Mike Estadt, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Pickaway County

Bob Hendershot began his career with the Soil Conservation Service (later changed to the Natural Resources Conservation Service or NRCS) as a soil scientist mapping soils for the soil survey program. He was promoted to a Conservation Agronomist and he and his young family moved to Circleville. He later was promoted to Resource Conservationist and finally State Grassland Conservationist in 1985.

Bob presently lives on the same pasture farm that his family moved to 33 years ago, raising sheep and cattle. He and his late wife Connie have three grown children. After retiring from NRCS, he started Green Pasture Services, a pasture consulting service that sells forage seed and temporary fencing materials. Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Supported by The Ohio State University, Ohio Sheep and Wool Program, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio Farm Bureau, and a sunny summer day, the 2019 Ohio Sheep and Hay Day held on Saturday, July 13th at the Jackson Agricultural Research Station (JARS) was a success. For those not as familiar with JARS, this facility is located on 495 acres in the rolling hills of southern Ohio. Historically, this stations research interests revolved around beef cattle reproduction and forage management systems. However, in 2014 interest expanded and the research station added sheep to the list of research interests. Jackson is now home to the universities first hair sheep flock using the Katahdin breed.

To kick off the days events, attendees had the opportunity to hear from Continue reading →

Rusty Burgett, Program Director, National Sheep Improvement Program

The National Sheep Improvement Program is excited to announce the 3^rd annual Eastern NSIP Sheep Sale will be hosted Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster, Ohio.  This event will be a great opportunity to acquire breeding sheep that have been selected for increased productivity and profitability.  All sheep sold will have Estimated Breeding Values from the National Sheep Improvement Programs.  The NSIP offers EBVs for growth potential, carcass characteristics, reproduction, fleece traits and parasite resistance.  A variety of breeds will be offered including Polypay, Suffolk, Hampshire, Katahdin and more. Continue reading →

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Noble County

Noble County OSU Extension will be hosting a FAMACHA© and a Fecal Egg Count Workshop at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station in Belle Valley, Ohio (16870 Bond Ridge Road Caldwell, OH 43724) on Friday, June 28^th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Parasites are the top issue facing sheep and goat producers in the Eastern United States. FAMACHA© eye scores and fecal egg counts are helpful tools for small ruminant producers seeking better parasite control in their flocks. These workshops will provide training for producers to conduct FAMACHA© eye scores and fecal egg counts at home. Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Have you ever considered using artificial insemination to rapidly increase the genetic diversity of your flock or to produce superior offspring for show and replacement breeding stock, but was unable to do so due to the cost? If so, look no further. Back due to popular demand, the Licking County Sheep Improvement Association will be providing Ohio and surrounding state shepherds the opportunity to expand the genetics of their flocks in using A.I. techniques with the services being provided by Reproduction Specialty Group – Dr. Tad Thompson, DVM. The event is set for Saturday, August 17, 2019 at the Hartford Fairgrounds. Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Calling all small and large ruminant producers. The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences and Ohio Sheep Improvement Association would like to announce that the 2019 Ohio Sheep and Hay Day will be held on Saturday, July 13 at the Jackson Agriculture Research Station (JARS) located at 019 Standpipe Rd., Jackson, OH 45640.

This year’s program will offer attendees the opportunity to visit one of Ohio State’s outlying research stations that focuses on efficient ruminant livestock and forage production. This programs aim is to provide producers with the tools they need to continue increasing on-farm livestock and hay production.

A list of programming topics include: Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

(Image Source: Lamb Shoppe LLC)

In addition to the annual spring and fall sheep shearing schools sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio will also be hosting an intermediate and advanced sheep shearing school scheduled for the weekend of July 27th and 28th from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the Dave Cable Farm in Hebron, Ohio. As a note, the Ohio State Fair sheep shearing contest will be held on Friday, July 26th beginning at 10:00 am in the sheep barn show arena. Those interested in participating or viewing are encouraged to join! Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Back due to popular demand, the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association will be offering a spring sheep shearing school scheduled for April 12th and 13th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Dave Cable Farm in Hebron, Ohio.

During this two day schooling event, attendees will be given the opportunity to learn how to properly shear a sheep using the Australian shearing method. Those in attendance will be taught Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Arguably, one of the most stressful time periods during the small ruminant production cycle is the preparation and care of newborn lambs and kids. As much as we would like for the lambing and kidding process to go off without a hitch, there is always the chance that you may have to intervene. Thankfully for producers, we have a team of experienced OSU extension educators that can provide helpful tips to make your lambing and kidding season a success.

On Monday, March 25, 2019 from 6 pm – 9 pm, producers will have the opportunity to tour a pasture based sheep operation in conjunction with a series of talks outlining how to prepare and manage your flock and herd for lambing and kidding season. To begin the event Continue reading →

Garth Ruff, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Henry County

The 2019 North West Ohio Seeds For Success Small Farm Conference will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Northwest State Community College, located at 22600 State Route 34, Archbold Ohio.  The conference provides education and topics of interest for small farm and rural landowners. Participants will walk away from the conference with knowledge and ideas of how to improve existing enterprises or marketing opportunities. For those who have some acreage but don’t yet know what to do with it, the conference is an opportunity to consider possibilities, gather information, and make contacts.

The 2019 North West Ohio Seeds For Success Small Farm Conference offers 24 different breakout sessions divided between five different track topics; Continue reading →

Eric Richer, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Fulton County

OSU Extension to Host Sheep & Goat Series in February

The Ohio State University Extension-Fulton County will be offering a two-night Small Ruminants 101 Series at the Robert Fulton Ag Center, 8770 St. Rt. 108 in Wauseon. The series is intended to cover the basics of small ruminant (sheep & goat) production and marketing for new, current, and interested producers. The program runs from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm each night. Continue reading →

Tim Barnes, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Marion County

The Wool Judge Workshop II will be held Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Animal Science Building at 2029 Fyffe Rd. located at the Ohio State University Columbus campus.

This training workshop has been developed to assist sheep judges in their evaluation of fleece quality within the wool breeds of sheep. The following topics will be presented at the workshop: Continue reading →

Tim Barnes, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Marion County

A Lambing & Kidding School will be held Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. at the Jeff Criswell Farm at 2965 Keener Rd Marion, Ohio. This is a biennial event that was started in 2017 for sheep producers, but was expanded to include goats for 2019.

Speakers will include Dr. Michelle “Mitch” Michalak, co-owner of Maria Stein Animal Clinic. Dr. Mitch has experience raising Angora goats and Shropshire sheep. She will provide insight for Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Dr. Ale Relling Presenting on fatty acid supplementation

During this past weekend, shepherds from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia gathered for the annual Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA). This years program theme was ‘Improving profitability of the sheep operation.’ Per usual, the event took place at the Shisler Conference Center at the Ohio Agriculture and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, Ohio.

To kick off the event, Dr. Woody Lane of Roseburg, Oregon was the sole speaker of the Shepherd’s college on Friday, November 30th. Dr. Lane covered an array of topics including management intensive grazing (MIG), utilization of grazing tools, and producer study groups. Dr. Lane first focused on the basics of animal grazing. Some important reminders such as Continue reading →

Last Tuesday, Ohioans gathered at the polls to cast their votes for the November 2018 election. That same evening, a group of thirty Ohioans gathered at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station in Belle Valley for the sixth and final class of the 2018 Southeast Ohio Sheep and Goat School series.

While most people were watching television to see election results, these folks were watching The Ohio State University Meat Science Professor, Dr. Lyda G. Garcia, share insights on carcass evaluation followed by the breakdown of both a lamb and goat carcass from primal, to sub-primal, and retail cuts. Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

The annual Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium, organized by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA), is fast approaching as it will be held on November 30 and December 1 at the OARDC Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio. This event not only serves as the OSIA annual meeting, but also gives producers an opportunity to interact with one another and participate in educational programming that is designed to assist producers by increasing production efficiencies.  Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Are you interested in learning a new skill set that will greatly benefit sheep industry? Are you interested in the potential to make some money on the side working with your favorite small ruminant species? If you answered yes to both of these questions, look no further! All thanks to the support of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, the next sheep shearing school is slated for September 14 and 15 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Dave Cable Farm in Hebron, Ohio.

During this two day schooling event, attendees will be given the opportunity to learn how to properly shear a sheep using the Australian shearing technique. Those in attendance will be taught Continue reading →

Rusty Burgett, Program Director, National Sheep Improvement Program

Hello Sheep Producers!

On behalf of the National Sheep Improvement Program and the sale committee, we would like to invite you to our 2^nd annual Eastern NSIP Sheep Sale at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster, OH at 1:00 p.m. on August 11, 2018. This sale will be a great opportunity to access proven genetics that have been selected for increased productivity and profitability. Sheep can be found to improve lambing and weaning rates along with growth rates, increase carcass cutability and build parasite resistance. There will truly be a sheep for everyone. Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

As the sun rose above the hills of southeastern Ohio this past Saturday, the stage was set for the 2018 Ohio Sheep Day. Shepherds from all around gathered in Belle Valley at Ohio State’s Eastern Agriculture Research Station (EARS) to take in its unique view and to get an update on what has been happening at EARS since the last Sheep Day in 2009. In addition, Dr. CathAnn Kress, Dean of the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences as well as Dr. Dave Benfeld, Associate Vice President, AVP, Ag Admin and Dir. joined those in attendance to listen in on the current happenings and research being conducted at the research station. A unique piece of this years sheep day included the attendance of several OSU Animal faculty interested in the sustainability of Ohio’s sheep industry.

To begin the morning session, attendees were loaded onto the tour wagons and headed to the sheep handling facility. Here, shepherds were introduced to Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Have you ever considered using artificial insemination to rapidly increase the genetic diversity of your flock or to produce superior offspring for show and replacement breeding stock, but was unable to do so due to the cost? If so, look no further. All thanks to the Licking County Sheep Improvement Association, Ohio shepherds now have the opportunity to expand the genetics of their flocks in using A.I. techniques with the services being provided by Reproduction Specialty Group – Dr. Tad Thompson, DVM. The event is set for Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the Hartford Fairgrounds. Continue reading →

Steve Boyles, OSU Extension Beef Specialist, The Ohio State University

On April 13^th, the Department of Animal Sciences will celebrate the achievements of those who have enhanced student education and enriched the animal science industry through the annual Animal Sciences Annual Recognition Reception. Several prestigious student awards will also be presented.

This year, the Department will induct Mike Stitzlein into the Animal Sciences Hall of Fame. Continue reading →

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Noble County

The Ohio State University Eastern Agricultural Research Station will host the 2018 Southeast Ohio Sheep and Goat School beginning February 15, 2018. This six session series will span from February to November featuring presentations by state specialists and regional experts. From “Sheep & Goats 101” to “Finishing”, there is sure to be something for every sheep and goat producer’s interest. Most classes will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and be held at the The Ohio State University Eastern Agricultural Research Station (EARS):

16870 Twp. Rd. 126 Caldwell, Ohio 43724

A meal will be included. The cost for the course is $100 for all six sessions or $25 per session. Registration is requested by February 1, 2018. For more details, please check out the attached flyer.

Any further questions should be directed to Christine Gelley at Noble County Extension (740) 732-5681 or gelley.2@osu.edu.

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Yet again, the annual Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium, sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA), went off without a hitch this past weekend. The objective of the symposium is to assist sheep producers by providing a two day event full of educational programming from which  every sector of the American sheep industry can benefit from. The symposium was held in the Shisler Conference Center at the Ohio Agriculture and Development Center (OARDC) in Wooster, Ohio.

The symposium kicked off on Friday, December 1, with Dr. Francis Fluharty with The Ohio State University speaking on the topic of Continue reading →

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator, Noble County

The 2017 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium is approaching. This annual event is organized by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA). The objectives of the symposium are to assist sheep producers with increasing productivity through educational programming from which every segment of the sheep industry can benefit.

This year’s symposium will begin with the Shepherd’s College from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 2017 at Fisher Auditorium on the Ohio Agriculture Research and Development Center (OARDC) Wooster Campus. Dr. Erin Recktenwald of Michigan State University will lead off with Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

On this past Saturday, 57 livestock producers and forage enthusiasts attended the Mid-Ohio Valley Grazing Conference in Fleming Ohio at Lazy H Farms. The event was sponsored by The Ohio State University Extension, West Virginia University Extension, Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, Ohio Farm Bureau, The Career Center – Adult Technical Training, and The James Barret Endowment Fund. The speakers of the event were Bob Hendershot, Dr. Mark Sulc, and Dr. Edward B. Rayburn.

Mr. Bob Hendershot, retired State Grassland Conservationist, NRCS and the 2017 Distinguished Grasslander Award recipient, began the morning session by talking about Continue reading →

Stan Smith, OSU Extension PA, Fairfield County

If you pasture livestock or want to know more about pasture management, then please do not miss this upcoming opportunity to learn from the region’s “Who’s Who” among forages and pasture management.  Ohio State University Extension, West Virginia University Extension, Washington County Farm Bureau, Washington Soil and Water Conservation District, and The Career Center, Adult Technical Training is pleased to offer our region the Mid-Ohio Valley Grazing Conference Continue reading →

Brady Campbell, Program Coordinator, OSU Sheep Team

Ewes and lambs in the field at the 2017 Ohio Sheep Day at OARDC in Wooster, OH (Image source: Farm and Dairy)

Another successful sheep day is in the books as the 2017 Ohio Sheep Day wrapped up on July 15th at the Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center (OARDC) sheep research center in Wooster, Ohio. Producers, researchers, and sheep enthusiasts all joined in an exciting day filled with a diverse range of topics that were both practical and applicable on farm. Each year, the goal of Ohio Sheep Day is to provide producers with both scientific information and resources/contacts to better their sheep operations.

The highlight of this year’s event was Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

The 2014 Ohio Sheep Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2014. It will be held at the Ray Family Farm, home of Shawn and Kim Ray and Family. The farm is located in beautiful Noble County, at 50725 Ray Ln., Cumberland, OH 43732.

Ray Family Farm is a primarily grass based commercial sheep, goat, and cattle operation in the heart of Appalachia Ohio, concentrating their efforts on providing the highest quality forages to their livestock. The farm is located in Southeastern Ohio where the terrain is very rough and rolling, making it an ideal location ruminant livestock production.

This year’s Ohio Sheep Day Continue reading →

Tracy Turner, OSU CFAES CommTech

Sheep producers can learn innovative new techniques to produce consistent, high quality lamb and how to better market their specialty meats during a two-day course Dec. 17-18. The course will be taught by livestock experts from Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) and industry experts. Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

The Ohio Sheep Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, 2013, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. It will be held at the OARDC Sheep Research Unit, located at 5743 Fredericksburg Road, Wooster OH 44691.

The OARDC Sheep Research Unit has a long history of conducting research to answer questions that help sheep producers be profitable. That has not changed. Come and see what has been learned in the last five years. Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

The 2012 Ohio Sheep Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 14, 2012. It will be held at Buckeye Acres Farm, home farm of the Ron and Carla Young Family, located at 12282 Harrison-Willshire Rd., Van Wert, Ohio 45891, in scenic Van Wert County. Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

The 2011 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium will concentrate on “Small Ruminant (Sheep and Goat) Nutrition”. This year’s annual event will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), Skou Hall, 1328 Dover Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.

With the diversity of the sheep and goat industry, we have made this an intense Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

Delaware County will play host to Sheep-O-Rama – a one-day educational event to promote the development of the Sheep Dairy Industry in Ohio. Set for Saturday, October 1, 2011, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delaware County (OH) Fairgrounds, this event was organized by the Heart of Ohio RC&D and the Ohio Sheep Milk & Cheese Initiative and sponsored in part by Innovative Farmers of Ohio.

The day’s events will focus on Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

What: Ohio Sheep Day
When: Saturday, July 16, 2011
Where: Blue Heron Farm, c/o Cynthia Koonce
32994 Teegarden Rd., Lisbon, OH 44432

The 2011 Ohio Sheep Day is scheduled for Saturday, July 16, 2011. It will be held at Blue Heron Farm, home farm of Cynthia Koonce, located outside of Lisbon, Ohio in beautiful Columbiana County. Continue reading →

Roger High, OSU Ohio State Sheep Extension Specialist

Date: December 11, 2010
Start Time: 7:30 – 9 a.m. Registration and Trade Show
Location: Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI), Wooster, OH

The focus of the 2010 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium will be “Marketing for a Profitable Sheep Farm.” This year’s annual event will be held on Continue reading →

Roger High, Executive Director, OSIA
Susan Schultz, OSIA President

OARDC Eastern Research Station in Caldwell, OH hosted the 2009 Ohio Sheep Day

The weather was absolutely gorgeous, with a glint of rain in the air all day, and finally it rained near the end of the program, which was very much appreciated in the drought stricken area of southeastern Ohio.  The air was filled with positive thoughts of an exciting Ohio sheep industry and the OSIA/OSWP/OSU coordinated Ohio Sheep Day was another overwhelming success.   Sheep producers from all over Ohio and Continue reading →

Curt Cline, 2008 Sheep Day Host

Sheep day came and went on our farm on July 12th. The day went off without a hitch, good people, good food, good times! The day was full of events for all aspects of sheep production or, as far as that goes, any livestock production. From pasture tours highlighting the economics behind the forages to listening to Mr. Gordon Oswalt, a Michigan shepherd that manages 1500 ewes, speak about sheep genetics and his personal experiences with a family farm in which multiple generations work together. Continue reading →