Workshop: Fiber Animal Production

December 5, 2012
8:30a - 5pm

The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will offer a workshop on fiber animal production at the Silk Hope Farm Heritage Center in Silk Hope, NC. We offer a full day of educational programs and exhibits, plus lots of opportunities for sharing and networking and show and tell!
Program Agenda:
Introduction and Learning Resources – Debbie Roos, Chatham County Cooperative Extension
Animal Care - Dr. Barbara Walton, DVM, Third Street Veterinary Clinic

• How to Find a Veterinarian
• First Aid Kit for the Farm
• Preventative Care
• Common Ailments and Diseases

How to Control those Pesky Worms: Integrated Parasite Management for Small Ruminants – Dr. Niki Whitley, North Carolina A&T State University
Forage and Nutrition – Sam Groce, Chatham County Cooperative Extension, and Dr. Jean-Marie Luginbuhl, North Carolina State University

• How to Establish & Maintain Pasture
• Forage and Browse for the Piedmont Region
• NCSU Research on Lespedeza for Parasite Control

Animal Spotlights: Producers will discuss breeds, harvesting fiber, unique production needs, and more!

• Sheep - Ann Fay, Rising Meadow Farm
• Angora Goats and Rabbits - Elaina Kenyon, Avillion Farm
• Alpacas – Rosmarie Rosenbloom, Black Tulip Farms
• Cashmere Goats and Llamas – Laura Young, Dew Dance Farm

Producer Panel:

• Marketing Fiber (internet, farmers’ markets, fiber artist guilds, yarn shops, social media, etc. )
• Income Potential from Fiber Animal Production

Exhibitors: All the producers will have exhibits of their fiber products and tools and equipment for harvesting and processing fiber.
A local lunch will be catered by Celebrity Dairy.
Participants will receive handouts and a Resource CD. Cost of the workshop is $45 and includes breakfast, local lunch, and the CD. Pre-registration is required. The deadline for registration is November 30.Space is limited so register early!
To register, visit Cooperative Extension’s Growing Small Farms website and download a registration form:http://bit.ly/GSFworkshops
Call 919-542-8202 or email Debbie Roos at debbie.roos@chathamnc.org for more information.