Livestock, Poultry & CropsPlan of Work

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Clinton County CES

Title:
Livestock, Poultry & Crops
MAP:
Promoting Commodities & Crop Production
Agents Involved:
C. Guffey
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Ag Marketing
Situation:
Livestock and Poultry production make up the majority of farm income for Clinton County producers at $25.99 million, with poultry being the top commodity according to the Kentucky County Agriculture & Food Profiles (2012). Crop sales totaled $3.78 million. With producers facing declining prices for grain crops and feeder calves, a need was identified by the Ag program council to assist producers in finding ways to reduce input costs, become more efficient, and improve net farm income.
Long-Term Outcomes:
• Improved input efficiency
• Improved production and profitability of forage-based livestock systems.
• Reducing input costs and increasing profits for grain producers.
• Reduced environmental impact
• Utilize the futures and options market to limit downside market risk.
• Improved cash flow from utilizing budgets to make decisions.
Intermediate Outcomes:
• Be proactive in preventing herbicide resistance in grain crops.
• Improved litter utilization by grain and forage producers.
• Use the feeder cattle futures and options market to make price predictions and predict market direction.
• Develop a grazing plan
• Producers utilize budgeting tools to make purchasing and marketing decisions.

Initial Outcomes:
• Develop proper record keeping techniques for the farming operation.
• Awareness of forage trial information and recommended variety tables.
• Develop marketing strategies that assist producers with price risk.
• Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species.
• Awareness of budgeting tools for Livestock, poultry and grain crop production.
Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Improving knowledge of grazing practices

Indicator: Producers increasing production through grazing techniques.

Method: Surveys and site visits.

Timeline: Fall


Initial Outcome: Participation in county programming increases.

Indicator: Attendance numbers.

Method: Rosters.

Timeline: Spring, Fall, & Winter


Long term Outcome: Improved production and profitability of forage based livestock systems

Indicator: producers reporting improvements in production and profitability

Method: surveys

Timeline: Spring, Fall, & Winter


Initial Outcome: Awareness of budgeting tools available

Indicator: producers utilizing budgeting tools and templates.

Method: Surveys and site visits.

Timeline: Fall & Winter

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Cattle Handling & Care Training

Content or Curriculum: Cattle Handling & Care Training Materials

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Winter 2017/18


Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Twin Lakes Cattle Assoc. Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Beef Cattle production topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Quarterly


Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Clinton-Cumberland County Cattleman’s Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Beef cattle production topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Quarterly


Audience: Forage Producers

Project or Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Fall, Winter 2017/18


Audience: Poultry Producers

Project or Activity: Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Managing Poultry Litter for Profit

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: TBD


Audience: Grain Producers

Project or Activity: Grain Production Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: Fall/Winter 2017/18


Audience: All Producers

Project or Activity: CAIP Trainings

Content or Curriculum: Various Topics

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: As Needed


Audience: Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: BQA Training

Content or Curriculum: BQA Training Materials

Inputs: UK Specialists & industry professionals

Date: On-going


Audience: All Producers

Activity: Soil Testing

Content or Curriculum: Fertilizer Recommendations

Inputs: Agent, Staff, UK Regulatory Services

Date: Ongoing


Activity: Forage Testing

Audience: Forage Producers

Content or Curriculum: Forage Testing Lab

Inputs: UK forage and Nutrition Specialists

Date: Ongoing


Activity: Beef feeder calf marketing series

Audience: Cow/calf producers  

Content or Curriculum: UK Research and Publications

Inputs: UK Beef and Economic Specialists

Date: Fall/Winter 2017/18




Success Stories

Cattle Marketing Series

Author: Colby Guffey

Major Program: Beef

Kentucky has the largest beef herd east of the Mississippi River (Beef Logic Model). Cattle and calves make up 30% of total animal sales in Clinton County, only second to poultry and eggs (CEDIK Profile, 2014). The four county area group had offered master cattlemen, master stocker, a master grazing school, etc. It was brought to the groups attention that something specific to marketing was needed. Starting in September a cattle marketing series was offered (four sessions). Four counties partici

Full Story

Southern Kentucky Heifer Sale

Author: Colby Guffey

Major Program: Beef

In early 2017 a group of local cattle producers became interested in developing a special bred heifer sale. The group saw a need for a local sale due to the lack of heifer sales in the area and producers having bred heifers to offer, through on-farm sales. The Agriculture Agents in Clinton and Cumberland Counties, as well as a representative of the Kentucky Beef Network and the local stockyards began meeting with the sale committee made up of local producers. Monthly meetings were

Full Story

Master Haymaker Series

Author: Colby Guffey

Major Program: Forages

The Clinton, Cumberland, Wayne and Russell County Extension Agents partnered to host the Master Haymaker Series in 2017/18. Since 2014, Master Stocker, Master Cattlemen, Master Grazer, and Applied Master Cattlemen, have all been conducted in the four county area. Together over 40 individuals participated in those courses. With that being said, the four county area agents decided they would try a newer program that was put together by the tri-county area agents (Adair, Green and Taylor), Master H

Full Story
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