Vet Tech Speaker Series
2/23: Goat Farming and Veterinary Needs in the High Country
Carol and Lon Coulter own Heritage Homestead Goat Dairy, nestled on 17 acres in the mountains of Ashe County just outside of Jefferson, North Carolina. When they initially purchased their farm, folks suggested they get some goats to clear the briars and brambles, and that step started the journey to becoming licensed dairy farmers. Their wonderful sweet milk is made into farmstead cheese sold at local farmers’ markets and select retail shops.
In this conversation, Carol Coulter and Jen Serling discuss the challenges of animal farming and getting the veterinary care necessary for small farmers in rural areas. What is involved when venturing into a dairy goat business? What can owners do on their own? When is medical intervention with a veterinarian needed? What are the pitfalls when raising goats for dairy purposes?
Presenters:
- Carol Coulter, M.S.E.
Lecturer, Department of Sustainable Development
Research Interests: Food and Farming Entrepreneurship, Creating Regional Food Systems
- Jennifer Serling, RVT, CVT, BVSc
Assistant Director, Veterinary Technology
3/3: Pets and Nutrition: Making More Informed Choices
Making good nutritional choices for pets can be challenging. Pet parents are sometimes confused or misinformed about nutritional facts pertaining to pet foods, and common nutritional myths can complicate choices. What treats are safe to feed pets, and what are some common ones that can be hazardous? In this conversation, Ann Wortinger and Jen Serling talk about pet food nutrition and how to read pet food labels. Attendees brought their pets' food labels to learn how to read them.
Presenters:
Ann Wortinger, BIS, LVT, VTS (ECC) (SAIM) (Nutrition), Elite FFCP
Lecturer and Content Development Coordinator, Veterinary Technology
Jennifer Serling, RVT, CVT, BVSc
Assistant Director, Veterinary Technology