August 2020 WSBC Newsletter

August 2020

From Behind the Keyboard…Editor’s Update…Debbie Petzel

Your WSBC Board of Directors has been busy this summer preparing several new events.

The Virtual Country Store is an event that wool enthusiasts don’t want to miss! Over 60 of our vendors who would normally be displaying their wares at the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival will have their items on our website and Facebook.

The Fleece Sale will go on, in a revised version. All the details can be found in this issue of The Wisconsin Shepherd newsletter.

The poster, photo and Make It With Wool contests will be conducted in new ways this year. We have all the information and documents on our webpage. https://wisbc.com/modified-wswf.php

The sheep shows will be held live at the Jefferson County Fair Park on Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13. Details will be posted as they become available. Any questions can be directed to Sheep Show Chairman, Alan Thorson at 920-­‐344-­‐1235

The BOD met in June and July to work out the 2021 budget and other co-­‐op business. Look for documents in your annual meeting mailing arriving this week.

The next newsletter will be published October 1. We’ll feature your new board members!

Annual meeting documents, director biographies, and election ballots were mailed on August 7, 2020 to paid 2020 WSBC members.

The deadline for return is an August 25th postmark.

Ballots are to be sent to the WSBC office at 5621 N County Road F, Janesville, WI 53545.

Ballots will be tabulated by a third-­‐party.

WSBC Awarded the 2020 Friend of the WLBA award!

WLBA presented a $100 check for the WSBC Youth & Education Fund with gratitude for the continuous support and friendship the WSBC has shown to the WLBA over so many years. Thank you WLBA for this honor!

We’re looking for someone like YOU! Do you have ideas for newsletter articles?

Do you have any suggestions for educational programs or activities?

Would you like to share your photographs for newsletters and to update the website?

If you answered YES to any of these, contact any board member to make your voice heard!

Two Decades and Counting: Wisconsin Wool Works! A Success Story For t wenty years t he Sheep & G oat B arn at t he W isconsin State Fair h as h eld one of the b etter kept s ecrets of t he fair experience.

Envisioned in 1999 by a small group of enthusiasts as a way to both promote and merchandise Wisconsin-­‐sourced fiber products, and sponsored by the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-­‐op, the booth has grown from its original, tightly packed 400 square feet to double the size. The emphasis has grown to encompass education about the fiber arts and the added space has allowed a steady stream of local guild members and consignors to daily demonstrate their skills at spinning, knitting, weaving and felting.

The focus is on sales and promotion for the sheep and fiber industries. .Consignors are required to be co-­‐op members and to give at least a day to the booth to answer questions, help with the cash register or demonstrate a skill. For the opportunity to sell their products to hundreds of daily visitors passing through the sheep barn, consignors pay 25% of their respective gross sales to the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders. Combined with the sales from the Wisconsin Wool Works! booth at the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, the cooperative nets between $5,000 and $8,000 a year after expenses. While the goal is to first promote Wisconsin artists and businesses, commercially-­‐sourced items often fill the gaps in product displays In addition to the dozen consignors and volunteers who help on a daily basis at the fair, the Wool Works is managed by Kim Ogle, Saint Francis; Charlie Neuman, Milwaukee; and Carol Black, Columbus. The festival booth at Jefferson is managed by Black and Neuman and staffed by another six consignors and volunteers.

While the physical structure that houses the Wool Works is owned by the Wisconsin State Fair, the Sheep Breeders is responsible for most of the upgrades and maintenance. But keeping the shopping experience fresh is a challenge, especially with hundreds of items displayed in less than 800 square feet and with an eye on the budget. However, in recent years the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders has made numerous investments in the space such as installing an epoxy floor, adding lighting, investing in displays and painting. For the foreseeable future, the Wisconsin Wool Works! will keep telling the story of Wisconsin's fiber artists and industry, building that habit forming experience among its many customers.

For more information about the Wisconsin Wool Works! contact Carol Black at 920 296-­‐ 0326; Kim Ogle at 414 702-­‐8121 or Charlie Neuman at 414 445-­‐2927 and visit the new website at https://www.wisconsinwoolworks.com/

Virtual Poster Contest

Open to all ages (Age as of January 1, current year) Color book Ages 3 – 7 Beginner Ages 8 – 10 Junior Ages 11 – 13 Intermediate Ages 14 -­‐ 16 Senior: Ages 17 – 21 Adult: 22 and up

Categories for 2020 Educational Promotional Color book Picture – Ages 3-­‐7 only

Poster Requirements: Posters may be either vertical or horizontal.

You may enter up to two (2) posters total – one each, in two different categories.

For Color Book Pictures – Contact Nancy Burton for details. (See contact info below) This year’s color book picture can also be found and downloaded from the WSWF website.

You may use a variety of materials in making your poster, such as markers, tissue paper, natural fiber material, colored pencils, etc.

Promotional posters can be about your flock, farm, breed, products such as wool, lamb or sheep dairy products, or about Wisconsin’s or the national sheep industry.

Educational posters must be instructional and should either teach something about sheep, sheep products or inform or teach viewers about the sheep industry.

Judges have the option of moving posters to another category.

Please take a clear, close up photo of your entire poster and save it as a jpg with a file size of approximately 1 -­‐ 2 MB. Include the name, address, phone number, age/age division, and category in your email, along with your poster photo.

Posters/Color Book pictures should be emailed to Nancy Burton at nzernicke@gmail.com no later than August 15, 2020.

All participants will receive a participation gift made possible by our sponsor, Heart Prairie Sheep and Cattle Company, Argyle, WI.

The top two posters from each age category in each category, Educational and Promotional, will receive an additional prize."

Posters will be displayed at our webpage. https://wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com/competitions/poster-­‐contest

Winning entries may be reprinted by the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, LLC or by the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative.

If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Burton at phone 715 584-­‐1093 or email nzernicke@gmail.com

Wild and Woolly Virtual Photo Contest

Calling all photographers, give us your best shots! The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival and the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative invite you to submit your sheep and wool photos to the 2020 Virtual Photo Contest. The contest is open to everyone, regardless of whether they raise sheep or are WSBC members. A panel of judges will select the winning photos based on theme, clarity, content, composition and appeal.

The Best of Show winner will receive a cash or merchandise prize, sponsored by Lone Rooster Farm.

Entries must be emailed to loneroosterfarm@outlook.com by August 15, 2020.

CONTEST RULES: Enter photographs in the following classes:

· Scenic Photo · Just Lambs · Kids and Sheep · Wisconsin Shepherd Cover Photo -­‐ (Photo taken in vertical/portrait format suitable for magazine cover. Magazine title will cover approximately the two inches.)

· Photo Taken by Youth (only for youths aged 18 and younger as of August 15).

· Photographers may enter more than one class, but they may only enter one photograph in each class.

· Please submit jpgs in a file size of approximately 1 -­‐ 2 MB The entry fee has been waived for this special virtual contest

· Your email should include: -­‐ Title of photo, contest class, and the photographer's name, address, and phone number.

-­‐ Entries in the Photo Taken by Youth class also must include the age of the photographer as of August 15, 2020.

· By entering the contest, all photographers and those photographed agree that entries become the property of WSBC to be used or reproduced at its discretion.

· The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative reserves the right to publish a selection of entries in the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival catalog, on the Festival and WSBC websites and in other selected media and venues.

· The Best of Show entry will be selected by the judges.

EMAIL PHOTO CONTEST ENTRIES BY AUGUST 15, 2020 TO: Lynn Lee at loneroosterfarm@outlook.com Questions? Contact Lynn at (414) 828-­‐9757

2020 WSBC Fleece Sale WEST EXHIBIT BUILDING – JEFFERSON COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS

Saturday, September 12, 2020

FLEECE REGISTRATION On-­‐line only through WSWF ShoWorks Site

FLEECE CHECK-­‐IN 8:00 am – 10:30 am

SALES (by registration only) Silent Auction: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (noon) Private Treaty: 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm

FLEECE SALE COORDINATOR Jeff Nevens 608-­‐576-­‐9474 aandjnevenslivestock@frontier.com

1. Who May Enter: The Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative Fleece Sale is open to all exhibitors, who may enter a fleece in the Private Treaty and Silent Auction sales. The 2020 WSBC Fleece Sale is a one-­‐time service offered by the WSBC for the woolgrowers and the fiber artists, possibly the only live fiber sale in the state this year. All Jefferson County COVID health regulations will be followed, and the event has approved by the Jefferson County Fair Park board of directors.

2. Entry Fee: $6 per fleece. Payable online only through the WSWF ShoWorks site. All entry fees are non-­‐refundable unless the event is cancelled due to low registration numbers and/or any state, county, or local health ordinances that would force the event cancellation. Online entries can be made through 9/4/2020 using the link at wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com. DO NOT MAIL ENTRIES!

3. Entries must be pre-­‐weighed, and weight and sale price must be entered at time of entry.

4. Entry Limit: No more than 8 fleeces entered per exhibitor or exhibitor family/farm (same address).

5. Fleeces must be owned by exhibitor or exhibitor’s family and from current year wool crop with no more than 12 months growth. All fleeces entered into competition should be well skirted, unless entered into the Commercial Class, in which case manure tags and larger organic/vegetable material should be removed, at a minimum.

6. All Attendees: a) Mandatory COVID attendance tracking information sheet (available online at the WSWF website) will be required and collected at time of entry to fair grounds. No completed form, no entry b) Sellers and buyers will be allowed in at separate times, in order to stay within the COVID guidelines, for fleece drop-­‐off, fleece auction/sale, and unsold fleece pickup. c) Masks will be mandated based upon state mandate, and gloves will be recommended, but not required as per fair park guidelines. d) Hand sanitizer will be available to all attendees. e) Parking will be available on both sides of the building to facilitate easy access to the exhibit hall and to maintain COVID guidelines. f) There will be a temporary sitting area at one open end of the building for sellers/buyers, and attendees must bring their own chairs. g) Social distancing will be recommended and enforced throughout the event.

7. Sellers: a) Mandated registration and payment through WSWF ShoWorks site. b) This will be a high quality fleece event – high organically contaminated fleeces should not be entered. c) Sellers will be limited to a maximum of 35 at any one time to stay within the current COVID guidelines. d) All fleeces must be in clear bags for ease of viewing. e) All fleece entry tags will be emailed to the seller, and all fleeces will need to be pre-­‐ labeled before drop off to minimize contact. f) Sellers will be notified via text message as to the status of their fleeces selling. Unsold fleeces must be picked up.

8. Buyers: a) Mandated registration via email (fleecebuyers@frontier.com) before the event deadline.

Send name, address, telephone number and email address to the above. b) All buyer tags will be emailed to the buyers ahead of time. c) All silent auction buyers will be given a pen to record their bids, or they will use their own pens. Pens will not be returned! d) Depending on the number of registered buyers, there may be a limit of 30-­‐35 buyers for the initial silent auction event to stay within fair park guidelines. e) No loitering around a fleece will be allowed during the silent auction, and will be enforced. f) After the silent auction, there will be a strict limit of 40 buyers in the building at any given time to stay within fair park guidelines.

9. Silent Auction* – Private Treaty Sales The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, LLC (WSWF) will act as a broker for all fleeces offered for sale at the Festival. Prices for Private Treaty Sale fleeces will be set by the individual exhibitor by time of entry and the price will be indicated on the entry tag. Sales commission on all fleeces will be 10% of gross sales. * Fleeces remaining unsold following the Silent Auction will be sold at the Private Treaty Sale.

Exhibitors and Buyers: Reconciliation of fleece sale accounts may take up to six weeks due to the volume of festival accounts processed. Thank you!

Payment for ALL Silent Auction or Private Treaty sales of fleeces will be made to the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival by check only – NO CASH OR CREDIT TRANSACTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED -­‐ commission deducted as noted above and settlement made to consignors at a later date. The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, LLC assumes no responsibility for lost, damaged, stolen, mislabeled or erroneously sold fleeces. Fleeces not removed from the exhibit between 4 pm and 5:30 pm become property of the Festival and may be disposed of.

SALE CLASSES

Division I. Commercial Market Class (White or Natural Colored – NO covered fleeces) Classes: 1. Fine 2. Medium 3. Coarse

Division II. White Handspinning Fleeces (Covered or uncovered) Classes: 1. Fine 2. Medium 3. Coarse 4. Longwool 5. Double-­‐coated

Division III. Natural Colored Fleeces (Covered or uncovered) Classes: 1. Fine 2. Medium 3. Coarse 4. Longwool 5. Double-­‐coated

Division IV. Crossbred Handspinning (Covered or uncovered) Classes: 1. Fine 2. Medium 3. Coarse 4. Longwool 5. Double-­‐coated

TO ENTER: Go to: www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com Click on: COMPETITIONS – FLEECE SHOWS & SALES Click on: “ENTER” button

Sheep Show Update – Alan Thorson

The sheep shows will be Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2020 at the Jefferson County Fair Park.

Schedule: Fri. Sept. 11 – Combined Open/Junior Wool Breeds Show Sat.. Sept.12 -­‐ Combined Open/Junior Meat Breeds Show Sun., Sept. 13 – Jackpot Market Lamb Show

Unfortunately, no pens will be available so exhibitors will need to show out of their trailers.

Once a complete schedule is finalized, a posting will be made on our Facebook sites as well as our websites. As with any event during these uncertain times, the possibility does exist that the event may not be held as it has in the past.

Stay up to date on details by following our Facebook pages (Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Coop and Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival) and our websites for more information as the event date draws closer.

2020 Make It With Wool Update

Wynn Wittkopf

2020 has definitely been a trying year for many of us. We strive to find joy in the simple things and cherish the memories we're making. Most of the events we love to attend have been cancelled, and we find ourselves questioning if and when things will ever return to the way they once were. The 2020 Wisconsin Make It With Wool contest will be happening this year, but it too will look very different than it has in the past.

This year, Wisconsin contestants will NOT be meeting at the Jefferson County Fair Park to compete in the Make It With Wool Competition. Instead, contestants will mail their forms, fees, fabric swatches, garment, photos, and video to Wynn Wittkopf by September 12th. Please make sure you read and follow this year's requirements.

Judging will take place on Saturday, September 26th, in Pewaukee, WI by a team of judges. The results will be posted and the garments and photos will be mailed back to the contestants.

The Junior and Senior Winners will advance to the National Make It With Wool contest held in Denver, CO in January 2021, if this contest occurs and if funds are available. If this is not possible, the winners will receive cash awards. This year, the Preteen and Adult winner will receive cash awards. Unfortunately, there will NOT be a Novelty contest held this year, but will return in 2021.

The joy of Make It With Wool is gathering together to "Ooooooo and Aaahhh" over one another's outfits, to get inspired, share experiences, build relationships, encourage one another, learn new techniques and share our love for sewing with wool with the public. MIWW 2020 will not include these joys, but please know we are doing the best we can to offer you this opportunity. You can be certain that Wynn will be "Oooooing and Aaahhhing" with every package that arrives!

Checklist for Wisconsin Make It With Wool ENTRY DEADLINE – Garment and entry materials must be received by Wynn Wittkopf on or before September 12th. Please plan mailing accordingly as late arrivals will be disqualified.

ENTRY PACKAGE MUST INCLUDE:

____ Wool Garment ____ Prepaid Postage Return label (addressed to you) ____ USPS, ____UPS, ____FED EX ____ Entry Form & Fee ____ Fabric/Yarn Swatches (4”x4”) & Testing Fees ____ Color Photo(s) of you wearing your garment(s) ____ Video of you modeling your garment(s) on jump drive

SHIPPING GARMENT • Select a box of appropriate size & shape.

• Enclose

garment in plastic; tissue paper may be used to prevent wrinkling.

• May roll garments • Do

to prevent major wrinkling and save container space.

not include hangers or accessories even if handmade (only the garment is judged).

• Include forms,

fees, fabric sample, photos, jump drive and return postage & place in envelope with the garment.

• Allow

adequate time for box to arrive at destination. Late arrivals will be disqualified.

POSTAGE • Postage is the responsibility of the participant.

• Obtain

& include a prepaid return postage/insurance label from USPS, UPS, or Fed Ex.

PHOTOS • 1 Color 5” x 7” photo of you wearing your garment.

• Full length

view; judges must be able to evaluate fit of garment; evenness of hems, etc.

• May also include

up to 3 other photos (5” x 7”) showing back & side views - full length.

• Use a

plain light background for dark colored garments; plain dark background for light colored garments.

• Good

quality amateur photos recommended.

MODELING VIDEO – Jump Drive • Maximum • No

length: 60 seconds.

commentary or music.

• Focus

on showing your garment to the judges. Include full length and close-up of front, back & both sides. Fit, hem length, etc. need to be visible for evaluation.

• Remove

jackets/coats where appropriate.

• Use a

light background for dark colored garments; dark background for light colored garments (see other background tips above).

Keep a “back-up” copy of all paperwork, photos, and video.

MAIL THE REQUIRED ITEMS TO:

Wisconsin Make It With Wool Wynn Wittkopf N41 W28899 Imperial Drive Pewaukee, WI 53072 wynnwittkopf@gmail.com 262-370-1433

The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival will launch the Virtual Country Store Marketplace and Country Store Live. The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Online Community is currently live and will be updated as we get closer to the actual Virtual Country Store Weekend.

This year, in lieu of a live Country Store experience, we are inviting everyone to a new shopping experience that will showcase our participating Country Store vendors.

More than 60 vendors will be showcased in the Virtual Country Store Marketplace on the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival website. Fiber enthusiasts will be able to expand their product search, connect with their favorite vendors, and shop online throughout the coming year!

You will also be able to join the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Online Community Group on Facebook where you can interact with your fellow fiber friends and learn more about the Facebook Virtual Country Store Weekend which will take place September 10-­‐13.

You’ll see the participating vendors and the time slots they have selected to showcase their store, product videos and even interact with their customers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/3184186221658029

This is in addition to the other virtual festival activities and anticipated live events that are taking place under the 2020 modified festival format. More information can be found at www.wisbc.com by clicking on Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival/Modified Sheep & Wool Festival, or at www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com .

Are You Missing the Wisconsin State Fair?

The State Fair Necessities are bringing together all that you love about the Wisconsin State Fair!

From agriculture to art to fair food and of course, Cream Puffs – the State Fair Necessities will be serving up your Fair favorites all summer long.

There are several opportunities to shop from your favorite vendors this summer.

The Wisconsin Wool Works is one of the featured vendors!

Check out all the vendors at https://wistatefair.co m/fair/shopping2020/

The 13th Badger Production Sale will be held on-­‐line for 2020!

Check the website for photos and information. https://www.wlivestock.com/auction/7708 Visit U-­‐W Madison Sheep Program on Facebook for updates

Looking for old issues of The Wisconsin Shepherd? We have all issues from 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 on our website.

https://wisbc.com/wisconsin-shepherd/wisconsin-shepherd.php

Livestock Lessons 2020 is a new animal science experience for Wisconsin youth. Giving a Livestock Lesson is an opportunity for you to share your learning with others and to teach others about animal sciences. Youth have the opportunity to deliver an oral video presentation on an animal science topic of your choice and/or a written Public Service Announcement (PSA).Livestock Lessons 2020 are open to all members who are in the Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goat projects..

Submitted entries will be divided into the following grade judging categories from the 2019-­‐2020 school year. Junior (Grades 3-­‐5), Intermediate (Grades 6-­‐8), and Senior (Grades 9-­‐13).

Submissions are due August 14 https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/youthlivestock/

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences • University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences 286 Animal Sciences Building Phone: 608-263-4304 1675 Observatory Drive Madison, WI 53706-1284

Email:borourke2@wisc.edu

Youth sought to showcase their ‘Livestock Lessons’ (Madison): Livestock Lessons 2020 is a new animal science experience for Wisconsin youth. Giving a Livestock Lesson is an opportunity for you to share your learning with others and to teach others about animal sciences.

The potential topics for your lessons are endless! No matter what topic you choose, remember that the most impactful presentations are both accurate and engaging. Be creative, be funny, be serious, just be you! Think about something you have learned in your animal science project or something that you enjoy doing and prepare to share it.

Wisconsin Livestock Lessons involve two ways for youth to communicate in both written and oral ways.

Youth have the opportunity to deliver an oral video presentation on an animal science topic of your choice and/or a written Public Service Announcement (PSA).

Livestock Lessons 2020 are open to all members who are in the Beef, Sheep, Swine and Meat Goat projects. Each youth can enter one submission in both oral presentation and written public service announcements. Submitted entries will be divided into the following grade judging categories from the 2019-2020 school year. Junior (Grades 3-5), Intermediate (Grades 6-8) and Senior (Grades 9-13).

Submissions are due August 14. The top entries in each division will receive monetary awards and may be featured on Wisconsin Youth Livestock Program social media, YouTube channels and other media outlets.

Oral Video Presentations and Public Service Announcements (PSA) must be submitted by August 14.

Additional program information and how to submit your Livestock Lessons can be found by going to the Wisconsin Youth Livestock Program site. https://bit.ly/LivestockLessons We look forward to what our Wisconsin youth submit and how we can grow this program moving forward into other animal species and topics in due time. Can’t wait to see your ideas!

Contact Bernie O’Rourke at borourke2@wisc.edu, UW Madison Animal & Dairy Sciences, Extension Youth Livestock Specialist, for questions.

Supervisor Retires from Jefferson Fair Park after 21 Years Following a 21-­‐year career as Supervisor at Jefferson County Fair Park, Roger Kylmanen has retired, effective August 7. Integral to getting the Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival on its feet starting in 2002, Kylmanen also eased the event through numerous administrations at the fairgrounds and helped pave the way for the festival’s expansion over the past nineteen years. Bob Black, festival chair, credited Kylmanen for his willingness to help the festival succeed. “We asked a lot of Roger but he never hesitated to help in any way possible and showed the greatest respect to all of the festival’s many volunteers. He’ll be greatly missed by anyone who has had the opportunity to work with him and we thank him for his years of service.”

Roger Kylmanen, (front row – right) retired on August 7 after 21 years as Jefferson County Fair Park Supervisor. The Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival came to the Fair Park in 2002 at a time when the fairgrounds was going through a period of expansion and rebuilding. Amy Listle (front-­‐center) is the current Director for the Fair Park.

Once upon a time….

Late March, 1994: The Wisconsin Sheep Industry Conference was in full swing at the Holiday Inn-­‐Southeast in Madison where over 700 people had already gathered by Saturday morning of the conference weekend. The largest of its kind in the U.S., the conference was in its sixteenth year, a successful blend of producer education, trade show and affirmative action orchestrated by its host organization, the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-­‐op.

The program, which began on Thursday evening, brought in over thirty speakers from across the country including thirteen producers, four UW Extension specialists and six faculty members from the University of Wisconsin system and its research stations. Also represented were the National Institute of Health, the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Ft. Collins, CO, The American Wool Council, American Sheep Industry Assn., Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance, National Lamb Feeders Assn., as well as the University of Minnesota.

The diverse topics ranged from “After the Wool Act….Denver’s Reaction” to “Production Systems for Direct Marketing;” “Stockpiling Forage to Extend the Growing Season,” to “Late Pregnancy Diseases,” and further highlighted by Youth Day Sessions on Saturday morning which covered market lamb and junior breeding sheep projects and a nose-­‐printing demonstration. Youth participants could also take a bus to the UW Stock Pavilion for on-­‐campus activities that included hands-­‐on judging and evaluation workouts and a communications workshop. Back at the Holiday Inn, conference attendees were kept busy deciding which of the forty sessions they should attend, as speakers rotated hourly through the four conference rooms. In between they could wander through the booths of the forty vendors (nineteen of which were from out of state including one from New Zealand), that packed the trade show.

Friday night was reserved for the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Annual Awards Banquet, celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of producers and industry supporters, the state Make It Yourself With Wool winners, and capped off with “The Comedy & Music Talents of Larry Heagle.”

On Saturday the focus was on the annual meetings of ten state breed associations and the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative, where its membership elected Warren Finder, Hal Koller and Dave Troxel to the board of directors. The secretary’s report showed income from dues for the year just past at $4860, while income from the industry conference at close to $17,000, while the Wisconsin Shepherd fell into the minus column with expenses of $5229. Major activities for the past year included the Production Sale of tested ram lambs and the annual Bred Ewe Sale which was held each fall. Overall, the cooperative’s balance sheet dipped into the red for 1993.

The Wisconsin Sheep industry Conference would continue for another seven years until, as attendance slowly declined, the cooperative switched its flagship event to a festival format in 2002.

Annual meetings would follow the festival to Jefferson until eventually being incorporated into the Arlington Sheep Day.

Producer Education

Virtual Small Ruminant Pasture Field Day Join University of Maryland Extension for a virtual small ruminant pasture field day! This field day is hosted by University of Maryland Extension, Future Harvest, and the Mountains to Bay Grazing Alliance and will highlight ongoing small ruminant research at the University of Maryland's Western Maryland Research and Education Center (WMREC).

Topics will include an update on ongoing research at WMREC, an overview of forage options for small ruminants, and a virtual tour of the WMREC small ruminant pastures with discussion on setting up a pasture system.

https://umd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEvf-­‐GqpzIoE9XUQwEFoxcK8geTA3wUOuAd

How and why to FAMACHA© score https://youtu.be/I5rcuvVG56Q

After Covid 19, University of Maryland Extension began offering online FAMACHA© certification.

A webinar was held on May 7, 2020. The webinar was recorded, and the recording was uploaded to YouTube.

To get certified, watch the video. The other requirements for certification are to pass a test (70%) and send a video demonstrating proper FAMACHA© technique on a sheep, goat, or camelid: COVER-­‐PUSH-­‐PULL-­‐POP

Recording of webinar presentation https://youtu.be/XTdLEWsJ6AI

ASI Sheepcast Did you know that American Sheep Industry Association has a series of Sheepcasts?

Stay up to date on current events in marketing, health concerns and care and so much more.

ASI’s Weekly Podcast – Now Available on iTunes and GooglePlay!

https://sheepusa.org/newsmedia-­‐asisheepcast

Breeding Season Tips Preparing rams for a successful breeding season by Richard Ehrhardt https://www.canr.msu.edu/sheep_goats/reproduction/preparing-rams-for-a-successful-breedingseason

Tips for improving out-­‐of-­‐season reproduction by Richard Ehrhardt https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/tips-for-improving-out-of-season-reproduction

Flushing small ruminants for a higher ovulation rate by Mike Metzger https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/flushing-small-ruminants-for-a-higher-ovulation-rate

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/sustainable-­‐management-­‐of-­‐internal-­‐parasites-­‐of-­‐ sheep-­‐and-­‐goats-­‐in-­‐the-­‐upper-­‐midwest-­‐and-­‐northeastern-­‐usa

Session 1. Parasites of major heath and economic impact in sheep and goats, and the basics of their lifecycles.

Session 2. Factors that determine the risk of parasite infection, and grazing management strategies to reduce risk.

Session 3. Control and infection monitoring approaches.

Session 4. Putting it all together: developing a successful and sustainable integrated parasite control program for your farm.

Please email Mike Metzger at metzgerm@msu.edu, Erin Recktenwald at ebr@msu.edu, or Richard Ehrhardt at ehrhard5@msu.edu with any questions.

Rock Co. Youth Sheep Show was held July 28. COVID protocol was followed, including the show being held outside, social distancing, and masks were supplied. About 100 head of sheep were shown. Market lambs and breeding sheep classes were held. In addition to the regular shows, Little Britches shows and costume classes. Mark Johnson judged the shows.. The show was sponsored, organized, funded by volunteers donations and RCSP Board, officers and members. Donations totaled over $1500 to cover liability Insurance ($3M, ribbons, judge, 38 lambs loaded after the show for sale to Pin-­‐Oak Farms, Steve and Darlene Pinnow. The RCSP 2020 Scholarship Winner was also recognized. Lambs were weighed before the show win the grounds and scale weight certified by State Bank of Cross Plains employees. Shirts were given to all exhibitors.

28 paid a membership to RCSP.

The Summer of 2020 is full of changes. Keep abreast of the replacement livestock shows here. Where there’s a will, people will find a way!

https://www.midwestfarmreport.com/2020/07/10/whats-­‐happening-­‐for-­‐youth-­‐ exhibitors/ The “Un”Fair was a county fair replacement show for Polk, Barron, Pierce, St. Croix and Washburn counties.

Skip to 47:15 to hear all about it on WAXX 104.5! https://omny.fm/shows/mid-­‐west-­‐farm-­‐ report-­‐eau-­‐claire/2020-­‐7-­‐15

In Memory of Franklin Theodore Klug Grafton, WI -­‐ Franklin Theodore Klug, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Franklin was born on August 21, 1930 to parents Frank and Clara (nee Radue) Klug. Franklin was a devoted husband to his wife Evelyn, for 68 years, and beloved father to his children Allen (Janet) Klug, Gary Klug, Wayne (Rhonda) Klug, Carol Klug, Bruce (Kris) Klug; grandchildren Kelly (Matt) Faust, Kelsey (Ryan) Odorizzi, Lynn (Devon) Lee, Logan Klug, Bryce, Cassidy and Dylan Klug; great-­‐grandchildren Greyson and Nolan Faust, Caden and Elena Odorizzi and Theodore Franklin Lee.

Franklin was born and raised on the family farm in Freistadt, Wisconsin. He was an early adopter in agriculture, buying his first Registered Holstein at age 18, and in 1950 adding an A.O. Smith Harvestore Silo System to the farm. Franklin went to grade school for grades 1-­‐7, at Trinity Lutheran School in Freistadt, Wisconsin. Since Trinity did not have an eighth grade, he finished eighth grade at Lindenwood School.

Franklin spent his high school years at Cedarburg High School, graduating in 1948. Franklin was an active member of the Lindenwood 4-­‐H Club, participating in the livestock projects exhibiting his Registered Holstein cattle at the Ozaukee County Fair and at the Wisconsin State Fair. The tradition of raising and showing livestock is carried on today by his children and grandchildren.

In high school Franklin began playing the Sousaphone. At age 14, Franklin and his Sousaphone joined his friends from the Freistadt area playing with a band called The Victory Band. The Victory Band was the foundation for a band which later would become The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band. For 73 years Franklin would perform with The Freistadt Alte Kameraden Band at many Oktoberfests, concerts and get-­‐togethers across Wisconsin and the United States. Franklin and Evelyn also traveled with the band on 7 musical tours of Germany and Austria.

Franklin held a variety of occupations while continuing to operate the family farm. He was a custodian at Trinity Lutheran Church and School for seven years and Cedarburg State (U.S. Bank) for 15 years. He also drove a gravel truck for Ernst Brothers Sand and Gravel. He retired from his final job of delivering LP gas for the Boehlke Bottle Gas Corp. after 25 years at the age of 75.

Franklin is further survived by his sister Marion Frentz of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; his brother-­‐in-­‐law and sister-­‐in-­‐law Ted and Janet DeGarmo of Kokomo, Indiana; nieces, nephews and other relatives. His memory lives with the many friends and people whose lives he touched.

An Outside Worship Service was held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 – 1:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 6th Ave. Grafton, WI.

S.D. Extension Hires Two Sheep Specialists

The South Dakota Sheep Growers Association announced recently that Dr. Kelly Froehlich and Jaelyn Whaley will be joining South Dakota State University Extension this fall.

Froehlich will be joining the faculty at SDSU in Brookings, S.D., as the new extension sheep specialist beginning on Aug. 24, while Whaley will be joining the group at the SDSU West River Research and Extension Center in Rapid City as the new sheep extension field specialist. Her start date is Sept. 9.

Froehlich grew up in Grasston, Minn., on a hydroponic lettuce and tomato farm. She says she corrupted her parents to let her have a few sheep when she was 13. Now there is a flock of 90 registered Lincoln longwool ewes at her family’s home.

She holds bachelors degrees in animal science and agricultural education from the University of Minnesota, and a masters in dairy science from SDSU. The last few years she has been living in New Zealand pursing her Ph.D. in animal science at Lincoln University.

Originally from Northwest Colorado, Whaley grew up on a 100 head Suffolk/Hampshire operation raising club lambs and direct to consumer marketing grass fed lambs. She was active in both 4-­‐H and FFA and still tries to stay involved with these youth development organizations.

After high school, Whaley attended Laramie County Community College in Cheyenne, Wyo., where she obtained an associates degree in agriculture with a concentration in animal science. Between her two years at LCCC, she served as a Colorado State FFA Officer.

After community college, Whaley attended the University of Wyoming where she worked as an undergraduate research assistant on projects such as a rumen microbiome study and U.S. Sheep Experiment Station sire evaluation. It was during this time that she met Dr. Whit Stewart, who encouraged her to continue her education.

Upon completion of her bachelors degree in animal science, Whaley continued onto her masters of science degree at UW under Dr. Stewart and Dr. Warrie Means.

Her project – funded by American Lamb Board and the National Sheep Industry Improvement Center – is evaluating the effects of excessively finished lambs on the processing sector of the sheep industry. She will complete her masters in August.

Froehlich and Whaley are filling openings created by the retirements of Dave Ollila and Jeff Held.

DATCP Guidance on Unsolicited Seed Packages

Release Date: July 28, 2020 Media Contact: Grace Atherton, Communications Director, (608) 224-­‐5020, Grace.Atherton@wisconsin.gov MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has been notified that some Wisconsin residents have received unsolicited packages in the mail containing seeds that appear to have originated from China. The types of seeds in the packages are currently unknown and may contain invasive plant species. Similar packages have been received in other locations across the United States.

If you receive a package of this type: 1. Do not plant or throw away the seeds.

2. If the seeds are in sealed packaging, do not open the sealed package. If possible, retain the original packaging. It may be useful as we investigate this issue.

3. Please report the seeds to DATCP using the online form at www.datcp.wi.gov .

After filling out the online form, please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until DATCP or APHIS contacts you with further instructions.

All foreign seeds shipped to the United States should have a phytosanitary certificate which guarantees the seeds meet import requirements. Unsolicited seeds could be invasive species, contain noxious weeds, could introduce diseases to local plants, or could be harmful to livestock. Invasive species and noxious weeds can displace native plants and increase costs of food production.

DATCP works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect Wisconsin's diverse agricultural industry.

For continued updates and information on this issue, please visit DATCP's website, www.datcp.wi.gov .

USDA Investigates Packages of Unsolicited Seeds from China Last Modified: Jul 28, 2020 Media Contact: Cecilia Sequeira (301) 851-­‐4054 K.cecilia.sequeira@usda.gov USDA is aware that people across the country have received suspicious, unsolicited packages of seed that appear to be coming from China. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working closely with the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, other federal agencies, and State departments of agriculture to investigate the situation.

USDA urges anyone who receives an unsolicited package of seeds to immediately contact their State plant regulatory official or APHIS State plant health director.

Please hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from your State department of agriculture or APHIS contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.

At this time, we don’t have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.

USDA is committed to preventing the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds and protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and noxious weeds. Visit the APHIS’ website, www.aphis.usda.gov to learn more about USDA’s efforts to stop agricultural smuggling and promote trade compliance.

Calendar of Events

August 9-­‐14 Wisconsin Livestock Expo, Racine County Fairgrounds, 19805 Durand Ave. Union Grove, WI, www.wilivestockexpo.com

August 9 Wisconsin Wool Works! NOW ONLINE! www.wisconsinwoolworks.com

August 13-­‐15 Katahdin Hair Sheep National Expo & Sale, Hardin County Extension Center, Elizabethtown, KY. www.katahdins.org CANCELLED, ONLINE SALE ONLY

August 22 CHANGE OF LOCATION! 11th Annual Wisconsin Summer Spectacular Show, Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Assn. Rock County Fairgrounds, Janesville, WI. Stay up to date on Facebook.

wisconsinlivestockbreeders@gmail.com 608 743-­‐9080

August 24 13th Annual Badger Production Sale. wlivestock.com For information/to be added to mailing list, contact Todd Taylor, toodtaylor@wisc.edu or 608 332-­‐4914 .

Sept. 11-­‐13 Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson, WI. www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com SEE WEBSITE FOR INFO

Sept. 12 Annual Meeting, Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Co-­‐op, 5:00 p.m. Activity Center, Wisconsin Sheep & Wool Festival, Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson. Stay updated at www.wisbc.com CANCELLED -­‐ SEE WEBSITE FOR INFO

Sept. 12 Wisconsin Make It With Wool State Contest, Jefferson County Fair Park, Jefferson, WI. Contact: Wynn Wittkopf, State Director, 262 370-­‐1433, wynnwittkopf@gmail.com www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com

SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO ENTER

Sept. 12 Make It With Wool Entries DUE! Alternate MIWW competition entries mailed to Wynn Wittkopf, State Director, N41 W28899 Imperial Drive, Pewaukee, WI 53072. wynnwittkopf@gmail.com 262 370-­‐1433 Competition and entry information at www.wisconsinsheepandwoolfestival.com or www.wisbc.com

Nov. 6-­‐7 10th Annual Ozark Fiber Fling -­‐ Steelville, Mo. -­‐ www.ozarkfiberfling.com

Nov. 13-­‐19 North American International Livestock Expo, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY www.livestockexpo.org 502 595-­‐3166.

Do you have an event coming up? Let us know!

Debbie Petzel – dspetzel@gmail.com