Trigg County CES

Title:

Livestock Production

MAP:

Livestock and Forage Production

Agents Involved:

Graham Cofield

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Dairy

Situation:

Kentucky has the largest Beef Herd east of the Mississippi and ranks 3rd in head/square mile in the U.S. Beef, Livestock and Forages are a big deal for KY. Over the next several years producers face many challenges, commodity prices have backed off from highs in 2014, however so have our cattle prices. Producers over the next few years will be faced with shrinking margins as well as increased regulations on water quality. This makes it all the more important for producers to learn how to be better stewards of the land and resources while still optimizing their herd and forage performance.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Sustainability of farm

Long term viability

Producers save money by making better selection decisions.

Improved herd quality

Increased profits of operation

Increased days of grazing

Incorporate multiple strategies when pricing cattle or dealing directly with buyers outside the mainstream market.

Improved animal welfare

Sell value-added heifers

Improved end product quality and food safety

Enhanced profitability by selling value-added calves

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage

production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency

Test forage for nutritional quality

Utilize a complete mineral supplement program

Make EPD and selection decisions to fit management and environment

Better utilize forage

Develop an ag water quality plan

Develop streamside buffers to prevent water runoff

Intercede seed clover/legumes into fescue

Consider LRP, futures or options to limit risk (call agent, broker or specialist, as needed)

Utilize a risk management tool

Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities

Reduce the use of electric prods

Alter the type/quality of cattle purchased for herd

Change marketing methods (CPH, Direct off the farm, Internet, video, etc.)

Participate in KBN marketing programs (CPH, MAG 60)

Utilize knowledge to become competitive in the market.

Incorporate breakeven analysis when purchasing/selling cattle.

Improve heifer development

Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology

Participants become certified KY Master Cattleman

Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.

Increased in-depth knowledge or new information related to:

-reproduction

-genetics

-nutrition

-end product

-economics and marketing

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Beef Producers learn about herd management, Marketing their cattle, improving forage quality.

Indicator: Number of individuals reporting changes in knowledge or skills to improve environmental quality and sustainability

Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews

Timeline: pre/post programs

Intermediate Outcome: Beef Producers will improve production practices through: improved herd management( breeding seasons, proper mineral program), improving forage quality, improving marketing methods (CPH ect.)

Indicator: Number of Producers adopting practices recommended by extension, utilizing new marketing opportunities, adding additional conservation practices to current production practices.

Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews

Timeline: pre/post programs

Long-term Outcome: Beef Producers will increase profitability through improved management and marketing practices, improve herd quality, sell value added cattle, increase grazing days.

Indicator: Number of producers participating in CPH, bred heifer sale, completing an ag water quality plan.

Method: Meeting Evaluations, observations, follow up farm calls/interviews

Timeline: pre/post programs

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Producers

Project or Activity: Cattlemen's meetings

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs: UK specialists and Publications

Date: Spring and Fall yearly

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Cattlemen's mineral program

Content or Curriculum: UK IRM recommendations

Inputs: UK specialists, Agent

Date: January, May, September yearly

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen Program

Content or Curriculum: UK specialists/ UK publications

Inputs: Beef Specialists, Agents, Volunteers, Program Materials, KY beef Network.

Date: Fall yearly

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Farm Tour

Inputs: UK specialists Recommendations, Agents, Volunteers

Timeline: July yearly

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity: Ag Appreciation Dinner

Inputs: UK Pubs, UK specialists

Timeline: March yearly

Success Stories