Content by Jaelyn Whaley

a flock of sheep grazing in a field

SDSU Small Ruminant Team to Share Sheep, Goat Survey Results

December 02, 2021

The Sheep and Goat Needs Assessment Summary webinar will be held Friday, Dec. 17 at noon CST and will include information challenges to raising and marketing animals or animal products, and current industry demographics.

Four sheep feeding at a sheep feeder.

Nutritional Considerations for Flocks During Breeding Season

Optimizing flock nutrition throughout the breeding season can help improve conception rates, lambing percentages and ram longevity.

Young, female rancher observing beef cattle in a pen.

SDSU, NDSU Extension to Host Inspired by Annie’s Project ‘Meat Marketing 101’

July 13, 2022

Industry specialists from both South Dakota and North Dakota will discuss topics, such as consumer preferences, marketing plans, processing and product distribution.

Two young woman inspecting plants growing on a vast, open range.

Range Roundup: South Dakota Women on the Range

With the percentage of women in agriculture expected to grow over the next few years, SDSU Extension will be launching a new program called South Dakota Women on the Range. The program will educate women about the importance of range management, while also empowering them to become leaders in the agriculture industry.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

Managing Sheep Body Condition Score Throughout the Year

This fact sheet and barn reference are for sheep producers to implement body condition scoring in their management practices.

White goat resting in a drought-stressed pasture.

Heat Stress in Small Ruminants

The Upper Midwest provides periods of extreme heat during summer and shorter periods of heat stress potential during spring and fall. Are your sheep and goats cool enough in their environment?

Lone sheep grazing drought-stressed rangeland.

Drought Considerations for Grazing Range Flocks

Having a drought plan in place to best manage pastures is critical in being prepared for next year’s grazing season. Make decisions that will manage risk and promote both flock and financial longevity.

A pile of sheep fleeces ready for sorting.

Considerations for Increasing Wool Value

The wool market continually rewards those who emphasize high-quality production. Efforts to increase wool clip value can be made through regular management practices and proper wool clip preparation at shearing.

Three young trainees shadowing a veterinarian during a sheep examination.

Are Your Dewormers Effective For Your Sheep or Goat?

Using an effective dewormer properly can be part of a strategy in preventing internal parasites in sheep and goats. So how do you know if your dewormer is effective, and what does it mean to use it properly?

Small group of white sheep in a sheep shearing enclosure.

Economically Relevant Wool Traits and Wool Heritability

South Dakota is known for a high reputation wool clip. Emphasis on economically important wool traits coupled with careful genetic selection helps promote production, profitability and sustainability in an operation.