Extension
It Starts With Us
Beef/Livestock Production
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Jacob Ison/ Morgan Murphy
Beef
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Forages
Hay testing
There are approximately 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River. Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture and 2018 Kentucky Agriculture Statistics Survey there are 6,000 cattle and calves on 363 farms in Elliott County and generated $1,892.000 in revenue. With the decline in beef cattle prices over the past several years in the United States many cow/calf producers in Elliott County are looking for alternatives to maintain and sustain their current beef cattle operations.
- Elliott County cattle producers will decrease invasive weed populations in their pasture and hay fields by ten percent leading to a 30 day longer grazing period.
- Elliott County cattle producers will increase their weaning weights by five percent and begin utilizing EPD's for genetic selection.
- Elliott County cattle producers will begin incorporating Artificial Insemination into their breeding operation and begin developing their own replacement heifers.
- Cattle producers will begin participating in the IRM program, BSE exam program, CPH-45 program, and participate in the East KY Hay contest to have there forages tested and begin balancing rations to meet cattle herd needs.
- Elliott County cattle producers who partake in the CPH 45 sales will increase by five percent.
- Elliott County cattle producers will begin utilizing soil test to balance nutrients in their pasture and hay fields.
- Elliott County cattle producers will begin evaluating their pasture land to increase their grazing days.
- Elliott County cattle producers will begin submitting forages for testing during the East KY Hay contest.
- Elliott County cattle producers who partake in the IRM program will increase by five percent.
- Elliott County cattle producers who partake in the BSE workshop will increase by five percent.
- Elliott County cattle producers who partake in the BQCA certification will increase by 10 percent.
- Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association participation will increase by five percent.
- Elliott County cattle producers will become Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) certified.
- Elliott County cattle producers will market calves through the CPH 45 program.
- Elliott County cattle producers will have BSE exams conducted on herd bulls before the breeding season.
- Elliott County cattle producers will participate in the IRM program.
- Elliott County cattle producers will develop and adopt recommended vaccination programs and incorporate them into their operations.
- Elliott County cattle producers will increase their overall knowledge of management, genetics, soil quality, forage quality and marketing.
Initial Outcome: BQCA, Vaccination Programs, IRM Program, CPH 45 program, BSE program, increase overall knowledge of beef cattle
Indicator: Number of BQCA certifications, increase in CPH 45, increase in IRM program, increase in East KY Hay Contest, increase in BSE exams, and word of mouth by local vets
Method: List of BQCA certifications from KCA, list of BSE exams from Morehead State University and EFCA Chairman, CPH sale paperwork that ag agents are required to sign and work with local vets, IRM program documents from KBN, Forage documents from KDA and Extension Forage Specialist
Timeline: January thru December
Intermediate Outcome: Increase participation in CPH 45 sales and IRM program, utilize soil test and forage testing
Indicator: CPH 45 sales, IRM participants, soil data reports and forage analysis reports all increase
Method: CPH 45 sale documentation, IRM documentation, soil data analysis reports and forage analysis reports
Timeline: March, April, September, October, November
Long-term Outcome: Increase grazing period, weaning weights, forage quality, utilize EPD's, AI and BSE exams
Indicator: Participation in Bull Value programs, AI schools, BSE program, East KY Hay Contest, CPH 45 sales and beef IRM program
Method: Host AI workshops, work with ABS genetics and Morehead State University, host BSE exams at Morehead State University (work with MSU farm manager, vet and EFCA chairman), promote IRM program and offer a MS/advanced Cattlemen programs
Timeline: April, May, June, August, September, October and November
Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, farmers, Ag council members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association
Activity: Master Cattleman
Contents: Lectures and hands on demonstration
Inputs: UK Specialist, Guest Speakers
Date: October, November, December 2023
Audience : Elliott County Farmers
Activity: Herd Health Seminar
Contents: Educational Powerpoint with live demonstration
Inputs: Intern
Date: July 2023
Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, farmers, Ag council members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association
Project or Activity: Annual Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations
Inputs: UK Specialist and farmers
Date: September or October 2023
Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, farmers, Ag council members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association
Project or Activity: Educational Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association, Kentucky Beef Network and Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
Inputs: Guest Speakers, UKY Beef Cattle Specialist, UKY ANR agents
Date: November, December, February and April 2023-2024
Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, farmers, Ag council members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association
Project or Activity: Master Haymaker
Content or Curriculum: Hands on demonstrations and lectures
Inputs: Ag agents, Vets, UK Specialist, farmers/producers
Date: January thru March 2024
Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, farmers, Ag council members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association
Project or Activity: East KY Hay Contest
Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations and Lectures
Inputs: Ag agents, UK Specialist, farmers/producers
Date: September thru November 2023-2024
Author: Jacob Ison
Major Program: Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
In the last 3-4 years Elliott County has become a desirable place for many folks who want to move from their more urban areas, purchase land, and be able to try their hand at some different agricultural practices. Most wanted a place to grow a garden, have some livestock and just live a more rural area lifestyle. Because of this small ruminant livestock farms have been popping up here an there and with this interest the need for small ruminant education programs in the area has rose as well.&nbs
