Sheep for the smallholder
Starts: 13 November 2012 10:00
Ends: 13 November 2012 16:00
The Magdalen Project, Winsham, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4PA
A one day course covering all aspects of keeping sheep. This includes choosing the most appropriate breed for your needs, the necessary equipment, nutrition, breeding & lambing, flock health, producing stock for sale, and meeting legal requirements. Suitable for all from the complete beginner to the more experienced shepherd.
Minimum Group Size: 4
Maximum Group Size: 8
Cost: £69 per person
Includes: Notes, light refreshments and simple homemade lunch.
Course Format: This course is based in the classroom but also out on The Magdalen Project 132 Acre Organic Farm. it is advised that attendees where suitable outdoor clothing & footwear.
Tutor Details: Nick Cox
Nick has been involved with The Magdalen Project for a number of years including periods of direct responsibility for the farm and land. Nick has extensive livestock experience including pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep and alpacs and as a result has a great knowledge of what livestock suits what environment.
Structure:
Introduction
- Expectations of the day
- The Magdalen Project and what we are achieving with our smallholding
- Housekeeping elements
- Health & Safety aspects – animals, machinery, medicines, chemicals
Legislation (Paperwork)
- Movement books or movement licenses
- Holding Numbers
- Flock Numbers & Trading Standards
- Registering with a Vet and Trading Standards
- Public Liability Insurance
Introduction to Livestock
- What breed
- Pedigree stock
- Charts of breeds with relevant information
- Where to source your livestock – private, through breeders and markets
- Intentions of keeping livestock – when will livestock be ready for slaughter
- Associated Associations and relevant contacts
Meeting the livestock
- Equipment – Adequate fencing, housing, feeding equipment, veterinary equipment
- Types of feed
- Housing
- Signs of good and poor health
- Breeding – signs of heat, service vs AI, number of times to service, signs of lambing and what to do.
- Medicines and Medicine books
- Identification
- Land issues pertaining to keeping livestock
Conclusion
- Question & Answer session
- Evaluation of the day and in meeting expectations
Tel: 01460 30144 Email: info@themagdalenproject.org.uk
