Forum for Rural Innovation: Meat Production with Goat and Sheep in the Mid-Atlantic Turn Grass into $’s

Livestock Update, September 2006

CONTACT: Gary W. Hornbaker ghornbak@loudoun.gov or Corey Childs cchilds@vt.edu

A third learning opportunity sponsored by the Forum for Rural Innovation will be held Friday, October13, 2006 at the Best Western Lee-Jackson Motor Inn & Conference Center in Winchester, Virginia..  Meat Production with Goat and Sheep in the Mid-Atlantic is an extension of a session offered at the March 10th Forum.  In fact, the Forum has invited back Dr. David Redwine of the Scott County Hair Sheep Association to highlight a very successful model that is affecting producers in several states.

Can this model be duplicated in the Mid-Atlantic Region?  What successes can be found in the area?  Are there already organizations in place that can provide a structure for growth of sheep and goat production?  What is the economic potential for sheep and goats in this region?

These and other questions will be addressed during this six hour seminar.  There will also be an opportunity to discuss what additional educational and organizational opportunities are needed to “grow” the sheep and goat industry in the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Local businesses who provide supplies and services to this industry will be on hand to provide additional insight to established or potential producers.

The purpose of the Forum is to showcase replicable innovative ideas, projects or programs that enhance farm or rural business profitability, conserve farm land and natural resources, or develop new approaches to rural prosperity that are viable in an expensive farmland-upscale consumer environment.

Forum topics will include:

• The Goat and Lamb Market in the Northeast
  Bob Herr, New Holland Livestock Auction Mr. Herr will discuss trends in the demand for lamb and goat, the calendar for demand and this relationship to a growing ethnic market.
  
  
• Traditional Sheep and Goat Markets in Virginia
  Mike Carpenter, Virginia Department of Agriculture Mr. Carpenter will discuss trends in the sale of goats and lambs in the traditional auction markets of Virginia.
  
  
• The Scott County Hair Sheep Association
  Dr. David Redwine, DVM, Co-Founder of the Scott County Hair Sheep Association The Scott County Hair Sheep Association is a model of livestock marketing opportunities. Learn the history, marketing strategies, and current production methods of this group of Southwest Virginia Farms to supply a meat marketing niche.
  
  
• Success in Numbers—A Panel Discussion
  Working together to meet a common goal has been shown to work in agriculture through the use of cooperatives and marketing pools. Three examples in the sheep industry will be highlighted. Panel members will provide an overview of their organizations, what have been some of the trials and tribulations and what has made them successful and how they have been made success. Those participating are:
  Scott County Hair Sheep Association – Dr. David Redwine
  Loudoun Valley Producers - Bill Bundy, Lamb Sausage Manager
  Old Dominion Livestock Producers – Gary Hornbaker, Secretary\Treasurer and founder
  Moderating this session will be Jeff Semler, Senior Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources—Washington County for the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service .
  
  
• Working Budgets for Goat and Sheep Production
  Susan Schoenian, Sheep and Goat Specialist, University of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service Where’s the money? Susan will provide a realistic overview of the economics of the goat and lamb business and discuss the potential income that can be derived from one of these enterprises.
  
  
• Predator Control with Proper Fencing and Guardian Animals
  Corey Childs, Extension Agent , Agriculture and Natural Resources—Loudoun County for the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service One of the deterrents to entering the goat or sheep business is the threat of predators. Corey will address several options to keep potential predators at bay and protect these small ruminants.
  
  
• Available Resources
  Craig Yohn, Extension Agent—Jefferson County for the West Virginia Extension Service Where can a novice find information about the management of small ruminants, nutrition, pasture management and other aspects of the small ruminant industry. Craig will attempt to give an overview of the resources available.

In addition, exhibits by agricultural suppliers, businesses, and support agencies will be featured the entire day. Area agricultural businesses are encouraged to participate with exhibits and displays.

A registration fee of $30.00 per person will include the forum program, morning refreshments, and buffet lunch.  Registration information is available on-line at  www.JeffersonFarms.org  or by calling Craig Yohn at 304-728-7413, ext. 2.  Pre-registration by October 3rd is required.

The Forum for Rural Innovation is a cooperative educational effort by the offices of Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Economic Development in Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke, and Frederick counties of Virginia, and Jefferson and Berkeley counties, West Virginia, and the Potomac Headwaters RC&D.

Visit Virginia Cooperative Extension