Dave Ollila
Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Initiative
Dave Ollila enjoyed a 34 year career in agriculture education. Nine years as South Dakota State University Extension Sheep Field Specialist and 25 years as an Agriculture Education/FFA Advisor. Additionally, Dave is a 5th generation sheep and cattle rancher located 10 miles SE of Newell, South Dakota operating with wife Holly, sons- Tate and Finn. Flying “O” Sheep produces and sells Rambouillet seedstock as well as running a band of commercial ewes. Using data to select high performing genetics has improved the flock’s productivity in both lamb and wool. Over the past 30 years, Ollila has field tested and implemented many Soil and Rangeland Health practices through a holistic approach on his own ranch consisting of native rangeland, tame pastures and irrigated cropland. Wool production is a priority on the operation with flock yields averaging over 10lbs/hd with bellies and pieces removed. Annual analysis of the wool clip reports fiber diameter average of 20 micron with an average clean wool yield of 65% and a comfort factor greater than 98.4%. The Flying “O” Sheep wool clip has been utilized in the production of military dress uniforms, dress socks, and most recently to produce yarn and thread by a cottage mill that values the quality of the fiber and the land stewardship story. Dave serves on the board of Sheep Genetics USA, is a member of the SD Sheep Growers Association, the SD Section of the Society for Range Management, the SD Soil Health Coalition, the SD Grassland Coalition and the American Sheep Industry Association.