Participate in Missouri Sheep and Goat Industry Survey Now

By Blake Jackson

Missouri sheep and goat producers are being called upon to participate in a crucial survey, designed to shape the future of the state's small ruminant industry.

This initiative is a collaborative effort between the University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Extension.

"Sheep and goat farming plays a vital role in Missouri’s agricultural landscape," said Jennifer Lutes, MU Extension agricultural business and policy specialist. "However, there’s much we still don’t know about the inner workings of these operations."

The survey aims to gather comprehensive data on various aspects of sheep and goat farming, including:

• Operation Size and Inventory: Producers are asked to provide details about their operation's scale, including the number of sheep and goats raised and the prevalent breeds. "We want to understand the scale of your operations – whether you’re a small family farm or a larger commercial enterprise," Lutes explained.
• Sales and Marketing: Information about how and where producers market their products will help researchers identify best practices and areas for improvement.
• Production Costs: Understanding the financial aspects of sheep and goat production is essential. Producers are asked to share their costs related to feed, veterinary care, and other inputs for a comprehensive economic analysis.

The collected information will be used to create a detailed industry report, develop targeted training materials and guides, assess the economic impact of sheep and goat farming, and provide policy recommendations.

"By understanding the economic contributions of sheep and goat farming, we can advocate for policies that support sustainable growth," Lutes stated.

"Armed with solid data, we’ll advise policymakers on ways to strengthen the industry, promote resilience and address challenges," Lutes added.

Producers are encouraged to participate by gathering their financial data and utilizing the production worksheets provided in the survey. Even if producers don’t have complete financial information for 2024, they are encouraged to fill out as much as possible.

"Your participation will not only help us understand the current state of the industry but also pave the way for future advancements and support," said Homero Salinas, state extension and research specialist at Lincoln University.

For participation visit, https://www.lincolnu.edu/cooperative-extension-and-research/cooperative-extension/small-ruminant-program.html 

Photo Credit: pexels-pavel-bondarenko