Extension
It Starts With Us
Beef Production, Marketing, and Other Animal Sciences
Agriculture Production, Profit, and Management
ANR Agent, 4-H Agent
Beef
Forages
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Farm Management, Economics and Policy
Beef cattle account for 87.5% of the livestock inventory in Union County according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture by the USDA. Increased input costs have led to only those innovative managers making a viable profit. In order to increase profit, producers have to utilize new marketing strategies and techniques along with ensuring a quality feed. The same can be said for other livestock enterprises. Educating youth about innovative methods will lead to them being more successful down the road.
Improved farm economic status. Increased number of young livestock producers. Utilization of the futures or options market to limit downside of market risk. Sustainability of farm or herd.
Test forage for nutritional quality. Market cattle in large, uniform lots through county collaborations. Utilization of Extension recommended marketing process to make a change in management processes to better fit marketing strategies. Growth in participation in livestock clubs and shows for youth.
Recognition and knowledge of better forage production. Budgeting, record keeping, and marketing strategies. Effects of livestock and environmental interaction. Knowledge of best practices in general heard and livestock management.
Initial Outcome: Number of people who gained information on beef nutrition, animal health, genetics, reproduction, and/or facilities and equipment; Number of 4-H members who gained animal science knowledge.
Indicator: 1011.4, 1011.1, 1081.5, 1081.6, 4021.1
Method: Observation, survey, farm visit, consultation, livestock club participation and activities, 4-H record books.
Timeline: 6 months
Intermediate Outcome: Applied information from Extension to market cattle, use of futures marketing strategies to make decisions.
Indicator: 1011.1, 1011.2, 1072.1, 1072.3, 1072.4, 1072.6, 1072.7, 1072.10
Method: Survey
Timeline: 1 year
Long-term Outcome: Profitability and sustainability of livestock herd.
Indicator: 1011.3, 1082.4, 1082.6, 1081.7
Method: Local sales records, interviews, USDA records, producer survey
Timeline: 4 years
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Boots'n'Bridles club
Content or Curriculum: horse education curriculum
Inputs: UK specialists and publications, industry professionals, club leaders and volunteers
Date: August through May
Project or Activity: 4-H Livestock club
Content or Curriculum: Livestock curriculum
Inputs: UK specialists and publications, industry professionals, club leaders and volunteers
Date: August through May
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Educational meetings
Content or Curriculum: Agent developed
Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agribusinesses
Date: Winter/Summer
Project or Activity: BQA
Content or Curriculum: BQA manual
Inputs: BQA manual, UK publications and specialists
Date: Winter/Fall
Audience: Forage Producers, Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Hay/Forage testing
Content or Curriculum: UK publications and specialists
Inputs: UK Diagnostic Lab
Date: As needed
Project or Activity: Beef Field Day
Content or Curriculum: Agent developed
Inputs: UK publications and specialists, agribusinesses
Date: Summer
