FARGO (AP) - A North Dakota group, hoping to bolster the next generation of shepherds, plans to give away sheep.

The state Lamb and Wool Producers Association has launched the "perpetual starter flock program" for teens.

"We want to encourage young people to become active in our industry," said Lyle Warner, association president and a Baldwin sheep producer.

Each teen selected for the program will receive 10 ewes, or female sheep, from the association.

The ewes typically will be worth about $175 to $200 each, Warner estimated.

The association also will link up participating teens with sheep producers who will supply rams, or male sheep, free of charge.

Renting a ram would cost $300 or $400, Warner said.

The ewes will produce lambs that participants can sell or use to build up their flock.

To keep the program going, participants will pay back 60 percent of the ewes' cost. Twenty percent will be returned in the second year after receiving the sheep, 20 percent in the third year and 20 percent in the fourth year.

Participants also will be mentored by an association member who can help with questions and production issues.

The program was created with help from the North Dakota State University extension service.

Justin Luther, an extension sheep specialist, said it's important to revitalize the state's sheep industry.

Sheep and lamb numbers have dropped sharply in the region over the past two decades, the federal Agriculture Department says.

North Dakota has about 840 sheep and lamb operations, down from 1,800 in 1988.

Minnesota has about 2,600 sheep and lamb operators, down from 4,800 two decades ago.

Many older operators are retiring, and a new generation is needed to replace them, Warner said.

Sheep and lambs ranked 21st among North Dakota agricultural commodities and 18th among Minnesota ag commodities in cash receipts in 2006, USDA says.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

n Be between 10 and 18 years of age as of Jan. 1 of the year they apply.

n Join the association as a senior or junior member.

n Attend the association convention the year they receive the sheep and again the following year to give a progress report.

n Have the support and endorsement of a parent or legal guardian, as well as two letters of recommendation from people other than family members.

Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 1.

As a practical matter, participants will need to live on a farm or in the country and have access to the necessary facilities, Warner said.

Young people living in the city potentially could participate by making arrangements with a farmer, although some opportunities likely would be rare, he said.