promote the sheep industry in New Mexico

WOODS NOTE:Below is a letter from Dr. Eckhoff DVM, If you think there would be an interest I will be glad to schedule a program for Eddy County in Hope or another location. Call me at 575-887-6595 or 877-887-6595 toll free or email me a whoughto@nmsu.edu. If you want one in a different county contact your local county agent. Good afternoon, I am trying to promote the sheep industry in New Mexico. Hopefully I might have some producers that might be interested. Three weeks ago, while visiting with a fifth generation NM sheep producer regarding the current situation of the sheep industry in New Mexico, it became evident that producer numbers have dwindled substantially. The main concern for this livestock business is that the majority of small ruminant ranchers are an older generation who have no one following in their footsteps. If we don’t begin to promote the industry now while some of the experienced ranchers are present to teach future generations, numbers will continue to dwindle. With that in mind, I write this email to ask for your help promoting the sheep industry in New Mexico in hopes of seeing it grow and I was hoping you might forward this message to sheep ranchers who might be interested. So far, I have the support of a few producers, a member of the Board of the NMLB, and the NM Woolgrowers Association. Frankly, we need more people. Promoting the industry would be possible through education and contact with producers, children, 4-H groups, extensions etc. The goal of growing the industry can be accomplished if we establish a working group comprised of the producers and different agencies that could promote raising sheep through talks, tours, outreach to schools and communities, publicity and marketing, etc. As a veterinarian for the New Mexico Livestock Board I do have a vested interest in this project since we oversee the scrapie program and would enjoy the opportunity to talk to people about testing for scrapie. Many people don’t know that the scrapie program has changed and testing for the disease and finding a positive animal no longer means culling an entire flock and losing their livelihood and that the program is voluntary and free of charge to all producers who qualify for testing. That being said, no one will be forced to test their sheep or talk to me about scrapie if they do not wish to do so. I would still welcome them in the project. Please let me know if promoting this livestock and its by-products is a project you or anyone you know would like to be a part of. I am looking for people involved in raising sheep, handling wool and meat, judging this livestock, weaving, making/selling yarn or wool, lanolin, etc. Please feel free to share any ideas or experience you have or know of a good way to reach more people. I am available via email at alexandra.eckhoff@state.nm.us or by phone at (505) 841-6161. Sincerely, Alexandra Eckhoff, DVM Field Veterinarian New Mexico Livestock Board 300 San Mateo Blvd NE. Ste. 1000 Albuquerque, NM 87108