In 2002 cooperators evaluated naturally-derived treatments for parasites in sheep and in pigs. Frances ZacharakisJutz carried out sheep trials on the Solon farm where she lives with her parents Jeff and Susan. Frances also worked with Walt Ebert, Plainfield, on a third trial in sheep. The lone swine trial was the work of Tom and Irene Frantzen, New Hampton, with special participation by their son James.
The two alternative wormers evaluated in 2002 were pumpkin seeds and a relative of the weed lambsquarters called Chenopodium ambrosioides. These two plant materials have been used by livestock farmers historically. Each of the four trials was designed and carried out somewhat differently.