Success StorySmall Ruminant Digital Short Course



Small Ruminant Digital Short Course

Author: David Embrey

Planning Unit: Edmonson County CES

Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

Plan of Work: Livestock

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Mammoth Cave Area Agriculture Agents noticed an increase in small ruminant producers and the production of small ruminants growing in popularity.  It is also noted that many new small ruminant producers may very well be new to agriculture production and farming in general.    The need to bring research based education to new small ruminant producers is further driven by the tendency for new producers to utilize the internet as their sole resource for gaining information.  

The Small Ruminant Digital Short Course was designed to bring short educational videos directly into the homes of small ruminant producers.  By utilizing the Zoom platform, producers could be provided the information they desperately need while remaining COVID safe in their homes.

A progressive, experienced, and Extension friendly producer was secured and plans laid for the program.   Small Ruminant Extension Specialist Dr. Ken Andries, Kentucky State University and Kentucky Department of Agriculture Veterinarian,  Dr. Beth Johnson were lined up to present the information using the facilities and animals of the Rafter W Farm in Edmonton, KY  The presenters were also active participants in the Zoom meet and were available to unmute and answer question directly.  A total of 3 nearly hour sessions were developed covering multiple areas of small ruminant production.  Agriculture agents from across the Mammoth Cave Area were responsible for all aspects of the program from production to advertising to evaluation.

The average nightly attendance was 49 with producers representing 4 states.  According to the evaluations, 100% of participants plan to make some changes in the management of their herd or flock.  98% of respondents said they would use Extension programs on small ruminants in the future.  These respondents also provided suggestions for future short course segments.   The segments have now been archived and will be able to be used by producers in the future.  One particular participant comment, “I have really like these classes.  Wished something like that had been available 16 years ago when I first started with goats.






Stories by David Embrey


Edmonson County Spring Field Day

about 5 months ago by David Embrey

According to the latest Census of Agriculture Edmonson County has 81,589 acres of land used for agri... Read More


Third Record Setting Year in a Row for Edmonson County 4-H Camp

about 5 months ago by David Embrey

4-H Camp gives youth the opportunity to spend time meeting new people and learning life skills by pa... Read More


Stories by Edmonson County CES


First Ever YAIP Program in Edmonson County

First Ever YAIP Program in Edmonson County

about 5 months ago by Bridgett Poteet

Due to a lack of resources in a low-income county, most 4-Hers and youth in Edmonson County struggle... Read More


EC Volunteers Take KVF

EC Volunteers Take KVF

about 8 months ago by Bridgett Poteet

The Kentucky Volunteer Forum is a developmental and educational conference geared towards 4-H and Ex... Read More