McLean County CES

Title:

Livestock Production

MAP:

Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County

Agents Involved:

David Fourqurean

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Poultry

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Swine

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Forages

Situation:

The livestock industry remains an integral part of the McLean County's agriculture economic impact. Producers continue to diversify into many aspects of the livestock industry to maintain a diverse income.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for livestock producers.

Minimize environmental impact on air, soil or living area.

Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.

Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.

Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.

Implement or more BMP's for livestock production.

Identify and cut one or more unnecessary input costs.

Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.

Identify BMP's for livestock production.

Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production.

Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.

Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.

Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production.

Method: farm visit observations and self reporting

Timeline: 2018-2019

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.

Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.

Method: Written Evaluation, Observation, Self-Reporting

Timeline: 1-2 years

Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.

Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.

Method: Written Evaluation, Self-Reporting, Observation

Timeline: 2 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,

Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Programming

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations

Date: Yearly - Winter

Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth

Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming

Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders

Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance

Content or Curriculum: BQA Curriculum

Inputs: ANR Agents

Date: Year Round

Audience: Beef Producers

Project of Activity: Fall Beef Forage Tour

Content or Curriculum: New grazing techniques 

Inputs: University Specialists and Industry Experts

Date: Fall 2018

Success Stories