Goat College to offer 'Field to Fork' webinar series

LEXINGTON, Ky., (Mar 10, 2011)

The Kentucky Goat College will offer a series of webinars to offer research-based information to goat producers. The web-based meetings are March 29, April 5 and April 12.

This is a cooperative effort between the University of Kentucky, Kentucky State University and Purdue University. Each webinar will begin at 7 p.m. EST, streaming live via Adobe Connect from the Scott County Cooperative Extension office in Georgetown.

In the March 29 session, the keynote speaker is Sarah Fritschner, coordinator of the Louisville Farm to Table Project.

“Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge regarding local demand for lamb and goat meat products,” said Terry Hutchens, UK extension goat specialist. “We’re looking forward to hearing about the growing market and opportunities for local farmers. She’ll introduce the ‘Field to Fork’ concept. We really want goat and sheep producers to be able to effectively market their animals and see beyond the farm.”

UK Extension Professor Lee Meyer, an agricultural economist in the UK College of Agriculture, will also present and help participants decide whether they should incorporate a new enterprise into their farming operations.

In the April 5 session, UK Extension ruminant veterinarian Michelle Arnold will discuss ways to produce a quality product through appropriate quality assurance practices. Purdue Extension Ruminant Specialist Mike Neary will present ways to grow lambs and kids for direct markets.

Ken Andries, KSU extension goat specialist, will help participants in the April 12 session understand crossbreeding programs that can improve vigor and gains. UK Extension goat specialist Terry Hutchens will share lessons he learned while marketing goat meat through Central Kentucky Hispanic retail outlets.

For information about the meetings or how to connect to the live stream, contact Hutchens at 859-257-2465 or via e-mail to thutchen@uky.edu . 

Contact: Terry Hutchens, 859-257-2465

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