AMES, Iowa -- A Sheep Pasture Walk is scheduled for Aug. 9 at 6 p.m on the Iowa State University (ISU) Sheep Teaching Farm in Ames. Dan Morrical, professor, Animal Science, will lead the discussion on pasture management. 

The walk will focus on evaluating new pasture stands of reed canary grass and alfalfa or brome grass, orchard grass and kura clover.  Additionally, pasture lambing and forage-based sheep production will be addressed as the pasture walk evaluates the Polypay crossbred ewes and their lambs grazing alfalfa-bluegrass pastures.

”The combination of sheep and pastures means that one must control internal parasites,” said Morrical.  Suelee Robbe-Austerman, research scientist at National Animal Disease Clinic, will cover parasite control and preventing the development of internal parasites that are resistant to anthelmintics.

“Producers will have the opportunity to use FAMCHA eye charts for diagnosing parasite levels,” said Morrical.  "FAMACHA eye charts are a copyrighted publication that is only available for producers  who have been trained by certified trainers like Dr. Robbe-Austerman. The pasture walk is an opportunity for sheep and goat producers to get certified for FAMACHA."

Advance registration is not required, but the cost for the program is $15 per person which includes FAMACHA cards. 

The ISU Sheep Teaching Farm is located on South State Street approximately 1.5 miles south of Highway 30. Take the  Elwood   exit  off Highway 30 south to the stop sign at Oakwood Road.  Turn west (or right) on Oakwood Road, continuing to the stop sign which is State Street.  Turn south or left on State Street, go one half mile to the sheep farm which is located on the left or east side of the road.  For more information, contact Dan Morrical at (515) 294-0847 or morrical@iastate.edu.

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