Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancing Sustainable Livestock and Forage Production
Sustainable Production and Marketing of Agriculture Products
FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent, Program Assistant, NEP/SNAP assistants
Beef
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
With 62,414 acres in pastureland and 29,012 acres in forage production (69.3% of total cropland), the United Producers Stockyard and the Kentucky Beef Network's Eden Shale Research and Demonstration Farm, Owen County is uniquely suited for growing forage and grazing livestock. Because of its critical importance to the Owen County agriculture economy, it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Educational programs are targeted to equip Owen County beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.
Participants will:
* Improved public animal handling image
* Improved animal welfare
* Improved marketing opportunities
* Build the reputation and value of Owen County cattle
* Improved end-product quality and food safety
* Enhanced consumer confidence
* Producers save money by making better selection decisions
* Enhanced profitability by selling value-added calves
* Improved economic status and sustainability of beef farms
Participants will:
* Utilize basic principles of dystocia and manage to avoid it
* Use proper cattle handling and movement techniques
* Construct a cattle handling facility
* Utilize proper euthanasia techniques
* Use proper transportation practices
* Reduce the use of electronic prods, pipes, and sticks for moving animals
* Calculate and properly time for castration and dehorning to minimize animal stress
* Utilize body condition scoring to manage nutrition of animals
* Appraise management practice changes; employ record systems to track drug use, vaccines, chemicals, feed additives, and the movement of cattle on and off operations
* Have access to premium markets
* Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management
* Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency
* Test forage for nutritional quality
* Provide a complete mineral supplement program
* Implement cross breeding program
* Make EPD and targeted selection decisions to capitalize on a value-added product
Participants will:
* Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being
* Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.
* Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal
* Gain knowledge of best management practices to reduce end-product defects.
* Analyze and evaluate cattleman practices
* Increased in-depth knowledge or new information related to:
* Reproduction
* genetics
* nutrition
* health
* end product
* general herd management
* economics and marketing
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of improved production technologies and marketing opportunities
Indicator: Number of individuals reporting changes in knowledge, opinions, skills or aspirations related to forage and livestock production
Method: pre/post-tests, phone conversations
Timeline: April-May (2020-2025)
Intermediate Outcome: Implementation of new technologies and participation in new marketing opportunities
Indicator: Number of producers utilizing new technologies and marketing opportunities introduced by Extension
Method: Phone calls, Home and farm visits, questionnaires
Timeline: Ongoing (2020-2025)
Long-term Outcome: New forage and livestock production systems which are profitable serve as teaching tools for others
Indicator: Number of homeowners and producers self-reporting an increase in profits as a result of adopting one or more practices recommended by Extension
Method: Surveys, home, and farm visits
Timeline: Ongoing (2020-2025)
Initial Outcome: Producers will improve their animal husbandry and improve meat quality
Audience: Owen County Beef and Forage Producers
Project or Activity: Cattle Handling and Care and Beef Quality Assurance Certification Classes
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations developed by Agents, and UK Forage & Livestock Specialist
Inputs: Publications, Agent, UK Animal Science, and Forage Specialists, guest speakers, video, live presentations, & online courses. ANR Agent, Program Assistant
Date: On-going (2020-2025)
Initial Outcome: Producers will understand and improve how to become better backgrounders
Audience: Owen County Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Feeder Calf Grading School @ United Producers Stockyard
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations developed by Agents, and UK Forage & Livestock Specialist
Inputs: Publications, Agent, UK Animal Science, and Forage Specialists, guest speakers, live presentations, and demonstrations. ANR Agent, Program Assistant
Date: Fall (2020-2025)
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will be able to better understand and improver their forages
Audience: Owen County Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Grazing School
Content or Curriculum: Research-based approved publications and presentations developed by Agents, and UK Forage & Livestock Specialist
Inputs: Publications, UK Animal Science and Forage Specialists, guest speakers, live presentations, and demonstrations. ANR Agent, Program Assistant
Date: May (2020-2025)
Intermediate Outcome: Producers will be able to improve their herdsman skills
Audience: Owen County Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen Program
Content or Curriculum: 10 Educational Sessions with presentations developed by UK Beef Forage, Nutrition, Genetics and Health Specialist
Inputs: Publications, Agent, UK Animal Science, and Forage Specialists, guest speakers, live presentations, and demonstrations. ANR Agent, Program Assistant
Date: September-November (2020-2025)
Initial Outcome: Youth will learn herdsman skills responsibility, and, improve their communication skills
Audience: Youth 9-19 interested in livestock projects
Project or Activity: Livestock Judging, Livestock Showing, 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale, Country Ham Projects, Horse Club, Horse Judging/Horse Bowl
Content or Curriculum:4-H Livestock Leaders' Handbook
Inputs: Certified Livestock Leaders. ANR Agent, Program Assistant
Date: September -June (2020-2025)
