Comments from President of NDLWPA
A Year in Review
The sheep industry in North Dakota appears to be very positive as we approach the coming new year. We are surrounded by opportunities to shape our future and it is all up to us to take an active role and become involved.

The Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative looks to promise extra dollars returned to North Dakota producers willing to take ownership. The NDSU hair sheep project promises different alternatives for sheep production in ND, while still maintaining the quality carcasses we are known to produce. The NDLWPA promises your representation at state and national forums that affect your interest and livelihood. Over the past year it has been my pleasure to serve as the president of the NDLWPA. It has been a learning process and a work in progress. When I was first elected my first thoughts made me nervous about leading our group, but then I thought to myself how much could there be to this. The simple answer to this is more than I could have ever imagined. 

One of my first priorities was to increase membership. I challenged everyone to bring two new members to our association. I felt this would be the best way to double the size of or group. Some of you fulfilled that challenge and others did not. So today I renew that challenge to each of you. Very often when I was recruiting members I was asked " What do I receive by joining". Believe me when I say the board of directors and myself wish we could grant you many free gifts. However that is not the case. That old saying holds true here as well " you get back what you put into it". From the moment you join all guarantees are over and only opportunity remains. What we can give you is a newsletter that will keep you posted on the happenings at the state and national level. We can align you with agencies like ASI that share our concerns , issues and a devotion to our way of live and animal agriculture. These two groups ASI and NDLWPA are tools we can use that allow you to give attention to the day to day details of running our operations and our lives, while still maintaining a strong unified voice at the state and national levels, protecting our interests and livelihoods. If we choose not to defend ourselves some other interest group will be glad to take our markets and way of life all for the price of a lobbyist in Washington or Bismarck. I believe we are fortunate to have well organized successful groups representing our interest at all levels. I am always amazed at the time effort and resources that are put forth. For your efforts you have my personal thank you. 

This past year our Association has been successful at reinstating the sheep extension position at NDSU. We have commented on and supported the proposed lamb checkoff under USDA. We under took a successful unified membership campaign with ASI in an effort to reach more people and build membership. We have developed a web site titled ndlwpa.com which is the envy of many states. This was made possible by a communications grant from ASI and the efforts of Roger Haugen. For your efforts Roger you have my personal thanks, we are fortunate to have your skills and talents you bring to our association and your position. 

Our association added a youth membership and futurity campaign. This was imposed to recognize youth achievers and create the next generation of our association. Much of the credit for that program falls with Lyle Warner, and Scott Bredahl. Thank you gentlemen for your efforts. 

We formed a coalition of commodity groups and state agencies to defend the USDA Wildlife Services budget. This coalition was headed up by our Association and the ND Stockman's Assn, and included ND Farm Bureau, ND Game and Fish, ND Dept of Agriculture, ND Aeronautics Commission and the National Sunflower Association. The Bass DeFazio amendment threatened Wildlife Services Budget and methods of control. We were successful in persuading our congressman Pomeroy to vote against it. Nationally the amendment went down as well. 

We have taken steps to revitalize the fall bred ewe sale by moving it to the North Star Classic in Valley City. We need each of you to support the sale if it is to be successful. We have invited NDSU to be a MAJOR consignor to reinvigorate the sale. 

We have taken steps to work with state and national figures to simplify the 201 program. I myself worked with state officials to get a uniform set of information to each county, so that all were treated alike and received the same answers to questions. I would like to personally thank the American Sheep Industry for the extraordinary efforts put forth to bring the 201 process to fruition. Their people have extended generous amounts of time energy and resources. This is an example of what can be done if we band together and form a unified voice at the national and state assemblies. This 201 program has made a positive impact on many sheep operations and sheep sales. The Hettinger ram sale was an extremely successful event that saw near record averages paid for rams. Building and equipment reps noted the increased purchasing power of sheepman. 

So take some time to reflect on this past year's achievements and accomplishments. Dare to dream about what you want out of your future and the future of our organization and take the initiative to become involved. When each of you look at your operations look upon them with a renewed interest in our industry and a renewed optimism. Take my challenge to recruit new members to NDLWPA and ASI and when they ask you " what do I get from joining" you can echo me in replying MORE THAN YOU CAN EVER IMAGINE. 

Burton Pfliger, President of NDLWPA, Bismarck 

Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative
There is much to celebrate and be proud of. The DLGC equity drive was a huge success. We have commitments for almost 8,000 lambs (we needed 6,000) from 103 producers. Most producers are from North Dakota, but we also have producers from Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota. 

On September 20, the DLGC board of directors hired Dave Merwin of Hettinger as an interim CEO. Dave will be in charge of lamb procurement from DLGC members so that Dakota Country Meats can process the lambs and get them packaged for shipment. According to Fred Eagleson, AWe have invested in state of the art packaging called modified atmosphere tray packs. This will enable the Coop to have a product that is shelf-ready and will have an extended shelf life that is very attractive to meat retailers.@ 

Calendar of Events:
December 1: NDLWPA Ewe Sale in Valley City
December 1-3: North Star Classic Livestock Show & Sale (new event) at Winter Shows Building in Valley City
December 14-15: DLGC Meeting/Sheep School in Fargo
January 27-28: Profit from Livestock Seminar in Minot
February 5: Small Farm Workshop - Sheep Flocks for the Small Farm in Park River
February 14: Hettinger Sheep Days in Hettinger 

ND Bred Ewe/Ewe Lamb Sale - Dec 1
* Purebred Ewes
*Commercial Ewes

Wool Payment Program
Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices are now authorized to begin issuing wool payments to producers, following publishment of regulations in the Nov. 2nd Federal Register for the Wool and Mohair Market Loss Assistance Program. Payments to wool producers will be made at a rate of 20 cents per pound for the 1999 clip. 

Sign up for the program began Oct. 10 and continues through Dec. 29, 2000. Payments are available for wool sheared in marketing year 1999 (Jan. 1, 1999 - Dec. 30, 1999). 1999 production that has been sold, is still in storage or was disposed of are all eligible for payment. Although sale or storage receipts are useful in signing up for payments, producers need only certify accurate poundage of shorn wool on the application form, which states that FSA will perform random spot checks and request documentation. Producers must have owned the sheep for 30 days prior to shearing and actually owned the animal when it was sheared. 

In 1999, the average price of wool was just 38 cents per pound, the lowest price in history when adjusted for inflation. 

The wool payments are part of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, which includes $7.1 billion in emergency spending for commodities. Payments for the 1999 clip are expected to total approximately $11 million for wool and mohair combined. 

The 2001 Agricultural Appropriations bill includes emergency market loss payments for the 2000 wool clip. Sign up for the 2000 payments will be separate from the 1999 payments. Additional information on the 2000 payments is expected early next year. 

Minutes of the Annual NDLWPA Convention Meeting October 28, 2000
The meeting was called to order by Burton Pfliger. It was moved and seconded to suspend the reading of the minutes from the last meeting. Motion passed. 

Treasurers report:

Current checkbook balance of $3923.31; Certificates of deposit $1749.87. It was moved and seconded to approve the treasures report. Motion passed. 

OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business brought before the group. 

NEW BUSINESS
ByLaw Change
It was proposed that Junior membership dues be reduced from $15.00 to $5.00, but in order to sell at State sponsored sales they would be required to get a regular membership at a cost of $15.00. It was moved and seconded to approve the ByLaw change. Motion passed. 

Profit From Livestock Seminar - Rodney Hickle
The Seminar will be held at the Holiday Inn in Minot on January 27-28, 2001. It is sponsored by the Area Four Natural Resources Corporation. For information call (701)-663-6534. 

Nominating Committee Report
The nominating committee presented the slate of officers as they were for 1999-2000.
President: Burton Pfliger
Vice President: Scott Bredahl
Secretary: Lyle Warner
Treasurer: Theo Johnson
ASI Representative: Burdell Johnson

It was moved and seconded to cast a unanimous ballot. Motion passed. 

Election of Regional Directors
Northwest: Rodney Hickle
Southeast: Steven Wentz
Southwest: Dave Merwin
Northeast: Steve Copenhaver 

It was moved and seconded to adjourn the annual meeting. Motion passed.

2000 Make It Yourself With Wool Results
The Make It Yourself With Wool Contest (MIYWW) was held at the ND Sheep Convention on October 27-28 in Mandan. The winners were: 

A big thank you to Jane Horner from Devils Lake, the coordinator of the event. For more information, contact Jane Horner, 341 Old Main, Devils Lake, ND 58301-9203; phone 701-766-8743 or at NDMIYWW@Yahoo.com. 

Breeding Ewes:
1st Katie Pearson, Hettinger
2nd Taylor Friesz, New Salem
3rd Alex Pearson, Hettinger 

Market Lambs:
1st Jack Buckley, Mandan
2nd Jack Buckley, Mandan
3rd Jerry Buckley, Mandan 

I would like to thank the following people for contributing to the Junior Futurity: Roger Haugen, Burton Pfliger, Richard Pfliger, Joanna Friesz, Don Lawson, Don Schmid, Meadowlark Feeds (Doug & Lindi Peterson), Dave Pearson, Don Osborne, Pure Country (Bismarck), Crazy Krefts (Medina), Corral West (Bismarck), Hettinger Ram Sale, Scott Bredahl, and Lyle Warner. 

New futurity rules are proposed for the 2001 Junior Futurity shows. These guidelines were agreed upon by the individuals attending the meeting held in conjunction with the Annual Convention. If there are mistakes or I have not made items clear enough, please contact me: (701)255-1183 home, (701)224-5419 school, or e-mail lywarner@gwmail.nodak.edu. I would like to thank everyone involved for their input and patience in getting this project off the ground. 

RULES:
1. Each individual must pay a $5.00 Junior membership fee.
2. Maximum age 18, must be 18 on Jan. 1, 2000, no minimum age.
3. Each animal must be identified as a Futurity animal and year end point accumulations will be on an individual animal, not the person. The animal must be shown by the same individual at all of the shows.
4. Entry fees will be $5.00 per animal per show. Eighty percent of the entry fee will be jackpotted, 60% going to the Grand Champion, 40% to the Reserve Champion. Jackpots will be separate for market lambs and breeding females.
5. Inhumane treatment of animals will not be tolerated. Specifically, there will be no hitting of animals or lifting animals off the ground. 

RESERVE SUPREME CHAMPION: An additional 2 point per junior entry in each category (market lamb - breeding female) will be awarded in addition to class points. 

Marketing and Promotion Projects Funded
As part of the Clinton Administration's three-year $100 million assistance plan to help U.S. sheep and lamb farmers, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced (November 15)15 grants totaling nearly $3.85 million to fund marketing and promotion projects to help increase sales of U.S. lamb. 

An additional $1 million of funding for lamb market promotion projects under the Lamb Meat Adjustment Assistance Program will be announced in the Federal Register in the near future.

Educational Information
by Roger G. Haugen, NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist
The Scent of a Ewe
With lambing time right around the corner, it is important to look at links between a ewe and lamb. Bonding occurs early in sheep. Ever wonder how a newborn lamb with a little help from his mom finds the teats? Its a matter of smell. Sheep have three skin pouches or scent glands. The first is located in the tear duct of the eye. The second is the mammary pouch, located in the groin. Both give out a waxy, yellow secretion similar to that of the eye. The scent next to the teats helps the newborn lamb find food. The third is located between the two digits of the hoof. It gives out a waxy, colorless secretion and is believed that its function is to provide a tracking system for the flock.

FSIS approves North Dakota State Meat Inspection Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in October that North Dakota has implemented a state meat inspection program. The North Dakota commissioner of agriculture advised FSIS that the state was in a position to administer a state meat inspection program that includes requirements at least equal to those of the federal meat inspection program. FSIS will continue to inspect poultry products in the state.

The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) provides that whenever the secretary of agriculture determines that any state has developed and will enforce state inspection requirements at least equal to those imposed by the federal government, the secretary will permit the state to operate its own inspection program. The secretary has determined that North Dakota has developed and is in a position to enforce effectively such as state meat-products inspection program in accordance with applicable provisions of the FMIA.

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

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: Steven Wentz, Streeter 424-3407
SW Dir: Don Lawson, Flasher 597-3133
SW Dir: David Merwin, Hettinger 567-2723
NE Dir: Jeff Strand, Portland 786-2650
NE Dir: Steve Copenhaver, Sykeston 984-2343
NW Dir: Ula Widdel, Minot 722-3528
NW Dir: Rodney Hickle, Center 794-3342
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

Profit from Livestock Seminar - Jan. 27-28 in Minot
For information call 701-663-6534 or e-mail: hmittelstedt@home.com.

Association Dues for 2001
If you have a 2001 on the bottom right hand corner of your mailing address, you have paid your dues for the year 2001. If not, please send the application form included in the newsletter and $15 to our treasurer Theo Johnson. Thank You!!