News Release Distributed 04/07/10

The latest research-based information on raising small ruminants – sheep and goats – will be presented at two consecutive events – a continuing education session for extension agents and veterinarians on April 23 and a field day for producers on April 24. The events will both be at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in Baton Rouge, according to Ken McMillin, LSU AgCenter professor of meat science.

The April 24 field day will feature speakers on the status of small ruminant production, grazing and forages, carcass yields, management and marketing for new and existing sheep and goat enterprises, and target marketing. Afternoon demonstrations will be on farmer market booths, Famacha training for parasite loads, and routine management practices.

The events are co-sponsored by the LSU AgCenter, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Registration fees for the producer field day are $10 for an individual and $20 for families, with an additional $10 fee for Famacha certification. The continuing education fees are $20 for agents and $50 for veterinarians to receive five hours of continuing education credit from the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association.

Registration for the continuing education sessions will begin at 9 a.m. in room 1212C of the School of Veterinary Medicine on Skip Bertman Drive between Nicholson Drive and River Road. The sessions will begin at 9:30 a.m. on small ruminant herd and flock health and parasite control. Lunch is included in the registration fee and will be followed by sessions on nutrition for show and commercial production and grooming and management essentials. Speakers include Dr. David Pugh from Fort Dodge and Dr. Christine Navarre and Dr. Jim Miller from LSU.

The Small Ruminant Producer Field Day will begin with registration at 8 a.m. in the same room and will start at 8:30 a.m. Topics will include an update on small ruminant status in Louisiana and the United States, grazing and forages for sheep and goats, carcass yields and meat characteristics from different breeds, management and marketing for new enterprises and existing sheep and goat operations, and target marketing of small ruminant products.

Following lunch, which is included in the registration fee, there will be demonstrations on Famacha parasite determinations (extra fee for certification), routine management practices, and requirements for farmer market booths. Speakers include Stuart Gardner from Natural Resources Conservation Service; Curtis Chisley from Southern University; and Blake Ryals from Mississippi.

Producers, veterinarians and agents can pre-register or obtain additional information on the two events from Ken McMillin at 225-578-3438 or kmcmillin@agcenter.lsu.edu; Jim Miller at 225-578-9652 or jmille@lsu.edu; Sebhatu Gebrelul at 225-771-2262 or sebhatu_gebrelul@suagcenter.com; or Lisa Gray at 225-771-2262 ext. 316 or lisa_gray@suagcenter.com.