EVERETT — The people who work at the Snohomish County extension office hear the same story again and again.
Someone buys a few hogs, a goat, a cow, maybe a few sheep or some chickens with the intention of raising their own meat.
And then things go wrong.
Late-night emergency vet calls, nutrition problems, unruly behavior. Suddenly an investment in meat for the table or market becomes an expensive nightmare, said Kate Halstead, spokeswoman for the extension office.
To combat that problem, the extension office is offering a series of workshops on livestock handling. The hands-on workshops with live animals include topics such as hoof trimming, injections, halter training, nutrition and fencing.
The classes are taught by experienced seniors from the extension 4-H Livestock Program at the Sheriff’s Posse Arena at 5421 S. Machias Road, just north of Snohomish.
The workshops include: poultry, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., April 9; beef, noon to 3 p.m. April 9; swine, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 10; goats, noon to 2 p.m. April 10; and sheep, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 10.
Prior registration is required. Fees start at $35 for one workshop and top out at $150 for all five.
Find forms at tinyurl.com/livestockworkshops or call Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039.
Contact Marilyn Segle for more detailed information on the workshops at 425-357-6044.
Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
