THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO FLOODING AND INCLEMENT WEATHER. WE WILL TOUCH BASE SOON WITH A RAIN DATE. 

Join Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, NC Cooperative Extension, at the Upper Mountain Research Station for a workshop all about Small Ruminants! This is workshop local, hands-on, certification training for FAMACHA. This workshop will provide education on parasite control in small ruminants, as well as certify producers in FAMACHA.

This workshop will teach shepherds to look for and identify internal parasites in their flock. Instructors will go over basic handling and lambing, They will also equip you with keys to success with small ruminants, including coverage of the most common parasites, prevention of parasites, and how to assess for parasites. 

Participants will leave with a FAMACHA certification, including a FAMACHA card. 

When: September 26th, from 1-5pm
Where: Upper Mountain Research Station in Laurel Springs Address: 8004 NC Highway, 88 E Laurel Springs, NC 28644-8631
Cost: $25 fee to cover supplies, the certification, and your FAMACHA card

What to Expect: This workshop will be comprised of an in classroom presentation, and then field demonstrations. 

What to Bring: We will provide some snacks, but please bring any refreshments you might want and a water bottle. Bring supplies to take notes and clothes/shoes that can get dirty. Please dress for the weather and come prepared to be outside for a duration of the workshop. 

Please email lily@brwia.org with any questions you may have! 

About the instructor, Kendra Phipps: Kendra Phipps was raised on a stocker and backgrounding operation in Alleghany County, where she was first exposed to agriculture. She attended Virginia Tech for her undergraduate degree, where she majored in dairy science and minored in animal and poultry sciences. Phipps graduated from Virginia Tech in Dec. 2018 and began graduate studies in animal science at NC State University in Jan. 2019. During her time at NC State, she was involved in a variety of research projects, including byproduct feeding trials, grazing studies and small-plot forage research. Phipps completed her master’s degree and began her career with the extension as the livestock and forages agent in Stokes County, NC in Dec. 2020. Her programming in Stokes focused on livestock production using a systems approach, including improving soil health, forage quality, and yield, as well as animal welfare/performance. Phipps also managed the mobile poultry processing unit and was involved in a variety of regional programming during her time there. Her favorite part of working for the extension includes working with producers and planning meaningful programs.

About Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture: Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture helps build an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate, inspire, and increase the demand for local food. This workshop is part of BRWIA's 2024 CRAFT Summer Workshop Series. Blue Ridge Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT) cultivates meaningful mentor relationships between aspiring and experienced farmers. ​We believe that the educational and professional development of tomorrow’s growers and producers informs the health of our diverse local-food system and rural economy. Check out our other workshops and events for producers at brwia.org/craft.

*All tickets are non-refundable.