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Free Seminars for Shepherds
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Saturday May 3, 2008
Finishing Forages and Pasture Management to Reduce
Parasite Control with Dr. Ken Turner
Saturday, May 3 – 9:30 to 10:30 – Dining Hall – free
Dr. Kenneth E. Turner (Research Animal Scientist) is Lead Scientist for the
Production Systems for Appalachian Small Farms research group at USDA,
ARS, Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center (AFSRC), in Beaver, WV.
His current objectives are to understand components of grazing systems practices
to synchronize better forage availability and quality to meet nutritional
requirements of grazing livestock, and to provide environmentally sound grazing
practices for Appalachia. Refinements to the components of grazing and
browsing systems include using traditional as well as new forages to improve
efficiency of protein use in plant/livestock systems, and reduce impacts of
gastrointestinal parasites on livestock performance. Emphasis is on low input,
forage-based livestock production, especially for finishing lambs and meat goat
kids on pasture for ethnic markets. Dr. Turner will present an overview of
research efforts at AFSRC that include forages for finishing sheep and goats,
and pasture management considerations for gastrointestinal parasite control in
grazing sheep and goats.
…And Never the Twain Shall Meet – or – Do They?
with Lois Geer and Bob Padula
Saturday, May 3 – 10:30 to 11:30 – Dining Hall – free
Handspinning fleece judge Lois Geer and ASI Wool Quality Improvement
Consultant Bob Padula will discuss the differences and similarities between the
needs of the hand spinning and fiber arts community and the commercial wool
marketing sector. Using examples at the Fleece Show in the Main Exhibition
Hall, they will discuss wool quality issues from objective measurement to myths.
They will provide tips and advice on what works, what doesn’t and new ways to
get the most out of your wool. Watch how these experts at opposite ends of the
wool use spectrum recognize their differences and celebrate their similarities.
Choose Your Partners: Getting Your Fleece Processed with Judith MacKenzie McCuin
Saturday, May 3 – Noon to 1:00 – Dining Hall – free
Many fiber producers are considering the option of adding value to their fiber by
having it processed into a saleable product. This lunchtime talk will discuss the
many processing options available and how to decide what to do and how to find
someone to do it for you. We’ll look at some of the things mills need to do the
best job for you and questions you need to ask mills to make sure you get the
product you want. We’ll discuss fiber prep before it goes to the mill, washing,
efficient shipping and how to calculate what the cost actually is for your product.
Judith MacKenzie McCuin is a writer, handspinner and yarn designer. She lives in Montana where she manufactures Buffalo Gals bison yarns, Green Sheep organic yarns, and Mother MacKenzie’s Dyes.
Wool Research: Itch-free, Machine Washable Wool with Dr. Jeanette M. Cardamone
Saturday, May 3 – 1:30 to 2:30 – Dining Hall – free
USDA, Agricultural Research Service scientists have discovered a new process
for whitening, biopolishing, and minimizing shrinkage that gives wool fabrics a
smooth, soft touch with “itch-free” comfort. This method does not alter the
fabric’s mechanical properties because enzyme activity is limited to the fabric’s
outside cuticle layer. This technology also allows wool fabric to be machine
washed without losing its dimensional stability. ARS’s invention should make
processing wool easier and more efficient. Jeanette (Jan) M. Cardamone is a
research chemist for the USDA and a textile expert who has developed various
processes to improve the quality of domestic wool, for example: alternative
methods for bleaching wool, the union dyeing of wool/cotton blends, and the
ARS process for combined bleaching, biopolishing, and shrinkproofing wool. As
textile expert, she has informed decisions concerning the conservation and
restoration of the Shroud of Turin and the Star Spangled Banner. Her current
research includes the chemical and enzymatic modification of wool keratin.
Dealing with Orphans with Dr. Kevin Pelzer
Saturday, May 3 – 2:30 to 3:30 – Dining Hall – free
Whenever possible, flocks should be managed to minimize the occurrence of
orphans. Unfortunately the shepherd will have an occasional orphan. Orphans
present a number of challenges for the shepherd. Preventive measures to avoid
having orphans will be discussed as well as the means and strategies of developing
orphans into healthy and productive lambs. Dr. Kevin Pelzer is on faculty at
the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He received
his DVM from Tuskegee University and completed a food animal medicine
residency at the University of California, Davis. Dr. Pelzer’s interests are small
ruminant medicine and public health.
Sunday Shepherd Seminars - free
Metabolic Diseases of Sheep with Dr. Kevin Pelzer
Sunday, May 4 – 9:30 to 10:30 – Dining Hall – free
Metabolic diseases of sheep generally occur infrequently but may be the result
of an outbreak. Unfortunately these metabolic imbalances are difficult to correct,
and many of the affected die. Most metabolic diseases arise from an imbalance
of nutritional needs. Common treatments will be discussed as well as preventive
measures to eliminate these potentially costly conditions. Dr. Kevin Pelzer is on
faculty at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He
received his DVM from Tuskegee University and completed a food animal
medicine residency at the University of California, Davis. He is board certified
in the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. Dr. Pelzer’s
interests are small ruminant medicine and public health.
AWEX-ID – A Common Language for the Description of Wool
with Bob Padula
Sunday, May 4 – 10:30 to 11:30 – Dining Hall – free
ASI Wool Quality Improvement Consultant Bob Padula introduces the AWEXID
system. With more and more US wool being exported, foreign customs,
different languages, and wool description have become important issues for
marketing the US wool clip. In today’s wool industry, nebulous terms such as “medium wool” just don’t work. AWEX-ID is a system for the appraisal and
description of non-measured characteristics of greasy wool. By combining
AWEX-ID with objective measurement, a credible description for wool is
possible. Participants in this seminar will learn how the AWEX-ID system is
being implemented in the USA to help growers make more informed wool
marketing decisions, produce a better quality wool clip, and gain a competitive
edge in niche marketing.
Finishing Forages and Pasture Management to Reduce Parasite Control with Dr. Ken Turner
Sunday, May 4 – 1:30 to 2:30 – Dining Hall – free
See seminar description above
Wool Research: Itch-free, Machine Washable Wool with Dr. Jeanette M. Cardamone
Sunday, May 4 – 2:30 to 3:30 – Dining Hall – free
See seminar description above