The MSU Small Ruminant Team will be hosting its annual Sheep and Goats for Small Farms day on Saturday, March 11 from noon to 4 pm. We have a variety of great speakers and topics this year, including a panel discussion on vet client-patient relationships and a general Q&A session at the end. Please see the agenda below and an informational flyer is linked below.

This is a virtual event only, and you can attend (for free) by registering at the link below by March 10. Sessions will be recorded and sent to all registrants soon after the event.

 

https://events.anr.msu.edu/2023SmallRuminantsforSmallFarms/

This annual workshop addresses a variety of topics for the small to intermediate-sized sheep and/or goat farm; however, the topics often have greater interest to all producers. This series aims to inform and educate on health, nutrition, facilities, marketing, food safety, product quality (milk, meat, fiber), and more to help producers improve their management and marketing abilities. Those interested in starting or expanding their operation, refining their farm goals, understanding their options, and/or improving their management will find value in attending this workshop. The MSU Small Ruminant Extension Team plus invited guest speakers will be presenting and available for questions.

Program Agenda:

Noon-12:10pm Introductions and Overview

12:10-1:00 pm Application of effective vaccines in US sheep and goat farms in 2023. There are a limited number of valuable vaccines that are effective and available for sheep and goats.  Learn how these might help your operation and how to use them effectivelyRichard Ehrhardt, MSU small ruminant specialist, Erin Recktenwald, MSU extension associate, Mike Metzger, MSU small ruminant educator. 

1:00-1:50 pm   Virtual tours of 3 Michigan goat farms. This session will take you on a virtual tour of a meat goat farm, a dairy goat farm and a fiber goat farm. Mike Metzger, MSU small ruminant educator.

1:50-2:00 pm   Break  

2:00-2:50 pm   Quality assurance in sheep and goat production. This session will provide a comprehensive guide of how to improve sheep and goat health and product safety by working in partnership with your veterinarianMeggan Freeland, DVM Southkent Veterinary Hospital, Caledonia, MI  

2:50-3:45 pm   What does a vet client-patient relationship look like for sheep and goat farms in MI in 2023? The need to reduce antimicrobial resistance has led to new changes in animal health product access making a veterinary client-patient relationship (VCPR) more important than ever. Listen to a panel of veterinarians working in sheep and goat health explain how they work with clients to establish effective VCPRs. Panel discussion with:  Heather Ludlam, Monterey Veterinary Center, Hopkins, MI; Meggan Freeland, DVM Southkent Veterinary Hospital, Caledonia, MI; Henry Reinart, Pickle Street Veterinary Services, Allegan, MI; and Melissa Holahan, DVM Caprine & Ewe Veterinary Consulting, Northville, MI 

3:45-4:00 pm  Panel discussion/wrap-up question and answer session.   

                          Open session for questions on any session or an any topic regarding sheep and goat production.

Please contact event manager Mike Metzger at metzgerm@msu.edu with any questions.