September 2026 RSG Foundation eNewsletter

First Flock Herd Program Success Story: Molly Groskreutz

In the summer of 2025, Molly Groskreutz discovered an interest in sheep while helping a local breeder. Just one year later, through the RSG Foundation First Flock-Herd Program, she is building a flock of her own!

With her grant ewe from Timme Club Lambs, Molly competed at her first jackpot show, exhibited at the Wisconsin State Fair, had her ewe lamb LAP AI’d, and continued learning what it takes to develop her own sheep program.

“The RSG First Flock-Herd program has helped me immensely. This was all possible for me through the RSG program!”- Molly Groskreutz

Molly’s story is exactly what the First Flock-Herd Program is all about, helping young people get started, learn, grow, and build something of their own.

Have an RSG Foundation success story? Please message Jordyn Wickard, RSG Communications Specialist, at jordyn.wickard@reprospecialty.us.

Email Jordyn

Bleu Du Maine U.S. Registry Now Live!

The RSG Foundation has established the Bleu du Maine U.S. Registry to support the introduction, preservation, and responsible growth of Bleu du Maine sheep in the United States.

As part of the RSG Foundation’s Breed Expansion and Preservation Initiative, the registry will support pedigree documentation, DNA verification, breeder education, and genetic stewardship as the breed continues to grow in the U.S.

Learn more at bleudumaineus.org.

Bleu du Maine Website

Donate an Item through Email

Calling All Holiday Auction Donors!

Sale Date: November 17, 2026 | Willoughby Online Sales

The RSG Foundation is preparing for our annual Holiday Fundraising Auction, and we need your support! Businesses, breeders, industry partners, and friends of the Foundation are invited to contribute an item, product, service, or experience to help make this year’s auction a success.

Funds raised through the auction allow the RSG Foundation to continue supporting the next generation of livestock producers through youth education, livestock genetics opportunities, and programs that encourage young people to become more involved in the sheep and goat industries.

How You Can Help

Donations may include livestock and agricultural products, genetics, farm supplies, apparel, gift certificates, services, unique experiences, or other items that would appeal to livestock producers and agricultural families.

Donation Deadline: October 15, 2026

All donors will be recognized online as supporters of the RSG Foundation Holiday Fundraising Auction, providing an opportunity to showcase your business or breeding program while supporting an important cause.

The RSG Foundation can also provide donors with a receipt for tax purposes for their contribution.

Please consider contributing to this year’s Holiday Fundraising Auction and helping us continue to create opportunities for the next generation.

Thank you for supporting the RSG Foundation and the young people who represent the future of agriculture!

Email jordyn.wickard@reprospecailty.us with your donation items.

First Flock-Herd Program Application

First Flock-Herd Program Grant Applications Due October 1st!

There’s still time to apply for the RSG Foundation First Flock-Herd Program! Applications are due October 1, 2026.

The program helps young livestock enthusiasts take the first step toward starting their own flock or herd by providing support toward the purchase of their first sheep or goat, along with essential supplies.

Don’t miss your chance to apply and start building your future in the livestock industry and apply here!

Gene Bank Highlight – HAPPY TIMES

The RSG Foundation Gene Bank helps make quality sheep and goat genetics more accessible to producers while investing in the future of the industry. Through generous breeder donations, semen and embryos are offered at a reduced cost, giving new and young producers greater opportunities to strengthen and grow their programs.

These donations also help advance youth involvement, education, and continued industry growth, creating valuable opportunities for the next generation of livestock producers to learn, develop, and succeed.

Featured Sire: HAPPY TIMES

Price: 💲25

Online Catalog

The Legacy – Elite Australian White Genetics Sale

September marked an exciting milestone with The Legacy, the first in-person Australian White production sale in the United States. Held September 18–19 in Springfield, Missouri, the sale featured exclusively Australian White genetics.

As part of the RSG Foundation’s Breed Preservation and Expansion Initiative, we are excited to see the Australian White breed continue to grow and gain momentum across the U.S.

The Legacy Sale

Apply Today

Educational & Research Genetics Grant Application

The RSG Foundation Educational & Research Genetics Grant supports the continued advancement of small ruminant reproduction by providing qualifying educational and research projects with access to semen and embryos from the RSG Foundation Gene Bank.

Each quarter, individuals, schools, and research institutions are invited to apply for genetics that can contribute to learning, discovery, and research within the industry. Selected recipients are responsible for shipping costs, or genetics can be picked up at RSG’s storage facility in Lebanon, Indiana.

📩 Applications are open! Apply today and help put these genetics to work advancing small ruminant education and research.

National FFA Convention Tours

We’re excited to welcome more than 1,300 FFA students to RSG this October during the National FFA Convention! Students from across the country will have the opportunity to tour our facilities and learn more about small ruminant reproductive technologies.

We look forward to opening our doors, sharing what we do and connecting with the next generation of agricultural leaders!

First Flock Herd Program Winner Highlight

The RSG Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 First Flock-Herd Grant Program, a national initiative designed to support young and aspiring livestock producers in acquiring their first breeding sheep or goat.

Get to know one of our sixteen grant recipients below:

Nina Herring is a 14-year-old from Placerville, California, and has been a member of 4-H for the past four years.

She participates in both horse and market lamb projects and has developed a strong interest in sheep. In recent years, Nina and her family have had to travel long distances to find high-quality market lambs for their county program.

She hopes to help improve this by purchasing a quality breeding ewe to help elevate the program. Nina is very grateful to receive funding from RSG.

Donate Now

Thank You, Premier 1 Supplies!

We are proud to recognize Premier 1 Supplies for their continued support of the First Flock-Herd Program. Each recipient receives a $500 Premier 1 credit to purchase essential supplies to help start their flock or herd. Thank you, Premier 1, for investing in the next generation of livestock producers!

Vetoquinol is a proud supporter of the RSG Foundation.

The RSG Foundation is proud to partner with Vetoquinol in support of the First Flock-Herd Grant Program. As the manufacturer of Folltropin, Vetoquinol is committed to advancing animal health and reproductive success.

Guided by a mission to enrich lives through animal well-being, Vetoquinol continues to deliver innovative solutions that support producers and drive the future of the industry.