Click here for a full PDF version of the latest SCKA newsletter!
President’s Message
Here we are again at the time of the year when we can breathe a sigh of relief that winter is over and to look at the results of our fall breeding decisions. I hope you get to “pat yourself on the back” more than asking yourself “Why did I do that?” when looking at this year’s lamb crop. Your good decisions will be rewarded whether you’re raising breeder or commercial animals.
The demand is here more than ever for “Quality Katahdin Sheep”. If folks didn’t book early they’ll have to “search” for available lambs whether they’re looking for feeder, commercial or breeder lambs. This is a great time to be in the Katahdin business.
I look forward to seeing some of these lambs at the SCKA Annual Meeting and Private Treaty Sale on June 10th and 11th in Deridder, LA. This year’s Meeting will be held at the Beauregard Parish Fair Grounds and hosted by Darrell Adams, A Dam Olive Sheep, Singer, LA. Darrell has assembled a group of speakers who will provide us with both valuable information as well as demonstrations of industry technology. This will be a gathering you will not want to miss.
In March, on behalf of SCKA, I submitted our application to KHSI for the 2011Katahdin Regional Educational Grant Program. We received the initial portion of the 2010 Grant and have been assured the remainder will be forthcoming upon our submitting the final receipts for our activities of 2010. We sincerely appreciate KHSI’s assistance in our efforts to promote the Katahdin Breed.
This will be my last “Message” as President of SCKA. It has been an honor to serve for the past two years and I appreciate your encouragement and support in carrying on the business of this Association. I appreciate the support of a great Board of Directors both past and present. I look forward to assisting in any way possible the continuing progress of this Association and the Katahdin Breed.
Earl Burris
President SCKA
Welcome Our New Members
Randall B. Kidd, Bryan Farm, Huntsville, AL
Deanna Martin & Michael King, Destiny Creek Katahdins, Carstairs, Alberta, Canada
Carroll Cayer, Jacksonville, FL
Brenda K. Griffin, Jacksonville, FL
Wayne & Judy Rowlett, Little Lazy Farm Bonifay, FL
Jim & Amelia Tompkins, Jasper, FL
Dusty & Gloria Markham, Halleluyah Farm, Lake City, FL
Jon Hall & Leslie Burke, EBH Plantation, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Ronnie (Mike) Philman, North Florida Katahdins, Lake City, FL
Raymond & Cheryl Smith, Hunt Road Katahdin Sheep Farm, LaGrange, GA
Roberta & Roger Williamson, Two Bog Katahdins, Lakeland, FL
Austin Arabie, Arabie Farm, DeRidder, LA
Kenneth Bergeron, Church Point, LA
Ann & BT Chapman, ABC Farm, Jackson, LA
Gavin Dauzat, Dauzat Katahdin Farm, Pitkin, LA
Jaquelin & Sonny Hebert, Grace Farms, Maurice, LA
Ryan D. Jordan, RDJ Farms, Dodson, LA
Christopher LaGrange, Church Point, LA
Scott & Emily Thomas, Woodfin Acres, Youngsville, LA
Clifford & Diane Spraberry, Spraberry Acres, Royse City, TX
Steve Stephenson, Stephenson Farms, Santa Fe, TX
Ted & Angie Fletcher, Rocky Cove Katahdins, Duffield, VA
SOUTHCENTRAL KATAHDIN HAIR SHEEP ASSOCIATION
Recently hit two new milestones in its short life of to-be 12 years on May 22, 2011:1) We now have 75 members in good standing and continue to grow, and
2) We are delighted to introduce our first International Members from Canada: Katahdin Breeders, Michael King and Deanna Martin of “Destiny Creek Katahdins” in Carstairs, Alberta, Canada. Welcome Aboard!
Promotions Report - Mark Dennis
It’s unbelievable what is happening in the Hair Sheep World today. The new buzz word is “Katahdin.” Every interested person I talk with, who has a few acres, is excited about the katahdin breed and the price that they are bringing for meat and breeding. The one problem I keep hearing is “where can I purchase yearling ewes? They are a hard to fine item because very few are available.”
Promotions in breed magazines, individual breeders, and live sheep displays have put information in the hands of folks who like what they see in Katahdins. Most people want more information or ask to visit a katahdin breeder. I have seen over the years (that’s many years) that the best promotions are achieved by displaying live sheep or by visiting a Katahdin operation.
The SCKA Annual Gathering in DeRidder, LA is on June 10 – 11, 2011. This will be the place to bring your best Katahdins to show or sell; registered or commercial. We have confirmation from folks coming long distances, some even two days worth of travel, to attend. If you are bringing Katahdins, you should have as much information available and health records on your product. Also, you should have lots of your name cards, give everyone you talk with a card, and make sure I get one too.
Another all Katahdin new promotion will be on June 22, 2011. The “Dr. Leroy H. Boyd National Memorial Junior Show” will be hosted at the Midwest Stud Ram Sale in Sedalia, MO. I’ve heard that one katahdin breeder is putting a katahdin in each class. Now that’s what I call promotion and support! Come join and cheer them on. Lets not forget how a web-site can expose your operation; it can be the next best promotion after displaying live Katahdins.
The SCKA has recently developed a new website for member Percy Wingate of “Wingate Katahdin Ranch” check it out at: www.wingatekatahdinranch.com
Also, some members who have recently completed a link from their website to SCKA are: George & Sharon Adams, “Aavalon Farm” - www.aavalonfarm.com
Ted & Angie Fletcher, “Rocky Cove Katahdins” - www.rockycovekatahdins.com
Roy D. Jordan, “RDJ Farms” - www.RDJKatahdins.com
Alan & Beverly Stewart, “4S Farm” - www.katahdinlamb.com
Drs. Kay Wimberly & Nathan Krueger, “Trinity River Tails Farm” - www.trinityrivertailsfarm.com
Visit each of these members’ new websites, and tell them how you like them.
Keep Promoting Your Katahdin Operation—
Marketing Report - Mark Dennis
Update on our last Market Report, the meeting we had hoped for with Mr. Khan of VH Meat Processors never occurred. I contacted Mr. Klan in January. At that time he had still not found a slaughter facility in LA/MS. He showed no interest at that time with holding a meeting to lay out his plans to purchase our lambs; the door is still open for Mr. Klan.
Demand is still very good for Katahdin slaughter lambs and breeding stock. Commercial yearling ewes are needed due to “lack of” at all times. Registered breeding stock ewes and mature Katahdins are also in demand, visit the SCKA “WANTED” listing on page 9.
I hear that members are being paid $2.00 - $2.85 per lb. live weight for katahdin lambs at this time. These prices being paid are the reason for the demand for katahdin ewes. Let’s not forget demand for katahdin rams with MEAT,
they are needed to produce those lambs with MEAT. Don’t miss the SCKA Annual Meeting June 10-11 in Deridder, LA. The Saturday morning presentation is “Ultrasound Katahdins,” by Dr. Tommy Shields. If you are bringing ewes to the SCKA Gathering, please inform your SCKA Officers or me so that we can inform the folks looking to purchase katahdin or katahdin crosses.
Breeding Katahdins is enjoyable, marketing may be hardest part of your operation, let the SCKA assist you. I’m looking forward again this year to pass some good Katahdin Fellowship with all of our SCKA members and friends, new and old. Have a safe trip.
Midwest Stud Ram Show & Sale
Dr. Leroy H. Boyd National Memorial Junior Show
June 22, 2011, Sedalia, MissouriHealth Papers required-Midwest Stud Ram Sale Rules
Chairperson: Helen A, Swartz assisted by Howard Brown, YED-KSHI
Classes:
Yearling ewe - 1 to 2 yrs of age
Fall ewe lamb, born after September 1, 2010
Spring ewe lamb, born after January 1, to February 14, 2011
Spring ewe lamb, born after February 15, 2011
Yearling ram - 1 to 2 yrs of age
Fall ram lamb, born after September 2, 2010
Spring ram lamb, born after January 1, 2011 to February 14, 2011
Spring ram lamb, born after February 15, 2011
Champion Ram & Ewe plaques donated by Helen A. Swartz
Res. Champion Ram & Ewe plaques & ribbons donated by Larry Mead
Traveling trophy donated by Catherine Boyd & family for Top Exhibitor
Pee-wee class (3 to 7 yrs) prizes donated by Lincoln University Agriculture Club
Registered Katahdin Sheep only - bring your Katahdin Sheep to show & sale
Animals sold in the Midwest Ram Sale may show also
Entry fee: $2.00 Late entry fee: $5.00 2 entries per class
Judge - Wes Limesand, Fargo,ND
Showmanship contest is free, Age breaks: 8 to 13 yrs, and 14 to 21 yrs
Pee-wee class-showmanship: 3 to 7 yrs
Cash prizes sponsored by KHSI
Send entries to:
Helen A. Swartz
Box 29
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO 65101-0029
Ramblings...
Deep in the recesses of our minds lives an area where we “store” things. A place that we like to revisit from time to time… or in some instances that we might just as well forget. The value we place on what we store there often changes over time. Things that once seemed trivial and insignificant, later revisited can take on a new position of authority. These stored items can be things we’ve learned in school, picked up from childhood, a college lecture, or even the advice of a good friend or loved one.
Then there seems to be a different storage compartment….one that’s reserved for those people who pass through our lives and leave us with a deep impression, often even leaving a piece of themselves. For some this area is located solely in the mind while others have dual occupancy in both our mind and our heart. They touch our lives either personally, professionally, socially or all of the above. Usually, those individuals are quite unique. They stand out in a crowd. They are generally very passionate about what they do. They are leaders, not followers. You either like them or you don’t, generally there’s not many “fence sitters”. But …you never forget them! They leave a lasting impression.
Personally, for me Dr Leroy Boyd was one of those individuals. He touched both my mind and my heart. Though Earl had known “Doc” years before as one of his instructors at MSU, my first encounter with him was at the KHSI meeting in McComb, MS in 2004. I was intrigued by his “different” presentation approach. He had a distinct sense of humor, a dry wit, and a profound knowledge of sheep. “His way” may not have been your way, but that was ok. He understood that all of us had farms, each with a different set of circumstances. What worked for one may not work for all, particularly in different regions of the country…there’s no place quite like the Deep South.
Doc was a generous man, always willing to help and a true friend of the Katahdin breeder and this industry. He volunteered his services at no charge on numerous occasions to SCKA (as well as many other groups) for Speaking engagements & presentations.
So here’s to you, Doc! Thanks for everything, for the wealth of information, for always being there, for the laughs, for the memories….But most of all, Doc, Thanks for being my friend! Rest in peace.
Until we meet again,
Mickie Burris & Kat Ahdin
(We’ll never forget you!)
NOTE:
Dr Leroy Boyd peacefully passed through the Great Shepherd’s gate on January 6, 2011.
Holiday Calendar For Marketing Sheep and Goats
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 New Year January 1 January 1 January 1 January 1 January 1 Epiphany January 6 January 6 January 6 January 6 January 6 Eid ul Adha December 20 December 9 November 28 November 17 November 6 Islamic New Year January 20 January 10 December 29' 08
December 9November 27 November 15 Christian Easter April 8 March 23 April 12 April 4 April 24 Orthodox Easter April 8 April 27 April 19 April 4 April 24 Ashura January 29 January 19 January 9
December 31 '09December 21 December 11 Birth of the Prophet
March 31 March 20 March 9 February 26 February 16 Isra' and Me'raj August 11 July 31 July 20 July 9 June 29 Thanksgiving November 22 November 27 November 26 November 25 November 24 Nurzulul October 12 October 1 September 20 September 9 August 30 Eid al Fitr Ramadan Ends
October 13 October 2 September 21 September 10 September 1 Christmas December 25 December 25 December 25 December 25 December 25 Cinco de Mayo May 5 May 5 May 5 May 5 May 5 *Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and may vary a day or two on either side of the date listed above.
What a Great Year for First Timers
When I came home with two Katahdin ram lambs from COR my kids asked, “What is this?” I told them they are Katahdin Hair Sheep. They didn't think the Katahdins were as nice looking as the woollies they have been showing. Well after a month or so they realized they are a lot easier to maintain. They love them now and this is what they did with them:
Acadia Parish Champion and Reserve Champion AOB Ram.
Southwest District Champion and Reserve Champion AOB Ram.Louisiana State LSU 4-H & FFA Junior Livestock Show - Champion and Reserve Champion AOB Rams, plus Supreme Champion Ram.
They were amazed with the people that asked them what type of sheep these were. At every show we went to this happened. They will be showing Katahdin
Abby and Drew Wingate of “Wingate Katahdin Ranch”
Church Point, LA. Youth Members of KHSI
Butterflied Leg of Lamb with Herbs
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
Preparation time: 10 minutes1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 to 4 pounds boneless lamb leg, butterflied
Cook time: 1 hourDirections
Blend oil with basil, oregano, garlic and pepper; pour half over meat and brush over both sides. Grill lamb over medium coals in covered grill, about 6 inches from coals, for 20 to 25 minutes per side. Baste occasionally with remaining herbed olive oil. Rest lamb for about 10 minutes; slice lamb crosswise at a diagonal slant. Yield: 8 servings
~~~~NOTICE~~~~NOTICE~~~~NOTICE~~~~
SCKA Late Membership Renewal Policy
Due January 1st of each year.
SCKA Annual Membership RENEWAL Dues are $20.00 and are
Beginning in 2012 Membership RENEWAL Dues paid
After January 31st will increase to $25.00.
As always there will be reminders in the December Newsletter of the approaching date.
2011 SCKA Katahdin Vacation Cruise
SCKA has made arrangements for another 7 day Western Caribbean Cruise, on the Carnival Magic. We will be sailing from Galveston, TX on Nov. 27, 2011. The cost for this 7 day cruise is starting at only $708.43 per person, two persons $1,416.86 per cabin. We like cruising this time of year, breeding is over, winter grass is planted, Thanksgiving Dinner with the family is over, hurricane season is over, cooler weather is here, and if that isn’t enough, cruising fees are very good! It’s also a great time to complete Christmas Shopping because it’s tax free! A cruise is a great Christmas gift for a loved one. The ship is in holiday decoration throughout, and best of all you will be cruising with Katahdin Breeders! We all know more Katahdin fellowship is important today than ever. You and your friends are welcome to join us for another great 7 day Katahdin Cruise. Remember; a valid passport is required (you have time to get a passport). Sara and I along with other Katahdin Friends and Breeders have not sailed on the Carnival Magic before, the Magic is a new cruise ship being commissioned in May 2011. She is said to be the most beautiful ship in the Carnival Fleet, over 1,000 feet long, and very stable. The first port of call is Montego Bay, Jamaica, then off to the second port of call George Town, Grand Cayman, the third port of call, and the one we like best is Cozumel, Mexico. We will be returning to Galveston Sunday morning, Dec. 4, 2011.
For more information contact Mark Dennis at 337-364-0422 after 8:00 p.m. Looking forward to hearing from you.
KHSI 2011 Expo
Don’t miss the 2011 KHSI Expo September 15-17 2011 in Pipestone, Minnesota, hosted by Dr. Kennedy of Pipestone Veterinary Clinic.
A Great Program is planned, including Registered Katahdin Sale and first time ever KHSI Commercial Ewe Sale. You will see $500,000 new state of the art sheep production facilities. Also you will hear from Dion Van Well, he feeds 50,000 head of feeder lambs and handles 140,000 market lambs per year. Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program, a Marketing Cooperative, has over 35,000 ewes producing lambs year round. This will be the time and place to get your sheep health questions answered from Pipestone Veterinary Clinic. Don’t wait; reserve your Expo Hotel rooms now! See you in MN.
Short Stories A member has had a great lambing, 71 lambs in 13 days, 31 mamas, 7 triplets, 24 twins, 2 singles, sired by one Katahdin Ram, Katahdins will work for Ewe!
A member had a favorite mama, who had vaginal prolapse rupture expulsing the intestines, what do you do? Thinking fast, he shot her, cut her open, and pulled out a set of twins. The twins are doing good! Great job Daniel, not everyone could have done that, sometimes you can’t wait for the vet.
A members’ big ewe had a single lamb. He gave her a good talking to, telling her that if she didn’t have more lambs he would send her to another breeder north of Hwy I-10. Three days later she had twins and took them both. Morale of the story - talk to your mamas, Katahdins will work for Ewe!
Click here for a full PDF version of the latest SCKA newsletter!
