Sheep producers, today, expect ewes to drop and raise two lambs annually. Producers using highly prolific breeds in crossbreeding systems may expect even more. As a result, the importance of ewe milk production has escalated.

KSWPA held a field day in Franklin, KY on August 15th hosted by New Slate Land Management

by Sarabeth Parido Ten days. Dozens of destinations. Countless skeins of yarn, bags of fiber, new friendships, and miles traveled. That is the story of the 5th Annual Bluegrass Yarn and Fiber Crawl. From July 24 through August 2, fiber enthusiasts from near and far set out across the Bluegrass region to explore the people and places that make Kentucky’s fiber community so special. What began as an invitation to visit local fiber businesses has grown into a much larger celebra

Quite a few of us in the Southeast are still in the middle of some very hot, humid weather. For the most part that’s how summer is in Tennessee and Kentucky, along with the rest of the Southeast. Not only do we have hot weather to contend with, but we are also trying to breed sheep and goats during this time of year.

Ewes typically work 7 to 9 months of the year (5 months gestation and 2 to 4 months lactation). The rest of the time is spent on vacation.

Attend the KSWPA Field Day August 15, 2026 to find out the answer! by: Harry Frederick, Winding Creek Farms Within the ever growing sheep industry, there is always the question of which management practice is most optimum- grass, confinement, or both. Each has pros and cons but a decision cannot be made without considering genetics. Some genetics allow for animals to be fed and pushed nutritionally in a feedlot and other genetics lend favor to more pasture based management. W

Raising animals for fiber is a year-long commitment, with your fiber animals growing their fleeces over many months—only for it all to come off in just a few minutes. A well-prepared shearing day not only makes the process smoother, but also helps you get the highest quality (and value) from your fleeces. Here are some helpful tips.

by Jay Parsons, Tyler Cozzens January 21, 2026 Five years of data show lamb feeding margins have been difficult to sustain since 2020, with high feed costs and market volatility driving frequent losses. Seasonal timing and lower input costs remain critical for improving profitability. Photo: Real Ag Stock This article was first published as part of the Cornhusker Economics series by the Department of Agricultural Economics on Jan. 21, 2026. We are reposting it courtesy of C

Today there is a desire to control specific species of vegetation in many areas...the use of animals to graze or browse the vegetation to control it, called targeted or prescribed grazing. Prescribed grazing is the use of livestock to achieve desired vegetation management and landscaping goals. Targeted grazing is very similar but is usually used when a specific species is the focus.

by Sarabeth Parido Looking for meaningful, handmade, locally produced gifts this Christmas? Skip the big-box stores and discover the heart and soul of local fiber arts with the Kentucky Fiber Trail — a year-round guide to some of the best fiber farms, yarn shops, and artisan studios across the Commonwealth. The holidays are the perfect time to explore the trail and support Kentucky makers who pour their creativity, skill, and tradition into every skein, fleece, and finished

By Sarabeth Paraido As we head into the fall and holiday season, many will start to handcraft their gifts for loved ones. For those who raise their own fiber animals, this is a wonderful expression of their creativity and love for both their animals and the ones they are gifting their items with. One of the most magical parts of working with fiber is watching wool transform—from a soft, creamy fleece to vibrant yarn full of depth and life. Natural dyeing is a craft of tra

By Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office Saturday, October 19th was a beautiful day for the 2024 KY Annual Producer Conference in Flemingsburg, KY. Over sixty-five sheep and goat producers gathered to spend the day in fellowship and learning. The morning session was dedicated to learning about farmland transition, small ruminant education opportunities, and association meetings. Renee Carrico, Kentucky Farm Bureau, started the day by explaining the KFB Farmland Transitio

by The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Checkoff helped 54 producers across the state gain valuable knowledge and skills in parasite management in 2024. Through a new education initiative called Small Ruminant Boot Camp and Parasitology Clinics, the Checkoff Board expanded on the parasitology programs started in 2022. “We started parasitology clinics with Kentucky State University a couple of years ago, but kept getting requests for more

by Sarabeth Parido We are introducing a series of interviews with fiber producers from across the commonwealth who are members of the Kentucky Fiber Trail. For this blog, we had the pleasure of interviewing one of our first members, Morgan Farms. The Morgans are fiber producers who have turned their passion for fiber into a family affair. A Kentucky native family, originally from Cumberland County, but now residing on their farm in Franklin County, they share insights into th

by Dr. Beth Johnson Cause: Mycobacteriosis (commonly referred to as Johne’s disease) is caused by a bacteria Mycobacteria avium subspecies paratuberculosis (often referred to as “MAP”). This disease is spread through ingestion of fecal material from an infected animal. This disease has been diagnosed in most species of ruminant animals, including sheep and goats. Infected animals shed fecal material contaminated with the bacterium and contaminate the environment then another

With the right storage and processing techniques, you’ll have high-quality wool ready for all your upcoming projects.

by Dr. Hannah Stokley, DVM Ovine Progressive Pneumonia (OPP) and Caprine Arthritis and Encephalitis (CAE) are challenging lentiviruses affecting sheep and goats worldwide. These diseases can lead to chronic respiratory, mammary, joint, neurologic, and wasting conditions in infected animals. Infected flocks can cause significant economic losses for farmers. Fortunately, with a systematic approach and diligent management, it is possible to eradicate lentiviruses from a flock. T

by Sarabeth Parido The 3rd Annual Bluegrass Yarn and Fiber Crawl was a vibrant celebration of the fiber arts community, bringing together enthusiasts, artisans, and vendors from across the Bluegrass region. This year's event was a delightful blend of creativity, learning, and community, offering something for everyone who shares a love for yarn and fiber. The heart of the event was the sense of community it fostered. Over the course of July 26- August 4, participants traveled

Sheep and goat producers are constantly searching for ways to improve reproductive efficiency in their flocks and herds.