National symposium looks at ways to increase sheep numbers

The National Sheep Symposium will bring top sheep production experts from across the United States to the Clay County Fairgrounds in Spencer, Iowa, on July 27 and 28.

The symposium, titled "Using Technology to Attack the Let's Grow with twoPLUS Initiative," joins the initiative's campaign to encourage current producers to expand their sheep numbers by 2014.

The symposium has a full slate of speakers who will address the issues of long-term economic outlook for the U.S. sheep industry, increasing flock numbers using a variety of breeding resources and flock management ideas - topics of concern to sheep producers and those interested in U.S. sheep production.

"Dave Notter is one of the nation's most respected sheep geneticists," said Dan Morrical, extension sheep specialist for Iowa State University. "Those attending the symposium will hear him tell how to combine traditional estimated breeding values with gene marker assisted technology for genetic improvement."

The symposium is hosted by the North Central Extension and Research Activity (NCERA) committee. The National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Center of the Nation Sale will follow the symposium at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Registration for the symposium is $50 before July 20. After midnight on July 19, registration cost is $100. Registration includes program materials, breaks and lamb dinner on Friday evening. There are three ways to register: online, fax or mail.

For more information, visit http://www.aep.iastate.edu/sheep/homepage.html.