By Blake Jackson
As interest grows in sustainable and profitable livestock, Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) hosted its fall Small Ruminant Practical Course, offering farmers valuable insights into sheep and goat production.
Held at LU’s George Washington Carver Farm, the free, full-day workshop welcomed around 75 participants eager to learn about grazing management, nutrition, parasite control, and marketing. The event combined expert-led presentations with interactive field demonstrations, giving attendees both theoretical and practical experience.
Dr. Homero Salinas, state Extension specialist with LU’s Small Ruminant Program, opened the session by introducing rotational grazing systems tailored to Missouri’s pastures.
Dr. Salinas explained how dividing land into smaller paddocks allows producers to rotate livestock strategically, improving forage growth and soil health while maintaining herd productivity. “You’re managing grass and soil first - then the animals,” said Salinas, emphasizing that strong pastures lead to productive herds.
A panel discussion followed, addressing real-world challenges such as balancing cool- and warm-season forages, managing droughts, and ensuring consistent water access. Experts including Dr. Ken Coffey, Dr. Steve Meredith, Chris Boeckmann, and Dr. Chandan Shilpakar shared their practical strategies for improving grazing efficiency.
Dr. Ken Coffey, professor of animal science at the University of Arkansas, spoke about proper nutrition and winter feeding. “They’re ruminant animals they’re designed to eat forages,” Coffey said. “You can’t supplement your way out of poor forage.” He advised producers to prioritize quality hay and avoid unnecessary feed additives.
Jennifer Lutes, agricultural business field specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, later discussed market trends, encouraging producers to monitor costs, nurture customer relationships, and price their products for profit. Panelist Chris Boeckmann added, “If you’re going to sell direct, make sure your product, your message and your presentation stay the same every time. That’s what builds trust with buyers.”
Afternoon sessions, led by Dr. Mohan Acharya, focused on managing internal parasites. Participants practiced FAMACHA scoring and body condition evaluation to monitor animal health, while Salinas demonstrated how to use a grazing stick to measure pasture forage and guide rotation decisions.
Among attendees, Eric and Holly Bieri of California, Missouri, said they valued the hands-on approach. “Walking into the field and having them out there is peaceful. We love it,” said Holly. “It’s been a new adventure for our family.”
Supported by NCR-SARE grants, LU’s course highlighted the vital role of Extension programs in helping farmers apply research-based solutions to small ruminant production.
Photo Credit: istock-heebyj
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock, Goats & Sheep