The University of Florida will hold its first Ram Test and Sale event this Saturday as part of new program to grow the sheep and goat industries in the state. This initiative is made possible by a gift from one of the state’s sheep farmers.
The gift also supports upgrades to the UF/IFAS Sheep Unit in Gainesville and will allow researchers to expand the UF sheep and goat herds. UFL expects more opportunities for students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences to gain hands-on experience with these animals and produce professionals ready to support the industry.
Source: University of Florida/IFAS, September 27, 2021. Link. “Consumer interest in sheep and goat meat is growing in our state, but there are few facilities in Florida where farmers can take their animals for processing. We will be working with researchers in the food and resource economics department to better understand these supply chain issues,” Diwakar Vyas said.
Challenges aside, small ruminants have potential to become a source of income for small landowners and farmers.”