The Ohio Heartland Sheep Improvement Association (OHSIA) is sponsoring a series of meetings that will focus on management topics for new and beginning shepherds.  These meetings are offered at no-charge and are scheduled for evenings on the third Tuesday of March, April and May.  All the meetings will take place at Local Roots Market and Cafe located at 140 S. Walnut Street in Wooster.  All meetings will begin at 7:00 pm and conclude around 9:00 pm.  The format for each meeting will be to start with an invited speaker, then let experienced shepherds offer insights and then open the floor for discussion and questions from new and beginning shepherds.

The March17 meeting will focus on the topic of lambing management.  Craig Zimmerly DVM will provide information about nutritional needs during gestation and early lactation, the lambing process and when to call your veterinarian for lambing assistance. 

The April 21 meeting will focus on internal parasite management.  Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Educator, Wayne County will provide information on how to identify parasite problems, strategies to manage parasites within a pasture-based system, and how to use chemical de-wormers to minimize parasite resistance.

The May 19 meeting will focus on grazing and pasture management.  Rory Lewandowski, OSU Extension Educator, Wayne County will provide information on setting up and managing a rotational grazing system, grazing management principles, species selection and fencing.

Anyone having an interest in raising sheep is invited to attend the management series.  For more information contact the Wayne County Extension office at 330-264-8722