Kentucky Sheep and Goats Provide a Variety of Local Products
Sponsored by Kentucky Sheep and Goat Checkoff
From fiber to meat to dairy, Kentucky sheep and goats are a versatile sector of the state’s agriculture industry – and one that is on the rise.
“The Kentucky sheep industry adds $7 million in revenue to the state’s agriculture receipts, and over the last five years, sheep numbers increased by 51 percent,” said Kelley Yates, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. “Goats contribute $3.5 million annually, and the popularity of goat meat is also rising as customers recognize its benefits. Since 2023, Kentucky’s meat goat inventory has increased by 5.4 percent.”
Susan Bell and her husband, Brian, of S&B Bell Farms in Hodgenville, are a prime example of a producer taking advantage of the versatility of sheep and goats, as well as alpacas.
“My husband and I started our farm in 2015 with alpacas and then got several sheep,” Bell said. “We initially sold U.S. Department of Agriculture-processed lamb at our local farmers’ market, and as our farm grew, we purchased several dairy goats and equipment to make goat’s milk soap.”
Today, S&B Bell Farms has expanded even more, offering processed lamb meat, goat’s milk soap, and goat meat starting in early 2025.
See more: Kentucky’s Top 10 Agricultural Products
Bell said they are excited to offer goat meat, and it’s been fun to see people become more interested in trying new foods.
“Lamb and goat are very prevalent in other parts of the world, and now Kentuckians are becoming more adventurous in trying new recipes and tasting new things,” she said. “We like to help educate our customers.”
Goat meat is a nutritious option. It’s lean, low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in iron, protein, and vitamins.
“In addition to what they provide for us, we love telling the story of putting our animals to work,” Bell said. “A lot of our land was overgrown, but our sheep and goats love taking care of the vegetation and clearing the land. They’re just really happy being sheep and goats, and doing what they’re made to do.”
Kentuckians can celebrate Kentucky Lamb Month in February and Kentucky Goat Month in April.
For year-round recipes, facts, and resources on where to purchase local sheep and goat products, visit kysheepandgoat.org/on-your-plate.
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Sponsored by Kentucky Sheep and Goat Checkoff