State News

SDSGA Hosts Annual Lamb Bonanza
May 2004 -- More than 700 people recently enjoyed American lamb thanks to the efforts of the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association (SDSGA). The SDSGA recently conducted its 12th Annual Lamb Bonanza at South Dakota State University's Frost arena on the SDSU campus in Brookings.

The event was held in conjunction with SDSU women's and men's basketball games that evening.

"The sheep industry is an integral part of the livestock business in South Dakota and the Lamb Bonanza, in cooperation with SDSU athletics, continues to be a strong promotional tool for the sheep industry," SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist Jeff Held said.

SDSGA members served leg of lamb party sandwiches and crackers with lamb spread to 700 participants during the women's basketball game. During halftime of the men's game, six lamb pelts, featuring the letters "SDSU," were auctioned. The proceeds will be utilized to provide scholarships to undergraduates enrolled in the SDSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences and the SDSU Athletic Department.

At about 400,000 head, South Dakota's ewe flock ranks fifth in the nation. There are about 125,000 lambs on feed in the state - mainly in the southeast and south central areas.

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