Learn to Improve Lamb Quality This Fall

By Blake Jackson

Sheep producers will gather on Saturday, November 1, for the 2025 Pennsylvania Shepherds Symposium, themed “Feeding for Performance.” The event begins at 9:00 a.m. at the 4-H Center in Bedford and is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers Association and Penn State Extension.

It offers a full day of education focused on sheep nutrition and improving lamb quality.

Melanie Barkley, Penn State Extension livestock educator, notes that proper nutrition not only supports flock health but also increases the value of lambs. She encourages producers to attend for practical learning and networking opportunities.

The morning program features Dr. Guogie Wang, Penn State Extension Field and Forage Crops Specialist, who will demonstrate hay sampling for nutrient testing and explain how to read forage analysis reports for sheep diets.

The annual association meeting and the announcement of the 2026 PA Lamb and Wool Ambassador will follow. Association president Dan Turner will also show participants how to season ground lamb for sausage, giving attendees the chance to create and cook their own sausage patty for lunch.

During the afternoon, Barkley will share methods to use forage reports for balancing diets, while educator Leanna Duppstadt will discuss pasture growth, quality, and strategies to increase yield. Later, Mattie Horchler, Penn State Extension livestock educator, will explain how proper nutrition improves carcass quality and overall flock performance.

Breaks will feature tastings of cheese and yogurt made from sheep’s milk, adding a culinary treat to the day.

Registration costs $30 for association members and $40 for nonmembers. Children ages 5–12 can attend for $15, and families can register for $70, which includes two adults and two children. The fee covers refreshments, a lamb luncheon, and educational materials.

Early registration is due by October 25, 2025. More details and the event brochure are available on the Pennsylvania Sheep and Wool Growers website, or by contacting Barkley at 814-623-4800 or meh7@psu.edu.

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