Johnson County CES

Title:

Livestock and Crops

MAP:

Agriculture

Agents Involved:

Jeffiers

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Poultry/Small Flocks

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Small Ruminants (includes sheep, goats) and Exotic animals

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Forages

Situation:

According to the USDA NASS, cattle production remains a major player, with roughly 1,200 head in the county. NASS data shows hay yields of roughly 2 tons/acre per year, showing underutilization of forage potential. The number of farms has increased but the average size has declined by 21%. Net cash farm income was down 48% as of the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Backyard poultry production for eggs is becoming very popular, both for family use and for retail sale. A significant number of goats are also in production, with innovators expanding into production of alpacas, alfalfa, and lavender as well as a variety of herbs. Hemp production has failed to gain significant traction in the county. The Extension Community Needs Assessment revealed that disaster recovery, land preservation, and vitality of family farms are high priorities.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Farmers have production records for herds and flocks.

Livestock revenues are maximized.

Nonproductive animals are culled.

Forage productivity is maximized.

Farm assets transition to the next generation without undue financial loss.

Alternative crops are profitable

Intermediate Outcomes:

Farmers implement recordkeeping systems through apps or computer software to track animal ages, weights, and genetics.

Producers sell livestock at ideal weights, ages, and times of year.

Infertile bulls and cows are identified through appropriate tests.

A variety of forage types are harvested and grazed at appropriate stages with adequate fertilization and good storage of baled feedstuffs.

Farm owners establish trusts, transfer property, and otherwise work to secure their assets against inheritance taxes and Medicare forfeiture.

Farmers cultivate new crop options such as hemp.

Initial Outcomes:

Farmers understand recordkeeping options available to them and why the records can be helpful.

Farmers understand natural market cycles and desired characteristics of sale animals. 

Farmers understand the financial impact of nonproductive animals and know how to identify them.

Farmers understand the different forage, concentrate, and supplement options available and know which ones are ideal for their operations.

Farmers understand the legal ramifications of failing to establish a will, trust, or another mechanism for protecting assets after their death.

Farmers understand the legal environment of hemp production and how to produce and market the crop.

Evaluation:

Outcome: Farmers understand recordkeeping options available to them and why the records can be helpful.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting adding use of an app

Method: Producer survey

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Farmers understand natural market cycles and desired characteristics of sale animals. 

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting changes in marketing plans.

Method: Producer survey

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Farmers understand the financial impact of nonproductive animals and know how to identify them.

Indicator: Number of farmers utilizing preg checks and bull soundness exams

Method: Producer survey

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Farmers understand the different forage, concentrate, and supplement options available and know which ones are ideal for their operations.

Indicator: Number of farmers reporting use of new feedstuffs

Method: Producer survey

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Farmers understand the legal ramifications of failing to establish a will, trust, or other mechanism for protecting assets after their death.

Indicator: Number of farm owners creating a will or trust; participation in heirs' property programming

Method: Producer survey

Timeline: Annual

Outcome: Farmers understand the legal, marketing, and production aspects of growing hemp.

Indicator: Farmers who successfully market hemp for CBD or other uses.

Method: KDA data, producer survey

Timeline: Annual

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef producers
Project or Activity: Reproductive management
Content or Curriculum: Bull testing & heifer pregnancy checks
Inputs: Local veterinarian, Morehead State vet science students, farm facilities
Date: Annually

Audience: Forage producers

Project or Activity: Test plots, demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: UK research

Inputs: Local farms, county staff, UK specialists

 Date: Annually

Audience: Property owners

Project or Activity: Heirs' Property program

Content or Curriculum: Southern Rural Development Center curriculum

Inputs: ANR agent, KSU specialist

Audience: Livestock producers

Project or Activity: Hay testing

Content or Curriculum: Forage analysis through KDA

Inputs: Agent & assistant sampling times

Date: Fall each year

Audience: Cattle producers

Project or Activity: Recordkeeping training

Content or Curriculum: UK livestock app

Inputs: UK specialists, county staff, local producers

Date: Annually each Spring 

Audience: Cattle & goat producers

Project or Activity: Nutrition education

Content or Curriculum: UK research on concentrates, supplements

Inputs: UK data

Date: Annually

Audience: Forage producers

Project or Activity: Summer annual demonstrations

Content or Curriculum: UK forage handling techniques

Inputs: Local farm cooperators, UK specialists, county staff

Date: Annually each summer

Audience: Hemp producers & interested individuals

Project or Activity: Management workshops

Content or Curriculum: UK & KDA information on regulation & licensure

Inputs: UK staff, KDA personnel, county staff

Date: Annually or as required by evolving legal issues

Audience: Hemp producers

Project or Activity: Production education

Content or Curriculum: UK research 

Inputs: Farm cooperators, UK staff, county staff

Date: Annually 

Success Stories