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Welcome to the Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins. EAPK is a group of like-minded Katahdin producers from ALL over the United States. Most importantly, the mission is to advance the development of production-oriented Katahdin Sheep using quantitative genetic selection and producer education to benefit the US Sheep Industry.
Our vision for Eastern Alliance for Production Katahdins, simply put, is to use the latest tools of genetic selection to build hard-working Katahdin sheep. Katahdin sheep that fit their environment, excel for the shepherd and are profitable. Therefore, we focus on education, training, mentoring and fellowship among members.
All commercial and registered Katahdin producers are invited to join EAPK. Enrollment in the National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) or membership in Katahdin Hair Sheep International (KHSI) is not required.
Membership Includes:
• Annual symposium focused on genetic selection and management
• Promotion of the sale and purchase of high quality NSIP Katahdins
• Mentorship program to improve data collection and interpretation
• Training in the management of on-farm data and software use.
• Quarterly e-Newsletter
Check out some articles from our Blog, from shepherds for shepherds
The Shepherd’s Toolbox: Supplies to have on-hand before you need them
Fall and early Winter, when the seasonal workload lessens, is often a good time to focus on our sheep supply inventory. We usually think of this when getting ready for lambing, but as shepherds we should always be prepared throughout… Continue Reading…
EAPK Producer Profile: Richard Manning, Sweet Seasons Farm
“The Man Born to Farming” is more than a poem by Wendall Berry of quaint sentiments. It speaks of a producer such as Richard Manning who has lived his life as: “The grower of trees, the gardener, the man born… Continue Reading…
Pregnancy Diagnosis
There are various options for diagnosing pregnancy in sheep. The cost/benefit analysis for doing this procedure depends on what you are going to do with the information. Your reasons for doing pregnancy diagnosis will also dictate which method you want… Continue Reading…
EAPK Producer Profile – Beckie Hotz, Mariposa Farm
My introduction to agriculture was through plants. I studied biology in college with a broad view of both animals and plants. Toward the end of college, I focused on the plant side of agriculture, specifically at the soil level. All these… Continue Reading…
