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.
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