National Sheep Improvement Program

OSIA and OHSIA will be hosting a National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) workshop in Wooster, OH on Dec. 5, the afternoon prior to the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium. The program is a computerized, performance-based program for genetic selection.
NSIP is designed to help purebred and commercial sheep producers identify the best genetic stock for their breeding programs. Dr. Reid Redden, North Dakota State University Sheep Specialist, and chair of the NSIP, will be the speaker for the workshop.
Commercial and purebred producers will learn how to use estimated breeding values (EBVs) to make selection decisions and to advance the rate of genetic progress in their flocks in traits such as growth, mothering ability (milk), number of lambs weaned, loin muscle depth, parasite resistance and wool traits.
Also included will be a roundtable discussion for shepherds currently enrolled in NSIP to talk about taking genetic improvements to the next level.
The workshop will be held at the OARDC Wooster Campus, in the Gerlaugh Hall conference room, starting at 2:30 p.m. While the NSIP workshop will be FREE, a social hour is planned following the event, so pre-registration is requested (but not required). Information will be included in the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium packet.
So plan to come to Wooster a day early and enjoy a workshop very worthwhile to all sheep producers.