New online course for those interested in sheep and goat production

LEXINGTON, Ky., (Apr 22, 2010)

Beginning a new venture is a challenge for anyone, especially if it involves livestock. For those considering raising sheep and goats in Kentucky, a new online course is now available to help them get started.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program are now offering a class, titled Sheep and Goat Production in Kentucky, thanks to funding from the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Project.

“The course is an introduction to the sheep and goat industry in Kentucky,” said Ricky Yeargan, UK senior extension associate for agriculture and natural resources. “It offers an overview of the basic anatomy and nutrition specific to sheep and goats as well as lessons targeted to the use of forages and feedstuffs in the production of these animals.”

Yeargan said herd health is also a major portion of the course which allows participants to familiarize themselves with the specific diseases and other health issues that may affect the animals.

Although the course is aimed at beginning producers or those with just an interest, Yeargan said established producers could also benefit from the information as a review of their production practices.

“Developing the online course facilitated the training of farmer-instructors,” he added. “They are knowledgeable in small-ruminant production and were able to assist fellow producers by assisting with field delivery of course content to interested producer groups.”

For more information about the course, contact Yeargan at ryear2@email.uky.edu.

Contact: Ricky Yeargan, 859-323-9277

Keep the brakes on planting a little longer

Record and near record warm temperatures have many corn producers jumping at the chance to get out in the field and plant corn, but it may be best to wait a little longer, said Chad Lee, extension...
read more

Early summer could come at a price, UK ag meteorologist cautions

Photo depicts damage to apple trees after the Easter Freeze in 2007.

Without looking at the calendar, Kentuckians might easily be fooled into thinking...
read more

The Arboretum gears up to host a Party for the Planet

The Arboretum, on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington, is partnering with LG&E and KU Energy LLC to offer a month-long celebration called Party for the Planet 2012, with activities for...
read more