Social media tools reach out to sheep and goat producers
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Indiana's thriving goat and sheep industry now has a new information resource in the Purdue Extension sheep and goat blog.
Producers can stay informed about industry trends and pick up management advice through the Web resource produced by Mike Neary, Purdue Extension small ruminant specialist.
"Goat and sheep producers want to know what other operations are doing," Neary said. "The blog gives them information about education, Extension and items of interest -- whether those are animal or human-related."
The site, https://sheepngoats.wordpress.com, is updated every Wednesday with posts pertaining to goat and sheep operation management. Unlike many blogs, the sheep and goat blog offers research-based information, rather than resembling a personal journal. Readers can leave comments or questions on each post.
Recent posts have included information about breed selection, animal health, training livestock guard dogs, lambing problems and nutrition.
In Indiana, producers raise goats and sheep for meat, milk and wool, and current high market prices make it a good time to be involved in the industry, Neary said. The blog offers timely small-ruminant information and advice for both new and veteran producers.
"We hope to reach a larger amount of people interested in goats and sheep and teach producers something they may not have thought to research themselves," he said.
In addition to viewing blog posts on the website, readers also can subscribe for e-mail reminders for updates each week. To subscribe, go to https://lists.purdue.edu/mailman/listinfo/pusheepngoats
Writer: Audrie Koester 765-496-2384, aekoeste@purdue.edu
Source: Mike Neary, 765-494-4849, mneary@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
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