Cornell Discussion Group on Commercial Small Ruminant Management Formed
Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

This discussion group was formed to connect sheep and goat farmers, extension staff, researchers, and service providers to share experiences and information on sheep and goat management. The group will focus on commercial production of all types including goat and sheep dairies, solar array grazers, traditional meat and fiber operations and grass-fed farms. This discussion group will meet virtually via ZOOM at 7:30 pm on the third Thursday of every month. The first meeting will be November 19th at 7:30 pm to focus on "winter feeding". If you are interested in participating in this discussion group, please fill out this online Google Form!
Your participation in this discussion group is greatly appreciated!
This program is being hosted by:
Dr. Michael L. Thonney
Cornell University
114 Morrison Hall
mlt2@cornell.edu
607-592-5891
Dr. tatiana Luisa Stanton
Cornell Small Ruminant Extension Specialist
tls7@cornell.edu
607-229-9066
Dr. Niko Kochendoerfer
Postdoctoral Associate
nk584@cornell.edu
607-279-3474
Upcoming Events
Livestock Production Field Day
August 29, 2026 : Livestock Production Field Day
Chaffee, NY and East Aurora, NY,
Join us on visits to Horizon Ridge Farm in East Aurora and Troll Bridge Farm in Chaffee for an introduction to small beef and small diversified livestock enterprises. Through walking farm tours, attendees will learn about management, meat processing, setting prices, and finding local markets. Dinner will be provided. Register by contacting Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.
Large Animal Awareness Training For First Responders
September 19, 2026
Dunkirk, NY
Join the Chautauqua County Technical Rescue Services and NYS Veterinarian, Dr. Kate Card-Allen, for a specialized training on how to safely and effectively respond to large animal incidents. Learn techniques for managing large animals during traffic accidents, rollovers, entrapments and other transportation emergencies.
Cows, Crops & Critters - Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Newsletter Sponsorship
December 18, 2026
Our two forms of publications feature research-based and timely information from our four specialists, listed to the right, along with local event notifications and Cornell University outreach. This information is provided to participants who range from dairy, livestock, and field crops producers to agricultural suppliers and consultants.
Weekly Email Update: Shared with 625+ households who have signed up with our program.
Monthly Paper Mailer: To reach our stakeholders and farmers who lack internet access, we send out a monthly mailer where your company's logo and contact information would be featured with a mailing list of 330+ households.
If you sponsor our weekly and monthly publications you reach approximately 955 households.
Visit our website to view our newsletters!
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





