Wednesday deadline to register for Nashville field day

By Katie Nichols, Auburn University

Alabama Extension’s Urban Affairs and New Nontraditional Program at Alabama A&M University and the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Tennessee State University are partnering to present “Goat Production: The Basics” during the 10th Annual Small Ruminant Field Day at the TSU Research Farm,  1717 Ed. Temple Boulevard, Nashville TN 37209. 

Dr. Maria Leite- Browning, an Extension animal science and forages specialist said, “This program has been held nearly every year over the last decade in Alabama or Tennessee to assist prospective, new and experienced producers alike. Various topics concerning nutrition, health, genetics, reproduction, economics and other aspects of small ruminant management are covered during these conferences.”

The Basics 2016 will include collaborative ongoing integrated research and Extension professionals at TSU and AAMU aimed at helping landowners to enter or enhance sustainable meat goat production. This year’s conference will include an introduction to the TSU small-scale beef cattle research effort.

Topics presented during the conference will include forage management, grazing systems and soil testing; grading systems for market stock and breeding stock; internal parasite fecal egg counts; artificial insemination of goats, live animal health demonstrations: general health assessments, injection sites/quality assurance, FAMACHA internal parasite system, hoof disease and trimming; and managing and marketing small-scale beef cattle.

Activities begin on Friday, July 1, with a reception at 6p.m. at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. The conference continues on Saturday, July 2, at the TSU Meat Goat Farm.

The deadline to register for the 10th Annual Small Ruminant Conference is June 15. There is no cost to attend, however pre-registration is required. Scholarships are also available at a first-come, first-served basis to 80 participants. Scholarships include registration, meals and lodging.

To pre-register contact Maria Leite-Browning at MLL0002@aces.edu or 256-372-4954; Eddie Wheeler, 256-264-5539 or at  wheelered@aces.edu; Tommie Teacher, 334- 624-8710 or Teachto@aces.edu; Anthony Prayer at  pap0009@aces.edu;

Dr. Richard Browning Jr., 615- 963- 5837  or rbrowning@tnstate.edu.