Since COVID 19 became an issue in the world in 2020 we have seen an influx of folks moving from out-of-state into our area.  Many of the people have little to no background in farming and are trying to find an agriculture enterprise that they benefit from operating on their farm.  Small ruminants often become one of the main talking points and interests to folks.  With the increase in interest in sheep and goats not only from the out-of-staters moving to the area, but even by the local farmers the Robertson County Agriculture agent and myself decided to offer an educational session to give the basics or "intro" to sheep and goat production.

Thirty-five people registered for the educational program with fifteen of those planning to raise sheep and/or goats, but currently not.  The group had many great things to say about the program at the conclusion.  Many expressed how appreciative they were for the class as they hadn't seen one in our area in many years.  Several attendees stayed after the meeting to ask questions of our guest speaker, Dr. Ken Andries, from Kentucky State University.  

Because of the interest that was exhibited in the program, we are looking at adding more small ruminant programs in the near future.