LivestockPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Metcalfe County CES

Title:
Livestock
MAP:
Ag Awareness, Production and Marketing
Agents Involved:
Bell, Branstetter
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Dairy
Situation:

Metcalfe County is home to 30,500 head of cattle.  While milk cows do make up a small percentage of this number, 93 percent are beef cows and calves. Cattle prices have continued to decline at a rapid pace since the fall of 2015. Now, more than ever, producers must make management decisions that will allow them to continue to realize a profit.  Adding as much value to calves and marketing them in a manner that will allow them to receive top dollar is a must.  Input costs must be managed so that they are as low as possible, without compromising production and quality.


Long-Term Outcomes:

Livestock producers will be able to remain profitable and sustain their operations during a depressed market.  They will increase efficiency, decrease cost and realize a profit.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Livestock producers will implement practices that will allow them to effectively market a quality product while managing input costs. These practices could lead to better herd health, better soil health, better feed efficiency and a marketing plan tailored to their individual need.

Initial Outcomes:

Livestock producers will learn ways to improve many aspects of their operation that will allow them to produce a quality product at a lower cost in order to stay successful.

Evaluation:


Outcome: Initial 

Indicator: Knowledge gained 

Method:  Survey

Timeline: Throughout year




Outcome:  Intermediate

Indicator:  Changes made

Method:   Farm visits/ Observation

Timeline: Ongoing



Outcome:  Long Term

Indicator:  Profitability

Method:  Survey

Timeline:  Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Producers


Project or Activity:  Educational Sessions at Cattlemen’s 

Content or Curriculum: UK research

Inputs: Agents, Specialists

Date: Quarterly


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: BQCA Trainings 

Content or Curriculum: UK, BQCA

Inputs: Agents, Videos, Publications

Date: As needed throughout the year



Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Clinics 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Dairy, and Horse materials, Fitting and Showing 

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Vet and Volunteers

Date: Spring


Audience: 4-H Youth 

Project or Activity: Judging Teams

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Dairy materials, Fitting and Showing 

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, and Volunteers 

Date: on going 


Audience: 4-H Youth 

 
Project or Activity: County Ham Project Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and Clifty Farms

Inputs: Agents, Staff Support, Community Partners, Ag Development Grant Committee, Clifty Farm Staff, State Specialist and Teachers

Date: November-August

Back to Plans for the County