Small ruminant producers looking for ways to better manage their operations, or for those who are looking at getting into the business, can make plans to attend the upcoming 2026 Oklahoma Sheep and Meat Goat Boot Camp.

Slated Oct. 19-21 in Ada, Oklahoma, at the Pontotoc County Agri-Plex, 1700 N. Broadway, the boot camp is limited to 50 participants. Registration is $250, and participants are encouraged to enroll early. The registration fee includes camp materials, meals and refreshments.

This multi-day event is geared toward both beginning and experienced producers to learn more about the production of ruminant livestock, said Brian Freking, Oklahoma State University Extension area livestock specialist.

“We’ve hosted the meat goat boot camp for a number of years, but last year was the first time to combine it with sheep, and it was successful,” he said. “The care and production practices are similar, and both species have similar challenges. We have several industry professionals and Extension specialists from OSU and Langston University who will be on hand to share their expertise.”

Some of the classroom and hands-on topics include:

• Vaccinating, tagging and castrating
• Hoof trimming and aging
• Farm business planning
• Patch burning
• Multi-species grazing
• Recordkeeping
• Birthing and neonatal care
• Predator control
• Nutrition

Freking said participants will also visit a farm for some hands-on learning and encourages everyone to dress accordingly. Dr. Ryan Reuter, a professor in the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences, will be on hand to demonstrate collar technology similar to virtual fencing.

“The camp has become one of the premier multi-day events in the region and is an opportunity not only to interact with experts from industry and academia, but also to network with fellow producers who may be in situations similar to your own or who may have developed solutions that could prove useful in your own operation,” Freking said.

For more information, contact Freking at brian.freking@okstate.edu or 580-332-7011.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communications, program information or reasonable accommodations need to contact Erin Hubbard at 580-332-2153 or erin.r.hubbard@okstate.edu at least two weeks prior to the event.