In the last 3-4 years Elliott County has become a desirable place for many folks who want to move from their more urban areas, purchase land, and be able to try their hand at some different agricultural practices. Most wanted a place to grow a garden, have some livestock and just live a more rural area lifestyle. Because of this small ruminant livestock farms have been popping up here an there and with this interest the need for small ruminant education programs in the area has rose as well. 

On Thursday Oct. 12th, Elliott and Carter Co. Extension partnered up with the Ky Sheep and Goat Council to put on a fun and informative event to help meet some of these educational needs. The focus was on small ruminant hoof health and maintenance. 

Attendees signed in upon arrival around 5:30pm and all received their own pair of hoof trimmers, paid for with a grant provided by the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. The participants were also served a great BBQ meal from “The Hogs Trough” in Grayson, Ky as they made their way to their seats for the event.  

Kendra Ison, DVM started the event off with a great PowerPoint presentation on general hoof health. Her presentation was titled “The WHY of Hoof Trimming” in which she discussed the importance of hoof trimming, hoof maintenance and what types of hoof problems to be aware of when raising and dealing with small ruminants.  

Professor and life long small ruminant farmer, Dr. Andries followed shortly after with methods of prevention, when to treat, and some real-life experiences he has encountered throughout his long career in the small ruminant field. 

Dr. Andries finished out the evening with a hands-on demonstration of trimming, using a couple of sheep that John Paul and Mary Skaggs (owners of Skaggs Farms) provided from their sheep and cattle farm here in Elliott County.  The Skaggs family was also nice enough to bring their spin/trim head chute to hold the animals properly for the best demonstration possible. 

47 people were in attendance and by attending the event participants were able to acquire a CAIP Education Credit for the 2023-2024 CAIP year. 6 attendees were 4-H livestock youth, who by attending, were able to get education credits needed to be eligible to show livestock in the upcoming 2024 livestock showing year. 

 It was a fun and educational night learning, proper hoof trimming and other best management practices for small ruminant hoof maintenance and health.