Hardin County CES

Title:

Integrated Livestock and Forage Systems

MAP:

Best Management Practices for Safe Food, Farms & Families

Agents Involved:

Shepherd, Adams, Jolly

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Small Ruminants

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Chemical Livestock Management Tools

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Sustainable Agriculture

Situation:

Forage and Livestock management are vital to the Kentucky Heartland Agricultural Economy. According to January 2016 USDA NASS data: Hardin County ranks 26th in Total Cattle, 18th in Beef Cows, 20th in Dairy Cows, and 10th in Total Hay Production statewide. Goat production is locally although declining still ranks in the top five statewide according to USDA Census data. Livestock prices have declined in the past year thus it's becoming more important that livestock producers keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. 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 region.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Improved farm economic status
Sustainability of the farm
Long term viability
Producers save money by making better decisions
Improved herd quality
Increased profits of the farming operation
Increased grazing days
Decreased feed costs
Improved profitability
Reduced environmental impact
Utilize the futures and options market to limit downside market risk
Evaluate profitability of multiple programs concerning feeder cattle type, gender and weight when making purchasing/marketing decisions
Incorporate multiple strategies when pricing cattle or dealing directly with buyers outside the mainstream marketing options.
Build the reputation and value of Kentucky cattle.
Enhanced consumer confidence.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency.
Test forage for nutritional quality.
Utilize a complete mineral supplement program.
Implement recommended crossbreeding program.
Make profitable EPD and selection decisions.
Control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency.
Test soils.
Implement a managed grazing system.
Utilize alternative forages.
Better utilize forages.
Change vaccination and/or antibiotic protocols, as appropriate.
Select feeds based on ingredients.
Intercede seed clover/legumes into fescue.
Stockpile tall fescue for grazing.
Make balage.
Create improved livestock handling equipment and facilities.
Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others.
Change marketing methods (CPH, Direct off the farm, Internet, video, retained ownership, etc.)
Use the feeder cattle futures and options market to make price predictions and predict market direction.
Utilize body condition scoring to manage nutrition of animals.
Appraise management practice changes, employ record systems to track drug use, vaccines, chemicals, feed additives, and the movement of cattle on and off operations.
Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers become certified KY Master Cattlemen.
Increased awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.
Interpret forage analysis, feed and mineral bag tags, use ration balancing apps.
Increased knowledge and awareness of: physiology of forage growth, shade and water, parasite control, animal health disorders from forage, rotational grazing systems, temporary fencing, cattle marketing basics and value added opportunities, recognize what factors lead to high quality forage.
Gain knowledge about: livestock marketing, budgeting and decision making with implications for profitability, practices to improve marketability of the cattle they sell, market options for feeder cattle.
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.
Gain knowledge of best management practices to reduce end product defects by learning about: proper injection techniques and locations, proper handling techniques.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: increased awareness of general herd/flock management.
Indicator: Number of participants in "Master" programs and/or Horse College.
Method: Session evaluation forms.
Timeline: last half 2016, first half 2017

Intermediate Outcome: Increased soil and forage testing to improve farm profitability.
Indicator: Soil and forage test numbers.
Method: New producers using the service.
Timeline: Spring 2017

Long-term Outcome: Producers save money by making better marketing decisions.
Indicator: Number of producers using future and option markets, number of cattle involved in retained ownership programs.
Method: Program data sets.
Timeline: Winter 2016, Summer 2017

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen
Content or Curriculum: 10 session of 4 hours each, lecture and hands-on basic principle topics
Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, County Agents, Allied Industry personnel, program materials, AV equipment, KBN
Date: 2017

Audience: Horse owners
Project or Activity: Horse College
Content or Curriculum: 4 sessions of 3 hours each, lecture and hands-on basic equine management principles
Inputs: UK Horse Specialists, County Agents, program materials, AV equipment, course materials, allied industry personnel.
Date: Winter 2016

Audience: Feeder Calf Producers and Allied Industry Personnel
Project or Activity: Pasture-to-Plate Beef Retained Ownership Program
Content or Curriculum: Feedlot and Carcass Testing, Producer Tours
Inputs: Producers, County Agents, Iowa State University, Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Coop, Feedlots, Beef Processing Plants, UK and ISU Specialists, USDA-ARS
Date: Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Summer 2017

Success Stories