Sheep and Goat Producers Invited to MU Grazing Workshop

By Blake Jackson

University of Missouri Extension will hold its fourth annual Sheep and Goat Day on August 7 at the MU Southwest Missouri Research, Extension and Education Center in Mount Vernon.

The educational event is designed to help sheep and goat producers improve their grazing systems and overall herd management practices.

The program is being organized in partnership with Lincoln University and supported through funding from North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. Registration will open at 8 a.m., and activities will continue through 4:30 p.m.

“Forage and grazing management are essential to any sheep and goat operation,” said Patrick Davis, Field Specialist in Livestock at the University of Missouri Extension. “Topics will serve both beginners and experienced sheep and goat producers and will emphasize effective grazing management for their operations.”

Participants will hear from a team of grazing and livestock specialists, including Davis, Tim Schnakenberg, and Jennifer Lutes from MU Extension.

Lincoln University presenters Homero Salinas-Gonzalez and Mohan Acharya will also contribute, along with Mark Kennedy of Kennedy Grassland Services, LLC.

The speakers will combine classroom-style presentations with hands-on learning opportunities throughout the day.

Educational sessions will cover forage and animal selection, nutrition, parasite management, marketing strategies, and economic considerations.

Additional topics include grazing system design, fencing and water setup, forage evaluation, and livestock health and body condition scoring.

“Businesses supporting the field day will have exhibitor booths,” said Davis Attendees will have opportunities to visit exhibitors and learn about products and services that may benefit their operations.

The registration fee is $30 per person and includes lunch and refreshments. Registration must be completed by July 30. No walk-in registrations will be accepted, and cancellations made after the deadline will not qualify for refunds.

For registration, visit https://pears.io/events/mu/7418/.

Photo Credit: istock-heebyj