OKEMAH, Okla. – Agricultural producers interested in diversifying or expanding their operations should register now to attend the Jan. 8 Oklahoma State University Hair Sheep and Meat Goat Conference in Okemah.
Sponsored by OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Okfuskee County Fairgrounds. Cost is $20 per participant. Lunch will be provided.
“Multi-species animal management is increasingly becoming a feature in many operations in Oklahoma and surrounding states,” said Zack Meyer, OSU Cooperative Extension agricultural educator for Okfuskee County. “The hair sheep and meat goat industry has really grown the past few years, with more and more producers becoming interested in the potential opportunities raising the animals may provide them.”
Conference topics will include an overview of the hair sheep industry and informative sessions about parasites for sheep and goats, general herd management practices and animal mortality management, among others.
“A session about the correct use of FAMACHA, a tool for diagnosing the level of anemia and the presence of stomach worms in small ruminants, should be of particular interest,” Meyer said.
Participants are asked to pre-register no later than Jan. 2, 2013. Registration forms are available through all OSU Cooperative Extension county offices.
“Please register as soon as possible as participation will be limited to 200 people,” Meyer said. “Pre-registration helps us ensure sufficient numbers of refreshments, meals and conference materials are on hand, which in turn helps us promote the best possible conference experience for all participants.”
To get to the Okfuskee County Fairgrounds from the Okemah exit off Interstate 40, take Woody Guthrie Boulevard – State Highway 27 – north to the second stop sign, which intersects with Columbia Street. Turn right and travel east for approximately three quarters of a mile. The fairgrounds are located on the south side of the highway.
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REPORTER/MEDIA CONTACT:
Donald Stotts
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
143 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-4079
Fax: 405-744-5739
Email: [email protected]
Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local governments cooperating; Oklahoma State University in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures, and is an equal opportunity employer.
