According to the Kentucky Census of Agriculture, Laurel County’s ranking in sheep and goat production has risen from 77 in 2012 to 49 in 2017.  The increase in sheep production in southeastern Kentucky indicated a need for more guidance and educational resources for the producers and also for group marketing opportunities at centralized collection points. To address these needs, the Laurel County Extension Office assisted with the development of the Southeast Kentucky Sheep Producers Association (SEKSPA).   The inaugural membership meeting was held at the Laurel County Extension Office in January 2020 with an attendance of 111 individuals from Laurel and surrounding counties.  SEKSPA was incorporated as a non-profit entity shortly thereafter and currently has a membership of 83 sheep families.  At each quarterly meeting, members have participated in research-based educational programs presented by Extension and KDA representatives.  Topics have included herd health, breeding, feeding, lambing, pasturing and marketing with the goal of increased profit margins. Utilizing funds provided by the USDA Value-Added reimbursement grant and the Laurel County Agricultural Development Council, SEKSPA has arranged for a marketing feasibility study to be conducted by the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD).   The organization is also working to organize a shared use equipment program for utilization by its members.