Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock ProducersPlan of Work

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Montgomery County CES

Title:
Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock Producers
MAP:
Livestock Production Sustainability
Agents Involved:
Hamilton & Comer
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Situation:

Livestock and Forage  management are vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As livestock margins tighten, management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance will improve long-term viability of forage-based livestock systems in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Promote special marketing oportunities

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology

Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages

Indicator: Increased activity in livestock and forage

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2021-2024


Intermediate Outcome: Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2021-2024


Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2021-2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers

Project or Activity: Forage/Livestock Curriculum

Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on forage and livestock production

Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers

Date: 2021-2024


Audience:  4-H and FFA livestock members

Project or Activity:  4-H Animal Science Project

Content or Curriculum:  Approved 4-H Animal Science curriculum

Inputs:  Certified Livestock Volunteer to teach, coordinate, and approve required educational hours and quality learning experiences for 4-H members

Date:  2022-2024





Success Stories

Cattleman's Virginia Farm and History Tour

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Beef

The Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association is a very active commodity group that is supported by the Extension Service. They sponsor a tour every year for their members to see and learn what others are doing. In July of 2023, 21 of its over 200 members conducted a very enjoyable and educational tour entitled "Virginia Farm and History Tour". On this tour they visited the Bill McDonald Beef Cattle Farm in Blacksburg, VA.; The Virginia Tech Research Farm; the Historical Smithfie

Full Story

Tri-County Agriculture Commodity Education

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Forages, Beef Cattle and Grain Crops are the staple crops of the Gateway Area farm economy. Over the past 14 years the ANR agents in Bath, Menifee and Montgomery County’s have gathered producer input, planned and implemented a Regional Agricultural Commodity Night Program to focus on some current issues facing farmers. This year 35 producers attended and gained knowledge from information presented by specialist from the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Department.

Full Story

Cattlemen's Tour Out West

Author: Gary Hamilton

Major Program: Beef

The Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association is a very active commodity group that is supported by the Extension Service. They sponsor a tour every year for their members to see and learn what others are doing. In June 2024, 20 of its over 200 members conducted a very enjoyable and educational tour entitled "Out West". On this tour the Group flew to Kansas City, MO  and boarded a rented bus and set out. They traveled over 2500 miles visiting the Wells Blue Bunny Center (Ice

Full Story
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