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The
Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) is eager to learn more about
Alabama goat producers. To accomplish such a task Dr. Maria Leite-
Browning has developed a survey designed to gather extensive information
about the issues and challenges goat producers consider important. Once
the surveys have been completed and returned, Dr. Leite-Browning will be
able to assess the needs of goat producers through out Alabama. From
there Browning and other specialist with ACES will be able to organize
workshops throughout the State in a way that best addresses the needs of
goat producers within Alabama.
The goat
industry is growing across the United States, including the State of
Alabama. According to latest U. S. Census Bureau information there are
in excess of 50,000 goats in Alabama. To better serve goat producers
within the State, ACES wishes to learn about the various management
practices and problems Alabama goat producers face. Such information
will allow better develop educational programs and provide technical
information goat producers need.
The first
step was for the ACES to hire a full-time Goat Extension Scientist and
Specialist. Both were hired to serve goat producers within this
capacity. The next step is to obtain feedback from goat producers
throughout Alabama.
The
completed surveys will serve as a means of feedback, learning
opportunities about Alabama goat management practices, and the
challenges associated with goat production throughout the State. The
survey was developed as a mail-out producer survey, and to be utilized
during upcoming small ruminant workshops where goat producers are
readily found.
When you
receive one of the surveys please take the time to read and complete it.
The mail-out component of the survey includes a return addressed,
stamped envelope. You can also print a copy of the survey by going to http:www.aces.edu/urban/GoatSurvey.pdf.
The information provided as a result of this survey will be used to help
focus extension activities and research relevant to those expressed
needs and areas that will enhance the experience of goat production.
Upon completion of survey analysis, information will be readily made to
share the results and implications.
Goat
producers completing a survey are encouraged to promptly respond so the
analysis process may begin, thereby leading to the development of
educational programs for goat producers in all of Alabama. Respondents
can be assured all responses are confidential, and no respondents will
be individually identified.
If you
have any questions concerning this data collection or have not received
the survey and wish to do so, please contact Dr. Maria Leite-Browning at
(256) 372-4954, or e-mail at mllbahia@aol.com;
you can also contact Robert Spencer at (256) 766-6223, or e-mail at robert.spencer@
email.aamu.edu; both are with the Alabama Cooperative Extension
System. They would like to thank all goat producers in advance for their
participation and the valuable information provided as a result of this
survey.
Robert
Spencer is the Urban Regional Extension Specialist in the Urban Affairs
and New Nontraditional Programs Unit & The Urban Centers in North
America for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
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