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College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences (CAENS)

Annual Goat Day

Home > Colleges & Schools > CAENS > Annual Goat Day

 Tuskegee University will host the 2026 Annual Goat Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the James Henderson Hall Animal Science Building on campus in Tuskegee, Alabama. This one-day educational event brings together goat producers, farmers, researchers, Extension professionals, students, industry stakeholders, and agribusiness leaders to explore innovation and opportunity within the modern goat supply chain.

 

Event Overview

“From Pasture to Processor: A Modern Supply Chain for Goats”

 Goat Day 2026 will highlight cutting-edge research, production strategies, and value-chain development within the meat goat industry. Participants will gain insights into herd management, nutrition, health protocols, marketing strategies, processing logistics, and value-added opportunities designed to strengthen local and regional supply chains.

This event provides a platform for education, networking, technical learning, and industry collaboration that supports sustainable goat production and rural economic development.

About Goat Day

Our Mission
Our Goals
Our Values
Meet the Team

Mission

Goat Day is dedicated to advancing research-based knowledge, strengthening producer capacity, and supporting sustainable goat production systems across Alabama and the Southeast.

Goals of Goat Day


  • Promote innovative goat production practices

  • Strengthen the farm-to-processor supply chain

  • Connect producers with researchers and industry experts

  • Encourage youth and student involvement in animal sciences

  • Support rural and small-scale producers

Values of the Goat Day


  • Research-driven solutions

  • Community engagement

  • Agricultural sustainability

  • Economic empowerment

  • Hands-on learning and collaboration



Meat the MPPTA Team

Goat Day Contacts
Headshot of Dr. Derris D. Burnett

Dr. Derris D. Burnett

Department Head
Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Email: dburnett@tuskegee.edu

Dr. Burnett provides leadership and academic oversight within the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and supports programming efforts related to livestock production and industry engagement.

Headshot of Dr. Clarissa Harris

Dr. Clarissa Harris

Research Extension Assistant Professor
Meat Science & Food Safety

Email: charris2@tuskegee.edu
Phone: (334) 727-8435

Dr. Harris supports research and Extension programming in meat science, food safety, and producer education, working directly with stakeholders to strengthen livestock production systems and processing knowledge.

What to expect

If you’re interested in the latest trends in the goat industry, Goat Day 2026 is the event for you.

Attendees can expect expert presentations on modern meat goat production, research updates from Tuskegee University faculty, and in-depth discussions on supply chain development and processing insights that connect pasture-based systems to market opportunities. Goat Day also features producer-focused breakout sessions, networking opportunities with industry leaders, exhibitor and vendor engagement showcasing products and services, and student involvement through demonstrations and academic participation.

More Information

Conference Theme

The 2026 Goat Day theme is:

“From Pasture to Processor: A Modern Supply Chain for Goats”

Dates & Location


Saturday, April 18, 2026

James Henderson Hall – Animal Science Building

Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL

Program Overview

 A full-day educational program featuring presentations, producer engagement, and industry networking.

Who should join?

This Event Is Ideal For

This event is ideal for goat farmers and ranchers, beginning and experienced producers, meat processors, agricultural students, Extension agents, researchers, agribusiness professionals, and anyone interested in entering the goat industry.

Structure

Program Structure

Morning Educational Sessions: The day begins with engaging educational presentations led by faculty, researchers, and industry professionals. These sessions focus on current trends in meat goat production, supply chain considerations, and research-based practices designed to improve herd performance, profitability, and sustainability.

Midday Networking and Exhibitor Engagement: During the midday portion of the program, attendees will have dedicated time to connect with fellow producers, speakers, and industry representatives. Exhibitors and vendors will showcase products, services, and innovations that support modern goat production and processing operations.

Afternoon Focused Discussions and Applied Learning: The afternoon sessions emphasize interactive discussions and practical application. Participants will explore real-world challenges and solutions, share experiences, and gain actionable insights that can be implemented within their own operations or organizations.

Why Participate?

The Annual Goat Day supports the growth and long-term success of the regional meat and poultry sector by:

  • Learn current industry trends

  • Connect with researchers and producers

  • Strengthen your business model

  • Understand supply chain logistics

  • Discover processing and marketing opportunities

Planning Team

 

Goat Day 2026 is coordinated by faculty, staff, and students from the College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, including:

Clarissa Harris, Derris Burnett, Nar Gurung, Justin Tate, Uma Karki, Tyrone Smith, Chuck Okere, Shecoya White, Olga Bolden-Tiller, George Hunter, Raymon Shange, Jannette Bartlett, Russell Johnson, David Miller, Nelson Diaz, Byeng Min, Sandra Solaiman, Desmond Mortley, and DAES Graduate and Undergraduate Students.

Registration

 

Registration is required for the 2026 Annual Goat Day. All attendee registration and ticket selection is handled online through Eventbrite. To reserve your spot, please complete your registration using the link below.

Register for Goat Day 2026 on Eventbrite

After you register, you will receive a confirmation from Eventbrite with your order details. Please keep that confirmation available for event check-in. Goat Day is an in-person event held at Tuskegee University, and registration helps the planning team prepare materials, space, and support for participants.

Refund Policy: Refunds are available up to 7 days before the event. For the most up-to-date ticket availability, pricing, and refund details, refer to the Eventbrite registration page.

Exhibitors and Vendors

 

Businesses and organizations interested in participating as exhibitors or vendors are encouraged to contact Russell Johnson for additional information.

Russell Johnson
Phone: 334-450-3990
Email: rljbull01@gmail.com

Sponsors

 

Goat Day 2026 is supported by the College of Agriculture, Environment & Nutrition Sciences (CAENS), the George Washington Carver Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program.

These partners play a critical role in advancing research, education, and outreach efforts that strengthen agricultural systems and rural communities.

Contact

Contact Information

For additional information about the 2026 Annual Goat Day, please contact:

Clarissa Harris
Phone: 334-727-8435 or 334-439-0203
Email: charris2@tuskegee.edu

Derris Burnett
Email: dburnett@tuskegee.edu