Sheep and goat producers from across Missouri and surrounding states 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, industry professionals and experienced producers while gaining hands-on insight through farm tours and demonstrations.

“This school brings together university research, industry expertise and real-world experience in a setting where producers can ask questions and see practices in action,” organizers said. “Whether you manage a small starter flock or a growing commercial operation, there will be something valuable to take home.”

The MFA/Lincoln University Small Ruminant School offers a rare opportunity to connect with experts, explore new technologies and management strategies, and learn alongside fellow producers in a hands-on environment.

Day One of the school on Tuesday, 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. His session will focus on balancing animal performance with pasture health throughout the season.

Late morning programming will feature Mark Brandt, who will explain how NRCS programs, including 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.

The afternoon turns to production decision-making, as Chris Boeckmann 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 Lincoln University’s Carver Farm, giving participants the opportunity to see grazing systems, facilities and research concepts discussed throughout the day put into real-world practice.

Day Two of the school on Wednesday, June 25, will dive into economics, nutrition and animal health. The morning kicks off with a session focusing on practical financial decision-making and market strategies for small ruminant enterprises. An extended mid-morning session led by Dr. Ken Coffey of the University of Arkansas will provide an in-depth look at herd nutrition, covering feeding strategies that support optimal health, performance and profitability.

After another Lincoln University “Lunch and Learn,” the afternoon centers on whole-farm success during a comprehensive session on animal handling, facilities management and animal health. Presenters will walk producers through best practices that improve animal welfare, labor efficiency and herd outcomes.

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

For more information on registration and attendance details, visit the REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON HERE. 

MFA/Lincoln University Small Ruminant School Agenda
June 24^th & 25^th, 2026

Day 1

Lincoln University Carver Farm 
3804 Bald Hill Rd, Jefferson City, MO 65101

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Doors open

Coffee and donuts

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Virtual Fencing Your Small Ruminant Herd (Eric Groose and Micheal……)

Dial in practical, profit-focused grazing practices using the newest, most innovative grazing technology in our industry.

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. BREAK

9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Grazing Management  with Landry Jones

Landry Jones, Range and Pasture Specialist with MFA Incorporated, will discuss best practices for small ruminant grazing and the management that goes along with it. 

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. Using NRCS and the EQUIP Program with Mark Brandt

Mark will discuss ways that the NRCS and programs such as EQUIP can help bring innovation and infrastructure to your operation.  

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch and Learn 

Lincoln University demonstration and research projects 

1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Fall Lambing and How It Could Fit In Your Operation by Chris Boeckmann

Chris will discuss his many years of practical research and observations of a fall lambing herd.

2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. BREAK

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Lincoln University Carver Farm Tour

Join a group tour of the Carver Farm, where we will be able to see in practice what we have spent the day learning and discussing.

Day 2

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Doors open

Coffee and donuts

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Economics and Marketing for the Small Ruminant Herd by Marcus Hoover, Economist

A discussion on the practical economics and marketing of your small ruminant herd.

9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. BREAK

9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Herd Nutrition (Dr. Ken Coffey University of Arkansas)

An in-depth look into what it takes to effectively feed your herd for optimal success. 

11:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch and Learn 

Lincoln University demonstration and research projects

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Animal Handling, Facilities Management & Animal Health (Linda Coffey, Cooper Matin & Dr. Kelsey Bently)

We will take a deep dive into what our animal handling, facilities and animal health practices should look like for your herds optimal success.

2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. BREAK

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Industry Panel

Here is your chance to ask the experts! 

3:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Lincoln University Carver Farm Expanded Tour