EVERETT, Wash. – Ensuring that your family’s meat and dairy products come from animals raised with integrity and a high standard of care either means knowing the livestock farmers well or raising the animals yourself. For those choosing the latter path, the Washington State University Extension Livestock Advisor training is exactly what you need.
The course will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. from Sept. 17 through Dec. 10 at the University Center at Everett Station, 3201 Smith Avenue, Everett. The ten-week series of classes will cover feeding, breeding, and housing for beef, sheep, goats, poultry and swine. Other topics to be covered include mud, manure, pasture, and predator challenges, with a special focus on the latest in livestock best-management practices.
Modeled after the popular Master Gardener program, the WSU Extension Livestock Advisor program provides classroom and field experience in a “Livestock 101” training course. With sessions taught by WSU Extension staff, veterinarians, and other experts, participants gain practical livestock management and troubleshooting skills, as well as learning about water quality and animal nutrient management practices. In exchange for the training, graduates are asked to give back 50 hours of volunteer time over the next two years.
Class size is limited to ensure a quality experience so apply now to hold your spot. Cost for the ten-week course is $125, with a $50 rebate returned when the volunteer hours requirement is satisfied. Applications are due no later than Sept 10, 2008.
For more information on the course and to sign up, contact Joan DeVries at joanrd@co.skagit.wa.us, (360) 428-4270, ext. 240. Informational material and an application are also available by calling (425) 338-2400, visiting the WSU Snohomish County Extension office, 600 128th St SE, Everett, or online at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/livestock/LA2008/LA2008.htm.
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