Makwa is located 25 miles west of Meadow Lake. (photo/ Lyndsey Rutz)

By Kenneth Cheung

SHEEP TALK

New 4-H sheep club in Makwa offers hands-on experience in sheep raising

Nov 4, 2024 | 4:46 PM

A new 4-H Sheep Club has recently been formed in Makwa for families and young community members to learn about the art of raising sheep.

“There are several breeders in our club who are willing to work with members who do not own any sheep of their own but want to be involved,” said Club leader Lyndsey Rutz.

“We started this club to allow youth to work with a smaller animal that is easy for young members. Not all families have the facilities nor resources to be part of some of the other 4-H groups like Beef or Light Horse.”

Rutz noted that programs are dedicated to different kinds of ewes so members can learn about the breeds according to their preferences. For example, they have the ewe lamb projects for anyone who wants to raise them for future breeding stock.

“Members select a ewe lamb, feed and halter train it and show it as a ewe lamb, then retain the lamb for the following year to showcase as a yearling ewe project, then further on as a progeny project once she is old enough to have lambs,” she explained.

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They also offer a mature rwe project that educates members on breeding ewes. She explained the program covers key topics like nutrition, ram selection, pregnancy management, the lambing process, and care for newborn lambs, providing insights for those looking to boost their flocks through breeding.

Rutz noted that members can also learn how to market their lamb through the Market Lamb Project, where they select either an ewe lamb or a castrated ram lamb to sell at the local 4-H Auction.

The excitement doesn’t stop with their regular programs, Rutz mentioned they have some fun activities planned in this winter, such as a raw wool crocheting class and a veterinarian talk about sheep health.

“I enjoy sharing knowledge about sheep and bringing awareness to a community where not many people are aware of the sheep industry in the area and their amazing benefits,” she noted.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Rutz on the club’s Facebook page, Makwa 4-H SHEEP club.Makwa is located 25 miles west of Meadow Lake.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com