Biosecurity and Premises Mapping Workshops

Biosecurity and Premises Mapping Workshops for Sheep and Livestock Producers in Gays Mills on October 13

A light-colored sheep rests on green grass next to a wire fence under a news header for a UW-Madison Extension workshop.

Sheep producers and livestock owners are invited to attend two complimentary workshops focused on protecting animal health, enhancing disease preparedness, and strengthening farm resilience on Monday, October 13, 2026, at the Gays Mills Community Commerce Center, Gays Mills, Wisconsin. The workshop is open to all who are interested.

Enhanced Sheep Biosecurity Planning Workshop

1:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Protecting your flock starts with planning. This free, in-person workshop will introduce the principles of enhanced sheep biosecurity and guide participants through developing a biosecurity binder for their operation. Enhanced biosecurity plans can help reduce the risk of disease introduction and spread, improve emergency preparedness, and support business continuity during a foreign animal disease outbreak.

Participants will receive guidance, resources, and practical tools to begin building a farm-specific biosecurity plan and binder that can be adapted to their operation. Producers are encouraged to bring information about their farm layout, management practices, and animal movement procedures to help customize their plans.

The workshop is designed for sheep producers interested in protecting flock health, preparing for animal disease emergencies, and understanding the steps needed to maintain continuity of business during a disease outbreak.

DATCP “Holding the Line” Biosecurity Premises Mapping Workshop

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Following the sheep biosecurity workshop, producers are invited to participate in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Holding the Line: Biosecurity Premises Mapping Workshop. This hands-on session helps livestock producers develop a premises map and identify key biosecurity points that can be used to manage access to, within, and from their operation during a disease event. Participants will leave with a draft premises map in hand. The workshop is open to all livestock producers and veterinarians. 

Attendance at the DATCP workshop is optional; however, separate registration is required. Registration closes one week before the event and space is limited.

Location

Gays Mills Community Commerce Center

16381 WI-131
Gays Mills, WI  54631

Questions?

For additional information, contact:

Carolyn Ihde

Small Ruminant Outreach Specialist
University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension & Iowa State University Extension and Outreach