UMaine Extension to host parasite management workshops for small ruminant producers in November and April
Freeport and Ellsworth, Maine — University of Maine Cooperative Extension is taking its ruminant parasite management and FAMACHA certification workshops on the road this fall and next spring. These half-day trainings will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on November 17 at Wolfe’s Neck Center, 184 Burnett Rd, Freeport and November 24 at the Hancock County Extension Office, 63 Boggy Brook Rd., Ellsworth. Workshops are also planned for Dover-Foxcroft and Machias in April 2025.
Producers of small ruminants (sheep, goats, llamas and alpacas) are invited to learn about common parasites and their management. Hands-on activities, such as performing a fecal egg count on a microscope and practicing the FAMACHA protocol on live animals, will teach producers how to identify parasites to make informed management decisions. Farmers are encouraged to bring a fresh fecal sample from one sheep or goat to examine. Participants will become FAMACHA certified and can purchase an anemia index card at the workshop upon certification.
Cost of the workshop is on a sliding scale from $50-$80 and includes light refreshments. Visit the program website to register. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Sue Beaz, 207.667.8212 or sue.baez@maine.edu.
About University of Maine Cooperative Extension
As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.