Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Small Ruminants
Crittenden County is the second largest small ruminant producing county in the stat of Kentucky according to the 2017 Ag Census. The county has a market value of small ruminant products sold of $637,000. To assist these producers ANR Agent Dee Heimgartner has focused programming efforts to include more programming specifically for small ruminants.During the fall of 2019 Heimgartner hosted a series in cooperation with the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. The KY Sheep & Goat Develop
Author: Nick Roy
In Adair County, small ruminants provide a viable income for several small farms. Due to their small stature, sheep and goats require less expenses in production and are more suitable on many farms as opposed to cattle. In 2017, 91 farms were reported by the USDA Ag Census as having sheep or goats in productions. A total of 1,513 head produced $120,000 in ag cash receipts. In 2020, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Kentucky Sheep and Goa
Author: Ricky Arnett
Agriculture seems to be a diminishing population but this year Green County grew in numbers. One young man and his family looked toward extension for support and help. This family had some land land and access to more land. He had very little experience in agriculture but at the same time realized how important agriculture is and wanted their kids to understand also. They approached me with a plan and a goal in mind but wanting guidance in pursuing this dream. Through educational programs and se
Author: Jerusha Lay
The largest challenge for small ruminant producers in the southeastern United States are parasites. Parasites by far cause the most production losses for farmers. Farmers need to be able to identify which animals are infected and the parasite they may have. This becomes essential in their treatment plans. Most veterinary clinics will perform fecal floatation testing. This will cost farmers approximately 18-25$ per sample. In livestock production the profit margin is low and this expense may quic
Teaching small ruminant production to new farmersKentucky State offers a variety of programs to help small and beginning livestock farmers. These programs range from educational presentations, hands-on workshops, small ruminant herd appraisals, funding opportunities/grants, and email or phone consultations or on farm consultations. Sometimes situation arise that farmers may not be prepared for. For Mike Long and LHC farm this came when a close friend suddenly passed away. At the time of his deat
