Small Ruminant Monthly Newsletter
October 2025 |
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Fall Edition Newsletter |
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Small ruminant farmers in McDowell County, NC, affected by Hurricane Helene can now apply for a special Cover Crop Restoration Program that provides free cover crop seed, fertilizer, and lime to help restore and improve damaged farmland. This program supports soil health, forage quality, and long-term farm productivity. To qualify, producers must apply by October 10, 2025. For details or help applying, contact the McDowell County Cooperative Extension at (828) 652-8104.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to call the office and speak with the Livestock Agent, Skyler Murray or email her at skyler_murray@ncsu.edu. |
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Restoration Opportunity for Livestock Producers in McDowell County
Cover Crop Program Offers Soil Recovery Support Post-Hurricane Helene |
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Small ruminant producers in McDowell County, North Carolina, who were impacted by Hurricane Helene now have an important opportunity to restore and improve their land through a targeted Cover Crop Restoration Program. Offered by the N.C. Cooperative Extension, this program provides essential materials to rebuild soil health, enhance forage quality, and ensure long-term productivity on farms affected by storm damage.
What the Program Offers
This initiative supplies selected applicants with cover crop seed, fertilizer, and agricultural lime—all aimed at combating erosion, restoring nutrients, and improving soil conditions on damaged or degraded farmland. These materials are especially valuable to producers of sheep, goats, and other small ruminants who depend on high-quality forage and pastureland for their herds.
Why It Matters for Small Ruminant Producers
Cover crops are more than just a recovery tool—they also support sustainable grazing systems by:
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Preventing erosion on rotational or hillside pastures
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Improving soil structure and fertility for better forage growth
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Suppressing weeds that reduce grazing quality
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Providing pollinator habitat, which supports the broader farm ecosystem
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
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Be a resident of McDowell County, NC
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Be a farmer affected by Hurricane Helene
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Submit a completed application before the deadline
🕒 Deadline to Apply: October 10, 2025
📩 No walk-ins or verbal applications accepted
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online or through the official application process. After the deadline, participants will be notified directly by the McDowell County Extension office with next steps.
📞 For assistance or more details, contact:
N.C. Cooperative Extension – McDowell County Center
Phone: (828) 652-8104
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Upcoming Sales & Opportunities |
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Dorset Sheep
Both horned and polled Dorsets are an all white sheep of medium size having good body length and muscle conformation to produce a desirable carcass. The fleece is very white, strong, close and free from dark fiber. Dorset fleeces average five to nine pounds (2.25-4 kg) in the ewes with a yield of between 50% and 70%. The staple length ranges from 2.5-4 inches (6-10 cm) with a numeric count of 46's-58's. The fiber diameter will range from 33.0-27.0 microns.
To learn more about Dorset sheep click here.
Photo from: Oklahoma State University |
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Rambouillet Sheep
Mature Rambouillet rams weigh between 250-300 lbs (113-135 kg), ewes range from 150-200 pounds (68-90 kg). Mature ewes will have a fleece weigh of 8-18 lbs (3.6-8.1 kg) with a yield of 35-55%. The fleece staple length will vary from two to four inches (5-10 cm) and range in fiber diameter from 18.5-24.5 microns or 60-80 for the numerical count.
To learn more about Rambouillet Sheep click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University
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LaMancha Goat
The LaMancha goat originated in Oregon by Mrs. Eula Frey from short-eared goats of a type found not only in LaMancha, but throughout Spain. It has excellent dairy temperament and is an all-around sturdy animal that can withstand a great deal of hardship and still produce. Through official testing this breed has established itself in milk production with high butterfat.
To learn more about LaMancha Goats click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University
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Boer Goat
The Boer goat is primarily a meat goat with several adaptations to the region in which it was developed. It is a horned breed with lop ears and showing a variety of color patterns. The Boer goat is being used very effectively in South Africa in combination with cattle due to its browsing ability and limited impact on the grass cover. Producing weaning rates in excess of 160% the Boer goat doe is a low maintenance animal that has sufficient milk to rear a kid that is early maturing. The mature Boer Goat buck weighs between 110-135 kg (~240-300 lbs) and does between 90 and 100 kg (~200-225 lbs).
To learn more about Boer Goats click here.
Photo From: Oklahoma State University
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Extra Information & Articles |
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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.
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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. |
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Soil Testing Kits |
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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. |
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Sheep Care Guide |
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This PDF has great information covering a variety of topics for sheep care. |
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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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