Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production & Profitability
Production & Profitability
Corinne Belton
Small Ruminants
Equine
Beef
Dairy
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 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
*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
*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.
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
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Regional Beef Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Value added information
Inputs: KCARD
Date: October 7, 2019
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: For Rookies Series
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date: October 2019
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Pasture and Grazing management courses
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date: Fall 2019 - Spring 2020
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Master Horse Owner
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date: November 7, 14, 21 and December 5, 2019
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Shelby County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting. With these facts in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality beef production since the tobacco buyout. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Similar situations exist in neighboring Henry and Oldham counties, leading the agents to host the 2019 Master Cattlemen’s Series. The
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Equine
Educational programs that strengthen production skills of agriculture operations in Shelby County are a continued priority identified by Shelby County’s Extension and Agriculture Councils. Equine operations had a market value of sales at $3.7 million according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Extension continues to reach out to assist horse owners through programs that can improve their productivity.UK Extension’s Master Horseman is a multiple-session program that can b
