Extension
It Starts With Us
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock Producers
Livestock Production Sustainability
Hamilton, Comer
Beef
Forages
Farm Management
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
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.
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
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
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
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
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:
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
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
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
