Speakers Attending:

Andrew Michael: Leahcim Poll Merino and White Suffolk:
One of Australia’s most progressive sheep breeders, genetics from his breeding program can be found in flocks across the Australia. Michael is a pioneer in juvenile in-vitro embryo transfer technology, which Andrew says is “super charging” the speed of genetic gains. The technique uses genomic data to select superior breeding stock within weeks of birth. Using this technology, Andrew said he could achieve genetic gains within 12 months that would have taken six years of conventional breeding.

Dr. Mark Enns:
Enns is an expert in Estimated Progeny Differences (EPDs). He helped develop the program that is currently being used by AOA. He continues to educate on this subject throughout America. He currently works as a professor in Animal Science at Colorado State University.

Stacie Chavez: Farm to Finery and Imperial Yarn:
Dedicated to building a more robust market for American-grown animal fiber, Stacie is working to build a brand that highly stresses quality U.S. made products. Stacie and her husband Skip also have established a living livestock model (Sky Ridge Alpacas) for Alpaca ranching in Tygh Valley, Oregon.