An understanding of characteristics of sheep and goat producers across the Southeast United States is crucial for the development and vitality of the small ruminant industry. The state of Mississippi (MS) is rich in animal agriculture, and sheep and goats display the potential to become an integral part of the state’s agricultural livelihood. However, sheep and goat producers are constantly combatting the negative effects gastrointestinal nematodes inflict upon their animals. With the anthelmintic resistance status rising across the globe, sustainable methods to control parasites in small ruminants are crucial. Therefore, small ruminant producers must develop an accurate targeted selective treatment (TST) for their herd or flock. The following studies sought to identify the demographic status of current small ruminant producers in the Southeast, as well as identify the most accurate parasitic indicators (FAMACHA© or body condition scoring, namely) that will contribute significantly to the development and use of TST in MS herds and flocks.