Montana State University Extension Sheep Program

10/11/2026

10/11/2026

Please join us for our October edition of the UI-USU-SDSU Extension Sheep & Goat Monthly Webinar on October 14th at Noon Mountain time. This month, we will be discussing Dorper Sire Performance resulting from a unique Dorper ram test with Dr. Jake Thorne, Extension Sheep & Goat Specialist for Texas A&M. Extension - Sheep and Goat SDSU Extension Sheep & Goats

Register: https://uidaho.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fWiLWKvuS2-dx3AJnWotNw

10/11/2026

In conjunction with the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) and the American Lamb Board (ALB), the Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC), is conducting a producer survey to collect sheep enterprise costs and production data directly from producers.
The survey will generate industry benchmarks and economic insights that help producers compare their operations to regional and national returns, identify opportunities to improve efficiency, and make more informed management decisions.
The survey results will also support the development of more accurate and representative sheep industry economic benchmarks for producers, industry leaders, and researchers. Complete the survey by November 30, 2026. Results will to presented at the ASI Convention in January 2027.
Complete the survey now. >> https://colostate.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gSEMaDIZJXrQhM

10/07/2026

In 1893, when the price of silver crashed and the mining boom in Blaine County went bust, a savior of sorts was waiting in the wings: an emerging sheep-ranching industry.

10/06/2026

🐄🐎🐑 Join us for our Winter Livestock Series!

The Garfield County Conservation District and Garfield County Montana Extension Office invite you to an educational afternoon focused on caring for cattle, horses, and sheep as we head into winter.

📅 October 29, 2026
📍 County Meeting Room in Jordan, MT
⏰ 2:00–4:00 p.m.

We are so excited to have Baylie Rodenbaugh and welcome Brent Roder for this Winter Livestock Series!

Topics include:
• 2:00–2:30 p.m.: Horse Maintenance with Baylie Rodenbaugh
• 2:30–3:00 p.m.: Calving Preparation and Nutritional Considerations with Baylie Rodenbaugh
• 3:00–4:00 p.m.: Feed and Nutrition for Livestock During a Drought, plus Sheep Healthcare and Management with Brent Roeder, Sheep and Wool Extension Specialist

Come learn, ask questions, and gather practical information for your livestock operation!

📞 Questions? Contact Macy Bliss at 406-557-2740, ext. 100, or Teo Sinks at 406-557-2770.

We hope to see you there!

10/06/2026

Montana's four-legged friends play an integral role in protecting the state's livestock.

10/04/2026

Good discussion on finding simpler ways to genetically select sheep for worm resistance. This is similar the the research Dr Scott Bowdridge from West Virginia University is doing trying to find a genetic link between general immunity and worm resistance that we can select for in US sheep. The American Lamb Board is helping fund his work and we appreciate the Montana producers who participated in this study this summer.

Head Shepherd · Episode

10/04/2026

The 2026 Montana Beginner Wool Harvesting School is full. A huge thank-you to all our sponsors.

10/03/2026

🐾 SUNDAY at 6pm on Montana Ag Live: Montana's Working Ranch Dogs!
Living in Montana, you’re likely aware of interactions between predators and livestock. However, some of our four-legged friends play an integral role in protecting livestock. This week, Stefanie Leach, Executive Secretary of the Montana Wool Growers Association, joins the panel to help us learn more about this type of working dog.
📺 Sunday 10/4 at 6pm
💻 Stream it: https://watch.montanapbs.org/livestream/
📸 Kris Fedro/Montana PBS

10/02/2026

Every Labor Day weekend, about 500 sheep take over downtown Reed Point.

The Great Montana Sheep Drive started in 1989 as a “spoof” of the Great Montana Centennial Cattle Drive. Thirty-eight years later, the tradition is still going strong, drawing crowds to the tiny town along I-90 for sheep shearing, hay-bale rolling, log sawing and, of course, the main event: watching hundreds of sheep run down the street.

The drive also helps fund the Reed Point Community Club, which supports local projects and events, including an effort to renovate the town’s historic train depot into a public gathering space.

So how did a one-time joke become a nearly four-decade tradition? And what does it take to keep 500 sheep moving in the right direction?

🔗 Read more at the link in the comments.
📸 Matt Calarco for Montana Free Press