By ROBERT KELLY
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Elkhart County

Robert Kelly

GOSHEN — Many sheep and goat producers have challenges with keeping worms and parasite under control in their herds. The Faffa Malan Chart is a diagnostic tool to help sheep and goat producers identify parasite infections in their herds. The tool is a chart that matches eyelid color to the anemia level of the animal, which is an indicator of a parasite infection.

By using this type of tool, producers are able to target and treat those animals who need it and effectively reduce the amount of dewormers and treatment needed for their herds. This will help producers significantly reduce the likelihood of causing parasites to become resistant to dewormers.

Purdue Extension Elkhart County will be hosting a hands on interactive workshop to train producers on the FAMACHA system from 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 22. It will take place in Ag Hall on the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Grounds located at 17746 CR 34, Goshen.

Topics for the workshop include: How to effectively control parasites, FAMACHA Scoring, hands on training, and body condition scoring.

The cost of the workshop is $20 per a participant, which includes a notebook with presentation materials and handouts, FAMACHA Scorecard, and refreshments.

This workshop is limited to the first 20 paid participants. To find out more about the FAMACHA workshop go to https://extension.purdue.edu/Elkhart or to register call the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office at (574) 533-0554.