Note: This site is for reviewing legacy plan of work data from 2007-2011. If you are looking for the current plan of work interface, visit pow.nmsu.edu.
Profitable Livestock Production (McKinley County)
Plan Goals
Increase productivity and competitiveness of the Navajo Nation livestock industry by applying research-based best practices through Extension education.
- Owner
- Kathy Landers
- Related Plans
-
Profitable Livestock Production
Impact Reports
PROFITABLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
BQA Trainings
There are well over 110,000 (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and chickens) animals on McKinley County Ranches and small farms. Livestock producers range from those with only a few animals on a few acres to a few large producers operating on extensive ranch holdings. The agricultural industry includes nearly 60% of all county residents. Of those 71.8% are Native American, 15.8% Anglo, 11.3% Hispanic, and 1.1% other.
The majority of producers in McKinley County raise cattle, sheep or both. Many of these animals are produced on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation has open range grazing where livestock from several producers may share the same pasture. In addition, shipping and marketing problems have risen due to the proximity of the land to points of sale. Culture and tradition also play a large part in production practices.
The Beef Quality Assurance Program has been in existence since the 90's. Its focus is to demonstrate to producers best animal husbandry practices so that they can raise the safest and best product for consumers. Consumers are questioning where their food comes from more and more and agriculture activists are becoming more prevalent. Consequently, beef producers must continue to practice good animal handling and management skills.
Agent trained and discussed BQA guidelines with 25 producers in McKinley County who wanted to become certified. As a result, they increased their understanding of vaccination protocols, the grading system, Beef Quality Audits, animal welfare issues, and other animal handling procedures by 50%. The next goal for the agent is to assist producers in establishing a relationship with the local vets in the area to progress to that next step in the BQA program.
New Mexico Indian Livestock Days
New Mexico Livestock Days is now an annual event for producers in NM, its not just for native producers anyone is welcome to attend. The agents, specialist and ranchers get together and plan the event based on the needs of the Native American producers. This event is open to all livestock producers, as well as those on tribal lands. Over 235 producers attended this event and participated in seminars related to: Managing Fertility in Cows and Bulls, Trich and Grass Feed and other markets. A panel discussion was done on feral horse management other tribal agencies talked openly about what they are doing to solve this problem on their tribal lands. A request from attendees last year was for hands-on break out sessions, 4 break-out sessions were conducted (Range and Water, Proper Vaccination and Handle techniques, Horse and Business and Estate Planning) these workshops were rotated so everyone had a chance to attend them.
The agent spent time with committee members getting a logo developed for NM Indian Livestock program. A website was also developed that will house presentations from past conferences, pictures, videos and other educational materials.
Sheep Shearing Workshop
Shearing sheep for their wool is becoming a lost art on the reservation. Most old time producers use hand shears for wool removal. Today, the agent and specialist are teaching producers how to use electric clippers for wool removal and how to properly shear the sheep in order to get top dollar for their wool. They are instructed on how to easily shear the sheep with the safety of the animal and producer in mind. They also learn how much faster the process is with electric clippers. Producers are also taught how to take care of their equipment and sharpen clipper blades. These workshops are very much hands on learning and classes are limited to 10 15 attendees. This years events had 15 students and 100 sheep were sheared in the two-day training. Tribal elders were also in attendance this year to explain the importance and the history of sheep shearing and how it all ties into their culture.
Phone Calls
Agent has answered over 65 calls throughout the year with individuals asking about irrigated pastures and rangeland with grazing livestock. The heavy calls and frequent questions are arising from the current drought and the changes in Tribal grazing regulations. Agent has been able to utilize NMSU specialist and publications to assist in answering many questions. Workshops and seminars are being discussed with tribal officials at this time.
With the number of hoop house and backyard gardens increasing the agent has also seen an increase in basic horticulture questions coming into the office. Programming topic are being planned and considered for next year. A master gardener program was conducted several years ago, but wasnt very successful this is being reconsidered for this next year.
BQA Trainings
There are well over 110,000 (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and chickens) animals on McKinley County Ranches and small farms. Livestock producers range from those with only a few animals on a few acres to a few large producers operating on extensive ranch holdings. The agricultural industry includes nearly 60% of all county residents. Of those 71.8% are Native American, 15.8% Anglo, 11.3% Hispanic, and 1.1% other.
The majority of producers in McKinley County raise cattle, sheep or both. Many of these animals are produced on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation has open range grazing where livestock from several producers may share the same pasture. In addition, shipping and marketing problems have risen due to the proximity of the land to points of sale. Culture and tradition also play a large part in production practices.
The Beef Quality Assurance Program has been in existence since the 90's. Its focus is to demonstrate to producers best animal husbandry practices so that they can raise the safest and best product for consumers. Consumers are questioning where their food comes from more and more and agriculture activists are becoming more prevalent. Consequently, beef producers must continue to practice good animal handling and management skills.
Agent trained and discussed BQA guidelines with 25 producers in McKinley County who wanted to become certified. As a result, they increased their understanding of vaccination protocols, the grading system, Beef Quality Audits, animal welfare issues, and other animal handling procedures by 50%. The next goal for the agent is to assist producers in establishing a relationship with the local vets in the area to progress to that next step in the BQA program.
New Mexico Indian Livestock Days
New Mexico Livestock Days is now an annual event for producers in NM, its not just for native producers anyone is welcome to attend. The agents, specialist and ranchers get together and plan the event based on the needs of the Native American producers. This event is open to all livestock producers, as well as those on tribal lands. Over 235 producers attended this event and participated in seminars related to: Managing Fertility in Cows and Bulls, Trich and Grass Feed and other markets. A panel discussion was done on feral horse management other tribal agencies talked openly about what they are doing to solve this problem on their tribal lands. A request from attendees last year was for hands-on break out sessions, 4 break-out sessions were conducted (Range and Water, Proper Vaccination and Handle techniques, Horse and Business and Estate Planning) these workshops were rotated so everyone had a chance to attend them.
The agent spent time with committee members getting a logo developed for NM Indian Livestock program. A website was also developed that will house presentations from past conferences, pictures, videos and other educational materials.
Sheep Shearing Workshop
Shearing sheep for their wool is becoming a lost art on the reservation. Most old time producers use hand shears for wool removal. Today, the agent and specialist are teaching producers how to use electric clippers for wool removal and how to properly shear the sheep in order to get top dollar for their wool. They are instructed on how to easily shear the sheep with the safety of the animal and producer in mind. They also learn how much faster the process is with electric clippers. Producers are also taught how to take care of their equipment and sharpen clipper blades. These workshops are very much hands on learning and classes are limited to 10 15 attendees. This years events had 15 students and 100 sheep were sheared in the two-day training. Tribal elders were also in attendance this year to explain the importance and the history of sheep shearing and how it all ties into their culture.
Phone Calls
Agent has answered over 65 calls throughout the year with individuals asking about irrigated pastures and rangeland with grazing livestock. The heavy calls and frequent questions are arising from the current drought and the changes in Tribal grazing regulations. Agent has been able to utilize NMSU specialist and publications to assist in answering many questions. Workshops and seminars are being discussed with tribal officials at this time.
With the number of hoop house and backyard gardens increasing the agent has also seen an increase in basic horticulture questions coming into the office. Programming topic are being planned and considered for next year. A master gardener program was conducted several years ago, but wasnt very successful this is being reconsidered for this next year.
BQA Trainings
There are well over 110,000 (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and chickens) animals on McKinley County Ranches and small farms. Livestock producers range from those with only a few animals on a few acres to a few large producers operating on extensive ranch holdings. The agricultural industry includes nearly 60% of all county residents. Of those 71.8% are Native American, 15.8% Anglo, 11.3% Hispanic, and 1.1% other.
The majority of producers in McKinley County raise cattle, sheep or both. Many of these animals are produced on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation has open range grazing where livestock from several producers may share the same pasture. In addition, shipping and marketing problems have risen due to the proximity of the land to points of sale. Culture and tradition also play a large part in production practices.
The Beef Quality Assurance Program has been in existence since the 90's. Its focus is to demonstrate to producers best animal husbandry practices so that they can raise the safest and best product for consumers. Consumers are questioning where their food comes from more and more and agriculture activists are becoming more prevalent. Consequently, beef producers must continue to practice good animal handling and management skills.
Agent trained and discussed BQA guidelines with 45 producers in McKinley County who wanted to become certified. As a result, they increased their understanding of vaccination protocols, the grading system, Beef Quality Audits, animal welfare issues, and other animal handling procedures by 50%.
Southwest Indian Livestock Days
Southwest Indian Livestock Days in an event conducted every other year by both New Mexico State University and the University of Arizona. The agents, specialist and ranchers get together and plan the event based on the needs of the Native American producers. This event is open to all tribal livestock producers in both states and on all tribal lands. Over 225 producers attended this event and participated in seminars related to BQA (Beef Quality Assurance), Rotational Grazing and solar power just to name a few.
Sheep Shearing Workshop
Shearing sheep for their wool is becoming a lost art on the reservation. Most old time producers use hand shears for wool removal. Today, the agent and specialist are teaching producers how to use electric clippers for wool removal and how to properly shear the sheep in order to get top dollar for their wool. They are instructed on how to easily shear the sheep with the safety of the animal and producer in mind. They also learn how much faster the process is with electric clippers. Producers are also taught how to take care of their equipment and sharpen clipper blades. These workshops are very much hands on learning and classes are limited to 10 15 attendees.
Phone Calls
Agent has answered over 60 calls throughout the year with individuals asking about irrigated pastures and rangeland with grazing livestock. The heavy calls and frequent questions are arising from the current drought and the changes in Tribal grazing regulations. Agent has been able to utilize NMSU specialist and publications to assist in answering many questions. Workshops and seminars are being discussed with tribal officials at this time.
There are well over 110,000 (horses, cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and chickens) animals on McKinley County Ranches and small farms. Livestock producers range from those with only a few animals on a few acres to a few large producers operating on extensive ranch holdings. The agricultural industry includes nearly 60% of all county residents. Of those 71.8% are Native American, 15.8% Anglo, 11.3% Hispanic, and 1.1% other.
The majority of producers in McKinley County raise cattle, sheep or both. Many of these animals are produced on the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation has open range grazing where livestock from several producers may share the same pasture. In addition, shipping and marketing problems have risen due to the proximity of the land to points of sale. Culture and tradition also play a large part in production practices.
The Beef Quality Assurance Program has been in existence since the 90's. Its focus is to demonstrate to producers best animal husbandry practices so that they can raise the safest and best product for consumers. Consumers are questioning where their food comes from more and more and agriculture activists are becoming more prevalent. Consequently, beef producers must continue to practice good animal handling and management skills.
Agent trained and discussed BQA guidelines with 45 producers in McKinley County who wanted to become certified. As a result, they increased their understanding of vaccination protocols, the grading system, Beef Quality Audits, animal welfare issues, and other animal handling procedures by 50%.
Southwest Indian Livestock Days
Southwest Indian Livestock Days in an event conducted every other year by both New Mexico State University and the University of Arizona. The agents, specialist and ranchers get together and plan the event based on the needs of the Native American producers. This event is open to all tribal livestock producers in both states and on all tribal lands. Over 225 producers attended this event and participated in seminars related to BQA (Beef Quality Assurance), Rotational Grazing and solar power just to name a few.
Sheep Shearing Workshop
Shearing sheep for their wool is becoming a lost art on the reservation. Most old time producers use hand shears for wool removal. Today, the agent and specialist are teaching producers how to use electric clippers for wool removal and how to properly shear the sheep in order to get top dollar for their wool. They are instructed on how to easily shear the sheep with the safety of the animal and producer in mind. They also learn how much faster the process is with electric clippers. Producers are also taught how to take care of their equipment and sharpen clipper blades. These workshops are very much hands on learning and classes are limited to 10 15 attendees.
Phone Calls
Agent has answered over 60 calls throughout the year with individuals asking about irrigated pastures and rangeland with grazing livestock. The heavy calls and frequent questions are arising from the current drought and the changes in Tribal grazing regulations. Agent has been able to utilize NMSU specialist and publications to assist in answering many questions. Workshops and seminars are being discussed with tribal officials at this time.
Beef Quality Assurance is an on going program that teaches cattle producers how to handle cattle, proper nutrition needs, record keeping, importance of vaccinations and other procedures to produce beef without residue of animal products or pesticides. During the past year, the McKinley County Extension Agent has made 4 presentations to over 100 producers with 75 becoming certified. This number will increase greatly with the Navajo Nation seeing some results in cattle sold getting the better price because the producers are BQA certified. The Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture has now made this program a requirement to renew their tribal lease, so this will increase the number of trained BQA producers. Our next step is to work on the producer veterinarian relationship so that the producers can progress to that next level.
PROFITABLE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
Southwest Indian Livestock Days 2009
The agent along with the planning committee planned and conducted the annual NM Indian Livestock Days for Native American producers within New Mexico. The event was well attended over 175 participants for the two-day event.
Planning Committee:
Kathy Landers, McKinley County Extension Agent, Pat Romero, Laguna Natural Resources, John L. Romero, Jr., Montano Cattle Association, Wilbur Louis, Jr., Laguna Range Specialist BIA, Pat Melendrez, Livestock Specialist at Alcalde, Wayne Franklin, Shiprock Extension Agent, Jesse Jim, Crownpoint Extension Agent, Elena Bowers, McKinley County Home Econ Agent, Cindy Davies, Bernalillo County Home Econ Agent, Bob Alexander, Laguna Natural Resources, Kim Thompson, Montano Cattle Association, John M. Romero, Sedillo Cattle Association, Joseph Garcia, NMSU CES Southern Pueblos, Steve Lucero, Sandoval County 4-H Agent, Rudy Benavidez, Sandoval County Ag Agent, Demetrius Pino, Turquoise Springs Livestock Association, Lucia Sanchez, CES RAIPAP, Wendy Brown, Cibola Home Econ Agent, and Edmund Gomez, CES RAIPAP
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
8:30 am Registration/ Breakfast Sponsored by CES RAIPAP
9:30 am Welcome Governor John Antonio, Sr.
Prayer Head War Chief Harold Tso
Jon Boren, Director of Extension, NMSU
10:00 am Disease Update & TB Update Dr. Fly, NM State Veterinarian
10:45 am Animal ID Issues & Premise ID Ron Parker, NM Livestock Board
11:30 am Farm Bill Update Edmund Gomez - CES RAIPAP
12:15 pm to 1:30 pm Lunch and 4-H Presentation by Rick Richardson, NMSU State 4-H
1:30 pm Adding Values to Calves Dr. Manny Encinias,NMSU Beef Cattle Specialist.
2:15 pm Heifer Selection, Development and Management Dr. Manny Encinias
3:00 pm BREAK Sponsored by the Montano Cattle Assoc.
3:15 pm Sheep 101 Pat Melendez, NMSU Sheep Specialist
4:30 pm Healthy Life Style
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
8:00 am Registration/ Breakfast
8:00 am Welcome/Prayer
8:15 am Irrigated pastures How to Start From Scratch
Leonard Lauriault, NMSU Ag Science Center
9:00 am Brush and Range Management Options Oscar Sedillo,
Range Conservationist, BIA Southern Pueblos Agency
9:45 am - Erosion Control (Brush & Roads in range land)
Watson Castillo (Ojo Encino Chapter House)
10:30 am BREAK
10:45 am Protection of Cultural Sites on rangeland John Fryar,
Retired Special Agent, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Law Enforcement
11:30 am to 1:00 pm Lunch Homeland Security Ron Parker, NM Livestock Board
1:00 pm Horse Nutrition Dr. Jeff Bader, NMSU Bernalillo County Ag Agent
1:45 pm Equine Dentistry Harold Blacksheep, Navajo Nation Vet Clinic
2:30 pm BREAK
2:45 pm Hoop House Garden Del Jimenez, NMSU Agriculture Specialist
3:30 pm Marketing Livestock Bob Bradley, Superior Livestock Auction
4:15 pm NRCS Update - Anna Gomez, Valencia County NRCS Soil Conservationist
Southwest Indian Livestock Days 2009
The agent along with the planning committee planned and conducted the annual NM Indian Livestock Days for Native American producers within New Mexico. The event was well attended over 175 participants for the two-day event.
Planning Committee:
Kathy Landers, McKinley County Extension Agent, Pat Romero, Laguna Natural Resources, John L. Romero, Jr., Montano Cattle Association, Wilbur Louis, Jr., Laguna Range Specialist BIA, Pat Melendrez, Livestock Specialist at Alcalde, Wayne Franklin, Shiprock Extension Agent, Jesse Jim, Crownpoint Extension Agent, Elena Bowers, McKinley County Home Econ Agent, Cindy Davies, Bernalillo County Home Econ Agent, Bob Alexander, Laguna Natural Resources, Kim Thompson, Montano Cattle Association, John M. Romero, Sedillo Cattle Association, Joseph Garcia, NMSU CES Southern Pueblos, Steve Lucero, Sandoval County 4-H Agent, Rudy Benavidez, Sandoval County Ag Agent, Demetrius Pino, Turquoise Springs Livestock Association, Lucia Sanchez, CES RAIPAP, Wendy Brown, Cibola Home Econ Agent, and Edmund Gomez, CES RAIPAP
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
8:30 am Registration/ Breakfast Sponsored by CES RAIPAP
9:30 am Welcome Governor John Antonio, Sr.
Prayer Head War Chief Harold Tso
Jon Boren, Director of Extension, NMSU
10:00 am Disease Update & TB Update Dr. Fly, NM State Veterinarian
10:45 am Animal ID Issues & Premise ID Ron Parker, NM Livestock Board
11:30 am Farm Bill Update Edmund Gomez - CES RAIPAP
12:15 pm to 1:30 pm Lunch and 4-H Presentation by Rick Richardson, NMSU State 4-H
1:30 pm Adding Values to Calves Dr. Manny Encinias,NMSU Beef Cattle Specialist.
2:15 pm Heifer Selection, Development and Management Dr. Manny Encinias
3:00 pm BREAK Sponsored by the Montano Cattle Assoc.
3:15 pm Sheep 101 Pat Melendez, NMSU Sheep Specialist
4:30 pm Healthy Life Style
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009
8:00 am Registration/ Breakfast
8:00 am Welcome/Prayer
8:15 am Irrigated pastures How to Start From Scratch
Leonard Lauriault, NMSU Ag Science Center
9:00 am Brush and Range Management Options Oscar Sedillo,
Range Conservationist, BIA Southern Pueblos Agency
9:45 am - Erosion Control (Brush & Roads in range land)
Watson Castillo (Ojo Encino Chapter House)
10:30 am BREAK
10:45 am Protection of Cultural Sites on rangeland John Fryar,
Retired Special Agent, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Law Enforcement
11:30 am to 1:00 pm Lunch Homeland Security Ron Parker, NM Livestock Board
1:00 pm Horse Nutrition Dr. Jeff Bader, NMSU Bernalillo County Ag Agent
1:45 pm Equine Dentistry Harold Blacksheep, Navajo Nation Vet Clinic
2:30 pm BREAK
2:45 pm Hoop House Garden Del Jimenez, NMSU Agriculture Specialist
3:30 pm Marketing Livestock Bob Bradley, Superior Livestock Auction
4:15 pm NRCS Update - Anna Gomez, Valencia County NRCS Soil Conservationist
Southwest Indian Livestock Days 2008
The agent along with the planning committee planned and conducted the Annual Southwest Indian Livestock Days for Native American producers within New Mexico and Arizona. The event was well attended over 225 participants for the two-day event.
Roberta Rios, Northern District Director, Pat Melendrez, Livestock Specialist at Alcalde, Steve Lucero, Sandoval County 4-H Agent, Elena Bowers, McKinley County Home Econ Agent, Henderson, Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture, Gerald Moore, Tri-State Extension Agent, Mike Hauser, Apache County AZ Extension Agent, Jeannie Benally, Shiprock Extension Agent, Glenda Davis, Navajo Nation Vet Depart, Anthony Howard, Navajo Tech College Extension, Office, Wayne Franklin, BIA Ramah and Chris Allison, Natural Resources Department Head.
Southwest Indian Livestock Days 2008
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
8:00 am Registration
8:30 am Welcome, Invocation, Guest & Announcements
8:45 am Herd Health Scott Bender & Glenda Davis/ NN Vet Program
9:30 am Calf Weaning Management Bob Kattnig/UA
10:00 am Break sponsored by SWIAA
10:15 am Equine Dentistry Glenda Davis/ NN Vet. Program
11:00 am Pest Management Jon Boren/NMSU
Noon Lunch
1:30 pm Bull Selection Manny Encinias/NMSU
2:00 pm Breakout Sessions (30 mins each)
1. Handling Vaccines for proper Injection Site Dr. Peter Cuneo/UA
2. AZ Rez to Rail Prog- Grey Farrell Jr.- NN Dept. of Ag. Ext Agent
3.Sheep Quality Assurance- Ray Castillo- NN Dept of Ag. Ext Agent
3:30 pm Break sponsored by NAPI
3:45 pm An overview of Climate Variability and Impact on Rangelands of the SW
Michael Crimmins/UA & Leeann DeMouche/NMSU
5:00 pm Health Fair &
Equine Dentistry Demo NN Vet. Program
Thursday, May 29th, 2008
8:30 am Community Emergency Response & Food Safety Billy Dictson & Willis Fedio/NMSU Bio Security Program
10:00 am Break sponsored by Navajo Nation Veterinarian Program
10:15 am Drought & Range Health Sam Smallidge
Invasive Weeds
11:15 am Producer Successes Panel
11:45 am Wrap Up & Door Prizes
The agent along with the planning committee planned and conducted the Annual Southwest Indian Livestock Days for Native American producers within New Mexico and Arizona. The event was well attended over 225 participants for the two-day event.
Roberta Rios, Northern District Director, Pat Melendrez, Livestock Specialist at Alcalde, Steve Lucero, Sandoval County 4-H Agent, Elena Bowers, McKinley County Home Econ Agent, Henderson, Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture, Gerald Moore, Tri-State Extension Agent, Mike Hauser, Apache County AZ Extension Agent, Jeannie Benally, Shiprock Extension Agent, Glenda Davis, Navajo Nation Vet Depart, Anthony Howard, Navajo Tech College Extension, Office, Wayne Franklin, BIA Ramah and Chris Allison, Natural Resources Department Head.
Southwest Indian Livestock Days 2008
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
8:00 am Registration
8:30 am Welcome, Invocation, Guest & Announcements
8:45 am Herd Health Scott Bender & Glenda Davis/ NN Vet Program
9:30 am Calf Weaning Management Bob Kattnig/UA
10:00 am Break sponsored by SWIAA
10:15 am Equine Dentistry Glenda Davis/ NN Vet. Program
11:00 am Pest Management Jon Boren/NMSU
Noon Lunch
1:30 pm Bull Selection Manny Encinias/NMSU
2:00 pm Breakout Sessions (30 mins each)
1. Handling Vaccines for proper Injection Site Dr. Peter Cuneo/UA
2. AZ Rez to Rail Prog- Grey Farrell Jr.- NN Dept. of Ag. Ext Agent
3.Sheep Quality Assurance- Ray Castillo- NN Dept of Ag. Ext Agent
3:30 pm Break sponsored by NAPI
3:45 pm An overview of Climate Variability and Impact on Rangelands of the SW
Michael Crimmins/UA & Leeann DeMouche/NMSU
5:00 pm Health Fair &
Equine Dentistry Demo NN Vet. Program
Thursday, May 29th, 2008
8:30 am Community Emergency Response & Food Safety Billy Dictson & Willis Fedio/NMSU Bio Security Program
10:00 am Break sponsored by Navajo Nation Veterinarian Program
10:15 am Drought & Range Health Sam Smallidge
Invasive Weeds
11:15 am Producer Successes Panel
11:45 am Wrap Up & Door Prizes