Elliott County CES

Title:

Beef/Livestock Production

MAP:

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agents Involved:

Ag agent

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Beef

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Farm Management

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Forages

Situation:

According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture there are 6,196 cattle and calves on 389 farms in Elliott County. With the increase in beef prices over the past several years in the United States many beef producers in Elliott County are considering increasing the size of their cow calf operations with their increased profits.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Elliott County cattle producers will decrease invasive weed populations in their pasture and hay fields by ten percent leading to a 30 day longer grazing period. Elliott County cattle producers will also increase their weaning weights by five percent and begin utilizing EPD's for genetic selection. Elliott County cattle producers will also begin incorporating Artificial Insemination into their breeding operations.

Intermediate Outcomes:

-Elliott County cattle producers who partake in the CPH 45 sales will increase by five percent.
-Elliott County cattle producers will begin utilizing soil test to balance nutrients in their pasture and hay fields.
-Elliott County cattle producers will begin evaluating there pasture land to increase their grazing days.

Initial Outcomes:

-Elliott County cattle producers will become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified.
-Elliott County cattle producers will develop and adopt recommended vaccination programs and incorporate them into there operations.
Elliott County cattle producers will increase their overall knowledge of management, genetics and marketing.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome:
Indicator: Elliott County cattle producers will increase overall knowledge of management, genetics and marketing.
Method: Follow up surveys with producers
Timeline: After each meeting with producers

Intermediate Outcome:
Indicator: Elliott County cattle producers will utilize soil test to balance nutrients and soil test will increase by ten percent.
Method: Total number of pasture soil test in the Soil Data Program.
Timeline: End of each calendar year.

Long-term Outcome:
Indicator: Elliott County cattle producers will increase their weaning weights by five percent.
Method: Elliott County Ag Statistics and producers records.
Timeline: After each calf crop is weaned and sold

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, Farmers, Ag Council Members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association

Project or Activity: Annual Field Day

Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations

Inputs: Ag agents, UK Specialists and Farmers

Date: September

Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, Farmers, Ag Council Members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association

Project or Activity: Educational Meetings

Content or Curriculum: Cattlemen's Association

Inputs: Guest speakers

Date: November, December, February and April

Audience: Livestock producers and Farmers

Project or Activity: Heifer Development Program

Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations and Lectures

Inputs: Ag agents, Vets, UK Specialists and Farmers

Date: June-December

Audience: Elliott County Livestock producers, Farmers, Ag Council Members and Eastern Foothills Cattlemen's Association

Project or Activity: Cow Calf Conference

Content or Curriculum: Demonstrations and Lectures

Inputs: Specialist from other states

Date: November

Success Stories