Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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Mason County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Livestock Production
Agents Involved:
Tad Campbell, Mary Jane Little
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Pesticide Safety – Livestock Pests
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
Situation:

With the uncertainty of tobacco production and continued grain price drops over the last year, more of Mason County fields are seeing an increase of forage conversions. Producers are returning to livestock production to generate farm income, primarily beef cattle. Mason County has traditionally been views as a tobacco and cattle county and now with other commodities returning to normal pricing structure, cattle numbers are increasing for the county. Other types of livestock such as sheep/goats and hogs also seem to be slightly increasing. Youth livestock interest has been a part of the increasing numbers of livestock. Continuing to educate youth about livestock production is vital for sustainability of the industry.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Local producers working with the IRM project increase quality genetics, narrow calving seasons, and have uniform grouped calves increasing profits for the operations. 

Producers and youth see increased profits to livestock operations. 

Producers and youth utilize controlled grazing systems, narrow calving windows, higher health management systems, and improving genetics to develop a profitable livestock operation.

Youth involvement in agriculture results in financial gains from livestock enterprises or enter workforce in an livestock field.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers utilize tools such as EPDs, breeding soundness exams, nutritional plans, hay testing, or other management tools to increase the efficiency of livestock operations.

Producers and youth select genetics based on production needs and increase herd health management to increase profits. 

Producers look for more marketing methods to add value to current livestock operation. 

Producers select replacements using UK/KDA heifer replacement guidelines to reduce risk of calving problems.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers learn methods for controlled grazing through improving forage quality and varieties and gain knowledge to develop rotational grazing layouts.

Producers learn to use genetic information to increase livestock quality for farm operation. 

Youth learn about livestock production through skillathon, judging programs, and the certified livestock program.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers learn methods for controlled grazing through improving forage quality and varieties and gain knowledge to develop rotational grazing layouts. 

Indicator: Producers demonstrate learned methods

Method: post evaluations 

Timeline: immediately after programs


Intermediate Outcome: Producers select replacements using UK/KDA heifer replacement guidelines to reduce risk of calving problems.

Indicator: Producers having less calving problems

Method: Follow up evaluations

Timeline: monthly


Long-term Outcome: Producers and youth utilize controlled grazing systems, narrow calving windows, higher health management systems, and improving genetics to develop a profitable livestock operation. 

Indicator: Higher number of producers and youth utilizing these methods

Method: Follow up evaluations

Timeline: bi annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: livestock producers

Project or Activity: Beef Grading/ Market Outlook

Content or Curriculum: Evaluate feeder calves for grading and cows for body condition scores

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists, Stockyard Prepresentative

Date: winter/spring


Audience: cattle producers

Project or Activity: Elite Heifer Sale

Content or Curriculum: UK/KDA Guidelines

Inputs: ANR Agent, vets, producers

Date: every October


Audience: female farm owners/operators

Project or Activity: Farm School for Women

Content or Curriculum: UK research based materials

Inputs: Buffalo Trace ANR Agents, UK specialists

Date: every winter/spring


Audience: livestock producers

Project or Activity: Beef IRM Project

Content or Curriculum: Farm Plans developed by IRM Team for local farms

Inputs: ANR Agent, IRM team

Date: every winter/spring


Audience: local farmers

Project or Activity: Farm Family Night

Content or Curriculum: Beef Classes Offered at Event

Inputs: UK Specialists, Agents, Maysville Community College Faculty 

Date:  Spring



Success Stories

Farm School for Women

Author: Tad Campbell

Major Program: Beef

The Buffalo Trace Agriculture and Horticulture Agents hosted the annual Farm School for Women Program with four evening sessions dealing with diversification and production practices.  Sessions included management and arrangement of a cut flower operation, pasture dangers for beef cows, chute-side beef quality assurance, and agriculture profitability.   The hands-on meetings allowed the 22 women to gain knowledge through participation with the activities.  Participants learned wha

Full Story

Fence-line Weaning for Lower Stress

Author: Tad Campbell

Major Program: Beef

The weaning process for cattle is a stressful time for young calves.  The stress can lead to other problems such as respiratory infections, depression, unease, and constant walking which leads to lower returns over costs associated with those problems.  Mason County has held an on-farm demonstration for two years with implementation of fence-line weaning project.  The Mason County Extension Service, UK Beef specialist team, and local producers have implanted the project to provide

Full Story
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