificially in an efficient manner through labor efficiencies, milk replacer selection, weaning strategies and equipment needs. With a well planned system going into lambing, the bonus lambs can go from a nuisance to a secondary profit center for the sheep operation.  

31. Highlights from the Leading Edge Project
Presenter:
Dr. Ron Lewis
Department of Animal Science
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
NSIP Technical Advisor
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Description:

Does better genetics equal more profit?

In 2015 the Leading Edge Sheep Production Group conducted a trial in conjunction with Mickel Brothers Sheep Company in Spring City, Utah. Two groups of commercial white-faced ewes were bred to black-faced terminal sire rams drawn from either the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) or industry flocks. The NSIP rams were chosen based on their Estimated Breeding Values (EBV), a measure of their genetic merit, for growth (weight at weaning). The ewes were then managed as a single mob. At weaning, the offspring of the NSIP rams weighed on average 3 lb. more than those from industry rams; that difference coincided with an increased market value of $4.32 per lamb. Clearly, that result was promising and supported the notion that genetic selection works in practice and is profitable.

The Leading Edge Group was keen to do more. Building on this earlier study, a larger effort was undertaken. It had three aims. First, as before, black-faced terminal sire rams from industry and NSIP were compared. This time, however, two categories of NSIP rams were used: rams with high EBV for post-weaning weight, and rams with high EBV for post-weaning muscle depth. Second, the progeny of these three groups of rams were evaluated from birth all the way through harvest. Third, DNA technologies were incorporated into the study; they were used to assign sire parentage.  Once again the Mickel Brothers Sheep Company kindly collaborated: they provided 1,100 commercial white-faced ewes for breeding to the 42 black-faced terminal sire rams tested.

In this Webinar, results of this project will be highlighted. The key question to be addressed is did the progeny of the NSIP rams perform as anticipated based on their sires’ EBV? Was that reflected in their weights at weaning and at harvest?  Did it impact the quality of their carcasses? How did the progeny of the NSIP rams compare with the industry rams?  As hint to the answers, genetic selection does indeed pay.
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30. How to start a farm on limited acreage
Presenter:
Debbie Webster 
Small Farm Entrepreneur & Educator
Seneca, South Carolina
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Description:
Debbie Webster bought a few sheep and goats over 20 years ago for a yearly live Nativity. Today, she has the only licensed Sheep milk dairy in South Carolina. Her cheese business has grown tremendously each year. She has a meat handlers license and sells pastured lamb. She started the first 4H Dairy sheep club in the US, her Agri-Tourism program served over 1,000 families last summer, she has classes for small ruminant care, cheese making and uses her sheep for therapy for children with Special Needs. She’s passionate about helping people start farms. She founded the Whispering Pines Foundation, a Non-Profit, dedicated to getting children and youth outdoors and involved in dairy sheep and farming.

This Webinar gives basic information on setting up a homestead to raise milk and meat. There are multiple ideas and comparisons for fences, shelters and other equipment as well as ideas for growth. There’s insight on variations of care and equipment. A common sense approach to supplying your family with proteins on your own land. How to milk share, basic milking equipment for home use as well as steps to grow into a business. Ideas for set up with the whole family involved including the children or a plan for senior adults wanting some supplemental income without too much stress .
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29. Preventing and Controlling Footrot in Sheep
Presenter:
Mike Neary, PhD, Extension Small Ruminant Specialist
Purdue University
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description:
Predators and footrot have probably caused more sheep producers to leave the business over the years than any other causes. Footrot is costly to deal with in terms of labor costs, health product costs, and reduced performance by animals in the flock. It can also be a humane and animal welfare issue in flocks with a high prevalence of footrot. Footrot is highly contagious and can be difficult to eradicate, yet is entirely preventable. Footrot is caused by the synergistic action of two anaerobic bacteria; Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides nodosus. The condition is aggravated when environmental conditions such as mud, moisture and warmth are present. This discussion will includes how sheep acquire footrot, how to prevent it, and how to control and eradicate it.
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28. Nuts and Bolts of Wool
Presenter:
Lisa Surber, PhD
LM Livestock Services
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Description:
This webinar covers a number of important topics to wool producers including: How the industry determines the quality of wool and what factors influence price; Wool contamination; Marketing wool from a commercial and specialty market perspective; Trends in wool end uses.
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27. Approaches to Enhancing Lambing Rate from Out of Season Breeding
Presenter:
Marlon Knights, PhD
Associate Professor, Reproductive Physiology
Division Animal and Nutritional Sciences
Davis College of Agriculture Natural Resource and Design
West Virginia University
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description:
In temperate regions, the seasonal nature of reproduction in sheep limits the frequency of lambing to once per year which in turn can result in significant variation in the price, quality and quantity of lamb in the market as well as the lifetime productivity of the ewe. Overcoming seasonality by getting a proportion of your ewes to breed “out-of-season” will not only increase the average number of lambs weaned per ewe per year but can positively impact marketing of lambs. Approaches to improve the fertility of ewes bred out-of-season will include selecting the right breeds and animals within breeds, photoperiod manipulation, melatonin treatment and the introduction of novel males (“male-effect”) in combination with or without progesterone (CIDR) pre-treatment. Other management practices that foster improved fertility in out-of-season bred ewes include weaning lambs and improving the nutritional status of ewes prior to breeding, isolating ewes from rams prior to the breeding season, and, the use of fertile rams with high sexual activity at a high ram to ewe ratio. Implementing practices to manage seasonal reproduction requires a small investment and some change in management practices. However, lambing rates that are equal to or greater than the current national average can be achieved from out-of-season breeding. Lambs derived from ewes bred out-of-season fetch higher prices and will provide consistency in the quality and quantity of lamb in the market place.
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26.  Getting the Most Out of Your Vaccination Program
Date: September 18, 2018
Presenter:
Dr. J. Bret Taylor
Research Leader & Supervisory Scientist
USDA, Agricultural Research Service
Dubois, Idaho
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:
The health of your flock is only as good as your vaccination program. Vaccination is the preventative tool to mitigate those pesky to catastrophic disease outbreaks that erode profitability. The appropriate vaccine is only one part of an effective vaccination program. Timing, repetition, devices, and labor force are other critical components. In this webinar, we will discuss the immune response, vaccine efficacy in neonatal lambs, customizing colostrum antibodies, vaccination schedules, and vaccination tools.
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25.  Seasonality of the US Lamb Industry
Date: August 21, 2018
Presenter:
Reid Redden, PhD
Sheep and Goat Specialist
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:
In the US, most lambs are born during the first five months of the year. Yet, commercial lamb harvest remains somewhat constant throughout the year. As a result, there are periods when the supply of lamb is inconsistent. Inconsistent supply creates industry issues: market price volatility, supply of market ready lambs, and irregular supply of carcass size and/or quality. The primary goal of this presentation is to provide information on the current situation of seasonality of lamb supply so that members of the industry can make informed decisions. This will include: (a) factors that affect seasonal supply of US and imported lamb; (b) demand for lamb by season for both traditional and nontraditional markets; (c) factors that influence seasonal supply of lamb from the farm/ranch gate; (d) opportunities to alter the seasonal supply of US lamb; and, (e) case studies of producers who have shifted their season of production to meet a shortage of lamb.

The industry white paper “Seasonality of the US Lamb Industry” is available at the United States Lamb Resource Center. Click here.
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24.  Ram Breeding Soundness
Date: July 24, 2018
Presenters:
Dr. Cleon Kimberling, DVM, Professor Emeritus, Colorado State University, Optimal Livestock Services
Geri Parsons, CVT, Optimal Livestock Services
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:
Why test your rams for breeding soundness? A breeding soundness examination (BSE) is an overall assessment of the ram’s potential ability to service and impregnate a given number of ewes during a given period of time. We will go over what good breeding soundness means and the impact it can have on your bottom line results.
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23.  Replacement Ewe Selection and Culling of Underperforming Ewes
Date: October 3, 2017
Presenter: Susan Schoenian, Sheep & Goat Specialist, University of Maryland Extension
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host:  Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:
The Sheep Roadmap Project identified productivity improvement as one of the US Sheep Industry’s priorities for survival and expansion. Percent lamb crop has always been the most important factor affecting profitability of a sheep enterprise, yet the national average is little more than one lamb per ewe exposed. It must be the goal of every sheep producer to maximize percent lamb crop, relative to his/her resource base. Deciding which ewe lambs to keep as replacements will have a major effect on achieving this goal. If ewe replacements aren’t genetically superior to the ewes they are replacing, genetic progress will be stalled. Equally important is deciding which ewes to cull from the flock. Underperforming ewes cost money, while adding little or no profit to the bottom line. Selection and culling decisions are guided by many factors and will affect the profitability of the flock for years to come. Sound, productive ewes are the foundation of a successful sheep farm. It’s the ewes that make you money!
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22.  Selection For Parasite Resistance
Date: August 22, 2017
Presenter:  Joan M. Burke, Ph.D., Research Animal Scientist, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center, Booneville, Arkansas
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Host:  Dr. Jay Parsons, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:
Gastrointestinal parasite infection of sheep and goats is a major health issue that can cause anemia, reduced weight gains, poor performance, mortality and discouragement to farmers. Dewormer resistance limits the ability to control these parasites using available dewormers. Because of moderate heritability, opportunities exist to improve parasite resistance through genetic selection programs. This will be discussed along with scientific background, what to expect, and limitations. Climate, rainfall, management, sex of animal, rear type and age will influence parasite infection. Genetic resistance to parasite infection is arguably the best means of gastrointestinal parasite control. It can be achieved through selection of sires with favorable estimated breeding values in programs such as the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP), which will be reflected by lower parasite infection measures in offspring.
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21. Lamb Meat Quality
Date: April 25, 2017
Presenter: Travis Hoffman, Ph.D., Extension Sheep Specialist, Department of Animal Science, North Dakota State University/University of Minnesota
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description: As consumers continually want to know more about where their food comes from, it is the responsibility of American sheep producers to meet production goals and capitalize on the American Lamb brand. Dr. Hoffman authored the Lamb Quality chapter of the 8th Edition Sheep Production Handbook and focused his Ph.D. research on the 2015 National Lamb Quality Audit. His passion for understanding the production decisions that impact lamb quality, and inevitably striving for production of the highest quality lamb and superior consumer satisfaction will be highlighted in the webinar.
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20. Is Sheep Milk Production in Your Future?
Date: March 14, 2017
Presenter: Dr. David L. Thomas, Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description: The U.S. is the leading importer of sheep milk cheeses in the world with over half of all world trade in sheep milk cheeses coming to the U.S. Some common imported 100% sheep milk cheeses are Manchego from Spain, Pecorino-Romano from Italy, and Roquefort from France. Therefore, it would seem that there is ample opportunity for the development of a dairy sheep industry in the U.S. for the production of domestic cheeses to compete with this large influx of imported sheep milk cheeses. However, nothing is ever as simple as it looks. This webinar will discuss the things that are necessary to produce sheep milk efficiently (e.g., breeds, selection, nutrition, management) and some of the major constraints to a successful dairy sheep industry (e.g., unstable sheep milk market, small size of the industry and producer isolation, lack of a national genetic improvement program). Some examples of producer successes in the industry will also be presented.
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19.  Improving reproductive performance of ewe lambs bred at 8 months of age
Date: October 11, 2016
Presenter: Paul Kenyon, Ph.D., Head of Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Professor of Sheep Husbandry, Massey University, New Zealand
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  Ewe lamb breeding is a tool for farmers to use to increase production levels and efficiency. However, many in the industry either do not utilize this management option or have tried and failed. We undertook a multiple year scientific program to identify; i) optimal nutritional management prior to breeding and in pregnancy and lactation, ii) optimal management of the ram to maximize reproductive results, iii) management of the young dam in late pregnancy and in lactation to maximize the survival of the lamb(s), iv) live weight and body condition score targets, v) management strategies to maximize the chance that lifetime productivity is increased by breeding her at a young age and, vi) examine the productivity of offspring born to ewe lambs. We have now put together a management package with clear guidelines which identifies how to manage these young dams effectively. I will discuss this and briefly outline the current state of the New Zealand sheep industry and where we see it heading.
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18.  Best Practices to Increase Your Lamb Crop
Date: August 30, 2016
Presenter: Reid Redden, Ph.D., Sheep and Goat Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  The American sheep industry produces a 110 percent lamb crop annually. This level of production provides less than half of the American demand for lamb. Because the majority of revenue from sheep operations are based on the sale of lamb, an increase in lamb crop should improve the profitability of individual sheep producers and the industry as a whole. However, improvements in flock lamb crop is a challenging goal to accomplish and producers must implement numerous best management practices to attain higher lamb crops. To assist the industry make improvements in national lamb crop, a reproductive efficiency task force has develop a factsheet that outlines 12 best management practices to increase flock lamb crop. American sheep farmers and ranchers are all unique and require different types of management based on resources, environment, labor, and other factors. However, most all sheep operations in the US should be able to implement a few of the 12 recommended best management practices and attain a higher lamb crop in the future.
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17.  Refining our nutrition program to meet the mineral and vitamin needs of our sheep flocks
Date: July 19, 2016
Presenter:Dr. Dan Morrical, Professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  Minerals and Vitamins are not required in very large amounts but inadequate or imbalances of these nutrients can create quite a problem in our flocks. Excess copper is probably the primary toxicity we see in sheep flocks. Increased molybdenum and sulfur can both reduce copper absorption and is an example how minerals interact to impact our sheep. This program is aimed at helping producers understand the current problems that happen when sheep are not appropriately supplemented. Additionally, we will focus on reviewing mineral tags and understanding what it says and how it needs to be fed. The last portion of the presentation will focus on how to make modifications to existing diets to improve the production in our flocks. This webinar is being presented as a follow up to the excellent program given in 2015 by Dr. Robert Van Saun, Dietary Supplements: A Necessity or Folly. That webinar is still available at Dietary Supplements Webinar.
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16.  A journey: the opportunities and challenges of melding genomics into U.S. sheep breeding programs
Date: May 24, 2016
Presenter:Dr. Ron Lewis, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  The efficiency of lamb and wool production has increased substantially worldwide by applying traditional quantitative genetic principles in sheep breeding programs. Accelerating those gains depends on melding state-of-the-art technologies in animal genomics with quantitative genetics approaches to more accurately identify high merit animals. The aim of this webinar will be to demystify these technologies.
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15.  Producer Groups: What Are These About, How Do They Work, And Why Can They Be So Successful?
Date: March 29, 2016
Presenters:Dr. Woody Lane, Livestock Nutritionist & Forage Specialist, Lane Livestock Services, Roseburg, Oregon; Dave Ollila, Extension Sheep Field Specialist, South Dakota State University, Rapid City, South Dakota
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  This webinar will focus on the nuts and bolts of producer groups. We will discuss how groups are organized, what they do, how shepherds benefit from being members, how groups can be financed, and the critical role of the facilitator.
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14.  Dietary Supplements
Date: September 22, 2015
Presenter:Dr. Robert Van Saun, Professor of Veterinary Science, Penn State University
Time: 1 hour 19 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  This webinar will look more closely at forages in determining if they can meet essential nutrient requirements of sheep at different productive stages.
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13.  EBVs
Date: August 25, 2015
Presenter:   Dr. Dave Notter, Department of Animal & Poultry Sciences,  Virginia Tech
Time : 1 hour 20 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Description:  This webinar will address strategies to use EBVs to achieve breeding goals and manage genetic change in your flock.
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12.  Nutritional Management
Date: June 23, 2015
Presenter:   Richard Ehrhardt, Ph.D.  Sheep and Goat Extension Specialist,  Michigan State University
Time: 1 hour 21 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska
Description:  The number of lambs produced per ewe per year is a fundamental productivity and profitability benchmark in sheep production regardless of production system.
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11.  Farm Security
Date: April 13, 2015
Kay Johnson Smith,  President and CEO,  Animal Agriculture Alliance
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska
Description:  Undercover videos by activist groups targeting modern farming and ranching have increased in the past decade, and have been driving factors for many companies to set or change policies for their suppliers about farm animal care
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10.  Accelerated Lamb Production
Date: September 23, 2014
Presenter:   Richard Ehrhardt, Ph.D.  Small Ruminant Extension Specialist,  Michigan State University
Time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska
Description:  Accelerated lamb production is a system of management that allows a ewe to give birth more than once per year and in doing so, creates a year round supply of market ready lambs.
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9.    Sheep Nutrition
Date: August 26, 2014
Presenter:   Dr. Dan Morrical,  Sheep Extension Specialist,  Iowa State University
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, University of Nebraska & Optimal Ag
Description:  This webinar will focus on key nutrients that sheep need in their rations.
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8.    Management Intensive Grazing (MIG)
Date: April 22, 2014
Presenter:   Dr. Woody Lane,  Livestock Nutritionist & Forage Specialist,  Lane Livestock Services,  Roseburg, Oregon
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag Consulting
Description:  Sheep are magnificent animals that evolved to eat grass.
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7.    Genetic Selection
Date: December 17, 2013
Presenter:   Dr. Reid Redden,  Extension Sheep Specialist and NSIP Chairman,  North Dakota State University
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag
The National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) is a nonprofit organization created to develop genetic predictors for production traits relevant to the US sheep and goat industries.
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6.    Reducing Labor at Lambing Time
Date: October 8, 2013
Presenters:   Philip Berg & Mike Caskey,  Pipestone Lamb & Wool Program Instructors,  Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag
Our discussion will identify keys to reducing labor at lambing.
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5.    Feeding for Fiber Production
Date: September 10 2013
Presenter:   Nancy A Irlbeck, PhD,  Associate Dean of Academic Affairs,  College of Agricultural Sciences,  Colorado State University
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag
Grazing sheep on green pastures amid the daisies in the sunshine.
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4.    Parasite Management in Sheep
Date: August 27, 2013
Presenters:   Dr. Will Getz, Professor of Animal Science, Extension Specialist;  Dr. Thomas H. Terrill, Assistant Professor of Animal Science,  Fort Valley State University
Time 1 hour 28 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag
We will discuss the current state of thinking on best management practices for control of internal parasites in sheep.
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3.    Parasite Management Future
Date: December 11, 2012
Presenter: Dr. Scott Bowdridge, West Virginia University
Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Host: Dr. Jay Parsons, Colorado State University & Optimal Ag
Many producers have experienced loss in the form of reduced growth and often death as a result of parasitism within their flock.
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2.    Mentoring
Date: November 13, 2012
Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Presenter: Dr. Jay Parsons,  Colorado State University & Optimal Ag Consulting
With Special Guests:   Skye Krebs (Oregon), Eric Harlow (Oregon), Jennifer Tucker (Colorado), and Cody Halligan (Nebraska)
Mentoring is a partnership in two-way learning.
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1.    Feeding During Breeding & Preganancy
Date: August 28, 2012
Presenters: Dr. Rodney Kott and Dr. Lisa Surber,  Montana State University
Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Proper feeding of ewes has a direct affect on production and represents one of the largest input costs of a producer.
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