Gallatin County CES

Title:

Beef and Forage Improvement in Gallatin County

MAP:

Agriculture Enhancement

Agents Involved:

Hull

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Census of Agriculture data confirms that net farm income in Gallatin County has declined. Partner this with high fuel and fertilizer prices, and you have a recipe for hard times in the farming community. Becoming more efficient in terms of beef and forage production will help producers off-set these circumstances. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

As a result of improved beef and forage practices, Gallatin County farms will become more profitable.  

Intermediate Outcomes:

Participants beef and forage programs will expand or adopt new practices which will, in time, increase profitability. 

Initial Outcomes:

Five new farm families will adopt improved beef and forage practices. 

Evaluation:

Long-Term Outcome: Increased profitability
Indicator: Increase in net farm income
Method: Confidential survey
Timeline: 12 - 18 months

Intermediate Outcome: Adoption of new practices
Indicator: 5 farms will adopt new agricultural practices
Method: Head count
Timeline: Year long

Initial Outcome: Number of farm families taking part in Phase I Program
Indicator: 5 new farm families will benefit from Phase I Program
Method: Head count
Timeline: Year long

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farm families

Project or Activity: Phase I Tobacco Settlement Program

Content or Curriculum: Phase I Guidelines

Inputs: Extension building and equipment

Date: Summer 2023, Spring 2024

Audience: Farm families

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)

Content or Curriculum: BQA Training materials

Date: Winter 2024

Audience: Beef and forage producers

Project or Activity: Forage Update

Content or Curriculum: Minimizing Forage Losses

Inputs: Extension office and equipment, $ for supplies and materials, cooperating farms, specialist assistance

Date: Winter 2024

Audience: Beef and forage producers

Project or Activity: "Which Block is Best? - Choosing the Right Livestock Mineral Supplement"

Content or Curriculum: UK publications, videos, and PowerPoints

Inputs: $ for supplies, UK specialists

Date: Winter 2024