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Enhancing Small Ruminant Health Through Innovative Risk Management Education in the West-Central Region of Missouri

David Brown and David Brown

Summary

The increasing popularity of sheep and goat operations in the West-Central region of Missouri has created a unique opportunity for agricultural educators to address critical gaps in disease and health management. Small ruminants provide a manageable and profitable option for producers diversifying their livestock operations. However, the lack of specialized veterinarians and the limited knowledge among producers in disease prevention, identification, and treatment have led to significant economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality rates.

The Small Ruminant Health Awareness Program was developed to address these challenges through innovative and impactful risk management education.

The program focuses on equipping producers, particularly small-scale and beginning farmers, with the skills and knowledge to assess flock health, recognize disease symptoms, and implement effective management practices.

To maximize reach and engagement, the program employs a hybrid approach, combining online webinars with in-person workshops and on-farm assessments. This strategy ensures accessibility for producers who may face barriers to attending in-person sessions while also providing hands-on learning opportunities for more comprehensive skill development.

Program Highlights and Innovations
1. Webinars:
Two highly successful online classes were conducted, focusing on Integrated Parasite Management and Abortion and Respiratory Diseases in Small Ruminants. These sessions attracted 148 and 109 participants, respectively, and included live Q&A sessions to address specific producer concerns. Recordings and supplemental educational materials were provided to all registrants, reinforcing learning and enabling continuous access to information.

2. Hands-On Workshops:
An in-person event at the Southwest Research, Extension, and Education Center (SWREEC) provided practical demonstrations on FAMACHA scoring and Fecal Egg Count procedures, essential for parasite management. Ninety-one producers attended this session, traveling from various locations to participate. The program emphasized interactive, experiential learning, which garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees.

3. On-Farm Biosecurity Assessments:
A recent workshop in Hermitage, Missouri, educated 33 producers on biosecurity measures to mitigate disease risks. Participants received tailored biosecurity assessment materials to implement strategies such as visitor sanitation protocols, quarantining practices, and footbath maintenance on their farms.

4. Responsive Programming:
In response to producer requests, the program developed a webinar on "Lamb and Kid Care - The First 72 Hours." This session addressed critical practices to reduce mortality in newborns, providing actionable guidelines that have already shown promising impacts in improving survival rates.

Impact and Outcomes
The program has reached over 200 producers in the West-Central region, with a focus on actionable knowledge that directly reduces health risks in small ruminant operations. Ninety percent of inquiries from producers center on animal health, highlighting the program's relevance and demand.

Participants have reported improved understanding of disease prevention and management, with several implementing biosecurity measures that have reduced herd losses. The hybrid approach has also proven effective, with online webinars showing higher participation rates, while in-person events foster deeper engagement and skill acquisition.

Looking forward, the program aims to expand its reach to additional counties, ensuring that more producers have the tools and knowledge to manage health risks effectively. This innovative and targeted risk management education program exemplifies the impactful role of extension educators in transforming agricultural practices and outcomes.

Details

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