Kayla Scott, Graduate Research Associate, Department of Animal Sciences

Hosted by the departments of Animal Sciences and Extension at The Ohio State University, we are pleased to announce the offering of the Small Ruminant 509 program held in the Animal Sciences Building on the Columbus campus on June 13-14, 2025. Programs such as Beef and Pork 509 have shown success with bridging gaps in producer understandings of live animal production as it relates to carcass outcomes and overall meat quality. Up to this point, small ruminant producers in the state have had limited opportunities to participate in a program as such. The overall aim of this Extension program is to provide statewide education to sheep and goat producers looking to further their knowledge of live animal evaluation and selection, meat processing, meat quality, and the economics of marketing small ruminants, in a real-world, hands-on learning environment. Continue reading Hold the Date! Small Ruminant 509 (June 13-14, 2025) →

Meghan Edwards, School of Environment and Natural Resources Graduate Student, The Ohio State University

All are welcome to join us in Wooster on March 7^th at 9am for the Ohio Agroforestry Summit, where you will hear from practitioners experienced in silvopasture, forest farming, and alley cropping, and have the opportunity to join roundtable discussions with other farmers on the future of agroforestry in our state. Register by February 20^th to have a lunch reserved for you.

Registration is now open! Use the QR code above to sign up. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/AFsummit.

Carri Jagger, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Morrow County

Ohio State Extension announced plans to host a Small Farm Conference in Wooster, OH on March 8, 2025. The theme for this year’s Small Farm Conference is “Sowing Seeds for Success.”

Conference session topics are geared to beginning and small farm owners as well as to farms looking to diversify their operation. There will be five different conference tracks including: Horticulture and Crop Production, Business Management, Livestock, Natural Resources and Diversifying Your Enterprise.

Some conference topic highlights include: Growing in a Hoophouse, Integrated Disease Management Strategies for Apple and Peaches, High Tunnel Tour, Using Cover Crops for Soil Regeneration, Creating Habitat for Beneficial Insects on the Farm, Growing Microgreens, Money to Grow: Grants 101, Growing Your Farm With Agritourism, Navigating Licenses/Certificates for your Small Farm Market, How Can Value – Added Help Your Farm, Vaccination Programs for a Small Farm, Grassfed Beef Tour. Continue reading 2025 OSU Extension Small Farm Conference to be Held – at The Ohio State University Wooster Shisler Center Wooster, Ohio →

Austin Brown, Extension Program Specialist, Small Ruminant Production and Management
(Previously published online with PennState Extension: February 4, 2025)

(Image Source: PSU Extension)

Learn about genetic testing for sheep and goats, including DNA collection, choosing the right tests, and when to test, all to meet your breeding and flock or herd health goals.

Come join the discussion on February 18th at 7:00 PM ET, as Penn State Extension continues its Small Ruminant Winter Webinar Series with an informative session titled “Genetic Testing: When, What, and Why”. This webinar will provide sheep and goat producers with critical insights into genetic testing tools, helping them make informed breeding and management decisions to improve flock and herd productivity.

Genetic testing plays an essential role in livestock selection, enabling producers to identify desirable traits, manage disease resistance, and enhance overall genetic gains. This session will cover key topics, including: Continue reading Small Ruminant Webinars – Genetic Testing: When, What, and Why →

Sheep and goat producers are invited to attend a seminar on winter feeding programs for small ruminants from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (16870 Bond Ridge Road Caldwell, OH). Come hear research-based management advice from OSU’s State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist- Dr. Brady Campbell. Local Extension personnel will also offer advice on local resources and potential solutions for navigating the winter ahead amidst drought. A light meal will be provided for all registered attendees. Registration for the event is required by November 18th. Call 740-305-3173 or email gelley.2@osu.edu to register today!