Skip to main content

Content by Jaelyn Whaley

Ewe sheep eating from a feeder.

Proper Ewe Nutrition Benefits Future Lamb Performance

Supplying ewes with greater levels of energy during gestation ultimately leads to greater lamb performance throughout their lifetime.

Two sheep producers observing sheep in a corral.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Estimating Finish Weights

Determining when lambs should be harvested is critical for optimal quality and consumer satisfaction.

Sheep producer viewing information on a laptop computer.

Knowing Your Numbers: What are your operational benchmarks?

Tightening margins have posed a challenge to many sheep producers over the last few years. Enterprise budgeting and knowing your operational benchmarks can help.

Flock of young lambs grazing fall pasture.

Breeding Ewe Lambs

Breeding ewe lambs can lead to an increase in the long-term flock productivity and profitability. Learn some expert tips to help determine whether breeding ewes is the right fit for your operation.

South Dakota State University Extension logo

SDSU Extension staff members win national agricultural association awards

October 23, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources experts were recognized nationally for their excellence in outreach and Extension programming.

Two Saxon Merino rams grazing pasture.

Boosting Ram Nutrition for Optimal Breeding Success

Around breeding time, nutritional considerations tend to lean towards the ewes, but what about rams?

Field of pumpkins

SDSU Extension hosting specialty crop tours near Sturgis, Colton to celebrate 20 years of Annie’s Project

September 01, 2023

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Annie’s Project, South Dakota State University Extension will host tours of two South Dakota specialty crop growing operations.

Sheep producer moving a flock at pasture.

Will Your Summer Pastures Meet Your Flock’s Needs?

Sheep can readily thrive on pasture in the summer. However, monitoring forage quality and meeting mineral requirements on range is important to optimize production.

Close-up of a sheep’s nose, mouth, and teeth.

Mouthing Sheep for Age and the Value of Dental Condition

Dental problems in sheep can lead to long-term loss of production and decreased lifespan. Mouthing is a valuable tool for making culling decisions or identifying age when purchasing sheep.

Sheep standing at feed bunk

Applications open for SDSU Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program

August 02, 2023

Applications are now available for the second South Dakota State University Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program. The program is for sheep producers who want to develop or improve a full- or part-time sheep operation.