Improved Management Practices, Animal Science, Grain & Forage CropsPlan of Work

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Meade County CES

Title:
Improved Management Practices, Animal Science, Grain & Forage Crops
MAP:
Sustainable Agriculture
Agents Involved:
Mills, Reed
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Grain Crops
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Situation:

With the decline in available land for farming and steep increases in production costs, farmers in the county need to become more efficient producers. Adding value to the existing commodities grown or adding value to the existing operation by diversifying is a major means of increasing net farm profit. Extension clientele realize new sources of farm income need to be explored because of their decreased revenues due to tobacco quota cuts and the drastic increase in input costs.


Due to urbanization and consumers’ demands, farmers need to be more conscientious of their practices. This along with environmental concerns have also created a necessity for the average home owner to be more diligent in how he/she manage his/her lawn and garden


Kentucky Ag Stats show that Meade County ranks in the top third in production of commodities and livestock. However, income generated falls to a much lower ranking. This indicates that optimizing farming practices by improving management skills is needed to improve net profits.


Kentucky Ag Stats has shown a decline in the number of farms in the county. However, in the past 10 years that has been an increase in gross sales of grain and livestock. The trend has been and should continue to be more efficient with productions which should lead to higher profits.


While Kentucky’s population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore, the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact that it makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the commonwealth.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Meade County Farmers will increase profits from grain, beef cattle, and/or horticulture.

Maximize profits for commercial ag producer

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of intensively managed crop production systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing IPM practices

Increase positive opinion of GMO/Conventional production of non-farm individuals

Reduction of crop injury due to pesticide application

Improved farm economic status

Sustainability of farm

Long term viability

Producers save money by making better selection decisions.

Reduce expenses

Improved herd quality

Increased profits of operation

Improved farm economic status

Sustainability of farm

Long term viability

Producers save money by making informed selection decisions

Reduce expenses

Improved herd quality

Increased profits of calves

Long term viability

Producers save money by making informed selection decisions

Incorporate multiple strategies when pricing cattle or dealing directly with buyers outside the mainstream market.

Evaluate profitability of multiple programs concerning feeder cattle type, gender, and weight, when making purchasing decisions.

Utilize the futures and options market to limit downside market risk.

Improved public animal handling image

Improved animal welfare

Improved marketing opportunities

Sell value-added heifers

Improved herd genetic management

Improved profitability and efficiency

Build the reputation and value of KY cattle

Improved end product quality and food safety

Enhanced consumer confidence

Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.

Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.

Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will use county wide variety trials as a tool in making variety selections for their grain crops.

Producers will use more artificial insemination as part of their breeding program in their beef herds.

Landowners will soil test and learn the correct crop for the topography, soil type, as well as the wildlife.

More food producers will learn to grow, harvest, and market fruits and vegetables.

Increase producers awareness of animal welfare.

Successfully complete livestock PAT and training workers in worker protection standards (WPS)

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, livestock diseases

Use diagnostic, agent, specialist, veterinarians, UK VDL recommendations

Compare chemical options based on time, availability, cost, companion tactics

Designing effective administration schedules

Evaluate chemical storage, handling, and disposal

Adopt one or more storage, handling, disposal recommendations

Adopt recommended administration techniques

Record chemical use, frequency, timing

Posting signage for recently applied chemicals

Selecting materials based on REI, PHI, pre-slaughter intervals, milk and meat withdrawals, honey

Beekeepers communicate with neighboring pesticide applicators

Adopt usage of new technology for crop production

Maximize awareness of GMO/Organic Production

Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds

Adopt one or more fertility management recommendations

Implementation of on-farm trials

Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency

Test forage for nutritional quality

Utilize a complete mineral supplement program

Implement crossbreeding program

Make EPD and selection decisions

Implement practices to perform examinations of pelvic areas, reproductive tract scores, AI, pregnancy diagnosis, and/or animal evaluation

Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.

Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.

Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.

Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.

Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.

Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.

Producers will increase the total pounds of feeder calves weaned and sold.

Wildlife conservationists will follow recommendations for fertilizer and lime as well as crop selection to ensure success in establishment and optimum yield of wildlife food plot.

Producers will attend meetings and trainings for fruit and vegetable production and marketing and then apply what they have learned.

Demonstrate proper use of pesticides and antibiotics

Demonstrate proper use of sprayers and equipment calibration

Identify active ingredients in chemical products and relate to modes of action

Read and comprehend directions for applying chemicals (timing, application conditions)

Name 2 or more companion tactics to be used alongside chemical approaches (incl. manure mgmt.)

Observe proper chemical handling, storage, and cleanup in home, farm, or business

Chemical selection, mixing, compatibility

Understanding IPM (triggers, thresholds, etc.)

Awareness of concern due to antibiotic resistance in livestock chemicals

Proper identification of livestock diseases

Increase homeowner/general public awareness of safe livestock medication procedures (pets?)Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.

Producers will increase the total pounds of feeder calves weaned and sold.

Wildlife conservationists will follow recommendations for fertilizer and lime as well as crop selection to ensure success in establishment and optimum yield of wildlife food plot.

Producers will attend meetings and trainings for fruit and vegetable production and marketing and then apply what they have learned.

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grain crop production

Identification of IPM practices for grain crops production

Increase understanding of production regulations

Understanding BioTech traits

Understanding importance of and frame work of on-farm trials

Understanding of Organic vs Conventional crop production

Increase non-farm public understanding of BioTechnology/Organic/ Conventional grains crop production

Identify active ingredients in crop related ag products

Identify herbicide resistant pests and strategies to overcome these pests

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

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.

Acquire knowledge about heifer development

Acquire knowledge about proper bull selection, breeding soundness exams and production requirements based on Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs).

Acquire knowledge on crossbreeding programs.

Gain knowledge of best management practices to reduce end product defects by learning about:

-proper injection techniques and locations

-proper recordkeeping to ensure adequate withdrawal time

-proper handling techniques

Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.

Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.

Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, recordkeeping, leadership and service.

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Meade County Farmers will increase profits from grain and beef cattle.

Indicator: Agricultural statistical farm income numbers

Method: monitoring ag stats, survey

Timeline: May 2016 - February 2017


Intermediate Outcome: * Producers will use county wide variety trials as a tool in making variety selections for their grain crops.

* Producers will use more artificial insemination as part of their breeding program in their beef herds.

Indicator: Feedback from published collected data, Seed and Semen dealers and sales representatives’ reports.

Method: Farm visits, producer questions, and number of inquiries on results

Timeline: May 2016 - February 2020


Initial Outcome: * Producers will make variety selections based on county trial results.

* Producers will increase the total pounds of feeder calves weaned and sold.

Indicator: Seed Dealers sales, weaning weight projects results and comparison

Method: Seed dealer visits, weighing calves

Timeline: November 2016 - November 2020


Intermediate Outcome: More food producers will learn to grow, harvest, and market fruits and vegetables.

Indicator: number of people attending horticulture meetings.

Method:

Timeline: May 2016 - February 2020


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will demonstrate a skill learned through a 4-H ANR project or program.

Indicator: Total number of youth who reflect on a skill that was learned and improved by participating in a 4-H ANR project, program, event or activity.

Method: 4-H Animal Project Record Book

Timeline: Throughout program year, July 2019 - June 2020


Intermediate Outcome: You will keep accurate records, performance or financial, on their 4-H animal science project.

Indicator: The number of youth that keep production, performance or financial records on their 4-H animal science projects.

Method: 4-H Animal Project Record Book

Timeline: Throughout program year, July 2019 - June 2020


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will set a goal and accomplish it

Indicator: Total number of youth who report setting a goal and accomplishing it.

Method: Evaluation

Timeline: Throughout program year, July 2019 - June 2020


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will demonstrate an understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.

Indicator: Total number of youth who reflect on their understanding of the role of agriculture in the production of food and fiber.

Method: Evaluation

Timeline: Throughout program year, July 2019 - June 2020

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Grain Farmers and Seed Dealers

Project or Activity: County Wide grain variety trial plots

Content or Curriculum: test plot guidelines, data collection and published results

Inputs: collaboration with seed dealers, farm machinery, producers cooperation with time, machinery, and land, seed donations, weigh wagon.

Date: April - December


Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses

Project or Activity: Ag Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Data collection and results

Inputs: collaboration with Conservation District, Agribusinesses, Meade County Young Farmers, Meade County Cattlemen's Association, Meade County Homemakers, Lincoln trail Antique Tractor Club, University of KY Extension Specialists, farm machinery, producers cooperation with time, machinery, and land, seed donations.

Date: August 2017


Audience: Grain and Beef Producers, Agribusinesses

Project or Activity: Winter meetings

Content or Curriculum: Data collection and results

Inputs: University of KY Extension Specialists, Published trials and test plot results.

Date: November - March


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club Meetings (Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep, Rabbit, Poultry, Country Ham)

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for animal science projects and KY Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Manuals and Kits, Livestock Discovery CD, Meats & Livestock Materials & Handouts CD

Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Horse Certified Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialist, local animal science supporters

Date: Monthly, September 2018 - June 2020


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock "It's Your Reality" for 4-H Animal Science Club Members (Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep)

Content or Curriculum: Livestock Reality Store Materials

Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Horse Certified Volunteers, parents, extension staff, extension specialist, local animal science supporters

Date: Winter 2019-2020


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Animal Science Club (Beef, Swine, Goat, Sheep) Mandatory Meeting & Skill-a-thon Event

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for animal science projects and KY Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Manuals and Kits, Livestock Discovery CD, Meats & Livestock Materials & Handouts CD will serve as resources for development of questions for skill-a-thon.  Meade County 4-H/FFA/Fair Auction Committee and KY KDA Shows will establish paperwork for mandatory meeting.

Inputs: 4-H Livestock/Horse Certified Volunteers, extension staff

Date: Spring 2020


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Embryology Program

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Chick Embryology Curriculum

Inputs: school personnel, extension agents, local volunteers

Date: Spring 2020


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Demonstration Farm

Content or Curriculum: Beef IRM Plan

Inputs: Beef Producers, Volunteers, UK Beef Specialists, Meade County Cattleman's Assoc.

Date: Winter 2016-2020


Audience: Beef Producers/Agribusiness dealers/Community leaders

Project or Activity: Beef and Forage Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Field Plots and Trials

Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, ANR agent, local beef producers

Date: Winter 2016-2018




Success Stories

Heavy Use Areas

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Farm Management

At the end of every winter -beef producer are left with a problem area where cattle were fed hay all season. These heavy use areas are normally compacted very rough from cattle track ruts, and normally covered in weeds. These areas, depending on the number of cattle fed, can range from one acre up to four acres. Usually starting in December the animals will be placed back in thee heavy use area to start the winter feeding again. Most cattle are not removed from these areas until April and it tak

Full Story

Youth Beef Field Day

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Beef

History has demonstrated that recommended agriculture practices that are new and are a change from the norm do not happen at a high rate among adult producers. Therefore, educating our youth with this recommended research based practices carries over in to their farming operations when they become adults. Because of them this ANR agent collaborated with the two county ag teachers and a local beef producer to host a mini beef field day for high school student interested in animal science. Sixty-s

Full Story

Agricultural Field Day

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Sustainable Agriculture

The purpose of the Meade County Ag Field Day is to educate farmers and landowners on improved agricultural practices that are economically safe to the environment.  Meade County has a tradition of holding a field day on a local farm and producers expect the Extension Office to implement it. For many years now the Meade County Extension Office collaborates with the Meade County Conservation District and the Natural Resource and Conservation Service to plan and host an Ag Field Day every othe

Full Story

Stocker Operation Development

Author: Andy Mills

Major Program: Beef

With the cattle market so volatile, especially for the cow calf operators, producers are looking to diversify their operation. A few producers in the county are wanting to start stocker operations. This will allow them to background their feeder calves longer when the market is low. It will also allow them to buy other feed calves and try to add value to them while feeding them over a four to six month period. this ANR agent has made several farm visits to these operators bringing in University

Full Story
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