Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Beef
Kevin Lyons
Beef
Dairy
Animal Disease
Beef and dairy producers have been enduring depressed markets and on-farm prices. Producers must become better managers to continue to survive. Becoming a low cost feed producer, improving animal health, and better marketing plans will be necessary to be sustainable in the future.
Producers need to develop a direct-to-consumer outlet for their product.
Developing a renewable forage system will help decrease feed cost.
Adoption of improved forages.
Livestock owners will develop a better understanding of marketing options
Producers will begin a more intensive grazing system
Producers will utilize a veterinarian approved animal health plan
Producers will utilize Extension testing services to improve their forages; soil testing and hay testing.
Producers will have a better idea of possible marketing options
Owners will have a better understanding of grazing systems
Enhance producers understanding of herd health and nutrition.
Awareness of UK publication and research in animal production
Initial Outcome: Producers will have a better idea of possible marketing options
Indicator: Number reporting knowledge gained
Method: Surveys
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Livestock producers will develop a marketing plan
Indicator: Number reporting a new marketing plan
Method: Surveys
Timeline: Annually
Long-term Outcome: Increased profitability and increase direct-to-consumer sales
Indicator: Sales data
Method: Surveys
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Cattlemen’s meetings
Content or Curriculum: Specialists, various topics
Inputs: Agents and Specialists
Date: Annually
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Field Days; Conferences
Content or Curriculum: Livestock marketing topics
Inputs: Specialists and successful producers, agents
Date: Annually
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: CAIP trainings; BQCA trainings
Content or Curriculum: Livestock production topics
Inputs: Agents and Specialists
Date: Annually
Author: Kevin Lyons
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
The Mammoth Cave Area Agriculture Agents noticed an increase in small ruminant producers and the production of small ruminants growing in popularity. It is also noted that many new small ruminant producers may very well be new to agriculture production and farming in general. The need to bring research based education to new small ruminant producers is further driven by the tendency for new producers to utilize the internet as their sole resource for gaining information. The Small Ru
