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Building an Informed Community of Small Ruminant Producers Through FAMACHA Certification

Extension Education

Cassidy Dossin
Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Green Cove Springs

Abstract

Small ruminant industries continue to attract new and small farmers in Florida. These producers often start off in sheep and goat production with little to no experience with livestock management, and unfortunately, research-based resources for small ruminants can be limited and difficult to find. Internal parasite management is inherently part of the job for sheep and goat producers, and these problems can be exacerbated by the Florida climate, posing a severe and unique challenge for producers in the state. FAMACHA scoring is a standardized, widely accepted practice to inform deworming programs, and certification is required for producers to have access to FAMACHA materials and properly implement this practice on to their operations. Yet, there is little opportunity for Florida producers to become certified. Offering multiple FAMACHA trainings throughout the year beginning in 2022 has built up a community of small ruminant producers who are open to improving their operations through recommended practices and eager to interact with and learn from Extension and other producers. Presently, three hands-on programs have been offered by the group, with 66 producers in attendance. Survey results indicated 88% of the program participants increased their knowledge on topics such as internal parasites, deworming methods and products, as well as information and utilization of FAMACHA scoring. Additionally, 93% of participants also indicated an intention to change their behavior to include monitoring their herd for internal parasites, deworming according to UF/IFAS recommendations, and utilizing FAMACHA. The training offered by UF/IFAS Extension is one of the only methods for producers to become certified in FAMACHA scoring and receive a FAMACHA card to utilize in their operation, therefore this service is paramount to reducing dewormer resistance in the state. Participants indicated a total perceived economic impact of $34,598 for their operations as a result of this valuable training.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Cassidy Dossin, Alicia Halbritter, Lizzie Whitehead, Paulette Tomlinson, Cindy Sanders
  1. Dossin, C. Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Clay County, Florida, 32043
  2. Halbritter, A. Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Baker County, Florida, 32055
  3. Whitehead, L. Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Bradford County, Florida, 32091
  4. Tomlinson, P. Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Columbia County, Florida, 32055
  5. Sanders, C. County Extension Director and Livestock Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, Florida, 32669