Fall 2015 - Ohio Sheep Improvement Association

OHIO
Fall 2015
SHEEPPRODUCER
A Publication of the
Ohio Sheep Improvement Association &
The Ohio Sheep And Wool Program
PHOTO BY MATT REESE, OHIO’S COUNTRY JOURNAL
Buckeye Shepherd’s
Symposium
Productivity, Profitability, Nutrition, and
Sheep Farm Succession Planning Principles
By Roger A. High
OSIA/OSWP Executive Director
The 2015 Buckeye Shepherd’s
Symposium (BSS) ~ “Profitability, Productivity, Nutrition, and
Sheep Farm Succession Planning
Principles” ~ will concentrate
on several topics related to the
success of the sheep operation
both now and in the future. The
event will be held Dec. 12 at the
Ohio Agricultural Research and
Development Center (OARDC),
Shisler Conference Center, 1680
Madison Ave., Wooster, OH
44691.
The planning committee has
put together a great program involving many factors and keeping the sheep industry in mind.
The symposium will begin with,
“Status and Major Issues of the
American Sheep Industry”, presented by Burton Pfliger, president of the American Sheep Industry (ASI).
Primary speakers will include
OSIA Members Bailey Amstutz and Logan Harvel compete for Grand
Champion and Reserve Champion Market Lamb at the 2015 Ohio State Fair.
Congratulations to both Bailey and Logan for their accomplishments.
Dr. Richard Ehrhardt, Michigan
State University Small Ruminant Specialist; Dr. Robert Leder, Large Animal Veterinarian
and Sheep Farmer, Bear Creek
Sheep Station, Wisconsin; Dr.
Kevin Burgoon, Honor Show
Chow Nutritionist, Purina Animal Nutrition; Peggy Kirk Hall,
Asst. Professor, Agricultural
and Resource Law; David Marrison, Ashtabula County ANR
Extension Educator; and Robert
SYMPOSIUM~ Continued on page 2
Productivity and
Profitability workshop coming
to Wooster on Dec. 11
New LOGOS Approved
Since the last Ohio Sheep Producer newsletter, the OSIA/OSWP Logo
Committee, the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association Board of Trustees,
the Ohio Sheep and Wool Program and the OSIA LEAD Council have approved the use of new logos for the organizations.
“Everyone has been very pleased with the new logos which were developed by graphic designer, Tiffany McComas. Tiffany had the vision to
make our new logos modern and flashy, and they will be utilized for a long
period of time”, states Roger A. High, OSIA/OSWP Executive Director.
The logos have already been used a great deal this summer and will
begin appearing on many more items as time goes on.
OSIA Membership Update:
CONGRATULATIONS! As of May 31, 2015, the Ohio
Sheep Improvement Association has the 3rd largest American
Sheep Industry (ASI) membership with 435 active lifetime, farm/
family, and youth memberships. Top 2 states: Texas and Montana!
OSIA will be hosting a “Productivity and Profitability Workshop”,
in Wooster, on Dec. 11. This is the afternoon prior to the Buckeye
Shepherd’s Symposium. The program will feature speakers who can
assist sheep farmers developing the principles of increasing productivity and increasing income on their sheep operations.
Speaker for the Friday program will include Dr. Robert Leder, Veterinarian and sheep farmer from Bear Creek Farm in Wisconsin, and
Dr. Richard Ehrhardt, Michigan State University Small Ruminant Extension Specialist. Commercial, purebred, club lamb and other sheep
producers will learn how to take principles from the sheep operations
of Dr. Robert Leder and Dr. Richard Ehrhardt and adapt them to their
sheep farming operations.
The workshop will be held at the OARDC Wooster Campus, in the
Fisher Auditorium conference room, starting at 2:00 p.m. While the
workshop will be FREE, a social hour is planned following the event,
so pre-registration is requested (but not required). Registration information will be included in the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium
packet which each member should receive in Early November.
Plan your trip to Wooster a day early and enjoy a workshop worthwhile to all sheep producers!
2015 OSIA
OFFICERS &
2015 Board
of Trustees
Ohio Sheep Improvement
Association Officer Team
Shawn Ray | President
Mark McCabe | Vice-President
Mike Stitzlein | Second Vice-President
Daryl Clark | Past President
Ohio Sheep Improvement
Association Board of Trustees
Term Ending 2015
Cynthia Koonce
John Anderson
Leah Amstutz
Kristin Reese
Term Ending 2016
Kathy Bielek
Dusty Knapke
Denise Percival
Bob Hendershot
Representing the Joint Council of
Extension Professionals
Term ending 2016
Rory Lewandowski
2015 Ohio Sheep & Wool
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gary Wilson
Jenera
Dr. Dale Duerr
Bolivar
Jordan Beck
Wauseon
Becky Sexten
Xenia
Stacey Johnson
Minerva
David Rowe
London
Roger Hunker
Bellevue
Robert Hunter
Pickerington
Scott Peters
Versailles
Daryl Clark
Zanesville
Lori Shroyer
DeGraff
Ross Larue
Ashville
Jeff McCutcheon
St. Louisville
Dr. Henry Zerby
Marengo
Don Hawk
Danville
Roger A. High
Executive Director
614-246-8299
Steven Moore
Flushing
2 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
OCT. 11
OSIA LEAD COUNCIL ANNUAL BANQUET & AWARDS PROGRAM
Location: Deer Creek State Park
Contact: Christine Pence, OSIA LEAD Council
Recording Secretary at [email protected]
NOV. 13-20
NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
LIVESTOCK EXPOSITION
Location: Louisville, KY
DEC. 11-12
BUCKEYE SHEPHERD’S SYMPOSIUM
NOV. 7
& OSIA ANNUAL MEETING
OHIO MAKE-IT WITH WOOL (MIWW)
Location: OARDC – Shisler Center, Wooster
CONTEST
Contact: Roger A. High, [email protected] or visit
Location: University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, OH www.ohiosheep.org for more information
Contact: Melinda Stevens, [email protected]
for more information
JAN. 27-30, 2016
AMERICAN SHEEP INDUSTRY (ASI)
ASSOCIATION CONVENTION
Location: Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Scottsdale, AZ
Symposium ~ Continued from page 1
Moore, Agricultural Attorney, Wright and
Moore Law Firm, Columbus.
The primary topics for this year’s symposium will include, “Principles in Flock Productivity and Profitability”, “Sheep Flock
Nutrition”, “Milk Production” and “Estate
and Sheep Farm Succession Planning”.
Prior to the symposium, the OSIA Annual
Meeting will be held Dec. 12. at the same location. The election of the OSIA officer team
will be held, as well as other important items
for members to discuss.
We will once again host the annual tradeshow and “Silent Auction”. Funds from the
auction have been used as the primary source
of income for the Ralph Grimshaw Memorial
Scholarship Fund for several years. If you will
be attending the symposium, you can donate
and bid on items for the auction.
Back by popular demand, you’ll enjoy
the wonderful lamb shank lunch served in
2014, served by the OSU Meat Science Club,
with the remainder of the meal catered by
Das Essen House. Lunch will be followed by
an awards program to present the Charles
Boyles Master Shepherd Award, Distinguished Service Awards, and the Friend of
the Ohio Sheep Industry awards. Youth recognition will be given to the state FFA sheep
proficiency award winner, state 4-H sheep
award winner and Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship winners.
Registration packets will be mailed to OSIA
members in early November and detailed information will soon be placed on the website
at www.ohiosheep.org. If you would like additional information, contact Roger A. High at
(614) 246-8299 or by email at [email protected].
Please pass the information along to other
sheep producers in your area.
Surfed the OSIA website lately?
Here’s just a sample
of the information you
can access:
•
•
•
•
•
Recipes
Membership
Educational
Scholarships
Upcoming Events
Joyce Spangler
Graphic designer, Ohio
Farm Bureau Federation
ohiosheep.org
www.ohiosheep.org
Visit www.ohiosheep.org
for information concerning
Educational and Promotional
Programs sponsored by
OSIA and OSWP
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Shawn Ray
OSIA President
As I write this letter, school has already started
and the Noble County Fair begins today. In my
world that means an end to summer.
It has been another difficult year to manage
the farm due to the significant weather changShawn Ray
es which occurred throughout the past few
months. Spring was cool and dry for us, then the
spigot turned on and hay season was delayed till mid-July. I have
yet to meet a farmer who has not had some kind of major equipment repair during haying season. Now, spigot is completely off,
temps up, and grass turning brown and short.
My good farm news is the employment of a professional trapper this past winter has cut my losses down to minimal compared to the previous year and a half.
OSIA has had a much better year. Past leadership of the organization has set the stage for us to enjoy a very great year with
the help of all the volunteers of the organization’s councils and
committees.
This summer’s successes include new logos for OSIA, OSWP
and the OSIA LEAD Council. These were followed with quick
successes at Ohio Sheep Day, Ohio Sheep Youth Extravaganza,
Ohio Lamb Jam, Ohio State Fair “Taste of Ohio Café”, state fair
contest sponsorships, the Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship, the Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen selection, and last but far
from least, the OSIA LEAD Council youth program. This newest
addition to the organization has had a great transition to OSIA
and very successful year of shows and learning events.
Well summer is over and the home seems like most of the work
is left for this fall…on the farm that is. OSIA will be busy as well
and we hope you can find the time to help and enjoy the many
events of the organization.
P.S. I almost forgot - we have a new all-time high membership
of 468 members as of the writing of this article, with new memberships coming in continuously. WELCOME!
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Executive Director’s Report
By Roger A. High
OSIA/OSWP Executive Director
Well, it’s that time of year again for many of us - time for the rams to
be in with ewes for next lambing season. As I write this, I just placed
my rams in with the ewes last night (Sept. 8) for early 2016 February lambs. I always have to plan five
months ahead so I’m not lambing ewes out while
I’m at the ASI Convention, which is in beautiful,
warm, and sunny Scottsdale, AZ at the end of January 2016.
So my normal lambing schedule is to lamb the older ewes for one (1) cycle at the beginning of January
- then pull the ram and start again in early February
- generally for only one cycle (or a couple of days
Roger A. High
afterward). It’s always a good idea to plan ahead for
major events in your calendar, especially if it makes people happy.
The absence of the lambing process while I am away makes my wife,
Holly, and my chore man, Nevin Smith very happy.
As an industry, we need to think ahead for ourselves. What is the
next big industry event occurring in our industry? Mark your calendars, there are a number of them, and coincidently, just like my trips
to the ASI Convention each January, they pretty much occur at the
same time every year.
If you look on page two of this newsletter where the upcoming
events are listed, you’ll see:
• The OSIA LEAD Council Annual Banquet and Awards program is always the second Sunday in October;
• The Ohio MIWW Contest is always the first Saturday in November;
• The NAILE sheep show is always the same weekend in November;
• Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of November;
•The Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium (with the exception of last
year due to some scheduling conflicts) is always the second Saturday
of December;
• Christmas is always December 25;
• New Years Day is always January 1;
• and my birthday is always February 2. 
My point is, if you don’t “mark your calendar” way ahead of time,
you’re likely to miss an important industry event or even an important family event.
I’ve actually been criticized for thinking too far ahead, but that’s
the way I roll in order to get everything done and to make everyone
happy. It’s actually driving me crazy right now that I do not have a
location for the 2016 Ohio Sheep Day nailed down. I know the date,
which is always the second Saturday in July, but not a location.
So, next time you tell someone you can’t make it to one of our programs, it’s probably because you did not plan ahead, or did not read
your newsletter, or did not “mark your calendar” years ahead of time.
If you don’t, you are more than likely going to miss a great program
or a social event, or a family event, and someone is NOT going to be
happy!
Speaking of planning ahead…I already know the day I can retire…
and that makes me happy!
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 3
OHIO LAMB AND WOOL QUEEN
Queen’s Corner…
As I’m sure
most people could
guess, most of my
Growing up on a
time spent that week
small farm, my famwas in the sheep barn
ily & I spent most of
handing out awards to
our summer working
young and old alike. It
with our Southdown
gave me the opportuflock to prepare them
nity to be with people
for the highlight of our
who have watched me
year, the Ohio State Abby Pozderac
grow up over the past
Fair. With each year my
18 years, and introfamily and I exhibited,
I came home with new memo- duced me to new friends I will see
ries, new friends and another les- later on as I further my career in
son learned. However, after be- agriculture and continue being ining crowned the 2015-2016 Ohio volved in the sheep industry.
Lamb and Wool Queen this sum- One of the highlights from my
mer, I left with a new perspective. week was working a few hours at
My week at the fair united two of the sheep stand in the “Taste of
my greatest passions - the sheep Ohio Café” building. I worked
industry and interacting with with the Knox County Sheep
people.
Improvement Association and
By Abby Pozderac
during that short time, many fair
goers came asking for samples
of lamb. Every person I saw try
a sample jumped back in line to
purchase a delicious gyro, roast
lamb or BBQ lamb sandwich.
This showed me how important
it is to promote the sheep industry because so many people do
not realize what they are missing
until they’ve tried our delicious
products.
Two weeks later I was invited to
attend the Taste of Summer event,
hosted by the Knox County Farm
Bureau. It took place at McFarland’s Llama Farm, in Mount Vernon. At this event all the proceeds
from the dinner and auction went
to support the United Way.
That evening a local chef prepared delicious entrees including
shrimp, duck salad, filet mignon,
and my personal favorite, herb
crusted lamb chops. At my table
there were several individuals
who had never tried lamb before
and were pleasantly surprised at
the wonderful flavor it possessed.
Growing up eating lamb I found
it strange that so many people
had never tried all the delicious
and nutritious properties lamb
has to offer.
As my reign as Ohio Lamb and
Wool Queen begins, I look forward to spending time with sheep
producers and lamb consumers as
I promote the sheep and wool industry and continue to gain a new
perspective on the Ohio sheep industry as I learn from those I encounter throughout my year.
PHOTO BY MATT REESE – OHIO’S COUNTRY JOURNAL
Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen Report
By Kristin Reese
Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen Coordinator
What a fantastic year we’ve had to be Ohio sheep producers. While
we have faced higher feed prices, we still have so much to be thankful
for, but we’ve also had great opportunities to promote our commodities
through the Ohio Sheep Marketing Program.
One of my favorite programs to work on is the Ohio Lamb and Wool
Queen Contest. As a former participant, it is very exciting for me to see
the young women in our industry grow in their sheep experience and
develop their skills to play a more intricate roll as they enter adulthood.
When we conduct interviews, I see quiet, reserved ladies studying
our industry. By the end of the year, we end up with a very confident
advocate who had a great experience. I have been helping with this
program quite a while now and I love to keep in touch with the ladies
after their year of reign. We’ve had a stellar group of queens, and I look
forward to many more years of qualified candidates.
This year we have a beautiful and very kind queen in Abby Pozderac,
from Knox County. Abby lives in Knox County on a small farm outside
of Mount Vernon, where her family raises Southdown sheep. She is the
daughter of Milan and Kim Pozderac, and has two younger siblings,
Milan and Maribeth.
Abby is a 2015 graduate of Fredericktown High School and was
mainly involved with her FFA chapter which included her serving two
terms as her chapter’s president. To share her passion for agriculture,
Abby was honored to serve the Ohio FFA Association as the 2014-15
president for District 7. This fall, she will attend The Ohio State University-Newark, majoring in Agri-Science Education.
Serving as this year’s Lamb & Wool Queen, Abby is excited to have
the opportunity to share her passion for the sheep industry as well as
4 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
Left to Right: OSIA Executive Director Roger A. High, 2015-16 Ohio Lamb and
Wool Queen Abby Pozderac, Madison Banbury, Kait Stillion, and the 2014-15
Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen Savannah Forgey
educate the public about the high quality products the sheep industry produces. This program allows young women sheep producer’s the
opportunity to meet politicians, gain confidence and become more
knowledgeable about the sheep industry. This program is about helping the future of our industry find their footing and begin to grasp the
big picture of sheep and wool in Ohio.
As I write this article, we are wrapping up a fall lambing season and
already making plans for the cool nights. Another show season, including the great Ohio State Fair, has past and I am going to turn yet another year older. This year made me feel a little older than usual as I
realized I had watched most of the girls who were running for queen
get their start in showing and lead competitions. It made me so proud
to be the coordinator of this contest to see what a bright future our
industry has. We are so blessed to be involved with an industry that not
only tastes good, but looks good too. Wool is such a timeless item to
add to your wardrobe and to promote our industry.
Report~ Continued on page 18
SCHOLARSHIPS UPDATE
Tyler Myers (Logan Co.) was awarded a $1,000 scholarship and Ariel
Watson (Guernsey Co.), Sarah Hunker (Huron Co.), William Ray (Noble Co.), and Dakota Dunlap (Marion Co.) were each awarded a $500
Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship at the 2015 Ohio State Fair.
Myers is a sophomore at Ivy Tech Community College where he
plans to earn an associate’s degree in Agriculture, then plans to transfer to Purdue University and pursue a degree in Agriculture Systems
Management, with a minor in Ag Business. He has been very involved
in his family’s Polled Dorset breeding sheep and club lamb operation
and has shown breeding sheep and market lambs for a number of
years at the county, state, and national levels.
Watson is a freshman at The Ohio State University, majoring in
Food Science and Technology and plans to be a food researcher. She
has been raising sheep her entire life, primarily Montadale breeding
sheep and club lambs.
Hunker is a freshman at Redlands Community College in El Reno,
OK, where she will be a judging team member. She plans to double
major in Animal Sciences and Ag Business. She has been showing
club lambs, pigs, goats and cattle during her 4-H and FFA career.
Ray is a freshman at The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute (OSU-ATI). He plans to pursue a degree in Natural
Resources and Environmental Sciences. He has been involved in the
family farm operation and has shown market lambs during his 4-H
and FFA career.
Dunlap is a freshman at The Ohio State University and plans to
major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business. He was
the OSIA LEAD Council junior director and was selected by LEAD
Council directors for the scholarship. He has shown market lambs
and breeding sheep throughout his 4-H and FFA career.
The Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by the
Ohio Sheep Improvement Association and is awarded annually to
at least one young sheep producer. Funds for this scholarship come
from the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium and Ohio State Fair silent
2015 Scholarship winners: L – R Roger A. High, Tyler Myers and Ariel Watson,
2014 Ralph Grimshaw recipients, not available for the photo, William Ray, Sarah
Hunker and Dakota Dunlap
auctions and from private donations.
Please attend the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium and support the
silent auction which supports young people in the sheep industry.
Congratulations Tyler, Ariel, Sarah, William and Dakota!
BUCKEYE SHEPHERD’S SYMPOSIUM
SILENT AUCTION AN IMPORTANT SOURCE
OF INCOME FOR SCHOLARSHIP
The 2015 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium (BSS) will once again host
the “Silent Auction”. Funds from the auction will be used as the main
source of income for the Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship Fund.
“We really need to work hard to regenerate this scholarship fund for
future students,” states Roger A. High, OSIA Executive Director. We have
been able to provide much needed scholarship funds to several excellent
young sheep farmers over the past few years, so we need everyone’s
assistance for continued regeneration of the funds.
If you have an item you would be interested in donating, please bring it
to the BSS. Also, if you plan to attend the Symposium, please plan to “bid”
on items available so we can continue to provide scholarships to young
people involved in the Ohio sheep industry.
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 5
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MATT REESE – OHIO’S COUNTRY JOURNAL
Five young Ohio sheep farmers receives
Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarships
OHIO STATE FAIR SHEEP SHOW UPDATE
2015 Ohio State Fair Sheep Show Report Update
Each year after the Ohio State Fair, we get many questions regarding
entry numbers. Including but not limited to: How many market lambs
were shown? How many breeding sheep were shown? How do these
numbers compare with last year?
So, in an effort to inform OSIA membership, we are continuing this as
a fall newsletter item that will provide this information.
Ohio State Fair Open Class Breeding Show – based upon number shown
Ranking of Top 5 Open Class Breeding Shows
Shropshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 head shown
Southdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 head shown
Natural Colored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 head shown
Border Cheviot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 head shown
Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 head shown
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MATT REESE, OHIO’S COUNTRY JOURNAL
By Roger A. High
Executive Director, Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
2012201320142015
Ohio State Fair Market Lamb - Number Shown
639
594
595
657
Number of Junior Exhibitors Checked in
245
235
229
646
Ohio State Fair Open Market Lambs - Number Shown
590
577
593
596
Number of Open Class Exhibitors Checked in
209
231
247
259
Ohio State Fair Commercial Ewe Show – Number Shown
Ohio State Fair Junior Breeding Sheep – Number Shown
448
427
Ohio State Fair Grand Champion Junior Fair Market Lamb, Exhibited by
198
198
Bailee Amstutz, Union County. Grand Champion Lamb purchased by The
Meijer Company.
455
487
Number of Exhibitors
135
131
151
142
Ohio State Fair Open Class Breeding Sheep – Number Shown
1,3641,2451,3631,453
Number of Exhibitors
277
270
270 314
Ohio State Fair Junior Breeding Show – based upon number shown
Ranking of Top 5 Junior Breeding Shows
Shropshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 head shown
Southdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 head shown
Corriedale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 head shown
Hampshire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 head shown
Oxford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 head shown
Ohio State Fair Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb, Exhibited by Logan
Harvel, Fayette County. Grand Champion Market Lamb purchased by The
Kroger Company.
Ohio State Fair Commercial Pen of Five contest
The Ohio State Fair Commercial Pen of 5 contest had the largest group
of lambs entered since its inception, with 105 head of lambs across Ohio!
The lambs brought $1.50 per pound and were marketed through the
Ohio Kroger store chain.
Live evaluation judge Rick Reynolds of United Producers, Inc. stated,
“This group of lambs would work for any market on any given day” and
was very appreciative of the depth and quality of lambs entered.
The top 5 live placing were as follows:
Dennis Clark – Troy
David Burkhart/Nancy Wilcox – Alger
6 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
Dennis Clark – Troy
David Burkhart/Nancy Wilcox – Alger
Indian Summer Farm, Roger and Holly High - Richwood
The Top 5 Carcass placing were as follows:
University of Findlay – Findlay
Indian Summer Farm, Roger and Holly High – Richwood
Dennis Clark – Troy (Tie)
Hannah Smith – Fredericktown (Tie)
Hanna Smith - Fredericktown
Contest~ Continued on page 18
OHIO SHEEP DAY
Ohio Sheep Day hosted by Schoolhouse Shropshires
It was a beautiful day in Greene County and
an incredible educational program for our
sheep producers. The Percival family really
rolled out the red carpet for this annual educational event for the Ohio sheep industry.
The Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA), Ohio Sheep and Wool Program
(OSWP) and Ohio State University Extension
(OSUE) coordinated a day which drew in producers from all over Ohio and other states to
learn about sheep research, production and
management.
Pasture and Hay field renovation, USDA
EQIP programs, beginner sheep management,
manure management, composting, animal euthanasia issues and keeping the guard dog on
your property were the topics of the day as we
attempted to focus on many important areas
of sheep production and management. “The
success of the Ohio Sheep Day event comes
through by showing and demonstrating to oth-
THE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN BY: ROGER A. HIGH
By Roger A. High
Executive Director, OSIA
OSIA President Shawn Ray and his wife Kim Ray listen in on a presentation.
er producers how to operate a successful sheep
farm”, states Roger A. High, OSIA executive director and OSU state sheep extension program
specialist.
As the day progressed, approximately 110
sheep producers made their way to the event,
learning information and skills to improve
their stake in the industry.
Roger A. High, OSIA President Shawn Ray
and Jim and Denise Percival and family wel-
comed participants to the event. Key speakers
included Rory Lewandowski, Wayne County
Extension; Mary Griffith, Greene County Extension; Jeff Barnes, District Conservationist,
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service; Dr. Monique Pairis-Garcia and Gregg
Fogle, OSU Animal Sciences; Bob Hendershot, Green Pasture Services; Dean Armstrong, Townsend Livestock Equipment, Jeff
McCutcheon, Morrow County Extension, and
Brandon Baker, Invisible Fence Brand of Dayton and Columbus West.
Of course, food is always an important part
of Ohio Sheep Day and for the 2015 event
we hired Willie’s Bar and Grill Catering, who
served a wonderful lamb meal. The marinated
and grilled boneless lamb leg, baked beans,
chips and cheesecake were a popular hit.
Mark your calendars: OSIA and the Ohio
State Sheep Team will hold the 2016 Ohio
Sheep Day at a yet-to-be-determined location.
More details to come on the OSIA web site,
www.ohiosheep.org and in future newsletters.
1. The Livestock Mortality compositing session instructed by Rory Lewandowski, Wayne Co. Extension and Mary Griffiths, Greene Co. Extension
were popular both in the morning and afternoon
sessions.
2. OSU Shepherd Gregg Fogle works with Travis
Dellinger, Union Co. in the novice/beginner educational program.
3. The marinated grilled lamb prepared by Willie’s
Catering of Xenia was excellent, Willie is shown
here grilling over 100 lbs of Marinated Boneless
Lamb Legs.
1
4. Rory Lewandowski, Wayne Co. Extension demonstrates calibrating manure spreaders for proper
nutrient distribution.
2
3
4
5. Grazing and hay program with Jeff McCutcheon
and Bob Hendershot are always attended by large
groups of attendees at Ohio Sheep Day events.
5
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 7
OSIA EVENTS
2015 Ohio State Fair “Taste of Ohio Café” a
great promotional program for Lamb Producers
This year’s volunteers include:
2015 All Breeds Picnic
The 2015 Ohio State Fair ended a few
weeks ago, and it was again a popular event
to promote our wonderful lamb product.
Closest estimates from Ron Cramer at the
OSU Meat Lab indicate we marketed just
over 3,811 pounds of fresh American lamb
during the 12-day run of the fair.
Our biggest issue for 2015 was the fact our
lamb product was so very popular, and with
the increase of 7% attendance at the Ohio
State Fair, we actually ran out of lamb earlier
than usual.
The Ohio Sheep Improvement Association lamb booth had gross sales in excess of
$70,000. Under the direction of Rachel Budd,
Orrville and her assistant, Jennifer Renner
Reynolds, both of Dalton the Ohio State Fair
Taste of Ohio Café was once again a tremendous promotional success.
Consistency, quality and excellent service
were the key to another successful fair. The
consistently spiced roast leg of lamb and barbecued leg of lamb sandwiches was a tremendous draw. Lamb gyros were also very popular. The products were prepared at The Ohio
State University Meat Lab under the careful
guidance of manager, Ron Cramer. The Ohio
sheep industry is proud to be able to sell so
many pounds of wonderful product, as this
may be the only time during the year some
people consume lamb.
PHOTOS BY ROGER A. HIGH
By Roger A. High
Executive Director, OSIA
Ohio State Fair Booth – Volunteers from the Hardin
County Sheep Improvement Association
Of course, the booth could not function
without dedicated sheep industry volunteers.
Several organizations and individuals assisted, and we’d like to take this opportunity
to thank them. We have attempted to include
everyone, but if we have inadvertently left
anyone out, we apologize.
As in the past several years, OSIA paid a
$75 honorarium to those groups who filled
a shift. Several groups and organizations donated the $75 honorarium to the Ralph H.
Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship Fund. We
will be looking forward to working with each
of you and even more people as the 2016
Ohio State Fair planning begins. Please call
early to reserve your 2016 shift. It’s important
to fill these shifts with volunteers in order to
maintain the sheep farmer volunteer status of
the program.
Once again a fun-filled afternoon was
had by sheep producers on Sun., July 12, at
Winner’s Harvest Barn near DeGraff.
Danny Westlake, Gary Saylor & Tyler
Myers were the auctioneers for the fundraising auction. Even the mystery auction
item was a hit! A.B. Graham FFA Chapter
Hendershot Family – Matt and Jennifer Capsel
Clinton County Lamb and Fleece Association
Dale Duerr
Dan and Linda Dyke
Daryl Clark Family
Dick Sechrist
Dr. Keith Irvin
Dr. Steve Baertsche
Gary and Mary Wilson
Hancock County Sheep Association
Hardin County Sheep Improvement Association
Holly High
Jim and Denise Percival
Knox County Sheep Improvement Association
Katherine Wenner
Kalleigh Mason
Kristin Reese
Leslie Jordan
Licking County Sheep Improvement Association
Logan County Shepherd’s Club
Marion County Sheep Improvement Association
Muskingum County Sheep Improvement
Association
Mark and Marilyn McCabe
Mike Stitzlein
Mon-Rose Farms and Madison County Sheep
Group
Nancy Pence
OSIA LEAD Council
Ohio Oxford Association
OSU Sheep Team Representatives –
OSU Extension
Paul Hunter
Sally Johnson
Wanda, Rachel and Rebecca Berk
Union County Sheep Improvement Association
The auction fundraiser provided showmanship money for the Ohio State Fair
Junior Exhibitors for both junior breeding
sheep sessions and donuts before the Junior Fair breeding sheep shows.
Next year’s picnic will be held on Sunday,
July 10, 2016 at Winner’s Harvest Barn.
The All-Breeds Picnic Committee would like to thank the following people for their continued support of
our junior sheep exhibitors. We appreciate the generosity of these people for their contributions!
Mark & Marilyn McCabe
Inbody Brothers
Don and Meta Van Nostran
Larry & Ann Shroyer
Bill Bryant & Eric Bruns
Knapke Family
MKM Farm
Greg Deakin
Louise Dunham
8 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
Dan Westlake
Sidney Payor & Megan Hollar
Rife Shropshires
Grandma Fowler
Gilbert & Marilyn Fogle
Vondenheuvel Oxfords
Amy Schroeder
Rob Sando
Shell’s Natural Coloreds
Steve & Madelyn Lowery
Emily Overs
Sexten Southdowns
Riverwood Farm
Pat Myers
Ohio Hampshire Assn.
Ohio Southdown Assn.
Sam & Pat Wiford.
Ohio State Fair Reception 2015: (L-R) Roger
A. High, Kristin Reese, and Katherine Wenner
serve a Marinated and Grilled Boneless Lamb
Salad at the Ohio State Fair Sale of Champions
Reception which is sponsored by all of the commodity groups after the Ohio State Fair Sale of
Champions.
OSWP NEWS
Hillsboro Man Wins
Ultimate Backyard BBQ from
Ohio Soybean Farmers
WORTHINGTON, Ohio –
Bill Ritchie, of Hillsboro, Ohio,
will be grilling in style this Labor Day weekend as the winner
of the Ohio Soybean Council’s
“Get Grilling, Ohio” Ultimate
Backyard BBQ sweepstakes, with
a prize package worth more than
$2,500 in high-quality meat and
grilling accessories.
The sweepstakes, which ran
from Independence Day weekend through Aug. 29, accumulated 1,154 entries from which
Ritchie was drawn at random as
the grand prize winner.
Ritchie said he signed up for
the Get Grilling, Ohio sweepstakes through the Digital Dale
farm report he gets every morning in his inbox, but it had been
so long since he signed up, he
had forgotten about the contest.
“The timing is great with Labor Day weekend coming up, so
I’m going to call all of my friends
and invite them over for the
Ultimate Backyard BBQ,” said
Ritchie. “It looks like it’s going
to be a great cookout thanks to
the Ohio Soybean Council and
all of the other donors. I am very
thankful to them for putting together this giveaway.”
OSC Board Member Gretchen Mossbarger delivered the
Ultimate Backyard BBQ prize
package to Ritchie at his home
on Thursday, which included all
items needed to host a backyard
BBQ for up to 25 people. The
prize package included:
• Weber 4-Burner gas grill
• Coleman 100 qt. Xtreme
Wheeled Cooler
• $500 Kroger gift card
• Various cuts of beef, pork,
poultry and lamb
• Sauces and seasonings
• Grilling utensils, cookbooks,
tips and tricks, and more
Prize items and meat for the
sweepstakes were donated by Ohio
Soybean Council, Luckey Farmers, Inc., Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Pork Council, Ohio
Poultry Association, Ohio Sheep
and Wool Program, and Woeber’s
Mustard Company.
The Get Grilling, Ohio campaign is just one way the Ohio
Soybean Council is committed
to promoting Ohio agriculture,
and was funded by Ohio Soybean
Farmers and their checkoff.
“As a primary source of protein
for livestock in Ohio, including
cattle, swine, sheep and poultry,
soybeans and soybean farmers are
an important step of the process
in getting meat from the farm to
the store to the grill,” said Adam
Ward, OSC director of marketing
and outreach. “The Ohio Soybean
Council is invested in helping produce healthy, great-tasting meat
for grilling.”
The Get Grilling, Ohio social pages (Facebook group and
Pinterest) will stay active post-
sweepstakes to serve as forums
for grilling enthusiasts to share
recipes, tips, tricks, ideas and inspiration related to grilling with
one another.
About OSC
Headquartered in Worthington,
the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a volunteer farmer board,
which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program. The
program’s primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research and development
projects through the investment of
farmer-contributed funds.
Magazine
A GUIDE FOR SHEEP AND FARM LIFE
April, 2003
The source
of both
new & tested
information
for the
profit-minded
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Keep Current, Order Today!
NAME (Please Print)
STREET
Ohio Soybean Council Board Member Gretchen Mossbarger (pictured right) delivered the “Ultimate Backyard BBQ” prize package to Bill and Lisa Ritchie (left),
of Hillsboro, Ohio, who was drawn as the winner of the Get Grilling, Ohio sweepstakes, sponsored by Ohio Soybean Farmers and their checkoff. The prize package,
worth more than $2,500, included all items needed to host a backyard cookout for
up to 25 people. Also pictured are the Ritchies’ grandchildren, Shelby and Nate.
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
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OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 9
OHIO MIWW
Ohio Make It With Wool Report
By Melinda Stevens
Ohio Make It With Wool Coordinator
Hello! What a busy time of year we are
in! Back to school, moving kids into college
dorms, school clothes shopping and looking
for the best values to stretch our hard earned
dollars. This is the perfect time of year to teach
our children about the value of the dollar and
how not to spend money on clothing that is not
a fad, but something that will be in fashion for
years to come.
How do we do that? We look for styles that
are classics. We look for fabrics that will withstand day to day wear and tear and still look like
it just came fresh from the store! This is especially true for soon to be students who will be
entering the work force.
Start early building your career wardrobe
and you’ll never be caught off guard for that
special interview, meeting or first day on the
new job. Dressing for success does not just happen for you - YOU have to make it happen.
How are we going to accomplish this goal?
Simple. The answer is WOOL! Wool has stood
the test of time and always comes out a winner.
It’s comfortable…it’s breathable…it’s a classic…
and it’s easy to care for and work with.
If you have not already started, then now is
the time to get that sewing machine, crochet
hook or knitting needles going! The Ohio
Make It With Wool contest deadline is quickly
One of our daily wool award winners, Joshua Robe, receiving daily wool award from current National Junior
Make It With Wool winner Kris Puckrin.
approaching. Entries must be postmarked by
Sept. 28 and received by Oct. 5, 2015. The contest will be held Nov. 7 at the University of Rio
Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio.
In addition to scholarships being offered to
the junior and senior winner, we have a beautiful brand new sewing machine for the preteen winner and some handy Ott Lights for the
adult and sewing for others.
www.mthopeauction.com
10 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
That is just the beginning! We have a host of
other sewing notions, resource books and more
waiting to go home with some lucky winners!
And don’t forget each and every participant
will be going home with a beautiful piece of
wool just waiting to be made into a one-of-akind design. What better way to start your new
wardrobe than with some beautiful wool creations?
I was thrilled to meet so many wonderful
4-H members, parents and grandparents at
the Ohio State Fair 4-H fashion revue! I saw
so many beautiful wool creations which I hope
will make a re-appearance at the Ohio Make It
With Wool Contest.
There seemed to be a little confusion about
what contestants can enter in the OMIWW.
YES…4-H members may enter their 4-H
garments they constructed this year. You DO
NOT have to be in 4-H to enter the OMIWW
contest. OMIWW does support the 4-H fashion revue with a daily wool award, but we are
separate from the 4-H program.
The contest is for ALL AGES. Twelve and
under is the pre-teen division all the way up to
adults of any age. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to send me an
email [email protected] or check out the
Ohio Make It With Wool Facebook page (community).
Need an entry form? Let me know and I will
send it to you. Get those creative caps on. I look
forward to seeing you in November! Happy
creating!
OSIA NEWS
OSIA LEAD Council News
By Jordan Butler
OSIA LEAD Council Vice-Chair
STATE FAIR FUNDRAISING
Silent Auction raised: $4,070
Very exciting!! Thanks Kevin Gump for getting so many amazing breeders involved this year!
Celebrity Showdown/Adult Showmanship Contest: $1,420
THIS IS AMAZING!!! Great job/big thanks to Jordan Butler and Linsey
Howell!! All proceeds go to the Ralph Grimshaw Scholarship Fund.
The Celebrity Showdown judges included the Champion and Reserve Champion
Market Lamb Showmen: Left to right: All Standing: Colin Gump, Justin Howell,
Bailee Amstutz, and Megan Winters. Participants and audience are in the background.
First Annual Celebrity Showdown
The first annual Celebrity Showdown was held on Thurs., July 30, after
the Ohio State Fair Open Class Market Lamb show. The event was sponsored by the OSIA LEAD Council with proceeds of over $1,400 going to
the Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Celebrity Showdown consisted of a nomination process in which
adults were nominated to be in the showmanship contest. The nomination cost was $10, and in order to get out of showing, the nominee had to
pay $20 to get out of the showdown. The participant could be nominated
three (3) times or pay a total of $60 to get out of the contest entirely.
“The activity was filled with lots of fun and laughs by everyone in the
ring and everyone in the crowd. It was truly a fundraiser everyone enjoyed and will grow in the future”, states Roger A. High, OSIA Executive
Director. High manages the Grimshaw Scholarship Fund through the
Ohio Sheep Improvement Association.
From Left to Right the Age Division winners of the Ohio State Fair Skill-a-thon.
STATE FAIR
“Congratulations to all those who exhibited at the 2015 Ohio State Fair.
It was a great year for all!”
RALPH GRIMSHAW LEAD JUNIOR DIRECTOR
COUNCIL MEMBER
OSIA LEAD Council Junior Member Dakota Dunlap awarded the Ralph H. Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship by OSIA Executive Director Roger A. High and OSIA
LEAD Council Chair Brock Amstutz
Several participants that participated in the First Annual Celebrity Showdown line
up for a photo-op: Left to Right: Emily Overs, Maggie Neer, Lisa Shearer, Kevin
Gump, Brent Pence, Christine Pence (with goat), Danielle Harvel, Bailee Amstutz,
and Jennifer Honeck. Photo provided by: Jordan Butler
OSIA LEAD COUNCIL BANQUET/AWARDS PROGRAM
All final points are posted. Please check for any errors or if your points
are totally missing and let me know ASAP at gumpshowlambs@gmail.
com. Otherwise, this will be what is used for determining the awards for
the end of the year recognition banquet.”
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 11
SHEEP SHEARING SCHOOL
Left to Right: John Albert, Bailey Towery, and Roger Shearer participate in the Statewide Sheep Shearing School at the Cable Farm, learning the Australian Method of
sheep shearing. There were 17 sheep producers that participated in the Sheep Shearing School.
2015 Statewide Sheep Shearing School held at Dave Cable Farm
With an increased need for sheep shearers
across the state, the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association (OSIA) and OSU Extension coordinated and sponsored the Statewide Sheep Shearing School, Sept. 18-19.
The school was held at the Dave Cable family’s feeder lamb operation in Hebron, with
fifteen sheep farmers participating.
12 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
Bob Taylor of Somerset was the primary
instructor for the two-day, hands-on course.
Dave Cable and Roger A. High also assisted.
Students in attendance were given several
sheep shearing demonstrations and the opportunity to work on their shearing skills under the
watchful eye of all of the instructors. Students
were provided with lectures on proper cloth-
ing, setting up equipment, sharpening, placement of combs and cutters and other sheep
related information. Approximately 70 feeder
lambs were shorn by participants.
For future sheep shearing school opportunities visit www.ohiosheep.org.
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 13
OHIO LAMB JAM
Lamb Jam Wrap-Up
Thanks to the American Lamb Board and the Ohio Lamb Marketing Program, we have celebrated our 5th annual Ohio Lamb Jam - a
competition featuring Ohio chefs and their decadent lamb dishes.
Lamb Jam events have been held in cities all across the country such as
San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston, Seattle and New York, and
we were thrilled once again to be able to host a Lamb Jam right here
in Ohio. We also have had the good fortune of being part of the Ohio
Wine Festival at the North Market by being home of the Lamb Jam.
We would like to thank the Ohio Grape Industry Committee for
providing the fantastic wine pairings for each dish prepared for the
event. It is always fantastic when Ohio agriculture industries can
collaborate on projects as fantastic as the Lamb Jam.
With this being our fifth year, we decided to switch things up a bit
and make it an extra special competition. We invited back several of
our previous champions and winners to battle head-to-head in the
ultimate Ohio Lamb Jam throwdown!
Over the last 5 years we have been able to reach over 25,000 people
promoting our great industry. This throw down would not be possible
without a team of exceptional food experts. We are very thankful to
have such a qualified team of judges to select the winners.
The senior Rich Terapak has been the resident restaurant reviewer
for WOSU 89.7 for more than 15 years. He has taught cooking as
a hobby for over 35 years, first with Jim Budros and for the last 30
plus with Steve Stover (all of whom are amateurs, but zealots none
the less). Rich has been involved in menu planning for countless
charitable events for decades and has often cooked for them as well.
He has served as chair or honorary chair for several food related
events, most recently as chairs with his wife, Roberta, along with
his son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Cindy, for the granddaddy of
them all - the CORA Food and Wine Gala for 2012.
Andy Dehus is a co-founder of Columbus Food Adventures, Columbus’s first food tour company. He is a founding member of and
contributor to local food related websites including alt.eats.columbus, Taco Trucks Columbus, and Street Eats Columbus. Andy is a
board member of Slow Food Columbus and is one of four presenters
on the new WCBE Foodcast radio show.
Food has been part of Connie Cahill’s life since she received her
first blue ribbon in a 4-H competition when she was seven years
old. Whether it’s creating new and tasty recipes for a food client, or
promoting a new flavor of ice cream on television during National
Ice Cream Month, food is the center of her career. Connie has been
representing food and equipment businesses for over twenty-five
2014-15 Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen Savannah Forgey congratulates the
winners of the 2015 Ohio Lamb Jam.
years. She loves to travel and
meet consumers who have a
passion for “anything” food
related…whether it’s incredible
cooking equipment or testing
fantastic new recipes. Connie has enjoyed speaking as
a company spokesperson for
companies including Velvet Ice
Cream Company, Kraft General
Foods, Unilever, Perdue Farms,
Oscar Mayer Company, M&M
Mars, Sargento Foods, Inc., and
Thermador Appliances. She
- Patrick Marker, Barcelona Restaualso works with all the major
culinary schools across the United rant, Columbus, prepares his Ohio
Lamb Jam award winning Lamb dish
States representing the American
at the 2015 Ohio Lamb Jam event.
Egg Farmers. Her agricultural ties
within the Ohio community are
very strong as she works with the various commodity groups promoting and planning special events.
We would like to congratulate the winners of the 2015 Lamb Jam:
Grand Champion: Patrick Marker, Barcelona
Reserve Champion: Janel Hedgepath, Renaissance Hotels
These two chefs are some of the best in Ohio and not only know
how to prepare good food but have an outstanding grasp on lamb
and the connection from farm to fork. They both serve lamb on a
regular basis on their menus.
As sheep producers it is always amazing to connect and form relationships with those such as chefs and people on the food service
side of things who have the opportunity to put our protein in front
of customers as we as farmers do not have that connection. The
Lamb Jam is an excellent event which promotes lamb to the most
important part of the industry - our consumers - and educating
those who are serving it in their place of business.
14 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 15
YOUTH SHEEP PRODUCER PROFILE
Jacob Wenner
2nd behind the Reserve Champion Ewe
in the 2013 Shropshire show with my own
show stock.
County: Delaware
How I would improve/change the sheep industry:
I realize there are programs already in place
which are meant to market lamb as a wholesale product, but I still feel that not enough
people in the U.S. appreciate the high value
of U.S. lamb. Also, our nation’s lamb industry is not extremely competitive on a global
scale. I believe we need to focus our efforts
on strengthening the industry and increasing our meat production.
Family Members: Kevin (father), Beth
(mother), Katherine (sister), Benjamin
and Amanda (brother & sister-in-law) and
Jeremy (brother)
Occupation: High school senior
Education: High school senior
My sheep enterprise consists of: Presently I have
4 Market Lambs, 4 Shropshire Show Ewes,
29 Shropshire Breeding Ewes and 3 Shropshire Rams.
The best sheep advice I ever received: Every
mentor who has helped me has always
impressed on me the key to success is to
always be learning and adapting. Not only
is this advice very true, it applies to many
things in life beyond sheep.
I began sheep production in: 4th grade when I
bought my first Shropshire Ewe in Wooster.
The person who most influenced/assisted me in
achieving success in the sheep industry: It is difficult to name one single person in the sheep
industry who has influenced/assisted me in
achieving success because so many people
inspired me to better myself and my sheep
practices. My sister, Katherine and my mother
taught me to be responsible, dedicated and
persistent about my sheep projects. In addition, the entire circle of Shropshire breeders
throughout the Midwest has always offered
helpful advice and tips for me as I worked to
start up a flock of my own.
What I like about the sheep industry: I like how
every sheep producer can find ways to
contribute to the sheep industry, and how
there are markets for every lamb producer,
regardless of their flock size.
My favorite lamb dish/recipe: My favorite dish
involving lamb is chili because the natural
flavor of lamb adds to the taste of the chili.
Sheep industry leadership positions I have held: I
am currently the president of the National
Junior Shropshire Sheep Association and I
held the office of vice-president in 2014. In
addition, I am actively involved in our community serving as president of our county
Junior Fair Board.
Why I raise Sheep: I raise sheep because I am
passionate about the sheep industry and because I enjoy showing sheep. I like the idea
of contributing to our nation’s agriculture
industry by raising livestock, and I prefer
sheep to any other livestock species. Showing sheep is both engaging and interesting to
me and I appreciate learning how different
judges can have different opinions.
My greatest sheep production success: My greatest success would be my placings at NAILE
throughout the years. Specifically placing
16 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
The greatest threat to the sheep industry is: The
greatest threat to sheep, and all agriculture
in the U.S., is the growing gap between the
urban population and the farmer. With
each generation, the general public is less
aware of where their food truly comes from.
Sadly, they are largely being informed by the
wrong type of people! Businesses and organizations hoping to capitalize on people’s
ignorance of agriculture falsely represent
farmers as a whole, and threaten to decrease
food production and profits from food
production. I strongly believe sheep industry members need to take every available
opportunity to education our general public
about how farms actually function.
One thing sheep production has taught me: Sheep
production has taught me that management is the key to success. I have learned
the values of good record keeping and how
it benefits my farm in the long run. I have
learned that preventive care helps save time
and money. I have learned to plan ahead
when considering show preparation and
transportation. In short, sheep production
has shown me the importance of being
proactive.
OSIA MEMBERSHIP FORM
OHIO SHEEP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (please print)
Name_____________________________________________________
Farm / Business Name_________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________
City / State / Zip______________________________________________
County ______________
Phone ____________________________________________________
Email _____________________________________________________
Circle all that apply:
Commercial
Purebred
Club Lamb Producer
Allied Industry or Business
Lamb Feeder MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
❏ Farm, Family, or Individual Membership: #3002
$35.00__________
If your farm or family has youth involved in LEAD Council shows and activities
or to be eligible for the Ralph H. Grimshaw Scholarship, the youth's name and
date of birth must also be included on this form. This category covers all family
members for LEAD Council shows and activities.
Youth name____________________________ Birth Date_____________
Youth name____________________________ Birth Date_____________
Youth name____________________________ Birth Date_____________
❏ Association Membership: #3005
❏ Youth (eligibility granted to age 22): #3008
$35.00__________
$15.00__________
If you are a youth (age 22 or younger) involved in LEAD Council shows and
activities or to be eligible for the Ralph H. Grimshaw Scholarship, the youth's
name and date of birth must also be included on this form.
Youth name____________________________ Birth Date_____________
Youth name____________________________ Birth Date_____________
Youth name____________________________ Birth Date_____________
❏ Corporate/Allied Industry: #3010
❏ Ralph Grimshaw Scholarship $100.00_________
$_________
Fund Donation: #2350
TOTAL
$_________
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE: Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
P.O. Box 182383, Columbus, OH 43218-2383
American Lamb Educational
materials are available from the
American Lamb Board
www.americanlamb.com
OR PAY BY VISA OR MASTERCARD:
Cardholder Name (please print)
_________________________________________________________
Visa/MC Card #:______________________________________________
3-digit code:_____________________ Amount $_________________
Exp. Date:__________________________________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________
Today's date:________________________________________________
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 17
ARTICLE JUMPS
Report ~ Continued from page 4
At the Ohio State Fair, of course the shows are fun, but the Ohio
Lamb and Wool Queen contest is also one of my favorites. I have the
privilege of working with the OSIA and OSWP Board to make sure
this contest happens. We had such wonderful applicants this year who
have grown up raising and showing sheep. Most of them have grown
up promoting the wool aspect of our industry by participating in Guys
and Gals lead contest at local, state and national levels.
Contestants attended an interview and answered an impromptu
question from a panel of judges live at the conclusion of the Guys and
Gals lead competition. The selection of the queen is based on personality, presentation, poise, knowledge of the Ohio lamb and wool industry.
If you or someone you know is between the ages of 17-21 is interested in applying for the 2016-2017 Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen, please
contact me at 614-582-3208. I would like to extend a big “Thanks” to
the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association for their continued support
and funding to make this event possible.
PHOTO BY ROGER A. HIGH
Contest~ Continued from page 6
University of Findlay Sheep Barn Students receive the Champion Commercial Pen
of 5 Banner from Savannah Forgey, 2014-15 Ohio Lamb and Wool Queen.
18 | OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER
A special thanks to the Kroger Company for the purchase of the lambs,
Mr. Rick Reynolds for the live placing and evaluation and to Dr. Steve
Moeller, Ron Cramer, and the staff of the OSU Meat laboratory for their
data entry and collection.
The purpose of the Commercial Pen of Five Class is to increase producers’ knowledge of the carcass merit of the lambs they are producing,
provide carcass merit to aid in sire evaluation and promote high quality
product being produced by the Ohio lamb industry. Additionally, these
extra lambs were sold to the Kroger Company who sold the meat through
their Ohio stores as an “Ohio State Fair Lamb Special” during the weeks
following the fair.
Those interested in entering a pen of lambs for the 2016 Ohio State Fair
should watch for updates on the state fair web page: www.ohiostatefair.
com or contact Gregg Fogle at [email protected] or (614) 442-1538.
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Pelleted 12% Ewe Ration
SURVIVE!
VITAMIN E & ENERGY ORAL DOSER
Saves Newborn Lambs • Fast Acting • Highest Vitamin E
Level of any Oral Doser • Prevents Vitamin E Deficiencies
Treats Ketotic Ewes • Gets Cold, Weak Lambs Going
DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR
LAMBING SUPPLIES!
Ask for our Catalog featuring dozens of sheep feeds, premixes,
supplements, and free choice mineral. Call us for expert advice &
premium products to maximize your flocks potential.
HUNTER SHEEP NUTRITION
200 N. South Street | P.O. Box 412 | Brookston, IN 47923 | (765) 563-1003
UPS Shipping • Feed Shipping via Truck
www.sheepfeed.com
OHIO SHEEP PRODUCER | 19
Ohio Sheep Improvement Association
Ohio Sheep & Wool Program
280 N. High St.
P.O. Box 182383
Columbus, OH 43218
WE ARE:
Hard-working
passionate
knowledgeable
Reese Family, Fairfield County
responsible
FARMERS
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Moore Family, Harrison County
Ohioans
nature lovers
Ray Family, Noble County
Learn more by visiting
www.GrowWithFB.org or
call 888-GrowWithFB
(888-476-9948)
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