Sheep and goat numbers are booming in Kentucky! To help producers get off on the right hoof, the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office offers SRPS. This online course gives new producers knowledge on a wide range of topics that are vital to the success of all goat and sheep operations.
Course Fee: $155
Monthly payments are available!
KGPA & KSWPA members can receive a discount. Contact Kelley Yates, kyates@kysheepandgoat.org, for a coupon code.
Interested in getting SRPS for FREE? Check out the KSU Farmer Education Grant!
SRPS now includes the KY SRQA Program and the Basics to Small Ruminant Parasite Management Course!
Three classes in one!
Why is SRPS for You?
Designed for Beginning Farmers (5 years or less) in goats and sheep. Of course all producers are invited to take part in the classes!
Great for beginners
“I just wanted you all to know that as of today, we finished up our first lambing--16 lambs in 11 days (9 ewes). It went better than I could have hoped. I know we have a long way to go, and I realize that we had a lot of beginners luck, but, what I learned through you all made all the difference. We'd been planning and hoping to expand, but a miserable or awful first lambing might have discouraged us. Now, I think we will do it. ”
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--Sue, Cynthiana, KY
SRPS consists of 15 online modules:
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Module 1: Welcome to SRPS
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Module 2: Industry Overview
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Module 3: Breeds of Goats & Sheep (including pros & cons for the most popular breeds in Kentucky)
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Module 4: Market Trends & Niche Marketing
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Module 5: Facilities and Fencing
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Module 6: Guardian Animals
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Module 7: Health Management
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Module 8: Foot Care and Hoof Trimming
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Module 9: Nutrition (on-site class)
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Module 10: Quality Assurance- NEW: the KY SRQA program is now part of SRPS
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Module 11: NEW: the Basics to Small Ruminant Parasite Management course is now included with SRPS
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Module 12: Reproduction, Genetics & Selection, Birthing Difficulties, and Care of Newborns
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Module 13: Record Keeping
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Module 14: Mating Systems
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Module 15: Annual Production Plans
Plus:
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​Numerous additional resources on rotational grazing, pasture management, handling, and much more!
Additional Opportunities
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There are some topics like body condition scoring, FAMACHA Certification, fecal egg testing, and proper handling that cannot be taught via a computer. Therefore, these topics are offered through an on-site classes/workshops.
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You can learn more about workshops, clinics, and field days from our calendar of event.
Course Completion
A certificate of completion will be issued to all students who complete the 15 modules.
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Completion is accomplished when all online module evaluations have been submitted and the on-site class attended. Note: FSA Loan participants do not have to attend an in-person class and the certificate of completion is optional.
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KSWPA and KGPA members who register will have LIFETIME access to the online course materials as long as membership is maintained.
Instructors:
Dr. Don Ely, Professor, Sheep Coordinator and Ruminant Nutrition
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University of Kentucky
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Dr. Beth Johnson, DVM
Staff Veterinarian
Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Office of State Veterinarian
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Education:
MS, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, 1982-1989
“I am really glad our son has had this wonderful opportunity to start his small ruminant learning process. I have a feeling he will be taking at least one of his teen sons to another one in the future. ”
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--Paul, Leitchfield, KY
Course Fee: $155
Includes SRPS, SRQA, and
Basics to Parasite Management classes!
Monthly payments are available.
KGPA & KSWPA members can receive a discount. Contact Kelley Yates, kyates@kysheepandgoat.org, for a coupon code.
Interested in getting SRPS for FREE? Check out the KSU Farmer Education Grant!