Content by Jaelyn Whaley

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.

Group of farm trainees gathered around a veterinarian.

Producing Safe Food Means On-Farm Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antibiotic stewardship and residue prevention programs can help establish trusting relationships with end users by ensuring safe, wholesome meat or dairy products on your farm.

Rambouillet ram consigned to Dakota Ram Test.

2022-2023 Dakota Performance Ram Test results available

April 18, 2023

The results of the 2022-2023 Dakota Performance Ram Test are now available online for sheep producers.

Producer presenting frozen lamb meat products in a deep freezer.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling Direct to Consumer

The growing interest in food chain transparency has fostered the growth of direct marketing meat to consumers. Learn some of the challenges and opportunities this style of marketing offers lamb producers.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

How to Trim Sheep and Goat Hooves

Guide on how to trim sheet and goat hooves

Newborn lamb in lambing barn.

Lamb Birth Weights in Relation to Lamb Survivability

To increase survival, lamb birth weights cannot be overlooked. Learn some key management factors for optimizing birth weights this lambing season.

Flock of newborn lambs in a barn.

Creep Feeding Lambs

Creep feeding, when combined with access to fresh water, can support early growth and weaning in young lambs. Learn some expert tips for creating an ideal creep feeding environment to get your lambs off to a great start this season.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

All American Sheep Day showcases sheep industry during Black Hills Stock Show

January 27, 2023

To showcase South Dakota’s long history and continuing tradition of sheep production, SDSU Extension, the Black Hills Stock Show and sheep industry partners will again host All American Sheep Day on Jan. 30 at the James Kjerstad Event Center at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City.