41^st Annual Sheep Day Set for February 9, 2000 in Hettinger

What do I Receive for Joining NDLWPA?
That is the most commonly asked question that I receive when I ask individuals to join the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. Believe me, the board of directors and I wish we could shower you and your friends with lots of free gifts. However that is not the case. What we will give you for free is a copy of this newsletter, after that your returns are up to you. That old saying holds true here as well "you get back what you put into it". From this point it is all opportunity with nothing guaranteed. This newsletter will keep you posted on the highlights and happenings at the state and national level. However we have limited space and much must be edited. The other opportunity you are granted is a voice on the markets and issues that affect you. If you do not think your markets and way of life is worth $15 dollars to you there is a lobbyist or representative in your legislature or Washington DC who is willing to take it away from you and grant it most likely to someone in a foreign land. While the NDLWPA has been successful in many endeavors it has under taken, some of which include reinstating the sheep research and education at North Dakota State University, funding for the predator control plane and program, and supporting 201 trade quotas and tariffs on imported lamb,etc; there are still many tasks and challenges ahead. You are always invited to contact your director or attend the board meetings and put in your two cents.

NDLWPA has decided to join the Unified Membership Campaign of the American Sheep Industry. You will be mailed some literature in the near future that will give you an opportunity to join one association or the other. All monies will be sent to and held in ND with only ASI's portion forwarded to them if you choose to join ASI or NDLWPA or both. Please take time to review the literature and make your own decision. It is obvious the NDLWPA believes ASI is an important link between the state associations and the politicians in Washington. They were very instrumental in putting the 201 trade action in place. Imagine how depressed markets could be if we did not have limits and tariffs on imported lamb.

Please take some time to access the literature and your situation. If you feel that your markets or your sheep flock is not worth $15 or $25 dollars then your decision is made. However if you wish to continue your lifestyle and a way of life for yourself and future generations I think the decision is obvious. I myself want to continue to do what I LOVE.
Burton Pfliger, President of NDLWPA, Bismarck

Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative - Update from President Jim Ostlie
To begin the year, the Dakota Lamb Growers Coop (DLGC) had a booth at the Marketplace of Ideas in Bismarck on January 6. Fred and Kay Eagleson set up the booth to display our meat products and answer questions. Other directors working at the booth were Jim Ostlie, Ole Erickson, Dennis Kubischta, Jeff Strand and Brent Stroh.

We had a chance to visit with Congressman Pomeroy, Senators Conrad and Dorgan, and Ag Commissioner Roger Johnson. They are aware that we will be applying for some of the $100 million assistance for sheep and lamb farmers that Section 201 will make available. This program is to help American sheep producers cope with imports from Australia and New Zealand.

We will be having a booth display at the ND Winter Show from March 2-11. Stop by and look at our display.

HETTINGER SHEEP DAY PROGRAM - FEBRUARY 9 (MST)
9:00-10:00 am Open House at barns; tour projects and view "Ram Test"
10:15 am Current Research Updates:
1. Lean Lamb Project - Dr. Paul Berg, ARS Dept, NDSU
2. Field Peas as a Feedstuff for Sheep - Dr. Marc Bauer, ARS Dept, NDSU
3. Metabolizable Protein in Lamb Finishing Diets - Erik Loe, Graduate Student, ARS Dept, NDSU
4. Effects of Multi Species Grazing on Leafy Spurge Infested Rangeland using Twice-Over Rotation and Seasonlong Grazing Treatments - Jack Dahl, Hettinger REC and Lyndon Johnson, Graduate Student, ARS Dept, NDSU
5. 1999 Ram Test Information - Dr. Jeff Held, ARS Dept, SDSU
6. Easy Sheep and Out of Season Lambing - Tim Faller and Dan Nudell, Hettinger REC
12:00 noon Lunch: American Lamb
1:00 pm "Welcome" - Dr. Joe Chapman, President, NDSU
1:10 pm "Positioning Lamb Producers to be Competitive in the U.S. Market" (Live Animal and Carcass Merit Discussion) - Roger Haugen, NDSU; Jeff Held, SDSU; & Paul Berg, NDSU
1:55 pm "Economic Consideration of Leafy Spurge Control" - Dean Bangsund & Larry Leistritz, NDSU
2:15 pm "Feasibility of Large Scale Sheep Production Coops" - Randy Sell, NDSU and Dan Nudell, Hettinger REC
2:35 pm "Services and Future Trends for Predatory Animal Control" - Phil Mastrangelo, ND Director, USDA Wildlife Services
2:45 pm "Reflections on the Past and a View of the Future" - Leroy Johnson, Past Superintendent of HREC, Sheridan, Wyoming
3:10 pm "Closing Remarks" - Burton Pfliger, President of NDLWPA, Bismarck, ND
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ND Sheep Educational Opportunities
Sheep Production Seminar at Town Hall in Dawson
Thursday - February 10, 2000
10:45 am Welcome and Introductions - Joe Gross, Kidder County Agent
10:50 am Hettinger Research Extension Center Sheepday Update - Tim Faller, Director HREC
11:25 am Show Lamb Fungus & Johnes Disease in Sheep - Susan Keller, Assistant State Veterinarian
Noon Lunch
1:00 pm Feeding Lambs - Roger Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
1:40 PM Using Sheep in a Beef Operation to Control Spurge - Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension Rangeland Specialist
2:15 pm Sheep Health Product Update - Dr. Bill Rottenberger, Steele Veterinary Clinic
2:30 pm Lamb Co-op Update - Brent Stroh, Kidder County Sheep Producer
2:45 pm Final Questions & Answers

For more info contact Joe Gross, Kidder County Agent, 475-2672
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NDSU Sheep School at Bismarck State College in Bismarck
Monday - February 14, 2000
* Sheep Reproduction - Sheep Breeding Programs
* Health
Instructors: Kris Ringwall, DREC and Roger Haugen, NDSU

Tuesday - February 22, 2000
* Potential of Sheep Industry
* Management Review
* Enterprise Analysis
Instructors: Tim Faller and Dan Nudell, HREC

Monday - February 28, 2000
* Sheep/Leafy Spurge Control
* Genetics/Production Records
* Marketing (lambs and ewes)
Instructors: Kevin Sedivec and Roger Haugen, NDSU

Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm each session.
For more info contact Elroy Haadem, Burleigh County Agent, 221-6865
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Sheep Production Seminar at City Hall in Rolla
Monday - February 21, 2000
* Nutrition - Ewe and Lamb
Instructor: Roger Haugen, NDSU

Time: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
For more info contact Mark Miller, Rolette County Agent, 477-5671

News from the National Scene
Glickman Announces $100 Million Assistance Package for Sheep and Lamb Farmers
Washington, Jan. 13, 2000 - Acting on President Clinton's commitment to help U.S. lamb and sheep farmers, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced details of a three-year, $100 million assistance package.

"This Administration is committed to helping American sheep and lamb farmers who are threatened by a surge of low-priced, imported lamb meat," said Glickman. "By funding production improvements, increasing promotion efforts, and helping to improve animal health, our assistance plan boosts the long-term development and growth of lamb and sheep farming in the U.S."

Last February, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled 6-0 that the recent surge of low-priced imported lamb meat causes the threat of injury to U.S. producers. The assistance package will help the U.S. lamb industry achieve sustained competitiveness, while respecting international trade obligations.

The plan makes $50 million available during the first year and an additional $50 million during the second and third years for production improvements, market promotion, animal health and domestic purchases. Here is how the funds will be spent -
Production Improvements
*The plan will provide $30 million total, or $10 million per year, to small- and medium-sized producers in direct cash payments tied to production practices and quality incentives that improve competitiveness. In year one, funding would be directed to such activities as genetic selection, lambing facilities, and feedlot development or improvement. In years two and three, there will be quality incentives for production of highly desirable products.

*In the first year, $15 million is provided for guaranteed loans to help fund new and improved building facilities as well as processing and packaging system upgrades. An additional $5 million is available in year two and again in year three for these loans.

*The plan includes $5 million in year one and $5 million in year two for guaranteed loans to help farmers cover flock and farm improvements and operating expenses.

Animal Health
*USDA will spend up to $10 million in the first year helping producers to eradicate scrapie from the domestic sheep population. An additional $5 million will be requested in the second year. Additional funds may be requested in the third year, if needed.

Domestic Purchases
*USDA will purchase up to $5 million of lamb each year during the three-year program.

Market Promotion
*In the first year, USDA will invest $4 million in efforts to increase demand and improve the competitive position of domestic lamb.

*An additional $1 million in the first year will fund marketing programs, including cooperative marketing, lamb yield data, wool certification and price reporting.

New Device May Deter Wolf Predation on Sheep (ASI newsrelease)
Wolves in Montana's Tom Miner Basin are in for a big surprise the next time they try to fulfill their craving for a lamb dinner. Officials with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USF&WS) have deployed a combination strobe light/siren device they hope will frighten them off. The device is activated electronically by radio collars worn by wolves in the area.

"The new scare device emits several different sounds, including gunfire, such as not to condition the wolves," said American Sheep Industry Association Director of Natural Resources Tom McDonnell. " And since the device is activated only when a radio-collared wolf is within a set vicinity, the device serves not only to scare the wolf but also to warn livestock owners when wolves are present."

The USF&WS decided to plant the device after five wolves killed six sheep - despite the presence of four large guard dogs. Jim Hoover, a Wildlife Services trapper, said the wolves were from the Sheep Mountain pack or Chief Joseph pack. He added that two groups of hunters saw the wolves feeding on the sheep carcasses and that an investigation later confirmed predation by wolves as the cause of death.

The American Sheep Industry Association has been working on the siren/strobe project with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Wildlife Research Center and the USF&WS since July 1999.

Educational Information
by Roger G. Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
Mothering Ability of a Ewe
What determines or influences a ewe's desire to claim and care for her lamb or lambs? To those working with lambing ewes, it quickly becomes apparent that all ewes don't have the same degree of mother love for their lamb or lambs. Basically, the principal factors that affect mothering ability are: the genetics of the ewe; the age of the ewe; the condition of the ewe; and the disturbance of the ewe during and immediately following lambing.

Genetically, there is differences between breeds as well as crosses in mothering ability. Breeds have been selected and advanced for different reasons and because of that we have differences in mothering ability. However, the biggest differences genetically in mothering ability probably lies within breeds and crosses. To improve the overall mothering ability of a flock, select daughters out of good mothering ewes and don't worry about breeds or crosses. A good set of records during lambing time is a must if mothering ability in the future is to change drastically in a flock.

There is no question that ewe lambs and yearlings lambing for the first time react differently than older ewes to mothering up their lamb or lambs. They appear to like their lambs but often do not clean them off very well by licking and are scared at first about letting them nurse. As long as the lamb is quiet, all is fine, but if it tries to nurse, the ewe will jump to one side and butt the lamb, knocking it down. This may be repeated for an hour or more until the lamb gives up or accidentally seizes the teat in his mouth and starts to nurse, after which all is well.

Apparently the ewe derives considerable pleasure from the nursing act. Some ewe lambs or yearlings lambing for the first time must be penned with their lambs and the lambs helped to suck until the ewes become accustomed to them. Sometimes, ewe lambs and yearlings have little milk at lambing time. If that happens, the lamb or lambs need to be bottle-fed once or twice a day in addition to nursing. Usually, the milk flow will increase sufficiently in a couple of days to care for the lamb or lambs.

Ewes in good condition and well fed are usually good mothers. If they are not, they will often quit the newborn lambs. This conforms to the first law of nature, self preservation. Hungary ewes are impatient mothers when it comes time for nursing.

Ewes which are bothered or alarmed during or immediately after lambing will often leave their lambs, and may not return. If possible, it is a good management practice to put ewes in a lambing area a few days before the ewes are actually due to come in. This will reduce stress to the ewes, especially first time lambers. The person in charge of lambing the ewes should avoid disturbing the ewes during the birth process, especially young ewes.

Soremouth (E Contagious Ecthyma)
Soremouth is a highly contagious viral infection of sheep and goats that can be transmitted to man. The virus causes scab formation on the skin, usually around the mouth, nostrils, and eyes or nonwooled areas near the mammary gland and vulva. The primary viral infection usually only mildly affects the general health of the animal, but it produces lesions favorable for invasion of potential pathogenic bacteria, particularly when it affects the udder. Lambs with soremouth scabs on the lips usually are able to suckle and feed sufficiently to survive. If lactating ewes become infected on the teats or mammary gland, their lambs will likely be abandoned as a result of mastitis or of pain to the ewe when nursing.
Cause and Disease Process
Soremouth virus is a member of the "pox" group of viruses. It can survive for years in dried scabs in a cool environment and may persist in pastures under range conditions for many months. Soremouth first appears as tiny red nodules usually at the junction of the lips. The skin must be damaged (scarified) to permit viral invasion. In approximately three days the nodules develop into blisters, thicken, begin to turn yellow, and in approximately seven days a thick brown scab forms. If the scab is removed, red wartlike tissue is seen beneath the scab. The scab, if not removed forcibly, will be released naturally in three or four days (17 to 21 days after the appearance of the red nodule). The lesion heals spontaneously, usually without scarring.
Clinical Signs
The progressive appearance of nodules and blisters, and the proliferative nature of the area under the scabs on the skin, especially in the area of the lips and muzzle, are typical of soremouth infection. Ulcerative dermatosis, the one disease which may be confused with soremouth, may be differentiated by the presence of ulcer-like craters under the scab.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of soremouth is based usually on clinical signs and its highly contagious nature. Electron microscopy of scab preparations to visualize the virus is available at many veterinary diagnostic laboratories.
Treatment
On a flock basis, treatment is not effective. The scabs formed by a primary infection of soremouth virus will be released naturally within seven to 21 days after infection without permanent damage to the affected animal. Show lambs with sore mouth lesions should be barred from fairs or shows. If an individual is to be treated, scabs can be removed (with gloves) and strong tincture of iodine applied to the raw areas. This treatment appears to hasten recovery by a few days. Antiseptics and antibiotics may be administered if secondary infection occurs.
Prevention
Effective vaccines producing long-lasting immunity are available. The most effective vaccines contain fully-virulent soremouth virus, but modified live-virus vaccines are available and are usually satisfactory. Lambs usually are vaccinated at marking time (one to four weeks of age), and the vaccination is accomplished by applying the vaccine to a scarified area inside the ear or preferably under a leg where it cannot spread to the mouth or other lambs. The method of piercing an ear with an ice pick dipped in vaccine is not recommended. In the early stages of a soremouth outbreak, vaccination of all sheep will be helpful in controlling the severity of the lesions. Soremouth vaccine contains viable virus, and the virus is very resistant to environmental conditions. Once the vaccine is used on a premises, it should be continued yearly.
Public Health Significance
Soremouth virus can produce human infections. One should wear gloves when handling infected sheep or using a vaccine. Very painful lesions on the fingers with enlargement of the regional lymph nodes can result from soremouth viral infections. A physician should be consulted if suspicious lesions develop.

Hello from the N.W. Region
Hello from the N. W. Region. Everyone survived the Y2K problem so now we have to solve sheep industry problems. Good luck right! The wool market is about as bad as it can get, and the lamb market isn't much better. With all the problems facing us we need to look at ourselves for answers. Producers have to become involved. In the four years I have been on the board not one producer has contacted me. Surly someone has an opinion on something.

The officers and board can only do so much. It takes all the members to make an effective organization. The next two years will be critical in the future of the sheep industry. The check-off will be decided, the 201 trade sanctions will come to an end, and the monies from the tariff will be allocated. That's a lot to do in two years. We need everyone to become involved.
Thank You!
Don Maston, NW Director

Minutes from NDLWPA Board Meeting
December 15, 1999, Seven Seas, Mandan, ND
Meeting was called to order by President Burton Pfliger. Members present included Brent Stroh, Don Maston, Scott Bredahl, Don Lawson, Harvey Dawson, Jim Ostlie, Ula Widdel Lyle Warner, Roger Haugen, ex-officio, and Mary Scheetz. Absent were Jim Marshal Jr., Theo Johnson, Jeff Strand, Dave Merwin, and Burdell Johnson.

Treasurer's report was given by President Pfliger in absence of Theo Johnson, Treasurer. Brent Stroh made a motion to accept treasurers report, seconded by Don Lawson.

Secretaries report from annual meeting/convention was read by Lyle Warner. Jim Ostlie made motion to accept, Scott Bredahl seconded the motion.

Old Business
President Burton Pfliger presented the Unified Membership proposal of ASI. Much discussion followed on the merits and disadvantages of enrolling or not enrolling. The board made the final decision to enroll in the Unified Membership Program of ASI. The agreement states ASI will solicit membership for both associations. Dues will be paid directly to NDLWPA with the NDLWPA forwarding any ASI dues every 60 days. ASI has the right to bill our Association for cost of printing, distribution, and postage (.11¢/letter).

Potential members have the right to join one association or both whichever they prefer. Lyle Warner moved and Brent Stroh seconded. Motion passed.

The review of the sheep extension position was next for discussion. The board made recommendation to add a duty of publishing news releases and highlights of sheep and sheep related research at NDSU in each addition of Farm and Ranch Guide, Ag Week, Fargo Forum Green Sheet, and other related media. Burton Pfliger, Brent Stroh, Dean Swenson, Burdell Johnson, Jim Ostlie, Rodney Hickle, Jim Marshall, Jr., and Dave Merwin will meet with Dr. Sharon Anderson and Dr. Jerry Dodd to make recommendations and review position.

The new member announcement shall be kept in each newsletter. A statement will be incorporated that states "dues are from January 1 through December 31 each year". A list of current members paid for 2000 will be published in the next newsletter. Anyone not paid will not receive the newsletter.

Discussion followed on increasing membership and junior membership. A lamb futurity will be explored with the final awards at the state convention. Scott Bredahl will chair, directors from following areas will coordinate with local fair boards and report at next meeting.Beulah - Don Matson; Ellendale - Harvey Dawson; Park River - Roger Haugen; Bottineau - Scott Bredahl; Bowman - Lyle Warner. Awards may be in both market and breeding females.

New Business
President Burton Pfliger presented copies of past budgets. The board reviewed and developed a 2000 budget based on 1999 budget.

Projected Income
Checkbook balance 6,221.03
CD's at Bank of Beulah (1) 1,675.32
(2) 1,149.65
Convention Auction 300.00
Bred Ewe Sale 700.00
Hettinger Ram Sale donation 450.00
2000 dues (projected) 1,500.00
$11,996.00

Projected Expenses
ASI dues (1999-2000) 3,680.00
Liability insurance 39.00
Directors meeting exp. 400.00
Stamps and supplies 200.00
ASI directors travel 300.00
ASI directors registration 160.00
Make it Yourself With Wool 650.00
Lamb in the Classroom 350.00
Master Producers Award 200.00
Ag Coalition dues 200.00
6,179.00

The board agreed to send $1,500 of the $3,680 due to ASI to ensure our representation at the National Convention. Jim Ostlie moved, Harvey Dawson seconded. Motion passed.

Mary Scheetz reported on the Make It Yourself With Wool contest. Mary has resigned her position and June Horner from Devils Lake has agreed to take over the program. Mary Scheetz will help to make the transition smooth.

Dr. Susan Keller reported briefly on the USDA proposed scrapie control program. Dr. Keller reported that Dr. Schuler has not had sufficient time to review and has asked for a 60 day extension. Parts of the scrapie rule that concerns the North Dakota State Veterinarian is that USDA and Aphis will control the program and that it limits states discretionary measures. Dr. Schuler will review and write a letter highlighting his concerns and recommendations. Burton will provide a supporting letter based on Dr. Schuler's.

President Pfliger reported on the proposed USDA Lamb Check-Off board. The proposed board will be made up of 12 members from different geographic areas and all segments of the sheep industry. First handlers will have assessment of ½ cent per pound deducted at time of sale. Packers will be assessed 30¢/head. NDLWPA recommended that the check-off be applied to lambs only. Jim Ostlie moved, Ula Widdel seconded that President Pfliger gets clarification from ASI and give support of check-off. Motion passed.

Committee assignments are as follows:
Legislative Research and Resolutions - Burton Pfliger, Chair, Ula Widdel, Burdell Johnson, and Lyle Warner.
Ways and Means - Theo Johnson, Chair, Scott Bredahl, Dave Merwin, and Jim Marshall, Jr.
Marketing (Lamb, Wool and Breeding Sheep) - Jim Ostlie, Chair, Dave Pearson, Brent Stroh, and Jeff Strand.
Membership and Producer Information - Roger Haugen, Chair, Don Maston, Don Lawson, and Harvey Dawson.

Burton requested that each committee create a folder and draw up a list of duties.

The 2000 convention is set for October 27 and 28 at the Seven Seas in Mandan. The Dakota Lamb Growers Coop will hold their annual meeting in conjunction with the NDLWPA convention. 2000 convention committee - Burton Pfliger, Roger Haugen, Jim Ostlie, Don Lawson, and Lyle Warner.

North Dakota Bred Ewe Sale was reviewed. Next year we will change format. Commercial ewes will be eliminated. Discussion about NDSU not bringing their entire consignment to NDLWPA Sale but rather to the North Star Sale in Pipestone. Concern that a percentage of the sale was being paid to a Minnesota Association. Burton Pfliger will discuss with Wes Limesand and Dr. Jerry Dodd. Lyle Warner and Scott Bredahl will accompany Burton Pfliger to a meeting with Dr. Dodd.

Northwest District will sponsor summer camp out - tour on June 3 or June 10. Don Matson will report on finalization at next meeting.

Next meeting will be January 24, 2000 at 10:00 am at Seven Seas. Subsequent meetings will be in April, July and October.

Ostlie moved, Dawson seconded meeting adjourn.

North Dakota Winter Shows
The 2000 North Dakota Winter Shows in Valley City is scheduled for March 2-12. The sheep show and sale is on Monday, March 6. There is a Junior (4-H & FFA) and Senior Division with both divisions open to out of state. ENTRY DEADLINE is February 5, 2000. For more information or entry forms contact Roger Haugen, Hultz Hall, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105 (701/231-7645).

Articles for the April Newsletter
The next newsletter will be published the end of March for April 1 delivery. I invite anyone to submit articles to be included. I will need them by the middle of March. Thank you! Roger Haugen, Extension Sheep Specialist, Hultz Hall, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105. Phone: 231-7645; Fax: 231-7590; Email: rohaugen@ndsuext.nodak.edu

Association Dues for 2000
Dues are for January 1 to December 31 of each year. If you have a 2000 on the bottom right hand corner of your mailing address, you have paid your dues for the year 2000. If not, please send the application form included in the newsletter and $15 to our treasurer Theo Johnson. The next newsletter will be sent to only those who have paid their 2000 dues. Thank You!!

Officers and Directors of NDLWPA
Pres: Burton Pfliger, Bismarck 222-8770
V.Pres: Scott Bredahl, Antler 267-3693
Sec: Lyle Warner, Baldwin 255-1183
Treas: Theo Johnson, Tuttle 867-2875
SE Dir: Brent Stroh, Tappen 327-4526
SE Dir: Harvey Dawson, Brampton 724-3405
SW Dir: Don Lawson, Flasher 597-3133
SW Dir: David Merwin, Hettinger 567-2723
NE Dir: Jeff Strand, Portland 786-2650
NE Dir: Jim Ostlie, Northwood 587-5778
NW Dir: Don Maston, Watford City 842-3150
NW Dir: Ula Widdel, Minot 722-3528
ASI Dir: Burdell Johnson, Tuttle 867-2875
MIYWW: Jane Horner, Devils Lake 766-4786
Past Pres: Jim Marshall, Jr., Oriska 845-2744

NDSU Research, Extension and Teaching
Fargo: Roger Haugen 231-7645
Wes Limesand 231-7782
Bert Moore 231-7651
Hettinger: Tim Faller 567-4324