LaRue County CES

Title:

Enhancement of Beef Production

MAP:

Livestock Production

Agents Involved:

Carpenter

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Ag Marketing

Situation:

LaRue County ranks thirty-third among the state’s counties in the number of beef cattle and is the number one commodity in the county. Phase 1 money for beef producers has improved and created additional interest in beef production,as has current high prices. Local beef producers have received over $1,000,000 in grant funding. The county beef association meets monthly with Educational programs planned by a program committee. The group also is active in beef production promotion. Over 100 beef producers are currently BQA certified. Over 90 producers have participated in the Master Cattlemen Program. Several participate in CPH Sales and retained ownership programs. CPH calves average $35.00 premium over non-CPH calves. Producers actively support beef through cooks and other community activities. Marketing options are being investigated by some more progressive producers. Beef programming is directed by Beef Association Directors, beef producers and beef program committee.

Long-Term Outcomes:

LaRue County beef producers to achieve greater profitability through improved sustainable and environmentally sound livestock management practices, better marketing, and product promotion.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Beef producers will use better bulls and heifers
Beef producers will practice better management on their cow-calf herds.
Producers will increase income through planned marketing.

Initial Outcomes:

Through monthly beef educational meetings, newsletters, field days, and other beef educational opportunities beef producers will learn the principles and skills needed to achieve improved beef production.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Use of better bulls

Indicator: Improved genetics

Evaluation Method: Survey

When: Spring

Outcome: Increased knowledge of Beef Production

Indicator: Attendance at Beef Educational Programs; CAIP Education

Evaluation Method: Surveys

When: May

Outcome: Use of Marketing Alternatives

Indicator: Income Compared to Traditional Marketing Methods

Evaluation Method: Personal Contact

When: Autumn

Learning Opportunities:

Activity: Beef Association Activities

Content or Curriculum: Cooks, Promotions, Community Service, Scholarships

Inputs: Volunteers

When: Monthly, except for June and july

Activity: Educational Programs; CAIP Educational Programs

Content or Curriculum: Beef Management and Marketing

Inputs: Volunteers, Agents, Extension Specialists, Industry

When: July-June

Activity: County Fair Beef Show

Content or Curriculum: Quality Animals

Inputs: Volunteers, County Fair Grounds, Agr. Businesses

When: June

Activity: Training for Producer Certifications

Content or Curriculum: BQA

Inputs: Training Materials for BQA

When: Fall through Spring

Activity: Beef Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Management Practices

Inputs: Farm Cooperator, Volunteers

When: October

Activity: Master Cattlemen Program

Content or Curriculum: Ten Sessions on Beef

Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Leaders

When: March-November

Success Stories