***Our 2022 workshop series has come to a close and we do not have current plans to offer this series again. However, we did create corresponding workbooks for each of these workshops that contain the information that we covered in person. Please reach out to us if you would like a copy of the workbooks, and let us know if you would like to be on our workshop mailing list for updates about future workshops. Below is the information on each of the workshops that were offered:

 

 

 

Vermont Shepherd, one of the country's oldest and most well known sheep dairies, invites you to a series of 5 workshops in which we will explore how to successfully raise and farm dairy sheep in the northeast. With our collected knowledge of over 30 years in this industry and the help of additional experts, you will learn from start to finish how to begin a new venture or improve upon and innovate your existing business. This is a free workshop series that is made possible by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center. This series consists of five workshops:

  • Lambing on a Sheep Dairy - in this workshop you will learn and experience first-hand the basics and nuances of birthing and caring for newborn lambs and their mothers. 

  • Milking on a Sheep Dairy - workshop covers training sheep to use the milking parlor, milking start to finish, and troubleshooting. We will also cover food safety and sanitation, and mastitis.  

  • Pasture Management for Dairy Sheep (with guest speaker Amber Reed) - in this workshop you will learn about rotational grazing for dairy sheep, managing pasture land, water and fencing systems, and the environmental and nutritional benefits of working this way with the land. Guest speaker Amber Reed will also be co-hosting this workshop. Amber is a grazing and pasture management specialist.   

  • Dairy Sheep Health (with guest speaker Dr. Stephen Major) - learn all about parasite and disease management, breeding, and overall sheep health. This workshop will be partially led by guest host Dr. Stephen Major, an animal health expert and local large animal veterinarian. 

  • Processing and Marketing Sheep Milk - this workshop covers how to profit off of your final product - sheep milk. We will have guest speakers from local businesses that buy and utilize sheep milk. This is a great opportunity to network and meet potential buyers of your product, and to learn options and methods for processing your own milk.