Hardin County CES

Title:

Integrated Livestock and Forage Systems

MAP:

Best Management Practices and Education for Safe Food, Farms & Families

Agents Involved:

Carpenter

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Forage and Livestock management are vital to Kentucky's Heartland Agricultural Economy.  According to 2020 USDA NASS data:  Hardin County ranks 28th in Total Cattle, 22nd in Beef Cows, 18th in Dairy Cows, and 10th in Total Hay Production statewide.  County cattle and calves sales exceed $9.4 million.  Goat production locally although declining still ranks in the top five statewide according to USDA Census data.  Livestock prices have declined in the past year, mainly due to COVID-19 impact; thus it's becoming more important that livestock producers keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, as well as be good stewards of the land and practice animal welfare.  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 region.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Improved farm economic status

Sustainability of the farm

Long term viability

Producers save money by making better decisions

Improved herd quality

Increased profits of the farming operation

Increased grazing days

Decreased feed costs

Improved profitability

Reduced environmental impact

Utilize the futures and options market to limit downside market risk

Evaluate profitability of multiple programs concerning feeder cattle type, gender and weight when making purchasing/marketing decisions

Incorporate multiple strategies when pricing cattle or dealing directly with buyers outside the mainstream marketing options.

Build the reputation and value of Kentucky cattle.

Enhanced consumer confidence.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency.

Test forage for nutritional quality, & develop winter feeding programs based on test results.

Utilize a complete mineral supplement program.

Implement recommended crossbreeding program.

Make profitable EPD and selection decisions.

Control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency.

Test soils.

Implement a managed grazing system.

Utilize alternative forages.

Better utilize forages.

Change vaccination and/or antibiotic protocols, as appropriate.

Select feeds based on ingredients.

Intercede seed clover/legumes into fescue.

Stockpile tall fescue for grazing.

Make balage.

Create improved livestock handling equipment and facilities.

Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others.

Change marketing methods (CPH, Direct off the farm, Internet, video, retained ownership, etc.)

Use the feeder cattle futures and options market to make price predictions and predict market direction.

Utilize body condition scoring to manage nutrition of animals.

Appraise management practice changes, employ record systems to track drug use, vaccines, chemicals, feed additives, and the movement of cattle on and off operations.

Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers become certified KY Master Cattlemen, and/or Beef Quality Assurance Certified.

Increased awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.

Interpret forage analysis, feed and mineral bag tags, use UK Extension ration balancing apps.

Increased knowledge and awareness of: physiology of forage growth, shade and water, parasite control, animal health disorders from forage, rotational grazing systems, temporary fencing, cattle marketing basics and value added opportunities, recognize what factors lead to high quality forage.

Gain knowledge about: livestock marketing, budgeting and decision making with implications for profitability, practices to improve marketability of the cattle they sell, market options for feeder cattle.

Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being. Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.

Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.

Gain knowledge of best management practices to reduce end product defects by learning about: proper injection techniques and locations, proper handling techniques.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: increased awareness of general herd/flock management.

Indicator: Number of participants in "Master" programs and/or Master Horseman.

Method: Session evaluation forms.

Intermediate Outcome: Increased soil and forage testing to improve farm profitability.

Indicator: Soil and forage test numbers.

Method: New producers using the service.

Long-term Outcome: Producers save money by making better marketing decisions.

Indicator: Number of producers using future and option markets, number of cattle involved in retained ownership programs.

Method: Program data sets.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Producers

Project or Activity: Advanced Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: Four sessions of 4 hours each, lecture and hands-on basic principle topics

Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, County Agents, Allied Industry personnel, program materials, AV equipment, KBN

Date: 2022

Audience: Horse owners

Project or Activity:   Horse College

Content or Curriculum: 4 sessions of 3 hours each, lecture and hands-on basic equine management principles

Inputs: UK Horse Specialists, County Agents, program materials, AV equipment, course materials, allied industry personnel.

Date: Winter 2022

Audience: Feeder Calf Producers and Allied Industry Personnel

Project or Activity: Pasture-to-Plate Beef Retained Ownership Program

Content or Curriculum: Feedlot and Carcass Testing, Producer Tours

Inputs: Producers, County Agents, Iowa State University, Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Coop, Feedlots, Beef Processing Plants, UK and ISU Specialists, USDA-ARS

Date: Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021

Audience:  Beef Cattle Producers

Project or Activity:  Feeder Cattle Grading and Body Condition Scoring Demonstration

Content or Curriculum:  Actual On-Site Demonstration with live animals at Livestock Events Center

Inputs:  USDA Ag Market Graders, UK Specialists, Agents, HCCA, Stockyards Buyers, Program Materials, KDA graders, LEC, Inmates

Date:  October 2021

Success Stories