The 3rd Annual Sheep & Goats Field Day provides an excellent opportunity for sheep and goat producers, and anyone interested in diversifying their farm with small ruminants to learn, connect, and engage,” says David Brown, MU Extension Small Ruminant Field Specialist. The event will be on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (SWREEC), 14548 State Rd. H, Mount Vernon, MO 65712.

“This year’s program includes hands-on demonstrations and expert-led presentations,” says Brown. Key highlights will be live virtual fencing demonstration, allowing participants to use an app to create fencing boundaries in real time and “Ask the Veterinarian” Live Q&A, which offer producers a chance to engage directly with veterinary experts. Topics and speakers include:

• Hoof Care – Dr. Celeste Morris, DVM (Veterinary Health Center, MU)
• All Things Forages for Sheep and Goats – Dr. Harley Naumann (State Forage & Grazing Specialist, MU Extension)
• First Aid for Sheep and Goats – Dr. Kirk Hubbard (Highland Animal Hospital, Illinois)
• On-Farm Biosecurity – Dr. Corinne Bromfield, DVM (Swine Production Medicine, MU)
• Virtual Fencing (Including Live Demo) – Kaitlyn Dozler (MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture)
• “Ask the Veterinarian” Live Q&A – Dr. Sarah Reinkemeyer, DVM (State Epidemiologist, Missouri Department of Agriculture) & Dr. Kirk Hubbard
• Reproductive Management (AI and Embryo Transfer) – Dr. Jordan Thomas (Assistant Professor, MU)
• FAMACHA Certification – Dr. David Brown (MU Extension Small Ruminant Field Specialist)

“The sponsors help to support and provide this education to the public,” says Brown. Event sponsors include MU Extension, USDA/NIFA, eShepherd, BioZyme Inc., Missouri Katahdin Breeders (MOKATS), No Fence, Missouri Forage and Grassland Council, FCS Financial, Southwest Livestock Sales LLC and Farfalle’s Fresh Italian Dining & Catering, LLC.

“Registration and fee payment are required by July 25th to attend the event,” says Brown. The cost of the event is $25/person, which supports refreshments, buffet-style lunch, lamb kebabs and/or meatballs, and educational materials. Register by July 25th at https://cvent.me/2aX3qk or by contacting the St. Clair County MU Extension Center at (417) 646-2419. For more information or if you have a disability that requires special materials or services, please contact Brown at (417) 646-2419 or by email at davidbrown@missouri.edu.