I am returning from the ASI meeting in Phoenix. A little different weather than we are experiencing back home. What did I learn? There are a lot of people that have a considerable passion to promote the sheep and goat industries. All mean well but I am not sure how many are on the right track but it doesn’t make a lot of difference because it will all shake out in the long run.
Regarding NSIP, I am all for keeping records but they do need to be meaningful, statistically significant and an efficient use of time. More time spent on the computer and less time in the barn is not always a good thing. If you can't manage a fifty head flock of ewes without a computer you perhaps shouldn't be in the business or at the least seek other help because the computer alone isn't going to get it done.
Diane Sutton has really done a nice job with the scrapie issue, the major hurdle now that remains is to develop procedures to track down a sometimes untested goat population and the way they are dispersed and marketed, this is a challenge. Not that there haven’t been problems, but the Scrapie Program has moved along nicely.
The Animal Health Committee finally allotted time to discuss the VFD issue. We had an update on Scrapie which was in order but Q fever and OPP got left out this year, that was a relief. The balance of the time was spent on VFD. I am concerned that it's to little to late but it is encouraging that there is an effort being put forth to afford sheep and goat people some type of relief. The American Feed Mfg. representative, Mr. Sellars, addressed the entire organization to explain the whole situation. He is the same gentleman that told me in an e-mail that he wrote the regulation for the FDA. Now he says he will try to fix it and I certainly hope he can. It would have been easier to fix before it became law. With virtually no feed grade antibiotics available to sheep and goats and off label use prohibited the minor species and the 4H and FFA kids have been left out and animal welfare is certainly a big risk and a certain factor to be addressed. This is a regulation becoming law on the basis of guidance without scientific evidence to support it. Upon leaving the auditorium, Mr. Sellars made an effort to find me and shake my hand. We will hold him responsible, as promised, to help us find a solution.
For those of you using aureomycin or AS 700 for prevention of abortion you may want to lay in a supply while it’s still available. Vaccination needs to be front and center going forward. Previously, I have for the most part, omitted chlamydia vaccination and only recommended Hygieia brand vibrio. Chlamydia needs to be given twice prior to breeding so if going that route don't forget.
It is really meaningful to attend these meetings. Some of the things you pick up are unexpected. The goat meat that is imported from Australia is always cheaper than that produced in the U.S. A gentleman trying to solve that riddle discovered that the goat meat from Australia is from ferrel goats, they are a nuisance and they trap them at the water holes, slaughter them, freeze and send to U.S. when our supplies are low. Looks pretty bad coming in but they claim after they are washed off in the cooler they look pretty good. They should work for Chipotle or Subway, antibiotic free and plenty of day light. All natural - only God knows what parasites or diseases they may have.
I learned that in marketing goats, the weight of the carcass is far more important than taste or conformation.
I visited with the Young Entrepreneurs group which I enjoyed and would like to have spent more time with them.
Often this is a once a year opportunity to visit and meet people that I don't see at other times of the year and listen to their thoughts and understand their endeavors.
There remains great opportunities in the sheep and goat industry one just needs to figure it out. Certainly different in New York than Pipestone or Montana, find your spot and go for it.
