Shelby County CES

Title:

Livestock Production & Profitability

MAP:

Production & Profitability

Agents Involved:

Corinne Belton

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Small Ruminants

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Equine

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Dairy

Situation:

While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.

Although Kentucky livestock producers have enjoyed relatively high prices for their stock over the past few years, it is important to continue to educate producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky livestock producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.

Long-Term Outcomes:

*Long term viability

*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions

*Improve herd/flock quality

*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

*Improve sustainability of intensively managed livestock production systems

*Increase positive opinion of animal agriculture of non-farm individuals

Intermediate Outcomes:

*Test forage for nutritional quality

*Provide a complete mineral supplement program

*Implement cross breeding program

*Make EPD and targeted selection decisions to capitalize on a value-added product

*Implement a managed grazing system

*Utilize alternative forages

*Properly use medicated feed

*Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities

*Slowly and quietly handle cattle

*Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others

*Adopt usage of new technology for livestock production

*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

Initial Outcomes:

*Gain knowledge of the livestock industry and information and tools to succeed in livestock production

*Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.

*Increase awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.

*Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.

*Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.

*Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices

Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices

Method: Post-training evaluations, observation

Timeline: Annually

Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition.

Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition

Method: Self-reporting, observation

Timeline: Yearly

Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability

Indicator: Higher production and increased profits

Method: Self-reporting, observation

Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Small Ruminant Producers

Project or Activity: Small Ruminant Series

Content or Curriculum: UK and KSU Sheep and Goat publications

Inputs: UK and KSU sheep and goat publications, specialists, agents

Date: March 6, 13, and 20, 2019

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Regional Beef Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Presentations by specialists and agents

Inputs: UK specialists, agents

Date: October 1, 2018

Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: For Rookies Series - Advanced

Content or Curriculum: UK publications

Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents

Date: October 18 and November 1, 2018

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Backyard Poultry Production

Content or Curriculum: Animal Science Extension publications, guest speakers

Inputs: UK publications, guest speakers, horticulture technician

Date: March 2019

Audience: Livestock Producers

Project or Activity: Pasture and Grazing management courses

Content or Curriculum: UK publications

Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents

Date:

Success Stories