In Texas, there are more hair sheep than wool sheep.
Hair sheep tend to require less labor and the lambs are well suited for the non-traditional market. Ethnic consumers and millennials are growing the demand for lamb and mutton.
You might ask what is a “hair sheep.”
The primary difference between hair sheep and wool sheep is the ratio of hair fibers.
All sheep have both fibers; however, a hair sheep has more hair fibers than wool fibers.
Due to their size, sheep are the preferred livestock species for small acreage landowners. A small flock or herd is suitable for the land.
Also, sheep don’t require as many facilities and equipment as cattle.
On May 25th, we will host our 2nd Hair Sheep Conference.
This program will be held at The Exchange Event Center, 300 S. Jefferson Avenue, McGregor, Texas 76657. Registration will begin at 7:30 am.
We will start with Purina Nutritionist Clay Elliott speaking on Visual Selection Fundamentals; Jake Thorne, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist will present on Managing Internal Parasites in Sheep; Reid Redden, Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist will discuss the Benefits of Hair Sheep in Texas.
Reid will also introduce new research in the 21st Century Hair Sheep Genetic Selection Technologies; Dr. Elliott will present on Supplementing the Diet of Hair Sheep; we will have Jake Thorne lead a discussion on Management of Weaned Lambs.
Derek Poe, the General Manager of the Hamilton Commission Company, is going to speak on Market Trends & Opportunities.
Finally, Bill Costanzo, Extension Research Associate, will present on Livestock Predation Management.
Interested participants should contact the McLennan County Extension Office at (254)757-5180 or email Candace Chapman, Secretary for Dr. Shane McLellan at candace.chapman@ag.tamu.edu. The cost to attend is $25 per person and is payable by check or cash only.
Please RSVP by Thursday, May 18th
