Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Agriculture Production
Jonathan Oakes; KSU Agent
Beef
Small Ruminants
Dairy
Poultry
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
