In recent years, goat production has soared in Kentucky. As a result, new producers sometimes have a steep learning curve. To continue educating new and seasoned goat producers, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture is teaming up with Kentucky State University to sponsor the Kentucky Goat Symposium Oct. 14-16 in Frankfort.

     For the first two days, symposium participants will gather at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. On the final day, they'll take part in a goat-focused "Third Thursday" program at the KSU Research and Demonstration Farm.

     Symposium topics will include forage and forage utilization, use of brush and brush control, soil fertility, the UK-KSU goat and sheep modules, business planning, new methods and management of parasite control, goat health, dairy goats, scrapie program update, breeding stock selection and tours.

The event begins at 10 a.m. Oct. 14 and concludes at 3 p.m. Oct. 16. The registration deadline is Sept. 19 and the cost for the symposium is $25, which includes two nights' lodging, meals and tours. For those wanting only to attend the goat program at the farm Oct. 16, there is no registration fee.

Symposium sponsors include Kentucky State University, the USDA Risk Management Agency, the Southern Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Professional Development Program, the Southern Region Risk Management Education Center and the UK College of Agriculture.

For more details and registration materials, contact Marion Simon, state specialist for small farms and part-time farmers, at 502-597-6437 or e-mail marion.simon@kysu.edu.