Productivity Best Practices: It all began with the Roadmap Roadmap Goals Become Industry Action Best Practices Are TECHNIQUES OR METHODS that, through EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH, have proven they will reliably lead to a DESIRED RESULT Productivity Series Directly linked to your profitability Reproductive performance Genetics Survivability Efficiency Based on both research and practical experience Recognizes varied production methods Not all fit every flock At least 3 of the 12 should help improve efficiency and profitability Best Practices to Increase Your Lamb Crop Reid Redden, Ph.D. (Chair) Texas A & M University Kathy Bielek Ohio sheep producer Paul Lewis Oregon sheep producer Rodney Kott, Ph.D. Montana State University (retired) Dan Morrical, Ph.D. Iowa State University Reproductive Efficiency Task Force Productivity Best Practice Advisors Philip Berg Minnesota West, Pipestone Campus Alan Culham ASI Lets Grow Coordinator Richard Ehrhardt Ph.D. Michigan State University Rodney Kott, Ph.D. Montana State University (retired) Dan Morrical, Ph.D. Iowa State University Dave Ollila S.D. State University Extension Test Rams Test Rams Breed Ewe Lambs 7- 9 Months of Age Select for Prolific Genetics Accelerate Lambing Cycles Use Cross- breeding Cull Under- performing Ewes Manage Seasonal Changes in Reproduction Match Reproduction to Mgmt Match Reproduction to Mgmt Test for Pregnancy Status Reduce Lamb Loss Optimal Nutrition Disease Prevention and Treatment Help you identify which best practices to implement Compare to industry goals Benchmark your progress Range and farm flocks Key Indicators Where Do I Start? Fact sheets Overview Each of 12 best practices 2 nd Half 2016 Best Practice Resources 16 Promotional Card Best Practice Resources 17 PresentationSheep Industry News ad Best Practice Resources Best Practices Resource Database Searchable Microsoft Excel format 11 categories Animal handling Health Environmental stewardship Genetics and selection Survivability Nutrition Meat quality Reproductive management Birth management Forages and grazing Business management SUPPLEMENTAL SLIDES Use at your discretion as fits the audience and the topic Current Lamb Crop 111% National Average Optimal Nutrition Breed Ewe Lambs at 7 to 9 Months of Age Select for Prolific Genetics Use Crossbreeding Cull Underperforming Ewes Reduce Lamb Loss Test for Pregnancy Status Disease Prevention and Treatment Match Reproduction to Management Test Rams Manage for Seasonal Changes in Reproduction Accelerate Lambing Cycles Best Practices to Increase Your Lamb Crop High input flocks: shed lambing, herded, multiple management groups, strategic supplementation and improved pastures, etc. Low input flocks: range/pasture lambing, fenced pastures, simple management groups and limited supplementation