Small Ruminant School focuses on sheep and goat management

Sheep and goat producers are invited to expand their knowledge, sharpen management skills and see research in action during a Small Ruminant School, planned June 24-25 at Lincoln University’s Carver Farm in Jefferson City.

Sponsored by MFA and Lincoln University, the two-day educational event is designed for both new and experienced small ruminant producers looking to improve profitability, efficiency and long-term sustainability of their operations. Attendees will hear from university researchers, product representatives, industry professionals and experienced producers while gaining hands-on insight through farm tours and demonstrations.

“Sheep and goat production is growing in popularity across Missouri and the Midwest, and MFA is committed to supporting those operations, not only with the products and services they need but also educational opportunities such as this,” said Brian Bartels, MFA Incorporated national sales manager for large and small ruminant producers. “This program will connect sheep and goat producers with expert insight, practical tools and valuable networking opportunities that can make a real difference on their operations.”

Day One of the school on Wednesday, June 24, will focus on grazing, technology and production strategies. The program begins at 8 a.m. with a session on virtual fencing technology for small ruminants. Landry Jones, MFA range and pasture specialist, will discuss grazing management and best practices for managing forage systems tailored to sheep and goats. Late morning programming will feature Mark Brandt, district conservationist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, who will explain how cost-share programs such as EQIP can help producers bring innovation and infrastructure improvements to their operations. 

At noon, attendees will take part in a “Lunch and Learn” event highlighting Lincoln University demonstration and research projects currently underway at Carver Farm, which serves as a hands-on learning hub for university students and rural communities. Honoring the legacy of Missouri native George Washington Carver, a leader in agriculture innovation, the farm functions as the primary research site for Lincoln’s College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences. It features sustainable agriculture demonstrations, including hair sheep, meat goats and cow-calf beef production.

The afternoon turns to production decision-making, as Chris Boeckmann, the farm’s superintendent, shares insights from years of hands-on research and experience with fall lambing systems, offering producers new ways to think about flock timing and labor efficiency. Day One concludes with a guided tour of Carver Farm, giving participants the opportunity to see grazing systems, facilities and research concepts in action.

Day Two on Thursday, June 25, will dive into economics, nutrition and animal health. The morning kicks off with a session on financial decision-making and market strategies for small ruminant enterprises, featuring Marcus Hoover of Norwood Producers Auction Yards. Ken Coffey, animal science professor at the University of Arkansas who specializes in ruminant nutrition, will provide an in-depth look at feeding strategies for optimal health, performance and profitability. Paul Mitchell of Imogene Ingredients, a specialty feed company, will follow with more information on gut health for small ruminant herds.

After another Lincoln University “Lunch and Learn,” the afternoon centers on handling, facilities management and animal health, with a deep dive into these topics from Linda Coffey, livestock specialist with the National Center for Appropriate Technology; Cooper Martin, veterinarian and Boehringer Ingelheim representative;  and Kelsey Bentley, assistant professor and Extension specialist at Kansas State University. 

Producers will then have the chance to interact directly with speakers during an industry panel discussion, followed by an expanded Carver Farm tour that provides a more in-depth into management practices and research applications.

The cost to attend is $30 per person, per day and includes lunch and promotional giveaways. Participants will pay by cash or check on site the day of the school.

For more information on registration and attendance details, visit https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cYehhgZI-kaB5OO6F3giSHtD3RZUZRFDtOGQWXSHQZdUOTlZTUNHVzZIRUxEU1ZYQklUWExXQlZLMC4u.

The agenda for the two-day school is here: https://mfa-inc.com/news/may2026/school