Master Small Ruminant Program | Williamson County

The Master Small Ruminant Producer program is designed to give sheep and goat producers a combination of classroom teaching and hands-on learning experiences. The program is designed for first time producers all the way to the seasoned veterans. Cost of the program is $100.

Registration

Payment

Class Schedule

Virtual Sessions 2025 (Thursdays-5:30 pm)

February 6, 13, 20, 27
March 6, 13, 20, 27
April 3, 10

Included Hands-On Sessions

Small Ruminant

Pasture and Forages Management

Spring Pastures (3-26-25)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-11-25)
Summer Weeds (7-8-25)
Fall Planting (9-15-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Equipment Calibration (1-13-26)

All Hands-On Classes

Pasture and Forages Management

Spring Pastures (3-26-25)
Multi-Species Grazing (6-11-25)
Summer Weeds (7-8-25)
Fall Planting (9-15-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Equipment Calibration (1-13-26)

Horse

Trailering Clinic (5-20-25)
Equine Ground Manners (6-3-25)
Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-3-26)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (2-11-26)

Beef

AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-14-25)
Hay Selection (9-24-25)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-29-25)
Handling Facilities (10-6-25)
Working Cattle (10-27-25)
Bull Selection (11-6-25)

Poultry

Breed Selection (9-30-25)
Brooding Basics and Transition Housing (10-7-25)

Small Ruminant

Horticulture

Raised Bed Gardening (4-8-25)
Permaculture & Edible Landscaping (4-17-25)
Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (4-22-25)
Landscape Irrigation (5-20-25)
Seed Saving (7-17-25)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-9-25)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-10-25)

Craft Products

Culinary

Jams & Preserves (5-13-25)
Canning (6-17-25)
Art of Knife Sharpening (11-17-25)

Mechanics

Small Engine Troubleshooting (11-11-25)
Tractor Maintenance (1-27-26)

Outdoors

Deer Processing Clinic (11-22-25)

Poultry

Poultry Processing (11-1-25)

Horticulture

Ornamental Spring Pruning Rescheduled (New Date Coming Soon!)
Seed Starting (Class Full)
Strawberry Workshop (5-6-25)
Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (6-24-25)

Masters Programs

Q: What is the Master Small Ruminant Program?
A: The Master Small Ruminant Program is an educational program designed to provide a foundation of science-based and practical sheep and goat environmental information.

Q: What are the topics covered?
A: Topics change for each year’s program, but typically cover: Pasture Management, Reproduction, Genetics Nutrition, Health, Marketing, Economics, Hot Topics.

Q: Do I have to own a certain number of sheep/goats to participate?
A: No, the program is designed for those interested in future ownership, 0-50 head, and 50 and over. First time producers and generational producers will all learn.

Q: How long is the Master Small Ruminant Program?
A: The program is anywhere from 8-20 classes in which the participant is required to attend a minimum of 7 classes to receive certification. Selection and attendance is entirely up to the participant.

Q: What is the format of the program?
A: Depending on the program and location, the program may either be hands-on or virtual. Please check with each individual location for specific format.

Q: When does the program take place?
A: Participants can sign up at any time as hands-on classes are offered year-round. Virtual classes are only offered in February-April.

Q: How often do I need to take the program to maintain TN Ag Enhancement certification?
A: Upon taking the course, certification is good for three years.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The cost of the program is $100. Participants will receive access to all of the hands-on classes (1 year from purchase of program) plus the virtual classes.

Contact Us

Matt Horsman
Extension Agent