By Shanna Reynolds, Oglethorpe County Extension
The production of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in our area and throughout the state has been on the rise for several years. As small farms gain popularity, the limited education opportunities for these farmer groups has been evident. Planners of a new adult education program hope to fill that void with the first annual UGA Extension Goat and Sheep Production Summit on March 8, 2024.
“Find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” The sentiment often attributed to American businessman and author, Harvey Mackay, couldn’t be more applicable than through the job I get to do each day. I am a cattle, goat, sheep, and horse lover (in that order) that gets to work with other livestock enthusiasts 4-5 days of every week. It doesn’t get much better in my book! In Extension, our mission is to “translate the science of everyday living for families, farmers, and communities to foster a healthy and prosperous Georgia.” My role in that mission is specifically to foster Agriculture and Natural Resources education in Oglethorpe County based on land grant university research.
In my 5 years of service to the county, I’ve observed producers dealing with poor animal health as a result of drug resistant parasites and a lack of information on best management practices. Our office has worked to build an email listserv of sheep and goat producers through which meetings and classes are promoted. We’ve developed fact sheets and guides for use in the county office on common production issues such as proper hoof trimming. I also get the opportunity to make frequent farm visits with farmers to visually inspect animals and troubleshoot husbandry challenges. We’ve been part of a network of cooperating county agents working together to offer numerous production courses featuring best practices for animal management.
The long-awaited program on March 8th will be held on the University of Georgia campus at the Livestock Instructional Arena. This program is hoped to be the first of many of its kind expanding Extension outreach to small ruminant owners. The agenda for the day includes experts in livestock production from UGA, Fort Valley State University, and North Carolina State University. Production topics that will be covered in lectures at the summit will include parasite management, pasture management, and reproductive efficiency. There will also be opportunities to practice hands-on husbandry techniques and watch a goat milking demonstration. Attendees will have opportunities to meet with industry representatives sponsoring the event and will be asked for participation and feedback to improve future summits.
Other small ruminant programs coordinated by myself and neighboring agents have been a tremendous success as demonstrated by positive evaluation responses and repeat attendance. I’ve observed more responsible chemical use and positive identification of health issues among sheep and goat herds. Changes in producer behavior has enormous potential to result in future increased profits and sustainability. It’s exciting for a livestock nerd like myself to expand these educational efforts on a state-wide scale.
The UGA Extension Goat and Sheep Summit will be modeled closely after the annual NE Georgia Beef Cattle Short Course that is held at the UGA Livestock Instructional Arena each February. The hope of the planning committee is to make this an event that sheep and goat owners from all over Georgia will look forward to each year.
To register for the summit, visit https://t.uga.edu/9Ga or call our office for information at 706-743-8341.