|
|
Farmers Learn to Cash in on Cattle
| Name | Bruce C. Johnson | | Situation | Due to the decline in tobacco quotas, farmers are looking for alternative methods of income. Farmers from Horry County, along with surrounding counties, need a better understanding of what it takes to raise top-quality cattle since more and more farmers are becoming cattle farmers. Extension's role will be to offer educational trainings and programs, along with on-farm demonstrations that will give cattle farmers a better understanding of the different aspects of raising top quality cattle.
| | Response | The Extension agent coordinated educational training to include the following topics: Economics of Bull Selection, Expected Prodigy Differences, Government Programs, Forages, Animal ID, Beginning Herd Records, Cow college, and vaccinations. This training was co-hosted by the State Cattlemen's Association, Pee Dee Cattlemen's Association, Farm Service Agency and National Resources Conservation Service. Dr. Harold Hupp, a Clemson Livestock Specialist, and Dr. John Irwin, Extension Livestock Agent, were able to offer their expertise to the cattle farmers. Farmers learned about the importance of select breeding techniques in order to maintain a top-performance cattle herd, as well as understanding the importance of forage quality. Fifty-one people attended this educational seminar. Three recertification credits were offered for this training to be applied to the farmers’ pesticide applicator’s license renewals. All of the farmers appreciated the on-farm demonstration which explains cattle farming more clearly.
| | Impact | We had twenty-two of the attendees complete and return the evaluation for the Pee Dee Cattle Seminar/Field Day program. Seventeen people found the information to be very useful and four somewhat useful. All attendees would recommend the program to their friends. Nineteen people felt they could save money by attending this program. The farmers gained knowledge on what being a top-performing cattle farmer involves, as well as proper record keeping procedures. |
Last update4/15/2008
This website is maintained by Ann Sherrill.
|
