The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers will hold their annual conference Nov. 6-7 in the North Platte area, featuring tours of local operations, industry speakers and the organization’s annual meeting and banquet.
The conference begins Friday, Nov. 6, with tours of two sheep and goat operations before the annual meeting that evening. Saturday’s schedule includes presentations on livestock nutrition, marketing, risk management, animal health and production practices.
For more information, email ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com.
Friday, Nov. 6
1 p.m. — Nebraska Prime Lamb LLC
The first tour will visit Nebraska Prime Lamb LLC, operated by the Monheiser family in Hershey. Managed by Karleen, Kevin and their son CJ Monheiser, the farm focuses on raising high-quality, USDA-certified prime lamb meat.
The operation emphasizes herd health and raises both meat lambs and polled wethers, which are often used in youth livestock shows or terminal production.
3 p.m. — Back to Grass Nebraska
The second tour will visit Back to Grass Nebraska, owned by Steve and DeAnn Vaughn near Brady in Lincoln County.
The first-generation ranchers previously managed 400 sheep and goats across 620 acres, using holistic and rotational grazing practices. The Cottonwood Fire burned across their grazing pasture, destroying fencing and stored hay. Although firefighters saved the family’s home, about half of the herd was lost.
5 p.m. — Annual Meeting and Banquet
The Nebraska Sheep and Goat Producers will hold their annual meeting at Pals Brewing at the North Platte Stockyards, 4520 S. Buffalo Bill Ave. in North Platte.
Saturday, Nov. 7
8 a.m. — Breakfast
Breakfast burritos will be served at the North Platte Stockyards, 2200 E. Eighth St.
9 a.m. — The Things That Help Market Your Stock
Randy Fisher, yard manager and sheep and goat representative with Columbus Sales Pavilion, will discuss marketing livestock.
9:45 a.m. — Who Buys Sheep and Goat Meat?
Jennifer Lutes, an agricultural business and policy field specialist with University of Missouri Extension, will discuss sheep and goat meat markets.
Lutes works with producers on enterprise planning, financial analysis, value-added farm products and farm business management. Her work includes helping producers evaluate processing options, labeling, regulatory compliance and opportunities to connect farms directly with consumers.
10:25 a.m. — Feeder Lamb Nutrition
Ryan Spurling, an assistant professor and extension specialist at South Dakota State University, will discuss feeder lamb nutrition.
Spurling grew up on a Missouri farm raising goats, hair sheep, cattle and row crops. His graduate and doctoral studies at Utah State University focused on sheep and goat production, with an emphasis on nutritional management. His experience also includes grazing research and using sheep and goats to control invasive plants.
11 a.m. — Sale Begins
A sale will begin at the North Platte Stockyards.
11:25 a.m. — Lunch
Lunch will be served at the North Platte Stockyards.
Noon — Travel to West Central Research, Extension and Education Center
Attendees will travel to the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center, 402 W. State Farm Road in North Platte.
12:30 p.m. — Feeding the Ewe and Doe Before Kidding
Spurling will return to discuss feeding practices for ewes and does before kidding.
1 p.m. — Risk Management Protection for Sheep and Goats
Case Rundel, an agricultural risk specialist with HPC Risk Management, will discuss risk management for sheep and goat operations.
1:20 p.m. — Pipestone Production Systems
Philip Berg, lamb and wool instructor at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, will discuss Pipestone production systems.
Berg grew up on a sheep farm near Pipestone and continues to work with his family’s operation