Extension
It Starts With Us
Animal science education for adults and youth.
Improving Agriculture and Natural Resources
4-H, ANR
Beef
Forages
Beekeeping
Volunteer Development
The 2007 Census of Agriculture reports that there are a total of 492 farms in Livingston County. The report also states that 36% of Livingston County farm income comes from livestock, poultry, & products. Of the 609 producers, 150 describe themselves as new or beginning farmers. The Kentucky Horse Council 2012 Survey indicates that 98 land holders owning 698 horses in Livingston County.
Extension Office records show that the majority of farmers in Livingston County maintain pasture for their livestock. Many farmers in Livingston County also maintain forage fields for hay, and haylage production. It is important that these farmers have a better understanding about the nutrient content of their hay and pasture fields. With increased knowledge about nutrient values of their forages, combined with proper skills, local producers will be able to better manage their pasture and hay resources. With better quality forages herd health will be easier to obtain. The agriculture advisory council, along with clubs and clientele, have requested educational information on feed, vet care, pasture and hay production. Teachers have requested curriculum and lessons on agriculture for their 3rd and 4th grade youth. Animals Science and Horse SPIN Clubs utilize updated curriculum and agricultural events to enhance the value of their program. In addition producers have asked for information on general maintenance of livestock in Livingston County.
Animal owners will maintain a strong herd health and be able to confidently and effectively identify issues to stop disease and illness early. They will use appropriate feeding techniques to improve and maintain overall health and wellness of their livestock. Forages will improve in overall quality in the county. Youth gain understanding of the origin of food supply and how to maintain health of their livestock.
Adults and youth will have a better practical working knowledge of herd health programs. Participants in our programs will use better management practices in maintaining their hay and pasture fields. Livestock body conditioning scores will proimprove overall in the county.
Youth and adults participate in Livestock / Horse College programs and other related educational programs through out the year. Youth obtain a minimum of six education hours per year in Livestock, Country Ham and/or Horse Projects. Youth set and achieve project goals annually. Youth are accountable for the health of their project animal.
Long-Term Outcome: Horse body conditioning scores will maintain at four or higher; beef herds will bring better prices at slaughter. The overall sheep and goat herd health will improve, resulting in more animals sold.
Indicator: Horse body conditioning scores and herd sale prices will increase.
Method: Collecting data at each event
Timeline: Six events per year, bi-monthly with the same horses
Intermediate Outcome: Number of head of livestock per-acre will increase
Indicator: Beef and sheep Sales & Quality Statistics
Method: Follow up interviews & Livestock Sales
Timeline: annually
Initial Outcome: Adults and youth learn about best practices for raising large and small livestock
Indicator: number enrolled in best practice classes
Method: pre and post test
Timeline: beginning and end of classes
Audience: Livestock producers
Project or Activity: Livestock & Pasture management meetings
Content or Curriculum: Extension Publication and state specialist
Inputs: ANR and specialist
Date: Fall and Winter
Audience: Youth 9-19 years of age in horse club
Project or Activity: Rough Riders Club Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Ohio State Horse Kit
Inputs: ANR, 4-H Certified Volunteer Leaders
Date: Sept through May each year
Audience: 4-H Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Club Meetings and Livestock Skill-a-thon contest
Content or Curriculum: Ohio State Kit
Inputs: ANR,and Certified Volunteer Leader
Date: Monthly September through May each year
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Local Cattleman's Association
Inputs: ANR, Local Agribusiness men, and State specialist.
Dates: quarterly
Audience: Beekeepers
Project or Activity: Monthly Adult and Youth Beekeeper meetings.
Inputs: ANR & 4-H agents, local Beekeepers, and state Specialists.
Dates: Monthly meetings
Audience: homeowners
Project: Lawn and home garden classes
Inputs: ANR, Local Gardeners, UK publications.
Dates: seasonally
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Beekeeping
A small farms diversification Since 2014 Bizzell Bluff Farms has utilized research-based information provided by Cooperative Extension to help make operational decisions for their farm. Mr. Rushing started his small farm operation with a you pick blueberry patch as a fun extra source of income. Livingston ANR helped with publications, variety selection that best suited the area and soil testing. Not only has Mr. Rushing’s hobby blueberry patch grown into a working commercial blu
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Forages
Drought Relief Meet The 2022 growing season was a challenge for most of Western Kentucky due to extreme dry weather. In many counties of Western Kentucky, it has become a very serious drought. Normally when people think of a drought, we immediately think about grain production, not livestock production. The way the weather patterns hit Western Kentucky you could have drought on one side of the county and enough rain to keep descen
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Equine
On March 2nd, 2023, Extension Agriculture Agents from the Purchase and Pennyrile collaborated to offer a program entitled, "Pasture Please." This unique program offering was geared towards equine owners who manage their own pastures. The goal was to give these owners research-based recommendations pertaining to horse pasture renovation. After the drought conditions endured during the 2022 growing season, the host agents knew this topic would be in high demand. The agenda feature
