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Backyard Livestock 101: Creating a foundation of animal husbandry for prospective small-scale producers

Extension Education

Carsen Dean
Watkinsville

Abstract

Northeast Georgia has seen a rapid growth in population within the last decade, with rural land being divided into small-acreage residential lots. Yet, even on small acreage (<10 acres), homeowners are looking to grow their own food and become self-sufficient, including raising livestock. However, these are often first-time landowners with little or no experience in pasture management, or animal husbandry. The Oconee County Extension Agent instituted a Backyard Livestock 101 workshop series that would target these production areas with the goal of helping attendees implement better practices from an economic and environmental perspective. The workshop series covered different animal species used in backyard/small-scale livestock production: poultry, cattle, and small ruminants. Each species program involved 2 days of lectures paired with demonstrations and hands-on practice of animal handling and husbandry. There were 41 total participants coming from 12 different counties. The participants ranged from small-scale farmers looking for a refresher course to new backyard/personal producers who either just purchased their animals or were planning on purchasing the animals in the near future. Through the after-program survey, 97% of participants reported an increase in knowledge about animal husbandry/pasture management at the program’s completion. 94% of participants reported that they were likely or very likely to apply what they learned to their animal husbandry practices. Also, 100% of participants reported they were likely or very likely to recommend this program to others looking to start their own backyard/small-scale livestock operations. Implementing the skills learned in these programs can increase the long-term production capacity of participants’ operations by promoting healthy livestock and pasture management. With similar workshops planned for the spring of 2025, it is projected to see similar increases in new participants' knowledge base and practical skillsets.

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.

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Authors: Carsen Dean, Jillian Bohlen, Brian Bradford, Greg Pittman, Shanna Reynolds, Monte Stephens, Robyn Stewart
  1. Dean, C. Oconee County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA, Georgia, 30677
  2. Bohlen, J. Associate Professor- Animal & Dairy Sciences, UGA, Georgia, 30602
  3. Bradford, B. Elbert County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA, Georgia, 30635
  4. Pittman, G. Jackson County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA, Georgia, 30549
  5. Reynolds, S. Oglethorpe County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA, Georgia, 30630
  6. Stephens, M. Greene County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA, Georgia, 30642
  7. Stewart, R. Lincoln County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, UGA, Georgia, 30817