MSU Extension Sheep & Goats

Forage Quality & Testing

• Forage testing labs
  • Dairyland Laboratories, Inc., Battle Creek, MI
  • Dairy One, Ithaca, NY
  • Cumberland Valley Analytical Services
• Sampling hay, silage, and total mixed rations for analysis by Undersander et al.

Forage Management

• Low-cost renovation practices for perennial pastures and hayland in Michigan by Kim Cassida, Jerry Lindquist, and Richard Ehrhardt
• Frost-seeding: an effective forage establishment practice for Michigan by Kim Cassida and Jerry Lindquist
• Steps to successful no-till establishment of forages Extension bulletin
• Alfalfa management guide
• Forage Harvest Management by Nelson et al. - a good reference for forage planning and management decisions

Silage

• Silage Part 1: Making more sense than ever for sheep production in Michigan by Richard Ehrhardt
• Silage Part 2: Making more sense than ever for sheep production in Michigan by Richard Ehrhardt

Hay

• Getting started with hay production by Kim Cassida, MSU Extension
• Michigan Hay Sellers List hosted by MSU Forage Connection - select from drop down menus to find hay nearby based on your desired characteristics

Poisonous/Toxic Plants

• Plants poisonous to livestock by Mike Metzger
• Common poisonous plants in goat pastures by eXtension.org

Pasture Management

• Pasture condition score sheet by NRCS
• Using pasture management to improve your management by Jeff McCutcheon, The Ohio State University

Soils

• Soil testing at MSU Soil and Plant Nutrient Laboratory
• Lime for Michigan soils by MSU Extension
• Sampling soils for fertilizer and lime recommendations by Darryl Warncke, MSU Extension
• Nutrient recommendations for field crops in Michigan by MSU Extension

Water

• Acceptable practices for managing livestock along lakes, streams, and wetlands by MSU Extension
• Watering systems for serious graziers by NRCS

Grazing

• Grazing lambs: Key considerations for successful weaning by Richard Ehrhardt
• Managing your pastures better: Management intensive grazing 101 by Dr. Woody Lane on April 22, 2014 sponsored by the American Sheep Industry

Nutrition links

The MSU Forage Connection contains a wealth of information on forages focused for Michigan.

Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE)

Small Ruminant Toolbox - contains a variety of presentations regarding small ruminant production