HMI Open Gate at Dry Creek Livestock

Holistic Management of Sheep, Goats, and Cattle

Presenters and Representatives:

Lauri Celella, Holistic Management International educator in training, co-owner of Dry Creek Livestock

Dave Celella, DVM, co-owner of Dry Creek Livestock

Kraig Stemme, American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners, owner of Lake Fork Kikos

James Buratti, TOFGA representative, Sheep Farmer

Peggy Cole, Holistic Management International Program Manager

C.D. Pounds, Holistic Management International educator in training, owner of Triple Cross Farm

Monica Purviance, NRCS District Conservationist, Greenville Field Office

Location: 9385 CR 2432, Terrell, TX. 75160

Registration Maximum Spaces: 30

Objectives: Build network in north Texas, teach people how Holistic Management of herd health can reduce expenses and contribute to the financial bottom line, practice testing decisions about herd health, monitoring for indications herd health might be declining. Discuss the relationship between choosing the right animals and their performance in the herd. Discuss the relationship of livestock health to human health.

Benefits Learn about Holistic Management in terms of making good decisions in herd/flock health, performance and cost Practice decision-making on issues that arise in herd health Have a chance to ask Holistic Management producers and veterinarians about herd/flock concerns Join large and small discussions about managing herd/flock for healthier foods and a sustainable future Connect with other farmers and ranchers from this area Enjoy a delicious box lunch from local business using locally sourced produce

AGENDA  (Outdoor activities are subject to weather - agenda may change but we have lots of options)

8:30 am         Sign-in. Social
9:00 am         Welcome and logistics – L. Celella, J. Buratti
9:10 am         Introduction to HMI and Presenters—P. Cole
9:15 am        Overview of Holistic Management and decision testing– L Celella and CD pounds
9:45 am        Break
10:00 am      How to strategically deworm sheep & goats, experiential exercise – Dr. K. Stemme
11:30 am       Introducing the Dorper breed of sheep – why and what to look for – L. Celella
Noon Delicious box lunch from local business using locally sourced produce
1:00 pm         Using your resources – How can NRCS help? – M. Purviance
1:20 pm         Testing decisions – Root Cause, Input Analysis – L. Celella, CD Pounds
1:30               Travel to pastures
1:45               Dorper sheep selection – L Celella
2:45               Devon cattle selection for grass finishing – D. Celella
3: 30 pm        Break
3:45               Small group discussions on topics of the day – L. Celella
4:00 pm         Summary and evaluations, adjourn – L. Celella

This is a rain or shine event, and we will be spending part of our time out on the land. Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather du jour.

About Dry Creek Livestock

Dry Creek Livestock is owned and operated by Lauri and Dr. David Celella. It began in 2008 with the purchase of 2 bred Devon cows on an overgrazed 50-acre tract of land. In 2011 they purchased 4 Dorper sheep for 4-H projects. In 2013 Lauri entered the Beginning Women Farmers and Ranchers of Texas, BWFRTX Program and the following year began her quest to become a Holistic Management Certified Educator.

In the beginning the Celellas would have to feed up to 15 rolls of hay to less than 10 cows. Today after 5 years of planned grazing that has greatly improved the soil, they did not feed any hay and have maintained a flock of 60-90 Dorper sheep and 11 Devon cows. They credit HMI with giving them knowledge and a tool box to deal with the extreme East Texas weather, which has included 3 floods and a 100+ days of no rain in 2015.

The Celellas are committed to helping people learn to manage their animals for vibrant health. Some of this information exchange will happen at the comfortable facilities of their Rockwall Equine Center and Poetry Animal Hospital.

Directions

We will meet at 8:30am at Rockwall Equine Center / Poetry Animal Hospital 9385 CR 2432, Terrell, TX 75160

Directions from Conference Hotel

 Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront 2055 Summer Lee Drive, Rockwall, TX 75032

Allow about 25 min (17.2 mi)

Head northeast on E Interstate 30 (Away from the lake),

Then drive 2.19 miles 1Turn right onto TX- Hwy 205 / S Goliad St.

Then drive 0.14 miles Take the 1st left onto TX-276. If you reach E Ralph Hall Pkwy you've gone about 0.1 miles too far

Then drive 11.85 miles Turn right onto FM 1565.

Exxon Tiger Mart is on the corner (flashing yellow light)

Then drive 2.73 miles

Turn right onto County Road 2432.

1st Road to the right.

If you reach Holly Creek Rd you've gone about 0.2 miles too far

Then drive 0.8 miles At 0.8 miles on right. Sign says Rockwall Equine Center on gate. At bottom of hill.