Sheep and goats are becoming a very popular and profitable enterprise across the Southeast, and their eating habits can work in very handily for brush and weed control.
The University of Kentucky' College of Agriculture, the Kentucky Agricultural Development Board and the various sheep and goat breed associations are teaming up in January to offer the 2012 Kentucky Small Ruminant Grazing Conference. Set at the Western Kentucky University Ag Expo Center in Bowling Green, the conference is aimed at participants of all experience levels.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. with sessions beginning at 9:10 a.m. The sessions begin with an economics and marketing update, followed by several sessions related to forage management, nutrition and genetics.
Topics include:
Forages and nutritional requirements for producing choice lambs.
Breed selection considerations for producing grade 2 kids.
Importance of minerals to overall health.
Potential impact of tall fescue forage on the production of meat goat market kids.
Two producers are also on tap to make presentations. Sheep producer Eden Myers of Mt. Sterling is to discuss "High Health = Low Cost." Sheep, goat and hog producer Greg Brann, Tennessee, is set to discuss planning forage quality for animal performance.
Registration, due January 7, is $25 for the conference.
Those planning to attend should send their name, address, phone number, and e-mail address, along with payment to UK Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Stability, ATTN: Jackie Allen, 130 Robinson Rd., Jackson, KY 41339.