Trimble County CES

Title:

Beef Cattle - Farmers learning to increase herd efficiency

MAP:

Increasing Agriculture Awareness and Profitability

Agents Involved:

Utz

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Forages

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Farm Management, Economics and Policy

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Small Farm Management

Situation:

Beef cattle production is now one of the largest agriculture enterprises in Trimble County. According to the 2012 Agriculture Census, 89% of county animals sales are made up from the sale of cattle and calves. The Trimble County Cattleman's Association has given several requests for programs that will assist in enhancing their operations.

The Trimble County Cattleman's Association is the largest active group within extension in the county.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Cattle producers will use their existing and new procedures in making their operations more successful.

Cattleman will be able to take all the information given to them and improve their reproduction rates within their herds.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Putting into use more effective ways of managing cattle.

Utilizing research that they have been given and putting it to good use at their operations.

Initial Outcomes:

Producers will increase knowledge, learn methods that can be implemented into their operation.

Producers will gain the knowledge of increasing their herds’ fertility goals.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Knowledge gained by producers.

Indicator: Number of producers who adopt recommended practices.

Method: Direct contact with producers.

Timeline: Fall 

Intermediate Outcome: Knowledge used by producers to improve operations.

Indicator: Number of practices used.

Method: Follow up survey.

Timeline: Spring 

Long-term Outcome: Producers will become more efficient and confident in their practices.

Indicator: Number of producers who adopt new practices.

Method: Producers testimonies.

Timeline: Fall -Spring 

Initial Outcome:

Indicator: Farmers increasing knowledge of reproduction practices.

Method: Direct contact with farmers.

Timeline: Fall

Intermediate Outcome:

Indicator: Use of new knowledge to implement in herds.

Method: Survey to farmers.

Timeline: Spring 

Long-term Outcome:

Indicator: How many farmers have implemented new procedures on their farm.

Method: Farmers who have increased calving rates.

Timeline: Spring

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Educational Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Marketing, Nutrition

Inputs: Utz, Specialists, Industry Reps, UK pubs

Date: Sept, Oct, Jan, April

Audience: Beef producers

Project or Activity: Master Cattlemen

Content or Curriculum: Reproduction, Marketing, Nutrition, Facilities

Inputs: Utz, Agriculture and Natural Resource Agents, Specialists, Industry Reps, UK pubs

Date: Sept, Oct, Nov.

Audience: Beef Consumers

Project or Activity: Healthy Beef Consumption, Farm to Fork

Content or Curriculum: Farmer Transparency, Nutrition

Inputs: Utz, Specialists, Industry Reps, UK pubs

Date: Oct, Nov, Feb 

Audience: Beef Producers

Project or Activity: Beef Quality Care Assurance

Content or Curriculum: Consumer Assurance and Better Manage Practices

Inputs: Utz, BQCA Manual, Agent, UK pub

Date: Fall 

Success Stories