We have seen an increase in the number of producers who are interested in producing sheep and goats within the state. The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office reached out and wanted to offer a clinic on confirmation for producers. Most producers are looking for lower-priced animals to begin their flock, but this can lead to problems later on. The idea behind teaching confirmation to producers came from a group of experienced producers who were wanting to host a field day. The goal was for producers to leave the clinic and feel better prepared when purchasing seed stock. 

Most clinics on livestock selection are geared toward those interested in livestock judging and showing livestock so some material had to be created to discuss selecting livestock for a realistic production scenario. I was able to create a handout on the selection of meat and dairy goats for small farm production that producers could take home with them. Along with this producers were able to have a hands-on session with live animals to discuss the information in the handout and to ask questions. Live goats were seen on the stand and on the move to give producers a similar experience to what they should have when selecting animals off the farm. 

100% of the producers who attended said that this field day helped them learn what confirmation traits to look for when selecting breeding stock. 93% said that this clinic helped them identify confirmation traits that need improvement in their herd/flock. We hope to teach this confirmation clinic to producers throughout the state in various locations!