Ag Opportunities Volume 18, Number 3 March 2007 Herbal Deworming Sheep and Goat Research At Lincoln University By Dr. Helen Swartz, Small Livestock Specialist Resistance to commercial dewormers in weather that is warm or hot creates problems for sheep and goat producers in Missouri. The barberpole blood sucking worm (Haemonchus contortus) is the biggest problem and kills sheep and goats with the younger animals being more sensitive than the adults. For three years at Lincoln University (LU), we have been comparing herbal dewormers with Ivomec and a control group receiving no dewormer. In the southern part of Missouri in particular, the barberpole worm is a big problem with resistance being reported. Resistance is very commonly found to be the case in the southern states because of the long summer season. The alternative dewormer selected for comparison in our studies was primarily the Wormwood (Artemia sp.) containing santonin, 40.5% and reminder fennel, gentian, psyllium, and quassi. The Ivomec treatment groups of sheep, both Katahdin and Dorset breeds received Ivomec, drenched at the rate of 4.5 ml to 11.8 kg body weight. Boer/cross goats were fed daily to the three breed groups once a week in a corn based ration from June through October. The control group received no treatment. Results in breeds showed differences in fecal egg counts (FEC) statistically (P<.0001), lowest count in the Katahdin and highest in the Dorset over time (P<.0003). The hematocrits measuring red blood cell count showed differences in breeds (P<.0001), time (P<.0001) and interactions of breed X time X treatment (P<.01). FAMACHA® was added in 2006 measuring lower eye lid color from red to white compared to the hematocrits. This program was brought to the US from South Africa and is useful for treating the barberpole worm only. It is a subjective measurement of the eye color to determine anemia with red being a 1 and white being a 5. The hematocrits are objective measurements drawing blood and measuring the percentage of RBC of each animal. Cards are provided for the FAMACHA® at a cost of $10 when taking a class so that producers may learn how to use the FAMACHA® program recommended no dewormers for sheep and goats that show a red (!) and (2) color of the lower eyelid. All three years showed peaks in the hotter months in FEC and lower RBC (hematocrits) in all three breeds. As the weather cooled down, the FEC lowered and the RBC rose in percentage. A second study was conducted in the winter months of 2005-2006 to measure potential toxicity of the herbal treatment by increasing the herbs six times the recommended dosage. Not toxicity was reported in the sheep and goats in this study. There is a need to conduct this study over a longer period of time before we recommend deworming at this higher level with herbs in sheep and goat populations having death losses. More studies are being conducted in 2007 to expand our knowledge of deworming sheep and goats with herbs compared to Ivomec and a control with Katahdin sheep, Dorset wool sheep and Boer/cross goats. Lincoln University will continuing this research. As results become available, they will passed along. ********************************************************************** Addressing Risk Factors of Organic Production; Certification by Bob Turnbull, Heartland Organic Marketing Cooperative and Dr. Kathleen Delate, Assoc Professor, Iowa State University (from The Organic Producer, 2/1/07) At something less than 2 per cent, organic agriculture is a tiny segment of a very large market despite a decade of double digit growth in consumer demand. Whether at the farm, processing or retail level, premium pricing driven by the high demand is often cited as a major, though not sole, incentive for assuming the risks associated with organic production. Other reasons include long-term environmental, health and societal benefits. However, the demand is outpacing domestic production of primary and processed organic products. In response, retailers are seeking overseas sources of certified organic products at an unprecedented rate. This suggests the incentives that drove current producers to assume the risks associated with organic agriculture are inadequate to drive additional production despite the opportunity for profit. If domestic production is to keep pace with consumer demand and compete with similar organic imports, the risk profile of organic agriculture should be well understood by the entire value-chain. With this understanding strategies and products can be designed and implemented to spread some of the risk thereby encouraging additional production. Agricultural is an inherently risky business. Weather, insects, disease and market conditions often dictate success or failure. With an eye to securing a consistent domestic food supply public and private sectors have cobbled together various schemes to mitigate some of the risks. These schemes include subsidized crop insurance and price supports, relatively transparent markets and a sophisticated crop financing and distribution system. Though not without criticism, these schemes work reasonably well in part because they address major risks associated with large scale agriculture and are well understood by the stakeholders. Importantly, the associated costs are spread among the entire spectrum of the food production industry including the consumer and taxpayer. In contrast, organic production risks are not well understood nor can the costs of mitigation strategies be readily spread among a wide array of participants. A major reason for not understanding the risks of organic production is the rapidly evolving nature of the system. Currently regulated by way of a federal-private partnership that may or may not include state entities, it was for a number of years largely unregulated. This two to three way regulatory scheme introduces a level of uncertainty not present in the larger food system. For the risks of organic production to be economically addressed every potential market participant must acquire an understanding of the language and mechanics of the business beginning with organic certification. Domestically, USDA through the National Organic Program (NOP) ultimately controls all organic certification through the National Organic Production Act of 1990. With considerable input from the organic segment the rules (Rules) written by USDA were fully implemented in the fall of 2002 and form the basis for all domestic certification. There are currently 55 domestic and 40 foreign certification agencies accredited by the NOP to administer the program. Some of the certification agencies are state entities. The NOP has jurisdiction only in the US. There is no complete reciprocity with other organic markets such as the European Union and Japan at this time. The NOP provides on-line access to the Rules and other key information as do many certification agencies. Some of the certification agencies have additional rules, but in all cases, as far the NOP is concerned, adherence to any requirements beyond those found in the Rules is optional. Additional certifications are either market or philosophically driven and have no effect on organic certification within the US. However, some agencies administer certification for markets in Japan and the European Union. For example if the product, raw or processed, is destined for overseas markets, additional certifications are required and involve following additional rules. While access to the rules of organic certification is not difficult, understanding them may be. As a product of the legislative process, the Rules are written in a legalistic style and regulate a complex production-marketing system, literally from seed to shelf. Gaining a complete understanding the rules is a daunting task. Despite USDA’s efforts to be thorough, at times there may appear to be no rule addressing a particular situation. This may reflect a legislative attempt to account for variability in operations or it may reflect oversight that maybe addressed at a later date. Fortunately, the certification agencies can often provide answers to many if not all the questions an interested person may have. Moreover, there is an active worldwide organic community who are more than willing to field questions including state land grant institutions such as Iowa State University’s Organic Agriculture Program or private non-profit groups such as Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service of Spring Valley Wisconsin. Finally, one of the most valuable resources are current organic market participants whether farmers, processors or retailers. At first glance, entry to the organic market place may appear nothing more than a morass of indecipherable rules dictating behavior in what was either marginally regulated or unregulated areas of a particular operation. However, it is unlikely that a party interested in gaining access to the organic market will have to be concerned with every aspect of the Rules. Rather, the focus should be on those rules that will impact the operation seeking market access. Therefore in order to minimize the risk of failing to gain access to the organic market a workable understanding of the intricacies the desired market segment can be gained by: 1) Clearly identifying target markets; 2) Familiarizing yourself with all relevant Rules including those subject to controversy and likely to change; 3) Consulting at least 2-3 certification agencies regarding the rules relevant to target market; 4) Reviewing the required paperwork for application and continued certification; 5) Modifying your current record keeping system to conform to that required by Rules; 6) Contacting local and regional organic market participants to identify opportunities and potential problems of the target market; and 7) Attend a number of local, regional and national organic conferences and trade shows such as the Iowa Organic Conference, Upper Midwest Organic Conference and the Organic Trade Association’s annual conference. Armed with the information gained from these resources you should be able to decide if this is a step you want to take at all and if so ways to address the next issue-managing the risks of transitioning to organic production. ********************************************************************** Ten Habits of Highly Profitable Farmers The Editors of Pro Farmer studied the habits of profitable farmers to see if there was any consistent management practices among these farmers. Here are some of the practices they identified. Perhaps you are doing many of them, but they might be a good list to review to improve your farm management skills and profitability. 1 The number one habit identified was the ability of the operators to look at their farming operation with a total systems approach. Operating their farms as a system means these highly profitable farmers organize all of their life’s activities to achieve the goals they have defined for a profitable and successful life. They focus their attention to vision of the business, the mission of the business, their values and their goals. These four elements give purpose, continuity and control to all aspects of the farming business and to their lives. 2 The second common habit was to manage the risk of the business. Risk Management involves looking at farm insurance needs to protect property and growing crops. It also involves the use of marketing tools to strive to cover the cost of production. This may involve forward pricing as well as use of the futures market. 3 The third habit is to look at what you can learn from “what-if” scenarios. This process encourages you to look at the results of changing management and inputs into your farm, before the actual change is made. 4 The fourth habit is to establish a peer group and bounce around ideas that you have about changes. This might be part of a farm organization or it may be a small group of trusted neighbors, family or friends. 5 The fifth habit is to develop alliances that can be mutually beneficial. This might include the trading of management ideas, labor, or machinery. 6 The sixth habit is to actively manage the resources available to your business. After you have determined your resources you need to decide how you can best put them to use. 7 The seventh habit is continuously assessing your personal performance. This would include your use of time as well as how your farm financial analysis compares to industry standards. 8 The eighth habit is to move quickly in implementing new ideas and change so you can capture opportunities. But do this with some planning and calculation. 9 The ninth habit is to capitalize on market opportunities that will assure you a profit. This may mean foregoing receiving the highest prices, if you decide to sell when you can lock in a profit. 10 The tenth habit is to work toward continually improving your person and business performance. If your goal is to be a profitable full time farmer, you have to review your management practices continually. ********************************************************************** Guide Helps Farmers Take Ideas to the Bank The Rural Advancement Foundation International - USA has released The Farmer’s Guide to Agricultural Credit. The guide provides step-by-step advice on financing non-traditional farm-based enterprises. The Farmer’s Guide grew out of the Farmer & Lender Project, a partnership between RAFI-USA and the Self-Help Credit Union, supported by the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Creative ideas, from growing organic produce to grinding corn into grits, offer farms a way to stay afloat in financially challenging times. However, these ideas can be difficult to explain to lenders who are used to dealing with traditional commodity crops. Farmers have experience with getting annual operating loans, but are often unprepared for the amount of documentation lenders expect for a new enterprise. Agricultural lenders know how to assess risks and benefits of familiar crops, but few of them are prepared to evaluate a new kind of project. The Farmer’s Guide helps close this gap. It outlines how lenders evaluate loan applications, how to communicate ideas to lenders, and what resources are available to help along the way. A steering committee of farmers, commercial and agricultural lenders, representatives of state government, and other experts helped produce the Farmer’s Guide. The Farmer’s Guide is available on-line at http://www.rafiusa.org/pubs/puboverview.html or $10 for hard copy to cover the costs of printing and postage. RAFI-USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to community, equity, and diversity in agriculture. (Center for Rural Affairs, Feb 2007) ********************************************************************** Local Producer Loan Program Whole Foods Market aims to: * To work with local producers to expand the availability of quality, local, differentiated products for our customers * Support the communities in which Whole Foods Market does business * Strengthen the partnership between Whole Foods Market and local producers * Reinforce the Whole Foods Market value of environmental sustainability How: * Loan up to $10 million annually to independent local producers * Minimize fees, interest rates and paperwork * Begin with a Pilot Program and refine the process over time Eligibility: * Must meet Whole Foods Market’s Quality Standards * Use funds for expansion and capital expenditures, not operating expenses (e.g., buy more animals, invest in new equipment/infrastructure, or expand crops) * All meat or dairy producers must meet Whole Foods Market’s Animal Compassionate standards * Have adequate cash flow to service debt and a viable business plan * An existing relationship with Whole Foods Market is a plus Loan Terms: * Loan amounts targeted between $1,000 and $50,000 * Loan amount not greater than 80% of total project cost * Interest rate based on Prime Rate (currently 8.25%) with current range of 5% to 9%, fixed or variable with annual re-sets * Term and repayment of loan tied to life of asset financed * Whole Foods maintains first lien position on asset financed * Monthly payments required after termination of any grace period * No penalty for early repayment * $65 processing fee to cover administrative expenses, including obtaining a credit report * Approval and terms dependent primarily on risk assessment, type of product, and use of proceeds * May require simultaneous execution of a purchase agreement * Producer may apply for additional financing if initial loan in good standing after one year Contacts: For more information, please contact your Whole Foods Market Regional representatives: If you do not know your representative, please email lplp@wholefoods.com or call (512) 477-4455 for more information ********************************************************************** *** IN THE NEWS *** A new list specifically created for people interested in starting a commercial dairy (milking) or creamery (making dairy products). Are you dreaming of starting a dairy business? Want to make cheese, ice cream, yogurt, butter or other dairy products on a small scale? Or would you simply like to milk cows, goats or sheep and sell the milk to someone else -- perhaps an organic cooperative, a cheese maker or a crossroads creamery? Send email to dairystartup-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Bee pollination costs will soar because of a deadly illness wiping out bees as they’re being transported to farm fields to begin pollination services. The disease, colony collapse disorder, comes as the pollinating season is getting under way on the West Coast. Orchard and field crops rely on bee pollination. Estimates of the value of honeybee pollination to U.S. farmers run in the billions of dollars. Some beekeepers are sure to suspend their pollination services to protect bees while scientists scramble to limit the overall damage. (Kiplinger Agriculture Newsletter, No 78, Vol 4) ********************************************************************** * *** IN PRINT/ON-LINE *** *Meat Goat Pocket Calendar* Good records on parasite control, health practices, breeding dates, kidding dates, and weaning weights help when it is time to make culling and replacement decisions. This data can be kept in this calendar produced by Kaeco Group, Andrew County Extension and Univ of MO Extension. Call 573-642-0755. *2007 Midwest Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide* ($7.50) and *2007 Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide* ($5.00) and *2007 Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers* ($12.00) are all available from University of Missouri Publications, 1-800-292-0969. ********************************************************************** * *** ON THE CALENDAR *** March 1 - 23rd Annual Spring Forage Conference, Mt. Vernon, MO. Call 417-466-2148. March 9-11 - Fiber Retreat, Jefferson City, MO. Contact carroll-bartlettL@missouri.edu http://outreach.missouri.edu/fiber/2007/ March 8 - From Recipe to Reality Seminar, Lincoln, NE. Call 402-472-2819. March 10 - Enhance Wildlife on Your Property, Farmington, MO.  Call 573-290-5730. March 10-Native Plant Seminar, Cape Girardeau, MO. Call 573-243-3581 or 573-290-5218. March13-14 - Growing and Marketing for a Farmers’ Market, Unionville, MO. Call 660-457-3469 or 660-665-9866. March 14 - Sheep Shearing School, Jefferson City, MO. Call 573-681-5551, swartzh@lincolnu.edu. March 16-17 - MO State Beekeepers Assn Spring Meeting, Jefferson City, MO. Call 660-826-4917. March 17 - Canine Reproduction and Neonatal Disease Seminar, St Louis, MO. Call 573-751-4570. March 23 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Saline County, MO. Call 660-886-7447 ext. 112 March 24 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Moberly, MO. Call 660-385-2616 ext. 3 March 24 - Kansas City Food Circle Farmers Expo, Kansas City, MO. Call 913-334-0556 or hartwood2@mindspring.com March 24 - Beginning Beekeeping Class, Raytown, MO. Call 816-690-8007 or 913-768-8967 March 28 - Advancing Renewables in the Midwest, Columbia, MO. Call 573-882-9551. March 29-30 - Growing and Marketing for a Farmers’ Market, Moberly, MO. Call 660-457-3469 or 660-665-9866. March 31 - Options for Small Acreages, Lebanon, MO. Call 417-532-7126. March 31 - Quail Management Field Day, Mound City, MO.  Call 660-442-3173. April 7 - NatureScaping Symposium, Springfield, MO. Call 417-888-4237. April 11 - Blueberry Workshop, Jamesport, MO. Call 660-663-3232. April 14 - Bradford Research and Extension Center Native Plant Sale and Bird Watch Tour, Columbia, MO. Call 573-289-2018. April 27-28 - Artificial Insemination & Semen Evaluation in Sheep, Jefferson City, MO. Call 573-681-5540, StewartA@lincolnu.edu May 4-5 - Goat Short Course, Jefferson City, MO. Call 573-681-5551 swartzh@lincolnu.edu. May 11-12 - Midwest Forest Industry Show, St. Louis, MO.  Call 573-634-3252. May 19 - Quail Management Workshop, Chillicothe, MO. Call 660-359-5685 ext. 114 . July 29-31 - Missouri Young Farmers/Young Farm Wives Summer Tour, Perryville, MO.  Call 573-751-8467. Aug 9-19 - MO State Fair, Sedalia, MO. Aug 18 - Canine Care Workshop, Kirksville, MO. Call 573-751-4570. Aug 25 - Canine Care Workshop, Springfield, MO. Call 573-751-4570. Nov 2-3 - MO State Beekeepers Assn Fall Meeting, Hannibal, MO. www.mostatebeekeepers.org Nov 30-Dec1 - Livestock Symposium, Kirksville, MO. Green Hills Farm Project Farm Walks Green Hills Farm Project welcomes all families to our open farm walks.  Always bring your children!  Please call ahead to advise the host family of the number attending and to get directions.  The host family provides main meat course and drinks.  Please bring lawn chairs and covered dish. Come on out and join us for a great time of fellowship and sharing on our farms!   March 15th -TBA   April 19th - 5pm, Dennis & Becky McDonald, Galt, MO, 660-673-6508. Cattle and land management. May 17th - 5pm, Isaac Rude, Braymer, MO, 660.645.2324. GHFP youth grant recipient sharing his boar goat project.  his family also raises chickens, eggs, cattle, pigs, and turkeys marketed locally. mrude@greenhills.net   June 21st - 5pm, Martin & Bev Turner, Elmer, MO  660.486.3388, Cattle and grass operation, they will share their 4-way cross cattle development programme; Hereford, Barzona, Red Angus, and Senepol.  Bulls for sale.   July 21st - Saturday, 5pm, Jordan & Anne Bentley, Brookfield, MO, 660.412.3399.  Jordan and Anne should be in their new home by then.  They grow broiler chickens, turkeys, and lambs.  Flock management and marketing ideas.   August 16th - 5pm, Tom & Paula Parker, Richmond, MO, 816.470.3276. Using MiG (management-intensive grazing) techniques, the Parker's are successfully managing animals and land to produce great-tasting beef, lamb, hogs, and poultry which is marketed locally.   September 20th - 5pm, Allen & Tauna Powell, Laclede, MO, 660-963-2685. Soil, water, and grass management with the use of MiG and animal impact.  Cattle, sheep, pastured hens.  Web site sales of beef, lamb, eggs, soap, raw wool, sheep pelts, wool products including blankets, batting, roving, socks are coming!  Tours to the seed cleaning operation are available if there is interest. www.mastersranch.com or atpowell@mcmsys.com   October 20th - Saturday, 11am, Kerry & Barb Buchmayer, Purdin, MO 660.244.5858, Organic milk, butter, and eggs.  Learn about managing soil and animals organically at Green Hills Harvest.  Tours of the bottling plant available for those interested.  www.ghharvest.com or ghharvest@juno.com   November 15th - 4pm, Ben & Nancy Coleman, Callao, MO, 660.768.5743. Ben and family have been cattle ranching for years.  Come and see their management practices; come early since it will be getting dark soon at this meeting.  Heated outbuilding for meal and meeting.   December - no meeting in December Growing Growers Workshops For more information, 913-488-1270 or growers@ksu.edu Mar 31 - Soil Building with Organic Practices, Spring Hill, KS 66083 Apr 16 - General Plant Propagation and Production for the Vegetable Grower, Location to be determined. May 16 - Equipment for Vegetable Growers, Olathe, KS. June 11 - Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling for Maximum Quality and Nutrition, Bates County, MO July 9 - The Taste & Nutrition of Local Vegetables, location to be determined Aug 13 - Starting a New Farm, Baldwin City, KS. Sept 9 - Pests, Diseases & Weeds, Independence, MO. Oct 1 - Integrating Meat and Dairy into Vegetables, Weston, MO. Oct 20 - Business Management for Small Farms, Kearney, MO. Nov 3 - TBD, Location to be determined