ROCHESTER, Ind. —On March 15, Northern Indiana sheep producers and anyone interested in sheep production are invited to a Shepherds Campfire meeting in Fulton county for a discussion on profitability and facilities in the sheep business. 

The meeting will be at the Talma Community Building; 6863 N, IN-25, Rochester. The evening will kick off at 6 p.m. with a meal sponsored by Indiana’s sheep Checkoff program. 

On conclusion of the meeting, producers are invited to Hidden Valley Polypays, a farm operated by Glen Jones and his wife, Chris, located at 4750 N., Rochester. The Jones’s flock specializes in the production of replacement ewes and breeding rams for the commercial sheep industry, selling animals throughout the country each year. 

Jones has achieved success in his operation by selecting for traits such as weaning percent, growth rate, parasite resistance and other economically-important traits using data they receive by participating in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP). Using estimated breeding values procured by NSIP, Jones can make specific, informed selections in his breeding program. Hidden Valley Polypays will have 100 or more lambs on the ground during the March 15 visit, including some bottle-fed.

There is no cost for attending this event; however pre-registration is required. Transportation from the LaGrange County area will also be available at no cost.  To preregister, contact Shepherds’ Campfire at (260) 214-4334.