Small Ruminants
Veterinary Extension

We invite you to participate in the 5th annual 2025 University of Florida Ram Test and Sale. We are very excited to continue this unique program and work with sheep producers to quantify the desirable qualities of their rams. We hope this program will provide value to your operation. This program is designed to standardize environmental conditions in order to evaluate individual ram performance, provide a source of high-quality performance-tested rams to producers, offer educational opportunities for the improvement of the industry, and facilitate networking among producers. 
We encourage you to consider consigning your rams to the 2025 UF Ram Test and Sale. Please contact us for further information or to consign animals to this program. Rams must be pre-registered by May 27, 2025 in order to be enrolled in the program. 

We invite you to participate in the 5th annual 2025 University of Florida Buck Test and Sale. We are very excited to continue this unique program and work with goat producers to quantify the desirable qualities of their rams. We hope this program will provide value to your operation. This program is designed to standardize environmental conditions in order to evaluate individual buck performance, provide a source of high-quality performance tested bucks to producers, offer educational opportunities for the improvement of the industry, and facilitate networking among producers.
We encourage you to consider consigning your rams to the 2025 UF Buck Test and Sale. Please contact us for further information or to consign animals to this program. Bucks must be pre-registered by May 27, 2025 in order to be enrolled in the program. 

Are you interested in learning more about sheep and goat production systems and market potential in Florida? So are we! In an effort to better understand this industry and to better assist our producers, we are developing a series of surveys to 1) assess production characteristics and main challenges; 2) evaluate slaughtering and capacity and cost; and 3) understand consumer needs and perceptions about lamb and goat meat. If you are a sheep or goat producer in Florida, please give us 15 minutes of your time to help us with this project.

Come join us on November 13, 2024, from 10:00 – 2:30 at Innovation Arabians Farm for an exciting day filled with learning and hands-on experience! This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in improving the health of their small ruminants and pastures. Our expert speakers will cover topics like parasite control, nutrition, and pasture management. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions and network with other farmers. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to enhance your farm practices! We will have a demonstration on hoof trimming, calibration of spray equipment and a toxic or not weed activity. $15 for class materials and lunch!

Join us for FAMACHA Certification and training, needed by all sheep and goat producers! The FAMACHA score is a method of measuring anemia in small ruminants infected with Barber Pole Worms. Scores can be used to inform deworming protocols and prevent parasitic resistance from developing in herds and flocks. This course will include a self-paced online class, certification exam, and hands-on training and practice with live animals. Registration includes online class (must be completed and passed prior to in-person training), hands-on training, Q&A session, FAMACHA certification and card to bring home and use on your operation. $25 to register. Contact Cassidy Dossin with any questions at cdossin@ufl.edu or 904(284-6355).

A Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) is crucial for a productive breeding season, contributing to 50% of your offspring’s genetics. This summer, safeguard your ram or buck’s health and reproductive readiness through BSE. Contact Brittany N. Diehl, DVM, to schedule your evaluation today! Cost: One = $`128; Each additional = $87

Join us for an exciting and informative On-Farm Goat Health Workshop on Tue Mar 19 2024 at 10:00 AM. This workshop is designed for goat enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to experienced farmers (MUST BE 18+ TO PARTICIPATE).
During this workshop, you will learn valuable insights and practical tips from our expert speakers who have years of experience in goat health management, with topics, including nutrition, preventive care, and best practices for maintaining the overall well-being of your goats. The workshop will take place at 312 Palmetto Bluff Rd, a beautiful location and learning environment. You will have the opportunity to interact with fellow goat owners, exchange ideas, and network with professionals in the industry.

UF/IFAS Extension will be hosting a Small Ruminant Nutrition Workshop in Quincy, Florida on March 12, 2024 at the North Florida Research and Education Center, 155 Research Rd, Quincy, FL 32351. The event will feature University of Florida specialists, veterinarian expertise, and others. The event will primarily be focused on the unique nutrition needs of sheep and goats, with topics including basics of animal nutrition, feed and forage options for small ruminants, special nutrition needs of finishing meat animals and lactating dairy animals, fencing demonstrations for sheep and goats, and nutrition impacts on animal performance. You can Register for the event with the following link to the Eventbrite registration website.