at www.sheepusa.org you will find two interactive on-line courses of possible interest. One is on LRP-Lamb (explains how to insure your lamb crop against unexpected market price fluctuations) and the other is on Scrapie.

I really recommend the one on scrapie. It has information including history of the disease, video and numerous photos of diseased sheep (which will break your heart) , transmission, management techniques, diagnosis, and info on the Scrapie Eradication Program and its goals for the future. Very well done.

I learned quite a bit about the genetic markers for disease resistance to this horrible disease of sheep (and goats) and a disease that is closely related to BSE, TSE and CWD... diseases with huge economic impacts to American agriculture and human health as well!

Scrapie was introduced into the U.S. in 1947 with the purchase of a flock of sheep via Canada that came from Great Britain. It is most prevalent in the black faced breeds, but can occur in any breed. Since 1952 , the U.S. has tried a variety of eradication efforts to regain a Scrapie-Free status like Australia and New Zealand enjoy today. The U.S. went mandatory with the previously voluntary Scrapie Program in 2006 with a goal of having Scrapie eradicated in the U.S. by 2010 and declared "Scrapie Free" by the World Organization of Animal Health by 2017.

HMFF has participated in the Scrapie Eradication Program for many years and is proud to be a part of the eradication of this devastating disease.

#172y HMFF Roark Stylish 2 y/o Border Leicester ram with classic roman nose, long body and clean lines. Out of HMFF Raven (black ) and HMFF White Knight Shown here in short fleece...he will look more like his sire below by spring shearing.This guy looks great and is ready to serve a full complement of ewes. 5 generation pedigree $225

This big guy has been my herdsire for the past couple years and needs to move on to another herd. He is stout and strong with a super long stapled fleece: 12 inches and 15 pounds! Easy to handle and well mannered. Born in 2004 out of sire: HMFF Jupiter (silver) and dam: HMFF Guenevere (white). Proven. 5 generation pedigree. $250

HMFF Grant #261 biggest white ram lamb born in March to HMFF Gwendolyn (white Hybrid) and BT Black Park (GC reg. silver BFL) Grant is 3/4 Bluefaced Leicester and 1/4 Border Leicester. Beautiful purled locks. Blue skin. Very stylish. I think he is probably big enough to work this fall . $200

HMFF Hezekiah #219 gorgeous Hybrid ram lamb born in March and out of BT Hetty (reg. white BFL) and HMFF White Knight (white BL). This lamb was bottled raised and is very tame with an absolutely gorgeous purled fleece. $200