Chico State Sheep Unit Hosts Annual Sheep and Goat Educational Day

The longstanding tradition of California State University, Chico’s Sheep and Goat Day continued on February 9, 2019, at the University Farm. Coordinated by Professor Celina Phillips and the Chico State Sheep Unit, this educational symposium invites local youth to visit the University Farm to take part in educational workshops, observe showmanship practice and listen to industry experts to learn how they can better care for their livestock projects.

This year, the event hosted over 500 attendees enthusiastic to learn more about sheep and goat management. There were a total of eight workshops including nutrition, health, introduction to meat evaluation, neonatal lamb care, selection, fitting and grooming, goat showmanship and sheep showmanship.

The featured presenters were Dr. Allen Pettey, UC Davis; Dr. Melissa VanLangingham, Mid Valley Vet Clinic; Professor Crystal Waters, CSU, Chico; Megan Banwarth, CSU, Chico student; and Jordan Baumgartner, Purina Petcare Company/Weaver Show Products. In addition, students had the opportunity to compete in a “skill-a-thon” to showcase their knowledge. Coordinated by Chico State students, more than 100 youth participated in answering questions about livestock.

Without the help of Chico State students and collaboration with the Pine Ridge 4-H club, this event would not have been possible. Student volunteers included Kylie Chapton, Carissa Wages, Shelby Devita, Miranda Jachens, Alex Nisson, Kinsey McDonald, Iris Stewart, Megan Banwarth and Mikayla Duchi.