By Andi Anderson
Sheep producers seeking to improve flock nutrition and management will have an opportunity to learn from industry experts through a comprehensive virtual educational program scheduled from October 8 to November 12, 2026. The six-part webinar series is designed to help participants better understand nutritional management practices that support flock health, productivity, and profitability.
The program is suitable for both beginning and experienced sheep producers. Participants will gain practical knowledge that can be applied to small family flocks as well as large-scale commercial sheep operations. The training combines research-based information with real-world production experience, providing valuable insights into effective feeding and management strategies.
Throughout the six sessions, instructors will explore key aspects of sheep nutrition. The series begins with a discussion of forage quality and feeding systems, helping producers understand why forage evaluation is important and how feeding programs influence flock performance. Participants will learn how feed quality impacts animal growth, reproduction, and overall health.
Additional sessions will focus on understanding nutritional requirements and how feeding practices should be adjusted to meet the needs of sheep during different production stages. Special attention will be given to strategic nutritional management of breeding ewes throughout the production cycle.
The program will also address feeding strategies for market lambs and replacement ewes. Producers will learn how nutrition can support healthy growth and development while improving production efficiency. Another session will highlight the importance of supplements, including minerals, vitamins, and coccidiostats, which play important roles in maintaining animal health and preventing nutritional deficiencies.
The final webinar will bring all topics together by examining diet formulation for different feeding phases and production systems. Participants will gain a better understanding of how to develop balanced feeding programs that match the needs of their flock and management goals.
The educational series will be taught by a team of experienced professionals. Richard Ehrhardt Ph.D., Senior Extension Specialist; Mike Metzger M.S., Extension Educator; Erin Recktenwald Ph.D., Extension and Research Associate; and Barbara Makela, Research Technician, will share knowledge gained through years of research and hands-on work with sheep producers.
In addition to live instruction, participants will receive access to recordings of all sessions, allowing them to review course material at their convenience. Registrants will also receive a ration balancing program and a reference manual containing articles focused on sheep nutritional management. These resources are intended to serve as valuable tools long after the webinar series concludes.
The virtual sessions will be held weekly at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, with recordings available shortly after each presentation. The registration fee is $30 per household and includes all educational materials and access to recorded content.
As flock nutrition continues to play a critical role in sheep production success, this webinar series offers producers an excellent opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, improve feeding decisions, and enhance the health and productivity of their operations through practical, science-based information.
Photo Credit: istock-globalp
Categories: Michigan, Livestock