Stop the Ban Needs Your Help
Looking for a way to help stop the slaughterhouse ban ballot measure in Denver – which would affect one of the nation’s largest lamb processing plants? The campaign is looking for volunteers to add a handwritten message to preaddressed postcards to Denver voters. It’s easy to sign up – just email [email protected] and provide your mailing address.
A packet of 50 postcards will be mailed to you with instructions and a return envelope. You’ll add the message to the cards – it takes about two hours on average – and mail them back to the campaign office by Sept. 20. The campaign will then mail the postcards to voters in October.
Studies have proven handwritten appeals to voters are extremely effective. Your help is critical to the plan to defeat this ballot measure. PLEASE volunteer today.
Click Here to learn more about the proposed ban.
Source: Stop the Ban, Protect Jobs
Building Foundations for Genomic Selection
The Sheep GEMS project – together with National Sheep Improvement Program members and other sheep industry organizations – has been working to create the building blocks for the implementation of genomic selection in the American sheep industry. In this second article of the Sheep GEMS update related to genomic predictions, we describe the practical aspects for application of genomic selection in the industry.
Genomic selection is the process by which genomically enhanced estimated breeding values are used for selection of individuals to become the parents of the next generation. The first question one might ask is, “How are GEBVs different from EBVs routinely provided by NSIP?” The short answer is their accuracy. GEBVs tend to be more accurate than EBVs, especially for younger animals. This is because GEBVs are based on genomic relationships among animals instead of only pedigree-based relationships that tend to be less accurate, more incomplete and contain more errors. However, the interpretation of (G)EBVs is the same. Both estimate the genetic merit of an animal for a given trait. Still, obtaining and using more accurate GEBVs allows for quicker genetic improvement because selection decisions become more accurate. One of the key goals of Sheep GEMS, therefore, has been to develop strategies for incorporating genomic information in estimating breeding values.
Many factors influence the accuracy of GEBVs. First and foremost is the size of the reference population, which is the number of individuals with both genomic data and phenotypic records for the traits of interest. Basically, the larger the reference population, the more accurate the GEBVs. As a starting point, our target is at least 3,000 animals per breed before GEBVs can be reliably provided. So far, only the Katahdin breed (12,500 animals) has met this target, while Polypay (1,270 animals), Rambouillet (1,250 animals) and Suffolk (520 animals) are still working to get to that goal in their respective reference populations. Second, we build a stronger reference population if it represents more flocks. There are 100 Katahdin, 30 Polypay, 17 Rambouillet and seven Suffolk flocks that have contributed until now to their respective reference populations.
Collecting phenotypic records for the various traits of interest is as important as genotyping animals. By linking genotypes to the performance of animals, we improve our ability to predict their genetic merit. This is particularly the case for traits measured later in life, expressed in only one sex or that are difficult to assess. Many such traits reflect the robustness and resilience of flocks, including ewe longevity, lamb survival and udder health, and are the focus of Sheep GEMS.
Genomic selection has already been implemented in the Katahdin breed with Katahdin producers benefiting from using more accurate GEBVs in their selection decisions. We are now in the process of performing genomic analyses for various novel indicators of robustness and resilience. These traits are heritable, influenced by many important genes and can be predicted with greater accuracy when large enough reference populations are available. The opportunities from incorporating genomic information in genetic predictions are tremendous. However, to be realized, we need to continue building robust reference populations in more American sheep breeds.
For further information contact Dr. Luiz Brito ([email protected]) or Dr. Ron Lewis ([email protected]).
Acknowledgements. We thank American sheep associations and breed organizations, NSIP and sheep producers for their contributions to this research. This work was supported by the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (grant 2016-51300-25723/project accession no. 1010329), and by the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant (grant 2022-67015-36073/project accession no. 1027785), from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the USDA.
Source: Sheep GEMS
Enel, Texas Solar Sheep Sign Deal
Enel North America will deploy more than 6,000 sheep to control vegetation at eight Texas solar plants through the largest announced solar grazing agreement executed in the United States. The company is partnering with Texas Solar Sheep Co. – a family business that provides vegetation management at large solar plants – in a commitment to scale up sustainable practices in renewables.
Texas Solar Sheep will deploy more than 6,000 sheep to graze on more than 10,100 acres of solar land, nearly 75-percent of the area of Manhattan. This is one the most significant single contracts for dual-use solar, according to the American Solar Grazing Association, which estimates that 100,000 acres of solar sites are being grazed in the United States per a recent survey. By embracing sheep grazing, Enel reinforces its commitment to agrivoltaics – the practice of combining solar power generation with agricultural practices. This agreement also strengthens the company’s presence in the Texas market, where Enel is the leading operator of utility-scale battery storage.
“Enel’s record-breaking collaboration with Texas Solar Sheep is an exciting step forward for sustainable dual-use solar practices,” said Marcus Krembs, head of external relations and sustainability at Enel North America. “By prioritizing sheep grazing for land management, we demonstrate how solar and agriculture can coexist while ensuring optimal performance of our solar facilities. Additionally, our sheep grazing commitment supports ecosystem services and the local economy.”
According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the combined benefits preserving native habitats and grazing livestock at solar installations include improved soil health, enabling more efficient use of water, and reduced maintenance and operations costs. By improving operational efficiencies and supporting sustainable practices, this approach augments the sustainable value of Enel’s solar power production and fosters positive relationships with neighboring communities.
“We’re proud to partner with Enel North America on one of the biggest agrivoltaics programs in the U.S. We applaud Enel’s commitment to dual land use solar facilities and look forward to expanding Texas agriculture along with solar energy production in the state,” said JR Howard, owner at Texas Solar Sheep LLC.
Enel’s existing solar grazing program has demonstrated substantial advancements in soil health, with some sites experiencing more than 200 percent improvement in organic matter. Sheep also promote pollinator-friendly habitats by allowing some native plants to mature and bloom, unlike traditional mowing methods. Furthermore, solar grazing benefits local economies by providing a new revenue stream for sheep producers.
With the U.S. solar industry expected to break construction records again this year, with 36.4 GW of utility-scale solar scheduled to be added to the grid by end of 2024 and Texas leading the nation in solar power operation, Enel anticipates this innovative collaboration will set a new standard for responsible land management and clean energy production within the solar industry.
Source: Enel North America
Trailing of the Sheep Nominated for Award
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival has been nominated for Best Fall Festival, as part of USA TODAY 10Best’s Readers’ Choice Awards. The Idaho festival was selected as one of 20 nominees by a panel of travel experts, alongside the USA TODAY editors.
Voting has begun for the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Fall Festival. During the next four weeks, readers will be voting on their favorites – once per day – until ballots close on Sept. 9 at 11:59 a.m. eastern time. The top 10 winners will be announced on Sept. 18.
Click Here to cast a vote for the Trailing of the Sheep Festival.
“We are thrilled that the Trailing of the Sheep Festival – now in its 28th year – was once again nominated for this honor, and we ask that all of our friends and fans go online and vote for us,” said Trailing of the Sheep Festival Executive Director Laura Musbach.
Click Here for details on this year’s Trailing of the Sheep Festival, to be held Oct. 2-6.
Source: Trailing of the Sheep Festival
ALB Teams Up With Foodwise
The American Lamb Board recently partnered with Foodwise to connect with consumers at a Bay Area farmer’s market. Foodwise is a San Francisco-based organization that operates world-class farmers markets and education programs to connect the local community with fresh, local food and sustainable family farms.
At the event, ALB staff set up a booth to educate visitors about the benefits of American lamb. The team handed out recipe booklets and other fun giveaways. Staff also shared the industry’s sustainability story and the nutritional benefits of American lamb with consumers in attendance.
“Connecting directly with consumers at local events is a great way to educate people about the benefits of buying American lamb,” said ALB Chairman Jeff Ebert. “With all of the great promotional items available from the American Lamb Board, it’s easy to connect one-on-one with consumers looking for delicious and sustainable food choices to feed their families.”
In addition to the amazing giveaways, the event included a live cooking demo by Lamb Jam participant Mat Schuster, chef and owner of Canela. During the event, Schuster prepared his delicious Grilled Lamb Pinchos and shared samples with market attendees.
This partnership with Foodwise was a great opportunity to connect with a diverse community while sharing the story and flavors of American lamb. In addition to this event, ALB will have future partnerships with Foodwise, including the Foodwise Sunday Supper on Oct. 20. This formal culinary event is touted as the “most important night of the year” for the Foodwise organization. It features a seated four-course dinner at San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building. ALB will work with two chefs that evening to serve American lamb cuisine during the reception and as a dinner entree.
It’s an ideal setting to feature American lamb. The event will showcase fresh fall produce, support local farms, and raise money to provide community food access and youth education.
Source: ALB