UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — One of the most economical feed sources for sheep and goats in Pennsylvania is pasture. Good pasture and grazing management practices not only work together to meet nutritional needs, but also help to keep the animals healthy. Find out more at the Sheep and Goat Pasture and Grazing Management workshop offered by Penn State Extension.
The workshop, slated for Friday, March 20, will be held at the Penn State Extension Office in Westmoreland County, at 214 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The session starts at 9:50 a.m. and concludes at 2:30 p.m. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.
The workshop will include sessions on the importance of soil fertility and how it impacts pasture production; forage species selection; grazing management practices that promote pasture production and animal performance; financial assistance for pasture systems; and how to keep sheep and goats healthy on pastures.
Speakers at the event will include Penn State Extension educators Melanie Barkley and Dave Hartman, and J.B. Harrold, from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“The workshop is a great way for producers to learn more about producing sheep and goats using pasture,” said Barkley. “They will hear some helpful tips on how to manage those pastures in order to prevent internal parasite problems in their animals."
The workshop is sponsored by Penn State Extension, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Fayette County Community Action Agency and Republic Food Enterprise Center.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested by March 13. Registration includes lunch and educational materials. For more information, contact Barkley at the Penn State Extension office in Bedford County at 814-623-4800 or meh7@psu.edu. Register at the the website.