Enhancement of Beef ProductionPlan of Work

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LaRue County CES

Title:
Enhancement of Beef Production
MAP:
Livestock Production
Agents Involved:
Carpenter
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Ag Marketing
Situation:
LaRue County ranks thirty-third among the state’s counties in the number of beef cattle and is the number one commodity in the county. Phase 1 money for beef producers has improved and created additional interest in beef production,as has current high prices. Local beef producers have received over $1,000,000 in grant funding. The county beef association meets monthly with Educational programs planned by a program committee. The group also is active in beef production promotion. Over 100 beef producers are currently BQA certified. Over 90 producers have participated in the Master Cattlemen Program. Several participate in CPH Sales and retained ownership programs. CPH calves average $35.00 premium over non-CPH calves. Producers actively support beef through cooks and other community activities. Marketing options are being investigated by some more progressive producers. Beef programming is directed by Beef Association Directors, beef producers and beef program committee.
Long-Term Outcomes:
LaRue County beef producers to achieve greater profitability through improved sustainable and environmentally sound livestock management practices, better marketing, and product promotion.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Beef producers will use better bulls and heifers
Beef producers will practice better management on their cow-calf herds.
Producers will increase income through planned marketing.
Initial Outcomes:
Through monthly beef educational meetings, newsletters, field days, and other beef educational opportunities beef producers will learn the principles and skills needed to achieve improved beef production.
Evaluation:

Outcome: Use of better bulls

Indicator: Improved genetics

Evaluation Method: Survey

When: Spring


Outcome: Increased knowledge of Beef Production

Indicator: Attendance at Beef Educational Programs; CAIP Education

Evaluation Method: Surveys

When: May


Outcome: Use of Marketing Alternatives

Indicator: Income Compared to Traditional Marketing Methods

Evaluation Method: Personal Contact

When: Autumn

Learning Opportunities:

Activity: Beef Association Activities

Content or Curriculum: Cooks, Promotions, Community Service, Scholarships

Inputs: Volunteers

When: Monthly, except for June and july


Activity: Educational Programs; CAIP Educational Programs

Content or Curriculum: Beef Management and Marketing

Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, Extension Specialists, Industry

When: July-June


Activity: County Fair Beef Show

Content or Curriculum: Quality Animals

Inputs: Volunteers, County Fair Grounds, Agr. Businesses

When: June


Activity: Training for Producer Certifications

Content or Curriculum: BQA

Inputs: Training Materials for BQA

When: Fall through Spring


Activity: Beef Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Management Practices

Inputs: Farm Cooperator, Volunteers

When: October


Activity: Master Cattlemen Program

Content or Curriculum: Ten Sessions on Beef

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Leaders

When: March-November



Success Stories

Master Cattleman Program

Author: Daniel Carpenter

Major Program: Beef

The Kentucky Heartland Master Cattlemen Program has had another successful year with 26 registered participants. The Cooperative Extension Services of LaRue, Hardin, and Meade Counties worked with UK Specialists to offer the Master Cattlemen Course to our producers to assist the cattle producers in our area with their operation. A total of 26 producers signed up and attended the Master Cattlemen Course offered. As a result of attending the program, 100% of the participants reported a gain of kno

Full Story

Beef Programs

Author: Daniel Carpenter

Major Program: Beef

Local cattlemen's association programs held this year included: Livestock Indemnity program through FSA, Feeder Cattle Marketing Decisions, Rejuvenating Rundown Pastures, Calving Management and Care, Soil Sampling and fertilization, Livestock Nutrition, Cattle handling and vaccine protocol field day, County Ag Investment Program, and Crop insurance options for hay and pasture. 88% said they attend local cattlemen's events to lean more about the cattle industry. 93% said that attendi

Full Story
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