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The
focus of this conference was forages and grazing management for goats
and sheep, but it was so well designed it would have served anyone
owning grazing animals. Grazing goats and sheep on pasture and browse is
the most economical and healthy form of nutrient provision. The
drought we have experienced over the past two years necessitates
efficient use of available vegetation as well as practical forage
management. During those two days in August, speakers and their topics
did an excellent job of teaching people to: better understand the
digestive system and nutritional requirements for sheep and
goats, how to choose forages and browse that are best suited for
small ruminants and each individual farm situation, and manage available
vegetation utilizing fencing options and rotational grazing.
The
first day (Thursday) consisted of scientist and speakers representing
various universities and agencies from Alabama, North Carolina and
Tennessee. The array of presenters came from Alabama A & M
University, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University,
USDA/NRCS (AL & TN), Tennessee State University and University of
North Carolina. The experts included: Drs. Julio Correa, Maria-Leite-Browning,
Don Ball, Richard Browning and Jean-Marie Luginbuhl along with
specialists, Eddie Jolley and Greg Brann.
Thursday
night offered a tasty lamb and goat cook out with roasted lamb, goat
meat spaghetti and appropriate side dishes. The delectable dinner
took place down by the scenic lake and was shaded by an array of stoic
trees. The evening activity allowed everyone the opportunity to
taste some gourmet dishes and to interact with the former day’s panel
of scientists and speakers as well as other scientists and specialists
who were there to address other areas of interest to attending
producers.
The
morning session on Friday consisted of hands-on demonstrations from GSPA
members George Powers, Mark Lanham, Lee and Ernie Hay. Each member took
turns demonstrating animal tattooing and tagging, hoof trimming and
animal health evaluation.
The
two-day session concluded with presentations on drought management by
Dr. Maria Leite-Browning and government assistance by Ernie
Hay. Those attending came from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee,
Mississippi and Florida.
You
may be wondering why this article is appearing two months after the
event. There are two reasons: (1) I want interested readers to be
aware of the impressive educational program made possible by an outreach
agency and producer group working together. (2) There are tentative
plans for next year’s Second Annual Conference on Small Ruminants.
Watch
this publication and www.aces.edu
(early next summer) for detailed information.
For
anyone who has not visited the Shocco Springs Baptist Conference Center,
they need to plan a visit to this wonderful facility. The multitude
of buildings and facilities include: chapel, lodgings, conference
centers, camp grounds, cafeteria (with excellent food and staff), lake
and numerous play areas. The entire campus is surrounded by
beautiful woodlands and located on a scenic hillside and
valley. The remote location offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere
that facilitates the ability to reflect and meditate on each day’s
activities. For those who wish to learn more, the phone number for
the Center is 800-280-1105, their website is http://www.shocco.org/
and their address is 1314 Shocco Springs Road, Talladega, AL
35160. If nothing else, take a trip this fall through the beautiful
Talladega National Forest and then detour for a visit to the
Center.
Author’s
Note: The mission statement for the Goat & Sheep Producers of
Alabama is "Farmers working together."
Robert
Spencer is the Urban Regional Extension Specialist for Extension’s
Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Programs and can be contacted at
256-766-6223. |
