Rockcastle County CES

Title:

Improve Livestock Production and Management Skills

MAP:

Promote Livestock Production and Management

Agents Involved:

Garrard Coffey

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Equine

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

Situation:

Teachable moments for new and improved livestock production practices are continually developing. Nearly 350 Beef Farm Operators need exposure to better management practices in Herd Health, Nutrition and Genetics as well as assistance placing practices in place to improve their production and marketing. The Cattlemen's Association, Agriculture Development Council and Livestock groups assist in program identification and implementation.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Livestock producers optimize their management skills through current technology allowing for increased income and economic stability.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Livestock producers will seek and implement new management skills such as Cattle Handling facilities, Herd Health, Nutrition, Breeding Management, Back grounding and Marketing.

Initial Outcomes:

Livestock producers will gain knowledge in current technology and implement practices as it relates to improved management and economic stability. Including improved handling facilities allowing for appropriate herd health procedures for cows, calves and yearlings. Beef Quality Assurance as related to animal health procedures. Breeding management of the bull as well as new breeding tools for synchronization and timed AI. Nutrition for cows and yearlings, new de-worming procedures for herd health. Two demonstration herds participate in (IRM) Integrated Resource Management project.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Beef Producers utilize Winter Producer Meetings, Special Multi-County classes, CAIP Investment Programs, Extension farm visits to improve working facilities, implement new de-worming procedures for herd health, and adoption/management results from IRM project.

Indicator: Number participating, Investments made.

Method: Meetings, Farm visits, demonstrations.

Timeline: Year round

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: BQCA, Herd Health, Reproduction, Nutrition, Genetics, On Farm Demos of cattle estrous synchronization, economics, pasture management, hands on field days, conservation practices

Content or Curriculum: Winter Producer Meetings on Herd Health, Calving Seasons, Reproductive Management, Economic update, Mineral formulation and Marketing.

Inputs: Training meetings, Tour, Demonstrations, podcasts, youtube channel, facebook videos,

Date: January-October

Success Stories