February 11, 2003

Sheep Seminar Set for Feb. 19 at Carrington Research Extension Center

The North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center is hosting a Sheep Seminar Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m.

There is no cost for the program. The center is located 3 1/2 miles north of Carrington on U.S. Highway 281.

Kerry Smith of the USDA Farm Service Agency will provide an update on sheep and wool payment programs under the new Farm Bill.

Roger Haugen, NDSU Extension Service sheep specialist, will discuss stress management for sheep operations. "Stress management is critical to maintaining a productive flock," Haugen says. He will discuss proper nutrition, health and handling. He will also outline ways to reduce stress during pregnancy, shearing and weaning, the three stages when stress management will most effectively reduce losses.

In addition, Haugen will moderate an informal discussion called "Let’s talk sheep," designed to provide information and answers on any aspect of sheep production.

"We’ve left time on the program to address on-going concerns of sheep producers. This will be a good opportunity for producers to share ideas and approaches," says Karl Hoppe, livestock specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center. For more information, contact Hoppe at (701) 652-2951 or karl.hoppe@ndsu.nodak.edu.

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Source: Karl Hoppe, (701) 652-2951, karl.hoppe@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu