View Poster Application

PURDUE EXTENSION: REACHING A GLOBAL SMALL RUMINANT AUDIENCE

Extension Education

Elysia Rodgers
Extension Educator
Purdue Extension
Auburn

Abstract

The small ruminant inventory in Indiana has increased, on average, by 120% since 2016 (National Ag Statistics Survey, 2016 and 2020). Many of these inventory numbers are from first-time sheep and goat owners that have many questions they want answered. In Fall 2019, the Purdue Small Ruminant team began “ruminating” on the idea of an online “lunch ‘n learn” style program to deliver this needed information to our clients. With the onset of the coronavirus and quarantining, this idea quickly turned in to a successful international program.
\r\n   
\r\n    The first ten programs took place March 26 to May 28 on every Thursday. Once this first set of sessions took place, we adjusted the schedule to once a month through the end of the year (and have continued on in to 2021).
\r\n   
\r\n    Seventeen Small Ruminant Lunch ‘N Learn webinars were delivered live to over 500 individuals from 22 different states and two Canadian provinces. 1,167 recorded viewings have taken place to date. Six Purdue Extension Educators, four Purdue University campus specialists, and one veterinarian delivered the programming in 2020.
\r\n   
\r\n    Of the attendees:
\r\n    73% owned/managed goats and 27% owned/managed sheep
\r\n    33% had herds and flocks of 1-10 animals
\r\n    20% had herds/flocks of 11-20 animals
\r\n    10% had herds/flocks of 21-20 animals
\r\n    7% had herds/flocks of 31-50 animals
\r\n    12% had herds/flocks of 51-100 animals
\r\n   
\r\n    As a result of the Purdue Small Ruminant Team Lunch ‘N Learn presentations:
\r\n    11% of participants planned or had implemented sanitary milking procedures
\r\n    55% of participants planned or had implemented checking pastures for toxic plants
\r\n    42% of participants planned or had implemented prenatal vaccinations of females and gathered birthing kits
\r\n    75% of participants planned or had implemented forage tests on their hay
\r\n    75% participants planned or had implemented matching nutritional needs with production stage of animals
\r\n    50% of participants planned or had implemented selective deworming practices
\r\n    10% of participants have reported a decrease in their costs associated with raising their small ruminants
\r\n    35% of participants have increased their overall confidence in raising Small Ruminants
\r\n   
\r\n    The Purdue Small Ruminant Lunch ‘N Learn series is continuing in 2021.

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.

Click to view Poster

Authors: E. Rodgers, S. Dzimianski, M. Kepler, R. Kelly, C. Carter, R.M. Ingle
  1. Rodgers, E. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46706-2381
  2. Dzimianski, S. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 47586
  3. Kepler, M. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46975
  4. Kelly, R. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46528
  5. Carter, C. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 47201
  6. Ingle, R. Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46901