Many of us have heard of the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) but don’t know enough about it or are reluctant to join. However, NSIP continues to gain momentum and is being used by several sheep breeds to improve performance and market breeding stock. St. Croix breeders need to become familiar with this tool and truly understand it so they can make an informed decision that works for their situation.
Join us on Thursday, March 21st at 7:00pm Eastern to learn about the National Sheep Improvement Program from Lynn Fahrmeier of Fahrmeier Grain & Livestock and see how to get started with your flock. Lynn is a fourth generation farmer in Wellington, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Agriculture and Animal Science, focusing on nutrition and genetics. He started raising Katahdins since 1997 and currently owns a flock of approximately 150 ewes. He first submitted data to the National Sheep Improvement Program in 2001, helped develop the mathematical equations for several of the EBVs, served as Chairman, and currently serves as a board member. He is also a member of the Katahdin Hair Sheep International NSIP Committee.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how the use of NSIP’s powerful data analysis for selecting breeding stock is more accurate than the use of raw phenotypic data and/or visual appraisalDefine key concepts used in the NSIP program (i.e., EBV, contemporary group, WWT, PWT, FEC, USAHAIR)
- Explore the process of recording performance data, submitting data, and using the data analysis reports
- Examine the costs (time, money, and labor) of participation for an average-sized flock
- Review real data produced by a participating St. Croix flock and the EBVs most relevant to the breed
- Describe how to maximize the power of NSIP by working with other St. Croix producer members
Did you miss it? Don’t worry! Watch the recording below.
