Success StorySheep in the Mountains



Sheep in the Mountains

Author: Shad Baker

Planning Unit: Letcher County CES

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

Plan of Work: AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT--2020

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Eastern Kentucky has a growing amount of land that is underutilized for livestock. The regional economy needs multiple options for agricultural producers, and with sheep production once being a major player for the area, consideration of this industry has revived.


The Letcher County Extension Office partnered with the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Association to offer a Sheep Night for interested producers. Speakers from the association and Virginia Tech along with local producers. Over 60 clientele were in attendance to hear about markets, production on strip-mined land and hillside operations, and production strategies along with sampling lamb burgers provided by UK.

As a result of the program, 12 participants verbally reported that they planned to acquire stock to begin building their herd. Another 5 said they planned to expand the small herds they already had, with an emphasis on using strip-mined land. Participants also requested further training on predator control and guard animals.






Stories by Shad Baker


Extension Helps Flood First Responders with QPR training

about 1 years ago by Shad Baker

When the historic floods of 2022 hit in July, one of the critical issues that quickly came to light ... Read More


Hiking for Health

about 1 years ago by Shad Baker

Kentucky ranks in the top five states for obesity with 36% of the population (38% in Letcher County)... Read More


Stories by Letcher County CES


Making a difference in our people.

about 1 years ago by Crystal Smith

Making a difference in our people.People ask me why I want to be a 4-H agent? What makes it the best... Read More


Lil Buckaroo Boot Camp

about 1 years ago by Crystal Smith

Summer Camp began at The Stables at Creekside Glen and local Letcher and Harlan County youth attende... Read More