Cornell Discussion Group on Commercial Small Ruminant Management Formed
Amy Barkley, 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
WNY Pastureland Conversion & Soil Health Field Day
July 16, 2025
Middleport, NY
Join American Farmland Trust for the Western New York Soil Health Field Day on July 16, 2025, at Zeliff Farm in Middleport, NY, from 9:00 AM-3:15 PM. Learn about pasture conversion, soil health benchmarking, biochar in grazing systems, and best grazing practices. Plus, enjoy hands-on demos with the NY Soil Health Trailer, drones, and cover crops! Check out the attached agenda for more information about the field day and REGISTER HERE. Zeliff Farms is a regenerative beef operation who has recently partnered with AFT on outreach and education to farmers including learning circles and evaluating biochar effects on soil health.
IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seed in NY

July 30, 2025
Hamburg , NY
SWNYDLFC and Cornell IPM are hosting a grower meeting to discuss integrated pest management strategies for protecting corn and soybean seed in New York.
FAMACHA Training for Sheep and Goat producers in Woodhull NY
August 13, 2025 : FAMACHA Training in Woodhull
Woodhull, NY
Join us for a discussion and hands-on training for internal parasite integrated pest management in sheep and goats. Certification is available to all students participating in the workshop.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.