Sheep and goat producers: Ohio Sheep Improvement Association hosting programs across the state

COLUMBUS — Sheep and goat producers from around Ohio are invited to come to one or more of the educational sessions planned this winter to learn about different areas of sheep and goat production.

Education

The educational programs are sponsored by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association.

• 7 p.m. Jan. 31; Buckeye Hills Region Sheep and Goat Program, Monroe County Courthouse, 101 North Main St., Woodsfield.

Speaker: Roger A. High, OSU Extension sheep program specialist, Minerals and Vitamins for Sheep and Goats;

For more information, contact Steve Schumacher, Belmont Co. Extension Educator, 740-695-1455, or Mark Landefeld, Monroe County Extension Educator, 740-472-0810;

• 7 p.m. Feb. 16; Ohio Valley Region Sheep and Goat Program, OSU South Centers, Endeavor Center, 1862 Shyville Rd., Piketon.

Speaker: Dr. Bill Shulaw, OSU Preventive Veterinarian, Beef and Sheep, Internal Parasite Management in Sheep and Goat Flocks and Developing a Flock and Herd Vaccination Program;

For more information, contact Jeff Fisher, Pike County Extension Educator, 740-947-2121.

• 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17; Miami Valley Region Sheep and Goat Program, Butler County OSU Extension Office, 1802 Princeton Rd.,, Hamilton, Ohio. Reservations are required for the meal. The program is to begin after the meal. Bring a covered dish, the lamb will be provided; meal reservations are required by Feb. 10.

Speakers: Bob Hendershot, USDA-NCRS state grasslands specialist, Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages; and Kevin Morgan, Predator Control;

For more information, contact Cindy Meyer, Butler County Extension Educator, 513-887-3722 for reservations;

• 7 p.m. Feb. 22; Western Reserve Region Sheep and Goat Program, Geauga County Extension Office, Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton.

Speaker: Dr. Stan Gehrt, OSU wildlife specialist, Ecology and Management of Coyotes and Other Predators;

For more information, contact Les Ober, Geauga County Program Assistant at 440-834-4656.

• 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24; Crossroads Region Sheep and Goat Program, Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen, 8101 State Route 241, Mount Hope.

A buffet dinner will be served and reservations are required for the 6 p.m. meal. The dinner will cost $15 per person and can be paid at the door. Meal reservations are required by Feb. 19.

Speaker: Bob Hendershot, USDA-NCRS state grasslands specialist, Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages;

For more information, contact Dianne Shoemaker, Wayne County Extension Educator, 330-264-8722.

• 7 p.m. March 8; Maumee Valley Region Sheep & Goat Program, Hancock County Extension Office, 7868 CR 140, Findlay.

Speakers: Bob Hendershot, USDA-NCRS state grasslands specialist, and Gary Wilson, Hancock County Extension educator, Maximizing Forage Utilization with Grazed and Stored Forages.

For more information, contact Wilson, 419-422-3851.

• 7 p.m. March 14; Heart of Ohio/Crossroads Region Sheep & Goat Program, Muskingum County Extension Office, 225 Underwood Street, Zanesville.

Speaker: Dr. Henry Zerby, OSU meat specialist, Lamb and Goat Carcass Evaluation.

For more information, contact Mark Mechling, Muskingum County Extension educator, 740-454-0144 or Howard Siegrist, Licking County Extension educator, 740-349-6900.

Sheep, lamb and goat production schools

Buckeye Hills Region Sheep and Goat Production School; 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22 in Athens at the county extension office, 280 West Union Street.

The cost is $35 per person or couple if they share notebook; it is payable at first session at the door.

Various speakers and topics relating to sheep, lamb, and goat health issues and programs will be discussed. For more information, contact Rory Lewandowski, Athens County Extension Educator, 740-593-8555.

For more information about the programs offered by the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, contact Roger A. High, executive director, at 614-246-8299 or rhigh@ofbf.org or visit the website at www.ohiosheep.org for more information.