Agriculture

 Small ruminant production has steadily grown in Kentucky, and the state’s farmers have realized the potential of raising sheep and goats.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is teaming up with the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, the Kentucky Goat Producers Association and the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association to offer the 2013 Kentucky Small Ruminant Grazing Conference at the Morehead State University Farm in Morehead. Scheduled for Feb. 2, the conference will offer many sessions for all levels of experience.

Choosing the right place for cattle winter feeding can improve production and reduce threats to nearby water resources.

A poorly chosen site for winter feeding can have negative impacts on soil and water quality. A significant amount of pollution can occur if winter feeding is conducted around streams, water bodies or other environmentally sensitive areas such as flood plains and creek bottoms.

 The Division of Water’s recent study on E. coli pollution in the Cox’s Creek Watershed is not intended as a precursor to state regulatory action, but rather an educational tool for residents of the area to be more aware of how they contribute to water quality and be more involved in improving it.

Scarlett Stapleton, an environmental scientist who is an author of the report, said Monday the state encourages the creation of local water watch groups and can provide technical support for a watershed plan, but the report does not require a plan.

 Trey Hardesty, 7, harvested his first deer on his great-grandmother’s farm in Hammonsville.