Improve Livestock Production and Management SkillsPlan of Work

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Rockcastle County CES

Title:
Improve Livestock Production and Management Skills
MAP:
Promote Livestock Production and Management
Agents Involved:
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Dairy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Ag Water Quality Program
Situation:

Teachable moments for new and improved livestock production practices are continually developing. Nearly 350 Beef Farm Operators need exposure to better management practices in Herd Health, Nutrition and Genetics as well as assistance placing practices in place to improve their production and marketing. The Cattlemen's Association, Agriculture Development Council and Livestock groups assist in program identification and implementation.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Livestock producers optimize their management skills through current technology allowing for increased income and economic stability.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Livestock producers will seek and implement new management skills such as Cattle Handling facilities, Herd Health, Nutrition, Breeding Management, Back grounding and Marketing.

Initial Outcomes:

Livestock producers will gain knowledge in current technology and implement practices as it relates to improved management and economic stability. Including improved handling facilities allowing for appropriate herd health procedures for cows, calves and yearlings. Beef Quality Assurance as related to animal health procedures. Breeding management of the bull as well as new breeding tools for synchronization and timed AI. Nutrition for cows and yearlings, new de-worming procedures for herd health. Two demonstration herds participate in (IRM) Integrated Resource Management project.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Beef Producers utilize Winter Producer Meetings, Special Multi-County classes, CAIP Investment Programs, Extension farm visits to improve working facilities, implement new de-worming procedures for herd health, and adoption/management results from IRM project.

Indicator: Number participating, Investments made.

Method: Meetings, Farm visits, demonstrations.

Timeline: Year round


Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance training along with CAIP Cattle Handling Facility tour. Calving season demonstration utilizing synchronization with CIDRs.

Content or Curriculum: Winter Producer Meetings on Herd Health, Calving Seasons, Reproductive Management, Economic update, Mineral formulation and Marketing.

Inputs: Training meetings, Tour, Demonstrations.

Date: January-October




Success Stories

Pasture Weeds

Author: Garrard Coffey

Major Program: Pesticide Safety – Plant Pests

Noxious (or invasive) weeds can significantly decrease pasture production by taking nutrients away from grasses and shading. In recent years it has been very prolific and has caused major damage to pasture fields.In the spring of 2019, in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, a demonstration program for controlling noxious weeds was offered in Rockcastle County. The collaboration included three farms who increased their knowledge how to properly calibrate sprayers, properly mi

Full Story

Forage/Soil Management

Author: Garrard Coffey

Major Program: Forages

The fall and winter of 2018-19 saw heavy amounts of rain in the state of Kentucky.  Cattleman across the state had issues with excessive mud in feeding areas that cause problems ranging from animal health to soil health.   A series of programs was offered in Rockcastle county to help farmers combat the problems at hand as well help manage in the future.  Two University of Kentucky specialist, Dr. Jimmy Henning and Dr. Steve Higgins, and state NRCS grazing specialist Richard Bowlin

Full Story
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