Extension
It Starts With Us
Livestock Production
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
David Fourqurean and 4-H Agent
Beef
Poultry/Small Flocks
Swine
Forages
The livestock industry remains an integral part of the McLean County's agriculture economic impact. Producers continue to diversify into many aspects of the livestock industry to maintain a diverse income however poultry production remains as the number one livestock enterprise here in McLean County.
Maximize profits for livestock producers as well as staying up to date on new advances in livestock production.
Minimize environmental impact on air, soil and the environment.
Improve sustainability of animal livestock production systems.
Increase number of farmers more knowledgeable about/comfortable with livestock marketing and marketing trends.
Implement one or more new practices learned through Extension programming.
Complete and implement a Ag Water Quality plan if farm is over 10 acres.
Implement one or more BMP's for livestock production.
Maximize efficiency to control input cost.
Increase number of farmers utilizing UK Extension enterprise budgets.
Increase awareness of the program to help producers update Nutrient management plans.
Awareness of current land grant research concerning livestock production.
Identify BMP's for livestock production.
Recognize opportunities for diversification with livestock or new opportunities in livestock production within their chosen livestock enterprises.
Demonstrate proper use of antibiotics in livestock production systems.
Awareness of general public's concerns with livestock production.
Awareness of UK Extension enterprise budgets/marketing tools.
Facilitate ventilation specialist on farm visits for poultry producers in McLean County
Initial Outcome: Farmers will increase their knowledge of strategies/issues in livestock production.
Indicator: Number of farmers reporting an increase in knowledge of strategies/issues involved in livestock production and awareness of Nutrient Management Plans.
Method: farm visits, observations and self reporting
Timeline: 2024-2025
Intermediate Outcome: Farmers will implement one or more new practices learned at Extension programming.
Indicator: Farmers will report implementing one or more new practices.
Method: Farm visits, Observation, Self-Reporting
Timeline: 1-2 years
Long-term Outcome: Farmers will maximize profitability in livestock production systems.
Indicator: Farmers will report an increase in profits and a decrease in inputs.
Method: Farm Visits, Self-Reporting, Observation
Timeline: 2 years
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Livestock Field Days/Demonstrations
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, On-Farm Trials, Extension Pubs, Veterinarians,
Date: Yearly - Summer/Winter
Audience: Farmers
Project or Activity: Educational Programming
Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Nutrition, Health & General Maintenance, Facilities & Equipment, Pasture & Forage Care/Production, Marketing, New Opportunities/Diversification, Poultry management webinars/Poultry Expo
Inputs: Agents, Specialist, Extension Pubs & Research, Commodity Associations
Date: Yearly - Winter
Audience: 4-H/FFA/Youth
Project or Activity: Livestock Shows, Clinics & In-School Programming
Content or Curriculum: Small Scale Production, Animal Health, Responsible Ownership, Judging/Showing
Inputs: ANR agent, Specialists, Extension Pubs, Local & Experienced Farmers, KDA, Livestock Club Leaders
Date: Yearly - During Livestock Shows & During School Semesters
Audience: Beef Producers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality Care Assurance
Content or Curriculum: BQCA Curriculum
Inputs: Ag Agent
Date: Year round
Audience: Poultry Producers
Project or activity: On farm visits for ventilation specialist
Content or Curriculum: UGA ventilation materials/recommendations/ Industry specialist on litter management
Input: ANR Agent, specialist and guest speakers from UGA and Industry
Date: July 2024 and September 24
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks
This year the 2024 Poultry program had agents from McLean, Grayson and Ohio counties coordinate a program in cooperation with UK ANR Agents, IFF Wilmington Microbiology Center Specialist, KADF, University of Georgia Poultry Specialist, Purdue, and Poultry producers in McLean, Ohio and Grayson Counties. A grant from the KADF was received to help bring a UGA ventilation specialist to the area to visit with producers. The ANR agents, Purdue Flock advisors and UGA Specialist made 8 different o
