An Invitation to Sheep Field Day at Premier

Dr. Kreg Leymaster

Kreg Leymaster is a native of Iowa and earned degrees from Iowa State University, University of Kentucky, and Ohio State University. He joined USDA, ARS at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center in 1978 and has led sheep and swine genetic research. Dr. Leymaster uses quantitative and genomic methods in large scale experiments to estimate genetic effects on key traits affecting life-cycle production. The objectives of current projects are 1) to reduce the prevalence of ovine progressive pneumonia by developing selection guidelines based on genetic testing; and 2) to estimate effects of three maternal lines and two mating systems on ewe productivity through four parities in a pasture-lambing, low-input production system.

Dr. Dan Morrical

Dan Morrical joined the Iowa State University staff in 1984 as Extension Sheep Specialist after completing his doctorate degree at New Mexico State University. He holds the rank of Full Professor as of July 1, 1995.

At Iowa State University, Dr. Morrical has been responsible for educational programs in all areas of sheep production, ranging from wool, genetics, nutrition and marketing. In addition, he has been the principal researcher with the sheep flock at the McNay Research Farm 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. This program 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.

Stan and Jean Potratz

Premier Sheep Supply is co-owned by Stan and Jean Potratz. Stan founded the company after returning to Iowa 37 years ago from England, where he was a farm manager and college lecturer. Premier now includes three small farms (about 400 acres total) with 500+ commercial ewes, 20 Boer goats, one horse, 2 small poultry flocks, 40 domestic waterfowl on 14 ponds, and 8 livestock guardian dogs. The farms and animals allow Premier to field-test and evaluate new and current products.