UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Sheep and goat producers can learn how to improve various management and production practices that lead to profitability at a Penn State Extension workshop, titled “Sheep and Goat Profit School,” from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the Penn State Extension office in Westmoreland County, 214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg.
The workshop will cover marketing options for lambs and kids, the impact of record-keeping on profitability, what characteristics in lambs and kids result in the highest prices, how to select replacement females using genetic tools and production efficiency, how management practices influence profitability, and how crossbreeding can increase animal performance.
“These workshop topics all can have an impact on the number of lambs or kids born, lamb or kid growth rates, and flock or herd efficiency,” said Melanie Barkley, senior livestock extension educator and speaker for the event. “Increasing input costs can greatly impact profitability, so it’s important that producers take a hard look at aspects in their operation that influence animal performance and efficiency.”
Extension educators Camren Maierle and Dulcie Christman also will speak at the event.
Participants must register by Sept. 15 either on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/
The registration fee of $10 covers morning refreshments, lunch and handout materials.
Barkley can provide more information about the workshop at 814-623-4800.
–Penn State Extension