Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock ProducersPlan of Work

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Montgomery County CES

Title:
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock Producers
MAP:
Livestock Production Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Hamilton, Comer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

Livestock and Forage  management are vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As livestock margins tighten, management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance will improve long-term viability of forage-based livestock systems in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Promote special marketing oportunities

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology

Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages

Indicator: Increased activity in livestock and forage

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: July 2019


Intermediate Outcome: Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: January 2019


Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers

Project or Activity: Forage/Livestock Curriculum

Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on forage and livestock production

Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers

Date: 2017-2018


Audience:  4-H and FFA livestock members

Project or Activity:  4-H Animal Science Project

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:  Certified Livestock Volunteer to teach, coordinate, and approve required educational hours and quality learning experiences for 4-H members

Date:  July 2018-June 2019


Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:



Success Stories

Active Cattlemen's Association

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Beef

The Beef Cattle industry and the forage production that supports it play a major role in Montgomery County’s agricultural economy. Supporting this industry with educational programing, beef promotional events, social fundraising events and interactive producer tours are the 183 members of the Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association. Educational sessions have included updates from Governor’s Office of Ag Policy, income tax law updates, cattle market updates, updates on USDA pr

Full Story

Extension Responds To Wet Weather Conditions Facing Livestock Farmers

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Beef

Livestock Producers faced some very difficult production issues during the 2018-19 season due to record rainfall and the conditions created by it. As a result record numbers of cows and calves died during the winter feeding and spring calving period. Many factors lead to this unanticipated outcome. The major factors included poor quality hay production, poor quality pasture and excessive energy demands on livestock due to continuous wet hair coats and muddy conditions. In an effort to address th

Full Story

CAIP Education

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture

The County Agricultural Improvement Cost-Share Program has provided financial assistance to Montgomery County Farmers for many years. Millions of dollars have been invested in making improvements on Montgomery County farms through this program. As a requirement to participate in this cost-share program, participants must attend educational training's based on the category of investment. This year the Extension Service provided 8 educational sessions covering the topics of Beef Quality Care a

Full Story
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