Final report for SMS21-001
Project Information
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.
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
Education
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
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.
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.
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
Participation summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project 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
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