The West KY Small Ruminant Field Day, hosted by the Marshall, McCracken, Graves, and Calloway County Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents. The program, sponsored by the Sheep and Goat Development Check-off, was a jam-packed afternoon teeming with opportunities for producers to learn. Participants were enthralled with the on-farm speeches and demonstrations relating to profitable small ruminant production.

There were three sessions which included a presentation on feed and reproduction efficiencies, a hands-on pasture walk, as well as a live hoof trimming demonstration.

Firstly, Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent and farm host, Matt Chadwick, discussed feed, marketing and reproduction efficiencies with participants. Matt knows firsthand how crucial it is to increase efficiencies to increase productivity, time management and profitability. Matt discussed his feeding practices, animal nutrition, how he controls his ewe's estrous cycles to minimize his lambing window, his marketing plan and much more. 100% of surveyed participants indicated that they would adopt Cooperative Extension Service recommended practices in animal nutrition after listening to his speech.

The pasture walk lead by Murray State University Agronomy Professor, Dr. Megan Taylor, was an interactive lesson in weed science. Dr. Taylor pulled weeds from the pastures, passed them through the group, taught participants how to identify them, and then discussed situational management options for each weed. She also discussed pasture renovation and then fielded many questions from producers relating to the pasture issues they are fighting in their own fields.

The live hoof trimming demo, led by Cooperative Extension Service Agent, Miranda Rudolph, was a hit. Participants were in awe as Miranda utilized the farm's "spin doctor chute" to safety flip the sheep on their sides for ease of handling. As Miranda demonstrated how to trim hooves safely, she described proper hoof care, foot baths, disease concerns, prevention and more. Participants followed along on their pre-loaded clipboards which were packed with handouts provided by the KY Sheep and Goat Development Office. One family commented on how helpful the handouts were and how they will use them as reminders when working their animals. 100% of surveyed participants indicated increasing the skills necessary to maintain proper hoof care after watching the demonstration. 

Producers departed the field day with full hands and minds. Each participant received a free hoof trimming kit.

The kits consisted of a carrying caddy, hoof trimming shears, a sharpener, a pre-measured zinc sulfate foot bath and the printed resources previously mentioned. The kits included everything a producer needs to improve their herds foot health. After the program, 100% of surveyed participants indicated that they gained knowledge relating to small ruminant production. The host agent team looks forward to seeing how the farmers utilize this newfound knowledge in their operations.