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President’s CornerI don’t know about you, but I thinkI have had enough winter already,but I know there is nothing thatwe can do about it. With that, I thinkmany of us are starting to thinkabout the upcoming lambing seasonand what we can do to make 2011 abetter year than 2010, and hopefullythat new ram was worth the money.

Lyle Warner and I had a chance tosit in on a farm commodity group’sround-table discussion last weekthat was sponsored by Farm CreditServices. After hearing fromeveryone else, I feel that ourindustry is in as good shape as

any and has as many opportunitiesas all the others.

I want to thank all the peoplewho helped make the 2010 annualconvention a success. I want tocongratulate the 10 young individu-als who received 10 ewe lambsfrom the starter flock program.These young people are the futureof the sheep industry. ChristenJackson, an NDSU grad student,did a good job doing the programprofile on all of the recipients.

Congratulations to Ron and BethWolff and their family on receivingthe 2010 Master Sheep ProducerAward.

This past year, the board of directorshas made efforts to increase themembership of your association,and it must have worked becausewe were notified by ASI that NorthDakota finished second in member-ship growth for 2010. Hawaii hadfinished first. Thank you to everyonefor their efforts on this, especiallyMark and Wanda Sheppard.

I wish you and your family thebest for the New Year and that yourlambing season goes well in 2011.

Remember, the only answer tocomplete snow removal is spring.

Wyman Scheetz,NDLWPA president

Specialist’s CommentsBy Reid Redden, Sheep SpecialistNDSU Extension Service

I feel very fortunate to have theopportunity to serve the NorthDakota sheep industry as your stateExtension specialist. Working withyour organization during the pastsix months has been a pleasure, andI look forward to a bright future.

I believe that good communicationis the cornerstone of a successfulExtension program. During my firstsix months, I have been able to visita number of producers’ operations;however, I would like to get moreexposure to the North Dakota sheepindustry. I encourage you to contactme and I will do my best to visityour sheep operation. The betterI understand the issues that faceNorth Dakota sheep producers,the better our NDSU Extensionand research programs will be.

On a similar subject, I am proposingthat the NDLWPA form an advisoryboard for the state sheep Extensionand research programs. Committeemembers would represent all sectorsof the North Dakota sheep industry(seedstock, commercial and feedlot).Specifics on this committee willbe discussed at the Januaryboard meeting.

In this issuePresident’s Corner ....................................... 1

Specialist’s Comments ................................ 1

Lamb Prices at Record High in 2010 .......... 2

2010 Starter Flock RecipientsRecognized .................................................. 3

Minutes From Annual Convention ............... 3

Get Ready for 2011 ..................................... 5

Wolff Wins MSP ........................................... 5

Lamb Cook Off 2010 Held ........................... 6

NDLWPA Wins ASI Membership Award ...... 7

2011 Board Meetings .................................. 7

January Board Meeting Agenda ................. 7

NDLWPA Membership Form ....................... 7

Attend Lamb Feeding 101 ........................... 7

Thank You to Amundson Suffolks ............... 8

A joint publication brought to you by the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association and the NDSU Extension Service

Sheep IndustryThe North Dakota

NewsletterPublication No. 60

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Not only am I fortunate that NDSUhas continued to fund a sheepspecialist position, but I also havethe luxury of starting as a statespecialist when the industry hasseen record-breaking lamb prices.These prices have given a sparkto an industry that has been on asteady decline for many decades.At the 2010 NDLWPA annualconvention, 68 percent of thesheep producers were planning onexpanding. I hope this is a sign ofexpansion in the sheep industry atthe regional and national level.

Once again, I encourage you tocontact me at (701) 231-5597 with anyquestions, comments or concerns.

Lamb Prices atRecord High in 2010By Tim Petry, Livestock Marketing EconomistNDSU Extension Service

Lamb prices will set a record highin 2010, which is welcome news forproducers after the last several yearsof depressed prices. The last recordhigh year for lamb prices was 2005,and 2010 prices should exceed thatold record by nearly 20 percent.

Higher prices are being fueled byshorter supplies of lamb and strongdemand for lamb and byproducts.

Lamb and mutton production for2010 is forecasted at 163 millionpounds, down from 171 million lastyear and down from 187 millionin 2005. Lamb imports, after beingdown slightly in the first half of2010, have increased in the secondhalf. Total lamb and mutton importsare forecasted at 174 million pounds,up 3 million pounds from the171 million pounds recorded last

year. That increase is still not enoughto make up for the 8 million pounddecline in production this year.

A U.S. and world economic melt-down resulted in lackluster demandfor lamb in 2009. Fed-lamb pricesat major markets in the northernPlains started 2010 at around$100 per hundredweight (cwt) andhave increased steadily throughoutthe year to more than $150.

Fed-lamb prices usually peakseasonally in midsummer andthen decline the rest of the year.This year, prices have continuedto increase contra-seasonally inthe last half of the year. Early inthe year, lamb prices were bolsteredby a stronger demand for thereligious/ethnic holidays, includingMawlid al-Nabi, Passover andEaster. Both wholesale lambshoulder and leg prices, which aretypical cuts served at home-holidaymeals, strengthened nicely overyear-earlier levels.

But the struggling U.S. economycontinued to impact the white-tablecloth restaurant market. Bothboxed loin and rack prices, typicalrestaurant menu items, were evenbelow last year’s depressed levels.However, loin and rack prices haveimproved nicely, with loins tradingabout 50 percent higher and rackscommanding 75 percent higherprices than last year. This signalsa welcome return of restaurantbusiness.

Lamb byproduct prices are verydependent on the export marketand also are soaring this year as thevalue of the U.S. dollar has declinedand economies in other countrieshave recovered faster than in theU.S. For example, lamb pelt priceshave doubled in price from $4.50last year at this time to $9.

In spite of corn prices rising to about50 percent higher than last year,feeder lamb prices have respondedfavorably to increasing fed-lambprices. For example, 90-pound feederlamb prices started the year at about$115 per cwt and have increased tocurrent levels near $165.

What is ahead for 2011? Domesticlamb and mutton productionis expected to decline almost3 percent as both slaughternumbers and dressed weightsdecline. The U.S. Department ofAgriculture’s National AgriculturalStatistics Service reported thaton July 1, U.S. farms and rancheshad 3 percent fewer ewes 1 yearand older and 2 percent fewerreplacement lambs than a year ago.

High U.S. lamb prices could stimu-late more imports next year, butimports likely will be held in checkby a continued weakness in the U.S.dollar. Australia, our largest supplierof lamb, is in a flock-rebuildingphase after several years of drought,so production is down there. Lambimports from Australia in 2010 aredown almost 7 percent, but thatdecrease has been more than offsetby a 25 percent increase from NewZealand, our second largest supplier.So, net lamb supplies could besimilar or even lower than in 2011.

On the demand side, ethnic andholiday demand for lamb isexpected to stay strong. The U.S.economy is recovering slowly, butunemployment is expected to stayat historically high levels in 2011.In 2011, lamb prices may be nearthe levels from the last half of 2010.If normal seasonal price patternsdevelop, lamb prices could bemarginally lower than this year inthe fall of 2011. And corn prices arecertainly a wild card factor to watchfor feeder lamb prices.

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2010 Starter Flock Recipients RecognizedA highlight of the annual convention was the recognition of the2010 start flock recipients. Congratulations to all the recipients!

Pictured from left to right are” Jameson Ellingson, Ceph Docter,Keegan Elliott, Caleb Cross, Colbey Steeke, Tyler Birrenkott,Colton Woodbury, Bobbi Jo Kronberg, Gus Kronberg, Laura Duchsherer.

Minutes From Annual ConventionThe 2010 NDLWPA annual meetingwas called to order by ChairmanWyman Scheetz at 2:00 p.m. Nov. 20,2010 at the Seven Seas in Mandan, N.D.

Misty Steeke read the minutes fromthe 2009 annual meeting in the absenceof Brent Kuss. Brent Stroh moved toapprove the secretary’s minutes aspresented, second by Paula Swenson,motion carried.

Mark Sheppard presented thetreasurer’s report. Balances showed$702.85 in checking and $28,034.02in savings with a total balance of$28,736.87. Kurt Stanley moved toapprove the Treasurer’s report aspresented, second by Ron Wolff,motion carried.

Committee reports:• Hettinger Ram Sale – 98 rams were

consigned to the sale with 78 selling.Also in this year’s sale were 90 ewes,which sold well.

• Jamestown Ram Sale – The saleresulted in a net loss of $366.00.

This was the first year the sale washeld in Jamestown. Plans are to haveanother sale in Jamestown in 2011.

• Dr. Chris Schauer reported on thesecond annual sheep shearing schoolin Hettinger. This year there were13 students, which was a goodnumber to work with. The NDLWPApaid for singlets and food.

• Spring Ram test – working withDr. Buchanan on indexes.

• Fall Rambouillet Test was mentioned.

Old Business:• None presented

New Business:• Website – Dr. Reid Redden discussed

options to update the NDLWPAwebsite. Wyman Scheetz, Todd Sears,Reid Redden and Christen Jacksonhad visited with Jessie Topp on aproposal.

– Jessie would re-design theNDLWPA website at a maximumcost of $650.00. She would providethe necessary software. Once the

website is designed, a $15.00 perhour charge will be assessed tomaintain the site, after an initial“1 hour included” per monthincluded in site maintenanceagreement. The proposal to entercontract will remain available untilDec. 15, 2010.

• Curt Stanley moved to approvethe Website proposal, second byDon Osborne, motion carried.

• Motion by Jerry Mangnall to set upa committee to start a NDLWPAFacebook, second by Chris Schauer,motion carried. The committee willconsist of Beth Wolff, Julie Mangnall,and Brad Gilbertson.

• Resolutions :

– USDA Wildlife Services

❙ WHEREAS, predator populationsare increasing very rapidly(coyote, cougar and wolf), creatingproblems in the livestock industryand wildlife populations.

❙ THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,the NDLWPA supports thereclassification of mountain lionsand coyotes from furbearer topredator.

❙ BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,the NDLWPA supports an increasein state funding for predatorcontrol to USDA/APHIS WildlifeServices through the NDDepartment of Agriculture.

✦ Motion by Dr. Chris Schauer topass the USDA Wildlife ServicesResolution, second by TerryMangnall, motion carried.

• SBARE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

– WHEREAS, livestock productionis important to the economy ofNorth Dakota by providing jobsgenerating new wealth, and

– WHEREAS, strong agriculturalresearch and extension programsare important to maintain orimprove productivity andprofitability.

– THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED,the NDLWPA supports the StateBoard of Agricultural Research and

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Extension (SBARE) priorities forthe 2011 legislative session forincreased funding for researchand extension, which will enhancecompetitiveness of the state’sagricultural economy for futuregenerations.

❙ Motion by Dr. Chris Schauerto pass the SBARE LegislativePriorities Resolution, secondby Ron Wolff, motion carried.

• There was a question whether theresolutions needed to be in writing tobe presented. Motion by Curt Stanleyto wave any print requirements atthis annual meeting and conventiondue to technical difficulties, secondby Don Osborne, motion carried.

• Dates for the 2011 NDLWPAConvention were discussed. Motionby Don Osborne to have the Boardof Directors pick the date, secondby Brent Stroh, motion carried.

• The American Lamb Board has agrant due by the end of November,which could be used to help supportthe Cook-off. Anne Osborne movedto have the NDLWPA fund thecook-off for 2011 in the amount of$1,000.00 and administer the event.Motion was second by Curt Stanley.Don Osborne moved to amend themotion by striking $1,000.00 andadding $1,500.00. Amendment wassecond by Ron Wolff. Both theamendment and then main motioncarried. Anne will submit for theAmerican Lamb Board grant.

• Beth Wolff discussed the lamb lead atthe State Fair. This will be discussedat the Board of Directors meeting.

• Nominations:

– Brent Stroh conducted 2011 OfficerElections.

❙ Wyman Scheetz was nominatedfor the office of President byChris Schauer, second byDon Osborne, motion carried.

❙ Nathan Robbins was nominatedfor the office of Vice-Presidentby Misty Steeke, second byCurt Stanley, motion carried.

❙ Rick Schmidt was nominatedfor the office of Secretary, byNathan Robbins, second byPaula Swenson, motion carried.

❙ Mark Sheppard was nominatedfor the office of Treasurer, byDon Osborne, second byNathan Robbins, motion carried.

❙ Dean Swenson was nominatedfor ASI Representative byMark Sheppard, second byLuke Lillehaugen, motion carried.

– Wyman asked districts to caucusfor election of District Directors.

❙ Todd Sears was re-elected inthe South-East district.

❙ Paul Klose was elected in theNorth-East district to fillDon Osborne’s seat

❙ Misty Steeke was re-electedin the South-West district.

❙ Curt Stanley was elected inthe North-West district.

– The 2011 Nominating Committeewill consist of Lyle Warner asChair, Nathan Robbins, andLuke Lillehaugen

• Paula Swenson moved to have aResolutions Committee meet at8:00 a.m. on the Saturday morningprior to the Annual Meeting to printresolutions, second by Curt Stanley.The Resolutions Committee willconsist of Paula Swenson, MistySteeke, and Julie Mangnall. Motioncarried.

• Curt Stanley moved to adjourn themeeting, second by Misty Steeke,motion carried.

Minutes from NovemberBoard MeetingThe NDLWPA Board of Directorsmeeting was held at 3:30 p.m. onNovember 20, 2010 at the Seven Seasin Mandan, ND. The following boardmembers, directors and guests werepresent: Mark Sheppard, NathanRobbins, Misty Steeke, Paul Klose,Curt Stanley, Luke Lillehaugen,Julie Mangnall, Wyman Scheetz,Rick Schmidt, Reid Redden, andChris Schauer.

Convention Bills:• Ag Coalition bill is $300

• Motion by Misty to pay conventionbills, second by Julie, motion carried.

Motion by Nathan to set the 2011NDLWPA Convention Dates forDecember 2nd and 3rd at the SevenSeas in Mandan, second by Curt,motion carried.

Director meeting dates were discussed.The board decided on the secondThursday of the first month of eachquarter. January 13, 11:00 inJamestown, April 14 in Mandan,August 5 in Jamestown in conjunctionwith the Jamestown Ram Sale, andOctober 13 in Mandan. Items to bediscussed should be e-mailed to theboard prior to the meetings.

Program update: Misty will re-doand update the NDLWPA program.She will try to make it a tri-fold andadd in the 1% discount for memberswho purchase rams at the State Ramsales. Misty will bring a copy to theJanuary meeting for approval.

Spring ram test will be discussedin January. Question if rams arehighlighted or not in future sales?

All recommendations for theJamestown Sale will need to beaddressed at the January meeting.

The board asked if Reid could sendnewsletters as a joint effort betweenthe NDLWPA and Extension beginningin early 2011? Will be discussed morein January.

Motion by Misty to have Wyman writea letter to Extension Administrationdetailing the importance of Quarterlynewsletters for the North Dakota Sheepproducers. Motion second by Nathan.Discussion included that the newsletterbe e-mailed to all sheep producers inthe state and to mail a hard copy topaid NDLWPA members. Motioncarried.

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Wolff Wins MSPBy Nathan Robbins

The real pride of Ron Wolff’soperation is the dedication he hastoward involving youth with sheepprojects. I think that is evident byhow active his daughters have beenin the day-to-day activities on thefarm. Wolff has created a springfarm sale targeted at putting qualityewe lambs into the hands of otheryouth and providing classes forlocal 4-H and FFA judging activities.There are other numerous activitiesrevolving around promoting thesheep industry that added tothe resume.

This award was given to Ron buttruly is a family’s honor. Ron’s wife,parents and children were presentat the convention to not only showtheir support but because they areequally deserving in the recognition.Congratulations!

Get Ready for 2011By Reid Redden,NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist

I remember vividly a commentmade by a very well-respectedanimal science professor duringa beef cattle production course.“A good ranch manager shoulddedicate 75 percent of his timeto within the office and 25 percentout on the ranch.” At the time,I questioned the comment withgreat skepticism and made theargument that the time commitmentshould be reversed.

Regardless of what office timecommitment is right for your sheepoperation, most of us would agreethat we fail to spend enough timeplanning. Therefore, I encourageyou to take the time to sit downand write down a few things aboutlast year. What things did I do welllast year that I need to do again?What went poorly last year, andhow can I do things differentlythis coming year?

Lambing season is most oftenthe time when we have the leastamount of available time and themost problems that have verysubstantial impacts on our bottomline. Therefore, we all should putsome thought into preparation forthe 2011 lambing season. Here aresome helpful hints that may be ofuse to your sheep operation:

• Late-gestation Ewe Diet – Ewesrequire 10 to 20 percent morenutrients during the last 30 daysof gestation. Most often, 0.5 to1 pound of grain per ewe perday will be sufficient. Proteinshould be supplemented if theewe diet is less than about12 percent crude protein (CP).

• Late-gestation Feed Additives

– CTC (chlortetracycline;antibiotic) can be added to thediet during this time to reducethe incidence of abortion.

– Vitamin E – Oral supplementa-tion and injectable forms haveshown to improve lamb survivalunless ewes have been on a dietthat is high in Vitamin E. VitaminE concentrations are high inearly bloom forages but lowin mature forages and grains.

– Selenium (Se) – Se supplementedduring late gestation has shownto improve ewe productivity.It can be added to the diet,fed in salt block or given asan injection.

• Around 75 percent ofnonpredatory lamb loss occurswithin seven days of birth dueprimarily to starvation, scours andpneumonia. To combat this prob-lem, lambs need to be clean, dryand warm, and have a full belly.

• We recommend a minimum ofone jug per 10 ewes expectedto lamb within three weeks.

• Lambs need colostrum (1 ounceor 30 milliliters) every two hoursfor the first eight hours of life.Without proper colostrumconsumption, they are verysusceptible to disease.

• Watch for E. coli outbreaks. Lambswill have watery, cold mouthsand/or diarrhea. Provide a heatsource for lambs and administerelectrolytes, not milk or colostrum.Clean and disinfect jugs, stomachtubes and syringes thoroughly.

• Prepare Mixing Pens – This is anarea for 10 lambs and their ewesto be kept in after leaving thelambing jug until lambs are7 to 10 days old.

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Lamb Cook Off2010 HeldBy Anne Osborne

The third annual Lamb Cook Offwas held on Nov. 19, 2010, at theSeven Seas Hotel in Mandan, N.D.Entries were delicious this year, andthe judges’ decisions were veryclose. First place in the Easy andEconomical category was awardedto Dorothy Duhr of Center, N.D.,for her entry, Lamb Empanadas.Second place was awarded toPaula Swenson, Walcott, N.D.,for her entry, Barbecued Meatballs.

The Youth category was won byColbey Steeke, Rhame, N.D., withLamb Gyros. Second place in theYouth category was won byAbbigale Steeke, Rhame, with LambHam with Pineapple Sauce. Allcontestants were given AmericanLamb Board aprons and spices.

The contest was judged by PamVukelic, family and consumerscience teacher at Bismarck HighSchool and a veteran judge forour lamb cookoff, and by KristinJackson, a graduate student atNorth Dakota State University.Pam commented that our entriesare getting better every year.

The eight entries in the People’sChoice contest were crowd pleasers.The first place winner was PaulaSwenson with her barbecuedmeatballs. Second place was wonby Abbi Steeke with her LambHam with Pineapple Sauce.

Thank you to our sponsors: NorthDakota Lamb and Wool ProducersAssociation; Butcher Block Meats,Mandan; Best Western Seven Seas;and Capital City Restaurant Supply.

1 egg, lightly beaten1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk1 cup oats (either quick or whole)½ cup finely chopped onion1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon chili powder¼ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional1½ pounds ground lamb

BarbecuedMeatballsPaula Swenson, Walcott, N.D.

2nd Place Winner, Easy and Economical, 20101st Place Winner, People’s Choice, 2010

Sauce

1 cup ketchup¾ cup packed brown sugar¼ cup chopped onion½ teaspoon liquid smoke, optional¼ teaspoon garlic powder

In bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble lamb over mixture andmix well. Shape into 1-inch balls; place in a greased 13- by 9- by 2-inch bakingdish. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until meat isno longer pink. Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a saucepan.Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for two minutes, stirring frequently.Pour over meatballs. Bake 10 to 12 minutes longer.

Yield: about 4 dozen.

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NDLWPA Wins ASIMembership AwardCongratulations, members ofNDLWPA, for winning the ASI statemembership contest! ASI rewardedour accomplishment by waivingone full registration to the nationalconvention. Our enrollmentincreased from 72 to 131 membersfrom 2009 to 2010. Let’s try to defendour crown in 2011. Please send inyour annual dues and recruit moresheep people to get involved inthe association.

2011 Board Meetings• 1/13/2011 Jamestown 11 a.m.• 4/14/2011 Mandan 11 a.m.• 8/5/2011 Jamestown 5 p.m.• 10/13/2011 Mandan 11 a.m.• 12/3/2011 Annual

Convention 3 p.m.

January BoardMeeting AgendaTopics that will be discussed at theupcoming meeting include but arenot limited to the following.

1. Ram test

2. Starter flock ewes

3. Newsletter

4. Web-site

5. Shearing school

6. Ram sale committeeJamestown and Hettinger

7. Lamb in the Class Room

8. Advisory Committee forDr. Redden

9. Wildlife services

10. State livestock zoning meeting

Attend Lamb Feeding 101We invite you to attend our upcoming Lamb Feedlot School.

Carrington Research Extension Center

Saturday, Jan. 8, 201110 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fee:$10 if you preregister and $15 at the door

Lunch will be served.

Topics:Nutrition • Health • Management • Marketing

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North Dakota State UniversityAgriculture Communication

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Direct inquiries to the Vice President for Equity, Diversityand Global Outreach, 205 Old Main, (701) 231-7708.

County Commissions, NDSU and U.S. Departmentof Agriculture Cooperating. This publication will

be made available in alternative formats for peoplewith disabilities upon request, (701) 231-7881.

Thank You toAmundson SuffolksThe North Dakota State UniversitySaddle and Sirloin Club would liketo extend a sincere thank you toAmundson Suffolks of Larimore,N.D. Amundson Suffolks allowedmembers of the club to utilize 13 ofits yearling ewes for the 84th LittleInternational held Feb. 12-13, 2010,on the campus of NDSU. Twelveof the Suffolk ewes were exhibitedduring the Night Show.

With the addition of the AmundsonSuffolk ewes, the sheep divisiontotaled 36 contestants, 14 beingcategorized as novice. The otherbreeds of sheep shown wereHampshire and Columbia, whichwere provided by the NDSU SheepUnit, courtesy of Skip Anderson.

The Little International gives allstudents enrolled in the tri-college(NDSU, MSUM, Concordia) anopportunity to get involved inagriculture and meet more than200 people with the same interests.

The club again thanks AmundsonSuffolks and everyone involved inmaking this opportunity possibleand for allowing more young adultsthe opportunity to get involved inthe sheep industry.