South Dakota State University- Sheep Unit

South Dakota State University- Sheep Unit The main purpose of the Sheep Unit is to serve as a teaching and resource center for the producers of South Dakota and surrounding area.

We currently run about 110 Hampshire ewes and 175 Commercial Polypay Ewes with developing around 50-75 replacements annually. Our purebred Hampshire flock is utilized for area livestock judging contest and clinics, Little International, research, as well as an annual spring sale put on by the Sheep Unit student employees. The commercial polypay flock is primarily used for research as the ewes are

good mothers and the lambs gain fast. Lambing time occurs 3 times a year at the sheep unit. We lamb around 80-100 years in the fall with a small portion of those being Hampshire. The AS-477 Sheep Production class is responsible for all of the night lambing during this season. Late January and the month of February brings another wave of around 200 ewes into the lambing barn. And all ewe lambs are lambed out in May. Visitors and questions are welcome at anytime! For more information, contact Karolynn at 605-693-3808 or at [email protected]

03/07/2026

March is National Agriculture Month. As South Dakota’s leading industry, agriculture plays a vital role in our economy and communities. Today and every day, we celebrate the farmers, ranchers and agricultural professionals who help feed and fuel the world.

03/07/2026

Researchers at South Dakota State University have tried different methods of using wool as a mulch on pepper patches. This method is more sustainable than traditional landscape fabric.

01/19/2026

Jon Beastrom has been raising sheep for over 15 years on his operation in Pierre, South Dakota. Now, there are around 1,900 sheep on the farm.

01/12/2026

Please join us this week on Wednesday, January 14 @ 11:00 AM PDT / 12:00 pm MDT / 1:00 pm CDT for our first UI-USU-SDSU Extension Sheep & Goat webinar of the year! This month we will be hosting another Specialist Q&A, where attendees can ask anything and everything sheep and goat related to a group of Extension Specialists and Veterinarians. USU Extension - Sheep and Goat SDSU Extension Sheep & Goats

Register Here: https://uidaho.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fWiLWKvuS2-dx3AJnWotNw

Curious how direct-marketing lamb to ethnic markets can benefit your operation? Our latest SDSU Extension article breaks...
01/07/2026

Curious how direct-marketing lamb to ethnic markets can benefit your operation? Our latest SDSU Extension article breaks down key strategies, timing, and more.

The ethnic market plays a crucial role in the success of the American lamb industry. Learn some keys to success for taking advantage of seasonal demand and price fluctuations in this growing market, including when and where to sell.

The Sheep Research & Teaching Unit wrapped up a busy October, hosting our annual Open House and the Sheep Shearing Schoo...
11/07/2025

The Sheep Research & Teaching Unit wrapped up a busy October, hosting our annual Open House and the Sheep Shearing School. Both events were well attended, providing a space for producers and industry professionals alike to learn from one another and hear about the work being done to support the land-grant mission. A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us and played a part in these events.

SDSU Extension Sheep & Goats | South Dakota Sheep Growers Association

Interested in learning how to ultrasound ewes? 👀Join us for the Ultrasound School, happening November 22 from 9 a.m. to ...
10/23/2025

Interested in learning how to ultrasound ewes? 👀

Join us for the Ultrasound School, happening November 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sheep Research and Teaching Unit.

Reserve your spot today: http://bit.ly/4qrObmM

Got any Friday plans? We’ve got you covered! Stop by the Open House from 5–7 p.m. and start your weekend off right befor...
10/21/2025

Got any Friday plans? We’ve got you covered!

Stop by the Open House from 5–7 p.m. and start your weekend off right before Saturday’s big game. 🏈🦬

We hope to see you there!

10/14/2025

Interested in joining the wool judging team? ✨

Join us for the kickoff meeting tomorrow, Oct. 14, at 7 PM in the Animal Science Arena Classroom (201).

No experience? No problem! All majors + skill levels welcome.

Join us on Friday, October 24, from 5–7 PM for the Sheep Research & Teaching Unit Open House. 🐑Stop by to enjoy lamb bra...
10/04/2025

Join us on Friday, October 24, from 5–7 PM for the Sheep Research & Teaching Unit Open House. 🐑

Stop by to enjoy lamb brats, hear from SDSU Extension personnel, and learn about ongoing research initiatives and work being conducted at the unit.

📅 October 24
🕔 5–7 PM
📍 3729 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD 57006

All are welcome—we look forward to seeing you there.

Early birds and night owls, this one’s for you! 💙💛Donate to the SDState - College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental...
09/04/2025

Early birds and night owls, this one’s for you! 💙💛

Donate to the SDState - College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences between 1-2 a.m. tomorrow, September 4, and your gift could earn you naming rights to a sheep in our flock.

All gifts, big or small, qualify.

🔗 » https://bit.ly/donatetoCAFES

08/25/2025

We spy…ourselves! 👀

Watch the video to catch a glimpse of the Sheep Unit and hear from President Barry Dunn as we kick off the first day of classes.

Address

3729 Medary Avenue
Brookings, SD
57006

Telephone

(605) 693-3808

Website

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