Nominations to 2011 test

Nomination packets for the 2011 Western Maryland Pasture-Based Meat Goat Performance Test will be mailed to previous consigners.  The packets will be sent out in mid-March.  The nomination period opens on April 1 and ends on May 15. There is a $20 nomination fee per goat.

Up to 80 goats will be accepted for the 2011 test.  All nominations received during the nomination period will be treated the same.  If more than 80 goats are nominated, preference will be given to previous consigners and Maryland residents.

If you are not a previous consigner, but would like to receive a nomination package, please request a packet from Pam Thomas at (301) 432-2767 x314 or pthomas@umd.edu.

Nomination forms for the 2011 test, as well as other pertinent documents can now be downloaded from this blog:  Forms and Info section (right hand column).  ==>

Please contact Susan at sschoen@umd.edu or (301) 432-2767 x343 if you have any questions about this year's test.

ARS research scientist to speak at field day

Dr. Ken Turner, a Research Animal Scientist at the Appalachian Farming Systems Research Center in Beaver, West Virginia, will be the featured speaker at the 2011 Western Maryland Field Day & Sale to be held Saturday, September 24, at the Washington County Agricultural Education Center near Boonsboro, MD.

Dr. Turner's research emphasis is on low-input, foraged based livestock production, especially for meat goat kids, growing lambs, and pasture-finished beef.  Dr. Turner has been at the ARS research station in West Virginia since 1992. He became its Acting Research Leader in April 2010.