Extension
It Starts With Us
Local Commodities Provide Agriculture Income
Supporting Food Systems, Forage, and Livestock Production
Shane Bogle, Rhonda Jewell, Ashley Board
Beef
Forages
Local Food Systems
Agriculture
Unfortunately, for many, there is a disconnect between the food we eat and where that food comes from. Today’s society lacks understand regarding agriculture production and processing (Speilmaker and Leising, 2013) One of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Services initiatives is to increase awareness of the impact agriculture has on his or her daily life.
Caldwell County cattle inventories have remained fairly consistent in the last two years. Lower commodity prices and loss of premiums for quality beef have suppressed growth.
Caldwell has seen an increase in specialized production for beef and pork to meet a niche market including, farmers markets direct to restaurants and freezer beef and port operations. Beef profits are still limited because of “old school” techniques producers are slow to let go. Year round calving, poor pasture and hay management, and lack of record keeping to name a few. Covid-19 has added extra burdens on beef markets slowing profits statewide. Increase in quality forage/haylage production expenditures has added educational opportunities.
The equine industry is still thriving in Caldwell and a highly skilled workforce is needed. Educational opportunities are available to the youth of the county allowing them to explore careers in both livestock and the equine industry.
*Beef producers will increase profitability through improved nutrition, herd health and genetics.
*Beef producers will increase profitability through better management of forage systems and improved forage and feed storage facilities.
*Beef producers will keep accurate records of birth and weaning weights, sales receipts and follow better marketing protocols.
*Equine producers will better utilize Extension programs to expand and promote horses in Kentucky.
*Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
*Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through their experiences in 4-H.
*Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
*Individuals will be agriculturally literate.
*Increase membership in Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association.
*Beef producers will utilize forage and soil testing services to make better management decisions.
*Beef producers will utilize improved marketing such as the CPH-45 sales, brad hiefer sales.
*Beef producers will participate in cost share programs through the CAIP (Phase I).
*Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily lives to others.
*Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
*Public will be come aware of importance of agriculture in community.
*Beef producers will understand the benefits of CPH-45 sales as well as the UK bred heifer sales.
*Beef producers will understand the importance of Beef Quality Assurance in the sellers market.
*Beef producers will participate in the Phase I cost share programs
*Equine producers will utilize UK Programs to be better stewards.
*Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.
*Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
*Individuals will gain knowledge and skills of food and fiber in areas of animal and food sciences and plant and soil science.
Initial Outcome: Producers will understand the benefits of beef and forage education programs
Indicator: number of producers reporting change in knowledge
Method: farm visits, success stories, observations
Timeline: ongoing
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will utilize forage and soil testing services to make better management decisions
Indicator: number of producers utilizing forage and soil testing services
Method: observation, farm visits, success stories
Timeline: ongoing
Long-term Outcome: Producers will increase profitability through improved nutrition, herd health, and genetics
Indicator: number of producers reporting increased profitability
Method: farm visits, observation, success stories
Timeline: ongoing
Audience: Community Members
Project or Activity: Beef Preparation Workshop
Content or Curriculum: Plate it Up Kentucky Proud, MyPlate
Inputs: UK Specialists, KY Cattlemen's Association, SNAP
Date: 2024-2025
Audience:
Project or Activity: Equine Short Course
Content or Curriculum: UK/Industry Specialists
Inputs: Horse College
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: CPH-45
Content or Curriculum: UK
Inputs: UK
Date: Fall, Summer ongoing
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance
Content or Curriculum: UK
Inputs: UK
Date: Yearly as needed
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Caldwell/Lyon Cattlemen's Association
Content or Curriculum: UK and Industry professionals
Inputs: UK/local supporters
Date: Spring/summer/fall each year
Audience: 4-H Livestock Club
Project or Activity: Livestock Judging
Content or Curriculum: UK
Inputs: UK/local supporters
Date: Spring -Summer 2025
Audience: Youth ages 9-18 with Livestock interests
Project or Activity: Livestock and Equine Workforce Prep
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Volunteers and certified leaders
Date: Spring 2025
Audience: Caldwell County Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Vet Science
Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Dr. Stan Rogers, Dr. Luna, volunteers
Date: February 2025
Audience: Equine Producers
Project: NRCS Pasture Improvement Project (3 Farms)
Content: UK Forage Specialists/NRCS Regulations
Inputs: UK, NRCS
Date: 2024-2025 On-going
Audience: Caldwell County Youth
Project: Livestock Skillathon
Content: KY 4-H Livestock curriculum
Inputs: Certified Volunteer Leaders
Date: October 2024-February 2025
Audience: Caldwell County Beef Farmers
Project: IRM Mineral Purchase Program
Content: UK IRM Mineral Bulk Producation
Inputs: UK IRM
Date: Ongoing 2024-2025
