Success StoryGoat College
Goat College
Author: Laura Maggard
Planning Unit: Lawrence County CES
Major Program: Small Ruminants
Plan of Work: Enhance the Strong Agicultural and Natural Resource Base
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
After receiving multiple requests for goat programming in the county, the Lawrence County Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension Agent (ANR) organized a 3 part series for goat producers. Meat goat production in the United States is continually growing, production is an alternative form of livestock production for novice producers seeking learning opportunities to expand their knowledge base. Participants benefit from attending educational workshops by interacting with "seasoned" producers, knowing how the industry works, and learning how to make wise management decisions. Goat College focused on the basics of goat production, offering classes on fencing, facilities, purchasing goats, nutrition, and health. The ANR agent taught the first class of the series and focused on Goats 101, the Nutrition portion was taught by Dr. Ken Andries from Kentucky State University, and Dr. Beth Johnson with the Kentucky Veterinarians Office lectured on goat health. A total of 14 participants attended all 3 sessions. 75% of participants reported that they strongly agreed that they would plan to use information learned in this program in the coming year. 50% of participants strongly agreed with the other half agreeing that they would implement a recommended mineral program for their goat herd. 75% of participants strongly agreed that they would implement a plan to better control parasites in their goat herd. Having a good mineral program and parasite control plan for a goat herd is essential for a efficient and profitable goat herd. The goat industry in the United States is going to continue to grow, goat producers in Lawrence County will be prepared and knowledgeable regarding how to run a successful goat operation.
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