On Saturday June 1, 2024 the Wolfe County Extension Office hosted a regional Small Ruminant Boot Camp for sheep and goat producers. Participants traveled from as far as Grant County on the North, as far south as McCreary County and as far Southeast as Knott County. Ms. Kelly Yates from the Sheep and Goat Producers Association coordinated the event with the Wolfe County Extension Office and Dr. Ken Andries presented the information. Sheep were provided by the Jackson County FFA, brought by Hunter Carroll (Jackson County). A Wolfe County producer reached out about how to get her sheep to adjust to the area as they have moved in from another drier state. When the Wolfe County ANR agent reached out to Kelly Yates, she was thrilled to put together this learning opportunity for all participants. Each in attendance learned by doing hands activities on FAMACHA scoring, body condition scoring, hoof trimming, fecal egg counts and parasitology. Each in attendance completed modules prior to attending that allowed them to take the SRQA (Small Ruminant Quality Assurance) test. 100% of participants passed the test. The SRQA is now a requirement for all those receiving CAIP funds this year. In addition, all participants passed the FAMACHA certification and received the necessary equipment to be able to do this on their own operations. Lastly completing the hoof trimming and parasitology portion of this in person field day, allows them to complete the Small Ruminant Profitability School (SRPS) at their own pace at home through the online modules. Before participants departed for the day, we asked them to complete a survey to measure further outcomes. The results are indicated below:

• How many years have you been in production? 

               0-5 years- 69%

               6-10 years- 16%

               10+ years- 16%

• 100% of participants have never completed a fecal sample egg test before.
• 100% of participants have never completed a fecal egg reduction test before.
• 68% of participants had never used body condition scoring as a parasite management tool.
• 100% of participants indicated that they intend to incorporate any new management practices or procedures in their operation based on what they learned at the clinic.
• 83% of participants indicated the topics raised concern about the health and wellbeing of their herd
• 100% of participants indicated that they feel more equipped to handle those situations after this clinic.
• 100% of participants indicated intentions/motivations to expand their operation and/or change their operation from what they learned at this clinic.
• 100% of participants indicated that they will or may can improve parasite problems in their herd/flock based on what they learned at this clinic
• 100% of participants indicated that they feel more connected to industry organizations, resources, and fellow producers after attending this event
• Additional Comments:

-Great program!

-This was a very helpful program and certainly was helpful for me and my operation. Especially FAMACHA and body condition scoring. Dr. A was super helpful. Thank you for putting this on for us.