"It's exciting that we have such a quality genetic base in Kentucky," said Ray Bowman, executive director of the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office. "Someone looking for a market wether next year can find one close to home. We are producing champion and world-class animals right here in Kentucky."
Bowman said the state fair results show that Kentucky also is developing a base of young breeders who are dedicated to the business and understand what it takes to produce quality goats.
"This goes hand-in-hand with what Commissioner Farmer said at the Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast: Kentucky's No. 1 crop is its youth," Bowman said.
Kentucky's goat industry, virtually nonexistent less than a decade ago, today is fifth in the United States at 74,000 goats, according to the Kentucky field office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Bowman believes the actual number is much higher.
2007 freshwater prawn harvest draws near
Shrimp lovers can buy fresh Kentucky Proud freshwater prawns from growers throughout the Commonwealth in September and October.
"Fresh is always better, and it doesn't get any fresher than right out of the pond," Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. "I invite all Kentuckians to load up your coolers with ice and head to a prawn harvest near you. The freshwater prawn harvests are good food and good family fun among friends. Plus, we're expecting a good crop this year."
Sheila and Joe McCord's Avalon Farm near Winchester will harvest every weekend in September beginning Sept. 2. Other producers throughout the state will begin harvesting later in the month and continue into October.
Freshwater prawn will be served at Wallace Station on Old Frankfort Pike in Woodford County on Friday, Sept. 21, and at Holly Hill Inn in Midway on Saturday, Sept. 22.
