Marion County CES

Title:

Improving Profitability and Sustainability of Livestock and Crop Production

MAP:

Promoting Commodities

Agents Involved:

Kessler, Ford, Hill

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Ag Water Quality Program

Situation:

According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture Marion County had 1016 farming operations encompassing approximately 166,000 acres of land. These farms had total sales of approximately $56 Million. Of the farms, 870 grew crops on approximately 70,000 acres. Over half of the farms in the county raise livestock with the primary type being a beef cow/calf raising operation. Low prices for crops for several years and rapidly falling cattle prices have made it a challenge for farmers to make money. While profit has become a challenge, farmers want and need to continue to operate in a sustainable manner that minimizes impacts on the environment.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Low cost, profitable farms will survive and provide good living situations for farm families. Farms that emphasize environmental sustainability will have the ability to preserve resources far into the future. Emphasis on soil and water quality and preservation will allow these farms to succeed.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers adopt new practices that lead to more efficient and sustainable operations. Farm incomes and environmental quality improve.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will be educated in practices emphasizing operational efficiency and environmental stewardship. Some of these practices include: rotational grazing, ration balancing, forage utilization and testing, soil testing, time management, record keeping and water quality preservation through emphasis on proper chemical, soil preservation and nutrient management practices.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers increase knowledge and implementation efficient and sustainable practices in agriculture
Indicator: Number of farmers educated in efficient sustainable practices
Method: Interviews, verbal comments, and written evaluations
Timeline: 12 months

Intermediate Outcome: Farms adopt efficient, sustainable practices
Indicator: Number of farms adopting practices
Method: Interviews, verbal comments, and written evaluations
Timeline: 36 months

Long-term Outcome: Profitable farms survive into the future
Indicator: Profitability, number of farms, environmental quality
Method: Interviews, verbal comments, and written evaluations
Timeline: 5 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Cattle Farmers

Project or Activity: Master Cattleman

Content or Curriculum: Lecture and hands on education

Inputs: Specialists, County Agent

Date: fall 2016/spring 2017 - Will complete in July 2017

Audience: Grain Farmers

Project or Activity: Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Demonstrate efficient and sustainable practices

Inputs: Specialists, county agent, local farm operation

Date: summer 2018

Audience: Marion County Farmers and Citizens

Activity: Newspaper article

Content or Curriculum: Livestock, tobacco, crop and home and commercial horticulture issues

Inputs: Information from specialists, County Agent

Date: Weekly