Winter Feeding Tips for Small Ruminant Production: Nov 20

Sheep and goat producers are invited to attend a seminar on winter feeding programs for small ruminants from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station (16870 Bond Ridge Road Caldwell, OH). Come hear research-based management advice from OSU’s State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist- Dr. Brady Campbell. Local Extension personnel will also offer advice on local resources and potential solutions for navigating the winter ahead amidst drought. A light meal will be provided for all registered attendees. Registration for the event is required by November 18th. Call 740-305-3173 or email gelley.2@osu.edu to register today!

Hands on small ruminant parasite workshop (Licking County)

Learn about internal parasite issues and how to use FAMACHA as a selective deworming tool.  You will also learn to do your own fecal egg counts at home.  The workshop will include hands on evaluation of sheep using the FAMACHA system at Dale McCombs farm near Johnstown and then go to the Licking County Extension office for training to do fecal egg counts  on your own.  The cost will be $40 and include a McMaster slide for fecal egg counts, handouts and lunch.  We are limiting attendance to 20 to assure good hands on participation time.

Contact Dean Kreager with questions and to register 740-670-5315 (please inform us of any dietary restrictions)

Click here for the flyer with additional details: Small Ruminant Parasite Flyer1

Updates from around OSU Extension

Harvest Delays – Light vs. Temperature | Agronomic Crops Network 

Harvest Complete? It’s Time To Assess SCN Levels In Your Fields! | Agronomic Crops Network 

2023 Ohio Soybean Performance Trials: Results For All Trial Locations | Agronomic Crops Network 

Presynchronization and Improving Fertility of Beef Cows | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

Why is This Time Different? | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

The Cost of Money | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

Time to Plan a Winter Feeding Program | Ohio BEEF Cattle Letter 

Living on a Few Acres: Sheep and Goat Production | OSU Sheep Team 

Lambing and Kidding Assistance | OSU Sheep Team 

An Environmental Law Harvest | Farm Office 

New law limits who can own agricultural land in Ohio | Farm Office 

New Publication Discusses Wills and Trusts | Farm Office 

Announcing our “Planning for the Future of Your Farm” Fall and Winter Workshops | Farm Office 

2023 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium Announced

On behalf of The Ohio State University, Ohio Sheep and Wool Program, and Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, we are pleased to announce the date of the 2023 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium to be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at The Ohio State University Wooster Campus Shisler Conference Center (1680 Madison Avenue, Wooster, Ohio 44691). The theme of the 2023 symposium is Nutrition and Marketing. Throughout the day, we will hear reflections and insights about changes in the sheep, lamb and wool industry. We will discuss nutrition as it primarily relates to sheep flocks including an emphasis on club lamb flock nutrition. We will also hear from speakers on marketing insights of both sheep, lamb and wool. Speakers and discussions will lead to the betterment of the flock and the American Sheep Industry.

Speakers at this years event include: Dr. Francis Fluharty, Allen Johnson, Ty McGuire, ASI President Brad Boner, ODA State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Summers, OSU Small Ruminant Specialist Dr. Brady Campbell and more…

A quick guide highlighting the days events include:

  • OSU Sheep Research Update/OSU Sheep Facility and Production Update
  • Nutrition
    • Dr. Francis Fluharty, Chair of Animal Sciences, University of Georgia, Sheep Flock Nutrition
    • Allen Johnson, Purina/Johnson Show Lambs, Club Lamb Flock Nutrition
    • Ty McGuire, Biozyme Nutrition, Sheep Flock Nutrition
  • Sheep and Lamb Marketing
    • Dr. David Anderson, Agricultural Economist, Texas A&M University, via ZOOM
  • Additional Events at the Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium
    • 8:00 a.m. – 2023 OSIA Annual Membership Meeting
    • Breakfast and Lamb Lunch included with Registration
    • Industry Awards Program
    • OSIA Scholarship Silent Auction
    • Trade Show

Of additional importance, the Young Shepherd’s Assembly will also be meeting again this year the evening before the symposium for fellowship and discussions related to all things sheep. Those that are 18-40 years of age (physically or at heart) are welcomed to join for food and drinks at JAFB Wooster Brewery, 120 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Cost: FREE. Sponsored by Open Roads Renewables. Pre-registration required.

For those interested in registering for this years program, please do so by completing the online for at https://www.ohiosheep.org/osia-programs.html#symposium. Please complete your registration by November 18th.

2023 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium Flyer 

Source: 2023 Buckeye Shepherd’s Symposium Announced | OSU Sheep Team

Stockmanship and Stewardship Tour September 29 and 30

Join us in Caldwell, Ohio! This unique Stockmanship and Stewardship event is focused on live low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance training, and industry updates you won’t find anywhere else this event is not one to miss. Gain an edge on learning about consumer concerns regarding beef sustainability and livestock welfare, how those concerns have impacted the industry, and the role that Beef Quality Assurance plays in the conversation.  Producers who attend not only receive hands-on training in best management practices to help improve their operation, but also the chance to get BQA certified!

More info and registration at this link

Over-the-Counter Antibiotics Will Require Veterinary Oversight (Rx) Beginning in June of 2023

By June of 2023, all medically important antibiotics currently available at most feed or farm supply stores will now require veterinary oversight (written Rx) to be used in animals, even if the animals are not intended for food production. Examples of affected antibiotics include injectable penicillin and oxytetracycline.  In addition, some retail suppliers who were able to sell these drugs/products in the past may no longer sell them after June of 2023.  This means that small and large animal veterinarians should be prepared for an increase in calls and visits from animal owners who previously may have purchased these drugs over the counter at their local farm supply store.  To continue using medically important antimicrobials, you may need to establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR). Consult your veterinarian for more information.

This content appeared in Ohio Beef News on February 15, 2023.  You can read the entire article here.

Small Farm Ruminant Production Field Day

Have a small herd of beef cattle, goats, or a flock of sheep? Are you a new or beginning ruminant livestock producer? If yes to either of these questions, this program is for you!

Join OSU Extension educators and state specialists for an all-day workshop covering topics every ruminant livestock producer needs to know from grazing and nutrition, livestock marketing, facilities and housing. This event is slated to be held on Saturday, October 8th from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at the OSU ATI Beef Center located at 2736 S. Apple Creek Road, Apple Creek, Ohio 44606. After lunch, those who have an interest in sheep or goats will depart to the Small Ruminant Research Unit located on Fredericksburg Road (5651 Fredericksburg Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691), while those focused on beef cattle will remain at the ATI Beef Center.

Afternoon training sessions will be species-specific that include hands-on training in animal care and handling, basic animal health, livestock evaluation, and much more.

Cost: $30 per person lunch Included.
Limited to first 40  Registrations.
Register at https://go.osu.edu/smallfarmruminantfieldday