Montgomery County CES

Title:

Production and Economic Challenges Facing Livestock Producers

MAP:

Livestock Production Sustainability

Agents Involved:

Hamilton & Comer

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

Situation:

Livestock and Forage  management are vital to Montgomery County's Agricultural economy. As livestock margins tighten, management strategies that enhance forage productivity, utilization and persistence along with efforts to optimize animal performance will improve long-term viability of forage-based livestock systems in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Promote special marketing oportunities

Initial Outcomes:

Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Awareness of current land grant research concerning grazing management

Awareness of forage variety trial information

Understanding how to fill forage gaps with alternative forage species

Enhance knowledge of grazing management practices for all grazing species

Awareness of forage harvest, storage and feeding management to reduce losses

Understanding pasture renovation and forage establishment practices

Introductory level understanding of pasture ecology

Identify opportunities for improving wildlife habitat with selected forages

Indicator: Increased activity in livestock and forage

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2021-2025

Intermediate Outcome: Adopt at least one Ag Water Quality BMP for grazing livestock

Implement routine soil sampling and follow soil fertility recommendations

Use diagnostic services to identify pasture weeds

Increased implementation of temporary fencing for managed grazing

Develop a grazing plan

Learn to properly calibrate and use a no-till seeder

Increased openness to try alternative/improved forages for grazing/forage production

Implementation of on-farm demonstrations

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2021-2025

Long-term Outcome: Enhance profit margins for livestock producers

Minimize environmental impact of air, soil, or living area

Improve sustainability of forage-based livestock systems

Significant percentage of producers implementing managed grazing practices

Greater adoption of improved/alternative forages for livestock

Improved forage stands due to proper establishment practices

Improved soil health and reduced erosion

Indicator: Farm Income, Changes in Farm Practices, Adoption of modern research

Method: Surveys, Farm Visits, Consultations

Timeline: 2021-2025

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Farmers, Agribusinesses, Managers

Project or Activity: Forage/Livestock Curriculum

Content or Curriculum: Multiple timely sessions on forage and livestock production

Inputs: UK specialists, co-workers, ag agencies, successful producers

Date: 2021-2025

Audience:  4-H and FFA livestock members

Project or Activity:  4-H Animal Science Project

Content or Curriculum:  Approved 4-H Animal Science curriculum

Inputs:  Certified Livestock Volunteer to teach, coordinate, and approve required educational hours and quality learning experiences for 4-H members

Date:  2022-2025

Success Stories