Small Ruminants: Skills that move Maine farms forward

From birthing stalls to shearing stands, Maine producers are sharpening their small-ruminant skills with UMaine Extension. A 2024 needs assessment showed farmers highly value education on animal health and best practices, and most producer inquiries center on sheep and goats. In 2024, Extension delivered six events across four counties—the Maine Sheep and Goat School, Shearing School, Beginning Sheep and Goat workshops, and Parasite Management workshops—combining clear presentations, take-home guides, and hands-on training with live animals. The team also produced two birthing best-practice videos, answered client questions, and created parasite plans, nutrition reviews, and health recommendations for 40+ farms.

Outcomes were strong: across the school and workshops (75 participants), 100% of 18 post-event respondents reported increased knowledge and confidence and plan to adopt at least one practice; 35% intend commercial production. At Shearing School (14 participants), 100% reported gains; four plan paid shearing work and nine will shear on-farm, saving an estimated $3,200 across 105 sheep. The result: healthier animals, stronger farm economics, and new jobs statewide.