Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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McLean County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
Agents Involved:
David Fourqurean/ Lindsey Alvey
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Poultry/Small Flocks
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Swine
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Forages
Situation:

The livestock industry remains an integral part of the McLean County's agriculture economic impact. Producers continue to diversify into many aspects of the livestock industry to maintain a diverse income however poultry production remains as the number one livestock enterprise here in McLean County.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Maximize profits for livestock producers as well as staying up to date on new advances in livestock production.


Minimize environmental impact on air, soil and the environment.


Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.


Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.


Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.


Implement one or more BMP's for livestock production.


Maximize efficiency to control input cost.


Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.


Increase awareness of the program to help producers update Nutrient management plans.

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.


Identify BMP's for livestock production.


Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production within their chosen livestock enterprises.


Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.


Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.


Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production and awareness of Nutrient Management Plans.

Method: farm visits, observations and self reporting

Timeline: 2020-2021


Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.

Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.

Method: Farm visits, Observation, Self-Reporting

Timeline: 1-2 years


Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.

Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.

Method: Farm Visits,, Self-Reporting, Observation

Timeline: 2 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,

Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter


Audience: Farmers

Project or Activity: Educational Programming

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification, Poultry management webinars

Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations

Date: Yearly - Winter


Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth

Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming

Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing

Inputs: ANR and 4-H Agents, Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders

Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters


Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Care Assurance

Content or Curriculum: BQCA Curriculum

Inputs: Ag Agent

Date: Year round


Audience: Poultry Producers

Project or activity: Poultry Webinars and Expo's

Content or Curriculum: UGA  materials

Input: ANR Agent, specialist and guest speakers from UGA

winter 2021/winter 2022



Success Stories

CPH-45 success

Author: John Fourqurean

Major Program: Beef

For many years, Kentucky has promoted its CPH-45 (Certified Pre-conditioned for Health) program to producers as a way to add value to their feeder calves. Many studies have shown considerable increases in producers’ income resulting from weight gain during the pre-conditioning period and possible price premiums at the time of sale. The McLean County ANR agent promotes participation in 2 nearby sales: the Owensboro CPH sale and the Guthrie CPH sale. Working in conjunction with the KY Beef N

Full Story

Master Cattleman

Author: John Fourqurean

Major Program: Beef

The Beef Cattle Industry in Kentucky is dynamic and multifaceted. Individual producer’s enterprises differ greatly from one to another with end goals being just as diverse. Kentucky has long been labeled a cow calf state and still maintains the largest cow population east of the Mississippi River. Management of the cattle and the forages they consume along with an influx of technology makes for an ever changing industry with endless learning opportunities. The Green River Area Extensi

Full Story
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