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