Small Ruminant Webinar Series

The Small Ruminant Webinar Series provides research-driven solutions to popular sheep production issues. It also connects sheep and goat producers to useful tools, techniques, and tricks of the trade & tips from the field.

This Zoom-based webinar series is designed for Wisconsin and Iowa small ruminant producers.

To request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, please contact Carolyn Ihde at carolyn.ihde@wisc.edu 10 days before the session. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

Small Ruminant Webinar Series Topics

Emerging Technologies
Herd Health and Welfare
Nutrition
Parasites
Reproduction

Small Ruminant Webinar Series Archive

Webinar Dates

Lamb and Goat Marketing Considerations

February 23, 2026 • 7:30 PM

Speaker: Abdullah Hussaini, VP of Marketing, Equity Livestock

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.

Illustration of farmer speaking with customer at farm meat stand.

Rooted to the Land, Reaching Toward the Customer

March 30, 2026 • 7:30 PM

Speakers: Producers from Wisconsin & Iowa direct‑marketing lamb, goat, and beef

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.

Protecting Your Flock’s Udder Health: A Primer on Subclinical Mastitis

April 27, 2026 • 7:30 PM

Speaker: Dr. Sarah Adcock, Assistant Professor of Animal Welfare, UW–Madison

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.