Sheep, goat care programs being offered

PLATTSBURGH — The Northern New York Livestock Team of Cornell Cooperative Extension will hold a Winter Sheep and Goat Care Program Thursday in Plattsburgh. 

At each program, a veterinarian will present good winter-health practices and tasks for attention before the weather turns colder, and Cornell Cooperative Extension Livestock Specialist Betsy Hodge and a local CCE representative will talk about feed inventory and how different winter-storage methods impact the amount of feed needed to keep sheep and goats all winter.

“Due to the dry North Country summer, many farmers harvested less feed than usual and the weather changed the quality of the feed,” Hodge said. “There is very little high-quality, second-cut hay available. Workshop participants will use worksheets to figure out how on-farm supply stacks up to the need for winter feed.”

The program fee is $5. It will be held at the CCE Clinton County office in Plattsburgh at 6:30 p.m. Call 561-7450 for more information.

CCE Clinton County Agriculture Educator Peter Hagar says interest in programs for small livestock producers is growing across the region. Ten producers are already registered.

Class prepares youth for snowmobiles

MALONE — The 4-H Youth Development Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension Franklin County is offering a youth Snowmobile Safety Certification Course Saturday, Dec. 8, at the 911 Building in Malone and again Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Rod & Gun Club in Tupper Lake from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Youth must attend the eight-hour training and pass the exam to receive the certificate. Youth must be 10 years of age and not older than 17 to take the course. A parent or guardian must sign a permission form prior to the course. Lunch or a snack with a drink and pencils should be brought to the class. The class size is limited to 20. Interested individuals must pre-register by calling the CCE office at 483-7403. 

Anyone who is at least 18 years old may operate a snowmobile in New York State without any other qualification except as defined by state and local laws regulating that operation. However, it is recommended that all operators complete a recognized snowmobile safety course. 

The Commissioner of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will issue a snowmobile safety certificate to individuals who successfully complete this course.

A person age 14 through 17 years old may only operate a snowmobile without adult supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the state. A person age 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed if they have completed a recognized course and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. A person age 14 through 17 who does not hold this certificate is subject to the same restrictions as children under the age of 14.

Children under 10 years old or under age 14 without a safety certificate may only operate a snowmobile on lands owned or leased by their parents or guardians.

Farmers reminded to respond to census

ALBANY — The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail census forms to farmers at the end of December, and responses are due by Feb. 4, 2013. By responding, farmers and ranchers can have a voice in shaping their future.

For more information about the census, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-800-4AG-STAT (1-888-424-7828).