LINCOLN, Neb. — SDSU Extension, Kansas State Research and Extension and Nebraska Extension will host a series of Diversifying with Small Ruminants workshops June 7 in Salina, KS, June 8 in O’Neill, NE and June 9 in Chamberlain, SD. The program will go from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch will be provided.
This program was developed due to interest by cattle producers looking at adding sheep to their beef operation. We will discuss things to consider when looking at such a move and producers will discuss what they have learned from adding sheep.
All producers are encouraged to attend whether they already own sheep or are considering including them in their operation. The program is primarily sheep centered, but anyone with an interest in goats are also more than welcome. Topics will include multi-species grazing, general sheep production conversations, nutrition of cattle versus sheep and marketing your products. Additionally, local experienced producers from each state will be answering questions in a roundtable discussion.
To register for the program, go to https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/diversifying-small-ruminants website. For more information contact Jaelyn Quintana, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist at 605-394-1722 or by e-mail at Jaelyn.Quintana@sdstate.edu or Randy Saner Nebraska Extension Educator by phone at 308-532-2683 or e-mail randy.saner@unl.edu or Alison Crane, Sheep & Meat Goat Extension Specialist, Kansas State University by e-mail at arcrane@ksu.edu or by phone at 785-532-1672.
Beginning Shepherd Clinic June 4 in Beatrice:
Beginning Shepherd program sponsored by Nebraska Sheep & Goat Producers is the second program June 4 starting at 9:00 am. This program will cover the following topics:
- The Ins and Outs of a Commercial Goat Herd by Greg Christiansen (commercial goat producer)
- Wool Quality Factors and Wool Judging, by Dr Alison Crane, Kansas State University
- Grazing a Flerd by Randy Saner Nebraska Extension Educator
- State of the Sheep Industry and Carcass Grading by Karissa Issacs, Superior Farms
- Sheep and Goat Producers Panel
For registration, contact Melissa Nicholson by email at ne.sheep.goat@gmail.com or by phone at (308) 386-8378. The program will be held at the Gage County Extension Office, 115 West Scott, Beatrice, NE 68310-3514 on June 4th starting at 9:00 am and finishing at 4:00 pm. You may register the day of the program. A registration fee will include lunch and handouts. For more information go to their website at https://nebraskasheepandgoat.org/.
— Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
