Making informed management decisions is a key to the success of any farm operation. Goat producers often struggle with the same issues when raising kids, and continually hunt for new information to help them solve problems. Through new research projects, innovation and education, OG continues to work with producers to find solutions to their on-farm issues and improve kid health in the province. Industry events, such as the Profitability Workshops, are an important source of information that leads to improved production, lower kid mortality and increased revenue. Attending industry events that include topics on kid rearing is one of the most important commitments you can make for your farm’s future.
Three local veterinarians from the Small Ruminant Veterinarians of Ontario (SRVO) join the outstanding line-up of speakers scheduled to present at the 2016 Goat Profitability Workshops, hosted by Ontario Goat (OG). They will share practical tips on how to keep kids healthy from birth to weaning in order to set them up for a lifetime of profitability.
Woodstock
Dr. Rex Crawford is the owner of Dufferin Veterinary Services in Orangeville. He was the founding president of SRVO, and continues as a board member. He has an avid interest in small ruminant flock/herd health and provides consulting services to producers outside his regular practice area as well as serving large animal clients in the Dufferin/Wellington/Peel and surrounding areas. He grew up on a beef cattle and sheep farm near Glencoe, and remains active in his family’s purebred Shorthorn and Simmental operation.
Listowel
Dr. Chris Buschbeck is a large animal veterinarian with a Masters degree in agriculture and co-owner of Markdale Vet Services. She currently serves as president of SRVO and is owner of SRGenetics, a company offering laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (AI) and reproductive services to the sheep and goat industries. With her husband, she runs WoolDrift Farm, breeding and milking East Friesian Dairy Sheep.
Maxville
Dr. Darryl Smith was born and raised on a farm in the Eastern Townships near Sherbrooke, Quebec. It was on the farm that he realized his love for animals. He attended Bishop’s University for one year in a Bachelors of Sciences program. The following year he was accepted into the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and graduated with honours in 2002. It was at this time that Dr. Smith joined the Veterinary team at the Vankleek Hill Veterinary Services as a mixed animal practitioner. After eight years as an associate, Dr. Smith became a partner in the practice in 2010. His special interests are in herd health and preventive medicine. Outside of practice, Dr. Smith’s passions are his wife and two daughters. His hobbies include traveling and antiques.