Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
Gabby Seymour
Beef
Sustainable Agriculture
KSU Small Farm Program
Forages
With a decrease in crop commodity prices, many farmers are looking to diversify their operation by adding livestock. McLean County already has a large amount of livestock, but it continues to grow. There is also a large interest in livestock production on small farms as well as people are looking to produce their own food.
Maximize profits for livestock producers.
Minimize environmental impact on air, soil or living area.
Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.
Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.
Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.
Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.
Implement or more BMP's for livestock production.
Identify and cut one or more unnecessary input costs.
Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.
Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.
Identify BMP's for livestock production.
Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production.
Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.
Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.
Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.
Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production.
Method: Written Evaluation, Verbal Evaluation/Discussion
Timeline: 6-12 months
Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.
Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.
Method: Written Evaluation, Observation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 1-2 years
Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.
Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.
Method: Written Evaluation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 2 years
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,
Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Educational Programming
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations
Date: Yearly - Winter
Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming
Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders
Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality Assurance
Content or Curriculum: BQA Curriculum
Inputs: ANR Agents
Date: Year Round
Audience: Beef Producers
Project of Activity: Midwest Beef Summit
Content or Curriculum: Livestock Management/Cow Longevity
Inputs: University Specialists and Industry Experts
Date: August 2017
