Lamb and Wool Management History
Program History
The Pipestone Lamb and Wool Management Program started in 1972 as a pilot program that was jointly funded by the National Sheep Industry Development Board (SID) and the Minnesota Department of Education. The basic purpose for starting the Pipestone Sheep Project was to boost the level of sheep management and production in southwest Minnesota by bringing modern, profitable management technology to member sheep producers and helping them properly implement these techniques on their farms.
Our program has been very effective in improving the management level of many sheep operations. When the program started in 1972, there were about 52,000 breeding ewes within a 100-mile radius of Pipestone and the average lambing percentage was around 110%. Today, the same area has around 78,000 breeding ewes with an average lambing percentage marketed of approximately 170%.
This success has built a national reputation for the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program through sheep management knowledge, education, production, and marketing. Because of this reputation and national demand for practical sheep management education, the program branched out to educate producers nationwide through online courses and short courses.
Today, our program continues to be considered the national sheep management information center and sheep management innovator as is evidenced by enrollment in its educational programs of about 250 producers/students annually from across the nation.
Education and consultation within the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program largely revolve around low-cost feed ingredients, efficient labor use, low input costs, high production levels, and intensive management. The management system is based on achieving optimum production of a quality product. We believe that maximum profit is more important than maximum production.
Instructors in the program work with sheep producers in the Pipestone area and around the world through the member producer program, short courses/tours, newsletters, and distance-delivered courses.
Holaway Memorial Outstanding Producer and Hall of Fame
The selection for the Outstanding Producer is based on:
- Achieved outstanding production, performance, and profitability from their sheep operation.
- Leadership and time provided to Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program activities
To qualify, producers must have at least 100 ewes in their operation.
Hulshof Farms
Doug Kratz
Jim & Jon Opdahl
John Essame
Randy Dombek
Wes & Esther Moser
Blaine Maranell
John Wichern
Holaway Memorial Hall of Fame
The selection for the Hall of Fame is based on outstanding accomplishments in sheep production and or recognition of valuable contributions of time and service to the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program by a person from education, research or allied industries.
Challenged producers to position themselves for the future
Advisory Committee Member, willing to share practical research based advice
Provided “Vision” through management schemes utilized in the Lamb and Wool Program
Fostered the concept and development of the Lamb and Wool Program
Started the Adult Lamb and Wool Program President
