P.O. Box 4709
Frankfort, KY 40604-4709
502/227-0783
info@kysheepandgoat.org
The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office is a producer-oriented 501 (c) (5) entity under the oversight of the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association, funded in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board. The office provides full-time professional support to all aspects of the Commonwealth's sheep and goat industries and its goal is to maintain Kentucky's leadership in the production and marketing of small ruminants. |
2010 Kentucky State Fair Sale of Champions
(L to R) Catherine Riley, Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat ($9,500); Sheldon Burks, Grand Champion Market Goat ($10,500); Laura Hancock, Reserve Grand Champion Lamb ($11,000); Bryce Amburgy, Grand Champion Lamb ($14,000)
UK Mountain Ag and Energy Field Day features Goat Workshop
The UK Mountain Ag and Energy Field Day to be held at the Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability (Quicksand) on Saturday, October 2, 2010. Click here for a complete program
Disaster Assistance
The first weekend in May, heavy rain and storms swept across the Commonwealth. As a result of the storm and flood damage, Gov. Beshear requested both a Presidential major disaster declaration and a USDA Secretarial disaster designation. For more info on flooding assistance visit http://agpolicy.ky.gov/index.shtml |
What? You didn't get a Sheep and Fiber Festival T-shirt?
Fiber Fest is a Fan Fav
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Dairy Goat Herdsman Wanted
Our friend Judy Schad at Capriole is looking for a herdsman. Anyone who is extremely organized and seriously into dairy goats might want to fire off a resume to Judy at caprioleinc@aol.com
http://www.capriolegoatcheese.com/
Bobby Flay Down on the Goat Farm
CBS "Early Show"'s Resident Chef Learns How Milk Turns to Cheese; Shares Tasty Goat Cheese Recipes You Can Make at Home
Sheep and Goat Producers Learning to Make Gains
Business Lexington
April 27, 2010
Frankfort, KY - Even in a down economy, opportunities for Kentucky farmers are still out there, although they may be a little harder to identify. But a major -even fun- opportunity for owners, trainers and fans of stockdogs will be easy to find in mid-May.
Those in the sheep and goat production industry have a few partners in the state that are helping them in their search.
The University of Kentucky (UK), Kentucky State University (KSU) and the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office (KSGDO) are doing their part to help producers and would-be producers learn the ins-and-outs of production and find new markets.
As a sign of the times in technology, the UK College of Agriculture and the KSU Cooperative Extension Program are now offering a new online course called Sheep and Goat Production in Kentucky.
The project is getting its funding from the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Professional Development Project. Southern Region SARE is a competitive grants program funded by the USDA and EPA to promote research and education about sustainable agriculture.
“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.”
Another major portion of the course will involve herd health and the specific diseases and other health issues that may affect goats and sheep.
Yeargan also said the course, while meant for beginning producers or those with an interest in the field, could prove to be helpful to experienced producers as a way to review 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.”
The online program is just one of many projects affecting the Kentucky sheep and goat production.
Ray Bowman, executive director of KSGDO said there are many things happening in the industry which recently saw members vote in favor of a check-off program to help with the growing need for such initiatives as research and marketing.
“The check-off program is in place and we have been collecting since the first of the year,” he said. “Even though we have had a few soft months, we’re still doing pretty well. The folks making the contributions to the check-off are learning the system a little bit better, we’re refining it a little bit as we go and we’re in the process of establishing the board that will oversee the money and decide where the expenditures will be made.”
Bowman added that while there were some producers that did not feel comfortable about the program, he feels that once they see there will be an overall benefit for sheep and goat producers as a result of this, the more reluctant will embrace the check-off more strongly.
Bring on the dogs
One upcoming event that should give the industry some beneficial attention is the Sheep and Fiber Festival that will take place May 15 and 16 at Masterson Station Park in conjunction with the Bluegrass Classic Stockdog Trials.
That competition is one of the longest-running, largest, and most prestigious trials for border collies in the country and will run from May 12 through the 16th. Bowman said that while the meat and dairy aspects of the industry have been addressed strongly, the fiber end has struggled because the state has not been a strong fiber state especially when it comes to goats. There are however, sheep producers looking for a market for their wool.
“It became very obvious that this was a need that had to be addressed. We talked to the folks with the Bluegrass Classic Stockdog Trials and they were looking for a way to offer alternative entertainment for people attending the dog trials and to bring more people in,” he said. “As with any event you’re always looking for ways to provide a better experience for your attendees. At the same time, Lexington Parks and Recreation was looking for a good way to utilize the space at the park especially while the stockdog trials were going on.”
With the desire to promote the fiber sector of the industry, all those issues came together and the first Sheep and Fiber Festival was born.
“We decided what better compliment to the stockdog trials than a fiber festival,” said Bowman.
After looking at other similar successful festivals of the same type, the planning began last year.
“I think it will be well received,” said Bowman. “We are looking for a good turn- out and praying the weather cooperates.”
Bowman also said this festival is more for finished products but if a market can be established, there will be a trickle-down effect for producers as people continue to go out and look for fiber.
“The producers who are now probably taking less than they want for their fiber, hopefully we can get to the point where that becomes a stronger and more valuable commodity to them, that’s what we’re shooting for.”
The festival will feature 56 vendors with some bringing live animals like alpacas, sheep and goats, really anything that produces fiber, said Bowman.
Once the decision was made to feature fiber at the center of the festival, Bowman said they wanted to tie lamb to the event so there will a heavy focus on them by way of exhibits that will include cooking demonstrations and sheep shearing. The event will have youth programs involved as well such as FFA and 4-H.
The
Op-Ed by Roger Thomas, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy
Through matching investments, the fund continues to provide incentives for farmers all across the Commonwealth. Whether funding new beginnings for those who no longer grow tobacco or developing new markets for our hard working farm families, the fund has been there. By enabling development of the next generation of agriculture leaders and providing “access to capital” with low interest loans through the Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation the fund has positioned us for growth.
Over the last 10 years, every county in
We as farmers and agriculture leaders need to keep an open mind as we move into the next decade. The opportunities in agriculture are endless. Ten years ago, when the question was asked, “If we were to lose tobacco revenue in
As we look to the future, renewable energy ventures are being discussed with switchgrass, miscanthus, algae, and even sorghum is being used to make ethanol. Research will continue to be a critical tool in advancing traditional agriculture as well as providing vital information on the production and use of energy related crops.
Also, market development including local niche markets, regional and statewide opportunities for Kentucky grown, produced and/or processed crops, produce or livestock is vital to securing the future of our farms, both large and small. In addition, we must recognize the importance of marketing
I believe we have two resources in
I am convinced that our farmers and agricultural leaders are passionate, hard working people who care deeply about agriculture and they will continue to make all Kentuckians proud of
As Governor Steve Beshear has said many times, “Farming has long been a cornerstone of
It is the responsibility of each of us to acknowledge how important the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund has been to our recent advances and to understand how critical it is to our continued success as we move into the future.
New online course for those interested in sheep and goat production
The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program are now offering an on-line class, titled Sheep and Goat Production in Kentucky, thanks to funding from the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Project.
Kentucky Cheeses score a Hole-In-One at The Masters
KENTUCKY PROUD CHEESE IS ON THE MENU
FOR THE MASTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT
Guests at The Masters golf tournament are enjoying artisan cheese from Kentucky Proud producers.
Sapori d’Italia of Nicholasville and Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese of Barren County sent some of their crafted cheese products to Augusta, Ga., for the world-famous event.
Marketing specialists from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture alerted Kentucky cheese makers that the chefs at Augusta National were seeking samples from artisan cheese makers throughout the South.
"I feel like I need to pinch myself. I love golf anyway, but to turn on the TV and realize our (goat) cheese is being enjoyed at the event, it is truly surreal," Sapori d’Italia president Jason Gresham said.
“I never would have imagined it when I started making cheese 12 years ago,” said Kenny Mattingly, co-owner of Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese. “It’s exciting that our cheese is being served at Augusta. But the foundation of our business is the people who buy our cheese every day at the farmers’ market or in their local stores.”
Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese again will be served at the Kentucky Derby this year. It was part of a Kentucky Proud meal served to Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain at the 2007 Derby. It also has been served at the Rolex Three-Day Event and other major events.
Gresham said his company benefits from having the Kentucky Proud logo on its artisan goat cheese products. “The name of our company is in Italian. People don’t initially identify it as a Kentucky-produced product,” he said. “Being able to put Kentucky Proud on our cheeses and having it on our Web site helps people to see that is made here in Kentucky and is not imported.”
Master cheese maker Giovanni Capezzuto of Napoli, Italy, uses goat milk produced by a Marion County dairy to make Sapori d’Italia’s original artisan cheeses. The company, whose name means Taste of Italy, was founded in 2007.
Mattingly began making artisan cheese in the late 1990s in an effort to save his family dairy farm. He adopted Old World techniques of making hand-made cheese after a farm tour of Europe.
For more information about Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, go to www.kennyscountrycheese.com. To find out more about Sapori d’Italia, go to www.cheeseitalia.com or www.artisankentucky.com.
Three National Shows Come to KY This Summer
June and July are jam-packed this year, with the American Boer Goat Association, the American Dairy Goat Association and the International Boer Goat Association all bringing their National Shows to the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville.
ABGA starts off the festivities June 8-12 Check their website for details at http://www.abga.org/
ADGA rolls in next June 19-26 Find out more at http://www.adga.org/
IBGA beats the heat in July at the air conditioned Fair Grounds Get the scoop at
http://www.intlboergoat.org/index.php
As if that weren't enough, the Kentucky State Fair runs August 19-29 http://www.kystatefair.org with dairy and meat goats and sheep. Is this a great sheep and goat state or what?!?!?!
Guiding the Flock
The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office gets a nod in the March edition of Kentucky Farm Bureau News
https://www.kyfb.com/media/files/fed/kfb-news/2010/KFB%20March%2010.pdf
Sheep and Goat Check-Off forms
Check-off reporting forms are now on-line.
Broadcasting live from the National Farm Machinery Show
Farm broadcaster Cindy Zimmerman appeared to be having a good time with Ray Bowman during the Sheep and Goat Radio Show live broadcast from the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville. Cindy and husband Chuck operate the "new media" firm Zimm Comm, which posts farm news on the AgWired web site
National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) 2011 Sheep Study
Help the sheep industry by being part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) 2011 Sheep study. NAHMS is currently soliciting input on important issues now facing the US sheep industry. Provide your insight to these issues by participating in the needs assessment for the upcoming NAHMS 2011 Sheep study. The needs assessment phase has begun and will continue until February 4, 2010. The study objectives will be developed based on information collected and prioritized through the needs assessment process. The study is scheduled to begin in early 2011. The survey can be accessed at: www.sheepusa.org on the home page.
Fire claims 23 goats
Jan. 13, 2010 - Jason and Karen Walton of Jessamine County lost their barn and more than half their herd in an overnight fire. The family's home was not involved in the blaze
University of Kentucky Annual Lambing School
The University of Kentucky’s Annual Lambing School will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at the Animal Research Center Sheep Unit, Versailles, Ky. Participation in this school will provide shepherds with the opportunity to apply the most current techniques for success in the lambing barn. Hands-on instruction will be maximized. There is no registration fee. If you plan to attend, please contact Dr. Don Ely at 859-257-2717 or email dely@uky.edu.
University of Kentucky Eweprofit Schools
April 6, June 9, and October 5, 2010 are the dates for Eweprofit Schools at the University of Kentucky. Although these schools are designed primarily for new and prospective sheep producers, veteran shepherds are welcome so they can sharpen their sheep management skills. Participation in all three schools will allow students to come away with a total knowledge of flock management for each period during a calendar year (flushing/breeding, early and late gestation, parturition, lactation, and maintenance). Complete management programs for (1) January/February, (2) April, and (3) September/October lambing will be provided.
Each school will be conducted at the University of Kentucky Animal Research Center Sheep Unit, Versailles, Ky. There are no registration fees. For more details, contact Dr. Don Ely at 859-257-2717 or email: dely@uky.edu.
Coleman introduces goat meat products at Whole Foods
Coleman Natural Foods announced the introduction of natural, pasture-raised, halal-certified Rocky Mountain goat meat products. The new offerings are currently available at Whole Foods Market stores in multiple U.S. regions.
Raised in Colorado and Wyoming, the goat meat is also free of antibiotics, preservatives, hormones, nitrates, nitrites and MSG and is 100 percent vegetarian-fed (no animal by-products, pesticides or herbicides). The goat meat is also raised by pre-certified farmers, has received source verification and is animal welfare- and food safety-certified.
The products are sold in the meat freezer section at Whole Foods Markets in retail-ready packed bags. Legs, loins and racks are available in one-piece bags, and stew meat from the shoulder is cubed and vacuum-packed in bulk.
Kentucky no longer 'Sheepish' about Goats
In a state known for its tobacco and cattle, sheep and goat production is proving to be a viable option for farmers and has Kentucky emerging as a leader in the two industries. And many are beginning to take notice. Gov. Steve Beshear signed a proclamation declaring last October as Sheep and Goat Month. Click here to read the entire story in Business Lexington...
FDA Announces the Approval of a New Product for the Management of Reproduction in Sheep
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is announcing the approval of EAZI-Breed CIDR Sheep Insert (progesterone solid matrix) for induction of estrus in ewes (sheep) during seasonal anestrus. This progesterone Controlled Intravaginal Drug Release (CIDR) is a steroid hormone that allows out-of-season breeding in sheep. Click Here for complete story...
6th Annual
The Kentucky Proud Points Program was designed to recognize and honor youth exhibitors, their animals in all spices, and the top breeders who put forth the maximum effort to excel during the show season. The 2009 Kentucky Proud Points Banquet was held October 31, 2009 in
Breeding Ewes
1. Trent and Olivia Nichols
2. Cruz Nicholas
Breeding Rams
1. Trent and Olivia Nichols
2. Cruz Nichols
Commercial Ewes
1. TJ Yazell
2. Josh Thompson
3. Zack Schwartz
Top 10 Market Lambs
1. Josh Thompson
2. Jacob Thompson
3. Natalie Shown
4. Josh Thompson
5. Gavin Dunagan
6. Chris Hinkle
7. Jacob Thompson
8. Tamsin Meier
9. Jessey Craig
10. Kasey Craig
Lamb Showmanship
1. Josh Thompson
2. Jacob Thompson
3. Kasey Craig
4. Tamsin Meier
5. Natalie Shown
6. Sabrina Smith
7. Chris Hinkle
8. Haleigh Yazell
9. Rachel Drumm
10. Autsin Dunagan
Overall Exhibitors
1. Josh Thompson
2. Jacob Thompson
3. Zack Schwartz
4. Haleigh Yazell
5. Auston Dunagan
6. T J Yazell
7. Kasey Craig
8. Natalie Shown
9. Sabrina Smith
10. Chris Hinkle
Breeders Lambs
1. Dunagan Market Lambs
2. Yazell Market Lambs
3. Wether or Not Market Lambs
Goat winners include:
Overall – Aubrey Harston, Scottsville
Showmanship – Catherine Riley, Hopkinsville
Market goat – Aubrey Harston, Scottsville
Buck – Tayler Renfro, Richmond
Breeding doe – Allison Fister, Georgetown
Commercial doe – Tayler Renfro, Richmond
Breeder – 4 Harper Farms, Benton
1st Annual Southeast Dairy Goat Conference
Saturday October 24, 2009
For those with an interest in goat dairies, dairy goats, and value-added productsConference to include a series of talks and hands-on demonstrations with dairy goats on site. Topics to includeforages and nutrition for dairy goats, dairy goat selection criteria, establishing a dairy, value-added products, internal parasite management including FAMACHA training (FAMACHA cards will be available for $10 ea.). Experts on site will represent: Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Center for Profitable Agriculture, Tennessee State University, and University of Tennessee.
Location: Middle Tennessee Research & Education Center, 1000 Main Entrance Drive (faces Saturn Parkway) Spring Hill, TN 37174
Registration: $35; fee includes educational materials, refreshments, product samples, and lunch. Pre-registration necessary, please contact: An Peischel at (615) 963-5539 or e-mail: apeischel@tnstate.edu
The First Annual Southeast Dairy Goat conference is a collaborative program among Tennessee State University Extension Program, University of Tennessee Agricultural and Extension Service, & Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Location: Middle Tennessee Research & Education Center, 1000 Main Entrance Drive (faces Saturn Parkway) Spring
KENTUCKY SHEEP AND GOAT PRODUCERS APPROVE CHECK-OFFS
Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer announced that Kentucky sheep and goat producers voted in favor of check-offs to assess themselves at a rate of one-half of one percent (.50%) of the net market price of their animals.
In separate referenda held Oct. 1 in county Extension offices throughout the Commonwealth, goat producers approved check-offs by a 75-41 vote, and sheep producers approved by a 32-12 count.
A date when check-off funds will begin to be collected has not been determined. Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, said the start date will be set after consulting with stockyards.
The collection of check-off funds will be mandatory, but reimbursement of funds paid will be an option to the producer. The Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association will administer the funds in the areas of promotion, consumer information, producer communication, industry information and research.
Kentucky Large/Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program
The Kentucky Farm Bureau is launching a program aimed at attracting more people into large animal veterinary programs.
The Kentucky Farm Bureau Education Foundation is seeking participants for a Kentucky Large/Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program, which repays loans of as much as $6,000 for students enrolled in eligible veterinarian and veterinary technician programs.
Applicants must have either a degree in veterinary medicine from an accredited college or university or have completed an accredited two-year veterinary technician or four-year technologist program.
Recipients of grants must be in the first or second year of practice in Kentucky and working in a practice that devotes at least half of its time to large animals or animals raised for food.
Click Here for the Incentive Program Brochure or Click Here for the KY Veterinary Incentive Program Application
Farmers find niche for goat meat
Don't be afraid to cook goat meat. Just take a recipe you love and substitute goat for the protein.
That's what Dave Schirmer advises and what he did for the cookoff at the recent N.C. Goat and Sheep Producers Roundup.
Schirmer substituted goat for beer-braised pork in a carnitas recipe to make burritos; his drunken goat burritos took first place. He also won first place in the lamb cook-off.
Click here for complete story
New Ultrasound and Artificial Insemination Techniques Improve Sheep Breeding
Gov. Beshear Proclaims October Sheep & Goat Month in
Gov. Steve Beshear signs Sheep and Goat Month proclamation. Joining the Governor are Agriculture Commissioner Ritchie Farmer, KY Sheep and Wool President Kathy Meyer KY Sheep and Goat Development Office Executive Director Ray Bowman, GOAP Executive Director Roger Thomas and First Lady Jane Beshear - photo by Brian Moore, Creative Services
Governor Steve Beshear recognized two of Kentucky's livestock industries by proclaiming October 2009 Sheep and Goat Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Gov. Beshear signed the proclamation in recognition of the importance of these industries to the Commonwealth.
Kentucky has historically been a focal point for sheep production in the eastern US. Additionally, the state has taken a leadership role in the emerging goat industry, a rapidly growing segment of American Agriculture.
According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, Kentucky raised 91,227 goats on 4,808 farms and 36,996 sheep on 1,436 farms.
Young Kentucky Goat Rancher
Three-year-old Thomas Craft is learning to take care of the goats on his family farm with dad KGPA board member Edwin Craft and mom Amy Craft. Thanks to Terry Hankins and Mary McDonald at Goat Rancher Magazine for the coverage.
Sheep and Goat Development Office Awarded Grant
Agricultural Development Board Invests $85,000 in coordinated industry development
“I am committed to creating opportunities that will make
The goal of this project is to continue to provide support to
This project was one of 18 proposals approved at the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board’s August business meeting.
For more information about the Kentucky Sheep & Goat Development Office, visit www.kysheepandgoat.org or contact Ray Bowman at (502) 352-2434 or info@kysheep.org.
Goats Greening Up Bluegrass Station landfill sites
Stories of large corporations and cities using goats to graze green spaces are cropping up all over the country. Now Bluegrass Station in Fayette County is partnering with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture and area goat producers to green up some landfill sites.
Officers Elected for American Goat Federation
The directors of the American Goat Federation (AGF) have elected their Executive Committee, consisting of President
Boyer is a third-generation rancher from
Saum of Lancaster, Ohio, is currently serving her fourth term as president of the American Dairy Goat Association, a national dairy goat registry organized in 1904. Saum has been a Saanen dairy goat breeder for 19 years.
Kilkelly of Dresden, Maine, is director of the Northeast States Association for Agricultural Stewardship (NSAAS). She and husband Joe Murray are owners of Dragonfly Cove Farm where they and raise and market meat goats.
The AGF board of directors was appointed in early August. Remaining members of the board are Steve Burton, West Jordan, Utah; Jeff
UK Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center attains national accreditation
For the past five years, the University of Kentucky Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center has worked toward attaining national accreditation. All the hard work paid off as the center recently received its certificate of full accreditation from the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians for all species.
The center's director and epidemiology professor, Craig Carter, said the accreditation will allow the center to better serve the people of Kentucky and beyond.
"This is our gold star," he said. "It elevates our status and also enhances the way those in the agricultural industry view us. It also enhances our international reputation. It means others can be confident that when we run a test, the results are reliable, accurate, and repeatable in other labs in this country and in other countries as well."
Carter said with accreditation comes the opportunity to join the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The network strengthens the United States' defense against large-scale foreign animal disease outbreaks and provides a way to track such threats should they become an issue.
"We would be a part of a national strategy to coordinate our work with all organizations that provide animal disease surveillance and testing services," Carter said. "Being part of that network will also allow us to compete for grants we could use to purchase equipment that will make our lab even better."
"The College of Agriculture is very proud that the LDDC has accomplished this milestone and we recognize the assistance of many stakeholders who helped us plan the new facility and hire new staff, including Dr. Carter," said Nancy Cox, associate dean for research for the UK College of Agriculture and director of the Kentucky Agriculture Experiment Station . "In particular, we appreciate the confidence of our elected officials in the General Assembly for the building project, as this was critical to achieving accreditation."
Although thrilled about the accreditation, Carter emphasized the team effort of the process.
"It's definitely not something I did on my own," he said. "Everyone in this lab had a part in it. They worked tirelessly preparing us for the accreditation process. This is something for everyone to be proud of."
David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, quoting past U.S. President Harry S. Truman, said "it's amazing what you can achieve when you don't care who gets the credit."
"This is exactly the approach everyone involved in the accreditation process took," Switzer continued. "From securing the funding from the General Assembly to renovate the lab, to becoming accredited and now through implementing an integrated reporting system - all of this allows the lab to be able to fulfill its role of providing the quality of service the Kentucky livestock industry deserves."
The lab has put a lot of effort over the past two years into developing and testing software for a laboratory information management system. The newly implemented system will offer advanced electronic reporting capabilities that can get test results to veterinarians virtually within seconds.
Carter said it's a powerful tool for early identification and for tracking and managing disease outbreaks or even in responding to agroterrorist attacks.
GRILLS GO WILD WITH AMERICAN LAMB SUMMER RECIPE CONTEST
When the smoke cleared, two contestants remained in the second annual “Get Your Grill On” American Lamb video contest: Nikki Norman and the lamb loving duo, Matt Charpentier and Joe Riley. After a fierce competition, these grill masters scorched the competition resulting in a draw with Nikki’s Mystical Mediterranean Grilled Boneless Leg of American Lamb, and Matt and Joe’s Brie-Stuffed American Lamb Burger Pitas. Showcasing the rich flavor of American Lamb, each contestant added their own touch with flavors like cloves, cardamom, mint, and lemon. Their dishes showcased the versatility of fresh, homegrown American Lamb, for easy to prepare meals any night of the week.
Both winning teams will be rewarded with a grill-on-the-go set, BBQ package, and lamb for six, just in time for Labor Day grilling.
You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter, @FANofLAMB, to keep up to date on all ALB news and events.
More use grazing sheep, goats against invasive weeds, vines
By Greg Latshaw, USA TODAY
Sarah Cahn Bennett, co-owner of the family-owned Navarro Vineyards in Philo, Calif., says they began using the flock of 70 in June to keep the vineyard trimmed and minimize the work of tractors and manual labor.
Grazing vineyards is just one application of a growing niche industry that is harnessing the eating power of animals to control invasive weeds, maintain lawns and clear fire-prone grasses. The animals are an alternative to using machinery that burns up fossil fuels or herbicides that, in some cases, can seep into groundwater.
"It's very widespread, but there's lots of room for more application," says Sandy Tartowski, a New Mexico-based scientist in the research division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Called conservation or targeted grazing, the use is more predominant in the western U.S., she says, but livestock have cleared the brush around power lines in Durham, N.H., and have been used to eat up the invasive vine kudzu in Chattanooga, Tenn. full story at USA Today
Sheep, goats provide low-tech solution for another high-tech company
Motorists did double takes Wednesday as they drove by Medtronic CardioVascular’s headquarters on Round Barn Boulevard in Santa Rosa, CA.
Hundreds of sheep and goats were peacefully grazing around Medtronic’s sprawling research and development complex.
In a case of low-tech meets high-tech, the creatures were noshing acres of dry grass and brush, clearing firebreaks on the company’s Fountaingrove campus.
“I’m really amazed at how much they’ve gone through,” said Adam Treiber, Medtronic’s facility manager.
Grazing is a green alternative to mechanical weed abatement, according to Brian Kirbis of Living Systems Land Management, a San Francisco company that supplies the sheep and goats.
“It creates a more viable habitat,” he said. The flocks aerate and fertilize the soil while reducing flammable grass and brush. They’ll eat invasive plants such as star thistle and Scotch Broom, creating room for native plants, Kirbis said.
They produce less noise, dust and emissions than mowers and weed whackers, he said.
The sheep and goats graze behind portable electric fences and herding dogs help move them from one spot to another. Shepherds also watch over them.
The animals — especially the goats — can chew through thick brush and reach spots too steep for hand crews, Treiber said. “They’ve been able to go in areas we haven’t been before,” he said.
About 600 Rambouillet sheep and 135 Boer goats have been grazing on 40 acres at Medtronic, consuming 3 to 5 tons a day. Each animal eats about 5 percent of its body weight in a day.
Flock sightings are becoming more frequent in suburban areas as homeowner associations, parks departments and commercial property owners use them for fire control. The animals were busy around Fountaingrove’s residential neighborhoods and Agilent Technologies’ nearby campus in recent months.
Kirbis wouldn’t say how much Living Systems charges for the service, but said it’s competitive with mechanical weed removal.
Medtronic workers enjoy seeing the animals, Treiber said. “It creates a farm-like atmosphere,” he said. “It’s a big boost for morale.”
Medtronic has about 840 workers in Santa Rosa, where it develops coronary stents, peripheral stents and stent grafts for treating artery disease and aneurysms.
Minneapolis-based Medtronic is the world’s largest medical device maker, with $14.6 billion in annual sales.
Sheep, Goat Referenda set for October 1
Kentucky sheep and goat producers may vote on check-offs in separate referenda scheduled to be held Oct. 1 in county Extension offices throughout the Commonwealth, Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer has announced.
The referenda ask whether sheep and goat producers wish to assess themselves at a rate of one-half of one percent (.50%) of the net market price of their animals. If the check-off is approved, the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association would administer the funds in the areas of promotion, consumer information, producer communication, industry information, and research.
Voting will be open Oct. 1 from 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. local time. Persons directly involved in the production of sheep and goats will be eligible to vote in their respective referenda in their county of residence. Producers will be required to provide identification and complete a certification attesting that they are eligible to vote. Corporate producers and eligible producers who reside outside of Kentucky may vote only in the county where their farm is located. Eligible producers may vote by absentee ballot.
Votes will be tabulated in the agriculture commissioner’s office in Frankfort.
If approved, collection of check-off funds would be mandatory, but reimbursement of funds paid would be an option to the producer.
For additional information, contact Jimmy Henning, assistant director for agriculture and natural resources in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, at (859) 257-4302 or jimmy.henning@uky.edu, or Craig Maffet, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, at (502) 564-5126 or craig.maffet@ky.gov.
Maryland sends in the sheep and goats to save Carroll turtles
A herd of goats (and sheep) coming to the rescue of a handful of imperiled turtles may sound like the plot of a Saturday morning children's cartoon show, but that's just what's happening in the Carroll County town of Hampstead, Maryland. Read the story on line in the Baltimore Sun and watch the video below. This is as green as it gets!
Getting Your Goat: The Gourmet Guide
Always wanted to try cooking goat but just didn't have the recipes? This new book from goat raiser Patricia Moore and cookbook author Jill Charlotte Stanford, both from Central Oregon might just be the ticket. Click here to visit their website or find them on Amazon - just click the Amazon button on the left side of the page.AG Board Approves Check-Off Requests
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Board of Agriculture has approved a request from Kentucky’s sheep and goat organizations to conduct separate referenda on check-offs for Kentucky sheep and goat producers. The Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association asked for a referendum for sheep producers, and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association requested a referendum for goat producers.
Persons directly involved in the production of sheep and goats will be eligible to vote in their respective referenda. Identification will be necessary to vote. Dates for the polling have yet to be announced.
The proposed referenda ask sheep and goat producers to assess themselves at the rate of one half of one percent (.50%) of the net market price. If the check-off is approved, the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association and the Kentucky Goat Producers Association would administer the funds in the areas of promotion, consumer information, producer communication, industry information, and research.
Although collection of check-off funds would be mandatory, reimbursement of funds paid would be an option to the producer.
For additional information, contact Ray Bowman, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, at (502) 352-2434 or www.kysheepandgoat.org, or Craig Maffet, Kentucky Department of Agriculture, at (502) 564-5126 or craig.maffet@ky.gov.
Wool Beats Fiberglass as Home Insulator
A handful of companies are turning sheep's wool -- washed, carded, and sprayed with borax to deter pests and mold -- into precut batts of home insulation.
According to GreenSpec, which identifies green building products in Britain, sheep's wool insulation has a long list of eco-attributes: It's recyclable, a renewable resource, nonhazardous to install, biodegradable in landfills, and its manufacture uses little energy.
It's also a good insulator. The U.S. Energy Department rates its R-value at 3.5 -- about 10 percent higher than fiberglass. Wool can absorb up to 40 percent of its weight in moisture without becoming wet, drawing moisture away from wood framing in walls and helping to prevent condensation. It's also naturally flame-retardant. Read the full story on the Chicago Sun-Times website.
Social Media Down on the Farm
These days, baby chicks aren’t the only thing twittering or tweeting around the barnyard. More and more computer-savvy sheep and goat producers are turning to social media like Facebook® and Twitter® to stay connected and follow trends in their industries.
“Some producers don’t feel comfortable with technology,” according to Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office Executive Director Ray Bowman. “But those who do have long recognized the benefits of web pages and e-mail to their operations. Now they’re also acknowledging that social media is more than just a fad, it’s a valuable learning and communication tool.”
The Development Office has recently established a presence on both Twitter and Facebook and Bowman sees both as invaluable ways not only to expose a larger and more diverse audience to his organization, but to also have a better understanding of the issues facing all of animal agriculture.
“Farmers tweet from their tractors and barns, ag media people are tweeting the latest news you need, academia are sharing technical information and commodity groups are spreading information about the value of farm products,” says agriculture author and consultant Michele Payn-Knoper of Cause Matters Corp. “The power of Twitter (and Facebook) is in the conversation and community. The conversation is happening with or without agriculture. To tweet or not to tweet – it’s up to you, but if you’re in agriculture, I’d suggest you jump on the train before you look back and realize it’s run with conversations running rampant that further misconceptions of our business.”
Internet Browsers
As environmentalism hits the mainstream, gas-guzzling lawnmowers are giving way to -- goats. The latest goat-getter is Google, which decided to rent some goats from California Grazing to mow the fields at its Mountain View headquarters (via Treehugger). A herder brings about 200 goats and they spend roughly a week with us at Google, eating the grass and fertilizing at the same time. The goats are herded with the help of Jen, a border collie. It costs us about the same as mowing, and goats are a lot cuter to watch than lawn mowers.
Goats possess a unique characteristic that separates them from almost all other types of livestock; they will eat just about anything resembling a plant. They can clear vegetation from hard-to-reach places, and they'll eat the seeds that pesticides and mowing leave behind, preventing vegetation from coming back next year.
Efficient! Got goats in your neighborhood? (from Mother Nature Network)
85 PERCENT APPROVAL FOR AMERICAN LAMB PROMOTION
By an astounding margin of 85.1 percent, the members of the U.S. sheep industry voted to continue the deduction on sheep sales to support the marketing of American lamb. These are the certified results of the nationwide vote that was conducted at U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency offices during February 2009 and announced today by the USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.
"This is the second referendum since the inception of the program in 2002 and both have recorded overwhelming approval for an industry-funded lamb promotion," remarks Peter Orwick, executive director for the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI). "Sheep producer volunteers encouraged a yes vote in the referendum to keep this valuable tool alive in the fight for a piece of the meat market in the United States."
Industry Pioneer Marvin Shurley Dies
SONORA - Marvin F. Shurley, 52, lost his courageous battle with cancer on April 20, 2009 in Tulsa, Okla. Marvin was a fourth generation rancher in the Edwards Plateau area of Texas where his family has been involved in ranching for over 90 years. His great-grandfather started ranching in Sutton County Texas in 1893, and he was raised since birth in a commercial ranching environment. He was a livestock owner since the age of 14, starting with a gift of Angus cattle from his grandfather, and was involved in meat goat production as his primary ranch enterprise since 1990. Read the complete obit at GoSanAngelo.com
HoofTrader.com is up and running
The test version of our new marketing site, HoofTrader.com is up and running. Have a look and give us your feedback
FAMACHA Impact Evaluation Study
Click here for a letter from Dr. Niki Whitely of the Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control and click here for a survey she would like you to fill out and return. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
USDA Amends Regulations on Interstate Sheep and Goat Movement
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is amending its regulations regarding the interstate movement of animals to require APHIS approval of livestock facilities that handle sheep and goats in interstate commerce. Click here for complete story.
It's Official - the New York Times and Time Magazine say It's Hip to Eat Goat!
In an article in the Corbin (KY) Times-Tribune last summer, KY Sheep and Goat Development Office Executive Director Ray Bowman was asked about Americans eating goat and quipped “It’s becoming almost chic -I never thought I’d say that!”
Now two of the nations more prestigious publications have borne out Bowman's prophesy. In their March 31 edition, the New York Times boasted a glowing article in their "Dining and Wine" section entitled "How I Learned To Love Goat Meat." The article comes on the heels of a Time magazine feature which listed goat as number 7 on their Top 10 Food Trends of 2008.
Bowman remarks that American palates are just catching up with what the rest of the world has known for centuries - goat is really good!
"As the New York Times article points out, Americans are a little late to the party. Goat is the most widely consumed meat in the world and is a staple in many international cuisines. And, the health benefits attract many new consumers. Even though goat is still classified as a red meat, it is lower in fat and higher in protein than any other meat."
Bowman goes on to acknowledge that the meat is currently a bit pricey and not easy to obtain, but that just adds to the mystique. "As production driven by demand continues to grow in the United States, goat could possibly become more mainstream and consequently availability should go up as retail prices come down. Consumers should, however, continue to insist on domestically-grown meat which is fresher and more flavorful."
Whether for trend or taste, more and more Americans are trying goat and finding out it's not baaad - it's terrific!
ARS and Partners set their sights on Scrapie in goats
Goats are tough, spirited animals. But they’re no match for scrapie, a form of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy.
Since 2001, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has coordinated an accelerated National Scrapie Eradication Program to eliminate the disease from U.S. sheep and goats. But transmission routes, progression, and genetic underpinnings of scrapie in goats are poorly understood. Low occurrence rates, underreporting, and the inconvenience and cost of tissue testing make eradication challenging.
The good news is that a new, live-animal test to detect scrapie is being applied to goats. There’s also an ongoing study of goat genes that might confer resistance to the disease. Click here to read the entire story...
KADB approves program revisions benefitting KY farmers
The Kentucky Agricultural Development Board (KADB), chaired by Gov. Steve Beshear, approved the County Agricultural Investment Program, during their monthly board meeting on Friday, March 20 in Frankfort.
The County Agriculture Investment Program (C.A.I.P.) is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices. C.A.I.P. combines what were previously known as
“As agriculture continues to change and evolve, we must make adjustments, which are consistent with our mission of diversification and increasing net farm income,” stated Roger Thomas, CEO for the KADB. “This was the right time for the Board to make these adjustments to keep these incentive programs a healthy and viable option for
Combining all eligible investment areas into one program will allow for a greater variety of offerings and broader access to all producers in the county. This in turn provides additional decision-making opportunities for producers in their farm operations.
Because all investment areas will be included in one program, only one entity will be awarded funds to provide this program to producers in the county. That one entity may utilize the expertise of other organizations to perform certain administrative functions (e.g. spot checks). However, the entity awarded funding remains responsible for all contractual obligations. This change, along with a 12-month term for all investment areas, will provide better uniformity and continuity, which will enhance accountability.
Through this program, a producer may apply for up to $7,500 per year. Producers may apply for multiple investment areas, but may not exceed $7,500 in 2009. However, County Agricultural Development Councils may elect to reduce the maximum incentive level to impact more producers.
Another feature of this program is the establishment of a universal application and scoring system, which will ensure equity among producers across all investment areas. The following investment areas will be available through C.A.I.P.: agricultural diversification, cattle genetics improvement, cattle handling, commercial poultry/dairy/swine, goat & sheep diversification, farm structure & commodity handling, on-farm energy efficiency & production, on-farm water enhancement, technology.
For a complete listing of changes to individual investment areas, as well as changes to standard program guidelines, contact your Area Project Analyst at (502) 564-4627 or by e-mailing govkyagpolicy@ky.gov. Guidelines and applications for this program will be posted on-line no later than April 1, 2009 at agpolicy.ky.gov.
Lamb exports set sales record through growth in Caribbean, Europe
After a decline in 2007, exports of U.S. lamb and mutton muscle cuts set a new single-year record in 2008. The volume of lamb and mutton muscle cut exports for calendar year 2008 increased 28 percent over the previous year, exceeding 5,000 metric tons (11.2 million pounds). But the strongest growth was in value, which nearly doubled over 2007 by reaching $21.5 million – an all-time record for a single year. When lamb variety meats are included, total exports showed slower growth but still increased by 44 percent in worldwide value to more than $25.3 million – the second-highest total on record. click here to see complete story
National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) to Study Goat Industry in 2009
In its first study of the U.S. goat industry, NAHMS will obtain baseline information about the U.S. goat population, including health issues, prevalence of certain diseases, and health and management practices. The study will focus primarily on the meat and dairy sectors of the goat industry. Click here for more information
ASI Provides Guidance to American Goat Federation
The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) Goat Committee made long strides this year toward melding goat industry interests with those of the sheep industry.
"We've been working a long time to bring goats in with sheep and I think we're on the right track," said (ASI president) Glen Fisher during the ASI Board of Directors meeting.
Fisher said the American Goat Federation made an initial offering of $10,000 to be donated to ASI for its limited administrative guidance over the next year in getting a goat federation operational.
The purpose of the American Goat Federation will be to build and define the industry as a unified front when working with processors as well as on legislative issues as that approach is more productive than having many single voices from on industry. In addition, a national group can work on issues such as animal health products, predator control, research goals and state public policy.
Fisher recommended the following steps to occur to develop the federation:
1. A Goat Committee chair and other members of the committee be selected.
2. The ASI Goat Committee will appoint members to the American Goat Federation Board. The
committee and board will work together throughout the year to develop the federation.
"We hope by 2010 to have the American Goat Federation up and operating and have the ASI Goat Committee elevated to a council. That builds a natural link for coordination between the two national organizations to fund activities jointly on common issues," concluded Fisher.
(from March issue Sheep Industry News)
Evaluation of USDA Goat Grades
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture just completed the first half of a project to evaluate the USDA goat grades. To read more click here or go to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's November issue of Marketing Matters.
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KY Sheep and Fiber Festival
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Order Your New Versions of Scrapie Eradication Information TODAY!
Two new versions of information on the National Scrapie Eradication Program (NSEP) is now available to American sheep and goat producers. There is also a new PowerPoint presentation on the official identification of goats for the program.
All of these materials can be ordered via the website at www.eradicatescrapie.org or by calling the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) at 270-782-9798.
For Scrapie tags in Kentucky
call 1-502-848-2054
NLPA Sheep and Goat Fund
NAS Releases Sheep Industry Study
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| Read this FREE online! Full Book | PDF Summary | ||
The U.S. sheep industry is complex, multifaceted and rooted in history and tradition, states the study done by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Although often described as an industry in decline, this report concludes that a better description of the current U.S. sheep industry is an industry in transition. |
Upcoming Events
A Farmer’s Guide to Trapping Coyotes
This DVD features farmers and expert fur trappers who discuss coyote behavior and management, provide recommendations for fencing to exclude coyotes and teach how to quickly and efficiently trap problem coyotes. (Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association former vice-President Bob Maurer is featured.) Contact us or call the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Information Center at 800-858-1549 for more information.
