In 2012, Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc., prepared the First Edition of the Sheep Education Catalog. It has since been revised by authors Jay Parsons and Gerilyn Parsons. This project was a joint effort between the Let’s Grow Program and the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center.
The Resource Manual includes sections for Online / Distance Learning, Onsite Learning Courses and Other Educational Materials.
This resource is available by clicking on Sheep Education Catalog .
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
March 2018 – United Suffolk Sheep Association
How can NSIP add $$$ to my Suffolk flock?
November 2017 – Utah Leading Edge Group
“Sheep Industry comes together in Utah”
View Sheep Industry News Article
November 2017 – National Sheep Improvement Program
“NSIP Breeds Find Common Goals”
View Sheep Industry News Article
September 2017 – National Sheep Improvement Program
November SIN story “NSIP adds searchable data base query”
View Sheep Industry News Article
August 22, 2017 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Selection for Parasite Resistance
Dr. Joan Burke, Research Animal Scientist – USDA, Agricultural Rsearch Service
Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center
Recording of Event: Parasite Resistance
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
March 2018 – United Suffolk Sheep Association
How can NSIP add $$$ to my Suffolk flock?
2017 – Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service
Texas Sheep and Goat Expo
January, 2017 – Utah Leading Edge Group
Leading Edge Sheep Producers
Download presentation provided during the 2017 ASI Convention
2017 – Cornell University
“Increasing annual lamb productivity through the Identification of genes and diagnostic markers for selection of out of season breeding”
October 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
Pedigree Master Tutorial- Export Data to Excel
September 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
Pedigree Master Spreadsheet Upload
May 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
Challenges of moving to a performance based flock by Bill Shultz
May 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
How, when, and what data to collect for NSIP by Cody Hiemke
May 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
How the sheep industry can benefit from NSIP, by Dr Robert Banks
May 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
How to enter and submit data by Chris Schauer
May 2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
Pedigree Master Tutorials
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Cull Underperforming Ewes
2016 – California Wool Growers Association
“ I mproving Sheep Carcass Quality through the Development of a Range Ram Index Utilizing Ultrasound Genetic Measures “
January 2018 Sheep Industry News Article
November 2016 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Better Genetics Equals More Profit
View Sheep Industry News article
2015 – National Sheep Improvement Program
Video featuring Katahdins at the Bonus Angus Farm
August 25, 2015 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Using EBVs to Achieve Your Breeding Goals
Dr. Dave Notter – Department of Animal Science
Virginia Tech University
Registrants: 317 Attendees: 148
Online Access: Video 335 / Slides 263
Recording of Event: Using EBVs
Copy of Slides: Download PowerPoint Presentation
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Bill Shultz – NSIP Ram Producer Big, Fat and Beautiful
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Rusty Bergett – NSIP Specialist – The Power of NSIP to Increase Your Profits
December 17, 2013 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Profitable Genetic Selection: How the National Sheep Improvement Program Can Help the U.S. Sheep & Goat Industry
Reid Redden, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Animal Science and Sheep and Goat Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
March 14, 2017 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Is Sheep Milk Production in your future?
Dr. David L. Thomas Professor of Sheep Management and Genetics University of Wisconsin-Madison
Recording of Event: Sheep Milk
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
April 22, 2014 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Managing Your Pastures Better: Management Intensive Grazing 101
Dr. Woody Lane – Livestock Nutritionist & Forage Specialist, Lane Livestock Services, Roseburg, Oregon
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
July 2017 – ASI Young Entrepreneurs
Young Entrepreneur Tour
2017 – ASI
Animal Welfare with Dr. Temple Grandin
2016 – ASI
How To Handle Sheep — Part 1 — General Principles for Handling Sheep
2016 – ASI
How to Handle Sheep — Part 2 — Handling Sheep in Market Facilities
2017 – ASI
How to Handle Sheep — Part 3 – Handling Sheep In Processing Facilities
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
2017 – ASI
Veterinary Feed Directive and Small Ruminants
2017 – ASI
Sheep Industry Compliance to the Veterinary Feed Directive
2017 – Western Maryland Commercial Sheep Producer Group via University of Maryland (Extension)
Determining anthelmintic resistance on sheep farms in the southeastern US
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Disease Prevention and Treatment
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Dr. Sam Nielsen, DVM – Bear River Veterinary Clinic, Evanston, Wyo.
Utilizing Your Veterinarian and Developing Quality Health Programs
Aug 27, 2013 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
A New Approach to Parasite Management in Sheep
Dr. Will Getz, Professor of Animal Science, Extension Specialist
Dr. Thomas H. Terrill, Assistant Professor of Animal Science
Fort Valley State University
Recording of Event: Parasite Management
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
December 11, 2012 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Looking Towards the Future of Parasite Management Through “Host – Colored” Glasses
Dr. Scott Bowdridge, West Virginia University
The Leading Edge study—sponsored in large part through an ASI Let’s Grow grant—grew from an earlier, more informal project that assessed the value of using performance-tested blackface (Suffolk) rams in a Western range flock. Rams selected based on their genetic merit for growth sired crossbred lambs that weighed, on average, 3 pounds more at weaning than typical range rams.
Click here for: The Mickel Project – A Leading Edge Study
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
January 2018 – Producers Marketing Cooperative Incorporated
Producer Group Application of the 150% Challenge
January 2017 – Montgomery Sheep Farm
Grass Based Pipestone in the Southeast
Download Power Point Presentation
June 2016 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Alan Culham – Let’s Grow Specialist
Vertically Integrated Sheep Production
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Roadmap to Boost National Lamb Crop – Best Practices
Link to fact sheets: Best Practices.
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Reduce Lamb Loss
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Match Reproduction to Management
Aug. 30, 2016 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Best Practices to Increase Your Lambcrop
Reid Redden, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Animal Science and Sheep and Goat Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
March 29, 2016 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Producer Groups: What Are These About, How Do They Work, And Why Can They Be So Successful
Dr. Woody Lane and Dave Ollila
Recording of Event: Producer Groups
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Tom Boyer – Utah Wool Producer Leading Edge Sheep Production
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Wes Patton – American Lamb Board and Road Map Committees
Update for Leading Edge Sheep Production Workshop
Download presentation – Wes Patton – The American Lamb Industry Roadmap Project – An Update Report
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Alan Culham – Let’s Grow Specialist
Maximizing Pounds of Lamb per Ewe
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Dr. Richard Ehrhardt – Michigan State University
Increasing Lamb Production Efficiency with Accelerated Production
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Kim Chapman – Utah State University Sheep Specialist
Is it Worth it to Shed Lamb?
April 13, 2015 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Farm Security and Crisis Management: Dos and Don’ts in Hiring
Kay Johnson Smith – President and CEO
Animal Agriculture Alliance
Registrants: 137 Attendees: 39
Online Access: Video 199 / Slides 471
Recording of Event: Farm Security
Copy of Slides: Download PowerPoint Presentation
Oct 8, 2013 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Reducing Labor at Lambing
Philip Berg, Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program Instructor
Mike Caskey, Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program Instructor
Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Pipestone
Recording of Event: Lambing Labor
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
Nov 13, 2012 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Capitalizing on the Mutual Benefits of a Mentoring Relationship
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)
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
April 25, 2017 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Lamb Meat Quality
Dr. Travis Hoffman, Extension Sheep Specialist Department of Animal Science
North Dakota State/University of Minnesota
Recording of Event: Meat Quality
Copy of Slides: Download PowerPoint Presentation
2017 – South Dakota State University Extension
2017 – South Dakota State University Extension
Download S.D. Post Weaning Lamb Performance Program Final Report
2017 – Mountain States Lamb Cooperative
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Lesa Eidman – Superior Farms Lamb Quality
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Optimal Nutrition
July 19, 2016 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Refining Our Nutrition Program to Meet the Mineral and Vitamin Needs of Our Sheep Flocks
Dr. Dan Morrical, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University
Recording of Event: Refining Our Nutrition Program
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
September 22, 2015 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Dietary Supplements: A Necessity or Folly?
Dr. Robert Van Saun – Professor of Veterinary Science
Penn State University
Registrants: 281 Attendees: 106
Online Access: Video 741 / Slides 4,034
Recording of Event: Dietary Supplements
Copy of Slides: Download PowerPoint Presentation
June 23, 2015 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Optimizing Reproductive Efficiency in Sheep Production with Strategic Nutritional Management
Richard Ehrhardt, Ph.D. – Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
Registrants: 302 Attendees: 109
Online Access: Video 565 / Slides 507
Recording of Event: Optimizing Reproductive Efficiency
Copy of Slides: Download PowerPoint Presentation
August 26, 2014 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Understanding Sheep Nutrition
Dr. Dan Morrical, Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
Aug 28, 2012 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Proper Feeding of Ewes During Breeding and Pregnancy
Dr. Rodney Kott and Dr. Lisa Surber – Montana State University
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
2014 – ASI
Understanding the need for Guard Dogs
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
2017 – Michigan State University
Improving the Adoption of Accelerated Lambing in the United States
2017 – Michigan State University
Labor required for accelerated sheep production systems
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Testing Rams for Breeding Soundness
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Test for Pregnancy Status
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Breeding Ewe Lambs at 7-9 Months
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Accelerated Lambing Cycles
2016 – Demeter – Nat’l Lamb Crop Task Force
Manage for Seasonal Changes in Reproduction
October 11, 2016 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Improving Reproductive Performance of Ewe Lambs Bred at Eight Months of Age
Dr. Paul Kenyon, Massey University in New Zealand
Recording of Event: Improving Reproductive Performance
Download Copy of Slides: PowerPoint Presentation
2015 – Utah Wool Growers Association
Download presentation – Dr. Richard Ehrhardt – Michigan State University
Increasing Lamb Production Efficiency with Accelerated Production
June 23, 2015 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Optimizing Reproductive Efficiency in Sheep Production with Strategic Nutritional Management
Richard Ehrhardt, Ph.D. – Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
Recording of Event: Optimizing Reproductive Efficiency
Copy of Slides: Download PowerPoint Presentation
September 23, 2014 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Accelerated Lambing: An Opportunity to Build Markets and Increase Production Efficiency
Richard Ehrhardt, Ph.D. – Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, Michigan State University
Recording of Event: Accelerated Lambing
Below is a list of information obtained through Let’s Grow grant
projects designed to allow sheep producers to increase their flocks
productivity and efficiency. Updated March, 2018
For additional information you can consult the ASI Sheep Care Guide:
SID Sheep Production Handbook:
February 2018 – American Wool Council Presentation
Wool 101
2017 – Fine Wool Consortium
Download presentation provided during the 2017 ASI Convention at: Fine Wool Consortium
2016 – National Sheep Improvement Program
Sep 10, 2013 – Optimal Ag Consulting, Inc.
Feeding and Producing Sheep for Maximum Fiber Production: Is it Realistic?
Nancy A Irlbeck, PhD – Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, College of Agricultural Sciences,
Colorado State University
This reference handbook, covering the basics of sheep production, is for beginner and experienced sheep producers alike. Topics include Sheep Breeding, Forages, Handling, Health, Management, Marketing, Nutrition, Predator Control, Quality Assurance, Reproduction, Sheep Care, Wool, and Contact Lists for State Extension Personnel, State Extension Veterinarians and State Animal Health Officers.
To order, go to www.sheepusa.org/shop
ASI is a federation of 45 state sheep associations as well as individual members. To access your state association, go to www.sheepusa.org/Contacts_StateSheepAssns
· Lamb Resource Center http://lambresourcecenter.com/
· Production Resources
o Best Practice Resources