Lamb prices have reached a historic high, so now may be the time to increase sheep numbers. To explore increasing sheep production and to explain the Two Plus growth program advocated by the American Sheep Industry Association, the Ag Days committee has invited Larry Pilster, a second generation sheep producer from Alzada to speak at Ag Days. Pilster will discuss the Two Plus flock increase program in detail at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Richland County Fair Event Center.
“Sheep numbers are down all over the world, especially in the U.S., mainly due to predators and other problems,” remarks Pilster. “Our goal with the Two Plus program is to increase flock numbers. We’d like to see producers keep two extra ewes per hundred each year and to increase the number of lambs that ewes have. This is an effort to increase numbers. I will discuss this Two Plus program in detail during my presentation.”
Sheep used to roam Montana in great numbers, but the state has seen a large decline in the sheep population for all sorts of reasons. Pilster believes now is the time to reverse this trend and to begin rebuilding flocks. “The biggest reason for the decline in flock numbers was predators,” Pilster comments. “Predators are still out there but there is an increased effort to control them. Grizzlies are currently the largest predator problem because they are way past their target numbers.”
“However,” Pilster continues, “The market is at historic highs, higher than it has ever been in history. This is a good time to start the Two Plus program. The lamb checkoff has really helped with promotion, and demand exceeds supply. Sheep are more profitable now than ever, and the ethnic market has increased and is now 35% of demand. I believe in the sheep industry. I’ve been in it all my life. If a person has the opportunity to enter the sheep business, he should do so.”
Pilster adds, “Another benefit sheep provide is weed control. Sheep are all natural and they provide an earth-friendly way to control weeds and to supply food and fiber as well.”
Pilster owns both sheep and cattle. He lambs approximately 1700 head of Targhee/Columbia cross ewes. A second generation sheep man, Pilster retains 350-400 replacement ewe lambs for his flock each year. He uses Suffolk rams to breed the two year olds and his coarser wooled ewes, and utilizes white faced rams for the finer-wooled ewes. This helps him maintain wool quality.
Pilster also has 240 head of cattle.
Pilster earned a degree from Montana State University in agriculture production with an emphasis on ag economics and a minor in ranch management. He has served on the Montana Wool Growers Association Board of Directors and also served as president. He has also served on the American Sheep Industry Resource Management Council, he is a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and has served on national and state public lands councils.
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