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