Q. What are the health requirements for livestock entering the state?
") document.write("All livestock, poultry, waterfowl and animals, including cats, dogs and other pets imported into Massachusetts by any person, firm, corporation, except for the purpose of immediate slaughter, shall be accompanied by an official health certificate stating that the animals are healthy, free of symptoms of infectious or transmissible disease and internal and/or external parasites and exposure to any infectious, contagious disease, internal or external parasites. All cattle, swine, sheep, goats must be identified by either an official eartag, tattoo or registration number. Certificates of health are valid for 30 days. (All animals transported into Massachusetts for slaughter must be accompanied by USDA approved waybills, back tag certificates and identified by eartags, back tags or other USDA approved identification)
For specific specie requirements, you can view the health requirements at this webpage, Or contact:
State Veterinarian
Bureau of Animal Health
Dept. of Food & Agriculture
251 Causeway St., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114-2151
617-626-1791
For Entry Permits
Q. How does the Massachusetts Farm Viability Enhancement Program work?
") document.write("The purpose of the Farm Viability Enhancement Program "Program" is to improve the economic bottom line and environmental integrity of participating farms through the development and implementation of Farm Viability Plans "Plans". These comprehensive, yet focused farm plans, which are to be developed by teams comprised of farmers and other agricultural, economic and environmental consultants, will be aimed at suggesting ways for farmers to increase their on-farm income through such methods as improved management practices, diversification, direct marketing, value-added initiatives and agritourism. In addition, the plans will make recommendations concerning environmental and resource conservation concerns on participating farms.
For further information visit this webpage, or contact:
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114
Phone (617) 626-1700
Q. How much minerals should I be feeding to my livestock?
") document.write("The feeding levels of minerals varies depending on the species of livestock. For further information, you may contact Dr. Mark Huyler, UMass Amherst, Department of Veterinary & Animal Science.
Email: mhuyler@vasci.umass.edu
You can visit the Massachusetts 4-H website to find out the contact information of the 4-H Educator in your region. Be sure to check out the Animal Science section on the 4-H website to view event dates, resources and the exciting programs that are taking place in Massachusetts.
Q. Who can help me with a pasture management/nutrient plan?
") document.write("Contact Dr. Stephen Herbert and Dr. Masoud Hashemi from the Department of Plants and Soil Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Visit the UMass Extension Amherst, Crops, Dairy & Livestock website.
Q. What are some related links to this subject?
") document.write("Massachusetts Natural Resources Conservation Service
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with the people of Massachusetts to improve and protect their soil, water and other natural resources.
UMass Amherst Extension – Crops, Dairy & Livestock Program
Information and contacts for the department.
UMass Amherst - Department of Veterinary & Animal Science Program
Information and contacts for the department.