Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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Monroe County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Beef
Agents Involved:
Kevin Lyons
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Dairy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Animal Disease
Situation:

Beef and dairy producers have been enduring depressed markets and on-farm prices. Producers must become better managers to continue to survive. Becoming a low cost feed producer, improving animal health, and better marketing plans will be necessary to be sustainable in the future.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers need to develop a direct-to-consumer outlet for their product.

Developing a renewable forage system will help decrease feed cost.

Adoption of improved forages.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Livestock owners will develop a better understanding of marketing options

Producers will begin a more intensive grazing system

Producers will utilize a veterinarian approved animal health plan

Producers will utilize Extension testing services to improve their forages; soil testing and hay testing.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will have a better idea of possible marketing options

Owners will have a better understanding of grazing systems

Enhance producers understanding of herd health and nutrition.

Awareness of UK publication and research in animal production

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers will have a better idea of possible marketing options

Indicator: Number reporting knowledge gained

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annually


Intermediate Outcome: Livestock producers will develop a marketing plan

Indicator: Number reporting a new marketing plan

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annually


Long-term Outcome: Increased profitability and increase direct-to-consumer sales

Indicator: Sales data

Method: Surveys

Timeline: Annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Cattlemen’s meetings

Content or Curriculum: Specialists, various topics

Inputs: Agents and Specialists

Date: Annually


Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Field Days; Conferences

Content or Curriculum: Livestock marketing topics

Inputs: Specialists and successful producers, agents

Date: Annually


Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: CAIP trainings; BQCA trainings

Content or Curriculum: Livestock production topics

Inputs: Agents and Specialists

Date: Annually




Success Stories

Small Ruminant Digital Short Course

Author: Kevin Lyons

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

The 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 Small Ru

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