UNIVERSITY PARK — Sheep producers, livestock managers, beginning farmers, and agricultural professionals are invited to attend Sheep Smarter: Turning Data into Decisions, a hands-on educational workshop hosted by Penn State Extension on Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at LC Ranch, 32465 Mickle Hollow Rd., Union City.
Designed to help producers improve profitability and management through data-driven decision-making, the workshop will feature practical demonstrations, expert hands-on instruction, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities focused on modern sheep production practices.
Participants will gain hands-on experience analyzing forage samples and learn how laboratory forage analyses can be used to make informed feeding and nutritional decisions. The program will also include demonstrations of electronic identification tagging systems, flock management software options (both free and subscription based), and digital recordkeeping tools & handling systems that help producers monitor flock performance and improve operational efficiency.
In addition to technology demonstrations, attendees will hear directly from experienced sheep producers during a panel discussion highlighting successful management strategies, lessons learned, and practical approaches to improving flock productivity.
The workshop will conclude with a guided pasture walk and on-farm tour of LC Ranch, allowing participants to observe pasture management practices and discuss forage utilization and grazing strategies in a working sheep operation.
Sound management decisions begin with accurate information. By combining forage and DNA testing, performance records, electronic identification systems, and practical field observations, producers can better evaluate flock and pasture performance, improve animal health, manage costs, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their operations. Research consistently demonstrates that effective recordkeeping and objective performance evaluation are essential components of profitable sheep enterprises.
The registration fee is $25 per participant. Additional information and online registration are available through the Penn State Extension website: Sheep Smarter: Turning Data into Decisions Registration Page.
Interested registrants can also call PSU Extension Customer Service at: 1-877-345- 0691. from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
