Livestock
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Bell, Branstetter
Beef
Dairy
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Metcalfe County is home to 30,500 head of cattle. While milk cows do make up a small percentage of this number, 93 percent are beef cows and calves. Cattle prices have continued to decline at a rapid pace since the fall of 2015. In some cases, weaned calves may bring as much as $550 per head less than they would have less than a year ago. This represents a 40 percent decline in price. Now, more than ever, producers must make management decisions that will allow them to continue to realize a profit. Adding as much value to calves and marketing them in a manner that will allow them to receive top dollar is a must. Input costs must be managed so that they are as low as possible, without compromising production and quality.
Livestock producers will be able to remain profitable and sustain their operations during a depressed market. They will increase efficiency, decrease cost and realize a profit.
Livestock producers will implement practices that will allow them to effectively market a quality product while managing input costs.These practices could lead to better herd health, better soil health, better feed efficiency and a marketing plan tailored to their individual need.
Livestock producers will learn ways to improve many aspects of their operation that will allow them to produce a quality product at a lower cost in order to stay successful.
Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Knowledge Gained
Method: Survey
Timeline: Quarterly/ Throughout Year
Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Changes Made
Method:Survey
Timeline: Quarterly/ Throughout Year
Long-term Outcome:
Indicator:
Method:
Timeline:
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Educational sessions at cattlemen’s meetings.
Content or Curriculum: UK publications and research
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: Quarterly
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: BQA Trainings
Content or Curriculum: BQA Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, BQA Materials
Date: As needed throughout the year
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: One day horse clinic
Content or Curriculum: 4-H horse materials
Inputs: Agents, Vet and Volunteers
Date: Fall 18
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: One day Clinics
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock materials, Fitting and Showing
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, and Volunteers
Date: May 18, June 18, July 18
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Judging Teams
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock materials, Fitting and Showing
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, and Volunteers
Date: on going 2018-19
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: County Ham Project
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and Clifty Farms
Inputs: Agents, Staff Support, Community Partners, Ag DevelopmentGrant Committee, Clifty Farm Staff, State Specialist and Teachers
Date: November 18, March 19, May 19, July 19, August 19
Author: Gary Bell
Major Program: Equine
South Central Kentucky is recognized as being a state leader in the areas of beef, dairy, poultry, forage, and tobacco. However the equine industry is also a very integral part of the agriculture economy. Agriculture and 4H Youth Development Extension Agents from Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, & Monroe counties joined forces to bring an educational equine field day to South Central KY. The counties in this working group represent nearly 10,000 horses worth an estimated $18.2 mill