by Camren Maierle, PhD Sheep producers across the country should be aware of the need for growth within our industry. Imported lamb contributes more than 50% to our domestic lamb consumption in the US. Unfortunately, there are very few short-term solutions to recapture this market share. One thing is evident when examining the consumer data, if the US sheep industry wants to provide American lamb to our consumers, the US sheep industry must grow. Growth of the sheep industry can, and needs to occur in two primary areas: 1.     Improved production efficiencies of our cur ..read more

Goat producers, industry stakeholders join Commissioner at proclamation signing   FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 12, 2024) – Kentucky goat producers and industry stakeholders joined Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell today as he signed a proclamation declaring April as Goat Month in Kentucky. “The diversity of goats on our agricultural landscape is one that needs to be celebrated, particularly this month,” Commissioner Shell said. “Not only do they add a uniqueness to farm life, but they are also an excellent source of protein and dairy products. This month we salute all that goats add ..read more

Dr. Beth Johnson, DVM A Stevens County, Minnesota, goat kid (juvenile goat) residing on a farm with a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) positive poultry flock tested positive for the same virus. This is the first U.S. detection of HPAI in a domestic ruminant (cattle, sheep, goats, and their relatives). All poultry on the property were already quarantined from the February HPAI detection. Following the confirmation of HPAI in the goat, the MN Board of Animal Health quarantined all other species on the premises. The MN Board is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ..read more

by Dr. Katie VanValin, Assistant Extension Professor, University of Kentucky 1) Come with a plan: Doing your research before ever getting to the feedstore can greatly assist you in selecting the best mineral for your operation. It can be over whelming trying to decipher a mineral tag in the store, but taking some time to look over products online before you go can allow you to come with an idea of what you are looking for.   2) Price doesn’t always equal quality: I spend a lot of time discussing mineral supplements. I’ve found that there is a wide variety in both quality and cost as ..read more

By Donald G. Ely Department of Animal and Food Sciences University of Kentucky   Creep feeding is a technique of providing feed to nursing lambs to supplement the milk they consume.  Creep-fed lambs grow faster than noncreep-feds and are more aggressive in nursing ewes.  This aggression stimulates greater ewe milk production which, in turn, increases creep feed intake because these lambs will be bigger at a given ages. Typically, the creep diet is a grain-protein supplement mixture and is made available in an area constructed so lambs can enter, but ewes cannot.  Some situ ..read more

by Sarabeth Parido Fiber production is a continuous endeavor, with our woolly companions spending a whole year growing their fleece, only for it to be whisked away in a matter of minutes. Here are some pointers to ensure your shearing day goes smoothly, maximizing the value of your fleeces. Keep your animals dry and gathered in one spot:   Shearing wet animals is tough on everyone involved - the animals, the shearers, the equipment, and ultimately, your fleeces. Wet fleeces are prone to mold and mildew. Ensure your animals are in a designated holding area for easy access during sh ..read more

In honor of lamb month here in Kentucky, let's take a closer look at the U.S. Sheep Industry's Contributions to the economy and the Kentucky sheep inventory. Information shown below is courtesy of ASI and the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. Here in Kentucky sheep also play an important role ..read more

Goat Breed Comparisons for Commercial Meat Producers By: Kelley Yates In Kentucky, we typically see Boer, Kiko, Spanish, and Savannah goats in the commercial meat market. Producers have been combining these breeds to create offspring to meet individual market goals, with the hope of increasing profit margins. But, what is one key factor that hands down will impact your profit margin regardless of the cost of feed, vet supplies, mineral, etc? Number of kids sold! The more quality kids taken to market, the higher your profit margin. A higher kidding rate, coupled with managing your inputs to be ..read more

Celebrate the diversity sheep, lamb offer Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, center, named February as Lamb Month in Kentucky during a proclamation signing Tuesday at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in Frankfort. Joining Commissioner Shell were members of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, sheep producers, and members of the Sunshine Class, a class dedicated to giving special-needs children an opportunity to show animals at the Kentucky State Fair. FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 6, 2024) – Kentucky sheep and lamb producers joined Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell t ..read more

by Sarabeth Parido Are you ready to try something new? The 2024 Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival invites you to unravel the world of fiber arts through an exciting array of workshops. Whether you're a seasoned fiber enthusiast or a curious beginner, these workshops promise to ignite your passion and enhance your skills. Though the festival is held Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19 – we open our workshop area on Friday, May 17 as well to begin our classes. Our workshops cover a wide range of techniques, from traditional spinning and weaving to modern fiber art forms like needle felting and ..read more