Small Ruminant Monthly Newsletter

December 2024

Late Fall/Early Winter Edition Newsletter

In this newsletter you will find an article titled "NEED HELP? Where to Start With Hurricane Helne Recovery". This article has some information that is helpful to producers, about many different programs and agencies that are available to help with hurricane Helene clean-up.

If you have any questions or comments please feel free to call the office and speak with the Livestock Agent, Skyler Murray or email me at skyler_murray@ncsu.edu.

NEED HELP? Where to Start With Hurricane Helene Recovery

As relief efforts related to Hurricane Helene’s impact in Western North Carolina continue to transition from rescue to recovery, people may be unsure where to turn for help.

While there are numerous avenues available to request help, the sheer scope of the options in front of you can make it hard to know where to start (or who to trust — learn about disaster recovery frauds and scams). The path may seem precarious, but you needn’t walk it alone.

We’ve organized some essential resources to help get you started on the road to recovery from Hurricane Helene. Whether you’re a farmer dealing with crop and livestock losses, a homeowner facing repairs or rebuilding, or part of an organization supporting community recovery, this directory simplifies things so you can get to the right place.

Moving forward, stay informed by subscribing to our daily digest with the latest news, information and resources from our Extension experts (select “NC Disaster Information Center” from the list, enter your email address and click “Subscribe”).

Farmer / Agribusiness Resources

N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) – Emergency Programs
- This program offers a variety of resources, programs and tools to help farmers recover from damage to crops, livestock and equipment.
- NCDA&CS Disaster Recovery Assistance
- Contact: (866) 645-9403 (Agriculture Emergency Weather Hotline

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) – Disaster Assistance Programs
- Offers programs like the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) to help farmers and ranchers recover from disasters.
- N.C. FSA Disaster Assistance Programs (FSA County Offices)
  - Overview of USDA Disaster Assistance Programs (PDF)
  - Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool
    Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.
- Contact: Local FSA office

N.C. Cooperative Extension – Local County Offices
- Provides local expertise and personal support and guidance on recovery efforts related to a range of areas, including agriculture, food and health, homes and families, natural resources, youth development and more.
- Find Your Local Extension Office

Farmer Stress and Mental Health Support
- Provides farmers and others agricultural workers a variety of stress assistance resources and programs.
- Find Mental Health Resources for Farmers
- Contact: (844) 325-3276 (N.C. Farm Help Line)

Property Owner / Renter Resources

*Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Disaster Assistance
- This is the primary resource for requesting financial assistance for home repairs and temporary housing related to a disaster.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance Resources
  - The Disaster Aid Tool can help you quickly apply for FEMA disaster assistance and guide you to other resources.
- Contact: (800) 621-3362
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Disaster Loans
- Homeowners, renters and businesses in recognized disaster areas can apply for low-interest loans to repair or replace damaged property.
- SBA Disaster Loan Details (Hurricane Helene)
  - Apply for Assistance
  - Review SBA Disaster Loans Fact Sheet (PDF)
    Outlines available loans, terms and rates, and related details.
- Contact: (800) 659-2955

N.C. Department of Public Safety – State Disaster Recovery Resources
- Provides assistance to North Carolina homeowners and renters whose primary residences were damaged or destroyed by a disaster.
- Disaster Recovery | Individual Assistance Program
  - Application for Uninsured or Underinsured Families
    *To be eligible and apply, you must first apply for (and be denied) a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan — see above.
- Contact: (919) 825-2500

Service Agency Resources

Includes guidance regarding agencies or organizations providing support to impacted WNC communities.

American Red Cross – Disaster Relief Services
- Offers emergency shelter, food and recovery assistance.
- American Red Cross
- Contact: (800) 733-2767

N.C. Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NC VOAD)
- Coordinates efforts of volunteer organizations to provide relief and disaster recovery support.
- NC VOAD
  - Disaster Recovery Volunteer Sign Up
    Find information on how to volunteer with each organization and types of volunteer activities each organization leads.
- Contact: Info@ncvoad.org

N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) – Disaster Behavioral Health Services
- Provides mental health support for disaster survivors.
- NCDHHS Disaster and Behavioral Health Resources | Communications Toolkit
  Includes disaster-specific tips and resources for North Carolinians. You can use the toolkit to learn safety guidance and help others do the same.

Other / General Information and Updates

N.C. Department of Public Safety – Hurricane Helene Updates
- Provides information and resources to North Carolina residents and visitors regarding Hurricane Helene’s impacts.
- NCDPS Hurricane Helene Resources
- Contact: 211 or (888) 892-1162

Hurricane Helene Rumor Response
- False reports and misinformation regarding response efforts have been rampant on social media; utilize trusted sources of information and discourage others from sharing unverified rumors.
- Fact vs. Fiction (Situational Overview)
  - Hurricane Helene: Rumor Response (FEMA)
  - Fact Check: Addressing Misinformation Amid Helene Response (Red Cross)
N.C. Department of Transportation – WNC Road Conditions and Closures
- Find real-time road closures and traffic info statewide, including estimated road repair times related to Hurricane Helene’s impact.
- Drive NC.gov

Looking for ways you can support others in need?

See Ways You Can Help in Hurricane Helene Recovery.

Sheep Breeds

Hampshire Sheep

It is recognized that the appearance of a sheep is important but only as it relates to maximum productivity, profits and breed characteristics. Therefore, the Hampshire Standards are made to include mainly those traits that research has found to make them more productive. Major emphasis, then is put on such traits as multiple births, weight per age, face covering, refinement about the head and shoulders, muscling and freedom from unsoundness.

To learn more about Hampshire sheep click here.

Photo from: Oklahoma State University

Cheviot Sheep

The Cheviot is a distinctive white-faced sheep, with wool-free head and legs, pricked ears. black muzzle and black feet. It is a very alert, active sheep, with a stylish, lively carriage.

The Cheviot is a long-wool breed, hornless and of reasonable frame. Initially, it developed some popularity in Australia as a sire of top quality prime lambs as well as for crossing with Merinos to produce prime lamb mothers.

To learn more about Cheviot Sheep click here.

Photo From: Oklahoma State University

Goat Breeds

Cashmere

Cashmere goats are easy to raise. They are healthy animals and take only minimal care. They are not jumpers like many other goat breeds and standard woven wire sheep fencing will contain them. Minimal shelter is all that is required to house them due to the insulating properties of their dual coats, which is shed for the summer.

They are sheared once a year and a full grown adult buck will yield as much as 2.5 pounds of fleece. The fleece consists of two kinds of fiber, cashmere and guard hair. Average cashmere percentages are in the 20% range. The fleece can be sold to wholesale buyers or it can be shaved and sold at retail prices to hand spinners.

To learn more about Cashmere Goats click here.

Photo From: Oklahoma State University

Nigerian Dwarf Goat

The Nigerian Dwarf is a miniature goat of West African Origin. Its conformation is similar to that of the larger dairy goat breeds. The parts of the body are in balanced proportion. The nose is straight. The ears are upright. The coat is soft with short to medium hair. Any color or combination of colors is acceptable, though silver agouti (roan) is considered a moderate fault.

To learn more about Nigerian Dwwarf Goats click here.

Photo From: Oklahoma State University

Past Webinars

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Extra Information & Articles

Body Condition Scoring

This article was written by the University of Florida. It talks about the importance of looking at the Body Condition Score. It also has great pictures that represent what thin and obese look like on the scale. Something interesting about it, is that it goes into detail of how it would feel if you was handling the animal as well.

LEARN MORE

FAMACHA Information

The NC Extension website has more information on parasite control, and educational videos on how to check your FAMACHA score. The website has great information on wormers, as well as Factsheets for external parasites.

LEARN MORE

Soil Testing Kits

This article was written by an NC Cooperative Extension Employee. This is a well written article, that covers a variety of helpful topics from how and where do I need to take soil samples to how to interpret the report whenever you get it back.

LEARN MORE

Sheep Care Guide

This PDF has great information covering a variety of topics for sheep care.

LEARN MORE

NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Cooperative Extension.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

N.C. Cooperative Extension - McDowell County Center, 60 E Court St, Marion, NC 28752, United States
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