Mississippi State University Training Grant- MSP21

Final report for SMS21-001

Project Type: PDP State Program
Funds awarded in 2021: $11,111.00
Projected End Date: 06/30/2023
Grant Recipient: Mississippi State University
Region: Southern
State: Mississippi
State Coordinator:
Dr. Leyla Rios
Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University
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Project Information

Abstract:

The main objective of this proposal is to include a series of SARE training programs focusing on small ruminant parasite control, reproduction, and forage management. These programs will impact the sustainable sheep and goat production all over Mississippi, as in the recent past, S-SARE programs have helped to increase the transference of knowledge and technology from Mississippi State University to Extension agents and farmers. Information related to sustainable parasite control and forage management will be taken to Extension agents, so they will be able to reach more counties and to positively impact more sheep and goat farmers in most parts of MS. Training goals will be reached using in-service education, conferences, workshops, demonstrations, field days, tours, and publications. The different media sources of the stakeholders will also be used to help reach the different focal groups outlined in this plan. Training materials developed by MSSTATE will be incorporated into the training for extension staff and farmers. Attendance of MSSTATE Faculty and Staff at regional and national conferences will be encouraged as a means of further professional development in sustainable farming.

Project Objectives:

a) Implement an innovative small ruminant extension program focusing on novel sustainable practices to improve the performance of Mississippi sheep and goat Farmers.
b) Sustainable parasite control will allow farmers to have control con the increasing problems of parasite resistance, less death of animals and will increase their revenues.
c) Sustainable grazing management will contribute to a better use of the land and increase productivity of herds.
d) Increased use of SARE resources in educational programs that result in a 10% increase of sustainable farming acres in Mississippi.
e) Increases in awareness of sustainable agriculture concepts that improve the quality of life in Mississippi communities.

Advisors

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Education

Educational approach:

FAMACHA training has been online and we will start soon in-person training soon again. The approach used is a class and after a video that is sent by the participants to demonstrate their skills for performing the technique.

I also have produced a factsheet related to Sustainable Parasite Control for Small Ruminants that includes the principles for controlling parasites in a sustainable way in order to reduce the resistance in the parasite population

Education & Outreach Initiatives

FAMACHA Training
Objective:

Take knowledge to farmers and people interesting in farming small ruminants about the use of FAMACHA as a tool or indicator for performing targeted selective treatment in their herds.

Description:

Online training + video demonstration of the skills for applying the technique. Participants get the original FAMACHA card + a certificate of being trained on the principles and performing the technique on their animals.

Outcomes and impacts:

Farmers and overall participants will be able through the use of FAMACHA to reduce the drenching of their animals with a commercial product and to treat animals that do not need to be treated, in this way they keep bigger refugia or larger number of parasites that have not been exposed to commercial anthelmintic, being able in this way to reduce the parasite resistance. Participants will also save money because will use less dewormer and will keep this effective for longer.

Educational & Outreach Activities

10 Consultations
1 Curricula, factsheets or educational tools
4 Minigrants
10 On-farm demonstrations
2 Online trainings
5 Published press articles, newsletters
1 Travel Scholarships
6 Webinars / talks / presentations
4 Workshop field days

Participation Summary:

5 Extension
200 Farmers/ranchers

Learning Outcomes

63 Participants gained or increased knowledge, skills and/or attitudes about sustainable agriculture topics, practices, strategies, approaches
2 Ag professionals intend to use knowledge, attitudes, skills and/or awareness learned

Project Outcomes

4 Grants received that built upon this project
5 New working collaborations
18 Agricultural service provider participants who used knowledge and skills learned through this project (or incorporated project materials) in their educational activities, services, information products and/or tools for farmers
Additional Outcomes:

Each time more farmers and Extension agents interested in getting certified for FAMACHA and in the future will like to take part on the McMaster training (MSSTATE Takes the Lab to the Farm)

Face of SARE

Face of SARE:

I show on the first slide that the program is funded through SARE and I also take SARE books and handouts (when available ) to most of the meetings and talks I give on Sustainable Parasite control. Farmer al always delighted to receive SARE books and materials.

I also tag SARE on Extension Sheep & Goat social media (FB and IG) when the event is related to the sustainable topic

 

200 Farmers received information about SARE grant programs and information resources
50 Ag professionals received information about SARE grant programs and information resources

Information Products

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or SARE.