—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 25,1978 18 Livestock covered at part-time farmer program By KENDACE BORRY LANCASTER* - The first educational program designed especially for part* time fanners was held last Saturday, March 18, at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center. Sponosred by the Lancaster County Cooperative Extension Service, the morning sessions were meant especially for those people who farm while also working somewhere else. One session held for the part-time farmers dealt with livestock. Led by County Agent Max Smith, the far mers were told points and given hints to increase their efficiency in raising dif ferent types of livestock. Speaking of hogs, Smith noted that Lancaster County is a big hog producing county. There is a good market for hogs and a ready demand. Looking to the future, Smith doesn’t expect the market to be as good in die next few years. He believes the market prices may go down because of the in creasing supply of hogs. When buying young pigs, he stated that it is very important to get health papers with them. If buying the pigs weighing 30 to 40 lbs., the animals need to be kept warm, and need protection against the cold until they weigh between 50 and 60 lbs. Pigs should be started on a growing ration consisting of more protein and corn. As the pigs are being finished for market, less protein should be used. One important thing to remember about pigs is not to feed them uncooked garbage, especially un cooked meat The practice of doing so could cause hog cholera-the most dreaded hog disease, for which there is no cure. Pigs should be wormed, Smith explained. He recommended that a veterinarian be consulted. DID YOU LOSE A BUILDING DURING THE RECENT SNOW STORMS?. . . . .CALL MORTON BUILDINGS FORA REPLACEMENT MORTON BUILDINGS GUARANTEES IN WRITING: 5 YEARS AGAINST SNOW AND WIND LOADS REPLACEMENT OF MATERIAL AND LABOR 5 YEARS PAINT WARRANTY 5 YEARS AGAINST ROOF LEAKS AND 40 ' YEARS ON POSTS FIND OUT HOW MORTON BUILDINGS CAN OFFER SUCH A WARRANTY /NO. 1 CHOICE OF FARMERS RD 4, BOX 34A GETTYSBURG, PA 17325 Mail This Coupon or Call (717) 334-2168 and added that most pigs are wormy. To finish a pig, he can be put on a self-feeder. For best results, Smith recommended that a bog is ready for market when he weighs between 200 and 240 lbs. Thinking of the Summer months, Smith thought that a bank barn is the best place to keep a pig. Hogs need protection from the hot sun, he stated, because they have no sweat glands. Like all animals, pigs need minerals and they can be given free choice. Speaking of pest control, Smith told the fanners to watch for body lice. They should be sprayed for, and a veterinarian should be consulted if they become a problem. Mange, another pest problem, can cause a pig to lose weight. The mange should be treated as soon as possible. Alfalfa and clover makes the best pasture if the far mer desires to put his pigs out. Smith recommended the use of crossbreds because he believes they will gain weight faster and have a meaty carcass. When choosing a pig, he stated that the animal should be healthy, alert, have a shiny coat, be of good flesh, and be bright eyed and frisky. Turning to the raising of sheep. Smith stated that he believes sheep can be doing better than they are presently. Lancaster County is the third highest in the state for sheep population. The most important thing that sheep need to be healthy, he noted, is good pasture in the Summer months and good hay over the Winter. Therefore a sound hay and pasture program is needed. 'Hie best hay for sheep is clover or alfalfa legume hay. To become involved in the sheep business, a good-sized healthy ewe flock is needed. Smith favors western ewes, uy-' "s ' jSs ; 1 Q Please send more information on MORTON Buildings I Type I Q Please have yaor salesman phone me for in appointment | NAME I ADDRESS TM*phon»No Max Smith from the plain states, weighing about 100 to 110 lbs., and costing about $5O. These should be bred to a mutton type ram to get fast growing lambs. If think of raising purebreds, Smith noted that a market for the sheep is needed. Stomach worm control is a must for sheep as a good worming program is needed. Ewes should be wormed in the Spring and Fall, and lambs should be wormed every four to six weeks. The primary market for lambs is the Easter market, Smith explained. Early lambs do best. Speaking on pastures for sheep, he recommended a bluegrass, orchard grass, and timothy pasture. If pasturing on clover and alfalfa, he warned farmers to watch the animals for bloat when the crop is wet. Silage is okay for sheep if not frozen or moldy. Wheat bran or molasses is needed in the feed ration to make a good laxative feed. Shearing of the sheep should take place in March or early April. The lambs will be able to milk better and the shearing makes better mothers of the ewes. The sheep will notice the weather more and come in earlier in the bad weather giving more protection to the lambs. Mentioning the care of wool, Smith said that sheep growers should hope for approximately seven to eight pounds of wool per sheep. The wool should be dry and clean and wrapped with paper twine, with the flesh side out. Smith recommended that for the best prices the wool should be taken to a wool pool such White® Plant/AireT... the simple planter that provides you with job security. 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Sheep fanners should buy the best ram they can find, Smith stated. He added that a good ram has size, is straight in the legs, and has good muscle. A yearling ram, he noted, can service 35 to 40 ewes. Smith favors rams (Turn to Page 23) 3
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