Ettrick, Va.--Extension, research and hospitality management faculty in Virginia State University's College of Agriculture have partnered in efforts to increase consumer awareness of lamb meat, including its local availability and ways to prepare it.
 
    Small ruminant extension specialist Dr. Dahlia O'Brien says the month of January is being called "Lambuary", a project which also aims to connect Virginia sheep producers with potential customers.  The following educational activities have been scheduled:

Friday, January 15, 11:30 a..m.  Lamb-cooking demonstration, L. Douglas Wilder Building demo kitchen.  Free and open to the public where an extension culinary specialist willshare a nutritious lamb recipe.

Friday, January 22, 11:30 a.m.  Lamb cooking demonstration, L. Douglas Wilder Building demo kitchen.  Free and open to the public where a hospitality management chef will prepare a tasty lamb dish.

Wednesday, January 27 10:30 a.m.  Sheep Facilities Tour/Hair Sheep Research update.  A $5 per person fee for a tour of VSU's Randolph Farm sheep facilities including hands-on demonstrations and a student competition lamb taste-off.  Participants will also have an opportunity toto take lamb cuts home to sample.

To learn more about "Lambuary" or to register for activities online, visit www.vsu.edu/lambuary.  To register by phoneor for more information, contact Mollie Klein at (804) 524-5960/TDD (800) 828-1120.  Anyone needing special services or accommodations should contact Klein five days in advance during 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, , political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.  An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.  Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.