Producer Expertise Needed To Shape Future Of State's Small Ruminant Industry

JENNIFER LUTES 

COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

Extension specialists from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and the University of Missouri in Columbia are working to gain deeper insights into sheep and goat production in the Show-Me-State.

“Our initiative aims to uncover valuable insights that will benefit producers and contribute to the state’s economy and inform policy decisions,” said Ye Su, assistant professor of agribusiness with Lincoln University.

As part of this effort, the specialists are reaching out to all Missouri sheep and goat producers to participate in a comprehensive data collection project.

“Sheep and goat farming – often referred to as the ‘small ruminant’ industry – plays a vital role in Missouri’s agricultural landscape,” said Jennifer Lutes, MU Extension agricultural business specialist. “However, there’s much we still don’t know about the inner workings of these operations.” That’s where the dedicated producers come in, Lutes said.

What the specialists are collecting

Operation size and inventory. To understand the scale of your operations; whether you’re a small family farm or a larger commercial enterprise. How many sheep and goats do you raise and what breeds are prevalent?

Sales and marketing. How and where do you market your products? Insights will help identify best practices and potential areas for improvement.

Production costs. Understanding the financial aspects of sheep and goat production is crucial. What are your costs related to feed, veterinary care and other inputs? This information will contribute to a comprehensive economic analysis.

How you can contribute

Gather financial data. Use the provided production worksheets to organize your financial information. Every dollar counts!

Take the anonymous survey. Go to https://bit.ly/4gLjjZE to participate in the survey. Your responses will shape the future of Missouri’s small ruminant community.

The data collected will aid in creating a detailed industry report and training and guides for producers and in showcasing the industry’s economic impact to help advocate for policies that support sustainable growth and address industry challenges.

“We are excited to collaborate with producers across Missouri to gather this essential data,” said Homero Salinas, state extension and research specialist at Lincoln University. “Your participation will not only help us understand the current state of the industry but also pave the way for future advancements and support.” ∆