Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Agriculture Enhancement and Sustainability
Joyce Doyle and Maggie Forsee
Beef
Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals
Substance Use Recovery - ANR
Agriculture
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Carroll County has 308 farms consisting of 50,908 total acres (58.06% of the total county acreage). The market value of products sold was reported to be $5,811,000. Livestock sales contributed 42.37% ($2,462,000) of the total value.
The National Agriculture Statistic Service (NASS) reports the following individual livestock sales:
Cattle: $1,859,000
Swine: $28,000
Equine: $24,000
Goats: $7,000
The 2017 Census of Agriculture also estimates the following inventory in Carroll County: 6,539 cattle and calves, 551 layers, 290 horses and ponies, 220 goats, and 219 hogs and pigs, and 142 sheep and lambs.
Livestock production is an important element of agriculture production in Carroll County, and managing it correctly is essential to the success of other production systems in the county, as well as environmental protection.
Agriculture representatives of the County Extension Council, County Agricultural Development Council, and County Cattlemen’s Association as well as day-to-day clientele have identified cattle production, agricultural awareness, best management practices, and marketing as priorities for Extension programming. In addition, the 4-H Council feels the need exists to educate youth about the impact that agriculture makes on their daily lives.
- Minimize the environmental impact on air, soil, and water by livestock producers.
- Increased profits for livestock producers.
- Youth will engage in entrepreneurial enterprise.
- Youth will gain and maintain employment resulting from life skill development through 4-H.
- Youth will be advocates for agriculture and healthy and sustainable food systems.
- Producers adopt best management practices for proper livestock handling techniques.
- Produce utilize diagnostic services (forage testing, soil testing, manure testing, drone services).
- Youth will practice and apply skills and knowledge in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
- Youth will adopt and practice skills that contribute to employability.
- Youth can explain the role of agriculture in daily life to others.
- Youth will set a goal and accomplish it.
- Youth can influence the purchase of Kentucky Proud products.
- Youth can practice entrepreneurship skills related to agriculture and food systems.
- Producers gain knowledge in:
- General herd management, including nutrition, genetics, health, forages, reproduction, end product, and economics.
- Diagnostic testing (forage, soil, manure)
- Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the production of food and fiber in the areas of plant sciences, horticulture and animal sciences.
- Youth will gain an understanding of healthy and sustainable food systems.
- Youth will develop valuable life-skills, including decision-making, communications, record-keeping, leadership and service.
Outcome:
Long term
Indicator:
Increase in livestock cash receipts.
Method:
NASS information from the Kentucky Field Office—County summary given for each year.
Timeline:
2 – 4 years
Outcome:
Intermediate
Indicator:
Increase in producers who adopt best management practices on farms. Increase in forage, soil, and manure testing by livestock producers.
Method:
Surveys of livestock producers. Monthly statistics.
Timeline:
1 – 1 ½ years
Outcome:
Initial
Indicator:
Increased participation in learning workshops.
Method:
Attendance Sheets. Evaluations.
Timeline:
8 months – 1 year
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Project or Activity:
Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) Certification
Content or Curriculum:
Beef Quality and Care Assurance Program, utilizing both the video and chute-side training modules
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time
Date:
January/May/September 2025
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association
Content or Curriculum:
Various cattle production topics.
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association Members, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
September – December 2024
January – April, September – December 2025
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Goat and Sheep Production Classes
Content or Curriculum:
Focus on topics related to goat, sheep, and other types of livestock production that are seen in the county on a smaller scale.
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
August 2024-2025
Audience:
Carroll County Poultry Producers
Activity:
Poultry Production Classes
Content or Curriculum:
Focus on topics related to poultry production
Inputs:
Extension Agent, Extension Specialists, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
Spring/Fall 2025
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Livestock Field Day
Content or Curriculum:
Spotlight model producers around the community
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association Members, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
May 2025
Audience:
Carroll County Youth (5-19)
Activity:
4-H Livestock Club Meetings and Clinic
Content or Curriculum:
4-H Livestock Leader Guides and Handbooks (Poultry, Rabbit, Goat, Sheep, Beef, Swine)
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Certified and Non-certified Volunteers, Extension Specialists, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
September 2024 (Livestock Meetings)
September 2025 (Livestock Meetings)
April 2025 (Vet, Health Papers)
June 2025 (County Fair)
August 2024 (State Fair)
August 2025 (State Fair)
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers, 4-H’ers, and Residents
Activity:
Collaboration with local Tractor Supply Co.
Content or Curriculum:
Marketing Extension and 4-H
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Volunteers, Certified Livestock Leaders, 4-H Livestock Club, 4-H Dog Club, Manager at Tractor Supply Co., Time, Money
Date:
Spring and Fall 2024 (Tractor Supply 4-H Paper Clover Campaign)
Spring and Fall 2025 (Tractor Supply 4-H Paper Clover Campaign)
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Development of the Livestock Portion of the County Website
Content or Curriculum:
Online information pertaining to livestock production
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Staff Assistant, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association Members, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, Kentucky Beef Council, Extension resources (publications), Time, Money
Date:
All throughout the year
Audience:
Carroll County Livestock Producers
Activity:
Using Drones in Agriculture
Content or Curriculum:
Program developed by agent in collaboration with producers in the community
Inputs:
Extension Agents, Extension Specialists, Carroll County Cattlemen's Association Members, Time, Money
Date:
Spring 2025
