Extension Offering Parasite Assessment, Management Training for NNY Small Livestock Producers February 7
From the office of Cornell Cooperative Extension
Canton, NY On Saturday, February 7, Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a regional training workshop to help small livestock farmers reduce and manage the parasites that affect pastured sheep and goats.
The 10am-3pm training is offered as a regional program for producers across the Northern New York region.
The workshop will provide information on managing pastures to minimize parasites, conduct parasite egg counts using microscopes, and work hands-on with the sheep and goats at the CCE St. Lawrence County Extension Learning Farm in Canton.
Participants will use a diagnostic technique called FAMACHA to evaluate selected animals at the farm. Researchers in South Africa developed the painless technique to help farmers select those animals that need treatment. Treating complete flocks is causing parasitic worms to develop resistance to traditional deworming treatments.
Workshop organizer Betsy Hodge, a small livestock specialist with CCE St. Lawrence County and Northern New York Livestock Team leader, says, ‘Sheep and goat producers can use the FAMACHA training that matches eyelid color to anemia levels that can indicate parasitic infection in the animal. This diagnosing tool helps producers target treatment to only infected animals, which saves expense and improves treatment efficiency.’
Participants will receive a FAMACHA assessment scoring card to take home.
The workshop fee is $30 per person; a second person from the same farm can be added for $10. Lunch and materials are included; pre-registration is required. Register with Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, 315-379-9192, or email bmf9@cornell.edu. Payment will be accepted at the door.
Those registering will be asked to bring fecal samples form their animals and, if they have one, their own microscope.
The 2012 Census of Agriculture data attributed the Northern New York region with 5,973 sheep and 2,206 goats. Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
Posted: January 27th, 2015 under Agricultural News, Business News, General News, Northern NY News.