Fiber Animal Production Workshop in Silk Hope, NC

December 5, 2012

The Chatham County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension will offer a workshop on fiber animal production from 8:30 am-5:00 pm on Wednesday December 5 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.