Two women on a tractor with evergreen tree backdrop

Livestock Advisors

Providing classroom and field experience in livestock management.  

WSU Extension Livestock Advisor Program: The program provides insights into best livestock practices and operational improvements for various livestock types, including cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, and goats. 

What we do: 

  • Advising Farmers: We provide guidance to farmers on which livestock to purchase based on their needs and current market conditions. 
  • Best Practices: We offer expertise on various aspects of livestock management, including raising, breeding, and housing livestock. 
  • Knowledge Transfer: We play a key role in transferring knowledge and supporting farmers in on-farm implementation. 

Why we are important:

  • Knowledge and Expertise: Livestock advisors possess specialized knowledge and experience in the livestock industry, helping farmers make informed decisions. 
  • Supporting Farmers: We provide valuable support to farmers, particularly in areas like animal health, nutrition, and management techniques. Network with others, while learning strategic, sustainable methods for maximizing production while producing livestock.
  • Promoting Sustainable Practices: They can help farmers adopt sustainable and efficient livestock management practices. 

Gain Confidence. Build Success: Livestock–101 Course

Classes begin September 22, 2026, for 8 weeks. This course is designed for beginning and experienced livestock owners who want practical, research-based knowledge to care for their animals, improve their land and grow a sustainable operation.

Farmer using computer for online training

Live Online Evening Classes

Convenient, interactive sessions with research-based information you can use the right way.
Skagit County beef herd grazing in alder forest

In-Person Farm Tours

Visit farms in your region, see management practices in action, ask questions and connect with other livestock owners.
Country Living Expo tradeshow floor as viewed from above

Community Connection

Give back by volunteering in your community or at our Country Living and Modern Homesteading Expo.

Practical. Relevant. Research-Based: Livestock–101 Course

Pasture raised chickens on a homestead

Livestock Care

Raise cattle, chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, geese, camelids rabbits and gain valuable knowledge for a balanced thriving farm.
Heifer grazing behind an electric fence near Puget Sound

Pasture Management

Improve manure management, weed control, rotational grazing, and fencing
Farmers learning in the field

Farm Planning

Create a strategic plan for growth and sustainability.
Manage operations and tackle farm challenges with confidence.

Discover the essentials of successful livestock management and farm operation in this comprehensive training program!

Cost of the program: $125 for up to 2 people from the same family or farm. Upon completion of training we ask for a commitment to return 40 hours of volunteer time over 2 years. Plenty of opportunities arise related to your talents and passions:  staffing a fair booth,  helping out with farm tours and educational events, building a small project/porotype. We guarantee we can find a way that fits for you to volunteer! 

Meet Current Livestock Advisors

Mary Fuentes – Silvana, WA

I was born on a small dairy farm in Silvana, where my family also raised beef cattle. I was active in 4-H & FFA, showing dairy & beef cattle and raising hogs and lambs for projects. After our dairy sold in the late 1990s, I moved to Wisconsin and worked as a herdsman on a dairy farm. I returned to Silvana in the early 2000s.

Today, I work for Andrew’s Hay in Arlington and serve as Youth and Community Outreach Director at Peace Lutheran Church in Silvana.

I lead service trips to Guatemala, build small stoves, & water filters, and co-direct Friendship English at Warm Beach Camp. I’m also President of the Silvana Community Fair Board (July 24, 2026), and lead the Silvana 4-H & Livestock 4-H Club.

In 2025, my brother and I purchased our childhood farm, and after the Livestock Advisor class, a few chickens and cattle for family consumption will graze on fresh dairy, with winter feeding pigs and lambs added.

“My goal is to live as self-sufficiently as possible, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to educate the 4-H kids always interested. I am thankful for the tools the Livestock Advisor Training gave me!”

How do I apply?

Livestock–101 Course

Or contact Skagit WSU Extension office for an application.
Skagit WSU Extension
11768 Westar Lane, Ste. A,
Burlington, WA 98233.
360-428-4270.

Space is limited, so please apply soon.

Livestock Master Foundation Scholarship Application

Do you want to increase your knowledge about livestock?

Take the Livestock Advisor training this fall or plan on attending the next Country Living Expo in January.