North Dakota looks to kids to shepherd sheep industry

Children love prizes and fuzzy animals, right? The North Dakota shepherding industry is counting on it.

In a move meant to promote youthful interest in a career field that could perhaps use a little of-the-moment excitement, a state group will be awarding sheep to teens and tweens. They hope to inspire a new generation of shepherds.

As shepherds grow older, industry officials are hoping to entice replacements from schools with a “starter flock” program. It will give 10 ewes to North Dakota children who write about their interest in the field, who are between 10 and 18, and who agree to pay back a part of the profits from their sales to help sustain the initiative.