The UGA Extension offices in Carroll, Coweta, and Paulding counties have teamed up to facilitate The Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program. It is a comprehensive training program for beginning and small farmers provided by UGA Cooperative Extension. The Journeyman Program is a three part series including the small farm business training (held in August), a small ruminant production course, and a hands-on production experience. This program is for those interested in starting a farm business or those who have recently begun farming and want to improve their operation.
Part 2 of the program is Small Ruminant production. Small Ruminant Production is a six week training developed by Fort Valley State University in partnership with UGA Extension. Topics include: goat and sheep breeds and selection, nutrition and body scoring, pasture management, predator control, health and diseases, reproduction and kidding/lambing, integrated parasite management, as well as meats and marketing. The training includes a session with live animals to practice body condition scoring, hoof trimming and checking for internal parasites.
The course will be offered on Tuesday nights, January 10-February 28, 2017. Part 3 of the course is hands-on production experience. The program organizers will assist in finding a mentor for participants with an existing herd and internship positions for would-be farmers without a herd.
The program registration fee is $100 and will include all program materials. Space is limited in the program and participants are required to register before August 12, 2016 by calling (770) 836-8546 or emailing . For more information about the Journeyman Farmer Certificate Program, contact Carroll County Agent Paula Burke at (770) 836-8546 or .