Breed Selection

 

Course: April 19, 2018

Site Visit: May 17, 2018

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Outline:  Selecting the Right Breed

• The versatility of sheep. Why are there so many breeds?

• What are you going to do? What are your options?

• What are the constraints?

• What are your goals? Holistic thinking and planning.

• Using sheep to manage and improve the land.

• Q & A

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Presenter: Gary Kleppel

Gary Kleppel is professor of Biology at the University at Albany, SUNY and the co-owner (with his wife Pam) of Longfield Farm, a small sustainably managed operation 15 miles west of Albany. Dr. Kleppel’s research focuses on agricultural ecology and sustainable food production. The Kleppels use nature-based and carbon-based techniques to produce grass-fed lamb, wool and fiber crafts, free-range poultry and eggs, and artisan breads.

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Dr. Kleppel is the author of nearly 100 technical works. He is the recipient of the 2014 Terra Award in Sustainability and the 2016 President’s Award for Excellence in Public Engagement for his efforts to strengthen the connections between SUNY Albany and the regional agricultural community. His recent book, The Emergent Agriculture- Farming, Sustainability and the Return of the Local Economy, describes the changing paradigm in food production and its effects on the environment, the economy and society. His forthcoming book, Eden 2.0 – How Farming with Nature Can Save the Food System and Maybe the Planet, focuses on nature- and carbon-based techniques for producing food and fiber while enhancing the functionality of Earth’s agricultural ecosystems.

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Course Materials