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Some
of you may have observed there are a tremendous number of goat-related
activities taking place throughout the state. It is amazing all of
the outreach/educational and organizational efforts on a state-wide
basis. For those of you who may not be "in the loop," this
article will attempt to direct your attention towards a few of those
activities.
AL
Agricultural A+ Marketing Association (AAA+MA)
This
association became a legal cooperative within the past year. It is the
first-ever agricultural marketing cooperative in Alabama with a
multi-commodity focus on goats, sheep and rabbits. It offers an
opportunity for non-traditional and limited-resource livestock producers
to unite and collectively market their animals through a state-wide
based agricultural marketing cooperative.
The
organization will serve the marketing needs of its producer groups and
members by utilizing appropriate and effective marketing strategies to
collectively market their products. This will include cohesive
coordination of uniform production and processing practices with the
result being safe and quality food products. This holistic approach is
expected to increase the success and satisfaction of all parties
involved, increase individual farm revenues for its membership and
economically benefit local communities in ways to encourage their
support for local agriculture production.
Each
commodity group will eventually have its own regional representation;
thereby allowing it to better serve the needs of its members. Long-term
plans include other producer groups with commodities like shrimp,
catfish, sweet potatoes, watermelon, etc. By no means are any of these
associations intended to compete with or replace other commodity
associations or groups but rather to serve as a marketing facilitator
only. Primary Contact: Mr. J.C. Holt 256-446-5210.
2nd Annual
Small Ruminant Conference
Goat
and sheep producers are invited to attend the Annual Conference on Small
Ruminants on August 22-23 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. If
you visit http://www.aces.edu/urban
you can learn more about this second annual event. This Conference is
designed to educate sheep and goat producers on genetic and reproductive
management issues affecting small ruminant herd productivity and
profitability in the Southeast. It is sponsored by the Alabama
Cooperative Extension System’s Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional
Programs.
Participants
will have a chance to hear experts from across the South.
While
there is no fee for the conference, participants are responsible for
their meals and lodging expenses. For additional conference information
contact Dr. Maria Leite-Browning at (256)372-4954. The Goat and Sheep
Producers of Alabama have been strong supporters of these types of
activities.
Master
Meat Goat Herdsman
Program
This
program is in the process of being initiated by the Alabama Cooperative
Extension System’s Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs
(ACES/UA&NNTP) and will be launched on a state-wide basis beginning
in 2009. Currently, within Alabama, there are no established best
management or production practices/guidelines for meat goat production.
Experts within ACES/UA&NNTP recognize this and are taking the lead
on implementing a state-wide program for existing and potential meat
goat producers.
Similar
programs have been implemented in some states and eagerly embraced by
many meat goat producers. The lengthy educational sessions will include
classroom training complimented by hands-on demonstrations and
activities. The various components will address areas like
fundamentals of production, health care and management, parasite
identification and management, production concerns and management,
marketing strategies and options, and other areas. Educational
publications, informational CDs and a diploma will be made available for
those completing the entire course. For more information contact one of
the following: Mr. Robert Spencer at (256) 766-6223, Tommie Teacher at
(334) 624-8710 or Eddie Wheeler at (256) 582-2009.
Word of
Caution About
Alternative Feeds
As
prices of feeds for livestock continue to rise, I more frequently hear
stories about producers trying to reduce feed costs by switching to
forms of other livestock feeds not specific for animals on that farm and
then experiencing problems. This is not a good idea!! In the short
run, you may save a few dollars, but, in the long run, your herd may
experience health complications, even mortality. You may not be able to
readily identify the source of the problem and experience additional
healthcare costs. Nutrition specialists formulate these rations to
include nutrients, minerals and vitamins, etc. specifically for health
factors and needs relevant to each species. In goat rations copper,
selenium, magnesium, etc. are included to maintain the immune system and
reproductive efficiencies in goats. Goat rations should contain
ammonium chloride which is important in preventing urinary calculi in
male goats. Also, these rations are formulated to contain high amounts
of copper, which sheep are sensitive to and may experience toxic
reactions. If you are considering using alternative forms of feed
to cut costs, you should be aware of the potential for complications!
Robert
Spencer is a contributing writer from Florence. |
