Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Agriculture Production
ANR, 4-HYD
Beef
Dairy
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Agriculture
The Russell County terrain is somewhat rolling; therefore, forages are marketed through livestock. Livestock produced 78% of agriculture income according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. This is a decline of about 12% from the 2007 Census. Therefore, quality feed and forages are in short supply and cattle are not feed efficiently because of the structure of breeding/calving seasons and calf weaning. Animals cannot be grouped according to nutritional needs. Farms that have farming systems consisting of livestock and crops are more profitable. Improving feed, forage and reproductive efficiencies leads to more profitability for producers. Breeding programs lean more toward to getting live calves rather than maximizing hybrid vigor or getting more cows settled early in the breeding season. Without efficiency herd reductions will follow. Also sheep and goat production is on the rise. With more people having small amounts of acreage, and the consumption of sheep and goat products on the rise, this has been a great alternative to large animal production.
• Improved farm economic status, sustainability of farm, reduced Expenses enhanced profit margin
• Reduced environmental impact
• Producers save money by making better selection decisions, increased profits of calves
• Properly match genetics to management and environment, improve herd quality
• Increased days of grazing, decreased feed costs
• Producers benefited from increased production and/or quality of milk (Economic)
• Increased knowledge of dairy production related to: Business management, facilities, herd health, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, herd management, facilities and handling, labor management, current trends, monitoring technology
• Maintain or improve agriculture operations with small ruminants and/or exotic animals
•Minimize the environmental impact of agriculture operations Increase profits, reduce expenses, and/or minimize risk
•Mentor new and beginning farmers
•Youth engage in entrepreneural agriculture practices
•Youth advocate for agriculture and healthy, sustainable food systems.
• Develop a nutrient management plan
• Implement practices to control the breeding season and enhance production efficiency
• Implement a managed grazing system, soil test, renovate pastures by interseeding clover/legumes, use alternative forage species (annuals, warm season perennial), stockpile tall fescue for grazing
• Implement crossbreeding program Implement practices to perform examinations of pelvic areas, reproductive tract scores, AI, pregnancy diagnosis, and/or animal evaluation
• Implement a crossbreeding program
• Develop an ag water quality plan, implement ag water plan
• Develop streamside buffers to prevent water runoff
• Examined and implemented Facility changes including: Compost Bedded Pack Barn, cow comfort, Free Stall Management, Heat Stress Management, moving cattle, other facility areas
• Used diagnostic services to improve soil, the environment, and/or animal health Used Extension information to make decisions about: • Business management • Facilities and handling of flocks/herds • • Developed a marketing plan for meat animals Adopted Extension practices to improve: animal nutrition, genetics and reproduction, quality or quantity of dairy production, parasite treatment program
•Youth apply skills learned in the production of food and fiber.
• Increase knowledge of: general herd management , health disorders and classifying disease risk, the effects of livestock and environmental interaction, genetics, reproduction, budgeting, record keeping, marketing strategies forage production, growth curves of grasses, factors that impact nutrient quality, managed grazing concepts, body condition scoring, nutrient needs of cattle at various ages and stages of production
• Increased knowledge of dairy production related to: business management, facilities, herd health, reproduction, genetics, nutrition, herd management, facilities and handling
• Identify financial options for small farm and beginning agriculture operations Gained knowledge of small ruminants including: animal health, nutrition, breeding / genetics, facilities and handling, environmental impact, business management, marketing
• Observe and/or locate how to correctly test soil & hay and/or recognize weeds, pests and disease
•Youth gain knowledge of production of food and fiber and gain understanding of healthy, sustainable food systems.
•Youth explore career opportunities in agriculture and natural resoruces
Outcome: Better overall herd management & handling from cattlemen, sheep, goat, & dairy producers.
Indicator: Management changes within farm
Method: Survey participants or on farm visits
Timeline: Beginning of course, end of course, one year follow-up
Outcome: Participation in the programs increase because of marketing the programs.
Indicator: Number of applications submitted.
Method: Application numbers
Timeline: Yearly
Outcome: Youth acquire knowledge in selection and care of animals.
Indicator: Youth care for animals on the family farm.
Method: observation and parent-assessment
Timeline: throughout yeare
Outcome: Youth engage in country ham project.
Indicator: successful curing process of hams
Method: score sheets from Kentucky State Fair
Timeline: completion of project in August
Main Audience: Beef Producers
Activity: BQCA Training
Content or Curriculum: BQCA Training Materials
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Dairy Producers
Activity: On-Farm Visits
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: Summer
Main Audience: Sheep & Goat Producers
Activity: Production Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: 3x year
Main Audience: Cattlemen
Activity: Russell County Cattlemen’s Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: 6x year
Main Audience: Producers
Activity: CAIP Trainings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Committee Members
Activity: Ag Development & CAIP Council Meetings
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: As Needed
Main Audience: Producers
Activity: Livestock Production Field Days
Content or Curriculum: Various Topics
Date: As Needed
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Horse and Livestock Programs
Content: OSU 4-H horse and livestock kits
Inputs: volunteer leaders; meeting space
Date: throughout program year
Activity: 4-H Country Ham Project
Content: Kentucky 4-H ham curing publications
Inputs: volunteer leaders, ham house
Date: November-August
Activity: 4-H Ag in the Classroom program
Content: 4-H Core curricula resources
Inputs: school leaders
Date: September 2024 – April 2025
Audience: Farmers/Landowners
Activity: Fencing schools
Curriculum: UK Fencing School Field Day
Date: Spring or Fall
Activity: Living on a Few Acres
Inputs: area ag agents
Date: Spring or Fall
Activity: AI and Preg Checking School
Curriculum: UK Beef Specialist
Date: Spring or Fall
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Beef
In rural areas of Kentucky, farmers face significant challenges in managing cattle reproduction. Limited access to large animal veterinarians and veterinary supplies hinders the ability to utilize modern reproductive technologies, such as artificial insemination (A.I.) and on-site pregnancy checks. Many farmers are constrained by time and financial resources, making implementing these essential practices that could improve herd productivity and overall farm profitability difficult. The lack of t
