Shepherd’s Cross to offer Small Ruminant Animal Husbandry Class

Sheep, Goats, and Small Ruminants

Animal Husbandry & Herd Health Class

Saturday, May 18, 2024

8:30 am- 4:30 pm 

For those interested in returning to the basics of farming, small ruminants present a great option for sustainable living. Our small ruminant class is a great place to start learning how to be more self-sufficient and for homesteading.

Learn how to care for small ruminants such as sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. Class includes instruction, handouts, videos, tutorials, and hands on experience. The primary instructor for the class is Dr. Diane Dickinson, a licensed veterinarian and an agriculturalist, with over 40 years of livestock and farming experience. Her unique perspective of animal husbandry care includes that of a producer, a veterinarian, and a small flock & herd owner. She also shares her experiences in global agriculture, Biblical agriculture, sustainable living, natural production, agritourism and niche markets.

The Dickinsons have owned and operated Shepherd’s Cross, a working sheep farm, for over 30 years. Their livestock include sheep, cattle, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses & poultry. Their farm is Animal Welfare Approved with their livestock pasture raised and pasture fed.

Class Topics Include

Vaccinations                                                                            Feet Trimming

Tail docking                                                                             Bloodless castration

Managing pasture & Feeding                                                    Parasites & Worms

Practical profitable flock herd health for working shepherds        FAMACHA

Sheep, goats, alpacas & others                                                   Lambing & birthing

Neonatal care – lambs, kids & others                                          Tubing

Wool management                                                                    AWA

Shearing

Classes are limited to 20 participants and fill quickly. Beverages are provided. Bring your lunch.

Cost is $99.00 per person, $179.00 for 2 family members, or $259.00 for 3 or more family members (age 16 & over).

During these troubled times, small flocks provide stability for our families, communities, and the nation.  Sheep starter flocks are available locally at Shepherd’s Cross.

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