Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
David Fourqurean and FCS Agent
Beef
Poultry/Small Flocks
Swine
Forages
The livestock industry remains an integral part of the McLean County's agriculture economic impact. Producers continue to diversify into many aspects of the livestock industry to maintain a diverse income however poultry production remains as the number one livestock enterprise here in McLean County.
Maximize profits for livestock producers as well as staying up to date on new advances in livestock production.
Minimize environmental impact on air, soil and the environment.
Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.
Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.
Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.
Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.
Implement one or more BMP's for livestock production.
Maximize efficiency to control input cost.
Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.
Increase awareness of the program to help producers update Nutrient management plans.
Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.
Identify BMP's for livestock production.
Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production within their chosen livestock enterprises.
Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.
Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.
Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.
Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production and awareness of Nutrient Management Plans.
Method: farm visits, observations and self reporting
Timeline: 2021-2022
Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.
Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.
Method: Farm visits, Observation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 1-2 years
Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.
Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.
Method: Farm Visits,, Self-Reporting, Observation
Timeline: 2 years
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,
Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Educational Programming
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification, Poultry management webinars/Poultry Expo
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations
Date: Yearly - Winter
Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming
Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing
Inputs: ANR agent, Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders
Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality Care Assurance
Content or Curriculum: BQCA Curriculum
Inputs: Ag Agent
Date: Year round
Audience: Poultry Producers
Project or activity: Poultry Webinars and Expo's
Content or Curriculum: UGA materials
Input: ANR Agent, specialist and guest speakers from UGA
Date: February 2022
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in the Tri-County area. Local Ag Advisory council meetings from the Tri-County area discussions recognizing the need for beef producers to take herd and forage management to another level. Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting. With these facts in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Webster, Hopkins, and McLean Counties have o
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Beef
The Mid South Stocker conference is a joint effort between the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee. The planning committee consist of several specialist from UK, UT, producer representative and this ANR agent representing ag agents from both states. In 2022 the conference was held virtually on Feb 23rd, and focused on baleage production, grazing management, and stocker health research. The 2022 MSSC had 150 attendees (8 panelists/speakers, about 50 Exten
