Livingston County CES

Title:

Animal science education for adults and youth.

MAP:

Improving Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

4-H, ANR

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Bees/Beekeeping

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

Situation:

The 2007 Census of Agriculture reports that there are a total of 492 farms in Livingston County. The report also states that 58% of Livingston County farm income comes from livestock sales. The Kentucky Horse Council shows that 98 land holders owning 698 horses in Livingston County.

Extension Office records show that the majority of farmers in Livingston County maintain pasture for their livestock. Many farmers in Livingston County also maintain forage fields for hay, and haylage production. It is important that these farmers have a better understanding about the nutrient content of their hay and pasture fields. With increased knowledge about nutrient values of their forages, combined with proper skills, local producers will be able to better manage their pasture and hay resources. With better quality forages herd health will be easier to obtain. The agriculture advisory council, along with clubs and clientele, have requested educational information on feed, vet care, pasture and hay production. In addition producers have asked for information on general maintenance of livestock in Livingston County.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Animal owners will maintain a strong herd health and be able to confidently and effectively identify issues to stop disease and illness early. They will use appropriate feeding techniques to improve and maintain overall health and wellness of their livestock. Forages will improve in overall quality in the county.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adults and youth will have a better practical working knowledge of Herd health programs. Participants in our programs will start to use better management practices in maintaining their hay and pasture fields.Livestock body conditioning scores will improve overall in the county.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth and adults participate in Livestock programs and Horse College programs and other related educational programs through out the year. Youth obtain six certification hours per year in Livestock, Country Ham and/or Horse Projects.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Horse body conditioning scores will maintain at four or higher and beef herds will bring better prices at slaughter. The overall sheep and Goat flocks health will become better, resulting in more animals sold.
Indicator: horse body conditioning scores and herd sale prices will increase.
Method: Collecting data at each event
Timeline: six events per year, bi-monthly with the same horses

Intermediate Outcome: Number of head of livestock per-acre will increase
Indicator: Beef and sheep Sales & Quality Statistics
Method: Follow up interviews & Livestock Sales
Timeline: annually

Initial Outcome: Adults and youth learn about best practices for raising large and small livestock
Indicator: number enrolled in best practice classes
Method: pre and post test
Timeline: beginning and end of classes

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Livestock & Pasture management meetings
Content or Curriculum: Extension Publication and state specialist
Inputs: ANR and specialist
Date: Fall

Audience: Students interested in horses
Project or Activity: Rough Riders Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Ohio State Horse Kit
Inputs: 4-H Agent, Certified Volunteer Leaders
Date: Sept through May each year

Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club Meetings and Livestock Judging contest.
Content or Curriculum: Ohio State Kit
Inputs: 4-H, ANR Agents,and Certified Volunteer Leader
Date: Monthly September through May each year

Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Local Cattleman's Association
Inputs: ANR, Local Agribusinessmen, and State specialist.
Dates: quarterly

Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Monthly Adult and Youth Beekeeper meetings.
Inputs: ANR & 4-H agents, local Beekeepers, and state Specialist.
Dates: Monthly meetings

Audience: 4-H Youth and Families
Project: D7 Horse Camp
Content and Curriculum: Ohio State Kit and equine industry professionals
Inputs: 4-H agents, Certified Leaders, Volunteers
Dates: Summer

Audience: home owners
Project: Lawn and home garden classes
Inputs: ANR, Local Gardeners, UK publications.
Dates: seasonally

Success Stories