Sheep producers and special guests are invited to enjoy lamb-cooking demonstrations and sampling with Chef Virgil Emmert, sheep cheese sampling from Shepherd’s Way Farms, wine tasting from local wineries, and a wool fashion display at the fourth annual Celebrate Lamb Social on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Hotel and Conference Center in Chaska.

The Celebrate Lamb Social kicks off this year’s Shepherd’s Holiday, sponsored by the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Association. Sponsors for the social include the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Superior Farms, Shepherd’s Way Farms and MLWPA.

HIGHLIGHTING LAMB: At the Shepherd's Holiday and annual meeting last year, the Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers enjoyed an evening program featuring three lamb recipes created by Virgil Emmert, chef at the Oak Ridge Hotel and Conference Center in Chaska. Emmert will again be the chef for this year's event.

Dec. 3 features a full day of educational seminars, with a track for experienced producers, one for new and beginner producers, and one for fiber enthusiasts. Attendees will be able to meet Travis Hoffman, the new Extension sheep specialist for the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University. Hoffman will present the keynote address, Lamb Quality Beyond the Gate, as well as a breakout seminar, Direct Marketing Challenges and Opportunities.

Some of the other seminars include: How the New Veterinary Feed Directive Will Impact Sheep producers; Management Intensive Grazing; Feeding Your Market Lamb Project; and Things to Consider When Starting Your Flock. There will be panel discussions on Preparing for Shearing Day and How NSIP Works for My Flock. NSIP is the National Sheep Improvement Program. A complete list of seminars and speakers is available at mlwp.org.

Day 2 also includes the Make It With Wool contest and fashion show, the Silver Bell Awards luncheon, the annual business meeting, a trade show and the fundraiser auction.

Conference registration materials are posted at mlwp.org, or email Jeremy Geske at [email protected].

Pre-registration is preferred by Nov. 13 to get the best rates for hotel room and conference registration. Walk-ins are welcome. To reserve rooms, call 952-368-3100 and ask for the MLWP guest room rate.

Source: Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers