by Dr. Jerusha Lay, DVM Heat stress can have many negative effects on not only the health of livestock but also the production. The major production losses we see come in the form of decreased weight gain, lowered milk production, increased susceptibility to diseases and, most commonly, decreased fertility. During times of extreme heat, animals tend to spend more time laying around and less time up grazing; in combination, metabolic changes create less energy available for g

The KY Farm Launch program began the second round of cohorts in March. The program is designed for beginning farmers who have land and not sure what to do with it, or people who are still looking for property but want an enterprise in mind before purchase. Cohort started the first 6 weeks learning about business structure, record keeping, tax filing, marketing, business plans, and basic requirements for vegetable, beef, and small ruminant production. In May the participants b

by Sarah Carr, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Kentucky State University Figure 1: Crossbred Boer x Kiko kid. Crossbreeding is not just randomly mixing breeds and hoping that the offspring do well. Rather, crossbreeding is a deliberate management technique that can have significant impacts on production outcomes. Generally, when implementing a crossbreeding program, the goal would be to maximize specific attributes such as carcass characteristics or material traits. Crossbreed

Ultimately “pretty good ewes” are those that make money. Money-making ewes are prolific, parasite resistant, maintain their health, and wean fast-growing, quality lambs.

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

by Sarabeth Parido Work has already begun behind the scenes for the next Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival . The Festival Committee meets year-round to dream, plan, organize, and fine-tune all the details that make our weekend together feel seamless and welcoming. From coordinating vendors and workshops to organizing the fleece show and sale, contests, and community programming, there’s a lot that happens long before the gates open in May. As we begin shaping the 2026 festiva

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

Can Western-Style Range Flocks Thrive In The Appalachians? by Sheep Industry News Originally published in Sheep Industry News, July 2022 – Reprinted with permission from the American Sheep Industry (ASI) Before King Coal reigned in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky – and surrounding areas – sheep were a common sight. Patrick Angel hopes the small ruminants can be a part of reviving the region as the country moves away from coal as a primary energy source. The ret