Two North Dakota sheep producers were presented "Master Sheep Producer" awards at the annual banquet of the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association at the Seven Seas Motel in Mandan, November 30th. The banquet and awards presentation were a part of the seventh annual North Dakota Sheep Convention.
Each producer was recognized for his excellence and efficiency in sheep production as well as their contribution to the North Dakota sheep industry and their community. The awards are sponsored by the North Dakota Lamb and Wool Producers Association and the North Dakota Cooperative Extension Service.
James Billey
Ellendale
James Billey of Ellendale is one of North Dakota's 1986 Master Sheep Producers. The Billey operation, located in Dickey County, consists of about 190 ewes plus small grain production. Billey started farming in 1968 on land that has been in his family for 80 years. Sheep have been a part of his farming operation for 8 years and at present make up about 30% of the farm income.
Utilization of meticulous records, an excellent vaccination program, feed analysis, and new developments in sheep production are keys to Billey's success. In addition, his dedication and involvement in sheep activities in the state have been an asset to the industry.
Ewes are pastured from weaning time in the spring until November and then are confined and fed in lots until lambing time which begins in February-March. Winter feed consists of corn, oats and alfalfa.
Lambing rate runs about 160% on ewes that are basically Suffolk-Columbia crosses. Lambs are dry lotted following weaning and sold as fats through the tele-auction.
Selection of replacement stocks is based on present and past performance of the ewes. An excellent set of records is the key to that selection process. Billey has been very successful breeding ewe lambs and has a lambing rate of 140% from them.
Promotion of sheep and their products have been a part of Billey's program. Fellow producers in his county, plus himself, have a lamb booth at their county fair promoting lamb and wool.
Billey is a member of the NDLWPA, on the NDSU Sheep Advisory Board at Hettinger, and on the North Dakota Livestock Sanitary Board. He is vice-president of the Ellendale School Board, president of the Memorial Hospital Board in Ellendale, past member of the church council, past township assessor and past Master of the Masonic Lodge.
Billey and his wife. Diane, have two sons (Lloyd and Mark).
Jill Roen
Arnegard
Jill Roen of Arnegard is the other North Dakota 1986 Master Sheep Producer. Roen's flock consists of 45 registered Suffolk ewes. The ranch is located in McKenzie County. Registered sheep have been a part of her life for the past 8 years. Her first experience with sheep was at 3 years of age when her father bought her a lamb.
A unique combination of initiative, sheep know-how, and a strong desire to achieve a particular goal are keys to Roen's success.
Lambing occurs in January-February in a warm barn facility with an annual drop of between 175 to 185%. Barley, oats, oat hay, alfalfa hay, soybean meal and commercial creep are utilized. Lambs are self fed until weaning and then hand fed.
Roen's selection program is based on ideals in the Suffolk business as well as commercial needs. Birth weights, mothering and milking ability, twinning percentage, and Suffolk type are considered in the selection process. Her success in recent shows and sales are evidence to the goals she has set and achieved in a short period of time.
Promotion of her sheep locally is done through 4-H sales. She also consigns to the Mon-Dak Association Sale, the Hettinger Ram Sale and the Newell Ram Sale.
An excellent health program is maintained in the flock with death losses held under 5%. A heated room attached to the lambing barn with running water and excellent medication supply makes treatment easier and more effective.
Roen is a member of the NDLWPA, Mon-Dak Sheep Association, the National Suffolk Sheep Association, and the National Wool Growers. She serves on the church council and is a Sunday school teacher. She's a member of the county 4-H livestock committee and serves as a 4-H sheep project leader.
Roen and her husband, Doug, have two boys (Chris and Andre).