TUSKEGEE, Ala. (June 2, 2009) - The Tuskegee University George Washington Carver Agriculture Experiment Station and the Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program will host activities for the Master Goat Producer's Certification Training Program on Aug. 3-5, 2009. Classes will be held at the Caprine Research and Education Unit located on the Tuskegee University Campus.

According to the Cooperative Extension and College of Agricultural, Environmental and Natural Sciences, meat goat production has become one of the fastest growing enterprises in the livestock industry. The southern U.S. has a competitive advantage on goat production ability relative to the traditional southwestern U.S. due to its favorable climate to supply forages year-round and its proximity to east coast, offering economic opportunities as meat goats are becoming increasingly popular with small farmers in the U.S.

The Master Goat Producer's Certification Training Program is a comprehensive program, which offers classes on herd health, marketing, nutrition and pasture management, bio-security, bio-terrorism awareness, quality assurance, disaster preparedness, reproductive management and much, much more. The program will include hands-on training in hoof trimming, assessing body condition scores, artificial insemination, judging livestock, FAMACHA and microscopic fecal examinations, pasture management and more. There are three levels of certifications:

• Level One: The producer will be awarded a certificate of completion and a sign to display on the property which states the participant is a Master Goat Producer.
• Level Two: The prerequisite requirement for level two is to complete level one and agree to a farm inspection.
• Level Three: The prerequisite requirements for level three is to complete levels 1 and 2 of the program and agree to a second farm inspection. The producer must also successfully complete a Web-based certification goat program.

Early registration is $50 and should be remitted with registration form by July 10, 2009. Late registration ($75) begins July 11, 2009. Continental breakfast and lunch are included in the registration fee. For reservations, call Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center 1-800-949-6161 or visit www.tuskegeekelloggcenter.com. Lodging scholarships are available for the first 20 registrants (outside a 60 mile radius of Tuskegee).

Make checks payable to:   Tuskegee University: Goat Certification Program

Mail applications and checks to:  Louise F. Herron, Tuskegee University, G.W.C. Agricultural Experiment Station, 100 Campbell Hall, Tuskegee, AL 36088.

For more information about the program, contact Olga Bolden-Tiller at 334-727-8403 or obtiller@tuskegee.edu.