PIERRE, SD – Facing one of the more challenging years in the sheep industry, South Dakota producers, speakers and guests will tackle the good and the bad during the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Annual Convention, September 30-October 1 in Pierre.
“We’ve got a lot of exciting things going on,” says producer Lisa Surber who is also the executive director of the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association (SDSGA). “Friday is the kick off with a program at Beastrom Family Farms. Following that, we will travel to the state capitol where we’ll hear from wildlife services, the state veterinarian’s office, Senator John Thune’s office and also the Secretary of Agriculture.”
She adds, “That evening, we’ll feature lamb dishes so people can really experience the variety of lamb, followed by a sheep shearing contest. It’s going to be a fun, family, social event and open to the public. We want to share the experience of lamb with the general public this year.”
Surber says now is the perfect time to attend events such as this one being held at the Ramkota Convention Center.
“Our convention is a prime opportunity to get in front of people who are very relevant in the industry.” She shared, “When I attend events like this, if I don’t bring one thing back that I can use in my own operation or program, I’m missing something. I want producers to come away with something that is relevant, whether it’s a producer with 10 sheep or thousands.”
Saturday’s events include topics relevant to policy, market and production issues.
“We’ll hear from our national organizations, American Sheep Industry and the Lamb Board. And we have others speaking to producers on how to reduce feed costs, critical in a year like this one where input costs are so high.”
The Saturday afternoon producer panel is second to none, says Surber.
“Feeders from across the country will be discussing not only their operations but also dive into political elements as it relates to the downturn in the market. It’s not due to just one factor. It’s due to a myriad of factors. The farmer-feeders and feedlot operators can shed some light on that.”
There is a business meeting on Saturday, a Make-It-With-Wool event and the Master Lamb and Sheep luncheon.
“A selection panel evaluates nominations for those awards,” shares Surber. “It’s a pinnacle of achievement for an operation to receive an award like that”.
See more information at SD Sheep Growers Association on line and on Facebook.
