Mississippi State University Training Grant- MSP21

Project Overview

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
Email
Department of Animal & Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University

Information Products

Commodities

  • Animals: goats, sheep
  • Animal Products: dairy, fiber, fur, leather, meat

Practices

  • Animal Production: animal protection and health, herbal medicines, meat product quality/safety, parasite control
  • Education and Training: demonstration, extension, technical assistance, workshop

    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.

    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.