Hancock County CES

Title:

Enhancing Livestock Management

MAP:

Enhancing Livestock Management

Agents Involved:

Evan Tate - ANR, Lisa Hagman-4-H

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Volunteer Development

Situation:

There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars and may reach that level in 2014 with record high beef prices. Even with high prices it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Hancock County has a topography suitable for livestock production. Producers in the county are located uniquely in the center of four different local markets and have easy access to transporting livestock to Indiana for additional marketing avenues. Furthermore, local feedstuffs are plentiful, and there is a growing demand for locally raised meat.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will utilize knowledge and experience gained to start or better current livestock production units. Furthermore, local businesses will adhere to the importance of supplying the needs of producers to maintain these farms. The local community will embrace the efforts of county producers by utilizing meat grown locally in a well rounded healthy diet.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will recognize the importance of utilizing management tools to increase monetary returns to the farm. Youth and adults will begin to practice evaluation techniques when selecting breeding stock in order to increase long term production.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will be educated on selection, management and marketing of livestock. Youth will participate in programs designed to enhance livestock handling and general management skills to build a foundation for further improvement.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: An increased level of participation in livestock events during the Hancock County Fair

Indicator: Number of participants

Method: Compare registration sheets from years' past

Timeline: Summer 2023

Intermediate Outcome: Producers seek and utilize selection tools for breeding stock

Indicator: Producers ask questions and show evidence of incorporating selection tools

Method: Survey producers about selection tools

Timeline: Spring and Fall 2022

Intermediate Outcome: Producers utilize new marketing avenues made available

Indicator: Producers ask questions and show evidence of incorporating new marketing avenues into business plans

Method: Survey producers about selection tools

Timeline: Spring and Fall 2022

Long-term Outcome: Producers change management practices

Indicator: Adopt new mineral programs, vaccination programs, create calving seasons

Method: Conduct questionnaires at local beef meetings

Timeline: Fall 2022

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H Youth Livestock Club

Project or Activity: Monthly Educational meetings led by 4-H Certified Livestock Leaders

Content or Curriculum: Multiple Species of Livestock handling, showing and management, 4-H Core Curriculum

Inputs: County Agents, Local Businesses, 4-H Certified Livestock Volunteer Leader

Date: July 2022-June 2023

Audience: Local Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Monthly Cattleman's Meetings/Beef Improvement Seminars

Content or Curriculum: Selection/Management Courses

Inputs: County Agents, Industry Partners, UK Specialist

Date: June 2022- July 2023

Audience: Local Business Leaders

Project or Activity: Beef Tasting- Chamber Christmas

Content or Curriculum: Grilling lesser known, healthy cuts for consumers

Inputs: County Agents, Local Grocery, Hancock County Cattleman's Assoc.

Date: Winter 2022- Spring 2023

Audience: Hancock Co Fair Attendees (Community Members)

Project or Activity: Exhibition of Livestock, Education on Livestock

Content or Curriculum: Public is able to come into close contact with livestock and interact with producers

Inputs: County Agents, 4-H, FFA, Hancock Co Fair Board, Community Sponsors

Date: August 2022

Success Stories