Sheep production in Southeast Kentucky has increased rapidly in recent years.  The 2022 Census of Agriculture shows that Laurel County ranks 39^th in the state for sheep and goat production, up from a rank of 49^th in 2017.  With more producers starting small animal production operations, the Laurel County agriculture agent realized a need for more research based educational opportunities for producers to learn about animal health, grading, pasture management, marketing, and other related topics.

The ANR agent collaborated with the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producers Association (SEKSPA) to host its 2024 annual meeting at the Laurel County Extension Office on March 23, 2024.  A crowd of 192 individuals were in attendance as Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell welcomed the group to Laurel County and expressed an optimistic outlook for the future of sheep and goat production in Kentucky.  Several guest speakers presented programs to the group, including:

• Dr. Gregg Renfrow (University of Kentucky) – lamb quality grading and news from Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
• Shon Wylie (Kentucky Wool Works) – opportunities, issues, and solutions for wool producers in southeastern Kentucky
• Hannah Howard (Greater Cumberland Fibershed) – fiber arts and the SEKSPA-GCF Partnership
• Harry Frederick (President of Kentucky Sheep & Wool Association) – state of the sheep industry in Kentucky
• Dr. Avinash Tope (Kentucky State University) – collaboration with SEKSPA to deliver information and practical skills to sheep & goat farmers in eastern Kentucky.
• Dr. Jerusha Lay, DVM – breeding herd management.

The group enjoyed a free lunch that included roasted leg-of-lamb from the University of Kentucky’s Sheep Unit/Butcher Shop.

 A brief survey of the producers who attended the meeting showed that almost all had learned at least one practice that they intend to implement in their production to increase their profits.  One producer said she appreciated the opportunity to learn about several topics in one day.  She said it was also encouraging to learn of contacts and resources to help her with addressing any issues that may arise on her farm in future.