Dan Severson – Livestock

Dan Severson, the New Castle County livestock extension agent, gave a lecture on livestock in Delaware. He noted that the number of farms and herds is decreasing however production is holding steady. Beef is the largest meat consumed per capita followed by pork and chicken. Severson also noted that sheep and goat production is on the rise for meat and dairy production. Goat and sheep milk can be used to drink, make cheese, and other items such as soaps and lotions. While goat dairy is on the rise, traditional dairy is not. Delaware currently has 36 dairy farms milking 4800 cows totaling $19 million. Most of the dairy farms are operated by the Amish population. He also mentioned the fact that some farmers are growing emu, bison and apiaries.

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