In the fall of 2021, the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Agent from Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Services determined that although there are many sheep and goat producers in Bullitt County, sheep and goat programs have not been offered recently by nearby county offices of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. In cooperation with neighboring county extension agents, the Bullitt County ANR Agent delivered an interest survey to regional producers. Over 37 producers in 13 counties expressed interest in participating in a sheep and goat class series. Respondents were located in Bullitt, Jefferson, Nelson, Hardin, Oldham, Hart, Carroll, Franklin, Henry, Mercer, Owen, and Washington Counties in Kentucky, and Harrison County, Indiana.

After determining significant interest, the ANR Agent from Bullitt County Cooperative Extension Services worked with the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office to begin facilitating the Small Ruminant Profit School (SRPS) curriculum to support sheep and goat producers in the area. Through questionnaires at the beginning of the class series, participants self-reported needing more education in the areas of fencing, kidding, bottle feeding, parasite management, hoof rot, mastitis, profitability, marketing, and more. To address these needs, classes have included video lectures on important topics and question-and-answer sessions with experts including veterinarians, large-scale producers, and industry professionals. SRPS classes held virtually and in-person in Bullitt County have covered reproduction, genetics, birthing difficulties, fencing and facilities, marketing, parasite management, hoof trimming, vaccinations, and more.

Youth and adult participants work together to insert ear tag on a volunteer goat with supervision from Dr. Beth Johnson of the KDA Office of the State Veterinarian.

Some class participants entered the sheep and goat business to produce fiber, dairy, and meat. Some got started because they wanted to clear some brush or keep a few pets. One entrepreneurial 4-Her wanted to start her own business. Whatever the reason, herd managers in the 12 Kentucky counties represented in the interest survey produce over $1,605,000 annually from the sale of sheep, goats, wool, mohair, and milk according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, representing an important sector of central Kentucky’s agriculture. As of 2017, 118 out of 120 counties in Kentucky hosted farms producing sheep or goats for their meat, wool, mohair, or milk, cementing sheep and goat farms’ place as relevant and important agricultural enterprises across the state of Kentucky.

SRPS Classes included both hands-on and classroom training.

Interestingly, the content has proven useful for more than just fiber, meat, and dairy producers too. Participants included several producers who raise show stock, a farm that raises and trains sheepdogs and as a result keeps a flock of sheep for training purposes, and an animal rescue operation that cares for injured, orphaned, and abused animals including lambs and kids.

Overall individuals participating in the SRPS classes manage more than 100 ewes/does and 20 rams/bucks producing over 150 lambs/kids per year. Participants have so far self-reported an improved understanding of difficult aspects of sheep and goat production. The course series will continue through July 2022 which will include further evaluation of impact.

Additional Aspects of the Impact

Of the 37 individuals who responded to the interest survey, 53% had never heard of KY Agricultural Development Funds like the County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP) through the KY Office of Agriculture Policy (KOAP). 12% were familiar with CAIP and other KOAP funds but didn’t know they may be able to apply for those funds for their sheep and goat operations, depending on their county of residence. 15% had previously applied for CAIP funds for other parts of their farm, but never for their sheep or goat operation. Meanwhile, only 9% of respondents had applied for CAIP or other KOAP funds for their sheep and goat operations. After learning that, the Bullitt County ANR Agent invited a member of the KOAP staff to present during one of the March 2022 classes on CAIP and other funding sources to ensure sheep and goat producers are aware of available funding options.Cover Photo