All ewes carry at least one-quarter Finn bloodlines. The Gilbertson's keep individual identification and records on ewes to allow for selection and cull decisions. They utilize hybrid vigor in the ewe base to improve reproductive traits and lamb survival. Black-faced rams with superior growth traits are mated with these ewes. Lambs are finished at 130-pounds and marketed in 5 months, with lamb average daily gain monitored.
Labor saving ideas include use of working dogs, chute, and sorting alley.
They have designed many low cost management tools to improve labor use efficiency. Reproductive soundness and ewe milk production are key selection and cull criteria. Their conception rate is better than 95 percent on mature ewes and ewe lambs. The Manning's keep computerized individual lamb records to aid in selection and cull decisions. Spring lambs are sheared to improve growth performance.