Month: October 2024

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling to the Ethnic Market

Jaelyn Whaley, South Dakota State University Extension Sheep Field Specialist
(Previously published online with South Dakota State University Extension: March 04, 2024)

(Image Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture)

The non-traditional market of the American lamb industry can be broken into two market channels: 1) direct to consumers (in essence, farmers markets, on-farm sales, online) and 2) the ethnic market. Each market has its own preferences and seasonal fluctuations but can be profitable. This article will focus solely on the ethnic market portion of the non-traditional market. In the United States, our ethnic market has focused on Middle Eastern, Greek, and Hispanic cultures, but has seen growth in consumption from Asian, Caribbean Island, and African ethnic groups.

When to Sell
Ethnic consumers typically purchase lamb around the time of their holiday seasons (see Appendix A). The ethnic market is unique in that the dates of Continue reading Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling to the Ethnic Market →

Don’t Guess Hay Quality — Test It!

Tom Bechman, Midwest Crops Editor
(Previously published in Wisconsin Agriculturalist: October 16, 2024)

(Image Source: Hay and Forage Grower)

Pulling forage samples is not an option in Nick Minton’s eyes. It is essential.

“It is where everything begins for feeding livestock,” says Minton, a Purdue animal scientist and director of the Indiana Bull Evaluation Program, based at the Feldun-Purdue Ag Center near Bedford, Ind.

“If you don’t test forages, you don’t have any guidelines for building your ration,” he explains. “You could feed for a month and then judge performance based on if [your livestock] were maintaining body condition or getting thin, but that is backward, in my judgment.

“Forages are a big part of the ration for beef bulls in our testing program, and I want to feed a balanced ration from the beginning. That means I must test feed ingredients for nutrient content, including forages.”

How to sample hay
Achieving a reliable forage test starts with sampling correctly, Minton says. Here are his five basic steps for preparing and evaluating accurate samples: Continue reading Don’t Guess Hay Quality — Test It! →

Management of Sheep and Goats Through Drought

David Brown, Livestock Field Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
(Previously published online with the University of Missouri Extension: June, 2024)

The extended period of drought has led to feed and water shortages for livestock. Sheep and goats may have difficulty meeting their nutritional needs, which can lead to weight loss as body reserves are depleted. During this period, most of the animals are predisposed to diseases and some die, leading to great economic loss for producers. It is therefore important to prepare animals for strategies that will help them cope and maintain body condition.

During the drought period, the demand for forage and/or water can be greater than the supply. The producer is then faced with a decision to either increase the supply of forage by purchasing hay or other feedstuffs, or to reduce forage demand by reducing the number of animals that depend on the forage. This is a tough decision to make.

Management strategies consideration during drought

Selling — There has been discussion for producers to Continue reading Management of Sheep and Goats Through Drought →

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Analysis Survey

Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Ohio Department of Agriculture

(Image Source: National Animal Disease Information Service)

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and The Ohio State University – College of Veterinary Medicine (OSU CVM) is conducting a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Landscape Analysis Survey designed to assess the level of producer awareness and knowledge regarding FMD preparedness and response, while understanding their role in managing a potential outbreak in the state of Ohio.

The data collected from this survey will be used to inform the development of the State of Ohio’s FMD Emergency Plan, as well as to identify opportunities for further learning and exploration in FMD preparedness and response addressing the specific needs of our producers.

By taking these steps to prepare for a potential FMD outbreak, the state hopes to minimize the potential impact of FMD on our agricultural sector. Continue reading Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Analysis Survey →

Stave Off Waterbelly in Sheep and Goats

South Dakota State University Extension
(Previously published online with: DakotaFarmer, FarmProgress: October 9, 2024)

Tips can help prevent disease that blocks urinary tract in male ruminants.

Male sheep and goats can be afflicted with waterbelly, which can lead to major production losses. Also called urolithiasis or urinary calculi, waterbelly can affect wethers feeding on a high-concentrate ration.

The disease is caused by small stones forming in the bladder that later block the urethra. The stones cause reduced urine flow, hunched backs and abdominal discomfort. Young wethers are more prone to the condition. The inability for the animal to urinate will cause the bladder to distend or rupture, hence the name, waterbelly.

To guard against the disease in your flocks, know the symptoms, forms of waterbelly and ways to prevent it. With

Continue reading Stave Off Waterbelly in Sheep and Goats →

2024 Southeast Ohio Fall Lambing and Kidding Clinic

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Noble County

Southeast Ohio Lambing & Kidding Clinic coming up on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 6:00-9:00 PM:

Sheep and goat producers with breeding operations are invited to attend our Southeast Ohio Lambing and Kidding Clinic this fall. Come out to the Eastern Agricultural Research Station in Noble County while lambing season is in full swing to learn about how to care for pregnant, birthing, and newborn small ruminants. The clinic will include a barn tour, training on assisting with difficult births, tips for recordkeeping, and information about feeding ewes and does during pregnancy & lactation. A meal will be provided for all registered attendees. Registration for the event is required by October 11th and will be $10 per person, payable by card, check, or cash in advance or at the door. Call 740-305-3173 or email gelley.2@osu.edu to register today! Space is limited to the first 30 registered and paid. The Eastern Agricultural Research Station is located at 16870 Bond Ridge Rd. Caldwell, OH 43724.

2024 Fall Livestock Fencing Clinic

Christine Gelley, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Noble County

October’s Farm Talk Breakfast will be extended into a field day that focuses on fencing options and fence building. This fencing clinic invites all landowners interested in installing fence on their property to join us at the Eastern Agricultural Research Station to learn about the latest developments in fencing materials and tools with the experts who work with them everyday. Fencing professionals will be in attendance to provide demonstrations and answer questions throughout the morning. The program will open at 8:30 AM with free breakfast, presentations will begin at 9 AM, and discussion will continue until Noon. Free to attend, but RSVPs requested by October 15. Call 740-305-3173 or email gelley.2@osu.edu to RSVP.