McCracken County CES

Title:

Forage and Livestock Management

MAP:

Agriculture/Horticulture

Agents Involved:

Wimberley, ANR

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Ag Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Farm Management

Situation:

Forage and Livestock management are vital to Kentucky’s Agricultural economy. As livestock margins tighten, management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance will improve long-term viability of forage-based livestock systems in the state.

Long-Term Outcomes:

-Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

-Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

-Improved soil health and reduced erosion

-Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

-Increased wildlife diversity

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

-Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

-Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

-Develop a grazing plan

-Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency

-Test forage for nutritional quality

Initial Outcomes:

-Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

-Awareness of forage variety trial information

-Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

-Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

-Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages

-Increased awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general heard management, economics and marketing

-Gain knowledge of the beef industry and information and tools to succeed in beef production

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Indicator: Number if University of Kentucky publications distributed increase.

Method: survey, personal interviews

Timeline: 3-6 months

Intermediate Outcome: Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Indicator: Number of forage soil samples received will increase

Method: Data log, survey, personal interviews

Timeline: 1 year

Intermediate Outcome: Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Indicator: Number of livestock producers report implementing at least one BMP will increase.

Method: survey, personal interviews, follow-up phone calls

Timeline: 1 year

Long-term Outcome: Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Indicator: Number of farmers submitting a soil sample and receive a "normal" soil analysis report will increase.

Method: Analyze data from soil analysis, personal interview

Timeline: 3-4 years

Long-term Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Indicator: Number of livestock producers report an increase in profit margins

Method: survey, personal interviews, follow-up calls

Timeline: 3-4 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock Producers/ Farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Programs and Newsletters

Content or Curriculum: Master Grazer & Master Cattlemen curriculum, University of Kentucky publications, KSU specialists

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research Information, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers,

Date: ongoing

Audience: Livestock Producers/ Farmers

Project or Activity: Demonstrations/Plot Trials

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research Information, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers,

Date: ongoing

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: 10 sessions @ 4 hours ea.; Lecture & Hands-on basic principle topics: visual selection, AI, pregnancy palpation, cattle handling, vaccination techniques, etc.; occurs as regional multi-county groups every other year

Inputs: curriculum, UK/KSU College of Ag Professionals, Publications, Research Information, commodity organizations, State and Federal Agencies, farmers/producers,

Date: ongoing

Project or Activity:  CAIP Program

Content:  UK/KDA training sessions

Inputs:  UK/KDA specialists, State and Federal Agencies, Ag Development Council

Date:  as determined by GOAP: (governors' office of ag policy)

Success Stories

Annual Pasture Walk

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Beef

The 2017 Census of Agriculture reports that Graves County ranks 48th in production of cattle and calves statewide. While beef cattle production may not be the highest grossing industry in the county., the education of the cattleman/cattlewoman in Graves County still warrants consideration. In partnership with local producer, Mary Ann Ellison, and University of Kentucky forage specialist Dr. Chris Teutsch a pasture walk and fencing demonstration was held in early November.The program consisted of

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Regional Bull Value Assessment Program

Author: Samantha Anderson

Major Program: Beef

In February of 2020, beef producers from Marshall, Calloway, Graves, McCracken and Livingston counties participated in a two-part Bull Value Assessment Program or "BVAP." This University of Kentucky Extension Program encourages producers to reevaluate how they make bull buying decisions. Navigating complicated sale catalogs and evaluating Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) can be difficult and the auction itself can be very intimidating. The BVAP program provides a no risk, worry free

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