Hello Folks, just a few notices for you before the Annual Meeting!

Our annual meeting is almost here. On October 25th, we will gather at the fire station in Epsom, 1714 Dover Road, Epsom, NH, at 4:00 pm for our traditional potluck, followed by our annual meeting. We will be voting on the By-Laws.

Reni and Kevin Melvin of Stone Manor Farm, Pohatcong, NJ and Elite Sheep Reproduction will be our guest speakers. Please take a moment to read their bio, below—click on READ MORE.

Congratulations to Emma Cargill who will be awarded the Bruce Clement Scholarship for her studies in Diesel Technology in John Deere.

If you can’t make the meeting, you can watch it on Zoom!

Also, members can now pay their membership online by clicking HERE.

Volunteer and get involved by running for the board or an officer’s position within the association. At present, we are in need of a secretary for the new year as Corie Bliss is running for a seat on the board. Consider joining a committee: The dedicated Festival Committee and many volunteers support our fantastic sheep and wool festival each year in May. The Education Committee promotes the lambing clinic, shearing clinic and more. The Lifetime Achievement and the Scholarship Committees seek out deserving individuals for awards.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone and enjoying a few hours together on October 25 at 4:00 pm. Bring a potluck dish and come and visit with NH shepherds; share a meal; listen to Kevin and Reni’s presentation; and exercise your vote on the updates to the By-Laws.

Best Regards,
Marianne DiTaranto
President, NHSWGA

Bio for Kevin and Reni Melvin, Guest Speakers for the Annual Dinner, 2025

Kevin and Reni Melvin own and operate Stone Manor Farm located in Pohatcong, NJ where they raise Valais Blacknose, Babydoll Southdown, and other sheep breeds. The farm offers breeding stock, raw fleeces, and wool, and implements advanced sheep reproductive techniques to improve flock genetics and productivity. Alongside their farm, Kevin and Reni also own Elite Sheep Reproduction, LLC, a company specializing in advanced reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Through this enterprise, they have helped breeders across the country improve genetics, expand flocks, and access international markets.

Kevin moved to New Jersey to attend Rutgers University, where he earned a degree in Animal Science. His formal training in animal husbandry laid the foundation for his work in livestock breeding, farm management, and industry collaboration. He is a dedicated agricultural professional, community leader, and advocate for rural development, serving both his local township and the American sheep industry. He currently serves as President of the Garden State Sheep Breeders, a nonprofit focused on promoting sheep and wool products, organizing educational events, and fostering networking among New Jersey producers.

At the national level, Kevin has represented NJ with the American Sheep Industry (ASI) serving as NJ’s State Director at convention for several years. In 2024, he was elected to the ASI Executive Board representing Region 1 and serves as the Chair for the Production, Education and Research Council. His inclusion on the board reflects his growing involvement in shaping policy, trade, and research direction in the U.S. sheep industry.

Reni has also been a trusted voice in livestock management, reproduction, and breed development with decades of experience breeding sheep and cattle. She serves as President and Breed Director of the Valais Blacknose International Sheep Breeders Association & Registry (VBISBAR), where she oversees breed standards and development, including directing the North American Breed-Up Program. She also holds leadership roles on several sheep registry boards and has guided youth as a 4-H leader for over 25 years.

Her influence extends beyond breeding. As Festival Chair of the Garden State Sheep & Fiber Festival, Reni has helped to build one of the region’s most respected events, bringing together shepherds, fiber artists, educators, and the public to celebrate and grow awareness of the sheep industry.