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November 5, 2009  Jerry Sorensen and I took a trip to the U.S. Meat and Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska.  USMARC is an amazing place with 4000 sheep in various research projects. 

The purpose of the trip was to discuss pooling the genetic resources of five flocks to make significant measurable genetic improvements.  The five flocks are Lambshire from Ohio, Grosjeans from Ohio, Kaeb from Illinois, West Cyclone from Iowa, and Elm Creek Polypay from Minnesota.

Jerry and I arrived in Clay Center around 11:00 a.m. and met with Kreg Leymaster--one of the most respected researchers in the world, and Larry Kuehn—one of the most respected geneticists in the world.  We would later be joined via telephone by Dave Notter from Virginia Tech—one of the most respected sheep scientist in the world.  It felt like being at the Mount Rushmore of sheep production—Leymaster, Kuehn, Notter and Sorensen. 

The five of us were joined in a conference call with John Anderson from Lambshire, Brandon Grosjeans and his father-in-law, Noel, and Chris Kaeb.  The 2 hour conference call was incredible.  The majority of the discussion involved genetic improvement through rotating 15 sire lines through the five flocks.  Sires would be replaced as quickly as possible by their progeny.  The genetic merit will be measured with NSIP data.

Such a project between five flocks first seemed impossible.  However, it is very doable if the flocks have similar goals and biosecurity.  Hopefully our project will begin during Summer 2010.

August 1, 2009  The fourth annual Center of the Nation Sale was another success.  ECP968 went to Mark and Brenda Van Roekel near Orange City, Iowa.   ECP910 went to Jay Hofland Iowa.   

We were fortunate enough to purchase WHR9103 from the Woodhill Flock.  WHR9103 adds very solid numbers to our flock--especially Percent Lamb Crop Weaned and Pounds Weaned.

January, 2009   Larry needed to have his cholesterol prescription refilled in January.  His doctor left town a year ago, so needed to  find a new health care provider.  It was difficult to find a provider who’s schedule would match Larry’s.  After numerous attempts at  different providers, Larry ended up seeing Nurse Practitioner, Shelly Vuocolo. 

Larry first described Shelly as a “poking, tapping, time-waster.”  He quickly learned how wrong he was.  

Shelly detected that there were some issues with Larry’s heart which lead to an echocardiogram.  The echocardiogram revealed  that he had an aortic aneurysm just above his heart, which led to an abdominal CT SCAN.   The CT SCAN was sent to Mayo in Rochester, MN for review.  Larry and Annette went to Rochester the following Monday.  

The surgeon in Rochester learned that Larry also had been born with a deformed aortic value.  Surgery was arranged.  The surgeon informed Larry ad Annette that the aneurysm definitely had to be fixed.   The surgeon hoped the valve could be saved, even if it was deformed. 

February 6, 2009    Larry and Annette returned to Rochester for his pre-surgery exam.   An angiogram revealed that there was no blockage, and he was in great physical condition for the surgery.

February 9, 2009    Surgery began at 10:00 a.m.   The surgeon removed the aneurysm, and replaced that part of the aorta with a cloth mesh.  The surgeon determined during the surgery that the valve could not be saved, and replaced it with a cow valve.  Larry was in recovery by 1:00 p.m.

February 10, 2009    Larry spent the day in the Intensive Care Unit, and remembers little or nothing about it.

February 12, 2009   Larry convinced the medical team that he could recover better at home than in the hospital.  He was discharged at 1:30 p.m.  Surely Larry’s Guardian Angels guided the medical staff’s hands and watch over him.

Perhaps the most miraculous part of this entire story has nothing to do with the medical side.  Perhaps the mast miraculous part to the story has to do with the sheep.  What happens at Elm Creek Polypay during the end of January and the first part of February?  Lambing.

Jessica Krome, a 17-year old neighbor who moved here eight months ago.

Jessica had extensive experience with horses, and no experience with sheep.  However, she wanted to learn.  So, Jessica shadowed Larry for the first two weeks of lambing.  She was a quick study.  Jessica has done the entire lambing and made all of the decisions at Elm Creek Polypay since February 5.   She is quick to point out that Larry delivers twins, and she delivers trips and quads.

Jessica has been excellent!  Words can not begin to describe how proud we are to know her and her family.