November 14-15, 2025 saw about 40 sheep and goat producers and other interested persons from all-around Nebraska attend the Annual NSGP Association Conference held at Wunderlich’s Barley Room in Columbus, Nebraska.  The conference began with tours of the Shepard Hills Sheep and the Went Show Goat operations north of Columbus on Friday afternoon.  These exciting tours were followed by the annual business meeting and a terrific evening meal prepared by Wunderlich’s.  The meal featured slices of lamb roast furnished by board member John Wagoner.  A review of the many activities sponsored or conducted by the state association over the past year was shared.  Mike and John Wallace sponsored social hour refreshments.

Following a Saturday morning welcome by state president, Dan Stehlik, an educational assortment of topics was conducted throughout the day.  Micheal Gibson from the Nebraska Department of Agriculture shared details regarding biosecurity recommendations toward livestock production practices.  He further explained the assistance available through the NDA to develop a plan prior to or in the event of, a widespread major contagious disease outbreak.

Randy Saner, UNL Extension Livestock Specialist, added to the health care discussion with his presentation sponsored by Bullseye GX, a livestock DNA diagnostic provider.

Isaac Brunkow, Sheep Unit Manager for the US MARC Research Facility near Clay Center, then shared information regarding various studies and updates to facilities with the sheep research going on at the Center.  He responded to questions and addressed some of the challenges experienced through the Federal shut-down and the earlier Federal layoffs in US research positions.

Ewe and Doe Nutrition was the topic presented by Dr. Kelly Froehlick, a Sheep Management Consultant from Minnesota.  Kelly provided information about basic nutrients essential for good small ruminant health and reproduction.  Besides the mainstay nutritional requirements (protein, carbohydrates, forages, water, etc.) she supplied notes about vitamin and mineral considerations.

A very informative update of the American Sheep Industry (the national sheep association) was given by Lynn Fahrmeier, Region 4 Director and board member of ASI, and sheep producer.  He addressed several recent successes by the association such as the support campaign for the Superior Farms packing plant in Denver, and ongoing efforts with the national Scrapies Eradication program, and lobby efforts for sheep and goat considerations in the new USDA Farm Bill.  The most recent project is addressing the import issues of lamb product into the United States from abroad.

During another wonderful meal of lamb chops, again prepared by Wunderlich’s staff, the Ted and Alice Doane Award was presented to Tom Drudik, Hastings, by NSGPA education committee member Kelly Bruns.  Tom was recognized for his past involvement in the promotion and production with the Nebraska sheep industry.  The lamb chops were provided by Kevin Coan, Columbus, a sheep and goat purchaser, often for the Rhule Colorado Lamb Packing Plant in Brush, Colorado.

Following lunch, Cody Chambliss of South Dakota and Chairman of the ASI Youth Committee, provided over two hours of information.  Beginning with coarse-wool use options, he then continued along with Kelly Froehlick to give demonstrations using a lamb birthing simulator.  The simulator and presentation was developed through a grant from ASI.  With the life-size model ewe, they were able to arrange typical and difficult birth situations.  Attendees were then able to try their skill at assisting with births using the simulator model.  With this exercise producers received suggestions or tips to achieve more successful small ruminant assisted deliveries.

Randy Saner then followed with a presentation entitled Goat 101, covering basic goat production recommendations and practices.  Next, Kelly Froehlick supported this information and some of the earlier topics of the day with her talk addressing common health problems concerning sheep and goats.  This information included various means to prevent or treat these issues when or if they occur.

The afternoon was completed with a producer forum of Mike Wallace, John Broderson, Scott Schalken, and Isaac Brunkow, with John Wallace as moderator.  The goal was to address specific questions from producers in attendance.  The panel shared their experiences with the various circumstances and issues that members of the audience desired to address regarding practiced and observed ideas for situations.  Door prizes were presented throughout the day, including bags of mineral from Hubbard Feeds.  Board members Al Weeder and Melissa Nicholson are to be credited with organizing a very good state conference this year. 

The results of the silent auction to reserve funds for a future youth project were given.  Over $900 was raised this year.  Officer election results for 2026 were shared with the results of Dan Stehlik, President; Scott Schaneman, Vice President; Connie Moore, Secretary; Michael Littlefield, Treasurer; and Melissa Nicholson will continue to serve as communications coordinator.  Photos, additional information, and Association updates can be found on the updated NSGPA website.