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FINNSHEEP SHORT TALES PUBLISHED BY THE FINNSHEEP BREEDERS ASSN . VOLUME 46, JANUARY 2001 |
Index:
Chief Shepherd's Message,
Annual meeting info,
Finnpower,
Promotional flier,
Chief Shepherd’s message
Season’s Greetings and Happy
2001!
This winter is finding those
of us who live in the north buried under several feet of snow! “Doing chores” takes on a whole new
meaning!! I hope this winter finds all
of you staying warm and looking forward with anticipation to lambing season,
which is right around the corner.
Probably the biggest bit of
news for this address is a reminder that our annual meeting will be held in
conjunction with Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival at the Howard County
Fairgrounds in West Friendship, Maryland, May 4, 5, & 6. Carolyn Buckingham, the Vendor Chairperson,
has informed me that she will “make room for our booth.” Apparently, all of last year’s vendors have
decided to return to the festival this year, and consequently, booth space is
at a premium. She understands that we
plan to have our annual meeting at the festival this year and has therefore
very graciously made the decision to find us a space where we can distribute
promotional materials and set up a display.
Elizabeth Luke has informed me that there is also a “parade of breeds”
in which all the different sheep breeds are paraded around in a ring to educate
the public about their attributes and differences. Anyone interested in volunteering to work at our booth or
display Finns in the parade, please contact Elizabeth Luke.
In the past, the annual
meeting has been held over dinner with a board of directors meeting the
following day. Elizabeth Luke will be
coordinating the agenda and inform us at a later date as to the specifics of
the schedule for the meeting.
I understand that last year’s
artificial insemination was a success.
At least three members are reporting to have lambs that are a product of
the imported semen. So, at last, we do
have some new genetics available to us in the U.S.! The annual meeting will be a great place to network with these
breeders if you are considering adding some new bloodlines to your flock!
Don’t forget to mark your
calendars for the annual meeting in May and make your hotel reservations early
as rooms are at a premium (see information posted in this newsletter)! If anyone has any suggestions for the
annual meeting, please contact me so that they can be placed on the agenda.
Also, please note that Grace
Hatton, our newsletter editor, has published a promotional flyer in this
newsletter that can be photocopied by our members and distributed as
promotional materials for our breed. It
will be stapled to the inside of the newsletter and is a three fold that fits
in a standard envelope. This is the
easiest way for members to have access to promotional materials at all times
with little cost involved. Thanks,
Grace! This is a great idea!
Stay warm and happy lambing!
ANNUAL MEETING ACCOMMODATION
Accommodations for the FBA
Annual Meeting 2001 - There is a block of 15 rooms at the Days Inn of
Frederick, MD for May 4th, 5th, and 6th. The early birds can contact the inn
for a double occupancy room for $62.00 per night, with $5.00 additional for
each added person. Their telephone number is (301) 694-6600. Complimentary
Continental breakfasts are served daily from 6-10 AM.
Finnsheep are gaining in
popularity in this area and have been part of the festival for several
years. This weekend event is one of the
best promotional opportunities available on the east coast. Hope to see many of you there!
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ANNUAL DUES - $25 -
ARE DUE NOW! IF YOU DO NOT PAY THE FEE
YOU WILL NO RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER AND YOUR REGISTRATION FEES ARE DOUBLED!
ANZAR FINNSHEEP
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Ewe and
Ram lambs for sale. Grant W. Blackburn, 143 Gravel Lane, Lexington, VA 24450 Phone or
fax: (540) 463-4594. Email:
anzar@rockbridge.net |
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FINNPOWER Harold
Koenig writes, "On 11/8 and
11/9 we AI'd 15 of my Finn ewes (with imported semen). Yesterday, 48-49 days
after the AI, we sonogrammed. We got
13 ewes we think are fer shur pregnant. ….The vet's impression at the time of
the AI was that the semen (handled by Elite Genetics) was really
good." Harry promised to let us
know how it all turns out in the next Short Tales. We selected 18 ewes to
synchronize.Anyway, it looks right now like if I get a break I'm going to be
lambing 13 finn ewes in about 2 days in early April. That should be interesting. Costs so far,
including everything, about $290 per pregnancy. Sandy
DeMaster AI'd three ewes with
imported semen from brown Finn sires.
She's hoping for moorit lambs in the spring. Grant Blackburn AI'd five ewes using imported semen from three white sires. ************************************************************* PROMOTIONAL FLIER On the next two pages (brochurelayout and
brochuretable) you will find your promotional flier. The flier was designed as inexpensive
promotional material. Make as many
copies as you want - - keeping your original - - and distribute them wherever
you choose. Add your own name and address.
Great places to leave them are the county fair or the county extension
office. |