Elevate Ewe is designed for beginning sheep producers who want to develop or improve a full or part-time sheep operation. Participation in Elevate Ewe is a great opportunity to increase knowledge of all aspects of the sheep industry and improve the skills needed to be successful shepherds. The program is open to people with 10 years or less of management experience in sheep production. If not currently involved in sheep production, participants must show a strong desire to manage a sheep operation in the future. The program will run from September 2025 through August 2026.
Program Overview
- Applicants must complete and submit the form below by August 29, 2025.
- Applicants must be older than 18 years of age with 10 years or less of management experience in sheep production. If not currently involved in sheep production, participants must show a strong desire to manage a sheep operation in the future.
- Up to 20 people will be selected to participate based on an application. Couples and family members are welcome to apply from the same operation.
- Participants must make a commitment to the entire program and actively participate in all program components with an open mind to learning new ideas. If more than one individual per operation are accepted, both individuals must fully participate.
- Face-to-face activities will take place throughout the state. Participants will provide their own transportation and hotels to events. Meals associated with the meeting will be covered by the program.
- The participant registration fee is $200 per person or $300 per couple. In addition, participants will be required to cover travel and hotel fees for in-person workshops.
- Registration fee will be due upon acceptance into the program. Participants could discuss sponsorship from local businesses (e.g. bank) or organizations to cover registration fee, if appropriate.
Application Process
Please use the form below to apply for the Elevate Ewe Program. All applications are welcome, but preference will be given to applicants who have been actively managing a sheep operation for 10 years or less of their adult life. Consider “adult life” as starting after formal education (i.e., high school/technical school/college) and when management decisions were controlled by you. If you have questions, please contact Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist.
