Increase Livestock Production in Green County
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Ricky Arnett
Beef
Farm Management
Forages
Ag Marketing
Livestock production has greatly increased in central Kentucky over the last year with the highest prices on record. There are over $13 million in gross receipts in the livestock industry in Green County annually. This has a $78 million effect on the overall economy of the rural, central Kentucky County. With a Greater demand in the livestock industry the Green County Extension Council has identified livestock production as a major concern for the coming years. Forages, marketing, management, and economics were identified as focus areas that could help the future of the livestock industry in Green County.
Due to increased efficiency on the farm and utilizing different marketing strategies, farm families will experience an increase in income, adding to their standard of living.
Producers adopt and implement new technologies in marketing and management of their farming enterprise.
Knowledge is gained by participants in the areas of management, economics, and the latest in marketing technologies.
Initial Outcome: Producer participation in educational programs
Indicator: Programs and educational materials being distributed
Method: Survey & Analysis
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Producers implementing new production and marketing strategies
Indicator: Participation in new and alternate market venues
Method: Survey & Analysis
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Increase Production and house hold income
Indicator: Increase lbs of meet sold and decrease operating cost
Method: Survey & Analysis
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Dairy Producers
Project or Activity: Center of KY Dairy Short Course
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Dry Cow Mgt, Heifer Mgt, Animal Health
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Sponsors
Date: Winter 2017/18
Audience: Dairy Producers
Project or Activity: Center of KY Dairy Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Dry Cow Mgt, Heifer Mgt, Animal Health
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Sponsors
Date: Fall 2017
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Green County Cattlemen's Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Marketing, Genetics, Retained Ownership, Mineral Programs
Inputs: Agent, Volunteers, Sponsors
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Green County Retained Ownership Program
Content or Curriculum: Ownership until slaughter
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Feedlots
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Center of KY Beef Conference
Content or Curriculum: Updates on Research and Markets
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: July 2017
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen
Content or Curriculum: UK Specialists
Inputs: Agents, Specialist
Date: 2017
Audience: Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Forage Testing
Content or Curriculum: Forage Testing Lab
Inputs: Agent, Staff, KY Dept. of Ag Lab
Date: Summer 2017
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Forage Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Quality Forages
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers, Specialists, Sponsors
Date: Fall 2017
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Soil Testing
Content or Curriculum: Soil Analysis and Fertilizer Recommendations
Inputs: Agent, Staff, UK Regulatory Services
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Phase I Cost Share Program
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: Agent, Staff, Cattlemen's Association
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Pesticide Certification
Content or Curriculum: KY Pesticide Safety Training Program
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, UK Publications
Date: Spring 2018
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance
Content or Curriculum: Herd Health Certification
Inputs: Agent, UK Publications
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Agriculture Development Council
Content or Curriculum: Planning the Investment of Local Phase I Dollars
Inputs: Agent, Ag Development Council
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Silage Plots
Content or Curriculum: Analysis on Corn Varieties
Inputs: Agent, Specialists, Sponsors, Volunteers
Date: Ongoing
Audience: All Producers
Project or Activity: Quicken Record Keeping Program
Content or Curriculum: Proper Record Keeping
Inputs: Agent, Sponsor
Date: Fall 2017
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Promoting Healthy Homes and Communities (general)
The Green County Cooperative Extension Service Council and 4-H Teen Club identified the safety of youth in agriculture and the community as a critical goal for this past year. The Cooperative Extension Service, serving as the lead organization, teamed up with the Green County Cattlemen’s Association, and solicited support from the Progressive Farmer organization. The Cooperative Extension Service recruited several other partner organizations to assist in providing educational booths on top
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Small Ruminants
In Green County, The small ruminant population is increasing at a rapid pace. With roughly one third of the farms are made up of less than 40 acres of land (USDA NASS). While this size of farm may not be very suitable for grain crops and cattle, farms of this size can support small livestock such as sheep and goat. Additionally, through improvements made in marketing options and market prices, sheep and goat are a viable option for many small farms and is more economical for most small farmers t
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Beef
With the loss of women as principal farm operators, Adair, Green and Taylor County Extension Services cooperated in conducting a state pilot Master Cattlewoman Shortcourse. The shortcourse was developed to enhance the participants’ knowledge of beef production, to network with each other and promote leadership development. Educational sessions included: Facility Design, Livestock/Environmental Concerns, Industry Resources, Health, Pasture Considerations, Forages/Nutrition and Producer