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Michigan shepherd bullish on future growth

The Michigan Sheep Producers Association president says he plans to expand this year as demand remains strong.

Third-generation farmer Jason Scramlin raises purebred Polypay sheep in Hickory Corners.

“We have kind of held back maybe the last two years,” he says. “I know interest rates are a little bit high right now, but they probably aren’t going to deter us too much because this inflation is affecting everything.”

Scramlin says the lamb market is heading into its strongest season ahead of Easter and he’s bullish about its long-term potential.

“There’s a lot of opportunity for increased production,” he says. “Our biggest competitors are Australia and New Zealand, and they must pay a lot for shipping.”

He says the association plans to renew its focus on animal nutrition and enhancing markets for producers in the year ahead.

Brownfield interviewed Scramlin as part of the recent Michigan Shepards Weekend.