Superior Farms, a major U.S. producer of sustainably-raised lamb based in Davis, California, has opened its Sheep Discovery Center in Nephi. The one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art center was created in partnership with sheep producers from six states and Superior Farms said it is one of the country’s most sustainable agriculture centers. A ribbon-cutting event marking its opening was held on April 19.
In a release, Superior Farms said the sheep facility will converge the farming methods of traditional lamb production with advanced sheep industry technologies, production practices and genetics, resulting in a more consistent and sustainable lamb production model that will benefit the entire American lamb industry. With a fully functioning farm and breeding system under the direction of general manager Jordan Atkinson, the facility currently houses thousands of lambs and ewes.
“At Superior Farms, we’ve always been committed to raising healthy flocks in a sustainable way that is beneficial for the animals and the land,” said Rick Stott, CEO of Superior Farms.
Stott said the success of the Sheep Discovery Center program lies in the belief that less stress, flock genetics, optimized nutrition, use of electronic individual animal identification, data-based production decisions, blockchain technology and year-round production will promote exceptional lamb production results. He said Superior Farms is dedicated to being stewards for the sheep and adhering to the global standard for animal health, freedom and comfort while providing an optimal environment and nutrition for the ewes, rams and newborn lambs.
In an effort to provide a no-stress environment for the livestock, the center utilizes state-of-the-art climate control technology in the barns. This is especially useful in inclement weather to create a low-stress environment for pregnant ewes. Stott said the animals always have uninhibited access to outside grazing on the center’s grounds.
The Sheep Discovery Center utilizes energy-saving, LED web-enabled lighting for year-round production. Used in the barns year-round, this lighting creates a habitat similar to that of springtime, when ewes naturally thrive and are at their peak for mating. To optimize genetics, the center utilizes Superior Farms’ exclusive Flock54 genetic management program to identify key health and production traits in ewes and rams to help produce healthier and more productive offspring, according to a release. Utilizing a genetic testing program, individual animal identification technology and a state-of-the-art data base, the center can identify parentage and positive and negative traits in each animal as a baby.
“Sustainability is top of mind in every decision we make and initiative we implement,” said Stott. “This first-of-its-kind center utilizes several extremely advanced sustainability methods that will help reach the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality, as well as create a more consistent supply of lamb year-round and benefit the American lamb industry.”
When at full capacity in 2024, the center will employee 25 people, inject over $6 million annually into the local economy and supply lamb across the U.S.