GAFFNEY, S.C. — Sheep and goat producers can learn how to better care for their herds during the Upstate Small Ruminant Workshop June 23 at Carolina Savanna Farms.
Hosted by the Clemson Extension Service, the workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $20, which covers lunch, refreshments and materials. An optional pesticide credit will be granted for an additional $10. Those interested in attending should call Amy Mallette at 864-489-3141, ext. 114, or register online at http://bit.ly/2p7Fdyb by June 15.
Several speakers are lined up, including Clemson livestock and forage agents Lindsey Craig, Christopher LeMaster and Dr. Patty Scharko, a veterinarian who works at the Clemson Livestock Poultry Health facility in Columbia.
“We have a full day of exciting topics to cover and activities to participate in,” LeMaster said. “This workshop will prove valuable for all small ruminant producers in the Upstate.”
Topics covered include a discussion on parasites. Participants will see a fecal egg count demonstration and learn about refugia (worms) management. In addition, participants also will learn how to use control methods such as deworming and smart drenching to help rid their herds of parasites.
Also covered will be using a systems approach to parasite reduction through multi-species and rotational grazing. Livestock agents will discuss weed identification as well as control and pasture evaluation during the pasture walk.
Anyone requiring special accommodations because of a disability is asked to notify the office 10 days before this event.
Following lunch, participants can get FAMACHA-certified with Scharko or take a tour of Carolina Savanna Farms. FAMACHA is a system that utilizes an eyelid scorecard to help producers make decisions about whether or not to treat animals with chemical dewormers as part of an overall parasite control strategy. Carolina Savanna Farms has an excellent meat goat herd and forage program that will allow for plenty of hands-on demonstrations in meat goat evaluation and forage production.
Carolina Savanna Farms is located at 2962 Union Highway, Gaffney.
— Denise Attaway, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Public Service and Agriculture, Clemson University
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