but never registered? programs Registry have purebred suffolks
In 2015, USSA Board developed a Suffolk genetic recovery program under the breed improvement plan as it became apparent that a number of Suffolk breeders had not registered their Suffolks for many years. Usually this was due to generational change and a long lapse in connection to the registry. The Suffolk GAP program provides an avenue to record unregistered Suffolk ewes in the flock book at 75% Suffolk with application acceptance. The percentage program will be used to track generational progress in the GAP program. These ewes, over time and generations, are eligible to become purebred (white paper) when using a registered purebred ram in the subsequent breeding seasons after entry. All animals registered through GAP will have a permanent designation on their registration paper noting their original descent. GENETIC AQUISITION PROGRAM (GAP) MUST BE A MEMBER IN GOOD STANDING OF THE USSA OR UJSSA. CERTIFY TO THE BEST OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE THAT THE SHEEP BEING CONSIDERED FOR GAP ARE OF SUFFOLK DESCENT. OFFSPRING OF THESE EWES ARE ONLY ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION IF SIRED BY A REGISTERED SUFFOLK RAM. PAPERS HAVE NOT BEEN MAINTAINED ON THESE EWES FOR GENERATIONS. RECORDS HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED ON THE EWES AND YOU ARE CONFIDENT THAT THEY ARE SUFFOLK IN THEIR GENETIC MAKEUP.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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Enrollment and acceptance into the program is limited to one time. Ewes are enrolled, accepted, and recorded as a complete group. There is no additional entry for ewes in subsequent years. Fill out the background questionnaire about these ewes.
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An inspection, either physically or photographically, will validate their phenotype and determine their eligibility for registration.
• Once ewes have been approved for registration an inventory list of initial entry ewes that includes tag number and birth year should be submitted to the association. To register lambs, complete the application for registration, noting GAP on the form.
gap spotlight
Big Timber, Montana
DAWE SUFFOLKS
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROLL IN THE SUFFOLK GAP PROGRAM? We have primarily sold to commercial producers for terminal crosses. Buyers would often ask if we had registered stock available. After checking into the registration process and learning of the GAP program, we decided to enroll. Once we had registered animals, our customer base expanded to include purebred breeders. Not only did it improve the marketing ability, but it also increased the genetic pool. WHAT WAS THE GENETIC BACKGROUND OF THE GROUP OF EWES YOU INITIALLY ENROLLED IN GAP? The flock was started by our daughters for FFA projects when they purchased four ewes from local Suffolk breeders. After high school, we took over the project with the goal of selling breeding stock and marketing locally raised lamb. Our flock was basically a purebred flock at the start. We are a closed flock, keeping our own replacements. We have always purchased registered
rams from Montana breeders, which streamlined the application process. The first rams we purchased were from Mitchell Mile High Ranch, Stevens Ranch, and Heart Lazy P. After enrolling in the NSIP program, we now focus entirely on purchasing from NSIP breeders. WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO ENROLL? HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO GET ALL THE INFORMATION TOGETHER TO SUBMIT FOR THE INITIAL GROUP OF EWES? Enrolling in the GAP program was very easy. We have kept breeding records from the beginning on the flock, so gathering the information for the application was not difficult. The Executive Secretary is always available and very helpful in answering any questions. HOW HAS ENROLLING YOUR FLOCK EXPANDED YOUR MARKETING OPTIONS? The enrollment in the GAP program has improved the market value of our stock. It provides knowledge and assurance for the buyer that the offspring will be true
to the Suffolk breed characteristics. Many people like knowing the sheep are purebred, even if they don’t wish to register the animal. WHERE DO YOU PRIMARILY MARKET YOUR SUFFOLKS? We have been a regular consignor at the Montana Ram Sale for the past 10 years and also sell through private treaty off the ranch. We have been fortunate to have buyers from all the surrounding states, plus Oregon and California. SHARE A BRIEF STORY/SITUATION THAT SHOWED ENROLLING INTO THE GAP PROGRAM PROVED A VALUABLE ENDEAVOR FOR YOUR OPERATION. At the Montana Ram Sale this fall, Dawe Suffolks had the top selling Suffolk ram in the sale’s history. The buyer was confident of the breed characteristics and genetics of the stud ram purchased. We have also received more inquiries since registering from new prospective buyers.
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