It’s almost here! The annual Goats On The Go®/Sheep On The Go® Affiliate Training & Conference is less than two weeks away (March 3, 4, and 5). We have some great things planned for you. Here’s a sneak peak.
Hands-On Clinic at River Heights Ranch
There’s so much we want to do, we had to add an extra half-day! This year we’re separating the on-the-ground skills part of our event from the classroom-style Basic Training. The optional Hands-On Clinic will be held at River Heights Ranch, owned by former affiliate Dawn Carlson, on the afternoon of March 3. If you attend, you’ll get very familiar with electric net fencing and some local goats!
Joe Putnam from Premier 1 Supplies
Joe (he’s the guy you see in lots of Premier’s product demo videos) will be on hand for part of the day on Friday, March 4 to answer your questions and show off some products. He’ll also do an informal Q&A session during the all-affiliate social on Friday evening. Come with your questions, recommendations, and even a few constructive criticisms. This is your chance to have a direct line with the company.
New format for the All-Affiliate Social
This year our social will happen immediately after the Basic Training on Friday, March 4, and be in the same venue (West48). If you’re attending the Basic Training, you can shift right into relax mode afterward while enjoying some snacks and drinks. If you’re just rolling into town for the next day’s conference, the earlier (4:30 - 7:00 p.m.) time slot will allow you to network and socialize without making for too long of a day.
Case studies from fellow affiliates
In keeping with tradition, several experienced Goats On The Go®/Sheep On The Go® affiliates have volunteered to present on actual, real world grazing projects they conducted last year. During the Conference on Saturday, March 5, you’ll hear from harmOny Davies (Goats On The Go® Denver South) and Syndy and Chris Clark (Goats On The Go® Peoria — first solar grazing project!). These intrepid folks’ willingness to share both their successes and failures, the good parts and bad, make us all better!
Break-out sessions
We’ve added additional break-out sessions to the Conference this year. During the morning break-out on March 5 you’ll get to choose between Going Deeper with Pricing & Profitability (led by Aaron Steele) or Equipment Upgrades, Gripes, and Problem Solving (open forum facilitated by Chad Steenhoek of Goats On The Go® Ames). In the afternoon, attend Large Project Training (required before doing projects 10 acres or larger) or Making a Meat Goat Farm and Targeted Grazing Business Work Together (presented by Glenda and Jeff DeShon of Goats On The Go® Mid-MO).
Guest speaker, Cherrie Nolden
We’re lucky to have Cherrie on hand this year. She’ll be presenting two different sessions at the Conference on Saturday, March 5: Science of Vegetation Management with Goats and Low Input Goat Health. Check out Cherrie’s bio on the last page of the agenda, by clicking the button below.
If you haven’t registered for the event yet, it’s not too late! Click below.