Success StorySmall Ruminant Profit School Draws in New Audience to Campbell County Extension



Small Ruminant Profit School Draws in New Audience to Campbell County Extension

Author: Michelle Simon

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

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

Plan of Work: Agriculture and Natural Resource Education - Beef and Forage Production and Marketing

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Campbell County, Kentucky is known for its hilly topography and sometimes rough terrain. Bush honeysuckle has been an ongoing issue for farmers on this rough terrain due to the inability to spray and maintain the land. The combination of this rough terrain and small acreage farms, that have resulted from urban growth, has pushed farmers to raising and producing sheep and goats. These small ruminants do not need as much forage or grazing acreage as cattle or horses which suits them well for the small acreage operations. Also, since many goat breeds browse so well, they can utilize the woody perennials (bush honeysuckle) that are common in rough terrains as a forage base. Over the last several years, these combining factors have proven to be reason enough for the small ruminant population in the county to soar. Although it has become a popular commodity these producers face daily challenges from internal parasites, feed and forage balancing, and improving profits. In response to the ongoing challenges that sheep and goat producers face, Campbell County ANR Agent hosted the first Small Ruminant Profit School. This program was attended by 26 producers that represented over 420 head of sheep and goats. Dr. Aaron and Dr. Ely, UK Sheep Science Specialists, presented about matching breeds with production goals and understanding the true finish weight of lambs with those crosses to maximize production while keeping in mind producing the forages needed to reach those production goals. Producers were given FAMACHA score cards and were surveyed to identify needs for future programming for small ruminants. Producers reported, in follow up surveys, they began deworming based on FAMACHA scores to minimize internal parasite resistance to dewormers, began weighing their sheep and goats and had become more profitable marketing heavier animals with similar input costs (feed). 100% reported they had improved their operations financially by tweaking their management practices and are interested in future programs offered by Campbell County Extension.






Stories by Michelle Simon


Beef Efficiency Strategies Assist Producers take their Operations to the Next Level

about 10 months ago by Michelle Simon

Todays state of economy has really made producers put their pencil to paper and delve into thinking ... Read More


Small Ruminant Profit School Draws in New Audience to Campbell County Extension

about 10 months ago by Michelle Simon

Campbell County, Kentucky is known for its hilly topography and sometimes rough terrain. Bush honeys... Read More


Stories by Campbell County CES


4-H Horse Program

4-H Horse Program

about 10 months ago by Owen Prim

Horses are an important industry and pastime in Campbell County. According to the 2022 Kentucky Equi... Read More


4-H Livestock

4-H Livestock

about 10 months ago by Owen Prim

With the number of farms and acres of farmland in Campbell County decreasing each year, the general ... Read More


Stories by Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals


Farmers Host Sheep and Goat Producers for Hands-On Continuing Education

Farmers Host Sheep and Goat Producers for Hands-On Continuing Education

about 10 months ago by Nathan Rider

Throughout 2022, sheep and goat producers from 37 farms across 13 counties gathered monthly to parti... Read More


Goat Confirmation Clinic

Goat Confirmation Clinic

about 10 months ago by Taylor Graves

We have seen an increase in the number of producers who are interested in producing sheep and goats ... Read More