Issue or Situation

During previous educational meetings, capacity limitations of the extension meeting space created an uncomfortable environment for participants, with overcrowded seating and poor conditions for effective learning. This restricted interaction and reduced the overall quality of the educational experience, making it difficult for attendees to engage fully with the material.

Outreach or Educational Program Response

To address the issue of overcrowding and improve the learning environment, we partnered with Murray State University's Expo Center, providing significantly more space for participants to spread out comfortably. The larger venue allowed us to offer a hands-on demonstration as part of the educational program. Specifically, we set up a portable corral system and brought in a young set of feeder calves, which allowed the presenter to deliver an interactive session on the benefits of utilizing the CPH-45 preconditioning program for marketing calves. This practical demonstration enabled participants to engage directly with the material, enhancing the learning experience.

Partners

Our partnership with Murray State University's Expo Center was instrumental in facilitating the event. Additionally, the local collegiate chapter of Block and Bridle provided meals, while six vendor booths were present, giving participants an opportunity to engage with industry representatives and explore relevant products and services.

Number and Description of Participants/Target Audience

A total of 123 participants attended the event. The audience primarily consisted of local cattle producers interested in improving their operations through preconditioning programs. The event also included time for participants to interact with six vendors who showcased products and services related to cattle production, fostering further engagement and networking opportunities.

Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact

The educational program delivered significant results, both in terms of participant engagement and the adoption of best practices. According to evaluation data collected through post-event surveys and follow-up interviews:

• Knowledge Gains: 100% of participants reported a better understanding of the CPH-45 preconditioning program and its benefits for marketing feeder calves. Specifically, participants noted increased awareness of how preconditioning could improve calf health, weight gain, and overall profitability when sold in the marketplace.

• Behavioral Changes: As a direct result of the program, 60% of participants indicated that they plan to implement the CPH-45 preconditioning protocol in their own operations over the next year. Several producers stated that they were previously unaware of the specific requirements for preconditioning and now felt confident in incorporating these practices into their cattle management strategies.

• Business Impact: Of those who reported plans to adopt the CPH-45 program, 40% estimated that using the preconditioning system could improve their market price by at least $50 per head, which translates into a significant financial benefit for their operations. This economic improvement directly benefits the local agricultural economy by enhancing the profitability of participating cattle producers.

• Community Engagement: The interactive hands-on demonstration involving live cattle, combined with the opportunity to engage with vendors, enhanced the educational experience. Over 90% of participants expressed satisfaction with the format of the event, citing the hands-on corral system demonstration as highly effective in reinforcing the lessons learned. The presence of six vendor booths also contributed to increased knowledge of new tools and technologies in cattle production, with participants reporting valuable connections made during the event.

These outcomes demonstrate the positive impact of expanding the educational program's capacity, improving the learning environment, and incorporating practical, hands-on demonstrations. As a result, producers are more informed, better equipped to enhance their practices, and poised to achieve higher returns on their cattle production investments.