U.S. Sheep, Goat Producers: Let Your Voices Be Heard

Mar 08, 2021

Pennsylvania sheep and goat producers are invited to participate in a survey conducted by the SDSU Extension Small Ruminant Team. This survey is seeking input from sheep and goat producers across the U.S. to identify producer interests and enhance future Extension efforts. Responses collected from the voluntary survey will be complied into a Sheep and Goat Producers Needs Assessment. This is an excellent opportunity for sheep and goat producers in Pennsylvania to voice their opinions.

"Across the nation many producers have adapted to the ever-changing dynamics of today’s world. As Extension professionals we have also experienced significant transformations in educational programming and find it is critical to remain in sync with our producers and colleagues across the United States," says Kelly Froehlich, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Specialist in Small Ruminant Production. "This year provides a timely opportunity to gather producer preferences on production and management topics and program delivery as well as identify challenges to raising and marketing these animals and products, and finally to learn more about farm and ranch demographics."

"We believe this nationwide response will add value by identifying collective producer strengths and struggles to cooperatively strengthen Extension program efforts in South Dakota and across the United States," Froehlich says.

The survey is voluntary, confidential and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Alternatively, printed surveys can be sent by mail upon request.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.