Meat Goat Cohort Will Provide Learning Opportunities for Iowa and Wisconsin Producers

Aug 20, 2024

By Carolyn Ihde

Meat goat producers in Iowa and Wisconsin can improve their knowledge of the industry by attending Meat Goat Cohort 25, which will launch in October.

This multi-session program is intended to increase producer knowledge of how to analyze production systems and implement strategies that improve efficiency and productivity, while providing a supportive environment for networking and collaboration.

Topics will include biosecurity protocols, diseases and vaccinations, kidding preparation, nutrition requirements and testing, marketing, parasite management and on-farm field trips.

The program is being organized by Carolyn Ihde, small ruminant field specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

“This program offers a unique opportunity to meet in person and via Zoom,” said Ihde. “This journey will not only inspire and excite meat goat producers, but it will also lead to significant personal growth and learning.”

Early-registration is encouraged to help program organizers determine the best program for the cohort. Speakers and topics will be determined by those who register. Register by completing the Google form at https://go.wisc.edu/ext-mgc25.

Source : iastate.edu

Video: Season 7, Episode 1: Managing Risk and Seeing Opportunities in U.S. Pork Production

Today’s episode features three guests discussing the similarities and differences between pork production in the United States and Brazil, along with strategies for managing risk in today’s industry while recognizing and acting on opportunities. First, Dr. Anne Caroline de Lara, executive manager of live pig production at Seara Alimentos, a JBS company in Brazil, is joined by Dr. Matthew Turner, head of operations for JBS Live Pork. Together, they discuss how labor, climate and ventilation challenges vary between Brazil and the United States, while underscoring their shared commitment to raising healthy pigs. They also point to lessons producers in both countries can take from one another’s systems and on-farm experiences. Then, Brady Reicks, risk manager at Reicks View Farms, shares his perspective on risk management, drawing from his background in markets and his transition into farming. He discusses how protecting margins varies by operation and offers practical approaches producers can use to make marketing and business decisions with greater confidence rather than hesitation.

Both conversations were recorded at recent industry events focused on swine livability, including the International Conference on Pig Livability and Iowa Swine Day.