South Dakota Ag Connection - Sheep and Wool Activities at Annual Convention

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Sheep and Wool Activities at Annual Convention
South Dakota Ag Connection - 08/22/2017

The 80th Annual South Dakota Sheep Growers Association (SDSGA) Convention will be held in Brookings Sept. 29 through Oct. 1.

The convention will be held at the Days Inn & Convention Center (2500 6th St., Brookings). Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for planning purposes, but on-site registration is available. Registration forms indicating event costs, convention information, along with special event details can all be found at the SD Sheepgrowers Association website.

"This convention brings together our state's producers, industry experts and friends of the sheep industry," says Jeff Held, Professor & SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist, of the event that is organized by a committee of SDSGA members and SDSU Extension sheep specialists. The event is sponsored in part by a grant from the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences.

Some of the convention highlights include:

Friday -- Bus tour of Faribault Woolen Mill in Minnesota and Night at the S.D. Agricultural Heritage Museum

Saturday -- Fleece to Shawl contest; SDSU sheep research & SDSU Extension updates; American Sheep Industry Association & American Lamb Board updates; History, importance, effect of the ethnic market on the sheep industry; Direct marketing lamb products; S.D. Master Lamb Producer Luncheon; Integrating RFID into your flock management; SDSGA auction and Make It With Wool & SDSGA awards banquet

Sunday -- Shearwell Data system demonstration held at Larry & Susan Holler's farm, 47387 201st St., White

The Shepherd's Shuffle has something for all levels of athletes from walkers to avid runners; choose from a 1 mile fun run/walk, 3 mile relay or a 5K. The course goes through beautiful McCrory Gardens arboretum with all proceeds benefiting "The Shepherd's Gift: GM1 for HD" Huntington's disease research. Check out the All Sport Central website to register for the events. Shepherd Shuffle participants will all receive wool running socks complementary of Farm to Feet and a t-shirt. First place male and female in the 5K event will each receive a sock drawer make-over valued at over $200.

A special afternoon event with Designer Joi Mahon "Wool ~ A Touch of Style" will be held at the Mission Coffeehouse at First Lutheran Church (Main Ave at 8th St) in Brookings.

This event is open to the public, but will be limited to the first 50 participants.

Activities include Designer Joi's own trunk show, tips on working with wool fabric and a hands-on workshop with pattern fitting. Registration for the event also includes lunch and a bag with goodies. One lucky participant will have the opportunity to go home with a door prize valued over $400.

"We look forward to seeing South Dakota sheep producers, industry affiliates, 4-H'ers, and community members at the convention events," said Rufus DeZeeuw, SDSGA President.

This year's convention has even more exciting events and activities, so please go to the SDSGA website to verify all the details for events of interest to you. For more information regarding the convention, please contact Patty DeZeeuw or Mary Held, convention co-chairs by email.

Benny Cox from San Angelo, Texas, is the ASI Board of Directors vice president. Cox will be highlighting the U.S. trends of changing demographics and the effect on the American lamb and wool industry. As the Sheep and Goat Sales Manager at Producer's Livestock Company, Cox will provide South Dakota producers with insight on the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

Lisa Webster, owner of North Star Sheep Farm in Maine, will talk about promotion of sheep from farm to table in their operation. Come hear what has worked in their business plan and see what tips you can take home to your farm or ranch.

Dan Persons, U.S. sales and support representative with Shearwell Data Ltd., will introduce the Shearwell Data system for improving individual animal records. The Shearwell Data system includes visual and electronic tags approved for federal disease reporting and allows producers improved decision-making opportunity through electronic data management. Persons will also be demonstrating the functionality of the Shearwell Data system at the Holler's farm on Sunday morning.

Danci Baker, legacy consultant with First Dakota National Bank, will share the tools available to determine your estate and transition plan. Baker welcomes the opportunity to challenge producers with thought-provoking questions to start the conversation with their family.

Jeff Held, Professor and SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist, and Dave Ollila, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist, will be recapping the year's research and extension activities. Come hear what activities and projects have been going on in your state and learn what opportunities are coming next year.

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