Beef & ForagesPlan of Work

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Wolfe County CES

Title:
Beef & Forages
MAP:
Agriculture Profitability and Marketing
Agents Involved:
Heather Graham
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
Situation:

Beef cattle and forages are the main points of agriculture in Wolfe County. According to CEDIK, there are 42,454 acres used for farm operations in the County. 88% of total animal sales are cattle and calves.

In order to maintain these numbers (and to try and increase) farmers must improve not only their cattle herds, but also their forages (hay and pasture). (Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will see an increase in profitability by improving their production. 

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will implement changes to improve their livestock and forage operations.

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will gain a better understanding of what practices can be improved to benefit their herd, forages, income, and the environment.

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers will have knowledge and skills needed to evaluate their operations for changes

Indicator: Number of producers reporting planned changes

Method: Survey

Timeline: December 2016 (Completed)


Intermediate Outcome: Producers will put into use those practices which have been proven through research

Indicator: Comparing previous hay and soil test

Method: Comparative studies and Observation

Timeline: September 2017


Long-term Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline: 2017-2018

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef cattle and forage producers

Date: 2016-2018

Project or Activity:

- Hay testing & hay contest

- Soil testing

- Rotational grazing programs

- Pasture to Plate program

- BQA training

- Mountain Cattlemen meetings

(Reviewed 04/2017, HG, JM)



Success Stories

Farm Tax Class

Author: Heather Graham

Major Program: Farm Management

In February 2017 a Farm Tax Class was held for residents of Wolfe County. A CPA from a neighboring county that is familiar with farm taxes taught the class.24 people came to the class. 22 participants completed a post evaluation immediately following the class. 20 participants indicated that they gained knowledge about categorizing farm income. 17 participants gained knowledge about how long to keep records. 19 participants gained knowledge about the basic of depreciation. After the 2018 ta

Full Story

Developing Replacement Heifers

Author: Heather Graham

Major Program: Beef

Proper heifer development is one of the key components to profitability in a beef cattle operation. However, producers in Eastern KY often face challenges when selecting heifers to develop and keep as replacements for their herd. Understanding the core principles of heifer development enables producers to incorporate management techniques that will ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation and the genetics of their herd. To help producers, a group of ANR agents offered "Developin

Full Story
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