Trimble County CES

Title:

Beef Cattle - Farmers learning to increase herd efficiency

MAP:

Increasing Agriculture Awareness and Profitability

Agents Involved:

ANR Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Beef cattle production is now one of the largest agriculture enterprises in Trimble County. According to the 2012 Agriculture Census, 89% of county animals sales are made up from the sale of cattle and calves. The Trimble County Cattleman's Association has given several requests for programs that will assist in enhancing their operations.

The Trimble County Cattleman's Association is the largest active group within extension in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Cattle producers will use their existing and new procedures in making their operations more successful.

Cattleman will be able to take all the information given to them and improve their reproduction rates within their herds.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Putting into use more effective ways of managing cattle.

Utilizing research that they have been given and putting it to good use at their operations.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will increase knowledge,learn methods that can be implemented into their operation.

Producers will gain the knowledge of increasing their herds’ fertility goals.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Knowledge gained by producers.

Indicator: Number of producers who adopt recommended practices.

Method: Direct contact with producers.

Timeline: Fall 2020

Intermediate Outcome:Knowledge used by producers to improve operations.

Indicator: Number of practices used.

Method:Follow up survey.

Timeline: Spring 2021

Long-term Outcome: Producers will become more efficient and confident in their practices.

Indicator: Number of producers who adopt new practices.

Method: Producers testimonies.

Timeline: Fall 2020-Spring 2020

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Farmers increasing knowledge of reproduction practices.

Method: Direct contact with farmers.

Timeline: Fall

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Use of new knowledge to implement in herds.

Method: Survey to farmers.

Timeline: Spring 

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: How many farmers have implemented new procedures on their farm.

Method: Farmers who have increased calving rates.

Timeline: Spring

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Educational Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction,Marketing, Nutrition

Inputs: Specialists, Industry Reps, UK pubs

Date: July, Oct, Jan, April

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Regional Beef field Day

Content or Curriculum: Pasture Management, Safe Handling Equipment, Reproduction, Nutrition

Inputs: Farm facilitator, Specialists, Agents, Industry Specialists

Date: Sept. 

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance

Content or Curriculum: Consumer Assurance and Better Manage Practices

Inputs: BQA Manual, Agent, UK pub

Date: Fall