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 $125.

Registration

Payment

Class Schedule

Virtual Sessions 2027 (Thursdays-5:30 pm)

February 4, 11, 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8

Included Hands-On Sessions

Small Ruminant

Pasture and Forages Management

Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)
Summer Weeds (7-7-26)
Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Equipment Calibration (1-12-27)
Spring Pastures (3-30-27)

All Hands-On Classes

Pasture and Forages Management

Multi-Species Grazing (6-10-26)
Summer Weeds (7-7-26)
Fall Planting (9-14-26)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Equipment Calibration (1-12-27)
Spring Pastures (3-30-27)

Horse

Trailering Clinic (5-19-26)
Equine Ground Manners (6-2-26)
Equine Wrapping and Bandaging Techniques (2-2-27)
Horse Management Field Day (2-9-27)
Maintaining a Healthy Hoof (3-3-27)

Small Ruminant

Beef

Beef Heifer Development Field Day (5-21-26 & 5-22-26)
Precision Livestock Beef Field Day ($10 Fee for those not registered for 2026 Master Beef Program)
Hay Selection (9-23-26)
Raising Freezer Beef (9-28-26)
Williamson County Beef Field Day (10-2-26)
AI & Pregnancy Checking (4-12-27)
Bull Selection (TBA)

Poultry

Breed Selection (9-29-26)

Horticulture

Dig, Divide, & Design with Perennials (5-7-26)
Landscape Irrigation (5-19-26)
Seed Saving (7-16-26)
Seeding Cool-Season Turf Grasses (9-8-26)
Edible Landscaping (4-15-27)

Other Topics

Homestead Farm Layout (9-9-26)
Tractor Maintenance (1-27-26)(Postponed Due to Weather)

Craft Products

Culinary

Jams & Preserves (5-19-26)
Canning (6-16-26)
Art of Knife Sharpening (11-16-26)

Mechanics

Small Engine Troubleshooting (11-3-26)
Crawlspace Science (4-20-27)

Outdoors

Deer Processing Clinic (11-21-26)

Poultry

Poultry Processing (10-31-26)

Horticulture

Blueberry & Elderberry Workshop (7-2-26)
Seed Starting (2-25-27)

Trainings

Private/Commercial Applicator Recertification

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 8 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 $125. 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