The sign-up period for the ewe-lamb payment has not been announced as of yet. The July 31, 2004 date you heard mentioned is in reference to the base period of August 1, 2003 through July 31, 2004. This period is when the ewe lambs that met the qualifying standards in accordance with the program regulations are eligible.

The USDA will provide the lamb industry with $18 million in payments. This will go to producers to encourage retention of ewe lambs for breeding purposes. The following is general information on the Ewe Lamb Replacement and Retention Program.

1) Producers are paid $18 per head for ewe lambs purchased or retained during August 1, 2003 through July 31, 2004.

2) It is important to maintain records such as sales receipts or management records.

3) Ewe lambs must be kept for at least 1 complete offspring cycle.

Keep in contact with your FSA office for the sign up period. It has not been announced as of yet.

Just a reminder to get on our web page to check out the Annual State Replacement Ewe Sale sponsored by NDLWPA. Sale date is October 2, 2004 at 1:00p.m. (MDT) at Bowman Auction Market. There will be a sale preview on October 1 with lamb brats and beverages from 6:00 to 7:00. Hope to see you there.

If the rams are in full fleece, shear them before turning them in with the ewes. Sometimes only the belly and scrotum need to be sheared. Caution! Keep watch for fly strike.

Active rams running with a large number of ewes over a long period will lose condition. One way to insure that they maintain some condition is to turn the rams in with ewes only at night, separate them in the morning, and keep them in a pen or corral on good hay and grain during the day. Another practice, more applicable to larger operations, is to turn in only half the rams at one time. After a week or two these rams can be removed, rested, and fed well while the other half of the rams are in with the ewes. By rotating the rams it is possible to keep fresh, well-conditioned rams in with the ewes during the entire breeding season.

In purebred flocks and in one-ram flocks, it is essential that the ram used be fertile; otherwise a complete lamb-crop failure may result. The most common method of checking on the fertility of the ram is to use a ewe-marking harness or paint the brisket of the ram with a solution of paint pigment in a non-drying oil. The color of the paint (or of the crayon in the ewe-marking harness) should be changed every 17 days. Start with a light-colored paint or crayon and change to darker colors as the breeding season progresses. If all or most of the ewes that are marked during the first period are marked again during the second period, the fertility of the ram is in doubt. Even with highly fertile rams a few ewes may return to service; but if a large proportion have not conceived, the ram should be replaced. An early semen evaluation of your rams by your veterinarian is an excellent way of detecting possible sterility problems.

Hot weather is linked to lowered fertility of both the ram and the ewe. Research has determined that semen quality and early embryo survival will suffer when temperatures reach 90 F or more. To minimize the effects of heat on breeding, consider the following:
* Save cooler, better shaded fields or range areas for breeding time.
* Keep rams in cool shade, along waterways or in a well ventilated barn in the daytime and return them to the ewes to breed at night.
* Keep both ewes and rams in cool quarters and turn them out to graze at night.

Jane Horner addressed the board regarding the upcoming MIYWW contest. Promotional materials have been passed out. She has received some free advertising in various sewing store newsletters and she has paid for ads in the Aug and Sept issues of the ND Living Magazine. ND Living might do a feature story on the MIYWW Contest in the October issue. Jane also wants to pursue getting a ladies lead class reinstated at the Little I held at NDSU each Feb. Jane reported that 2 MIYWW contestants from the National Contest were selected to make a promotional sewing video targeted to young sewers. One of those chosen was Beth Horner-the other the National Junior winner.

Treasurers Report: Theo reported that the balance is $12,205.50 in checking. The CD= s total $3,259.44. Brent had sent a letter out for memberships and Theo reported that she received 9 new members after the letter went out. Paula made a motion to approve the treasurer report, seconded by Matt, motion carried.

Bred Ewe Sale Update: Tim and Burdell have met with Harry at Bowman regarding the sale. There are 900-1000 ewes pretty much committed at this time. Harry will work the western part of the state for advertising, our association is to work the eastern part. Burdell suggested that anyone that sends any ads out to check with Tim Faller first to coordinate so we don= t double up. Tim will send posters to each board member to advertise in their own area. Also, early entry= s will be advertised as such before the sale.

Ram Test: Tim reported that there are 44 rams entered in the ram test. Possibly 25 of these will be in the ram sale and advertised as being on test at Hettinger. Each consignor can sell his ram test rams in what order they choose to sell. There will be no special section in the sale of ram test rams.

Burdell talked about the ASI Convention and Al Gustin receiving the National Ag Media Spokesperson Award. ASI paid only a small amount to the recipients to travel to receive their awards. After some discussion, Matt made a motion to pay up to $750 for the balance of Mr. Gustin= s expenses, seconded by Paula, motion carried.

Other items discussed were the ewe lamb payment, the national animal ID program, and Tim Faller talked about Sen. Dorgan and Alien Technology at NDSU and the HF #= s. Tim said with the technology we have available, we can read an entire semi in 3 minutes. Tim said they are going to possibly tag 200-300 head with low and high frequency tags just to get some data on the A readability@ of the tags.

Convention Planning: There was discussion regarding speakers for the convention. It was suggested to request Bob Pedulla of ASI for the Friday night session on wool and then have him address ASI concerns during the day Saturday. Doing ultra sound scans for rib eye area and fat cover, and bringing our own samples of wool to run for testing were suggested also. Everyone was asked to remember to bring auction items for the fundraiser.

Burdell gave a short ASI report. He said that ASI is working on a risk management plan for sheep and he has requested a pilot project for North Dakota. 2005 convention is going to be in Reno at the Nugget and the 2006 convention will be in Phoenix.

Next meeting will be Oct. 5, 2004 at the Seven Seas in Mandan. Mark Sheppard made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Scott Bredahl, motion carried.

Paula Swenson, Secretary