NDSU Hettinger Research Extension Center, Animal Sciences Earn Columbia Sheep Breeders' Golden Bell Award

The Columbia Sheep Breeders Association of America presented its Golden Bell Award to the North Dakota State University Hettinger Research Extension Center and the Department of Animal Sciences during the association's 85th National Show and Sale in Spencer, Iowa. The Golden Bell Award is the highest distinguished service award given by the CSBA.

The Hettinger Research Extension Center began raising registered Columbia sheep in 1944, after the center reopened following its closure during the Great Depression. The center has maintained its registry for the past 82 years, the longest in the breed's history, and has been a frequent exhibitor and seller at the National Show and Sale, the Newell Ram Show and Sale, and the Hettinger Ram Sale.

According to Columbia sheep lore, GG8439, a home-raised ram at the center, was one of the breed's best sires of the late 1980s. He sired the 1986 champion ewe, the 1986 champion Columbia market lamb on foot and rail, the 1987 reserve champion ewe, the 1987 champion market lamb on foot and rail, and the first- and fourth-place ewe lambs at the 1988 National.

Dave Pearson, the center's current shepherd, has been instrumental for the past 46 years in maintaining the historic flock. More recently, the center helped develop the Columbia ram certification criteria as part of the Dakota Ram Test.

The NDSU Department of Animal Sciences has also contributed to the development and advancement of the breed. M.L. Buchanan and Merle Light were instrumental in promoting Columbia sheep in the early years. In September 1945, former North Dakota Gov. Louis B. Hanna donated 10 Columbia ewes to the college to start its venture. The program first won in 1951 in Minot with a reserve champion ram, and in 1965 in Fargo it took the champion pen of ewes. The year 1978 was a banner one, as NDSU became the first Columbia breeder to win champion ewe with a spring ewe lamb. Its 1986 champion ewe in Great Falls was described as the best Columbia ewe seen at the time.

On hand to receive the award were Dave Buchanan, retired animal science professor and son of M.L. Buchanan; Chris Schauer, director of the Hettinger Research Extension Center; Dave Pearson, shepherd at the center; Travis Hoffman, North Dakota state sheep specialist; and Tim Faller, former director of the center.