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 .