Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production & Profitability
Production & Profitability
Corinne Belton
Small Ruminants
Equine
Beef
Dairy
While Kentucky's population is increasing, the number of people living on farms is decreasing. Therefore the need exists to educate people, particularly youth, about the impact agriculture makes on their daily lives, as well as the importance of agriculture to the Commonwealth. Shelby Countians are faced with maintaining a balance between industrial development, community growth and preserving the rural landscape. In order to increase sustainability and profitability, producers must take advantage of local markets as well as our close proximity to the large population centers of Lexington and Louisville. Diversification of agriculture operations is key to long-term viability. Producers must engage in practices that ensure the preservation and availability of natural resources for future generations.
Although Kentucky livestock producers have enjoyed relatively high prices for their stock over the past few years, it is important to continue to educate producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. Extension educational programs are targeted to provide Kentucky livestock producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.
*Long term viability
*Producers save money by making informed selection decisions
*Improve herd/flock quality
*Maximize profits for commercial ag producer
*Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area
*Improve sustainability of intensively managed livestock production systems
*Increase positive opinion of animal agriculture of non-farm individuals
*Test forage for nutritional quality
*Provide a complete mineral supplement program
*Implement cross breeding program
*Make EPD and targeted selection decisions to capitalize on a value-added product
*Implement a managed grazing system
*Utilize alternative forages
*Properly use medicated feed
*Create improved livestock handling equipment/facilities
*Slowly and quietly handle cattle
*Discuss animal welfare issues less defensively with others
*Adopt usage of new technology for livestock production
*Use diagnostic services to identify insects, disease and weeds
*Gain knowledge of the livestock industry and information and tools to succeed in livestock production
*Interpret forage analyses, feed and mineral bag tabs and to balance rations.
*Increase awareness of the following practices: reproduction, genetics, nutrition, health, end product, general herd management, economics and marketing.
*Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.
*Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.
*Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.
Initial Outcome: Youth and adults increase KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Indicator: Increased KOSA about traditional and alternative agriculture enterprises and practices
Method: Post-training evaluations, observation
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Youth and adults implement production management practices such as: evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition.
Indicator: Improved management practices in evaluation, variety selection, forage improvement, marketing, reproduction and nutrition
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Yearly
Long-term Outcome: Increased agriculture production and profitability
Indicator: Higher production and increased profits
Method: Self-reporting, observation
Timeline: Year-to-year over the next decade
Audience: Small Ruminant Producers
Project or Activity: Small Ruminant Series
Content or Curriculum: UK and KSU Sheep and Goat publications
Inputs: UK and KSU sheep and goat publications, specialists, agents
Date:
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Regional Beef Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Presentations by specialists and agents
Inputs: UK specialists, agents
Date: September 27, 2017
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: For Rookies Series
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date: Oct/Nov 2017
Audience: General Public
Project or Activity: Backyard Poultry Production
Content or Curriculum: Animal Science Extension publications, guest speakers
Inputs: UK publications, guest speakers, horticulture technician
Date: February 2018
Audience: Horse Owners
Project or Activity: Horse Management Seminar
Content or Curriculum: UK Animal Science publications, guest speakers
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents, guest speakers
Date: Winter, 2018
Audience: Livestock Producers
Project or Activity: Pasture and Grazing management courses
Content or Curriculum: UK publications
Inputs: UK publications, specialists, agents
Date:
Audience: Cattle Producers
Project or Activity: Master Cattleman Certification
Content or Curriculum: Master Cattleman
Inputs: Agents, Specialists
Date: May 2017 - Sept 2017
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality beef production since the tobacco buyout. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Tobacco settlement funds have been used extensively throughout the state to support the purchase of quality bulls and females in order to increa
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
As in other communities, Shelby County is seeing a renewed interest in “homesteading” (homegrown food production) and a return to small farming. The county has seen steady growth in land ownership in the 1-49 acre range with landowners being a mix of retirees, new-to-farming land owners, and farmers looking to scale-back or diversify their operations away from traditional crops and livestock. Farms reporting sales in the $1-$2500 range numbered 656 in 2012. Due to the inc
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality beef production since the tobacco buyout. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Similar situations exist in neighboring Henry and Oldham counties, leading the agents to host the 2017 Master Cattlemen’s Series. The Mast
