Extension
It Starts With Us
Enhancing Livestock Management
Enhancing Livestock Management
Evan Tate - ANR, Lisa Hagman-4-H
Beef
Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)
Farm Management
Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum
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.
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.
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.
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.
Initial Outcome: An increased level of participation in livestock events during the Hancock County Fair
Indicator: Number of participants
Method: Compare registration sheets from years' past
Timeline: Summer 2017
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: Fall 2017
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 2018
Audience: 4-H Youth Livestock Club
Project or Activity: Monthly Educational meetings led by 4-H Certified Livestock Leader
Content or Curriculum: Multiple Species of Livestock handling, showing and management, 4-H Core Curriculum
Inputs: County Agents, Local Businesses, County banks
Date: July 2017-June 2018
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 2017- July 2018
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 2017, Spring 2018
Audience: Hancock Co Fair Attendees (Community Members)
Project or Activity: Exhibition of Livestock, Education on Livestock
Content or Curriculum: Public is able to come into close contact with livestock and interact with producers
Inputs: County Agents, 4-H, FFA, Hancock Co Fair Board, Community Sponsors
Date: Summer 2017
Author: Evan Tate
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genet
