By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
As sheep and goat production continues to grow across Kentucky, more producers are looking for practical ways to improve their pastures. Well‑managed forage systems not only reduce feed costs but also support healthier animals and more sustainable farms.
Developing a productive pasture system begins with a thorough evaluation of your pastures, farm and herd. Start by walking through your fields and taking photos of the forages growing there. This hands‑on observation helps you understand what plants are present and how well they are performing.
While walking, collect soil samples to determine nutrient levels. Your local Extension office can analyze these samples and provide a clear report with recommendations tailored to your farm.
Next, identify the desirable forages in your pasture by considering what your animals prefer to eat — goats often browse trees and shrubs, while sheep tend to favor grasses like fescue and legumes such as clovers. Note which forages are abundant and which are missing.
Evaluate the overall composition of your pasture by estimating the percentage of grasses, legumes and other species. Increasing the proportion of legumes like clover, alfalfa or lespedeza can improve pasture quality, soil fertility and animal nutrition. Plant diversity plays a key role in pasture resilience, helping fields withstand drought, grazing pressure and seasonal changes. Extension experts can guide producers in selecting and establishing the right forage mix for individual operations.
Also assess plant cover and look for bare spots or heavily grazed areas. These often occur under trees, near water sources or in high‑traffic zones. Poor nutrient availability or overuse can lead to weed pressure in these areas. If weeds are a concern, the Extension office can recommend appropriate management strategies.
Be sure to inspect pasture infrastructure, including fencing and watering systems. Quality fencing helps manage grazing pressure and protect your investment. Reliable water access is also essential. Animals must have continuous access to fresh, clean water, especially during pasture restructuring or rotational grazing.
New Extension tools like the Small Ruminant Pasture Condition Scorecard can help you systematically evaluate pasture health and identify areas for improvement. The scorecard includes indicators such as percentage of desirable plants, live plant cover, plant diversity, uniformity of grazing and browsing accessibility.
It’s also important to inventory your pasture acres and livestock numbers to avoid overgrazing and maintain sustainable stocking rates.
While this process may seem overwhelming at first, pasture development is a gradual journey that unfolds over multiple seasons. Small, consistent improvements add up.
For personalized assistance in interpreting soil tests, identifying forage species and developing a pasture improvement plan tailored to your goals, contact your Carter County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agent. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
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