LaRue County CES

Title:

Sustainable Livestock Production

MAP:

Livestock Production

Agents Involved:

A. Thomas

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

According to the Agriculture Census data, LaRue County’s total value of livestock sales in 2017 was $8,681,000. That is a massive economic impact on a small county like LaRue. Although grain production has spread rapidly throughout the county, there are still more acres devoted livestock production in the county. Programs that enhance soil quality and health, livestock quality and health, economic profitability, and natural resource conservation are important components to ensuring the sustainability of our farmers.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Farmers will adopt integrated systems of animal and plant production which sustain and/or enhance the profitability of their agricultural enterprise. Production methods learned from extension programming will increase the amount of commodities produced.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will utilize new management and marketing skills learned from Cooperative Extension Service programs that can increase agricultural enterprise profitability. More farmers will make decisions to work on estate plans which will help sustain their operations for future generations.  

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will learn new marketing techniques for livestock and forage production.

Producers will understand ways of controlling their input costs more effectively

Producers will learn new management tools that they can use to increase efficiency and effectiveness on their agricultural enterprise.

Producers will learn ways to diversify their livestock operations. 

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcomes: Individuals implement production practices learned during educational activities to increase profitability

Indicator: Number of practices adopted and implemented

Method: Post evaluations and follow up surveys

Timeline: 6-8 weeks after educational activity

Initial Outcome: Gained knowledge in the areas of animal husbandry and production practices. Producers will learn about best management & production practices

Indicator: Individuals state they gained knowledge and aspire to implement practices on their farm

Method: Post educational activity evaluation

Timeline: Throughout the year

Long-term Outcomes: Farmers will be more profitable by applying learned marketing strategies and production practices

Indicator: Number of participants who adopt recommended practices and impact increased profitability

Method: Evaluations, follow up surveys and testimony

Timeline: On going

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality and Care Assurance Trainings

Content or Curriculum: Best Management Practices and Consumer Confidence

Inputs: BQA manual, facilities

Date: Winter

Audience: Beef Producers, Industry Representatives

Project or Activity: Beef Field Day

Content or Curriculum: cover crops, herd health, health facilities, agronomic practices

Inputs: Farm operator, facilities, sponsors, tables, av equipment

Date: October

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Educational Beef Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, health, marketing, policies

Inputs: Agents time, facilities, sponsors, industry reps, volunteers, specialists

Date: Monthly

Audience: Small Ruminant Producers

Project or Activity: Educational Small Ruminant Meetings

Content or Curriculum: 

Nutrition, health, marketing, policies

Inputs: Agents time, facilities, sponsors, industry reps, volunteers, specialists

Date: Monthly

Audience: Crop & Livestock Producers

Project or Activity: Rinse & Return

Content or Curriculum: Proper disposal of pesticide containers

Inputs: KDA staff, facilities, advertisements, volunteers

Date: June

Audience: Homeowners, Crop & Livestock Producers

Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicators Training

Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Safety, Worker Protection Standards,

recordkeeping, Understanding Pesticide Labels, crop related pests,

restricted use pesticides

Inputs: Facilities, videos, publications

Date: December – March

Audience: Commercial Producers and Horticulture Enthusiasts 

Project or Activity: Media Appearances via Podcasts, Radio, and Newspaper

Content or Curriculum: Up-to-date information for producers

Inputs: Promotional materials, visual aids, recording equipment

Date: Ongoing throughout the year

Success Stories