Scrapie Q and A
Authors: Susan
Schoenian, Bev Pearsall,
and Dr. Kent Holm
What is scrapie?
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous
system of sheep and goats. It is in the same category of diseases
as so-called “mad cow disease” and chronic wasting disease
in deer and elk.
Is scrapie a genetic disease?
No. But a sheep’s genetics determine whether it will get scrapie
if it is exposed to infected birthing fluids. So far, no resistant
genotypes have been identified in goats.
Why do we need to eradicate scrapie?
Scrapie is of public concern due to the discovery of bovine spongiform
encephalapthy (BSE) and the proposed link between BSE and Creutzfeldt-Jakob’s
disease in people. The presence of scrapie in the U.S. sheep flock
and goat herd prevents the export of breeding stock, semen, and
embryos to many other countries.
What is the difference between the mandatory scrapie eradication
program and the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification Program?
The mandatory program requires that most sheep and goats be officially
identified with USDA-approved ID (ear tags, tattoos, or in some
circumstances microchips) when moved interstate, exhibited, or upon
change of ownership. The voluntary program is a monitoring program
that allows flocks to achieve scrapie “free” certification
after five years of scrapie-free monitoring.
Why do sheep and goats need to be identified?
If scrapie is identified in a flock, official scrapie identification
will be used to find animals in other flocks that may have been
exposed to scrapie and are at risk for spreading the disease to
other flocks.
What animals must be identified under the mandatory scrapie
eradication program?
In order to be adaptable to all segments of the sheep and goat industry,
the USDA identification requirements are complicated, with many
confusing exceptions. States, livestock markets, and shows can have
additional rules. It’s simplest just to tag every animal when
it leaves your property. If you think you have a situation that
may not require ID, call the USDA office at (410) 349-9708.
Editor’s note: Since none of our livestock markets are “slaughter
only” markets, animals consigned to them are not considered
to be “going directly to slaughter”. Thus, when you
sell cull animals or market animals to a livestock auction, they
are not going “directly to slaughter,” according to
USDA’s definition.
How do I get ear tags for the mandatory scrapie eradication
program?
Contact John T. Swann at (410) 349-9708 or John.C.Swann@aphis.usda.gov.
He will assign a Flock ID and order your free eartags and pliers
to apply them.
Can I use tattoos instead of eartags?
Yes. Your Flock ID plus an individual animal number may take the
place of an eartag. A registration tattoo may also take the place
of an eartag if the animal is accompanied by its registration papers.
Editor’s note: Tattoos are not very visible in animals
with dark-colored ears.
When should I apply scrapie ID to my animals?
For most producers, the most practical time to apply official scrapie
ID is when the animals leave their property, but the tags may be
applied anytime before that.
What do I do if one of my animals loses its scrapie tag?
Put another tag in and record both numbers.
What should I do if the sheep or goat I bought doesn’t
have a scrapie tag?
The seller is required to tag the animal. If the seller fails to
do so, the buyer is required to tag it. If you make a record of
your tag number, the date, the breed, and the name and address of
the seller, then you will be able to prove that the animal was not
born in your flock (in case it later develops scrapie).
Who should enroll in the Voluntary Scrapie Flock Certification
Program?
Any producer may enroll his or her flock. Flocks selling breeding
animals may find this to be a marketing advantage.
What are the requirements of the Voluntary Scrapie Flock
Certification Program?
- Identify all animals over one year
of age in the flock/herd.
- Maintain records as required by the
program.
- Have your flock/herd inspected annually.
- Report scrapie-suspect animals to
proper animal health authorities.
- Submit tissue samples of any scrapie-suspect
animals and from animals suspected of having other neurological
or chronic, debilitating diseases.
- Report acquisitions of animals from
flocks with a lower status or from flocks not participating in
the program.
How do I enroll in the voluntary scrapie flock certification
program?
To enroll, contact Dr. Kent Holm at (443) 349-9708 or Kent.B.Holm@usda.gov.
NOTE: Producers in other states need to contact their local USDA-APHIS
office for information about the scrapie program in their state.
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Table of Contents
New Maryland State Fair Schedule
The 2007 Maryland State Fair will be held August 24 through September
3. Traditionally, the first weekend of the fair has been for 4-H
activities and the second weekend (Labor Day weekend) has been for
open class livestock shows.
In 2007, this schedule is being reversed. 4-H activities will be
held during Labor Day weekend, while open class shows will be centered
around the first weekend of the fair. This trial schedule will likely
make it easier for 4-H youth to participate in state fair. In recent
years, many school systems have started classes prior to Labor Day,
making it difficult for youth to participate in state fair without
missing school. The new schedule is currently being worked on. http://www.bcpl.net/~mdstfair/
.
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Table of Contents
Performance Testing
West Virginia Meat Goat Evaluation
The trial run of a Meat Goat Performance Test was conducted this
summer at the West Virginia University Reymann Memorial Farm in
Wardensville.
Twenty-four (24) Boer cross bucks were evaluated using the GrowSafe™
system, which includes a series of feeding stations that only
one animal can use at a time. Each animal receives a RFID tag, which
enables the computer system to record when and how much it ate.
At the end of the test, system users can determine each individual
animal's feed efficiency.
The bucks were evaluated over a 53-day test period. Average daily
gain for the entire test ranged from 0.46 to 1.12 lbs. per day for
a group average of 0.66 lbs. per day. There was some difficulty
with the bucks getting their horns stuck in the feeder.
The West Virginia Sheep
Management Project is evolving into the West Virginia Small
Ruminant Project, to include meat goats.
Source: News Ewe Can Use, Fall 2006
On-Farm Performance Testing
 Central
performance tests provide the means to compare rams and bucks from
different farms while on-farm performance testing provides a means
of selecting replacements from one’s own flock/herd. On-farm
performance testing involves collecting and analyzing data on economically
important traits.
Weaning weight is one of the most important traits for determining
flock/herd performance. In a commercial situation, ewes/does that
wean the most pounds of lamb/kid are likely to be the most profitable.
Their daughters and sons are most likely to pass on this trait vs.
animals with poor performance data.
If lambs/kids are weighed on the same day (usual) vs. the same
age, weaning weights need to be adjusted for the same age, e.g.
60 days. If weaning weights are not adjusted for age, the oldest
lambs/kids will almost always have the heaviest weaning weights
and vice versa, while not necessarily being genetically superior
for weaning weight.
In addition, weaning weights need to be adjusted for sex, birth
type, type of rearing, and age of the dam. If adjustment factors
are not used, single-born males raised by 3 to 6 year old ewes/does
will almost always have the heaviest weaning weights, while not
necessarily being genetically superior. In most flocks/herds, many
of the genetically superior lambs/kids are raised by yearlings and
two-year olds, yet the raw data will not indicate this.
Adjusted weaning weights can be used to select replacements. Adjusted
litter weight -- a composite trait reflecting litter size, mothering
ability, lamb/kid survival, and milk production -- can be used to
rank ewes/does and make breeding and culling decisions. Performance
ratios can also be calculated to make comparisons among animals.
If you’re interested in doing on-farm performance testing
and would like assistance in collecting and/or analyzing performance
data, please contact Susan at (301) 432-2767 x343 or sschoen@umd.edu.
A scale is available for weighing sheep and goats.
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Just for
Youth: Revised 4-H Tail Docking Policy
Following the past year's show season, the
Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program, with leadership from
the 4-H Animal Sciences Curriculum Committee, has reviewed the tail
docking policy. The Curriculum Committee has conferred with numerous
staff and faculty,  volunteers
and youth, Extension faculty in other states, and with the Maryland
Sheep Breeders Association. A statewide listening session was held
in Timonium in early November with over 70 participants.
The current policy will continue with several amendments. Breeding
sheep will be treated separately from the current policy, and there
will be an appeal process for market lambs.
2007 Market Lamb Policy
"Market Lambs exhibited after January 1 of the current
calendar year will be accepted for 4-H participation only if tails
are not docked shorter than the level of the distal end of the caudal
tail fold. Market Lambs that are properly docked will have a minimum
tail length of 0.7 inches at 4-H Activities, 4-H weigh-ins and taggings,
and 4-H Shows, measured by the approved measurement device, which
will be placed against the base of the tail and pin bones."
Appeal Process 
If a market lamb fails by the committee’s ruling, the youth
and one adult (family member, legal guardian, 4-H leader or FFA
advisor) will have five (5) minutes to use the approved measuring
device and attempt to prove to the committee that the animal meets
the 0.7 inch standard. If this is not accomplished, the market lamb
is disqualified. If the youth can prove to the committee within
the 5 minute limit that the market lamb does pass the 0.7 inch standard,
the animal will be permitted to exhibit at that particular 4-H show,
activity, etc. At this point, there is NO further appeal process.
The decision of the committee is FINAL.
Breeding Sheep
Breeding sheep will be treated separately from the current policy:
"Breeding sheep shall have NO evidence of surgical docking,
prolapses, purse strings, sutures, etc. If any of these are evident
in Breeding Sheep, the Breeding Sheep in question will be sent home
immediately by the Extension Educator, Sheep Superintendent, or
the appropriately deemed individual. There is NO appeal process
for Breeding Sheep. "
The 4-H Youth Development Program in Maryland will strive diligently
to apply the policy and rules fairly and consistently in all venues
and with all youth. Questions regarding Maryland's 4-H tail docking
policy should be directed to J. Willard Lemaster, 4-H Animal Specialist,
by e-mail at Lemaster@umd.edu
or telephone (301) 314-7187.
Source: Dr. Richard Byrne, 4-H Program Leader, Maryland Cooperative
Extension, December 1, 2006. |
Table of Contents
Scrapie Eradication on Schedule
“The goal is to eliminate outbreaks of scrapie by 2010 and
to have the United States officially declared scrapie-free by international
standards by 2017.” This statement was released in September
2001. We are at the mid-point of the 10-year goal of eliminating
scrapie.
The number of scrapie-infected flocks increased in the first few
years of increased surveillance, but appears to have peaked, and
may be starting to decline. Since initiation of increased slaughter
surveillance, there has been a 55-percent decline in the number
of black-face sheep found scrapie-positive at slaughter. The vast
majority of scrapie-positive sheep found through slaughter surveillance
have been black face or black-face crosses; however, cases have
been found in white face sheep and infected flocks have contained
scrapie-positive animals from various white face and hair sheep
breeds (and rarely goats).
A major challenge is to increase the number of animals being sampled.
Since 2003, samples have been collected from 110,958 sheep from
110 establishments. Sheep have been sampled in every state except
Alaska. There have been 270 confirmed positive cases of scrapie.
Another major challenge is getting a handle on scrapie in goats.
Since 1990, there have been 18 cases of scrapie found in goats.
Scrapie in goats is most often the result of exposure to infected
sheep; however, an infected goat can spread the disease to other
goats and could serve as a potential reservoir for the disease.
Unlike sheep, no useful genetic-resistance markers have been found
in goats. However, this research is on-going. To eradicate scrapie,
both species must be included in the program. In 2007, scrapie monitoring
in goats will be increased.
Identification and records are key components of the National Scrapie
Eradication Program. They are necessary to locate infected flocks
and trace exposed animals. It is estimated that 50 percent of producers
are using USDA-provided tags, with a significant percent of the
remaining animals being identified at livestock markets. More than
118,668 out of an estimated 175,000 sheep flocks and goat herds
have been entered into the scrapie program database.
There are 2,034 flocks participating in the Voluntary Scrapie Flock
Certification Program. 299 flocks are certified. During fiscal year
2006, 260 flocks were newly enrolled or certified in the program.
Genotyping is another tool that is being used to eradicate scrapie.
Genotyping is used to clean up infected and source flocks. In addition,
the use of scrapie genotyping is greatly increasing the number of
scrapie-resistant rams being used for breeding.
Reference: Scrapie Eradication on Schedule to Meet 10-year Goal,
ASI Sheep Industry News, November 2006.
Link: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahps/scrapie/
Scrapie positive Montedale ewe that lost body condition and
became very ataxic in the rear legs. The day of necropsy, she was
very "jittery" and nearly started to seizure each time
that she was touched. Held head down, possibly related to her state
of unsteadiness/incoordination. The side view shows her short-based
stance/hunched appearance. The dorsal spinous processes are very
prominent due to her decreased body condition.
Picture from rear shows bare patches from rubbing.
Photos and captions coursey of APHIS-USDA.
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Table of Contents
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Featured Web Sites
Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program
http://www.pipestonesheep.com
The Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program is a sheep management education/consulting
program offered by Minnesota West Community and Technical College
located at Pipestone, Minnesota. The Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program
(Minnesota) has a national reputation for sheep management knowledge,
education, production, and marketing. Enrollment in all programs
over the past 30 years totals 11,305 sheep producers from all 50
states and 10 foreign countries. Pipestone recently launched three
new online courses. The courses provide fundamental sheep management
information designed for any size or type of sheep operation. The
three courses include Introduction to Sheep Management, Introduction
to Sheep Health, and Ewe Ration Formulation.
E (Kika) de la Garza Institute for Goat Research
http://www.luresext.edu/goats/
The E (Kika) de la Garza Institute for Goat Research at Langston
University in Oklahoma is one of the premier goat research institutions
in the United States. They conduct research related to dairy, fiber,
and meat goats. Their web site contains a wealth of information
for goat producers: fact sheets, quizzes, research abstracts, scientific
articles, field day proceedings, nutrient calculators (for balancing
rations), an online manual for conducting fecal egg counts, a quarterly
newsletter, workshop information, meat goat performance test data,
and a web-based training and certification program for meat goat
producers.
ASI Sheep Industry News
http://www.sheepindustrynews.org
The Sheep Industry News is now available online. The site
was developed as another way to offer this sheep-specific publication
to interested readers. This easy-to-navigate site allows visitors
a way to view the top stories, along with pictures, for each edition.
It gives more exposure to the publication’s advertisers, and
allows visitors to access past issues of the Sheep Industry News.
Visitors will be able to navigate between this site as well as http://www.sheepusa.org.
Source: ASI
Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide
http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/4hpubs/pdfs/380-310.pdf
The Mid-Atlantic 4-H Market Goat Project Guide may be downloaded
as a PDF file. The publication is a joint effort between Cooperative
Extension in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. The 18-page guide,
written for 4-H youth, parents, and volunteers, contains sections
on show requirements, market goat selection, facilities and equipment,
health, feeding, preparing market goats for show, showing market
goats, record keeping, resources, and project calendar.
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Table of Contents
Cost Share for Conservation Practices
Sheep and goat producers may be eligible to receive financial assistance
funding through USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(EQIP), as part of the 2002 Farm Bill. The Natural Resource Conservation
Service (NRCS) has leadership responsibility within USDA for implementing
EQIP.
Producers interested in installing conservation practices through
EQIP should contact their local NRCS or Soil Conservation District
office, located at USDA Service Centers. Although, the application
period for EQIP is continuous, NRCS sets dates to rank received
applications based on environmental benefits. The first ranking
period will cover all FY07 EQIP applications received by December
15, 2006.
In fiscal year 2007, EQIP applications will be evaluated on a regional
basis. Grazing practices and incentives to manage crop rotations
and continuous no-till production will be this year's focus. Visit
http://www.md.nrcs.usda.gov/
or http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/
.
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Table of Contents
The Complexity
of Rectal Prolapses
A rectal prolapse is when part of the rectum protrudes
outside the body. It is easy to recognize. The exposed tissue is
usually a bright, cherry red (at first). Continuous straining worsens
the problem. If left untreated, a rectal prolapse can become a life
threatening condition and a cruel way for an animal to die, as untreated
animals may prolapse their entire intestinal tract and go into shock.
Rectal prolapses occur more in sheep than goats and can occur in
other livestock and humans, as well. Immediate slaughter is usually
recommended for market lambs. For more valuable animals, treatment
is possible, though animals which prolapse should not be retained
for breeding. Treatment usually involves “amputating”
the exposed tissue.
 Rectal
prolapses are a complex health condition in sheep. Many factors
have been proven or suggested as causative factors: sex, age, condition,
diet, coughing, diarrhea, implanting, and tail dock length. It is
usually not a single factor, but a combination of these factors
which cause the problem.
Perhaps due to anatomy, hormones, or other factors, ewe lambs are
more likely to prolapse than male lambs (1.9-2.3x more likely, according
to research). Rectal prolapses occur most commonly in feedlot lambs
and other lambs being finished on high concentrate diets. However,
lush clover or legume pastures (due to their estrogen activity)
have also been implicated as a causative factor. Implanted lambs
experience a higher incidence of rectal prolapses.
Anything which causes a lamb to strain can lead to rectal a prolapse:
e.g. chronic coughing, due to dusty feed or infection; or coccidiosis
or other forms of chronic diarrhea. Some lambs have a genetic predisposition
to rectal prolapses. According to a recent study, the heritability
of rectal prolapses is 0.14.
When tails are docked too short, the muscles attaching to the tail
bone are weakened. Several studies have implicated short-tail docks
as a cause of rectal prolapses in lambs fed high concentrate diets.
A 2000
multi-state cooperative study showed that short-docked lambs
experienced a higher level of rectal prolapses than medium or long
docked lambs: 7.81 (short) vs. 3.97 (medium) vs. 1.85% (long). However,
there was no difference among lambs consuming a pasture diet.
A 1990 University of Minnesota study showed the same link between
short tail docking and rectal prolapses in feedlot lambs. A more
recent Texas
Tech study (2006, Master's Thesis) failed to establish a link
between tail dock length and rectal prolapses in feedlot lambs,
but the researcher stated, “the results of this study do not
eliminate dock length as a contributing factor to rectal prolapse,
but rather offer other factors that are equally or more significant."
Rectal prolapses can largely be prevented with good feeding and
management practices. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1) dock wooled lambs no shorter than the distal end
of the caudal tail fold - see page 3;
2) consider rearing lambs on pasture or including more forage in
the feedlot diet; avoid overfeeding lambs, especially ewe lambs;
3) limit legume content of pastures;
4) feed balanced rations; and
5) prevent coccidiosis with good management and/or the use of approved
coccidiostats (Bovatec®, Deccox®); and
5) AVOID THE FOLLOWING: feeding dusty or moldy feeds, using rams
that sire prolapse-prone lambs, keeping ewe lambs that prolapse,
implanting ewe lambs, finishing ewe lambs in a feedlot.
Read
full article on rectal prolapses
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Table of Contents
Western
Maryland Meat Goat Performance Test
 A
pasture-based meat goat performance test was initiated at the Western
Maryland Research & Education Center in Keedysville on June
10, 2006. The purpose of the test was to measure genetic differences
in meat goats consuming a pasture diet with natural exposure to
internal parasites.
Thirty-five Boer (6), Kiko (17), Boer x Kiko (11), and Genemaster (1)
buck kids, 3 to 6 months of age averaging 48.9 +3.5 lbs, from six states
(MD, PA, WV, VA, GA, OK) were consigned to the first test. Thirty-one
goats finished the test on October 7. Ending weights averaged 69.3 +4.0
lbs. Four goats were eliminated for health reasons. No goats died during
the test.
Management
The goats were rotationally grazed as a single herd for 112 days among
five 2-acre paddocks composed of tall fescue (Max Q® and endophyte
infected), orchardgrass, chicory, Birdsfoot trefoil, clover, and
various forbs. The goats did not receive any supplemental feed.
They had access to free choice minerals containing Deccox®.
Minerals were provided by Summit Minerals (Pulaski, VA). The goats
always had access to a central laneway containing three 6 x 11 ft.
port-a-hut shelters, mineral
feeders, and fresh water. A handling system was used for evaluating
and treating.
During the early part of the test, an outbreak of soremouth occurred.
By the time the test concluded, there were no observable soremouth lesions.
During the test, some goats required treatment for respiratory problems,
fever, lice, and other miscellaneous problems. While on test, the goats
were evaluated for growth performance, parasite resistance, and carcass
merit.
Parasite Resistance
All of the goats were dewormed (with Cydectin®) at the start
of the test and fecal samples were collected (from the rectum) at
0, 28, and 56 days into the test. Fecal egg counts are being determined
using the Modified McMaster procedure.
The goats were handled every 14 days to determine FAMACHA© and
body condition scores and the need for selective deworming. Bottle jaw
was observed in only one goat. During the 112-day testing period, 51
anthelmintic treatments were administered to the 31 goats for an average
of 1.65 treatments per goat, excluding the initial deworming. Four (4)
goats did not require deworming during the testing period. Thirteen
(13) were treated once. Seven (7) were dewormed twice. Four (4) goats
required three anthelmintic treatments. Three (3) required four treatments.
The FAMACHA© system proved to be an effective tool for managing
internal parasites in grazing goats.
Growth Performance
The goats were weighed every 28 days using an Alum-Tech dial scale.
Average daily gain (ADG) varied among time periods and averaged
0.258, 0.202, 0.293, and 0.01 lbs. per day for the four 28-day periods.
The overall ADG for the 31 bucks was 0.19 +.04 lbs. Among individual
goats, ADG varied from 0.036 to 0.286 lbs.
Jeanne Deitz-Band (Many Rocks
Farm, Keedysville, MD) consigned the top gaining buck that did
not require any anthelmintic treatments. It was a Kiko buck that
gained 0.232 lbs. per day. The top gaining buck was a high percentage
Boer consigned by Willie Lantz (A.L.L. Boer Goats, Oakland, MD).
It gained 0.286 lbs. per day, but required two anthelmintic treatments.
2007 Test
Next year’s Westerm Maryland Meat Goat Performance Test will
start on June 9, 2007. Up to 50 goats will be accepted from consigners
from any state. The test is open to male goats of any breed, born
between December 15, 2006 and March 15, 2007 (inclusive). The goats
must be weaned for at least two weeks and have received two vaccinations
for clostrium perfringins (overeating disease) and tetanus
prior to the start of the test. Health papers issued within 30 days
of the start date are required. Consigners will be required to sign
a statement releasing the University of Maryland from any liability.
The testing fee will be ~$75 per goat.
Goats with abscesses, sore mouth, foot rot, or signs of any other contagious
disease will be refused entry to the test. Upon arrival, the goats will
stand in a foot bath containing zinc sulfate. They will be dewormed
with Cydectin® and treated for external parasites with an insecticide.
During the first few days of the test, the goats will be treated for
coccidiosis in the water.
Management and data collection will be the same as 2006. One of
the paddocks containing Kentucky 31 tall fescue will be replaced
with Max Q® tall fescue. Efforts will be made to include a browse
pasture and/or warm season grass paddock in the grazing program.
A blog (http://mdgoattest.blogspot.com)
has been created to enable consigners and other interested persons to
follow the progress of the testing program. The Western Maryland Meat
Goat Performance Test is sponsored by the University of Maryland Cooperative
Extension.
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Table of Contents
Calendar
of Events
January 12-13 - 8th Annual Future Harvest-CASA
Farming for Profit and Stewardship Conference
Four Points Sheraton, Hagerstown, MD
(410) 549-7878 or fhcasa@verizon.net
http://www.futureharvestcasa.org/conf.html
January 13 - Virginia-North Carolina Shepherd's
Symposium and Commercial Bred Ewe Lamb Sale
Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Dr. Scott Greiner at (540) 231-9163 or sgreiner@vt.edu
http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/livestock/aps-06_11/aps-382.html
January 24 - Southern and Central Maryland
Pasture and Hay Conference
Izaak Walton League, Waldorf, MD
Ben Beale at (301) 475-4481 or bbeale@umd.edu.
January 24-27 - American Sheep Industry Convention
Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, TX
Judy Malone at (303) 771-3500 or judym@sheepusa.org
http://www.sheepusa.org/
February 20, March 6, March 22, and April 3 -
Small Ruminant Short Course
Washington County Extension Office, Boonsboro, MD
Info: Jeff Semler (301) 791-1404, jsemler@umd.edu.
http://www.sheepandgoat.com/programs/07shortcourse.html
February 1-3 - Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable
Agriculture Farming for the Future Conference
Penn State Conference Center, State College, PA
PASA at (814) 349-9856 or info@pasafarming.org
http://www.pasafarming.org/farmingForTheFuture.html
February 21-24 - Mid-Atlantic Direct Marketing
Conference
Holiday Inn Select, Solomons Island, MD
Shannon Dill at (410) 822-1244 or sdill@umd.edu
http://www.madmc.com/
March 9-10 – Appalachian Grazing Conference
Lakeview Resort, Morgantown, WV
Info: Becky Casteel at (304) 293-6131 or Becky.Casteel@mail.wv.edu
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/temp/07AppalGrazgConfRegis.pdf
May 5-6 - Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship, MD
Info: (410) 531-3647 or info@sheepandwool.org
http://www.sheepandwool.org
Calendar of Events at SheepGoatMarketing.info
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Table of Contents
 The
Maryland Sheep & Goat Producer is published bi-monthly by University
of Maryland Cooperative Extension. It is written and edited by Susan
Schoenian, Area Agent, Sheep and Goat Specialist, at the Western
Maryland Research & Education Center. To receive the newsletter,
contact the Western Maryland Research & Education Center at
18330 Keedysville Road, Keedysville, MD 21756, (301) 432-2767 ext.
343 or 301, fax (301) 432-4089; or e-mail: sschoen@umd.edu
or cmason@umd.edu. The cost
of receiving the newsletter by mail is $10 per year payable to the
University of Maryland. The newsletter is free when accessed via
the Internet. You can be added to a list to receive an e-mail message
when a new newsletter has been posted to the web at http://www.sheepandgoat.com/news.
Comments and suggestions regarding the newsletter are always welcome.
References to commercial products or trade names are made with the
understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement
by Maryland Cooperative Extension is implied. Articles may be reprinted
with permission of the author(s). Article submissions are encouraged. |
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