The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Check-Off Program began in 2010 and collects $.50 for every $100 worth of sheep and goats sold in the Commonwealth. According to Kentucky law, Check-Off funds must be used for the purpose of promoting the increased use and sale of sheep and goats.
Check-Off Funds are overseen by the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Council, which is a seven member board consisting of the following; 2 members appointed by Kentucky Farm Bureau, 2 members appointed by the Kentucky Goat Producers Association, 2 members appointed by the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association, and 1 member appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture. Current Kentucky Sheep and Goat Check-off Board members are as follows:
Scott Barnes – Kentucky Farm Bureau
Ray Bowman – Kentucky Farm Bureau
Shawn Harper– KGPA
Kay DeMoss – KGPA
Bill Decker – KSWPA
Richard Popham- KSWPA
Sue Churchill– Commissioner of Ag. Representative
The Kentucky Sheep and Goat Council meets on a quarterly basis. Meetings are scheduled for the first Tuesday of January, April, July and October. All loan and special project requests are reviewed at these times.
Your Dollars at Work!
New Farmer Recruitment Loan
The New Farmer Recruitment Program is a competitive loan program offered by the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Council and is designed to help grow Kentucky’s sheep and goat industries. The loans are $2,000 short term (1 to 2 year) loans with 0% interest. Up to two loans (one goat and one sheep) are awarded each year to eligible individuals.
Eligible individuals are:
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Graduates of the Small Ruminant Profit School educational program who are Kentucky residents at least 18 years of age and have been in sheep or goat production for less than 5 years.
Funds may be used to purchase sheep and/or goats for breeding purposes as well as livestock guardian animals. Applications become available in April and will be due June 15th each year. Loans are awarded in July.
2023 applications will be available April 15, 2023.
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Hoof Trimming Clinics
Provides funding for Extension and regional small ruminant groups to offer hoof trimming clinics. Groups interested in hosting a clinic can receive up to $700 in reimbursement funds.
Grant funds may be used to purchase:
1. Hoof trimming kits, including the following items: hoof trimmers (ARS 140DXR Hoof Trimmers most highly recommended)
and treatment products as outlined in the Hoof Care handout, which will be provided to you upon approval of your
application.
2. Biosecurity supplies, including: plastic boots, bleach foot bath, plastic gloves,
3. Speaker expenses including: travel, food, honorarium
4. General supplies like copies, pens, and notebooks.
Applications are due March 30, June 30, and September 30. Applications will be reviewed at the quarterly Checkoff
Board meetings in April, July, or October. Granted funds must be used by December 30, 2023. All unused funds must be returned.