Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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Trigg County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Livestock and Forage Production
Agents Involved:
Graham Cofield
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Dairy
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Soil testing
Situation:

Kentucky has the largest Beef Herd east of the Mississippi and ranks 3rd in head/square mile in the U.S. Beef, Livestock and Forages are a big deal for KY. Over the next several years producers face many challenges, commodity prices have backed off from highs in 2014, however so have our cattle prices. Producers over the next few years will be faced with shrinking margins as well as increased regulations on water quality. This makes it all the more important for producers to learn how to be better stewards of the land and resources while still optimizing their herd and forage performance.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for livestock producers


Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area


Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock


Sustainability of farm


Long term viability


Producers save money by making better selection decisions.


Improved herd quality


Increased profits of operation


Increased days of grazing


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


Improved animal welfare


Sell value-added heifers


Improved end product quality and food safety


Enhanced profitability by selling value-added calves

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


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


Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency


Test forage for nutritional quality


Utilize a complete mineral supplement program


Make EPD and selection decisions to fit management and environment


Better utilize forage


Develop an ag water quality plan


Develop streamside buffers to prevent water runoff


Intercede seed clover/legumes into fescue


Consider LRP, futures or options to limit risk (call agent, broker or specialist, as needed)


Utilize a risk management tool


Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities


Reduce the use of electric prods


Alter the type/quality of cattle purchased for herd


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


Participate in KBN marketing programs (CPH, MAG 60)


Utilize knowledge to become competitive in the market.


Incorporate breakeven analysis when purchasing/selling cattle.


Improve heifer development


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

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


Participants become certified KY Master Cattleman


Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.


Increased in-depth knowledge or new information related to:

-reproduction

-genetics

-nutrition

-end product

-economics and marketing


Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Beef Producers learn about herd management, Marketing their cattle, improving forage quality.

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting changes in knowledge or skills to improve environmental quality and sustainability

Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews

Timeline: pre/post programs


Intermediate Outcome: Beef Producers will improve production practices through: improved herd management( breeding seasons, proper mineral program), improving forage quality, improving marketing methods (CPH ect.)

Indicator: Number of Producers adopting practices recommended by extension, utilizing new marketing opportunities, adding additional conservation practices to current production practices.

Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews

Timeline: pre/post programs


Long-term Outcome: Beef Producers will increase profitability through improved management and marketing practices, improve herd quality, sell value added cattle, increase grazing days.

Indicator: Number of producers participating in CPH, bred heifer sale, completing an ag water quality plan.

Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews

Timeline: pre/post programs

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Producers

Project or Activity: Cattlemen's meetings

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK specialists and Publications

Date: Spring and Fall yearly


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Cattlemen's mineral program

Content or Curriculum: UK IRM recommendations

Inputs: UK specialists, Agent

Date: January, May, September yearly


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen Program

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists/ UK publications

Inputs: Beef Specialists, Agents, Volunteers, Program Materials, KY beef Network.

Date: Fall yearly


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Farm Tour

Inputs: UK specialists Recommendations, Agents, Volunteers

Timeline: July yearly


Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Ag Appreciation Dinner

Inputs: UK Pubs, UK specialists

Timeline: March yearly




Success Stories

CPH- 45

Author: Samuel Cofield

Major Program: Beef

CPH-45The tag line on the CPH-45 website states: “The Kentucky Certified Pre-Conditioned for Health (CPH-45) program was created with the support of Kentucky's 38,000 beef producers generating a proven track record. This premium program has increased the quality and value of Kentucky beef cattle ensuring that CPH-45 calves can be bought with confidence.”  No doubt the CPH program has improved KY cattle and it’s helped our backgrounders and feedlots but it’s impac

Full Story

Beef Solutions Cow Marketing

Author: Samuel Cofield

Major Program: Beef

2024 Marks the 4th year of Trigg County Extension partnering with the Kentucky Beef Network through Beef Solutions.   KY Cattlemen's Ground Beef is a branded beef launched by Beef Solutions a partner with the Ky Cattlemen's association.  Most cattle producers have heard of Ky Cattlemen's Ground beef, seen it on the shelf at Krogers or read about it in the Cow Country News. Beef Solutions buys cull cows from Ky farm families who are all BQCA trained producers, committed to e

Full Story

TCCA mineral order

Author: Samuel Cofield

Major Program: Beef

The Trigg County Cooperative Extension Service in Cooperation with the Trigg County Cattlemen's Association partnered to help livestock producers better manage their herds and meet their individual goals.  One way we help producers is through our IRM mineral program.  Three times each year the ANR agent in cooperation with a committee of Cattlemen’s members collects bids from local feed suppliers on free choice minerals formulated per the UK IRM specs.  The best prices a

Full Story
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