Lyon County CES

Title:

Livestock Production

MAP:

Livestock Production

Agents Involved:

Jay Stone

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

Situation:

Livestock and other products from 98 farms in Lyon County contribute the 22% of the market value for agricultural sales for a total of $1,322,00. There were 4,072 head of cattle and calves in the 2018 Ag Statistics Report. Hay was harvested on 5,500 acres. profit margins are tight for beef cattle operations. Many opportunities exist to improve forage production, nutrition including energy and minerals, genetics and improve reproduction. Farmers will improve animal health and reproduction, improve forage yields and quality and increase calving and weaning rates to improve profitability.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Forage quality improved on forage samples, reproductive rate and calving rates improved increasing income to beef cattle producers.

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment and maintenance practices.

Producers implementing managed grazing practices.

Genetics matched to management and the environment.

Increased days of grazing.

Increased marketing opportunities.

Reduced environmental impact.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers implementing changes in production, utilizing practices shown to be advantageous through research. 

Farmers following soil fertility recommendations. 

Use of diagnostic services to identify weeds.

Trail of alternative or improved forages for grazing or forage production.

Improved body condition scores.

Use of alternative forage species to fill gaps.

Improved managed grazing.

Implement controlled breeding and improve production efficiency.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers participating in forage testing and beef cattle meetings, webinars and programs.

Awareness of forage variety trial information, understanding of how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species, enhanced knowledge of grazing management, awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding to minimize losses, understanding of pasture renovation and forage establishment practices.

How to read a feed tag

Vaccination protocols understanding

Early recognition of calving problems, managing dystocia

Understanding body condition scoring.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers understanding vaccination protocols, feed tags, understanding of calving problems, body condition scoring. Two farmers participating in Merk/UK Deworming Study gain a better understanding of the effectiveness of the dewormer they are using.

Indicator: Participation in manure sampling, webinars, forage testing, meetings.

Method: survey, manure sampling

Timeline: Winter

Intermediate Outcome: Alternative forages planted, improvements in yields

Indicator: Alternative forages utilized, yield increases, management changes 

Method: Individual reports

Timeline: Annually

Long-term Outcome: Improved herd health, forage quality and quantity, improved income.

Indicator: Practices implemented, animal health, farmer income

Method: Survey, farmer discussions.

Timeline: Winter 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef and forage producers

Project or Activity: Improve forage quality and quantity

Content or Curriculum: Grazing management, variety selection, fertility management, harvest and storage methods.

Inputs: Forage testing, soil testing, farm visits, newsletters, webinars, farm field days, winter meetings.

Date: Year round.

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Herd health and reproduction improved

Content or Curriculum: Genetics, mineral nutrition, herd breeding management

Inputs: Webinars, newsletters, Facebook postings, individual discussions, use ofX10D app.

Date: Spring 2024

Success Stories