Enhancement of Beef Production
Livestock Production
Carpenter
Beef
Forages
Farm Management
Ag Marketing
LaRue County ranks thirty-third among the state’s counties in the number of beef cattle and is the number one commodity in the county. Phase 1 money for beef producers has improved and created additional interest in beef production,as has current high prices. Local beef producers have received over $1,000,000 in grant funding. The county beef association meets monthly with Educational programs planned by a program committee. The group also is active in beef production promotion. Over 100 beef producers are currently BQA certified. Over 90 producers have participated in the Master Cattlemen Program. Several participate in CPH Sales and retained ownership programs. CPH calves average $35.00 premium over non-CPH calves. Producers actively support beef through cooks and other community activities. Marketing options are being investigated by some more progressive producers. Beef programming is directed by Beef Association Directors, beef producers and beef program committee.
LaRue County beef producers to achieve greater profitability through improved sustainable and environmentally sound livestock management practices, better marketing, and product promotion.
Beef producers will use better bulls and heifers
Beef producers will practice better management on their cow-calf herds.
Producers will increase income through planned marketing.
Through monthly beef educational meetings, newsletters, field days, and other beef educational opportunities beef producers will learn the principles and skills needed to achieve improved beef production.
Outcome: Use of better bulls
Indicator: Improved genetics
Evaluation Method: Survey
When: Spring
Outcome: Increased knowledge of Beef Production
Indicator: Attendance at Beef Educational Programs; CAIP Education
Evaluation Method: Surveys
When: May
Outcome: Use of Marketing Alternatives
Indicator: Income Compared to Traditional Marketing Methods
Evaluation Method: Personal Contact
When: Autumn
Activity: Beef Association Activities
Content or Curriculum: Cooks, Promotions, Community Service, Scholarships
Inputs: Volunteers
When: Monthly, except for June and july
Activity: Educational Programs; CAIP Educational Programs
Content or Curriculum: Beef Management and Marketing
Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, Extension Specialists, Industry
When: July-June
Activity: County Fair Beef Show
Content or Curriculum: Quality Animals
Inputs: Volunteers, County Fair Grounds, Agr. Businesses
When: June
Activity: Training for Producer Certifications
Content or Curriculum: BQA
Inputs: Training Materials for BQA
When: Fall through Spring
Activity: Beef Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Management Practices
Inputs: Farm Cooperator, Volunteers
When: October
Activity: Master Cattlemen Program
Content or Curriculum: Ten Sessions on Beef
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Leaders
When: March-November
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Forages
Master HaymakerMajor Program: ForagesIn LaRue County, livestock represent the largest sector of agriculture. Hay is a crucial part of livestock systems in LaRue County. In 2018 we experienced one of the wettest years on record and it made producing high quality high very difficult. That fact, along with the muddy conditions throughout the fall and winter made for multiple cattle losses. LaRue and Hardin County ANR agents worked together to develop a curriculum tailored to our area and used exper
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Beef
Local cattlemen's association programs held this year included: Livestock risk protection and options, High Moisture Hay and Baleage, Mineral Requirements, Cattle Marketing Options, Beef Cuts and Healthy Recipes, Pre Conditioning and Backgrounding Calves. 88% said they attend local cattlemen's events to lean more about the cattle industry. 93% said that attending cattlemens meetings at the extension office have helped improve efficiency in their farming operations, and topics