Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Livestock and Forage Production
Graham Cofield
Beef
Dairy
Kentucky has the largest Beef Herd east of the Mississippi and ranks 3rd in head/square mile in the U.S. Beef, Livestock and Forages are a big deal for KY. Over the next several years producers face many challenges, commodity prices have backed off from highs in 2014, however so have our cattle prices. Producers over the next few years will be faced with shrinking margins as well as increased regulations on water quality. This makes it all the more important for producers to learn how to be better stewards of the land and resources while still optimizing their herd and forage performance.
Enhance profit margins for livestock producers
Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock
Sustainability of farm
Long term viability
Producers save money by making better selection decisions.
Improved herd quality
Increased profits of operation
Increased days of grazing
Incorporate multiple strategies when pricing cattle or dealing directly with buyers outside the mainstream market.
Improved animal welfare
Sell value-added heifers
Improved end product quality and food safety
Enhanced profitability by selling value-added calves
Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock
Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations
Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds
Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing
Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder
Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage
production
Implementation of on-farm demonstrations
Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency
Test forage for nutritional quality
Utilize a complete mineral supplement program
Make EPD and selection decisions to fit management and environment
Better utilize forage
Develop an ag water quality plan
Develop streamside buffers to prevent water runoff
Intercede seed clover/legumes into fescue
Consider LRP, futures or options to limit risk (call agent, broker or specialist, as needed)
Utilize a risk management tool
Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities
Reduce the use of electric prods
Alter the type/quality of cattle purchased for herd
Change marketing methods (CPH, Direct off the farm, Internet, video, etc.)
Participate in KBN marketing programs (CPH, MAG 60)
Utilize knowledge to become competitive in the market.
Incorporate breakeven analysis when purchasing/selling cattle.
Improve heifer development
Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management
Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management
Awareness of forage variety trial information
Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species
Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species
Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses
Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices
Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology
Participants become certified KY Master Cattleman
Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.
Increased in-depth knowledge or new information related to:
-reproduction
-genetics
-nutrition
-end product
-economics and marketing
Initial Outcome: Beef Producers learn about herd management, Marketing their cattle, improving forage quality.
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting changes in knowledge or skills to improve environmental quality and sustainability
Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews
Timeline: pre/post programs
Intermediate Outcome: Beef Producers will improve production practices through: improved herd management( breeding seasons, proper mineral program), improving forage quality, improving marketing methods (CPH ect.)
Indicator: Number of Producers adopting practices recommended by extension, utilizing new marketing opportunities, adding additional conservation practices to current production practices.
Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews
Timeline: pre/post programs
Long-term Outcome: Beef Producers will increase profitability through improved management and marketing practices, improve herd quality, sell value added cattle, increase grazing days.
Indicator: Number of producers participating in CPH, bred heifer sale, completing an ag water quality plan.
Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews
Timeline: pre/post programs
Audience: Producers
Project or Activity: Cattlemen's meetings
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: UK specialists and Publications
Date: Spring and Fall yearly
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Cattlemen's mineral program
Content or Curriculum: UK IRM recommendations
Inputs: UK specialists, Agent
Date: January, May, September yearly
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen Program
Content or Curriculum: UK specialists/ UK publications
Inputs: Beef Specialists, Agents, Volunteers, Program Materials, KY beef Network.
Date: Fall yearly
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Farm Tour
Inputs: UK specialists Recommendations, Agents, Volunteers
Timeline: July yearly
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Ag Appreciation Dinner
Inputs: UK Pubs, UK specialists
Timeline: March yearly
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Beef
The Trigg County Cooperative Extension Service in Cooperation with the Trigg County Cattlemen's Association partnered to help livestock producers better manage their herds and meet their individual goals. One way we help producers is through our IRM mineral program. Three times each year the ANR agent in cooperation with a committee of Cattlemen’s members collects bids from local feed suppliers on free choice minerals formulated per the UK IRM specs. The best prices a
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Beef
A typical Trigg County Cattle producer like most in the state, may or may not have a breeding season and generally a few times a year we sort off larger calves, hopefully the market is kind to us but in general there may not be alot of planning that goes into when and how to market calves. We know that weaning calves on the farm is better from a calf management standpoint and getting them on a good vaccination program will set them up for success later in life. The reality is even kn
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy
KY cattlemen's Ground Beef is a branded beef launched by Beef Solutions a partner with the Ky Cattlemen's association. Most cattle producers have heard of Ky Cattlemen's Ground beef or read about it in the Cow Country News. Beef Solutions buys cull cows from Ky farm families who are all BQCA trained producers, commmited to excelent animal husbandry practices and in turn retails the meat through grocers. This allows an opportunity for consumers to connect more with l
