No. 26                                                                               February, 2003

North Dakota Lamb and Wool Industry Newsletter
North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association / NDSU Extension Service
Roger G. Haugen, Extension Sheep Specialist and Editor 701-231-7645

Sowing Seeds

Those of us involved in production agriculture are very familiar with the practice of placing seeds in fertile soil and watching the miracle of sun, water and time work its magic.

This is the same practice we must employ if we wish to make legislative changes that will positively impact our industry. The process I am speaking of is to secure funding for preventative testing of scrapie resistant genes at codons 171 and 136. This forward thinking approach has already been implemented by the Wyoming Wool Growers Association. Wyoming Wool Growers sought and secured state funding for producers not caught up in the USDA web to start preventative genetic testing. This funding gives all producers the ability to do preventative testing on their own.

This belief of preventative testing has been a theme I have talked tirelessly about to any one who will listen. It is my belief that when trace-backs catch up with the commercial industry the real tragedy will occur. Right now trace-backs are limited to small flocks or purebred seedstock producers because they are the only ones who posses records of animal sales. One to five years from now when large commercial producers are being traced back with this new permanent animal ID serious economic damage will be done to the individual and to the industry. There is one thing I am confident USDA will achieve and that is scrapie will be eliminated from the American sheep population by their target date. That I am sure of. What I am fearful of is that the American sheep industry will become a causality of their campaign.

What brings me to this conclusion is the new ruling out of USDA in Washington DC. USDA now indicates sheep must be tested at codon 171 and 136, previously only codon 171 was required. Sheep previously listed as QR at 171 were thought to be resistant. Now we are being told QR 171 and 136 AV sheep are susceptible to a rare form of scrapie thought only to exist outside of the country. The news is that we now have one confirmed QR, AV brain positive sheep somewhere in the USA. I say let us take a different approach. Let us not limit our gene pool down to only those sheep that test 171 RR and 136 AA or 171 QR and 136 AA. For some breeds no RR sheep exist. Many other breeds have even fewer sheep that test 171 QR and 136 AA. Why not concentrate on getting the ninety- nine percent of the scrapie susceptible population by concentrating on codon 171. After all ninety-nine percent of a one- percent population incidence is a very small number of sheep remaining susceptible. Instead of killing sheep use education and preventative testing dollars to enable producers to move through the genetic maze with out the long arm of the federal government dictating our every move. With two generations of consistent testing, mating and selection this problem can right itself.

How does this relate to sowing seed you ask? Sowing the seeds is the job of each of us, not just the board of directors of NDLWPA or ASI but by the members themselves. Members/Producers need to be knowledgeable and willing to confront the legislative leaders that represent them. We need to inform legislators of the seriousness of the situation and the benefits of cost effective preventative testing. With our many voices much is possible look at Wyoming as our example. I am told that this type of program funding will be next to impossible this session, because of budget shortfalls. However there is always national funds already allocated that could be redirected, or future allocations. The difference here in lies with the media we sow the seeds into. Instead of fertile soils we must plant in fertile minds. Instead of sun and rain we must hope for the wind and time generated by our many voices requesting assistance for preventative testing and a bright future for our industry.
Burton Pfliger, President of NDLWPA, Bismarck

44th Annual Sheep Day Set for February 12, 2003 in Hettinger

SHEEP DAY PROGRAM - (MST)
9:00-10:00 am Open House at barns; tour projects
9:30 am Doors Open at Hettinger Armory
10:10 am Early Bird Door Prize Drawing for Columbia Ewe Lamb
10:15 am Current Sheep Research Updates:
*Physiology Studies - Justin Luther and Disha Pant, Graduate Students, ARS Dept, NDSU
*Grazing Studies - Luke Samuel, Rangeland Specialist and Jackie Olson, Graduate Student, ARS Dept, NDSU
*Out of Season Lambing/New Project Previews - Tim Faller, Hettinger REC
11:30 am ASouthwest Feeders Report@ - Leif Anderson, Assistant Animal Scientist, HREC
11:45 am AAdding Value to Lamb by Evaluating and Reducing the Incidence of Lung Lesions@ - Dr. Jay Daniel, Sheep Scientist, South Dakota State University

12:00 noon Lunch: American Lamb
1:00 pm Welcome - North Dakota State University
Dr. Ken Grafton, Director, Agricultural Experiment Station, NDSU
Dr. Ken Odde, Head, Department of Animal Range Sciences, NDSU

1:10 pm AHow to Make Best Advantage of New Wool Support Program@ - Dr. Rodney Kott, Sheep Specialist, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana

2:00 pm AStress Management in Your Sheep Operation@ - Roger Haugen, Extension Sheep Specialist, NDSU, Fargo, North Dakota

2:35 pm ASheep Health Pitfalls and Opportunities@ - Dr. Gerald Kennedy, Pipestone Veterinary Clinic, Pipestone, Minnesota

3:30 pm AClosing Remarks@ - Burton Pfliger, President of North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association, Bismarck

ND Sheep Educational Opportunities
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Sheep Seminar at Carrington Research and Extension Center in Carrington
Wednesday - February 19, 2003
Time: 7:00 pm

* Stress Management in Your Sheep Operation - Roger Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
* USDA Programs through FSA

The program is open to the public with no registration fees. The Carrington Research Extension Center is located 3.5 miles north of Carrington, ND on Hiway 281.
For more info contact Karl Hoppe, Area Livestock Specialist at Carrington, 652-2951
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Sheep Seminar in Rolette
Thursday - February 20, 2003
Time: 1:30 pm at the Memorial Hall

* Stress Management in Your Sheep Operation - Roger Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
* USDA Programs through FSA - Mary Jane Henley
* Vaccinations - Roger Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist

For more info contact Mark Miller, Rolette County Agent, 477-5671
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Articles for the April Newsletter
The next newsletter will be published the end of March for April 1 delivery. I invite anyone to submit articles to be included. I will need them by the middle of March. Thank you! Roger Haugen, Extension Sheep Specialist, Hultz Hall, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105. Phone: 231-7645; Fax: 231-7590; Email: rohaugen@ndsuext.nodak.edu

News from the State

Minutes from 2002 NDLWPA Convention Meeting December 7, 2002
The 2002 NDLWPA Convention meeting was called to order on December 7, 2002 at the Seven Seas Inn in Mandan, ND by President Burton Pfliger.

It was moved and seconded to suspend the reading of the minutes of the last meeting. Motion passed.

Treasurers Report:
The current checking account balance is $7156.74 and we presently have Certificates of Deposit worth $3170.49. It was moved and seconded to approve the treasurers report. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS:
Sheep dog trials: The National Sheep Dog Trials will be held in Sturgis, SD on September 14-23, 2003. They are in need of approximately 800 open faced, same breed, yearling ewes. If you are interested in supplying ewes, contact Burton Pfliger.

Ag Foundation: The ND Ag Foundation is developing a brochure representing commodity groups. Each group will be allowed a photo and 100 words or less of script to describe the commodity group. Each group represented will receive 100 complimentary copies. Burton and Roger will submit the photo and script. It was moved, seconded to submit the material for the brochure. Motion passed.

A motion was made and seconded to write a check to John's Meat Market to pay for 112 pounds of boneless leg of lamb at $2.99 per pound. The lamb was used for the dinner meal. Motion passed.

Nominating Committee: Rodney Hickle presented the nominating committee's recommendation:
President: Burton Pfliger
Moved and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot. Motion passed.
Vice President: Brent Stroh
Moved and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot. Motion passed.
Secretary: Paula Swenson
Moved and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot. Motion passed.
Treasurer: Theo Johnson
Moved and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot. Motion passed.
Directors:
Northwest: Matt Benz
Northeast: Steve Copenhaver
Southeast: Steve Wentz
Southwest: John Gupman

ASI Report (Burdell Johnson):
At the October executive meeting held in South Carolina in October, the following people were selected to serve on committees at the National Convention. The convention will be held in Washington DC on February 6-8, 2003

Burton Pfliger: Predator Control
Tim Faller: Resource Council
Dean Swenson: Goat Committee
Paula Swenson: Health

Burdell Johnson was congratulated on his appointment to the National ASI Board of Directors and for getting so many individuals from ND placed on national committees.

Resolution (Tim Faller):
Where as: The North Dakota "State Board of Agricultural Research and Education" provide producer oversight to the NDSU programs of Agricultural Research and Education.

The North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association goes on record to support continuation and enhancement of the State Board of Agricultural Research and Education in its current status.

The presentations listed in the convention program followed.

Educational Information
by Roger G. Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
Stress Management in Your Sheep Operation

Nutrition and Health
* Provide appropriate nutritional requirements and feedstuffs management.
* Keep feed, water and handling equipment clean.
* Administer products via the preferred routes and in the preferred locations.
* Control coccidiosis.
* Control internal and external parasites.
- Animals healthier and more resistant to other infections.
- Lambs grow more efficiently.
- Fewer carcass condemnations.
- Lambs more susceptible to parasites than adult sheep.
Management - Pregnancy
* Handle as little as possible.
* Avoid using dogs to move ewes.
* Avoid as much traffic (visitors) around the ewes as possible.
* Minimize the number of different people doing chores.
Management - Shearing
* Select shearers who avoid cutting sheep.
* Timing - least a month before lambing.
* Prior to lambing additional feed required during cold weather.
Management B Weaning Ewes
* 7 to 10 days before weaning, switch ewes on to a low quality roughage and terminate grain feeding to the ewes.
* Maintain the ewes on low quality roughage and avoid handling them for at least 10 to 14 days following weaning.
* If possible, bed the area where the ewes will rest heavily with straw to form a soft bed for the ewes to lay on.
Management B Weaning Lambs
* Do vaccinations 10 days before.
* Keep in same environment.
* Remove ewes out of sight and sound.
* Don't work lambs for a week.
* Keep on same creep diet.
* Change diet gradually after a week.
Handling Management
* Handle sheep gently and use proper management of facilities and transportation to prevent stress, bruising, and/or injury during animal handling.
Sheep behavior - An understanding of sheep behavior will allow the appropriate design of facilities and equipment and result in improved ease of handling.
Wide angle vision - Sheep have a range of vision that allows them to see behind themselves without turning their heads. They depend heavily on their vision.
Flight zone - All sheep have a flight zone that can be used to an advantage when moving them. When a person enters the sheep flight zone, the animal will tend to move away.
Lighting - The lighting of handling facilities is an important factor to consider. Sheep have a tendency to move toward light and are attracted to diffuse light.
Noise - Sheep are very sensitive to noise. Excessive noise and confusion will cause them to balk. Sheep should be handled as quietly as is possible.
Memory - Sheep can remember bad experiences. Therefore, well-designed facilities and humane handling should be employed from the start. Handling problems will only increase with time if improper techniques are used.
Training - Lead animals, such as a halter-trained or a leader-trained (rewarded with food) sheep or goat, can be of great help because sheep have a strong tendency to follow the leader.
Dogs - Herding dogs can be useful when moving groups of sheep. However, they should work calmly and not be allowed to bite, bark, or chase unnecessarily.
NOT ACCEPTABLE - Sheep should not be moved by grabbing their wool and using it as a handle. This causes bruising and pain for the animals.
REMEMBER:
* Sheep are flock animals and are likely to become highly agitated and stressed when they are separated from their flock mates. Many serious sheep handling accidents have been caused by isolated, frantic sheep.
* Sheep are motivated to maintain visual contact with each other. Allow them to follow the leader and do not rush them.
* Every possible effort should be made to ensure that the sheep are kept moving on their own without poking, prodding or shouting.
* If animals bunch up, handlers should concentrate on moving the leaders instead of pushing a group of animals from the rear.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
* Proper handling management will reduce stress related to shipping fever and carcass damage resulting from bruising.
* Understanding and working with sheep behavior is vital in the proper handling of sheep. This will result in a less stressful working situation, both for the sheep and their handlers.
Transporting
* The use of a reputable livestock trucker with experience hauling sheep is preferred.
* Overcrowding should be avoided, especially for long-distance hauling.
* A twelve-hour fast is recommended before loading sheep onto trucks or trailers.
* Injured or sick animals should be transported separately.
* Producers should be involved in the transportation process.
Bottom Line - It is the responsibility of livestock producers to consider the welfare of the animals in their care. Cruelty, abuse and neglect cannot be tolerated.
Environmental Conditions
* The environment in which sheep live affects the quality of the products derived from them.
* Proper design of housing and handling facilities for sheep simplifies their movement and protects their health.
* Housing units must have adequate ventilation to prevent pneumonia.
* Inspect and maintain facilities (fences, corrals, load-outs, etc.) regularly to ensure proper care and ease of handling.
Biosecurity Issues
* Limit visitors entering sheep facilities.
* Isolate new livestock from resident animals for at least four weeks.
* Monitor, regularly, livestock for signs of illness.
* Require commercial livestock trucks to be cleaned prior to loading livestock, especially if the truck has hauled another producer=s animals previously.

Application Date Extended for 2002 Wool Loans and LDP's
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it has extended the application period for producers to apply for a marketing assistance loan or loan deficiency payment (LDP) for wool. The extension applies to the 2002 crop year only, and will give growers until March 31, 2003, to make application with their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office.

"This extension of the 2002 crop sign-up period at FSA was necessary since the unshorn pelt provision has not yet been announced. I expect they will publicize it shortly," stated American Sheep Industry Association Executive Director Peter Orwick. "The required documentation for the slaughter-lamb sales that are unshorn is the key item we are waiting on in the rules. Additionally, we anticipate a schedule of discounts to be published that would apply only to loans that are forfeited instead of being repaid."

Orwick added that very few loans have been made since producers are opting for the payment option. However, if a producer does take a loan and considers forfeiting the wool at the end of the nine-month loan, the loan rate will likely be discounted for quality, with some discounts, such as short in length, being severe. Given the increase in the wool market, most producers are currently finding that the ungraded program is the larger payment of the two programs. FSA offices receive the posted prices and LDP rates every Wednesday, so producers can compare rates and make a decision on when to apply for the LDP. "As we are now in the 2003 crop-shearing season, I remind producers to ensure they sign up at the FSA office before selling their new crop wool," added Orwick. "If you plan on selling the wool the same day it is sheared, then sign the CCC 709 form at the office prior to your shearing date and complete the process after shearing with a weight slip, if required."

Australian Shearers Set New Record
A team of Western Australians has set a world record for shearing lambs. The eight shearers managed to shear 2,939 lambs in just one day.

Team leader Mark King told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that his boys were aiming for 3,000 lambs, but that Mother Nature got the better of them. "We had a fair bit of rain the day before," he said. "That didn't help things in the preparation". Asked whether he thought the team would try and better their record next season, he laughed, "I don't think so. I think that'll do us for a while!"

Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative
I hope everyone had a good Holiday season and that the 2003 year is a prosperous one. The DLGC had their annual meeting Nov. 8 & 9 at Mitchell, SD. The earlier meeting date was due to the fact that we changed our fiscal year to end on Aug. 31. With this early ending of the Co-ops fiscal year, our annual meeting could be held in the fall of the year before sheep producers started lambing. Mitchell, SD was chosen as the location because of its close proximity to the DLGC=s receiving station and the slaughtering facility at Bridgewater, SD. On Nov. 8, DLGC were given a tour of the receiving station and the processing facility. The annual meeting began the morning of Nov. 9. There were shareholders present from the 4 states involved in the DLGC.

Our CEO, Dave Merwin, put together a very informative meeting with speakers from all 4 states. Dr. Charles Parker, formally of Ohio State University, was the keynote speaker. He spoke on the changes that sheep producers are going to have to make to survive in the livestock industry. The DLGC is working towards his future vision by producing Anatural@ lamb.

During the business meeting, Kevin Halverson of Big Timber, MT was elected as a director replacing Ole Erickson of Page, ND. Ole was one of the original founders of the DLGC and felt he should turn over his position to a younger person. Kevin brings a lot of experience to the DLGC. He is involved in many organizations which speaks well for Kevin. He currently is Pres. of the Sweet Grass County Wool Marketing Board, a member of the Montana Wool Growers Association, and on the Montana State University Sheep Committee. At the reorganizational meeting of the DLGC, Jim Ostlie was re-elected President, Jeff Strand of Portland, ND as Vice President, and John Davison of Lemmon, SD as Sec-treas. Dave Merwin of Hettinger is our CEO.
Have a good spring, Jim Ostlie, Pres. DLGC

ND MIYWW Newsletter
The 2002 North Dakota Make It Yourself with Wool contest was an inspiration to all who appreciate fine garment construction and the innovation possible with wool. 21 entries competed in six divisions. Those of you who were privileged to view the show will agree that all the contestants were winners with wool and did the wool industry proud.

Competing in the Pre-teen Division (ages up to 13) was Jennifer Doll, Travis Doll, and Austin Smith from Bismarck, Jennelle Kaeding from Devils Lake, and placing alternate was Madeleine Zacher from Parshall. Winning the Phaff sewing machine from J&R Sewing and Vacumn and the winner's pre-teen plaque was Tricia Berg from Devils Lake.

Four energetic individuals competed in the Junior Division (ages 13-17). Kayla Bachmeier from Devils Lake and Emily Smith from Bismarck did a super job. Gretchen Dawley from Munich received the alternate award and Katie Billing will represent North Dakota at the National Make It Yourself with Wool in a few weeks. She also received a Necchi sewing machine from Blow's Sew-N-Vac, Fargo and the Junior winner's plaque.

There were several new faces in the Senior Division (ages 17-24). Competing this year was Annie Bergrud and Becky Sather from Bismarck, Danielle Billing from Enderlin and Beth Horner from Devils Lake placed alternate. Melanie Miller from Fargo won the honor to represent us at nationals, a Brother sewing machine from Rae-Bon, Fargo, and the winner's plaque.

The Adult Division (ages 24+) was a difficult decision. Mari Dietrich from Crystal placed alternate, and Elvie Jones from Heaton won the Bernina sewing machine from Sewing Machines Plus!, Mandan and the winner's plaque. Both of these contestants were new to the competition.

Melanie Miller also entered the Accessory Category and Beth Horner entered the Made for Others Category with her father, Dick modeling the shirt she had constructed.

The show was exciting this year. It showed a lot of creativity, hard work on the part of the contestants, and the versatility of your product; wool. I am hopeful that next year we will have as much success with the program as we have had this year. Please congratulate all the contestants when you see them. I have already started compiling gifts for next year's event. You must know someone who needs a new sewing machine? If you do know anyone who might or should enter the contest, tell them about it.

Thank you for your support of the Make It Yourself with Wool. I'm sure the participants will all agree that more then just sewing skills are learned at this competition. Thanks for making it possible and thanks for giving me the opportunity and your support to be your director. Jane Horner, ND MIYWW Director

Dear ND Lamb and Wool Producers,
Thank you so much for your support in the North Dakota Make It Yourself with Wool contest in which I participated in the adult level. Wool is such a marvelous fabric and we must emphasize that contest as a Aplus@ for sheep raisers. I appreciate the wool producers! We raised sheep for many, many years. Elvie Jones, Heaton, ND

Dear Lamb and Wool Growers,
Thank you for supporting the Make It Yourself with Wool contest. I always have a lot of fun each year at the contest. It's fun to see what everyone makes. I've really gotten to know some of the contestants over the years and we've become good friends. Thanks for making this opportunity possible. Sincerely, Beth Horner

Calendar of Events:
February 6-8, 2003: 2003 American Sheep Industry Association Annual Convention at Renaissance Washington, D.C. Hotel
February 12, 2003: Hettinger Sheep Days in Hettinger
February 19, 2003: Sheep Seminar in Carrington
February 20, 2003: Sheep Seminar in Rolette