Beef Cattle ProductionPlan of Work

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Boone County CES

Title:
Beef Cattle Production
MAP:
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Agents Involved:
Gary Stockton
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Forages
Situation:

There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars and may reach that level in 2014 with record high beef prices. Even with high prices it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. These educational programs are targeted to assist our Kentucky beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Improved public animal handling image

Improved animal welfare

Improved marketing opportunities

Improved reproduction through bull soundness exams

Intermediate Outcomes:

Use proper cattle handling and movement techniques

Construct a cattle handling facility

Use proper transportation practices

Reduce the use of electronic prods, pipes, and sticks for moving animals

Calculate and properly time for castration and dehorning to minimize animal stress

Utilize body condition scoring to manage nutrition of animals

Proper vaccination techniques to improve quality of beef and control of preventable disease

Initial Outcomes:

Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.

Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.

Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being

Indicator: Number of people who gained information on nutrition, health, genetics, reproduction, and/or facilities and equipment

Method: post-test

Timeline: immediately after presentations


Intermediate Outcome: Proper vaccination techniques to improve quality of beef and control of preventable disease.

Indicator: Number of producers who develop a herd health protocol and improve animal health practices.

Method: Survey

Timeline: 6 months to 1 year following program


Long-term Outcome: Improved nutrition of animals by utilizing body condition scores

Indicator: Number of producers who practice efficient reproduction techniques

Method: survey

Timeline: 1 year or more after program

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA)

Content or Curriculum: BQCA Videos, handouts, and publications

Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, County Agents, Program Materials, handout/presentation materials

Date: January 2025


Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers

Project or Activity: Pasture & Hayfield weed management, Forage improvement programming

Content or Curriculum: Presentations, publications, and handouts

Inputs: UK Specialist, Agents, and program materials

Date: July 2024, March 2025


Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers

Project or Activity: Beef Cattle Reproductive and Nutritional improvement program

Content or Curriculum: Presentation, publications, and handouts

Inputs: UK beef specialist, agents, and program materials

Date: September 2024



Success Stories

Fall Pasture Management

Author: Gary Stockton

Major Program: Forages

17 farmers and landowners gathered in Boone County to attend a Fall Pasture Management class. With the increasing need for efficient land use and sustainable farming practices, this class was designed to address key challenges in pasture health and productivity.The class covered essential topics such as soil nutrients, overseeding, and grazing management. These elements are critical for improving pasture conditions, increasing forage production, and ultimately enhancing livestock performance.Par

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