Livestock and Animal Husbandry

Explore past conference presentations focused on livestock and animal husbandry, featuring practical guidance, research updates, and best practices to support healthy herds, efficient production, and sustainable management across diverse animal operations.


Growing Wool in Your Backyard (2021)
Heather Pearce, American Sheep Industry Wool Consultant
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Description: Sheep can provide a variety of resources including wool. Learn about growing quality wool on a small scale as well as options for using the wool yourself or using it to generate additional income.

Raising Sheep and Goats in Your Backyard (2021)
Jaelyn Quintana, SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist
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Description: Learn what handling facilities and items your need setup to make working sheep and goats easier at home, and needed information for lambing and kidding preparation..

Common Diseases Found in Backyard Poultry (2021)
David Frame, Utah State University
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Most likely encountered diseases and abnormalities in small flock chickens will be described. Recognition and control measures, when applicable, will be discussed

Got Milk?—Starting a Dairy Co-op (2021)
Jeffrey Hall, Pharmacist and Entrepreneuring Farmer
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Description: A discussion in med school with a fellow student about having a milk cow for their children to learn responsibility has turned into a very simple and successful neighborhood dairy co-op.  The co-op has been in continual operation since 2013.  There are currently 13 families involved with milking and caring for the operation.  None of the participants have had any previous connection to farming.  They are attorneys, doctors, accountants, engineers, business owners, etc.   We will cover the structure, costs, and principles that has made this community based co-op so successful.

Raising Chickens in Your Backyard (2022)
Benjamin Scow, Utah State Universtiy
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Description: This presentation will cover how to raise chickens for residential and small farm uses from hatch into egg production


Why Raise Alpacas? (2022)
Julee Savage, Enchanted Hollow Aplacas
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Description: Background of Alpacas, where they come from, etc. Handling and care requirements, i.e. what and how much feed, shearing, health care. Fiber uses, agritourism, store.

Wool and the Soil (2022)
Albert Wilde, Wild Valley Farm
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Description: NutriWool Pellets show quicker growth with plants while also maintaining moisture control and better soil structure

Considerations for a Successful Lambing and Kidding Season (2022)
Chad Page, Utah State University
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Description: Lambing and kidding can be the most stressful and exciting part of the year for any sheep and goat producer. This talk will aim to cover some of the important management steps to take in order to have a great lambing and kidding.

Update on the High Path Avian Influenza in Utah and How it Impacts Small Flock Owners (2023)
David Frame, Utah State University 
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This presentation provides an update on avian influenza in Utah and outlines practical steps small flock owners can take to protect their birds.

Equine: Importance of a Balanced Hoof (2023)
Karl Hoopes, DVM, Equine Extension Specialist, Utah State University
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Description: A basic understanding of Equine Hoof Balance. This includes an introduction to the biomechanical forces acting on an equine hoof and how trimming the equine hoof can help maintain balance.

Predation (2023)
Chad Page, Utah State University
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Description: Learn how to identify signs of predation, understand wildlife–livestock interactions, and implement proven prevention and mitigation practices

An Introduction to Beekeeping (2023)
Andree' Walker Bravo, Professional Practice Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension
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Description: This presentation introduces the basics of starting and maintaining healthy bee colonies, with practical guidance for first-year beekeepers

Backyard Dairy (2023)
Bruce Richards, Utah State University
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Description: Learn practical skills and management approaches for producing safe, high-quality milk from small-scale or home dairy animals.

Small Scale Livestock Budgets (2023)
Jake Hadfield, Agriculture Extension Faculty, Utah State University
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Description: This presentation provides guidance on creating and managing budgets for small-scale livestock operations, helping producers plan expenses, forecast revenue, and make informed financial decisions to ensure profitable and sustainable animal production.

Backyard Chickens (2024)
Kelsey Romney, Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University
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Description: Come learn the basics of getting started with a small flock of chickens in your very own backyard!

Targeted Grazing: Considerations for Sheep and Goat Production (2024)
Chad Page, Utah State University
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Description: This presentation guides growers through understanding and interpreting soil test results, enabling informed decisions about nutrient management, soil amendments, and long-term soil health

Understanding Profitability (2024)
Ryan Larsen, Utah State University
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Description: This presentation breaks down how producers can evaluate and improve profitability through budgeting, performance metrics, and sound management practices

Meat Rabbit Breeding and Reproduction 101 (2024)
Jessie Hadfield, State Agriculture and Animal Science Specialist, Utah 4-H
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Description: This presentation covers the basics of meat rabbit reproduction, including selecting breeders, mating management, kindling, and early kit care

Importance of Farrier Veterinarian Relationship (2024)
Karl Hoopes, DVM, Equine Extension Specialist, Utah State University
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Description: Learn how a strong farrier–veterinarian partnership supports better treatment outcomes, safer management decisions, and improved welfare for livestock and equines

Mineral Supplementation for Livestock (2024)
Reganne Briggs, Utah State University
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Description: Learn how proper mineral supplementation supports growth, reproduction, immunity, and overall herd performance across livestock species

Manure Management on Urban and Small Farms (2025)
Rhonda Miller, Utah State University
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Description: This presentation covers practical strategies for managing animal manure on urban and small-scale farms, emphasizing nutrient recycling, odor control, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices to maintain soil health while minimizing environmental impacts
 

An Introduction to Beekeeping (2025)
Andree' Walker Bravo, Utah State University
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Description: This presentation provides a beginner-friendly overview of beekeeping, covering hive setup, bee biology, seasonal management, and essential practices for maintaining healthy colonies and producing honey safely and sustainably

 

ABCs of Meat Rabbits (2025)
Jake Hadfield, Utah State Unvierstiy
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Description: This presentation introduces small-scale meat rabbit production, covering breed selection, housing, feeding, health management, and processing basics to help growers raise rabbits efficiently and humanely.
 

Poisonous Plants to Livestock (Small Farms and Urban Environments) (2025)
Daniel Cook, USDA ARS
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Description: This presentation highlights common plants that pose toxicity risks to livestock in small farm and urban settings, providing identification tips, prevention strategies, and management practices to protect animal health.
 

Sustainable Backyard Chicken Production: Benefits, Challenges, and Best Practices (2025)
Joseph Okoh, Utah State University
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Description: This presentation explores the fundamentals of raising backyard chickens sustainably, covering the benefits, common challenges, and best practices for flock management, nutrition, housing, and overall animal welfare.
 

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