By: Ag. Reporter Mollie Goode
Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell recognized sheep and lamb producers in the state with a proclamation.
Early in the month, Shell celebrated the proclamation naming February as Lamb Month in Kentucky with a signing at The Still at Blue Rook Distillery in Danville. In attendance at the signing were members from the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office and representatives from the sheep industry.
A news release from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture says the sheep industry generates over $7 million in revenue for the state. The state has been supported by a strong sheep production background since the 1940s. Although the industry has declined in the last 40 years, experts say those numbers are on the rebound.
Shell commented on the industry, saying that sheep have been added to livestock operations across Kentuctcky to increase diversification on the farm. During the proclamation reading, Shell makes it clear to encourage learning surrounding lambs and their contributions to agriculture.
The USDA wants everyone to take a second look at the lean meet this month to help celebrate the proclamation.