Two series of virtual meetings were held in Ohio in 2012 to address issues for beef and sheep/goat producers. Over 200 participants attended 15 locations in Ohio and 2 out-of-state using web-based technology. Topics included newborn health, parasites, udder health, major diseases, economics, marketing, genetics, and future industry trends. Evaluations found over 78% planned to make farm changes and 97% would recommend the program, estimating average per-head savings of $46 for sheep/goats and $81 for beef. Organizers aim to continue virtual programming to reach more producers efficiently with less travel.

1. Ohio Ruminant Producer Meetings 2012
Wiseman,* T.G.1, Grimes, J.2, Lewandowski, R.A.3, McCutcheon, J.M.4, Mechling, M.5 , Penrose, C.D.6
Abstract Background:
Two series of meetings were conducted in February and Winter program meetings have traditionally been
March to address issues for Beef, Sheep/Goat producers delivered at a local or regional level. However,
in Ohio and across the country. Sheep/Goat producers with fewer educators and reduced funding for
and Beef producers had the opportunity to attend a programming, OSU Extension Educators and
series of four weekly meetings for each of the respective members of the OSU Beef and Sheep Team
species. Sheep/Goat topics included Newborn Health planned a series of meetings using technology to
Issues, Internal Parasites, Udder Health and Mastitis, deliver the programs throughout Ohio and the
and Recognizing, Treating, and Preventing Major United States.
diseases. Beef topics included Economic Considerations,
Market Targets and Alternatives, Genetics and
Reproduction Efficiencies, and Future Meat Industry
Perspectives. Webex based technology was utilized to Host Sites and Participants Attending
reach over 200 participants at 15 locations across the
state and two out-of-state locations. Materials
presented were sent to each host location prior to
meetings so that all attendees received hard copies.
Throughout the evening producers had the opportunity
to ask questions of the presenters. This was the first
virtual educational program conducted for Sheep and
Goat producers and the second year for Beef producers
in Ohio. Combined evaluations for both series indicated
that over 78% plan to make changes in their operation,
while 97% would recommend this program to others.
Participants estimate that due to this program, they will
save on average $46/head for sheep/goats, and Future Plans:
$81/head for beef.
Continue using technology to reach a broader audience
and become more efficient in program delivery.
Clientele appear to be very positive about this type of
1.Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County, 104 S. St., P.O. Box 279,
programming with reduced travel time and having the
2.Extension
Somerset, Ohio 43783. wiseman.15@osu.edu ability to review or view the sessions at their
Beef Coordinator, Ohio State University Extension, OSU South Center, 1864
Shyville Rd, Piketon, Ohio 45661 grimes.1@osu.edu
3. Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Wayne County, 428 W. Liberty St.,
convenience.
Wooster Ohio, 44691 lewandowski.11@osu.edu
4. Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Morrow County, 871 W. Marion Rd., Mt.
Gilead, Ohio 43338 mccutcheon.30@osu.edu
5. Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, 225 Underwood St., Zanesville, Ohio
43701 mechling.1@osu.edu
6. Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Morgan County, 155 E. Main St.,
McConnelsville, Ohio 43756 penrose.1@osu.edu