Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Russell County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Agriculture Production
Agents Involved:
Jonathan Oakes; KSU Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Small Ruminants
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Dairy
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Poultry
Situation:

The Russell County terrain is somewhat rolling; therefore, forages are marketed through livestock. Livestock produced 90% of agriculture income according to the 2007 Census of Agriculture. However, quality feed is in short supply and cattle are not feed efficiently because of the structure of breeding/calving seasons and calf weaning. Animals cannot be grouped according to nutritional needs. Farms that have farming systems consisting of livestock and crops are more profitable. Improving feed and reproductive efficiencies leads to more profitability for producers. Breeding programs lean more toward to getting live calves rather than maximizing hybrid vigor or getting more cows settled early in the breeding season. Without efficiency herd reductions will follow. Also sheep and goat production is on the rise. With more people having small amounts of acreage, and the consumption of sheep and goat products on the rise, this has been a great alternative to large animal production.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Better conversion of feeds into animal products. Improved herd genetics to convert forages into cash. Balanced feed rations make economical gains possible in calves and lower costs for milk.

Sheep and goat producers develop higher quality animals through, feeding and genetics.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers identify cost-saving measures that increased milk production (dairy) and meat production. Producers build weaning pens and bull pens to improve the conversion of high quality hays. They use lots to limit feed forages thereby cutting waste. The best hay is fed to close-up beef cows and lactating beef and dairy cows. Mid-gestation dry cows receive low-quality feed. More beef managers choose fall calving to capture the value of good quality forages and high spring calf prices. They enjoy a bonus of more pregnancies, earlier in the season. Cow/calf operators and dairymen have better quality replacement heifers. Producers of sheep and goats build local markets for their animal products.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers know how to match cow breeds to their forage resources. Others appreciate the importance of a controlled calving season in managing their herds. They design a commodity that is “branded” and recognized as the standard for the industry. Producers develop an eye for choosing good replacements and body condition scoring animals to evaluate feeding programs. Best producers know to vaccinate the herd before the breeding season with modified-live vaccines. They also know what to use to treat their calves to gain better immunity.

Sheep and goat producers build herd numbers and increase product outputs.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Better overall herd management & handling from cattlemen, sheep, goat, & dairy producers.

Indicator: Management changes within farm

Method:Survey participants

Timeline:Beginning of course, end of course, one year follow-up


Intermediate Outcome: Participation in the programs increase because of marketing the programs.

Indicator: Number of applications submitted.

Method: Application numbers

Timeline: Yearly


Long-term Outcome: Reduction in cost of animal management, better farm records

Indicator: High profit margins

Method:On- farm visits

Timeline:Yearly

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Master Cattlemen

Project or Activity: Applied Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: Short-Course

Inputs:

Date: Spring


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: BQA Training

Content or Curriculum: BQA Training Materials

Inputs:

Date: As Needed


Audience:Dairy Producers

Project or Activity: On-Farm Visits

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs:

Date: Summer


Main Audience: Sheep & Goat Producers

Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Every other month (6/year)


Main Audience: Cattlemen

Activity: Russell County Cattlemen’s Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Spring & Fall


Main Audience: Poultry Producers (backyard production)

Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: Spring (every other year)


Main Audience: Producers

Activity: CAIP Trainings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: Committee Members

Activity: Ag Development & CAIP Council Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Date: As Needed


Main Audience: Cattlemen

Activity: Cattle Handling and Care Program

Content or Curriculum: CHC Training Materials

Date: As needed


Main Audience: Sheep and Goat Producers

Activity: Small Ruminants 101

Content: Various topics related to all areas of production

Date: Winter and Spring


Back to Plans for the County