New shepherds will receive educational material on managing a sheep flock.
Anyone interested in starting a sheep-production operation will be able to learn more about it at a workshop the North Dakota State University Extension Service is hosting Sept. 21 at NDSU’s Hettinger Research Extension Center.
The New Shepherds Clinic will start at 10 a.m. Mountain time.
“Sheep are a good livestock enterprise for youth, families with off-the-farm jobs or existing livestock enterprises seeking diversification,” says Reid Redden, NDSU Extension sheep specialist and one of the clinic’s organizers.
“New sheep operations are attractive because individuals can start small and build as they go,” he adds. “Plus, sheep operations don’t require large startup capital or amounts of land, or expensive facilities and equipment. Within a few years, new shepherds can expand their flock rapidly and build a sustainable production system.”
The clinic will provide new shepherds with educational material to help them manage their sheep flocks. Topics that will be covered are:
- Sheep production
- Sheep nutrition
- Lambing barn management
- Shepherding equipment
- Animal-handling techniques
Also, participants will be able to tour the Hettinger Research Extension Center’s sheep facilities. Attending the workshop is free of charge. The registration deadline is Sept. 17. For more information or to register, contact Redden at (701) 231-5597 or [email protected].
Participants will be able to purchase lunch.
The Hettinger center and the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association also are hosting the clinic.
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