Mike Caskey graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Animal Science. He worked as an extension agent for the University of Minnesota Extension Service for three years prior to becoming an instructor in the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program at Minnesota West Community & Technical College, Pipestone Campus. Mike has been with the Lamb and Wool program for the last 35 years. Under his guidance, the program has worked with over 10,000 sheep producers from all over the United States and several foreign countries, bringing them the latest in sheep management information. His innovative sheep management concepts and producer education methods have helped producers in the Pipestone area prosper in sheep production, earning the reputation of being on the “cutting edge” of sheep management technology. Mike is sought after as a speaker on sheep programs throughout the country and also a judge for many major sheep shows. He owns and has managed seedstock sheep operations, lamb feedlots, and large commercial ewe flocks. In addition, he has been a consultant to feed companies, lamb packing plants, sheep equipment manufacturers and government agencies.

He has served as President of the National Sheep Association; chairman of the National Sheep Industry Development Board; President of the American Hampshire Sheep Association; Coordinator of the National Sheep Industry Leadership School and as president or director of numerous state and regional sheep associations.

He was inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame in 1994.

Richard Ehrhardt is Extension Specialist, Small Ruminant Extension Specialist, at Michigan State University. He received his MS and PhD from Cornell University. Richard's major interest is to improve the efficiency of small ruminant production through applied research and extension efforts. His key interest areas include: efficient use of forage resources, extending the grazing season, the interaction between nutrition and aseasonal reproductive success, preventative health management and strategic nutritional management. In addition to working with both large and small scale producers, he is also involved in training veterinary students in small ruminant production and preventative health programs.

Keith Inskeep is Professor of Reproductive Physiology and Chair, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Reproductive Physiology at West Virginia University. He became an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University in 1964 and has spent his entire career here, becoming Professor in 1974. Keith is known internationally as a scientist and educator. Since returning to his alma mater as a faculty member, he has received numerous awards for his outstanding teaching and research. His research has centered upon understanding the mechanisms that regulate reproductive cycles in female ruminants, and applying that knowledge to management of reproduction in sheep, beef cattle and dairy cattle. He has enjoyed travel to exotic locations to study reproduction in water buffalo and farmed deer. Beginning in 1998, he led a 10-year applied research effort to adapt and obtain approval for the use of controlled internal drug releasing devices to facilitate out-of-season breeding in sheep. Currently, his research emphasis is on the factors affecting late embryonic and early fetal losses of potential offspring in ruminants.

Kreg Leymaster, USDA Meat Animal Research Center

Dr. Leymaster’s major focus has been the evaluation and use of breeds to exploit effects of breeds and heterosis in terminal crossbreeding systems, investigation of mutations affecting muscle development, and examination of genetic resistance to disease. He is currently studying opportunities to improve profitability and sustainability by evaluating easy-care maternal breeds and mating systems in a pasture-lambing, low-input production system. He also works with colleagues to investigate genetic effects on susceptibility to ovine progressive pneumonia and develop selection guidelines for breeding sheep that are less likely to become infected.

James Miller, professor, parisitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University.

Dr. Miller is the principal investigator for several competitive and industry supported grants dealing with the epidemiology, control, and genetics of ruminant nematode parasitism. His research program focuses on improving ruminant production using an integrated approach to controlling parasites. His area of special expertise is small ruminant gastrointestinal nematode parasitism, which is the most serious constraint affecting production world wide. Economic losses are caused by decreased production, costs of prophylaxis, costs of treatment, and the death of infected animals. Anthelmintic resistance in nematode populations (specifically affecting small ruminants) threatens the success of treatment programs. Dr. Miller's research is directed at developing alternative strategies for control.

Dan Morrical joined the Iowa State University staff in 1984 as Extension Sheep Specialist after completing his doctorate degree at New Mexico State University. At Iowa State University, he is responsible for educational programs in all areas of sheep production, ranging from wool, genetics, nutrition and marketing.  In addition, Dr. Morrical has been the principal researcher with sheep flock at the McNay Research Farm located in Chariton, IA. Research areas have focused on applied research in the areas of nutrition, forage utilization, genetics, out of season breeding and lamb survival.  He currently serves as Iowa State University representative to NCERA-214 Project Increasing the Efficiency of Sheep Production. Dr. Morrical has been heavily involved as co-director of the National Sheep Improvement Program which offers all sheep producers in the United States an opportunity to increase their profitability and competitiveness by identifying and selecting genetically superior individuals in their flocks.

Dave Notter, Professor Emeritus of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech

Dr. Notter conducts research in the genetic evaluation of livestock, the design and implementation of breeding and selection programs, and the conservation and utilization of animal genetic resources. Specific areas of interest include genetic control of seasonal breeding in sheep, resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants, and the estimation of breeding values for sheep, meat goats, and alpaca in association with the U.S. National Sheep Improvement Program.