Extension
It Starts With Us
Sustainable Livestock Production
Livestock Production
Carpenter
Beef
Forages
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
According to the Agriculture Census data, LaRue County’s total value of livestock sales in 2017 was $8,681,000. That is a massive economic impact on a small county like LaRue. Although grain production has spread rapidly throughout the county, there are still more acres devoted livestock production in the county. Programs that enhance soil quality and health, livestock quality and health, economic profitability, and natural resource conservation are important components to ensuring the sustainability of our farmers.
Farmers will adopt integrated systems of animal and plant production which sustain and/or enhance the profitability of their agricultural enterprise. Production methods learned from extension programming will increase the amount of commodities produced.
Producers will utilize new management and marketing skills learned from Cooperative Extension Service programs that can increase agricultural enterprise profitability. More farmers will make decisions to work on estate plans which will help sustain their operations for future generations.
Producers will learn new marketing techniques for livestock and forage production.
Producers will understand ways of controlling their input costs more effectively
Producers will learn new management tools that they can use to increase efficiency and effectiveness on their agricultural enterprise.
Producers will learn ways to diversify their livestock operations.
Intermediate Outcomes: Individuals implement production practices learned during educational activities to increase profitability
Indicator: Number of practices adopted and implemented
Method: Post evaluations and follow up surveys
Timeline: 6-8 weeks after educational activity
Initial Outcome: Gained knowledge in the areas of animal husbandry and production practices. Producers will learn about best management & production practices
Indicator: Individuals state they gained knowledge and aspire to implement practices on their farm
Method: Post educational activity evaluation
Timeline: Throughout the year
Long-term Outcomes: Farmers will be more profitable by applying learned marketing strategies and production practices
Indicator: Number of participants who adopt recommended practices and impact increased profitability
Method: Evaluations, follow up surveys and testimony
Timeline: On going
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality and Care Assurance Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Best Management Practices and Consumer Confidence
Inputs: BQA manual, facilities
Date: Winter
Audience: Beef Producers, Industry Representatives
Project or Activity: Beef Field Day
Content or Curriculum: cover crops, herd health, health facilities, agronomic practices
Inputs: Farm operator, facilities, sponsors, tables, av equipment
Date: October
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Educational Beef Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Nutrition, health, marketing, policies
Inputs: Agents time, facilities, sponsors, industry reps, volunteers, specialists
Date: Monthly
Audience: Small Ruminant Producers
Project or Activity: Educational Small Ruminant Meetings
Content or Curriculum:
Nutrition, health, marketing, policies
Inputs: Agents time, facilities, sponsors, industry reps, volunteers, specialists
Date: Monthly
Audience: Crop & Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Rinse & Return
Content or Curriculum: Proper disposal of pesticide containers
Inputs: KDA staff, facilities, advertisements, volunteers
Date: June
Audience: Homeowners, Crop & Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Private Pesticide Applicators Training
Content or Curriculum: Pesticide Safety, Worker Protection Standards,
recordkeeping, Understanding Pesticide Labels, crop related pests,
restricted use pesticides
Inputs: Facilities, videos, publications
Date: December – March
Audience: Commercial Producers and Horticulture Enthusiasts
Project or Activity: Media Appearances via Podcasts, Radio, and Newspaper
Content or Curriculum: Up-to-date information for producers
Inputs: Promotional materials, visual aids, recording equipment
Date: Ongoing throughout the year
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Small ruminant programs in LaRue County have grown in popularity as interest in raising small ruminants has continued to increase. Many small farmers with 50 acres or less are finding that they can make a profit by raising sheep and/or goats. 75% of participants who attend local programs report that they are more profitable from what they learn at meetings. 100% report that they are better educated to provide more comfort and better care for their animals.Many of the classes have involved multip
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Beef
Local cattlemen's association programs held this year included: Livestock risk protection and options, Cattle Marketing Options, Changes to antibiotic prescriptions, UAV's in Livestock Production, Stretching Hay Supplies, Developing business plans, and weed control in pastures. 88% said they attend local cattlemen's events to lean more about the cattle industry. 85% said that attending cattlemens meetings at the extension office have helped improve efficiency in their farming op
