View more photos of the event here.
On March 16, 2024, the biennial K-State Junior Sheep Producer Day was hosted for the final time in Weber Arena. A crowd of more than 225 participants, representing 41 counties, from across the state of Kansas, plus one from Nebraska, attended the program to enhance their knowledge of youth sheep projects. The program was open to youth, parents, extension agents and beef project leaders. Topics including selection, nutrition, facilities and equipment, the starter flock program, meat science, clipping and grooming, health, wool education, showmanship, Becoming a Wildcat, and Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) training were provided. The program was hosted by Lexie Hayes and Dr. Payton Dahmer.
This program would not be possible without those who contributed their time, efforts, and expertise as presenters, including the guest speaker for the day, Chris Bauerle, Dr. Payton Dahmer, Dr. Mike Day, Lauren Frink, Emily Grund, Lexie Hayes, Charlene Miller, Dr. Leslie Weaver, Matt & Amy Benz, KSU ASI Mentors and the K-State Sheep & Meat Goat Center students. A huge thank you also goes to Tim Carson, Dr. Payton Dahmer, Dr. David Grieger, Emily Grund, Bob Heptig and Crew, Mary Kane, Dr. Dave Nichols, Lois Schreiner, Katie Smith and John Wolf for helping with the event. A special thanks also goes to the students who invested their time to prepare for the program and were present to make sure everything ran smoothly, including interns Peyton Piepho and Lauren Thompson, the K-State Sheep & Meat Goat Center students and employees, and the KSU ASI Mentors. Your involvement is invaluable to making this a great experience for Kansas families!
The K-State Junior Sheep Producer Day is sponsored by Valley Vet Supply, Essential Feeds, the Kansas Sheep Association, Kansas Sheep Council, DuraFerm, Silver Smith Genetics, K-State Research & Extension, the KSU Youth Livestock Program and the K-State Department of Animal Sciences & Industry.