Mason County CES

Title:

Livestock and the Environment

MAP:

Agriculture and Environment

Agents Involved:

Tad Campbell, 4-H Agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Swine

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Agriculture

Situation:

With the uncertainty of tobacco production and continued grain price drops over the last year, more of Mason County fields are seeing an increase of forage conversions. Producers are returning to livestock production to generate farm income, primarily beef cattle. Mason County has traditionally been views as a tobacco and cattle county and now with other commodities returning to normal pricing structure, cattle numbers are increasing for the county. Other types of livestock such as sheep/goats and hogs also seem to be slightly increasing. Youth livestock interest has been a part of the increasing numbers of livestock. Continuing to educate youth about livestock production is vital for sustainability of the industry. The Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program strives to increase agricultural literacy among youth in Kentucky. One of the key initiatives in Kentucky 4-H is to increase a young person’s awareness of the impact agriculture has on his/her daily life.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Local producers working with the IRM project increase quality genetics, narrow calving seasons, and have uniform grouped calves increasing profits for the operations.   
• Producers and youth see increased profits to livestock operations and projects.  
• Producers and youth utilize controlled grazing systems, narrow calving windows, higher health management systems, and improving genetics to develop a profitable livestock operation. 
• Youth involvement in 4-H/FFA show projects develops interest to see youth begin building livestock operations in the county for sustained livestock production. 
• Producers market more animals to individuals directly for consumption due to the aftermath of the pandemic meat supply scare. 
• Youth will be agriculturally literate. 
• Youth will make informed decisions regarding agricultural products and services.  
• Youth will be advocates for agriculture and sustainable fiber and food production. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Producers utilize tools such as EPDs, breeding soundness exams, nutritional plans, hay testing, or other management tools to increase the efficiency of livestock operations. 
• Producers and youth select genetics based on production needs and increase herd health management. 
• Producers look for more marketing methods to add value to current livestock operation.  
• Producers select replacements using UK/KDA heifer replacement guidelines to reduce risk of calving problems. 
• Youth will explain the role of agriculture in daily life. 
• Youth will utilize and practice life-skills in 4-H agricultural projects and clubs, and life situations.

Initial Outcomes:

• Producers learn methods for controlled grazing through improving forage quality and varieties and gain knowledge to develop rotational grazing layouts.  
• Producers learn to use genetic information to increase livestock quality for farm operation.  
• Youth learn about livestock production through skillathon, judging programs, and the certified livestock program. 
• Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of animal and food science, and plant and soil science.  
• Youth will gain an understanding of sustainable agricultural systems.  
• Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, critical thinking, communications, record-keeping, wise use of resources, and leadership.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Producers learn methods for controlled grazing through improving forage quality and varieties and gain knowledge to develop rotational grazing layouts.

Indicator: Producers demonstrate learned methods

Method: post evaluations

Timeline: immediately after programs

Intermediate Outcome: Young farmers that have participated in youth livestock activities begin to build livestock operations locally.

Indicator: Increased number of Young Farmer livestock operations

Method: testimony

Timeline: Fall/Winter

Long-term Outcome: Producers and youth utilize controlled grazing systems, narrow calving windows, higher health management systems, and improving genetics to develop a profitable livestock operation.

Indicator: Higher number of producers and youth utilizing these methods

Method: Follow up evaluations

Timeline: bi annually

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock Producers 

Project or Activity: Beef Grading/Market Outlook 

Content or Curriculum: Evaluate feeder calves for grading and cows for body condition scores 

Inputs: ANR Agent, UK specialists, Stockyard Representative 

Date: Winter/spring 

Audience: Cattle Producers 

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance and Care

Content or Curriculum: UK Specialist State Certification

Inputs: ANR Agent, producers, UK Beef Team 

Date: Spring/Fall 

Audience: Female Farm Owners/Operators 

Project or Activity: Farm School for Women 

Content or Curriculum: UK research based information 

Inputs: Buffalo Trace ANR Agents, UK specialists 

Date: Annually every fall/winter

Audience: Livestock Producers 

Project or Activity: Beef IRM Project 

Content or Curriculum: Farm plans developed by IRM team for local farms 

Inputs: ANR Agent, IRM team 

Date: Annually every winter/spring 

Audience: Local Farmers 

Project or Activity: Elite Heifer Project/Sale 

Content or Curriculum: Heifers developed to state guidelines KDA/UK

Inputs: ANR Agent, producers

Date: Fall

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock Program 

Content or Curriculum: Acres of Adventures 1 and 2; Kentucky Farm 2 School; Project Food, Land, and People; Livestock Volunteer Certification Resource Kit; Beef Resource Handbook; Beef Project and Record Book; Beef, Sheep, Swine Selection Evaluation; Dairy Cow Project and Record Book; Dairy Heifer Project and Record Book; Dairy Resource Handbook; 4-H Dairy Cattle 1, 2, 3, and Helper’s Guide; Dairy Judging Resources; Goat Project and Record Book; Goat Resource Book; Sheep Resource Handbook; Market Lamb Project and Record Book; Sheep Breeding Project and Record Book; Swine Resource Handbook; Market Hog Project and Record Book; Swine Breeding Project and Record Book  

Inputs: 4-H Agent, certified livestock leaders, youth, parents UK specialists, community partners/presenters 

Date: Monthly 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Country Ham Program 

Content or Curriculum: Curriculum: How to Make a Country Ham Publication; How to Cure a Country Ham Video  

Inputs: 4-H Agent, certified livestock leader, youth, parents, UK specialists  

Date:  Monthly from January through August 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: 4-H Horse Program 

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Project Horse Record Book; Horse Achievement Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4; Horse Safety Guidelines; Horse Smarts: Equine Reference and Youth Activity Guide; Horse Volunteer Certification Resource Kit 

Inputs: 4-H Agent, certified horse leader, youth, parents, UK specialists, community partners/presenters 

Date: Monthly from September through April

Success Stories