Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Livestock Production
Tad Campbell, Mary Jane Little
Beef
Pesticide Safety – Livestock Pests
4-H Agriculture Core Curriculum AND Natural Resources
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
