UW Sheep Extension Program

Main Page

Practical Tools and Expert Support for Wyoming Sheep Producers

The University of Wyoming Sheep Program supports producers across the state through practical resources, research-backed guidance, and responsive outreach. Whether you’re troubleshooting nutrition, exploring genetics, or starting a new flock, our team is here to help. Connect with Extension educators or explore tools developed with Wyoming ranchers in mind.

Producer Resources

Ranchers walk through a field of tall grass with a white barn in the background.

Industry Resources

 

Dr. Whit Stewart – UW Extension Sheep Specialist

Whit Stewart leads sheep extension efforts at the University of Wyoming, focusing on practical, research-backed solutions for producers. His work spans lamb and wool production, ecological stewardship, and market innovation. Through workshops, ranch visits, and peer learning, he partners with Wyoming’s sheep industry to strengthen operations and build resilience across landscapes.

Learn More 

 

Sheep Extension Field Day led by Dr. Whit Stewart

 

Meet Your UW Extension Sheep Task Force

The UW Sheep Task Force was established to address the evolving needs of Wyoming’s sheep industry through coordinated, research-informed Extension support. Led by the University of Wyoming’s Sheep Extension Specialist, Dr. Whit Stewart, the Task Force functions as a collaborative network of Extension educators committed to delivering locally relevant, science-based solutions for producers. Its efforts are informed by statewide programming priorities and grounded in applied research and producer engagement. 

Our Support for Wyoming’s Sheep Industry 

  • Deliver educational workshops, field days, and on-site ranch consultations 
  • Conduct applied, field-based research and needs assessments in collaboration with Wyoming producers and allied industry partners 
  • Provide practical tools, fact sheets, and monthly SheepSense briefings tailored to emerging needs 
  • Build enduring, collaborative partnerships with sheep producers and allied industry professionals at the state, national, and international levels 

Our mission is to support informed decision-making and strengthen the sustainability and resilience of Wyoming’s sheep industry through applied research and targeted Extension outreach. 

Dagan M

Dagan Montgomery - Extension Educator, Sublette County 

dmontgo8@uwyo.edu

 

Here to Help: Ranchers and livestock producers
How I Can Help:

  • Develop and refine livestock feeding and nutrition plans based on species-specific needs and production goals 
  • Assess forage and hay quality to inform ration formulation and seasonal feed planning 
  • Support ranch-level decision-making to improve operational efficiency, animal performance, and input utilization 
Jedidiah H

Jedidiah Hewlett- Extension Educator, Converse County

jhewlett@uwyo.edu

 

Here to Help: Ranchers and livestock producers
How I Can Help:

  • Manage rangelands and grazing systems 
  • Support producer decision-making through applied expertise in agricultural economics, including enterprise budgeting, cost analysis, and profitability assessment in sheep operations.
Makayla G

Makayla Getz — Extension Educator, Park County

mgetz@uwyo.edu

Here to Help: Ranchers and ag-based businesses
How I Can Help:

  • Advise on branding, messaging, and market positioning 
  • Help develop marketing materials to promote your wool or ranch products 
  • Provide communication strategies to connect with buyers, partners, and the public 
McKenna J

McKenna Julian - Extension Educator, Lincoln County

mbrinton@uwyo.edu

Here to Help: Ranchers and livestock producers
How I Can Help:

  • Develop species-specific nutrition plans for sheep and cattle to optimize health, growth, and reproductive performance 
  • Improve production efficiency through data-driven evaluation of livestock systems and management practices 
  • Provide expertise in extensive range-based sheep production, including forage utilization, flock dynamics, and adaptive management 
Micah M.

Micah Most- Extension Educator, Johnson County

mmost@uwyo.edu

Here to Help: Ranchers and livestock producers

How I Can Help:

  • Improve knowledge of animal physiology, health management, and regional toxic plant risks 
  • Support the application of sustainable ranching practices that enhance wool quality, resource stewardship, and long-term viability 
  • Explore and strengthen local and regional food systems through producer education and market engagement 
Portrait of Dan VanderPloeg

Dan VanderPloeg – Extension Educator, Washakie County

dvanderp@uwyo.edu

Here to Help: Forage producers, show sheep families, and small-scale flock owners 
How I Can Help:

  • Provide technical guidance on alfalfa, pasture, and forage crop management to support high-quality livestock feed production 
  • Assist youth and families involved in 4-H and FFA show sheep projects through hands-on education and project mentorship 
  • Offer practical support for small-scale and hobby flock owners in areas such as health, nutrition, and basic flock managements 
Portrait of Dan VanderPloeg

Sara Fleenor– Extension Educator, Crook County

sfleenor@uwyo.edu

Here to Help: 4-H and FFA youth, volunteers, and families
How I Can Help:

  • Mentor youth participating in livestock projects by offering educational resources and hands-on guidance 
  • Support volunteers and club leaders in developing engaging, educational, and well-managed programs 
  • Assist in resolving challenges related to project planning, program delivery, or youth engagement to ensure positive learning experiences 
Portrait of Brian Lee

Brian Lee – Sustainable Agriculture Research & Extension Center

blee@uwyo.edu

Here to Help: Ranchers, crop producers, and ag business operators
How I Can Help:

  • Analyze farm and ranch finances using enterprise budgets, whole-farm analysis, and decision-support tools 
  • Provide guidance on the integration of sustainable crop, forage, and livestock systems to optimize productivity and resilience 
  • Advise producers on the economic implications of agricultural policies, market trends, and production practices 

 

Wyoming Wool Initiative

Supporting students, producers, and innovation in Wyoming’s sheep and wool industry.

Lamb-a-Year Program

Donated lambs fuel student learning and generate valuable flock performance data for producers

Wool Judging Team

Wyoming wool has the potential to support our state’s economy through sustainability and value-added processing—from the range to everyday products.

Join our Newsletter

Get updates on field days, events, and new resources from the UW Sheep Program and Extension.

Sheep wagons in a field
Explore Programs & Get Involved

From value-added wool to student-led lamb research, these programs showcase the strength of Wyoming’s sheep industry. Learn how you can support, participate, or stay connected with ongoing efforts across the state.

Learn More