The South Dakota Sheep Growers Association (SDSGA) recently recognized Erk Ranch, Newell; and Tom and Marilyn Schwebach, Egan, with the South Dakota Master Lamb Producer Awards.

"These two operations are outstanding examples, showcasing the quality of the South Dakota sheep industry," says Jeff Held, South Dakota State University professor and Extension sheep specialist. "And, what makes it even better, is that they have the next generation involved to move forward into the future."

Erk Ranch has produced feeder lambs and high-quality wool in Butte County for the past 100 years. Currently, the operation runs more than 1,000 Rambouillet ewes, including 300 registered animals. Erk Ranch range rams have a strong reputation for superior wool traits, both fine fiber diameter and long staple length. For decades, they have worked to improve economically important wool traits by selecting studs based objective measures of wool quality. Future flock genetic advancements in wool quality traits will be aided by wool expected breeding values generated from the National Sheep Improvement Program, and individual ewe performance data collected using the Shearwell Data System.

The Schwebachs run an 850-head commercial flock of Ile de France ewes, which have highly productive maternal lines. They produce outstanding finished lambs for the packer and replacement females for the industry, Held says. Unique flock management features include a flock health plan that’s resulted in Ovine Progressive Pneumonia free status for the past 20 years, and a grazing management plan implemented 15 years ago in cooperation with the South Dakota Grasslands Council. That management plan has resulted in a 50% increase in grazing capacity.

SCHWEBACHS: Receiving a Master Lamb Producer Award from Jeff Held (center), executive secretary of the South Dakota Master Lamb Producers Association, SDSU professor and Extension sheep specialist, were (from left) Tom, Marilyn, Jared and Nicole Schwebach, Egan, S.D.

Other awards
The SDSGA presented several other awards during its annual convention:

• Trapper of the Year — Brent Vander Ley, Chamberlain, S.D.

"Brent has been with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks for over 20 years and works tirelessly on the sheep producers behalf," said Steve Clements, SDSGA director and chair of the American Sheep Industry Predator Management Committee.

• Shepherds of the Year — Todd Nordmann and Steve DeGroot, Sioux Falls Regional Livestock.

In 2009, Nordman and DeGroot helped establish a goat and sheep sale at the Sioux Falls Regional Livestock facility. In 2017, sheep and goat sales at Sioux Falls Regional Livestock auctions topped 68,000 head.

Elections
Elections were also held during the convention. Wade Kopren, Bison, was elected to serve as president, replacing Rufus DeZeeuw, Elkton, who completed his two-year term as president. Kris Schweigert, Gregory; Lisa Dennert, Frederick; and Scott Kilber, Ipswich, were all elected to serve on the SDSGA board. They will serve four-year terms, filling vacated director seats left open by Steve Clements, Tom Dosch and Tim Flint.

Source: SDSU Extension