Experts from North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota Extension recommend that sheep and goat producers plan a simple calendar to manage the maintenance and preventive care of their herd or flock.

NDSU and UMN Extension will host a sheep and goat calendar webinar on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m. Farmers, 4-H’ers, agricultural business professionals and anyone interested in goats or sheep are invited to attend.

Dr. Angela Varnum, UMN Extension veterinarian, will share strategies for organizing herd health tasks to be completed at various times throughout the year.   

“Having a plan helps accomplish your own goals for your goats or sheep, increases survivability of lambs and kids and builds animals’ resistance to disease,” says Dr. Varnum.

Using research-based guidelines, this webinar will cover common times of year for breeding, feeding, health and hoof care.

Travis Hoffman, Extension sheep specialist for NDSU and UMN, says there are many times throughout the year that can be stressful, such as lambing and kidding season.

“If we can set our calendar up with tasks to be completed during specific months or seasons,” says Hoffman, “we can decrease stress levels and increase the success of the operation.”

Registration is required. Register at ndsu.ag/SGcalendar26.

The Zoom link will be emailed immediately after registering, and registrants unable to attend the live session will receive the recording via email.

For more information, contact Brenda Miller at nels4220@umn.edu or Travis Hoffman at travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Dec. 16, 2025

Source: Travis Hoffman, 701-231-2222, travis.w.hoffman@ndsu.edu

Editor: Dominic Erickson, 701-231-5546, dominic.erickson@ndsu.edu