The United Suffolk Sheep Foundation is excited to announce three new grant programs! These grant programs offer a pool of funding, up to $10,000 each year! Hurry, funds are distributed on a first come, first serve basis!

Applications available at: https://suffolks.org/grants.html

Shepherd Development Grant – Sheep-Related Small Business Development Assistance
Funds support initiatives related to sheep-related business development.
Examples include acquiring equipment for establishing businesses that extend beyond personal flock production and sheep handling equipment, instead providing specific services or value-added lamb and/or wool-related items or services. For example, equipment to provide business services to others:
· An ultrasound machine
· Professional sheep shearing equipment
· Computer, software, or other electronic equipment for accounting and/or processing payment transactions
· Equipment for direct-marketing of lamb – freezers, coolers, signage, etc.
The above are examples, but not all-inclusive.
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; however, total annual funding is limited.

Shepherd Development Grant – To Further Education of Sheep Producers
Funds support individuals to increase their personal knowledge on sheep and sheep-related topics.
Examples:
· Participation in a sheep shearing school to develop professional shearing skills.
· Training or ultrasound certification to enhance flock management.
· Attend a sheep-related workshop or conference.
· Take part in online training related to sheep.
· Participation in meat processing courses to gain expertise in producing and marketing American lamb products.
· Conduct a research project involving Suffolk sheep.
The above serve as examples but are not all inclusive.
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; however, total annual funding is limited.

Suffolk Community Grant
Funding for grassroots education and leadership programs. This grant is designed to assist in and support United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA) and/or United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association (UJSSA) member-driven initiatives that advance Suffolk producer education, and/or Suffolk youth leadership development.
Examples:
· Organize a lambing school.
· Host a sheep livestock intern or complete a sheep-related internship.
· Support state Suffolk educational field days.
· Engage breeders in educational tours and outreach events that promote sheep industry knowledge and involvement.
· Establish a youth leadership clinic for young Suffolk producers.
· Host a lamb carcass cutting demonstration.
· Conduct a lamb tasting/cooking demonstration.
The above examples, but not all inclusive.
Application Deadline: Accepted year-round; however, total annual funding is limited.

Don’t miss out! Register for the 2026 Suffolk Event by May 1!

As the USA prepares to celebrate its 250^th birthday, Suffolk enthusiasts from coast-to-coast are expected to gather in Lebanon, Indiana, at the Boone County Fairgrounds, June 5-7, 2026, for this popular, patriotic event. Register by May 1 to take in all the action!

At The Event, there’s something for everyone from experienced breeders to those getting started in raising Suffolk sheep. Educational sessions provide practical tips on managing sheep facilities, plus breeding, feeding, health and nutrition insight delivered at the Boone County Fairgrounds, and also on-site nearby at the spacious RSG facilities in Lebanon, Indiana. Plus learn more about the ability of Suffolk sires to produce lean, meaty carcasses with meat evaluation and carcass cutting demonstrations also held at the fairgrounds Friday, June 5.

Youth educational sessions will also be offered geared to pre-teen and teenaged learners. Childcare and activities geared for younger family members will also be available on the Boone County Fairgrounds, coordinated by an experienced child care educator. Educational sessions take place Friday, June 5, starting at 8:30 a.m., with other sessions starting at 1 p.m.

A National Suffolk Sale preview takes place on the fairgrounds Friday evening, June 5, starting at 7 p.m., complete with delicious desserts. The sale preview will also be livestreamed online. The National Suffolk sale offers top registered Suffolk yearling rams, ewes as well as lambs consigned from leading breeders across the USA. The breeding sheep sale starts at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, and will also be livestreamed for online bidding on wlivestock.com.

Saturday evening, June 6, Event attendees will gather at 6 p.m., on the Boone County Fairgrounds for a Hall of Fame banquet honoring industry leaders, and a fun fundraising auction benefiting the National Suffolk Sheep Foundation.

Activities for members of the United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association (UJSSA) include a judging contest and a Suffolk Cup team contest for kids Saturday morning, June 6.

The UJSSA junior show for registered Suffolk rams and ewes from yearlings to lambs owned by UJSSA members takes place on the fairgrounds Sunday, June 7, starting at 8.a.m. Central.

Join the educational and networking festivities and join the fun as you connect with Suffolk breeders from across the USA. Register now and take in all The Event has to offer for Suffolk enthusiasts of all ages.

The Event is hosted by the United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA) with support from the United Suffolk Sheep Foundation and the United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association (UJSSA).

Get in on THE Event everyone in the Suffolk business raves about. Register for The Event by May 1. Registration fees are $80 for individuals and $225 for family registration which covers event and meal fees.

Register to consign for the National Suffolk Sale on Digital Suffolk on the Suffolks.org website by May 1. National sale consignors must be current members in good standing of the United Suffolk Sheep Association (USSA) or the United Junior Suffolk Sheep Association (UJSSA).

UJSSA members who wish to enter registered Suffolks in the junior show can do so using the showman app at https://showman.app/#/ .

Complete information for the Suffolk Event: https://suffolks.org/wp/suffolkevent/