Overview

Small ruminant farm workers are responsible for the daily care and maintenance of sheep that are used for meat or wool production, or goats that are used for meat or dairy production.

What responsibilities will I have?

• Ensure animals have access to food and water at all times
• Identify sick sheep or goats and determine proper treatment or contact veterinarian
• Administer vaccinations and medications
• Assist in breeding programs like artificial insemination and castration; also assist in lambing or kidding
• Regularly bottle feed rejected lambs and kids
• Cut lamb tails once of age
• Assist in tagging lambs and kids
• Shear sheep at least yearly or hire sheep shearer to do so; some farmers choose to sell wool as well
• Perform and assist in milking operations for dairy goats; clean milking parlor after each milking and ensure milk quality is not compromised by following standards
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare at all time
• Transport lambs or goats to market once ready for sale or slaughter
• Clean and maintain farm buildings and fences

What education and training is required?

A high school diploma is required to become a farm worker for small ruminant animals.

To pursue a career as a Farm Worker-Small Ruminant:

The following high school courses are recommended: agricultural education, biology, animal science, and mathematics.

Where can I work?

Small ruminant farm workers work for small to large-scale sheep and goat operations that may be privately or company owned. Small ruminant farmers also need to be willing to work flexible hours.

Future Job Market / Outlook

The future outlook for a small ruminant farm worker will be good over the next five years. 

Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations

• American Sheep Industry Association
• National Lamb Feeders Association
• American Lamb Board
• American Goat Society
• American Dairy Goat Society
• Wool Grower Associations
• State Sheep and Goat Industry Associations