Logan County CES

Title:

Increasing Livestock Production, Profitability, & Retention of Youth in Agriculture

MAP:

Sustainable Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Leann Martin; Carrie Derossett

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Swine

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture and Extension Leadership Development

Situation:

Agriculture sustainability and retention is becoming a huge factor as the average age of producers continue to rise. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, the average age of Logan County's producers is 58 years old. With the current generation of farmers reaching the age of retirement, youth retention is key.

To make sure our new generation farmers are able to remain and grow, profitability is a main concern. Logan County's total livestock receipts has reached $47,467,000 in 2017 and continues to rise. With the volatility in markets, it is important to continue to educate producers on best management practices to keep inputs low, optimize income through management and marketing, being good stewards of the land, and practice good animal welfare.

As population and demand continues to increase, retention and growth of our young producers is a must and we can do that with educational programming to provide Logan County producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.

Long-Term Outcomes:

- Logan County producers will search out diversified markets to increase personal profits

- Producers will be aware of the ever changing markets in livestock production and constantly survey markets for selling livestock and buying commodities.

- Producers will be able to increase profits by lowering their input costs with correct farm management, budgeting, and marketing.

- Producers build and retain good relationships with clientele and or industry

- The youth of day, become the leaders of the future

- Young producers become producers and leaders in the industry

Intermediate Outcomes:

- Producers make wise management decisions based on costs and benefits

- Producers continue to improve genetics, keep good quality records, and stay current on beef quality assurance.

- Producers and industry personnel start a pro-active relationship where both parties benefit

- Young producer get involved with organizations that will help educate them to become the best herdsmen they can be.

Initial Outcomes:

- Producer will learn the value of proper handling and injecting medications to livestock and reap the consequences of discounts to carcasses.

- Producers will learn to appreciate the time they put into record keeping as it can directly influence your profits.

- Producers will learn what factors can affect the outcome of the livestock you produce and the end result.

- Young producers will gain an appreciation for the amount of work and money that goes into livestock production and gain the knowledge and skills they need to continue production on their own

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Young producers will gain the knowledge and skills they need to produce good livestock and continue production on their own.

Indicator: Evidence that they worked with their livestock put in the time needed

Method: Observation

Timeline: May/June 2020; Spring/Summer 2021

Intermediate Outcome: Producers will continue to implement the skills they have learned including but not limiting to good record keeping and proper injections of medicines.

Indicator: Their record keeping and proper management is gaining them higher profits

Method: Survey, Observations

Timeline: 1-2 years

Long-term Outcome: Young producers become leaders in the industry

Indicator: Youth retention and growth of production

Method: Observations, Continued involvement, follow-up surveys/interviews

Timeline: 3-5 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Logan County Young Producers/Youth
Project or Activity: Logan County 4-H/FFA Steer show and Carcass Contest
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Industry Professionals knowledge; Beef Specialists
Inputs: Extension Agent Time, Volunteers' Time, Sponsors' Time and money, Youth's time, Parents' Time, Commitment by all parties, Logan County Ag Arena, Logan County Stockyards, Processor
Date: Dec./April/June 2020; 2021

Audience: Livestock Producers and Community Members
Project or Activity: Logan County Fair
Content or Curriculum:
Inputs: Extension Agents' time, Volunteers' time, Logan County Extension Campus
Date: June 2020; Summer 2020; June/July 2021

Audience: Cattle Producers and Future Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance Training & Cattle Handling and Care
Content or Curriculum: UK Beef IRM Materials and video
Inputs: Extension Agent's Time, UK Beef IRM DVD (Specialists' time)
Date: Fall 2020; Winter 2021

Audience: Logan County Young Producers/Youth
Project or Activity: Logan County 4-H/FFA Terminal Hog Show & Sale
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Industry Professionals knowledge
Inputs: Extension Agent Time, Volunteers' Time, Sponsors' Time and money, Youth's time, Parents' Time, Commitment by all parties, Logan County Ag Arena, Logan County Stockyards, Processor
Date: September 2020; September 2021

Audience: Logan County Young Producers/Youth & Parents
Project or Activity: Pork Quality Assurance
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Industry Professionals knowledge, Certified PQA Material
Inputs: Extension Agent Time, Volunteers' Time, Youth's time, Parents' Time, Commitment by all parties, Logan County Extension Office, Certified Volunteers; Certified instructor
Date: Summer 2020

Audience: Logan County Young Producers/Youth & Parents
Project or Activity: Beef Nutrition Workshop/Showmanship Clinic
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Livestock, Industry Professionals knowledge, Specialists
Inputs: Extension Agent Time, Volunteers' Time, Youth's time, Parents' Time, Commitment by all parties, Logan County Extension Office, Certified Volunteers; Certified instructor
Date: Spring 2020; Spring 2021