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: Steven Mobley
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: Shad Baker
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: Dee Heimgartner
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: Jonathan Oakes
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: Nick Roy
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: Victor Williams
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: Jacob Ison
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: Matthew Chadwick
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: Chelsea Sapp
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
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