Direct Marketing Lamb: Estimating Finish Weights

Jaelyn Whaley, South Dakota State University Extension Sheep Field Specialist
(Previously published online with South Dakota State University Extension: February 09, 2024)

Determining when lambs should be harvested is critical for optimal quality and consumer satisfaction. For optimal quality, lambs should be harvested between 6 and 12 months of age with 0.25 inches of back fat (external fat over the 12th and 13th rib; USDA, 1992). With the end in mind, the ideal finish weight should be determined prior to putting lambs on feed.

Calculating Ideal Finishing Weights
To start, mature parental weights can be used to predict ideal finishing weight of offspring. Held (1999) discussed an equation originally developed by Bradford and others (UC Davis) on utilizing mature dam and sire weights to predict lamb weights corresponding with a yield grade 2 carcass. This equation takes the average weight of the parents and multiplies that value by 64 percent to predict the ideal finish weight of an individual lamb (Held, 1999). Using this equation, if a 170-pound Rambouillet ewe is bred to a 250-pound Rambouillet ram, the optimal slaughter weight of their offspring should be approximately 134 pounds (see Figure 1). Utilizing this simple equation based on ewe and ram weights can aid in estimating individual, optimal slaughter weights.

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Winter Feeding Tips for Small Ruminant Production

Sheep and goat producers are invited to attend a seminar on winter feeding programs for small ruminants from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (16870 Bond Ridge Road Caldwell, OH). Come hear research-based management advice from OSU’s State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist- Dr. Brady Campbell. Local Extension personnel will also offer advice on local resources and potential solutions for navigating the winter ahead amidst drought. A light meal will be provided for all registered attendees. Registration for the event is required by November 18th. Call 740-305-3173 or email gelley.2@osu.edu to register today!

All About Grazing – Is the Grass Dead or Dormant?

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Noble County

Prolonged drought in much of the state has led to many conversations about how bad the observed condition of pasture actually is and if it will bounce back when precipitation comes.

Back in July and August, I answered those questions with the response of “Right now, the grass is dormant. It is saving resources to rebound when moisture comes.” Now in October and November, I am less confident that the brown and crusty grass we see is dormant. Some of it is dead and some of it is dormant. Only time will tell.

The most prevalent types of pasture plants that we use in Ohio are cool-season forages. It is normal for these cool-season forages to enter a dormancy period to survive through the warmest and driest part of summer to come out productive in the fall. When Continue reading All About Grazing – Is the Grass Dead or Dormant? →

Don’t Let Drought (Un)shock the System

Amber Friedrichsen, Managing Editor, Hay and Forage Grower
(Previously published in Hay & Forage Grower: November 5, 2024)

Drought can take an obvious toll on forage supplies, stand condition, and water resources, but the effect it has on electric fences may be less apparent. Less apparent, that is, until livestock escape a pasture because the fence didn’t hold a charge strong enough to deter them.

Dean Kreager, an agriculture and natural resources educator with Ohio State University Extension, says there are fencing issues specific to drought that can cause havoc in grazing systems if left unattended. These problems primarily stem from weak grounding rods and loose fence posts.

Weak connections
Although wet conditions can lead to electrical faults when forage and weeds overtake fences and reduce the electrical charge, Kreager states these faults are less of a concern in dry conditions since stressed forage isn’t usually as tall. Instead, electric fences may malfunction during drought because ground rods are less effective in dry soil. Some moisture is necessary to maintain a strong electric circuit. Continue reading Don’t Let Drought (Un)shock the System →

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling to the Ethnic Market

Jaelyn Whaley, South Dakota State University Extension Sheep Field Specialist
(Previously published online with South Dakota State University Extension: March 04, 2024)

(Image Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture)

The non-traditional market of the American lamb industry can be broken into two market channels: 1) direct to consumers (in essence, farmers markets, on-farm sales, online) and 2) the ethnic market. Each market has its own preferences and seasonal fluctuations but can be profitable. This article will focus solely on the ethnic market portion of the non-traditional market. In the United States, our ethnic market has focused on Middle Eastern, Greek, and Hispanic cultures, but has seen growth in consumption from Asian, Caribbean Island, and African ethnic groups.

When to Sell
Ethnic consumers typically purchase lamb around the time of their holiday seasons (see Appendix A). The ethnic market is unique in that the dates of Continue reading Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling to the Ethnic Market →