University of Maine Cooperative Extension is partnering with Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Animal Health Team and the Wolfe’s Neck Center to offer a sheep and goat school for new farmers.

The event is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the 184 Burnett Road center in Freeport.

Topics include selecting animals, housing and fence options, health and parasite management, biosecurity, record keeping, and building a veterinary kit. There will be a shearing demonstration, and participants can gain hands-on experience with body condition scoring, hoof trimming, behavior and veterinary care, according to a news release from Rachel White with the extension.

The event features instruction by White, University of Maine Cooperative Extension sustainable agriculture and livestock educator; Elizabeth Tarantino, Wolfe’s Neck Center Dairy and Livestock manager; Taryn Pearson, assistant state veterinarian, Maine DACF; and Carol Delaney, livestock specialist, Maine DACF.

The cost for the event is on a sliding scale from $50 to $120 and includes lunch. Class size is limited to 35; registration is required on the event registration page at umaine-extension.

Those with a disability who need an accommodation to participate can call Sue Baez at 207-667-8212 or 800-287-8212 (in Maine) to discuss their needs. Receiving requests from accommodations at least 10 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request, but all requests will be considered.

Check out other upcoming area events!