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As we move into spring here in McDowell County, small ruminant producers have an important window of opportunity. The transition from winter feeding to spring pasture growth sets the tone for the rest of the production year. Whether you raise sheep, goats, or both, management decisions made now can directly impact animal health, forage productivity, and overall profitability.
From working with producers across our county, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive management—especially in the spring—pays dividends later in the year.
Pasture Management: Don’t Turn Out Too Early
One of the most common spring mistakes is turning animals out before pastures are ready. While we all get eager to reduce hay feeding, grazing too early can weaken cool-season forages and reduce overall yield for the season.
Ideally:
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Cool-season grasses should be 6–8 inches tall before grazing.
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Use rotational grazing when possible.
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Avoid grazing below 3–4 inches to maintain regrowth and stand persistence.
If you have heavy traffic areas that became muddy over winter, consider dragging or reseeding thin spots once conditions allow. Soil testing is also a valuable and affordable step to ensure your fertility program matches your forage goals.
Parasite Control: Be Strategic, Not Automatic
As temperatures warm and moisture increases, internal parasites—especially Haemonchus contortus (barber pole worm)—become a serious concern in our region.
Rather than deworming on a set schedule, I strongly encourage:
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Using the FAMACHA scoring system to assess anemia.
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Deworming only animals that need it.
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Rotating pastures to reduce parasite load.
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Avoiding overuse of dewormers to slow resistance.
Body Condition & Nutritional Needs
Spring kidding and lambing season is either wrapping up or recently completed for many producers. This is a critical time to:
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Monitor body condition scores (BCS).
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Ensure lactating females are receiving adequate nutrition.
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Provide access to high-quality forage and appropriate mineral supplementation (especially copper for goats, species-appropriate formulas for sheep).
Young, growing animals should be monitored closely for coccidiosis and overall growth performance. Early intervention prevents long-term setbacks.
Predator Awareness
As wildlife becomes more active in spring, predator pressure can increase. Coyotes and stray dogs remain the primary concerns locally. Now is a good time to evaluate:
Preventative measures are far less costly than livestock losses.
Facilities & Equipment Check
Spring is also an ideal time to:
Well-maintained facilities reduce stress on both animals and producers and improve overall efficiency.
Looking Ahead
Every farm in McDowell County is a little different—terrain, soil types, herd size, and management goals all vary. What remains consistent is that attentive management during seasonal transitions leads to stronger performance year-round.
If you have questions about parasite management, pasture improvement, nutrition, or would like to pull soil samples or discuss forage options, please reach out.
Spring sets the pace for the production year. Let’s make it a strong one.
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