LivestockPlan of Work

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Metcalfe County CES

Title:
Livestock
MAP:
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Agents Involved:
Bell, Branstetter
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Dairy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Volunteer Development
Situation:

Metcalfe County is home to 30,500 head of cattle.  While milk cows do make up a small percentage of this number, 93 percent are beef cows and calves. Cattle prices have continued to decline at a rapid pace since the fall of 2015. Now, more than ever, producers must make management decisions that will allow them to continue to realize a profit.  Adding as much value to calves and marketing them in a manner that will allow them to receive top dollar is a must.  Input costs must be managed so that they are as low as possible, without compromising production and quality.


Long-Term Outcomes:

Livestock producers will be able to remain profitable and sustain their operations during a depressed market.  They will increase efficiency, decrease cost and realize a profit.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Livestock producers will implement practices that will allow them to effectively market a quality product while managing input costs. These practices could lead to better herd health, better soil health, better feed efficiency and a marketing plan tailored to their individual need.

Initial Outcomes:

Livestock producers will learn ways to improve many aspects of their operation that will allow them to produce a quality product at a lower cost in order to stay successful.

Evaluation:


Outcome: Initial 

Indicator: Knowledge gained 

Method:  Survey

Timeline: Throughout year




Outcome:  Intermediate

Indicator:  Changes made

Method:   Farm visits/ Observation

Timeline: Ongoing



Outcome:  Long Term

Indicator:  Profitability

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Producers


Project or Activity:  Educational Sessions at Cattlemen’s 

Content or Curriculum: UK research

Inputs: Agents, Specialists

Date: Quarterly


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: BQCA Trainings 

Content or Curriculum: UK, BQCA

Inputs: Agents, Videos, Publications

Date: As needed throughout the year



Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Clinics 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Dairy, and Horse materials, Fitting and Showing 

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Vet and Volunteers

Date: Spring


Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Judging Teams

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Dairy materials, Fitting and Showing 

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, and Volunteers 

Date: on going 


Audience: 4-H Youth 

 
Project or Activity: County Ham Project Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and Clifty Farms

Inputs: Agents, Staff Support, Community Partners, Ag Development Grant Committee, Clifty Farm Staff, State Specialist and Teachers

Date: November-August



Success Stories

Small Ruminant Digital Shortcourse

Author: Gary Bell

Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

Mammoth Cave Area Agriculture Agents noticed an increase in small ruminant producers and the production of small ruminants growing in popularity.  It is also noted that many new small ruminant producers may very well be new to agriculture production and farming in general.    The need to bring research based education to new small ruminant producers is further driven by the tendency for new producers to utilize the internet as their sole resource for gaining information.  The

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