Local Commodities Provide Agriculture IncomePlan of Work

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Caldwell County CES

Title:
Local Commodities Provide Agriculture Income
MAP:
Supporting Food Systems, Forage, and Livestock Production
Agents Involved:
Shane Bogle, Rhonda Jewell, Ashley Board
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Local Food Systems
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Agriculture
Situation:

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. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

*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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

*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.

Initial Outcomes:

*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.

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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

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