McCracken County CES

Title:

Forage and Livestock Management

MAP:

Agriculture/Horticulture

Agents Involved:

Buckman, Wimberley

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Soils

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

Success Stories