The UW–Madison Division of Extension Small Ruminant Webinar Series returns in 2026 with three expert-led sessions designed to equip sheep and goat producers in Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Upper Midwest with practical, research-based tools to support flock and herd success. Hosted by Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist Carolyn Ihde, the series connects producers with leading specialists in marketing, animal health, and direct-to-consumer strategies. Sessions are free and held via Zoom at 7:30 PM Central Time, with advance registration required.
February 23, 2026 – Lamb and Goat Marketing Considerations
Speaker: Abdullah Hussaini, VP of Marketing, Equity Livestock
Registration: https://go.wisc.edu/996zyu ↗️
Drawing on his expertise in managing the Risk Management, Sheep, and Calf division at Equity Livestock, Abdullah Hussaini will guide producers through the evolving landscape of commercial and non-traditional lamb and goat markets. Participants will learn about market behavior, seasonal demand patterns, and how to leverage opportunities for 60–90 lb animals. Hussaini brings operational experience from auction management, producer advising, and his service on the American Sheep Industry Lamb Council and the Wisconsin Beef Council.
March 30, 2026 – Rooted to the Land, Reaching Toward the Customer
Speakers: Producers from Wisconsin & Iowa direct‑marketing lamb, goat, and beef
Registration: https://go.wisc.edu/ywpg7o ↗️
This panel discussion highlights innovative direct‑to‑consumer marketers who sell through online stores, shipping programs, retail meat counters, and farmers’ markets. Confirmed panelists include Lillie Beringer (Beringer Family Farms), a beef producer noted for her strong online marketing strategies, and Kaylene Hawkins (Hawkins Valley Sheep Ranch), a lamb producer experienced in retail and market sales. The session offers actionable insight into branding, customer engagement, product logistics, and market diversification for small ruminant operations.
April 27, 2026 – Protecting Your Flock’s Udder Health: A Primer on Subclinical Mastitis
Speaker: Dr. Sarah Adcock, Assistant Professor of Animal Welfare, UW–Madison
Registration: https://go.wisc.edu/729ze8 ↗️
Subclinical mastitis often goes unnoticed yet significantly impacts lamb growth, ewe welfare, and long‑term flock productivity. Dr. Sarah Adcock, a specialist in animal behavior and welfare, will explain disease biology, early detection strategies, and practical prevention and treatment options tailored to sheep and goat systems. Dr. Adcock’s interdisciplinary research connects management practices with animal health outcomes, helping producers implement welfare‑centered, sustainable flock-management approaches.
About the Small Ruminant Webinar Series
The Small Ruminant Webinar Series provides monthly, research-driven, and practical education on emerging and foundational topics in sheep and goat production. Past sessions have addressed forage management, parasite resistance, best practices for lambing and kidding, and economic decision‑making tools. The 2026 series continues this mission by focusing on timely, producer‑identified needs in marketing and herd health.
For more information or accommodations, please contact Carolyn Ihde at carolyn.ihde@wisc.edu or visit our website at Small Ruminant Webinar Series – Livestock
UW-Madison Extension
Livestock Program News
Subscribe to our Livestock Newsletter
Subscribe to the Livestock Program Newsletter to receive the latest Livestock research articles and information about upcoming Livestock events!