What a busy time of the year! Currently, the board of the NDLWPA is planning your 2004 convention. The dates are set for the evening of December 3 and the day of December 4. I encourage all to come because these conventions are informative. A list of the speakers can be found in this newsletter under the convention agenda.

Ewe lamb retention sign up has begun. Your local FSA office has the proper forms to sign. Ewe lambs raised or purchased from August 1, 2003 to July 31, 2004 qualify. They must be kept at least one year. The payment is $18 per ewe lamb. We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

A special THANK YOU is in order for Roger Haugen who has taken a new position at NDSU. He is the new Assistant Director of the Extension Service. After all the numerous newsletters, meetings and sheep schools, the NDLWPA would like to give a big THANK YOU for your dedicated service.

NDSU is looking to fill the position which will be 60% extension and 40% research with a PHD. NDLWPA has been asked to work with the search committee. Matt Benz will represent NDLWPA on the committee. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Matt or myself.

At the convention, we will have an auction for an association fund raiser on Friday evening. Donated items are greatly appreciated and have made this auction a great success. Thank You for the support and hope to see you there.

Hettinger Ram Sale Results
The Hettinger Ram Sale was held on September 15, 2004 in Hettinger, North Dakota. 153 rams sold for an average of $359 (22 test rams averaged $356). A breakdown by breeds is as follows:16 Targhees averaged $408; 21 Rambouillets averaged $340; 26 Suffolks averaged $425; 47 Columbias averaged $306; 25 Hampshires averaged $388; 1 Dorset for 325; and 16 Xbreds averaged $364.

Friday, December 3
6:00 pm Registration
7:00 pm Wool, Bob Padula, ASI/American Wool Council Consultant
7:45 pm Social - Snacks and lamb
8:30 pm Association fund raiser auction of donated items

Saturday, December 4
8:00 am Registration continues
9:00 am Wildlife Service Update, Phil Mastrangelo, Director
9:30 am Ram Test, Ewe Sale Update, Tim Faller, HREC Director
10:00 am Break
10:15 am Dr. Larry Schuler, Federal Veterinarian
10:45 am Animal ID, Dr. Susan Keller, State Veterinarian
11:30 am Luncheon, Awards, MIYWW Style Show
1:00 pm ASI News, Bob Padula, ASI/American Wool Council Consultant
1:45 pm American Lamb Board Update, Bill Brennan
2:30 pm 2003 Master Sheep Producer, Brett Stroh, Tappen
2:45 pm Break
3:00 pm Annual Meeting of NDLWPA
3:45 pm Closing Remarks, President Brent Stroh

The school's broad focus makes it excellent training for new producers. The school also provides a thorough review for long-time producers. Health, nutrition, breeding strategies, marketing, enterprise analysis, facilities and other topics will be included in the instruction. Instructors will come from NDSU and the sheep industry.

Tuition is $25 per person or $35 for two people from the same operation. Tuition includes noon meals both days. Participation will be limited to the first 25 operations to enroll. The enrollment deadline is Friday, November 28.

To receive a registration packet or for more information on the school or housing, contact Tim Faller, Hettinger Research Extension Center, Box 1377, Hettinger, N.D. 58639, (701) 567-4323.

Secretary Report: Paula read the minutes of the Aug. 3, 2003 Board meeting at the Seven Seas. Lyle made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Jane; motion carried.

There was discussion on Roger Haugen's position as he has moved to Assistant Director for the ND Extension Service. Dr. Odde and Duane Hauck addressed the board regarding plans for the position. It will become a combined position split up 60% extension and 40% research. We expressed our desire to Dr. Odde and Duane Hauck that we would like them to fill the position as soon as possible. Dr. Odde said he would like a representative from the board to work with them in the screening and hiring process. It was later decided that Matt Benz would be our board representative.