MT. VERNON, Mo. — The 2024 Sheep and Goats Field Day, held on July 12, 2024 at Southwest Extension and Education Center (SWREEC), Mt. Vernon, Missouri. The annual event was hosted by MU Extension Sheep and Goat Specialist – David Brown along with the small ruminant team members – Jennifer Lutes, Patrick Davis and Micah Doubledee. The event aimed to educate participants on small ruminant health program, biosecurity measures, gestational and nutritional issues in sheep and goats, feed and forage management, marketing, FAMACHA and Fecal Egg Count (FEC) techniques. The event attracted over 90 participants across the state of Missouri, including producers, industry experts, and researchers.
The event started at 10:00 am with welcome address by MU Sheep and Goats Specialist, David Brown. The event agenda included workshops, lamb cooking tasting, practical demonstrations, and expert presentations from University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center, University of Arkansas, Lincoln University and National Center for Appropriate Technology, Arkansas. Event special guest, Nick Forrest (Director of American Lamb Road Show) shared lamb marketing options and demonstrated how to cook lamb four different ways. All participants had the opportunity to taste the American lamb meat during the event. Erin Engelmeyer (Southwest Missouri District Director) delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the U.S Senator for Missouri, Josh Hawley. The event was sponsored by American Lamb Board, FCS Financial, Katahdin Hair Sheep, Vit-A-Zine, Southwest Livestock Sales, Missouri Forage and Grassland Council, Mazzio’s Pizza and USDA/NIFA grant.
Participants learned best management practices in sheep/goat health management, role of by-products and feed additives in small ruminant diet, late gestation management checkpoints, American lamb marketing channels, and prevention of obesity and metabolic diseases. Participants also had hands-on training on FEC and FAMACHA demonstration. The event created great networking opportunity and participants connected with fellow producers. Survey results showed that 95% of participants found the field day highly educative/informative and expressed interest in attending future events.
The 2nd Annual Sheep and Goats Field Day was a resounding success, providing valuable knowledge and networking opportunities. Future events could include more hands-on sessions and advanced topics in genetic improvement/breeding strategies, product quality/value addition and risk management of sheep and goat farming.
