Extension
It Starts With Us
Integrated Livestock and Forage Systems
Best Management Practices and Education for Safe Food, Farms & Families
Shepherd, Adams
Beef
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Forages
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Forage and Livestock management are vital to Kentucky's Heartland Agricultural Economy. According to 2020 USDA NASS data: Hardin County ranks 28th in Total Cattle, 22nd in Beef Cows, 18th in Dairy Cows, and 10th in Total Hay Production statewide. County cattle and calves sales exceed $9.4 million. Goat production locally although declining still ranks in the top five statewide according to USDA Census data. Livestock prices have declined in the past year, mainly due to COVID-19 impact; thus it's becoming more important that livestock producers keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, as well as be good stewards of the land and practice animal welfare. 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 the region.
Improved farm economic status
Sustainability of the farm
Long term viability
Producers save money by making better decisions
Improved herd quality
Increased profits of the farming operation
Increased grazing days
Decreased feed costs
Improved profitability
Reduced environmental impact
Utilize the futures and options market to limit downside market risk
Evaluate profitability of multiple programs concerning feeder cattle type, gender and weight when making purchasing/marketing decisions
Incorporate multiple strategies when pricing cattle or dealing directly with buyers outside the mainstream marketing options.
Build the reputation and value of Kentucky cattle.
Enhanced consumer confidence.
Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency.
Test forage for nutritional quality, & develop winter feeding programs based on test results.
Utilize a complete mineral supplement program.
Implement recommended crossbreeding program.
Make profitable EPD and selection decisions.
Control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency.
Test soils.
Implement a managed grazing system.
Utilize alternative forages.
Better utilize forages.
Change vaccination and/or antibiotic protocols, as appropriate.
Select feeds based on ingredients.
Intercede seed clover/legumes into fescue.
Stockpile tall fescue for grazing.
Make balage.
Create improved livestock handling equipment and facilities.
Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others.
Change marketing methods (CPH, Direct off the farm, Internet, video, retained ownership, etc.)
Use the feeder cattle futures and options market to make price predictions and predict market direction.
Utilize body condition scoring to manage nutrition of animals.
Appraise management practice changes, employ record systems to track drug use, vaccines, chemicals, feed additives, and the movement of cattle on and off operations.
Market cattle in large uniform lots, access to premiums for better management.
Producers become certified KY Master Cattlemen, and/or Beef Quality Assurance Certified.
Increased awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.
Interpret forage analysis, feed and mineral bag tags, use UK Extension ration balancing apps.
Increased knowledge and awareness of: physiology of forage growth, shade and water, parasite control, animal health disorders from forage, rotational grazing systems, temporary fencing, cattle marketing basics and value added opportunities, recognize what factors lead to high quality forage.
Gain knowledge about: livestock marketing, budgeting and decision making with implications for profitability, practices to improve marketability of the cattle they sell, market options for feeder cattle.
Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being. Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.
Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.
Gain knowledge of best management practices to reduce end product defects by learning about: proper injection techniques and locations, proper handling techniques.
Initial Outcome: increased awareness of general herd/flock management.
Indicator: Number of participants in "Master" programs and/or Master Horseman.
Method: Session evaluation forms.
Intermediate Outcome: Increased soil and forage testing to improve farm profitability.
Indicator: Soil and forage test numbers.
Method: New producers using the service.
Long-term Outcome: Producers save money by making better marketing decisions.
Indicator: Number of producers using future and option markets, number of cattle involved in retained ownership programs.
Method: Program data sets.
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Advanced Master Cattlemen
Content or Curriculum: Four sessions of 4 hours each, lecture and hands-on basic principle topics
Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, County Agents, Allied Industry personnel, program materials, AV equipment, KBN
Date: 2022
Audience: Horse owners
Project or Activity: Horse College
Content or Curriculum: 4 sessions of 3 hours each, lecture and hands-on basic equine management principles
Inputs: UK Horse Specialists, County Agents, program materials, AV equipment, course materials, allied industry personnel.
Date: Winter 2022
Audience: Feeder Calf Producers and Allied Industry Personnel
Project or Activity: Pasture-to-Plate Beef Retained Ownership Program
Content or Curriculum: Feedlot and Carcass Testing, Producer Tours
Inputs: Producers, County Agents, Iowa State University, Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity Coop, Feedlots, Beef Processing Plants, UK and ISU Specialists, USDA-ARS
Date: Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021
Audience: Beef Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Feeder Cattle Grading and Body Condition Scoring Demonstration
Content or Curriculum: Actual On-Site Demonstration with live animals at Livestock Events Center
Inputs: USDA Ag Market Graders, UK Specialists, Agents, HCCA, Stockyards Buyers, Program Materials, KDA graders, LEC, Inmates
Date: October 2021
Author: Douglas Shepherd
Major Program: Forages
Conducted our first Hay Contest in conjunction with local Cattlemen's Association, as an incentive to get more folks to test their forages. Both ag agents were involved in developing and conducting this program. Some 31 samples were received and entered in the contest. Local ag supply dealers provided prizes to the winners. Dr. Jimmy Henning was involved in setting up the program and actually judging the test results. He was on hand for the awarding of the winne
