Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
As the number of sheep producers in Southeastern Kentucky continues to increase, so does the demand for local marketing opportunities. To accommodate the need for local sales and to highlight the quality of sheep raised in our area, the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producers planned and hosted their first annual Breeding Sheep Sale in July of 2023. The sale was held at the Wilderness Trail Area Marketing Alliance, which provides a centralized grouping, sorting, and sale facility for loca
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Internal parasites are a major health concern in small ruminants and can cause drastic economic losses. Proper identification of parasites can aid in the prevention, treatment, and control of parasites. A lack of resources and vets specializing in small ruminants are major obstacles producers face with managing internal parasites. The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service in collaboration with KY State University conducted a fecal egg workshop to provide producers with the
Author: Chelsea Sapp
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Chelsea SappANR Success Story #1October 2022 Small Ruminant Field Day The Marion County Sheep and Goat Association had not met at all since 2020. That changed in March of 2022 when I decided to get the group active again and build membership. Flash forward to September 16, 2023, we have held our very first field day in conjunction with the State Sheep and Goat office. I am very proud of how far this association has come and the changes we have made. This field day was requested by the
Author: Matthew Chadwick
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
The problemLocal producer who owns a slaughter facility and imports mature/cull sheep for slaughtering and markets whole and halve mutton to restaurants was missing out on easily obtained net profits for his mutton business by not properly feeding or handling the sheep that he was holding for a short period before slaughter. Educational Program. I worked one on one with the producer on how to evaluate the sheep as they were unloaded and how to cheaply and organically (so their wo
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Sheep farming has been an integral part of Kentucky's agricultural landscape for centuries. These woolly creatures not only contribute to the state's economy but also play a significant role in its cultural heritage. However, the methods of sheep confinement raise important questions regarding animal welfare, environmental impact, and sustainable agricultural practices. This essay aims to explore the various aspects of sheep confinement in Kentucky, shedding light on the challenges and o
Author: Jacob Ison
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
In the last 3-4 years Elliott County has become a desirable place for many folks who want to move from their more urban areas, purchase land, and be able to try their hand at some different agricultural practices. Most wanted a place to grow a garden, have some livestock and just live a more rural area lifestyle. Because of this small ruminant livestock farms have been popping up here an there and with this interest the need for small ruminant education programs in the area has rose as well.&nbs
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Sheep production in Southeast Kentucky has increased rapidly in recent years. The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows that Laurel County ranks 39th in the state for sheep and goat production, up from a rank of 49th in 2017. With more producers starting small animal production operations, the Laurel County agriculture agent realized a need for more research based educational opportunities for producers to learn about animal health, grading, pasture management, marketing, and other relate
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
The problem Crittenden County is home to several goat and sheep producers including several that consider themselves new to the business. Information on producing quality small ruminants can sometimes be hard to find. Crittenden County Extension ANR Agent Dee Heimgartner has worked with industry partners to provide learning opportunities to local producers.The educational program response Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office has worked diligently to provide educational videos to producers.
Author: Shad Baker
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Eastern Kentucky has a growing amount of land that is underutilized for livestock. The regional economy needs multiple options for agricultural producers, and with sheep production once being a major player for the area, consideration of this industry has revived.The Letcher County Extension Office partnered with the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Association to offer a Sheep Night for interested producers. Speakers from the association and Virginia Tech along with local producers. Over 60 clientele w
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
SEKSPA First Annual Breeding Sale As the number of sheep producers in Southeastern Kentucky continues to increase, so does the demand for local marketing opportunities. To accommodate the need for local sales and to highlight the quality of sheep raised in our area, the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producers planned and hosted their first annual Breeding Sheep Sale in July of 2023. The sale was held at the Wilderness Trail Area
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Sheep production has been growing in Eastern Kentucky for several years now. The knowledge about sheep production is limited due to little experience from local producers. The Jackson County agriculture agent worked with SEKSPA president to plan a area sheep production meeting for eastern Kentucky sheep producers. The program included sheep and goat production management by Dr. Ken Andries, Health Concerns in sheep and goats by Keaton Smith DVM, and a Sheep Producer Association update by D
Author: Jessica Morris
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
On Saturday June 1, 2024 the Wolfe County Extension Office hosted a regional Small Ruminant Boot Camp for sheep and goat producers. Participants traveled from as far as Grant County on the North, as far south as McCreary County and as far Southeast as Knott County. Ms. Kelly Yates from the Sheep and Goat Producers Association coordinated the event with the Wolfe County Extension Office and Dr. Ken Andries presented the information. Sheep were provided by the Jackson County FFA, brought by Hunter
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
The problemSheep and goat producers are constantly having to watch their livestock, especially the babies for predators that are looking for an easy meal. Part of raising small ruminants like sheep and goats is keeping predators like coyotes from reducing the flock. Two ways of keeping the coyotes in check is to trap them or to use guard animals to keep them away or kill them. Trapping takes some experience and knowledge of how and where to set traps. Guard animals can be dogs
Author: Jessica James
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
There are many small ruminant producers in Henderson County and a lot of interest to learn more in this area. I decided to have a small ruminant meeting with a marketing specialist, small ruminant veterinarian and a UK specialist to discuss hoof care. There was positive feedback on this. Many that attended said that they enjoyed the meeting and found new contacts for any questions that they may have for small ruminants. One of the struggles that we face in our area is a shortage of veterinarians
Author: William Crawford
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture recognizes that modern farms and agriculture operations work far differently than those a few decades ago. While scientific and mechanical strides may be seen most prevalently on large commercial operations, smaller producers too benefit from technical advances.On May 18, University of Kentucky (UK) and Kentucky State University (KYSU)Cooperative Extension partners joined forces with other agencies to offer a joint Agriculture Field Day in the rural
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Agriculture seems to be a diminishing population but this year Green County grew in numbers. One young man and his family looked toward extension for support and help. This family had some land land and access to more land. He had very little experience in agriculture but at the same time realized how important agriculture is and wanted their kids to understand also. They approached me with a plan and a goal in mind but wanting guidance in pursuing this dream. Through educational programs and se
Author: Nathan Rider
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Farmers attend a hybrid event with online videos, classroom learning, and hands-on training.Sheep and goats are a popular livestock choice on small farms across Kentucky. Raised for their fiber, meat, and milk, they are practical, versatile, relatively docile animals. However, many beginning farmers are unaware of how susceptible sheep and goats can be to parasites. Properly identifying signs of parasitic infection, managing grazing for disease prevention, and treating livestock for effective pa
Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Goat and sheep production are on the rise with many producers new to agriculture. To address this growing demand, a Small Ruminant Meeting with approximately 70 producers in attendance was held. Participants learned about nutrition, parasite management, foot rot, mastitis and marketing. Participants have requested more educational meetings to be specie specific.
Author: Katherine VanValin
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
The problem- There has been a continued increase in the number of producers raising Bison in the Eastern United States; however very little research based information is available to these producers specifically, and much of the knowledge around nutrition is extended from beef cattle research. What research is conducted on Bison is typically from the Central Plains and Western United States where Bison tend to graze on native prairies compared to the smaller acreages and management seen in the E
