Local Commodities Provide Agriculture IncomePlan of Work

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Caldwell County CES

Title:
Local Commodities Provide Agriculture Income
MAP:
Promoting Local Commodities, Forages, and Livestock
Agents Involved:
Shane Bogle, Rhonda Jewell, Ashley White
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:
Caldwell County cattle inventories have risen sharply in the last two years. Lower commodity prices and premiums for quality beef have caused a shift. Caldwell has seen an increase in specialized production for beef and pork to meet a niche market including direct to restaurants and freezer beef and pork operations. The equine industry is still thriving in Caldwell. Plans for facility upgrades and a show arena are in the works. Beef profits are often limited because of "old school" techniques producers are slow to let go. Year round calving, poor pasture and hay management, and lack of record keeping to name a few.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Beef producers will increase profitability through improved nutrition, herd health and genetics.
Beef producers will increase profitability through better management of forage systems and improved forage and feed storage facilities.
Beef producers will keep accurate records of birth and weaning weights, sales receipts and follow better marketing protocols.
Equine producers will better utilize Extension programs to expand and promote horses in Kentucky.
Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through their experiences 4-H.
Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.

Intermediate Outcomes:
Increase membership in Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association.
Beef producers will utilize forage and soil testing services to make better management decisions.
Beef producers will utilize improved marketing such as the CPH-45 sales.
Beef producers will participate in cost share programs through the CAIP (Phase I).
Increase participation in the Parkway Saddle Club
Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily lives to others.
Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
Initial Outcomes:
Beef producers will understand the benefits of CPH-45 sales as well as the UK bred heifer sales.
Beef producers will understand the importance of Beef Quality Assurance in the sellers market.
Beef producers will participate in the Phase I cost share programs
Equine producers will utilize UK Programs to be better producers.
Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.
Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
Evaluation:
Initial Outcome: Beef producers will adopt recommended practices of forage management, nutrition, genetics, and herd health to increase revenues.
Indicator: More participation in CPH-45 sales, Phase I cost-share programs, and the Cattlemen’s Association
Method:follow up farm visits from Phase I cost share recipients/Phase I reports
Timeline:Within 12 months of programs


Intermediate Outcome: Equine producers will attend UK Sponsored programs.
Indicator: Producers will increase knowledge in programs and practices recommended by UK
Method: Observation/farm visits
Timeline: On-going

Long-term Outcome: Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
Indicator: The number of youth who demonstrate a skill that was learned and improved by participating in a 4-H ANR project, program, event or activity.
Method: Observation over time
Timeline: On-Going
Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef IRM Farm Program (4 farms)

Project or Activity: Beef IRM Farm Program

Content or Curriculum: Pasture to Plate

Inputs: UK

Date: 2017-2018 ongoing


Audience: Wranglers Camp, Parkway Saddle Club

Project or Activity: Equine Short Course

Content or Curriculum: UK/Industry Specialists

Inputs: Horse College

Date: summer/fall 2018


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: CPH-45

Content or Curriculum: UK

Inputs: UK

Date: Fall, Summer ongoing


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance

Content or Curriculum: UK

Inputs: UK

Date: Yearly as needed


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association

Content or Curriculum: UK and Industry professionals

Inputs: UK/local supporters

Date: Spring/summer/fall each year


Audience: 4-H Livestock Club

Project or Activity: Livestock Judging

Content or Curriculum: UK

Inputs: UK/local supporters

Date: Spring -Summer 2018


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattlemen

Inputs: UK

Date: Winter 2017


Audience: Equine Producers

Project or Activity: Horse College

Content or Curriculum: Horse College

Inputs: UK

Date: 2017


Audience: Caldwell County Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Vet Science

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: Dr. Stan Rogers, Dr. Libby Maddux, volunteers

Date: February 2018


Audience:  Equine Producers

Project: NRCS Pasture Improvement Project  (3 Farms)

Content: UK Forage Specialists/NRCS Regulations 

Inputs:  UK, NRCS

Date: 2017-2018 On-going




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