Hancock County CES

Title:

Enhancing Livestock Management

MAP:

Enhancing Livestock Management

Agents Involved:

Evan Tate - ANR

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Nutrition and Food Systems General

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

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. Hancock County has a topography suitable for livestock production. Producers in the county are located uniquely in the center of four different local markets and have easy access to transporting livestock to Indiana for additional marketing avenues. Furthermore, local feedstuffs are plentiful, and there is a growing demand for locally raised meat.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Producers will utilize knowledge and experience gained to start or better current livestock production units. Furthermore, local businesses will adhere to the importance of supplying the needs of producers to maintain these farms. The local community will embrace the efforts of county producers by utilizing meat grown locally in a well rounded healthy diet.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Producers will recognize the importance of utilizing management tools to increase monetary returns to the farm. Youth and adults will begin to practice evaluation techniques when selecting breeding stock in order to increase long term production.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will be educated on selection, management and marketing of livestock. Youth will participate in programs designed to enhance livestock handling and general management skills to build a foundation for further improvement.

Evaluation:

Intermediate Outcome: Producers seek and utilize selection tools for breeding stock

Indicator: Producers ask questions and show evidence of incorporating selection tools

Method: Survey producers about selection tools

Timeline: Spring and Fall 2024

Intermediate Outcome: Producers utilize new marketing avenues made available

Indicator: Producers ask questions and show evidence of incorporating new marketing avenues into business plans

Method: Survey producers about selection tools

Timeline: Spring and Fall 2024

Long-term Outcome: Producers change management practices

Indicator: Adopt new mineral programs, vaccination programs, create calving seasons

Method: Conduct questionnaires at local beef meetings

Timeline: Fall 2024

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Monthly Cattleman's Meetings/Beef Improvement Seminars

Content or Curriculum: Selection/Management Courses

Inputs: County Agents, Industry Partners, UK Specialist

Date: June 2025- July 2025

Audience: Local Business Leaders

Project or Activity: Beef Tasting- Chamber Christmas

Content or Curriculum: Grilling lesser known, healthy cuts for consumers

Inputs: County Agents, Local Grocery, Hancock County Cattleman's Assoc.

Date: Winter 2024- Spring 2025