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
With changes in Kentucky agriculture over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of farmers and rural residents who are raising sheep, goats, or both. Many others are considering entering small ruminant production. Due to the need for sound production and marketing information for our clientele, the ANR Agents of the W7 and W8 Extension areas helped host the KY Sheep and Wool Producers Association Field Day.The KYSWPA invited Extension to collaborate with them on their annu
