Published On: October 1st, 2026Categories: Newsletters

 

 Monthly News & Updates

October | 2026

Upcoming Events

October Events:

National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show

Iowa State Fairgrounds

October 1-3

RSG is excited to be attending the National Valais Blacknose Sheep Show! Be sure to stop by the RSG booth, say hello, and learn more about how our team and services can support your breeding program. We look forward to seeing you there!

American Dairy Goat Association Convention

Indianapolis, IN

October 10-15

RSG will have a booth and host sessions throughout the convention, along with RSG facility tours for attendees. We look forward to connecting with everyone and welcoming attendees to RSG!

National FFA Convention Tours

Lebanon, IN

October 20-23

RSG is excited to welcome more than 1,300 students to our headquarters for tours during the National FFA Convention! We look forward to sharing more about RSG and careers in animal agriculture.

RSG Highlights Small Ruminant Reproduction at AETA Conference

RSG recently participated in the 2026 AETA & CETA/ACTE Joint Annual Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, bringing increased attention to the growing role of advanced reproductive technologies in the small ruminant industry. The annual conference brings together veterinarians, practitioners, researchers, and industry professionals focused on embryo transfer and assisted reproduction.

RSG hosted an exhibit promoting the Partnering with Practitioners (PwP) program with Trans Ova Genetics, which provides training and support for veterinarians interested in offering small ruminant IVF procedures to their clients.

Dr. Tad Thompson, DVM, CEO of RSG and a member of the AETA Board of Directors, also played an active role in the educational program. Dr. Thompson presented data from RSG’s small ruminant IVF program, including findings from more than 740 IVF procedures and 9,000 oocytes, highlighting factors influencing IVF success and opportunities for continued advancement of the technology.

Dr. Thompson also moderated a practitioner roundtable featuring veterinarians actively providing advanced reproductive services to small ruminant producers. The discussion provided practical perspectives on assisted reproduction and helped connect practitioners interested in expanding these technologies within their own practices.

RSG’s participation at AETA reflects our continued commitment to advancing small ruminant reproductive technology, supporting veterinary practitioners, and expanding producer access to advanced reproductive services across the industry.

RSG Sheep & Goat Genetics Catalog

Looking for genetics to add to your breeding program? The RSG Sheep and Goat Genetics Catalogs make it easy to explore semen available from a growing selection of sires.

New genetics are added regularly, giving breeders more opportunities to find sires that fit their program. Browse, select and purchase semen directly through our online catalog.

Once purchased, genetics can be stored at RSG, shipped to you, or picked up on-site when needed.

Questions about available genetics or placing an order? Contact our team at 765-978-0301.

Fall Semen Collection Is Underway!

Fall collection season is here, and RSG is actively collecting sires! If you still need to get your buck or ram on the schedule, now is the time to reserve your collection date.

Call the RSG office or complete the Semen Collection Request Form on our website to get started.

FFA Tour Anticipation

We are excited to welcome over 1,300 students to RSG this month! 💙💛

FFA members will be able to hear more about our team, services, and opportunities within the small ruminant industry.

Missed out this year? Keep RSG in mind for next year! We can’t wait to for the sea of blue jackets in Indiana.

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.

Sale results have been announced: The sale grossed an impressive $499,625, with an average of $3,594.42.

Congratulations on an incredible sale! RSG is excited to see the continued growth and what’s ahead for the Australian White breed.

Learn more about our RSG Foundation’s Certified Australian White Genetics initiative at www.cawg.us

Genetics Shipping and Pick-Ups

When you’re ready to move genetics from storage, all semen and embryo shipping and pickup requests should be placed through the RSG Genetic Inventory Management Platform. From the Inventory tab, select Withdraw to begin your request.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

  • Carrier delays through UPS or FedEx are not reimbursed.
  • RSG cannot cover replacement costs for units affected by carrier delays.
  • Shipping insurance covers loss or damage only and must be selected when submitting your request.

Give yourself plenty of time! We encourage submitting shipping requests about 2 weeks ahead and pickup requests at least 48 business hours in advance of your preferred pickup date.

Keep Rams & Bucks in Proper Condition

Proper body condition and nutrition are important when preparing rams and bucks for semen collection and breeding season. Poor nutrition or management can negatively affect sperm quality and overall reproductive performance.

Aim for a Body Condition Score (BCS) of approximately 3.5 entering breeding season, and begin evaluating sires at least six weeks ahead to allow time for nutritional adjustments. Provide quality forage, appropriate supplementation, minerals and clean water while avoiding animals becoming too thin or over-conditioned.

Don’t forget the basics! Staying current on parasite control, vaccinations, hoof care and overall physical soundness can help keep sires prepared for the season ahead.

Looking for more management tips?

Download the RSG Production Phase Management Guide for additional information to use in your program.

Shop RSG at Premier 1

RSG is proud to partner with Premier 1 Supplies to make our products easily accessible to producers. Through Premier 1, you can shop RSG Prime, RSG Guardian, nutritional products, and more.

Browse the full selection and find the products you need to support your livestock.

RSG New Inventory Platform Enhancement

Managing your genetics inventory is getting easier! RSG is introducing enhancements to our inventory platform to provide clients with a more convenient way to view and manage their stored genetics.

With the enhanced platform, clients can:

  • Easily view semen and embryo inventory with three different viewing options
  • Access customized reports
  • Better track available genetics and plan future breeding decisions

These enhancements are part of RSG’s continued effort to make managing your genetics simple and efficient.

Check out your RSG Inventory Platform today!

RSG Foundation First Flock-Herd Program Success

Congratulations to Brecken Rhoden, a RSG Foundation First Flock-Herd Program grant recipient, on a successful show season at the San Jacinto County Fair and Rodeo in Coldspring, Texas!

Brecken exhibited the lamb he purchased with support from his First Flock-Herd grant, earning Grand Champion Senior Market Lamb and Reserve Champion Intermediate Market Lamb Showmanship. He plans to breed his ewe 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

Donate to RSG & Make an Impact This Holiday Season!

Mark your calendars for the RSG Foundation 2026 Holiday Fundraising Auction, happening November 17 on Willoughby Online Sales!

Each donation and purchase helps the RSG Foundation continue investing in youth programs and opportunities, including the First Flock-Herd Grant Program.

There’s still time to get involved! Auction donations are being accepted through October 15, including experiences, genetics, sale credits, livestock products, gift packages and more. To contribute, call the RSG office or contact Jordyn Wickard, RSG Communications Specialist.

Bleu du Maine U.S. Registry Live Now!

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.

Support Your Livestock with RSG Supplemental Tubs & Pails

Keep your animals supported throughout every stage of production with RSG supplemental tubs and pails. Designed to provide convenient nutritional support, these products can be incorporated into your program based on your animals’ current production stage and nutritional needs.

From preparing for breeding to supporting animals after the breeding season, RSG offers options to help keep your flock or herd on track.

Available options include:

  • RSG Repro Booster: Designed for use 60–90 days before breeding through 30 days after breeding to provide additional nutritional support during this important production period.
  • RSG Sustainer: A maintenance option designed to provide continued nutritional support outside of the Repro Booster timeframe.

Easy to incorporate into your nutrition program! Choose from convenient tub and pail options to find what works best for your operation.

Not sure which product fits your program? Contact the RSG team for more information and recommendations.

Affordable Genetics through the RSG Foundation Gene Bank

The RSG Foundation Gene Bank connects producers and organizations with donated genetics at an affordable price, while each purchase helps support the mission and programs of the RSG Foundation.

Currently, Juggernaut semen is available for $30 per straw through the Gene Bank.

Explore the Gene Bank and discover quality genetics at an accessible price for your breeding program.

RSG Quick Links

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Career Opportunities at RSG

At RSG, we’re passionate about advancing livestock reproduction and supporting the sheep and goat industry with innovative solutions.

 

Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who care about animals, science, and people, and we’re always looking for great individuals to join us.

 

Whether you’re interested in part-time work that offers flexibility or a full-time role with opportunities to grow your career, RSG provides a professional and supportive environment where you can make an impact.

 

Currently accepting applications for:

To apply, please email your information and resume to careers@reprospecialty.us

Phone | 765.978.0301

2590 N 500 E Lebanon, IN 46052

reprospecialty.com

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