Carter County CES

Title:

Livestock and Forage Production and Marketing

MAP:

Sustainable Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Rebecca Konopka, Rebecca Hayes

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Natural Resources

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture

Situation:

Forage and livestock management are vital to Kentucky’s agricultural economy. There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars. Beef cattle are Carter County’s largest agricultural commodity.

With declining beef prices, it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. These educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable. 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 Carter County and the state. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Improved farm economic status

Sustainability of farm

Producers save money by making better selection decisions.

Reduce expenses & increased profits of operation

Improved herd quality

Improved animal welfare

Improved forage stands

Adoption of new technologies and practices

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 crossbreeding program

Make EPD and selection decisions

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Develop a grazing plan

Develop proper vaccination and antibiotic protocols

Initial Outcomes:

Increased awareness of the following practices:

-reproduction

-genetics

-nutrition

-health

-end product

-general herd management & record keeping

-economics and marketing

-animal handling & welfare

-forage production

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:  Increased awareness of reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics, and marketing.

Indicator:Number of farmers reporting changes in knowledge, opinions, skills, or aspirations related to improving production management.

Method: Production Meetings

Timeline:November-April

Initial Outcome: Youth will gain and understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.

Indicator: 4-H members are successful in the State Fair Avian Bowl & Poultry Judging contests.

Method: Poultry Judging & Avian Bowl practices and contests

Timeline: May-August

Initial Outcome: Youth will gain understanding of the equine industry.

Indicator: 4-H members successfully compete in State 4-H Horse events.

Method: 4-H Horse Club

Timeline: Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: Test forage for nutritional quality & utilize a complete mineral supplement program 

Indicator:  Report increases by producers

Method: Farm visits, surveys

Timeline:  Ongoing

Intermediate Outcome: 4-H members will practice and apply knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber through animal science.

Indicator: 4-H members have a successful project to show at the county fair

Method: Livestock Club meetings & County Fair

Timeline: November – August

Long-term Outcome: Producers save money, Reduce expenses, Improve herd quality, and increased profits of operation

Indicator:  Farmer reports

Method:  Farm visit, surveys 

Timeline:  Ongoing

Long Term Outcome: Youth will engage in an entrepreneurial enterprise.

Indicator: 4-H members expand their livestock herd beyond the show ring.

Method: Livestock Club

Timeline: Ongoing

Learning Opportunities:

Audience:  Livestock Producers

Project or Activity:  Northeast Area Livestock Association Meetings, BQCA Training, Hay Testing

Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Training videos, Research Reports

Inputs:  KBN, UK Ext. Specialists, Agent, KDA

Date:  Ongoing

Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: Avian Bowl & Poultry Judging

Content or Curriculum: National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual & Poultry Judging Handbook

Inputs: Volunteers, Paid Staff, Specialists

Date: May-August

Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Club (Club meetings, Fairs, Shows)

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Core Curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, Fair Board, Paid Staff

Date: November -August

Audience: School Classrooms

Project or Activity: Embryology in the Classroom

Content or Curriculum: 4-H CCS Core Curriculum

Inputs: Teachers, Paid Staff, Local Producers

Date: September – May

Audience: 4-H Members

Project or Activity: 4-H Horse Club (Meetings, Shows, Contests)

Content or Curriculum: UK 4-H Core Curriculum

Inputs: Volunteers, Staff

Date: Ongoing

Success Stories