K-State Small Ruminant Research & Extension

This is a fantastic opportunity for junior participants to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and connect with the Kansas sheep industry. We hope to see you in Hays on October 23–24!

The Kansas Sheep Association voted to include a junior program with this year’s symposium in Hays on October 23-24! The program will include activities and programs geared for our Kansas youth. There is an opportunity for the youth attending the event to win cash prizes, buyers’ credits from elite breeders, sheep equipment and other items by participating in a skillathon like event. Each junior participant is guaranteed to receive a prize.
There will be two divisions based on age of the junior sheep breeders. The placing will be based on a composite score of the skillathon and quizzes throughout the symposium. The contest will include:
Quiz based on tour stops and program
Breed identification
Sheep equipment identification
Meet the sheep breeder and get their signature. For example, ask until you find someone who raises Rambouillet sheep.
Other ideas still being formulated
Prizes for the top 5 composite scores both in the senior and junior divisons.
1st $150
2nd $100
3rd $75
4th $50
5th $40

So, juniors, convince your parents to spend two days with other Kansas sheep producers in Hays, Kansas October 23-24!

🚨ANIMAL HEALTH ALERT🚨
USDA APHIS confirmed classical scrapie in a sheep slaughtered in a facility in Oregon.

APHIS and state animal health officials recently initiated an investigation to determine the flock of origin. The affected animal did not have an ear tag. This case is a reminder of why tagging compliance and surveillance participation are critical to safeguarding flocks nationwide.

Please read the full ASI press release here: https://champ.ly/XD8kUh9y.
For additional information regarding scrapie, visit: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/sheep-goat/scrapie.

ASI will not be monitoring social media comments as the USDA investigation is ongoing.

We want to recognize and celebrate the hard work of our sheep graduate and undergraduate students in our lab this past spring. Great job on all you accomplished!

ASI Summer Reading Series📚

This Thursday’s featured story highlights the students who work hard in the classroom, animal units and labs to further research efforts for our department and industry.

🔗 Read the story here: https://www.asi.k-state.edu/about/news/26researchsymposiums.html

A two-day grazing workshop will be held in Manhattan on July 28 and 29. The registration link is below. Hope to see you there! https://natglcevents.zohobackstage.com/TheGrazingToolboxwithTomShea

New World Screwworm Webinar Series | AgManager.info This session will provide an overview on the biology of the New World screwworm, discuss it’s impact on cattle in Kansas prior to eradication and a look this could look like in the future.

USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) confirmed a case in a goat in Gillespie County, Texas. TAHC and USDA are working to learn more about the case, establish surveillance and testing, and spread awareness in the area.

Until further notice, TAHC plans to provide daily case updates each afternoon. For real-time situation updates, visit https://bit.ly/USDA-NWSConfirmedCases.

ASI wants to hear from you!
We have begun developing a 5-year strategic plan under new Executive Director Mike Michener and are inviting U.S. sheep producers to share their input. Producer feedback will directly help guide organizational priorities and long-term industry direction.

Please take a few minutes to complete the short 3-question survey and share your perspective.

Share your input here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8815365/ASI-Strategic-Plan
Please submit responses by May 15, 2026.

Hair Sheep Producers - Help researchers gain insights into your current nutrition and supplementation practices. Complete this anonymous 10-minute survey to participate: https://hicreichhardt.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4ZbNttik3L0fh3M

Thank you again to all who traveled out for Sheep Producer Day! It was a great day of learning and we’re so grateful for your continued support.