Applications open for SDSU Extension Elevate Ewe program

Participants in the SDSU Extension Elevate Ewe cohort program will visit animal, wool, and meat product markets throughout the year to learn about various aspects of sheep production. (SDSU Extension photo)

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its Elevate Ewe program for sheep producers. 

Designed for sheep producers who want to develop or improve their operations, Elevate Ewe is a year-long cohort program that provides a combination of workshops, webinars, hands-on field days and networking opportunities with industry professionals. 

Applications are free and are requested by Aug. 29, 2025. All applications will be reviewed and those selected to participate will be notified. If selected, registration is $200 per person or $300 per couple. To apply, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “elevate”. 

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. 

Throughout the course participants can expect to receive hands-on experience working with sheep and a step-through process of developing a personalized business management plan. Participants can also expect additional assistance through personalized, one-on-one consultation visits to their own operation.

“Participation in Elevate Ewe is a great opportunity to increase knowledge of all aspects of the sheep industry and improve skills needed to be successful sheep shepherds,” said Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Field Specialist. “Whether a participant has 10 sheep or thousands, this course is designed to help mitigate risk and increase overall success in raising sheep.”

Jordan Neises, who breeds about 40 ewes plus raising about 40 yearlings near Colman, heard about Elevate Ewe through Whaley. Neises grew up raising sheep with his father but was interested in growing his operation and learning how to run things more smoothly. 

Being able to meld his practical knowledge with SDSU Extension’s research-based educational material was one of the most appealing things for Neises. 

“I really didn’t have a ton of research-based, evidence-based practices; it was just me and my dad out on the farm,” Neises said. “I come from a research background, so being able to see those evidence-based studies, that just makes more sense for me.” 

Neises said it also gave him valuable opportunities to meet other sheep producers and industry professionals. In addition to providing support, Neises said he learned a lot just from seeing other sheep operations and being able to ask questions. Elevate Ewe provided him with an easily accessible, low stakes way to meet others and learn more about sheep production in his own state and region. 

“It’s hard to know if there’s an easier way to do something until you see it or see someone else’s operation,” he said. “I started for a couple years doing the same thing I always did. You can get stuck doing things the same way and you might not think to try different things.”

Overall, Neises said the program inspired him to always think about how he can improve his operation and “do something a little bit better, a little bit smarter.” He also praised Whaley as an invaluable resource, who is always available to answer questions and point him in the direction when he is looking for information on a particular topic. 

“Don’t be scared of change,” he said. “I am thankful to have found this. I think it’s inspired us to make us better.” 

For more information, contact Jaelyn Whaley, SDSU Extension Field Specialist.