WOOSTER, Ohio — The 2015 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium will be held Dec. 11-12, with a focus on several topics related to the success of the sheep operation, both now and in the future.
The Dec. 11 afternoon portion of the event will include a “Productivity and Profitability Workshop” with Dr. Richard Ehrhardt, Michigan State University small ruminant specialist, and Dr. Robert Leder, large animal veterinarian and sheep farmer, Bear Creek Sheep Station, Wisconsin.
The two-day event will be held at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Shisler Conference Center, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster.
Industry update
The program will begin with Status and Major Issues of the American Sheep Industry, presented by Burton Pfliger, president of the American Sheep Industry.
Primary speakers for the Saturday program will include Dr. Richard Ehrhardt, Dr. Robert Leder, Dr. Kevin Burgoon, honor show chow nutritionist, Purina Animal Nutrition; Peggy Kirk Hall, assistant professor, Agricultural and Resource Law; David Marrison, Ashtabula County ANR Extension Educator; and Robert Moore, agricultural attorney, Wright and Moore Law Firm, Columbus.
The OSIA annual meeting will be held Dec. 12. at the same location, prior to the symposium. The election of the OSIA officer team and trustees will be held.
Raising funds
Members will once again host the annual trade show and silent auction. Funds from the auction have been used as the primary source of income for the Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The Dec. 12 lunch will include lamb shank, served by the OSU Meat Science Club, with the remainder of the meal catered by Das Essen House. Lunch will be followed by an awards program to present the Charles Boyles Master Shepherd Award, Distinguished Service Awards, and the Friend of the Ohio Sheep Industry awards.
Youth recognition will be given to the state FFA sheep proficiency award winner, state 4-H sheep award winner and Ralph Grimshaw Memorial Scholarship winners.
Registration packets will be mailed to OSIA members in early November. For more information, contact Roger High at 614-246-8299, or by email at rhigh@ofbf.org.
