MU Extension’s Southern Missouri Sheep and Goat Conference in Bolivar Oct. 20

University of Missouri and Lincoln University are teaming up to host the Southern Missouri Sheep and Goat Conference from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Polk County Fairgrounds, 4560 S. 100^th Road, Bolivar, Mo.

MU Extension offices in southern Missouri continue to receive calls for information about sheep and goat production according to Wesley Tucker, an agriculture business specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Polk County.

“There is simply more profit potential in sheep and goats than most other enterprises that can use our local resources. Of course you have to be willing to put in more labor as well as an investment in facilities and fences,” said Tucker.

This conference will provide producers with practical management tips they can use to focus on improving the profitability of their own sheep and goat operations.

The following topics will be presented at the conference: economics of sheep and goat production, producing quality hay, limited versus intensive management of sheep and goats, a panel discussion on how to cope with the drought, alternative feeding strategies for this winter, and live demonstrations of electric fencing, a fecal egg count workshop, and selection and showing for youth.

Topics will be presented by personnel from MU Extension and Lincoln University Cooperative Extension. 

“This conference is for beginners as well as experienced producers,” said Tucker.

Registration for the conference is $5 which includes lunch.  To arrange for the food, preregistration is needed by Oct. 15.

For more information about the conference or to register, stop by or call the Polk County Extension Center at (417) 326-4916.