Livestock ProductionPlan of Work

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McLean County CES

Title:
Livestock Production
MAP:
Maximizing Farm Profitability in McLean County
Agents Involved:
David Fourqurean and 4-H Agent
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Beef
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Poultry/Small Flocks
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Swine
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Forages
Situation:

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.

Long-Term Outcomes:

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.

Intermediate Outcomes:

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.

Initial Outcomes:

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  

Evaluation:

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

Learning Opportunities:

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



Success Stories

2024 Poultry Production Program

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

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