May 2-3, 2026, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (both days)
UMaine Extension Aroostook County Office
57 Houlton Road, Presque Isle, Maine 04769
Cost: $50-$120 (Adult sliding scale); Free for youth
Farmers and youth are invited to a Small Ruminant Starter Weekend focused on sheep and goat husbandry. Day 1 covers parasite management in small ruminant flocks and herds. Day 2 focuses on beginning animal care in the morning and 4-H market lamb projects in the afternoon.
May 2: Parasite Intensive Day
This session is for farmers and older youth who are new to small ruminants or have experienced parasite issues in their flock or herd. The day focuses on parasite management, with hands-on activities including fecal egg counts using a microscope and practice with the FAMACHA protocol for barber pole worm on live animals.
Participants will also learn to identify risk factors for meningeal worm and take part in a lungworm diagnostic exercise. Farmers are encouraged to bring a fresh fecal sample from one animal for examination.
Participants will become FAMACHA-certified and may purchase an anemia index card at the workshop after certification.
May 3: Basics of Small Ruminant Care
Morning (9 a.m. to noon): Beginning animal care
The morning session covers foundational topics in sheep and goat care, including:
- Shelter and pasture basics
- Nutrition
- Handling and hoof trimming
Adults will be dismissed after the morning session. Adults who are especially interested in the afternoon show topics, which are geared toward 4-H youth, should contact event organizers.
Afternoon (youth only): Show topics
This session is designed for youth and prepares participants for 4-H market lamb projects. Topics include market lamb selection and care, lamb showmanship and market lamb fitting.
Both sessions include practical, hands-on learning. Youth who own market animals are encouraged to bring them to the May 3 program.
More information
Sue Baez, sue.baez@maine.edu, 207-667-8212
Youth participants: Megan Cook, megan.cook@maine.edu, 207-581-8120
Accommodations and dietary needs
For a reasonable accommodation or dietary concerns, contact Sue Baez at sue.baez@maine.edu or 207-667-8212 at least seven days before the event, if possible.