PUYALLUP, Wash. — Are you looking to sell your goat or lamb meat into local markets? While the demand and sales opportunities are growing, it can be challenging to sustainably manage livestock production and direct market the finished product.
On Saturday, Oct. 23, livestock producers are invited to a one-day intensive course on sustainable sheep and goat production and marketing. The course will be presented from 9 am to 5pm at the Longbranch Improvement Club, 4212 Key Peninsula Highway S. in Longbranch on Puget Sound’s Key Peninsula.
Experts from Washington State University, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and Pierce Conservation District as well as experienced livestock producers will cover a wide variety of topics. They include pasture management, breed selection, health and disease, breeding, facilities, marketing, and financial planning and recordkeeping.
Participants will learn directly from other producers and visit two farms in addition to the classroom presentations.
Class size is limited and advance registration is required. The cost for the course is $35 for early registration, or $45 after Oct. 15, and includes lunch and a resource booklet. For more information, a map to the site and registration go to http://smallfarms.wsu.edu/education/courses/livestock/smallruminant/
The course is sponsored by the WSU Small Farms Team with grant support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.