Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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McLean County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
Agents Involved:
David Fourqurean and FCS Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Poultry/Small Flocks
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Swine
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Forages
Situation:

The livestock industry remains an integral part of the McLean County's agriculture economic impact. Producers continue to diversify into many aspects of the livestock industry to maintain a diverse income however poultry production remains as the number one livestock enterprise here in McLean County.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for livestock producers as well as staying up to date on new advances in livestock production.


Minimize environmental impact on air, soil and the environment.


Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.


Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.


Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.


Implement one or more BMP's for livestock production.


Maximize efficiency to control input cost.


Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.


Increase awareness of the program to help producers update Nutrient management plans.

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.


Identify BMP's for livestock production.


Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production within their chosen livestock enterprises.


Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.


Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.


Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production and awareness of Nutrient Management Plans.

Method: farm visits, observations and self reporting

Timeline: 2021-2022


Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.

Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.

Method: Farm visits, Observation, Self-Reporting

Timeline: 1-2 years


Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.

Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.

Method: Farm Visits,, Self-Reporting, Observation

Timeline: 2 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,

Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter


Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Programming

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification, Poultry management webinars/Poultry Expo

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations

Date: Yearly - Winter


Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth

Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming

Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing

Inputs: ANR agent,  Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders

Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Care Assurance

Content or Curriculum: BQCA Curriculum

Inputs: Ag Agent

Date: Year round


Audience: Poultry Producers

Project or activity: Poultry Webinars and Expo's

Content or Curriculum: UGA  materials

Input: ANR Agent, specialist and guest speakers from UGA

Date: February 2022



Success Stories

Tri-County Beef Field Day

Author: John Fourqurean

Major Program: Beef

Educating local beef producers is a high priority in the Tri-County area. Local Ag Advisory council meetings from the Tri-County area discussions recognizing the need for beef producers to take herd and forage management to another level. 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 Webster, Hopkins, and McLean Counties have o

Full Story

Mid South Stocker Conference

Author: John Fourqurean

Major Program: Beef

The Mid South Stocker conference is a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee.  The planning committee consist of several specialist from UK, UT, producer representative and this ANR agent representing ag agents from both states.  In 2022 the conference was held virtually on Feb 23rd, and focused on baleage production, grazing management, and stocker health research. The 2022 MSSC  had 150 attendees (8 panelists/speakers, about 50 Exten

Full Story
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