Sheep and goat producers in Russell County and surrounding areas identified a need for more hands-on education related to successful lambing and kidding practices. Many producers, both new and experienced, sought updated knowledge on how to better prepare for and manage the birthing process to reduce losses and improve the health and survival of newborn animals.

In response to this need, the Russell County Extension Office partnered with the Russell County Sheep & Goat Producers Association (RCSGPA), Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producers Association (SEKSPA), Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment to host a Lambing & Kidding School. The program featured expert instruction from Dr. Beth Johnson, DVM (Kentucky Department of Agriculture), Dr. Jessie Lay, DVM (University of Kentucky), and Dr. Patrick Angel (SEKSPA). The school focused on modern lambing and kidding practices, including preparation before birth, management during the birthing process, post-birth care, handling common problems with newborns, care of orphans, and general newborn management.

The event reached 45 participants, primarily composed of local and regional sheep and goat producers. The audience included both beginning farmers seeking foundational knowledge and experienced producers looking to update and refine their skills.

Based on post-event evaluations, 93% of participants reported an increase in knowledge regarding best practices for lambing and kidding. Additionally, 87% stated they planned to adopt at least one new technique learned during the program to improve the health and survival rates of their newborn lambs and kids. Several producers reported an increased confidence in identifying birthing complications and responding effectively, which is expected to lead to a measurable decrease in losses during the birthing season. Follow-up surveys will continue to monitor changes in producer practices and outcomes in the next birthing cycle.