Issue or Situation:

Initial Issue: A local producer who owns a slaughter facility and imports mature/cull sheep for processing was missing out on potential profits due to improper feeding and handling of sheep prior to slaughter. The sheep, which were held for a short period, were not being evaluated for health or nutritional needs, leading to missed opportunities for weight gain and thus higher profit margins on the mutton. The lack of proper care during the holding period resulted in lower yields and suboptimal meat quality, which limited the financial return on each animal processed. 

Outreach or Educational Program Response:

Initial Response: A one-on-one educational program was developed to address the producer's issue. The program included instruction on how to properly evaluate the condition of sheep upon arrival at the facility and identify those that needed treatment. Specific guidance was given on how to organically deworm sheep to avoid any issues related to chemical residues in the meat. Examples from a local flock were used to teach the producer how to identify early signs of illness or poor health in the sheep, enabling better decision-making for treatment or culling. Additionally, the program emphasized the benefits of selecting healthy but thin ewes for short-term feeding of grain and quality hay to promote weight gain before slaughter.

This hands-on training provided the producer with both the knowledge and practical tools to improve the handling and feeding practices of the sheep, optimizing them for better weight gain and overall health.

On-going response: 

As the extension agent working closely with this producer, I’ve continued to provide ongoing mentorship to support his progress and ensure the changes he’s implemented are sustainable. I regularly check in with him to review the health and weight gain of the sheep, offering guidance on fine-tuning feeding schedules and evaluating any emerging health issues within the flock. We’ve maintained an open line of communication, and I provide timely advice whenever challenges arise, whether it's a matter of adjusting feed rations or managing the timeline for holding the sheep before slaughter.

By maintaining this mentorship, I’m able to help the producer troubleshoot and continuously improve his practices, making sure that the financial benefits we calculated in the beginning are fully realized over time. My goal is to not only support him in maximizing profits but also to ensure the well-being of his livestock and the long-term viability of his operation.

Participants/Target Audience:

The target audience for this program was the producer who owns the slaughter facility. As a direct stakeholder in the mutton industry, the producer stood to benefit significantly from improving his sheep handling and feeding practices. This individual training also serves as a model for other producers in the region who face similar challenges with livestock management and profitability.

Outcomes or Program Impact:

The producer responded positively to the training by analyzing the financial impact of implementing the new feeding and handling practices. He calculated that by holding healthy but underweight ewes for 3-5 weeks and providing them with a balanced diet of grain and forage, he could increase his net profit by over $0.50 per pound of weight gained. As a result, the producer has begun applying these new practices in his facility, leading to better-managed sheep, increased weight gain, and higher profitability.

Evaluation data showed that by optimizing the short-term feeding and care of the sheep, the producer improved the overall quality of the mutton and achieved measurable financial gains. The program demonstrated that targeted, small-scale changes in livestock management can yield substantial economic benefits, providing a model that other producers can replicate.