2025 Badger Lambing School was a Success

A model sheep and model lambs are shown. Event participants use these models to practice the lamb birthing process. — An instructor demonstrates the lamb delivery process using a lifelike model sheep and lambs during Badger Lambing School.

The 2025 Badger Lambing School, an educational program for sheep producers, wrapped up on March 1, 2025, leaving participants with valuable skills. Hosted by UW-Madison Extension, this hybrid program brought together a community of passionate sheep enthusiasts every Wednesday in February, culminating in a hands-on session at the UW-Madison Arlington Research Station Sheep Unit.

Throughout February, participants joined virtual sessions, each one a treasure trove of knowledge. Experts from across the country like Ann Kolthoff from Iowa State University, Kelly Froehlich from The Young & Emerging Entrepreneurs-ASI, and Todd Taylor from UW-Madison Animal & Dairy Science shared their knowledge on topics such as critical nutritional needs for ewes in late gestation, comprehensive ewe and neonatal health, and the intricate phases of sheep parturition.

Participants gathered in person for a day of immersive learning at the UW-Madison Arlington Research Station Sheep Unit. Attendees had the unique opportunity to observe lambing, participate in feeding and processing, and care for ewes and lambs. The day was filled with hands-on activities that brought the learned knowledge from the virtual sessions to life.

An animated image of model sheep and model lambs being prepared for participants to practice the lamb birthing process. — Instructor preps model for “delivery” during Badger Lambing School.

The 2025 Badger Lambing School equipped sheep producers with essential skills and it also fostered a sense of community and shared passion for sheep management.

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More information

For more information, please contact:

Todd Taylor
Email: toddtaylor@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 846-5858

Carolyn Ihde
Email: carolyn.ihde@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 262-3803

About the University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a leading agricultural education and research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and practices in animal welfare and production.