Small Ruminant Program Hosts Second Annual Fencing Field Day

The Small Ruminant Program at Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) held its second annual Fencing Field Day on March 20, drawing producers from across the region for hands-on training in livestock fencing and pasture management.

Drs. Mohan Acharya and Homero Salinas, state extension specialists in LU’s Small Ruminant Program, hosted the field day near Springfield at Mark Green’s farm. Green, who owns a farm consulting company and has worked with Lincoln for three years, also provided additional instruction.

“Fencing is a vital part of livestock farming. It helps keep animals safely contained in the pasture,” Acharya said. “Fencing training for livestock helps farmers avoid costly, permanent fencing projects, leading to a more affordable and flexible operation.”

Green opened the event with a presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of temporary and permanent fencing, including construction materials and corner post installation strategies. Acharya followed with a practical demonstration on the use of netting fence systems. Salinas introduced participants to the pasture yardstick, a tool used to determine when to rotate livestock based on forage conditions.

Salinas noted the high level of participant engagement during the hands-on demonstrations.

“Participants were especially interested in using the pasture stick to estimate forage height and canopy cover, which helps calculate pasture yield and adjust stocking rates,” Salinas said. “Seeing them actively use the tool in the field and discuss their decisions really captured the purpose of the day.”

Participants also engaged in meaningful peer-to-peer exchanges, sharing their own experiences while trading practical ideas and strategies to strengthen and refine their operations.

Salinas and Acharya plan to continue the annual event going forward, though content and structure may change. For example, Salinas said future iterations may be adjusted to better accommodate participants traveling long distances.

Fencing Field Day supports the broader mission of LU’s Small Ruminant Program to provide educational opportunities for sheep and goat producers. By teaching fencing and pasture techniques, the program strengthens the knowledge and skills needed to improve the profitability and sustainability of small ruminant farming systems.