Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production & Profitability
Production, Marketing & Profitability
Corinne Belton
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Equine
Beef
Swine
There are approximately 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars. Regardless of cattle prices, it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land, reduce antibiotic use, and practice good animal welfare. These educational programs are targeted to assist our local Agriculture and Natural Resource agents to provide Kentucky beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable
It is estimated at in 2017, Kentucky had 48,000 head of sheep, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous year. Breeding sheep and lambs were estimated at 38,000 and market sheet and lambs were estimated at 10,000 head. Lamb from increased aby 3,000 between 2016 and 2017. The goat inventory decreased by 3,000 between 2016 and 2017 for an estimated 56,000 head. Milk goat (5,500 head) increased by 500 from the previous year.
According to USDA Agriculture Census 2017, 96% of the 16,280 Kentucky horses and ponies are on farms with 1 to 24 horses. Most Extension’s equine clients are horse and farm owners who ride for sport and recreation and businesses that support those clients.
Kentucky ranks 18th in the nation for total swine production with more than 1,000 swine operations. Swine productions accounts for 2% of total cash receipts for Kentucky agriculture. In 2017, Kentucky had approximately 410,000 total head of swine with 45,000 breeding animals and 365,000 market hogs and pigs
*Long term viability
*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions
*Improve herd/flock quality
*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
*Improve sustainability of intensively managed livestock production systems
*Increase positive opinion of animal agriculture of non-farm individuals
*Test forage for nutritional quality
*Provide a complete mineral supplement program
*Implement cross breeding program
*Make EPD and targeted selection decisions to capitalize on a value-added product
*Implement a managed grazing system
*Utilize alternative forages
*Properly use medicated feed
*Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities
*Slowly and quietly handle cattle
*Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others
*Adopt usage of new technology for livestock production
*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
*Gain knowledge of the livestock industry and information and tools to succeed in livestock production
*Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.
*Increase awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.
*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.
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Method: Post-training evaluations, observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition.
Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Yearly
Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability
Indicator: Higher production and increased profits
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Regional Beef Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Value added information
Inputs: KCARD
Date: October 2022
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: For Rookies Series
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date: Spring 2023
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Pasture and Grazing management courses
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date: Fall 2022 - Spring 2023
Audience: Small Ruminant Producers
Project or Activity: Small Ruminant School
Content or Curriculum: UK and KSU publications
Inputs: UK/KSU publications, specialists, agents
Date: Winter 2023
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality & Care Assurance (BQCA)
Content or Curriculum: BQCA curriculum
Inputs: BQCA curriculum, video, agents, specialists
Date: Year-round
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Emergency 101
Content or Curriculum: Veterinary information
Inputs: Local vets, agents, specialists
Date: Fall 2022
Updated 6/30/22
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Agriculture
According to a study initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Purdue University regarding employment opportunities for Animal Science graduates, results show that there were more than 57,900 annual job openings for new graduates between 2015 and 2020, and some 35,400 qualified graduates available each year for these positions resulting in a shortage. Youth livestock programs teach 4H members the value of hard work, commitment, responsibility, and valuable animal husbandry
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Small Farm Diversification
Educating local livestock producers is a high priority in Shelby, Henry, Trimble and Oldham Counties. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, total beef, swine, sheep and goat animal sales yearly in the combined counties totals more than $32 million, emphasizing the need for livestock producers to take herd management and marketing decisions seriously. Increasing consumer demand for locally sourced protein and the participating counties’ proximity to urban markets in Louisv
Author: Candice Hollingsworth
Major Program: Agriculture
With a decrease in participation of the 4-H Horse Program being seen across the state. The need to provide equine educational opportunities is evident in the attempt to gain participation and manage retention. The C5/C6 Area offered a horse clinic featuring three disciplines that included showmanship, English equitation and ranch horsemanship. 12 4-Hers from various counties registered for the event and brought their horses for a hands-on learning opportunity. They worked closely with a pro
