MN Lamb and Wool Convention Dec 9th & 10th

Minnesota Lamb and Wool Convention set for Alexandria, MN

The Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association will host their annual convention on Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Holiday Inn
in Alexandria, Minnesota.
On Friday, the event starts with an interactive sheep tour at Dennis Lieser’s operation, near Belgrade, where he will showcase his production system,
and how he is able to manage XXX ewes and finishing his lambs for market.
Events will continue as attendees return to the Holiday Inn with an American Lamb social and fundraiser auction. The American Lamb social
sponsored by Superior Farms begins at 6:30 p.m. and will provide a variety of lamb cuts, preparation methods and creative dishes featured by the
hotel’s executive chef.
Saturday’s educational program will consist of timely industry updates from the American Sheep Industry Association, American Lamb Board, and
Superior Farms. “As sheep producers, it is important to be at the forefront of our issues, and how we can be involved in shaping the future of our
industry,” says Randy Kinney, MLWPA past-president.
Further educational topics include mastitis and ewe milk production, sheep biosecurity, production economics, and the new 2023 antibiotic use
guidance. Afternoon discussion will highlight research accomplished by NDSU and University of Minnesota as well as a panel focused on artificial
insemination, embryo transfer, and out-of-season breeding.
Our previous Silver Bell award winners, Steve Scheffert and Randy Kinney will provide a synopsis of their operations and secrets to their successes.
“Our esteemed award winners have served our MLWPA organization, and it is a tremendous honor to not only be recognized, but also to tell their
own story for convention attendees,” says Dr. Travis Hoffman, UofM/NDSU Extension Sheep Specialist. This year’s award winners will also be
recognized at the luncheon.
A key focus of the convention includes emphasizing the importance of the wool, fiber, and apparel industry. The MN Make-it-with-Wool
competition will be held in addition to wool-focused educational breakout sessions. “Our Minnesota wool enthusiasts take great pride in creating and
modeling their efforts that promote wool in lifestyle clothing for Make it with Wool events,” says Glennette Sperry, MN MIWW director.
Registration information will be available on the MN Lamb & Wool Producers Association Facebook page. MLWPA thanks all who help sponsor
this event, and especially our major sponsors: American Sheep Industry Association, Superior Farms, MN Corn Growers, Dakota Lamb Growers and
the MN Department of Agriculture. Our sheep, lamb, and wool industry looks forward to your involvement and attendance at this year event in
Alexandria, MN on December 9 th and 10 th .