First Flock Herd Program Success Story: Brecken Rhoden
With the support of his RSG Foundation’s First Flock-Herd Program Grant, Brecken purchased a show lamb that helped him earn Grand Champion Senior Market Lamb and Reserve Champion Intermediate Market Lamb Showmanship. Beyond his success in the show ring, Brecken plans to breed his lamb and begin building a flock of his own!
“I did not expect to do as good as I did but now I am ready to keep showing and hope to show the offspring in the future. I really appreciate the scholarship I received from the foundation so that I was able to purchase this lamb.” — Brecken Rhoden
Brecken’s mother, Brooke, also shared her appreciation:
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for investing in my child’s future by awarding him the scholarship. Without it, we would not have been able to purchase such an amazing animal for Brecken to show. We greatly appreciate this foundation and what it stands for.”
This is what the First Flock-Herd Program is all about! By providing young livestock enthusiasts with opportunities to grow, learn, and establish their own flocks and herds, the RSG Foundation is investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Have an RSG Foundation success story? Please message Jordyn Wickard, RSG Communications Specialist, at jordyn.wickard@reprospecialty.us.
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RSG Foundation Educational Resources
The RSG Foundation is committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of livestock enthusiasts through engaging, hands-on learning opportunities.
Through educational resources like Lainie’s Little Lamb and the Sheep & Goat Exhibitor Activity Book, the RSG Foundation strives to introduce youth to the livestock industry, encourage responsible animal care, and build a lifelong passion for agriculture. These resources support our mission of fostering agricultural education and empowering future generations of livestock producers and exhibitors.
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RSG Foundation Holiday Fundraising Auction – November 17, 2026
Mark your calendars! The RSG Foundation Holiday Fundraising Auction will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, through Willoughby Sales! Proceeds from the auction will directly support RSG Foundation initiatives, including the First Flock-Herd Program, Breed Preservation & Expansion, and Thought Leadership programs.
There’s still time to make a difference! We are continuing to accept donations of items, products, services, and experiences to help make this year’s auction a success. Your generosity helps us invest in the future of agriculture, preserve valuable livestock genetics, and support the next generation of producers.
Interested in donating? Contact the RSG Foundation today to contribute to this year’s auction! Email jordyn.wickard@reprospecailty.us with your donation items.
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From First Flock to Future Generations
One of the goals of the RSG Foundation’s First Flock-Herd Program is to provide young producers with more than just livestock. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on experience, participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to build a future in animal agriculture.
A great example is Ashlyn Goodwin, whose First Flock ewe was recently bred through laparoscopic AI after more than a year of learning about animal care, showing, and reproductive management. This milestone highlights how the program continues to make an impact long after an animal is awarded. Stories like Ashlyn’s demonstrate how the First Flock-Herd Program is helping create the next generation of livestock producers.
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Gene Bank Highlight – HIJO
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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: HIJO
Price: 💲75
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National FFA Convention Tours: A Week of Success! 💙💛
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What an incredible week at RSG! In conjunction with the National FFA Convention, we welcomed over 1,300 FFA members from 20 states to our Lebanon, Indiana, facility!
Students and advisors explored RSG’s operations, learned about advanced reproductive technologies, and discovered career opportunities within the livestock industry.
We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with the next generation of agricultural leaders. Thank you to every FFA chapter that visited and our RSG team for making these tours a success!
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Advancing Education & Research Through Genetics
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The RSG Foundation is committed to advancing small ruminant education and research through its Educational & Research Genetics Grant. This program provides qualifying individuals, schools, and research institutions with access to semen and embryos from the RSG Foundation Gene Bank to support hands-on learning, innovative research, and industry advancement.
Applications are accepted quarterly, offering opportunities to put valuable genetics to work in educational and research projects. Selected recipients are responsible for shipping costs, with the option to pick up genetics at RSG’s storage facility in Lebanon, Indiana.
Applications are now open! Take advantage of this opportunity to support the future of small ruminant reproduction through education, research, and discovery.
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First Flock Herd Program Winner Highlight
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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:
Vicky De Los Santos is a 16-year-old from Pharr, Texas, with a strong passion for the livestock industry, especially raising and showing goats.
She has been involved in livestock since she was eight years old and has developed skills in animal care, nutrition, breeding, and showmanship through years of dedication and hard work. She enjoys giving back by mentoring younger students who are learning about goat showing and showmanship, helping them build confidence and skills in the show ring.
She hopes to continue growing in the livestock industry by starting her own herd and inspiring younger exhibitors to develop the same passion for livestock through the RSG Foundation First Flock-Herd Program Grant.
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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!
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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.
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