McLean County CES

Title:

Livestock Production

MAP:

Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County

Agents Involved:

Gabby Seymour

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Sustainable Agriculture

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

KSU Small Farm Program

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Forages

Situation:

With a decrease in crop commodity prices, many farmers are looking to diversify their operation by adding livestock. McLean County already has a large amount of livestock, but it continues to grow. There is also a large interest in livestock production on small farms as well as people are looking to produce their own food.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for livestock producers.

Minimize environmental impact on air, soil or living area.

Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.

Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.

Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.

Implement or more BMP's for livestock production.

Identify and cut one or more unnecessary input costs.

Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.

Identify BMP's for livestock production.

Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production.

Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.

Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.

Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production.
Method: Written Evaluation, Verbal Evaluation/Discussion
Timeline: 6-12 months

Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.
Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.
Method: Written Evaluation, Observation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 1-2 years

Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.
Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.
Method: Written Evaluation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 2 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,

Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Programming

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations

Date: Yearly - Winter

Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth

Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming

Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders

Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance

Content or Curriculum: BQA Curriculum

Inputs: ANR Agents

Date: Year Round

Audience: Beef Producers

Project of Activity: Midwest Beef Summit

Content or Curriculum: Livestock Management/Cow Longevity 

Inputs: University Specialists and Industry Experts

Date: August 2017