Monroe County CES

Title:

Livestock Production

MAP:

Livestock Production

Agents Involved:

Kevin Lyons

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

Situation:

Livestock producers have been enduring depressed markets and on-farm prices. Beef producers must become more efficient 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. Sheep and goats are increasing in popularity, especially with small scale farmers. The rise in interest in small ruminants calls for more educational opportunities for those producers.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers need to develop a direct-to-consumer outlet for their product.

Developing a renewable forage system will help decrease feed cost.

Implementation of a sound herd health and nutritional program.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.

Initial Outcomes:

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.

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Cattlemen’s meetings

Content or Curriculum: Beef production topics

Inputs: Industry representatives; UK Specialists

Date: October - March each year

Audience: Small Ruminant  Producers

Project or Activity: Sheep & Goat Field Day; Conferences

Content or Curriculum: Herd health; nutrition; marketing

Inputs: Specialists and successful producers; industry representatives

Date: Summer of 2023

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: Master Cattlemen curriculum

Inputs: UK Specialists; Agents

Date: Fall of 2023