The Rowan County Cooperative Extension Office proudly delivered a four-session educational series as part of the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP), engaging 45 local producers in practical, science-based learning designed to strengthen their farms and their futures.

Held across the growing season, these sessions offered critical insights into:

•  Beef Cattle Vaccinations                                                                                           Producers learned best practices in immunization timing, disease prevention protocols, and how to develop customized vaccination plans tailored to herd size and local disease pressures.
• Livestock Pest Management
  Tackling parasites and pests using integrated approaches to improve animal well-being and productivity. Through demonstrations and discussions, participants explored integrated pest control techniques for flies, lice, and internal parasites—reducing animal stress and improving weight gain outcomes.
• Understanding Soil Profiles                                                                                               By learning how to interpret soil profiles and perform basic field tests, participants are now better equipped to amend their fields with precision, enhancing fertility and reducing runoff.
•  Pasture Management
  Implementing rotational grazing, forage selection, and ground cover strategies to boost long-term sustainability. 

With 45 participants attending at least one class, the series proved to be a strong community investment in shared knowledge. Evaluations revealed increased confidence in implementing new practices, with many attendees noting they had already applied session takeaways on their farms.

By facilitating these learning opportunities, the Extension Office ensured CAIP educational requirements were met—not just on paper, but with purpose. The program built more than skills; it cultivated a renewed sense of resilience, stewardship, and connection across local agriculture.