AMES, Iowa – Producers who are raising small ruminants can gain valuable insights and practical knowledge by participating in the 2025 Small Ruminant Webinar Series. This educational series takes place on the fourth Thursday of each month through April and features expert speakers from the field.
Each webinar runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Central time. The next webinar is set for Feb. 27.
“This series addresses the challenges and opportunities faced by small ruminant producers,” said Carolyn Ihde, small ruminant outreach specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
“Each session will offer practical advice, research updates and the latest industry trends to help participants make informed decisions for their operations,” Ihde said.
Webinar schedule
- February 27 – Kelsey Bentley, small ruminant extension specialist at Kansas State University, will present "Harnessing the Post-weaning Fecal Egg Count Estimated Breeding Value to Enhance Sheep Health." Bentley will explore integrating post-weaning fecal egg count estimated breeding values as a strategic approach to enhancing sheep health. She will focus on lamb response to CD&T vaccination and colostrum antibody concentrations in ewes. By examining these factors, she aims to understand how genetic selection for parasite resistance can improve sheep health outcomes.
- March 27 – A panel will discuss "Sheep Products and Services." Five entrepreneurs providing value-added products and services will share their experiences and insights into the industry: Kathryn Ashley-Wright from Ewetopia Wool Mill; Cody Hiemke from Mapleton Mynd Shropshires; Bethany Storm and Danielle Dockery from Driftless Tannery; and Arlo Hark from Cannon Valley.
- April 24 – Cody Gifford, assistant professor of meat science at the University of Wyoming, will discuss carcass traits, quality and producing the best possible end product.
Registration is required for each webinar. Register online to sign up and receive the webinar link.
For more information, please contact Ihde at carolyn.ihde@wisc.edu.