Press Release

Free Field Day: Grazing Goats and Cattle Together

Cattle have long reigned supreme on Oklahoma’s livestock scene, but lately the state’s goat numbers are skyrocketing. 

According to livestock producer and extension veterinarian Dr. David Sparks, there’s plenty of room for both, even – or especially – on the same acreage.

On Saturday, May 8, from 10-4, Sparks will host a free field day to explain the rationale and results of his cattle-goat “multispecies” grazing project on his farm near Porum. 

Preregistration is required by May 4 to reserve a place.

Sparks will focus on sustainable goat management and the benefits of raising both goats and cattle using management intensive grazing.

“Goats are not small cattle,” he says. Their unique needs present many challenges to profitable production.

Goat parasites thrive in Oklahoma’s wet, humid climate, and dewormers are growing less effective.  Sparks says this is the biggest current threat to goat health, and he sees cattle as a chemical-free fix.

“Cattle can cleanse the pastures by consuming the infective larvae of goat parasites,” says Sparks.  “Pasture rotation is also important in limiting the parasite load.”

At the field day, Sparks will also cover other topics, including non-chemical parasite management, kidding and newborns, composting waste and goat mortality, inexpensive working facilities, and performance testing.

Sparks received a 2008 producer grant from the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture, a nonprofit educational foundation in Poteau, to support the project.

Register by calling 918.647.9123 or by emailing mailbox@kerrcenter.com.

The field day will be held rain or shine; bring a lawn chair. Boots are advised for the pasture walk.  Lunch will be provided. To see a calendar of upcoming sustainable agriculture events, visit www.kerrcenter,com.

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