Small Ruminant
Profit School
BY KELLEY YATES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
KENTUCKY SHEEP AND GOAT
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Changes in Industry
 Kentucky is growing while US numbers have
declined
 NASS reports 49,000 head of sheep in Kentucky. Up
6,000 head in just one year!
 NASS reports 72,000 head of goats in Kentucky. Up
3,000 head since 2013.
 In all since 2007, sheep have increased 105% and
goats by 436%
Changes in Industry, cont’d
 Varying market prices are starting to level off, with
goats holding consistent and sheep prices increasing
 Lots of animals in marketplace but quality very low
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Low quality results in a $50-60/cwt discount
 Loss due to death has doubled
Why?
 Weather
 Parasite Control
 Foot Care
 Lack of detection
 Misinformed about true management requirements
Small Ruminant Profit School (SRPS)
 Collaboration between the Kentucky Sheep and Goat
Development Office, Kentucky Sheep and Wool
Producers, Kentucky Goat Producers, University of
Kentucky, and Kentucky State University
 Beginning producers
 Three class course over 6 months
Benefits of SRPS
 Personal mentors
 Resource materials
 GHIP Program
 Membership to KGPA or KSWPA
 HoofPrint Magazine
 KY Sheep & Goat Management Calendar
 American Sheep Industry Membership
 Sheep Industry News subscription
 Email blasts
Topics Covered
 Industry Overview
 Market Overview
 Types of Operations
 Facilities and Equipment
 Production Systems
 Nutrition
 Reproduction
 Record Keeping
•Foot Management
•Parasite Management
•Health Management
Projected Outcomes
 Areas of improvement
 Enhanced record keeping
 Improved genetics
 Improved overall herd health
 Improved profits
What Do Producers Need to Know?
 3 course class over 6 months
 October 4, 2014
 December 6, 2014
 March 14, 2015
 Hardin, Trimble, Logan and Montgomery Counties
 Cost
 $100 for current KGPA and KSWPA members
 $130 for non current members
 Registration is done through
www.kysheepandgoat.org
Promotional Help
 Ag Agents promote in counties
 Flyers
 Post cards
 Website
 Ag Agent training on SRPS
 UK Sheep Unit
June 17, 2014
 10am-3pm (EST)
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More in depth overview of materials and hands on experiences
Information on personal copy of resources
Meet mentors
 Questions?