9 Southcentral Katahdin Hair Sheep Association
Internet Safety ….. continued They may be able to give you some ideas to research that would apply to your situation.
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Be very aware of where you live, your weather conditions, and your environment. Not every location has the same set of challenges or environmental conditions to affect their livestock production. Just because a practice is successful in upstate New York, doesn’ t mean it will be successful in the Florida Panhandle or in Texas or in the Pacific Northwest.
� Beware of the“ internet expert” on social media. This is one of the most dangerous pitfalls online. Everyone has seen the person who has three sheep who have lambed one time and they know everything. They are on the internet all day long and most of the night and are usually the first to respond when a question is posted. The common thought here is that IF this person was really that knowledgeable, why aren’ t they out producing with their livestock and making money rather than playing on the internet all day? Hmmmm? This is most certainly a source of bad information.
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Know what direction that you are heading with your livestock. If you are raising show sheep, seek out others on social media who are raising show sheep for advice. If you are raising breed stock, seek out others who are raising and selling breed stock. If you are putting pounds on the ground to be sold as meat, seek out those producers on social media. The type of husbandry advice that will be most beneficial to you depends on the type of operation that you are pursuing.
Accept that everyone has an opinion and rarely will you change their minds. It’ s useless to argue with the“ gurus” or others on social media. It is a complete waste of time and energy. Whether you agree or not, if someone is trying to pick a fight, let it go. State your opinion or advice and let it rest with that.
Social media may very well be one of the best marketing platforms offered in our modern world and an endless source of information. Those who embrace this fairly new technology will possibly enjoy great success. However, there are some pitfalls and cautions that should be heeded if you hope to get the most out of these technological advances. No matter how advanced technology becomes in this millennium, there is still a lot of use for old fashioned common sense and due diligence.
JB
Special thanks to Tim and Anderle Foster for hosting the meeting in June. Also thanks to all the Officers, Board of Directors and guest speakers who made it all possible.
Wes Hallmen preaching culling and confirmation
We look forward to the 2014 Annual Meeting and 8th annual Private Treaty Sale in Castlewood, VA at the home of Kenneth and Connie Jessie. Start now making plans to see their operation.