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 (De Baca County)
Plan Goals
Improve the profitability of livestock production by enhancing decision-making skills of livestock owners and managers.
- Owner
- Related Plans
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Profitable Livestock Production
Impact Reports
2010 programming and impacts
The agent compiled a quarterly Ag Producers newsletters and sent out to 98 clients during 2010, mostly to in-county producers and pertinent surrounding producers. The newsletter topics throughout the year addressed seasonal livestock and range Management topics including controlling Rayless Goldonrod, Wind resources as an income opportunity, water restoration act language, Upcoming Extension state-wide ag programming, pesticide applicator trainings, gopher and prairie dog control; Beef Quality Control and issue related to Trichomoniasis in cattle. When polling 20% of the newsletter recipients, it was expressed by all polled that the newsletter continues to bring them pertinent information on livestock production and challenging issues they are faced with.
De Baca County Ag Producer Seminar. Several collaborating agencies and business assisted with programming activities and educational information as well as sponsorship of luncheon, snacks and related door prizes. The NMDA approved 3 credit hours towards Pesticide licensure compliance. The County 4-H Council assisted with hosting the program luncheon. A total of 90 producers and program sponsors attended the 4 hour training which included topics such as: Grass Control in Irrigated Crops; Gopher and Prairie Dog Control in pastures and native grasslands; an NRCS Update on Programming; Trichomoniasis in Cattle and the Problem in our Area. The program was extremely well received and when evaluating producers, one-on-one, the agent received feedback on the effectiveness of subject matter. Six local producers in attendance met with the State Livestock Board the following week to discuss concerns about Trich regulations and laws. The agent was informed by the attending NMSU Veterinarian that it was the voice of these local producers that assisted him in pushing through vital changes in Trich regulation and clean-up in cattle herds in New Mexico.
Well Water Testing for Livestock and Home Water Use
The agent coordinated a well water testing day with the NM Environmental Department at the De Baca County Courthouse Annex. Producers and homeowners brought in water samples from 25 different wells across De Baca County, 14 of these wells are used for drinking water and the others for livestock. Of the 25 wells, two were suspected to have water problems mainly because they were used for drinking water and had elevated levels of sulfate, though not to the extreme. Sulfate was at elevated levels in other wells but not of too big a concern since these well were used for livestock and the acceptable levels can be higher. Participants were given readings on their wells for Sulfate levels, conductivity, Nitrate levels, Flouride and Iron levels along with recommendations from the Environmental Department. The agent also assisted the Environmental Department with some information from NMSU on acceptable levels of the tested elements as related to livestock watering.
Pesticide Applicator Training--Thirty two area producers attended a four hour private pesticide applicator training and testing session put on by the Agent (at two seperate time in 2010, one in the Spring and one in the Summer) in coordination with the area NMDA Inspector, Tiffany Aragon, the local NRCS office and the local Soil and Water Conservation District. The agent reviewed test materials and answered questions pertaining to the information and slide presentation. Most of this information was related to safety with pesticides, chemical and biological nature of pesticides, application, environmental issues and reading/understanding associated labels. The NMDA Inspector than administered the test to participants if which 100% passed and received their licensure.
Noxious/Invasive Weed Mapping Program—Before the Private Applicator testing, the above twenty four participants listened to a presentation from the NRCS and Quay County Extension Agent, Tom Dominquez, on mapping of noxious and invasive weeds across the County. The De Baca Soil and Water Conservation District is extremely interested in collaborating with the NRCS and the local Extension Service to plan and coordinate this effort. A protocol was discussed and sample memorandum of agreement passed out to participants to help the understand the process in developing this weed mapping program.
Trichomoniasis in area cattle-—The Agent assisted the local brand inspector with presenting a program to area producers on the trichomoniasis problem in De Baca County and the region. Dr. Fly with the NMLB came and presented the Livestock Board position on the problem and recent updates to enforce the quarantine of ranches that have been identified positive. Dr. Fly was good about telling area producers just where the Livestock Board is on the quarantine issue, which has some neighboring Ranchers upset about the consequences they are having to deal with. Thirty two producers attended the program and received information from the ‘horses mouth’ rather than through written language hard to interpret. With the realm of questions asked and discussed, it was obvious that the program forum promoted a comfortable atmoshphere for education on the extremely pertinent issue that is affecting the De Baca County area.
East-side Ranchers Workshop—Area producers took advantage of a well-rounded educational beef production program that was designed and implemented by five Eastern NM County Agents, including De Baca county. The program aimed at understanding the beef industry better and the ‘bottom-line’ base and second level production including cow/calf operations and yearling/stocker production. Many Extension developed education programs in the past have skipped over Industry wants and needs which are directly related to consumer wants and needs. This program targeted specific Industry programs and how producers in cow/calf—yearling/stocker operations fit into meeting the needs expressed to industry from consumers. It was an excellent program and six area producers attended the Clovis/Friona training. Seven De Baca County producers took advantage of the one-day training. Upon evaluating these producers after the program, the participants made positive comments about the workshop content and usefulness in application to their personalized operations. The Agent developed a local and area news release for the Workshop and promoted the event with personalized letters of invitation to local producers to attend.
BQA Training--The agent worked with the local Cowbelle's organization to conduct a Beef Quality Control program. The two hour long program assisted cattlewomen with information regarding beef quality assurance issues including cattle management practices, disease control and consumer satisfaction. Ten members from across De Baca and Guadalupe County participated and were tested on knowledge gained. 100% of the tests were past with a 90% average.
The agent compiled a quarterly Ag Producers newsletters and sent out to 98 clients during 2010, mostly to in-county producers and pertinent surrounding producers. The newsletter topics throughout the year addressed seasonal livestock and range Management topics including controlling Rayless Goldonrod, Wind resources as an income opportunity, water restoration act language, Upcoming Extension state-wide ag programming, pesticide applicator trainings, gopher and prairie dog control; Beef Quality Control and issue related to Trichomoniasis in cattle. When polling 20% of the newsletter recipients, it was expressed by all polled that the newsletter continues to bring them pertinent information on livestock production and challenging issues they are faced with.
De Baca County Ag Producer Seminar. Several collaborating agencies and business assisted with programming activities and educational information as well as sponsorship of luncheon, snacks and related door prizes. The NMDA approved 3 credit hours towards Pesticide licensure compliance. The County 4-H Council assisted with hosting the program luncheon. A total of 90 producers and program sponsors attended the 4 hour training which included topics such as: Grass Control in Irrigated Crops; Gopher and Prairie Dog Control in pastures and native grasslands; an NRCS Update on Programming; Trichomoniasis in Cattle and the Problem in our Area. The program was extremely well received and when evaluating producers, one-on-one, the agent received feedback on the effectiveness of subject matter. Six local producers in attendance met with the State Livestock Board the following week to discuss concerns about Trich regulations and laws. The agent was informed by the attending NMSU Veterinarian that it was the voice of these local producers that assisted him in pushing through vital changes in Trich regulation and clean-up in cattle herds in New Mexico.
Well Water Testing for Livestock and Home Water Use
The agent coordinated a well water testing day with the NM Environmental Department at the De Baca County Courthouse Annex. Producers and homeowners brought in water samples from 25 different wells across De Baca County, 14 of these wells are used for drinking water and the others for livestock. Of the 25 wells, two were suspected to have water problems mainly because they were used for drinking water and had elevated levels of sulfate, though not to the extreme. Sulfate was at elevated levels in other wells but not of too big a concern since these well were used for livestock and the acceptable levels can be higher. Participants were given readings on their wells for Sulfate levels, conductivity, Nitrate levels, Flouride and Iron levels along with recommendations from the Environmental Department. The agent also assisted the Environmental Department with some information from NMSU on acceptable levels of the tested elements as related to livestock watering.
Pesticide Applicator Training--Thirty two area producers attended a four hour private pesticide applicator training and testing session put on by the Agent (at two seperate time in 2010, one in the Spring and one in the Summer) in coordination with the area NMDA Inspector, Tiffany Aragon, the local NRCS office and the local Soil and Water Conservation District. The agent reviewed test materials and answered questions pertaining to the information and slide presentation. Most of this information was related to safety with pesticides, chemical and biological nature of pesticides, application, environmental issues and reading/understanding associated labels. The NMDA Inspector than administered the test to participants if which 100% passed and received their licensure.
Noxious/Invasive Weed Mapping Program—Before the Private Applicator testing, the above twenty four participants listened to a presentation from the NRCS and Quay County Extension Agent, Tom Dominquez, on mapping of noxious and invasive weeds across the County. The De Baca Soil and Water Conservation District is extremely interested in collaborating with the NRCS and the local Extension Service to plan and coordinate this effort. A protocol was discussed and sample memorandum of agreement passed out to participants to help the understand the process in developing this weed mapping program.
Trichomoniasis in area cattle-—The Agent assisted the local brand inspector with presenting a program to area producers on the trichomoniasis problem in De Baca County and the region. Dr. Fly with the NMLB came and presented the Livestock Board position on the problem and recent updates to enforce the quarantine of ranches that have been identified positive. Dr. Fly was good about telling area producers just where the Livestock Board is on the quarantine issue, which has some neighboring Ranchers upset about the consequences they are having to deal with. Thirty two producers attended the program and received information from the ‘horses mouth’ rather than through written language hard to interpret. With the realm of questions asked and discussed, it was obvious that the program forum promoted a comfortable atmoshphere for education on the extremely pertinent issue that is affecting the De Baca County area.
East-side Ranchers Workshop—Area producers took advantage of a well-rounded educational beef production program that was designed and implemented by five Eastern NM County Agents, including De Baca county. The program aimed at understanding the beef industry better and the ‘bottom-line’ base and second level production including cow/calf operations and yearling/stocker production. Many Extension developed education programs in the past have skipped over Industry wants and needs which are directly related to consumer wants and needs. This program targeted specific Industry programs and how producers in cow/calf—yearling/stocker operations fit into meeting the needs expressed to industry from consumers. It was an excellent program and six area producers attended the Clovis/Friona training. Seven De Baca County producers took advantage of the one-day training. Upon evaluating these producers after the program, the participants made positive comments about the workshop content and usefulness in application to their personalized operations. The Agent developed a local and area news release for the Workshop and promoted the event with personalized letters of invitation to local producers to attend.
BQA Training--The agent worked with the local Cowbelle's organization to conduct a Beef Quality Control program. The two hour long program assisted cattlewomen with information regarding beef quality assurance issues including cattle management practices, disease control and consumer satisfaction. Ten members from across De Baca and Guadalupe County participated and were tested on knowledge gained. 100% of the tests were past with a 90% average.
2009 Livestock Producer programming.
*Preg. Testing Clinic. The agent worked with a neighboring Extension Agent, producer and NMSU RAIPAP Specialist, Del Jimenez, to coordinate and produce and Cattle preg. checking and reproduction clinic for local producers interested in becoming more educated on the subject matter. The area producers offered 200 cows for the agent and local producers to preg. check. In addition, the agent was able to work with the local packing house to secure several uterus's for examination and reproduction education. The workshop was designed for young and new producers that were interested in eventually checking their own cows. A total of Eight young producers attended the workshop, with four being from De Baca County and four from Guadalupe County. The overall evaluations indicated that participants increased their overall knowledge and understanding of the practice dramatically, going from somewhat informed and knowledgable to very informed and knowledgable.
*Cattle TB workshop. The agent offered the facility to the NM Livestock Board for an educational seminar to local are surrounding area producers on laws, regulation and NMLB decision making pertaining to TB in New Mexico. Area producers were given the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the State regulations and how their operations will be affected during transportation. A total of 39 local and area producers attended the workshop.
*2008/2009 Producer Newsletter. The agent produces a newsletter for agriculture producers on a bi-annual basis. The agent wanted to increase to a quarterly publication, but was only able to increase to a tri-annual publication in 2009. The newsletter targets both livestock and crop producers with pertinent information on production strategies, industry and extension educational programs, research trial information, etc. Sent out 3 mailing of 96 newsletters to county producers. Over 25% of producers who received newsletters merit the newsletter useful as revealed to subject matter and information when surveyed one-on-one.
*Weekly News column. The agent continues to be successful in sending out a weekly news column to the local paper on Extension Issues pertaining to area clientele. At least 12 of the weekly columns each year are focused on livestock production issues including prussic acid poisoning, livestock market issues, livestock related to youth development and young family members of producers, scale certification and requirements, range management issues and drought, etc. The local and regional newspapers that this column is produced covers over 2100 in circulation.
*Preg. Testing Clinic. The agent worked with a neighboring Extension Agent, producer and NMSU RAIPAP Specialist, Del Jimenez, to coordinate and produce and Cattle preg. checking and reproduction clinic for local producers interested in becoming more educated on the subject matter. The area producers offered 200 cows for the agent and local producers to preg. check. In addition, the agent was able to work with the local packing house to secure several uterus's for examination and reproduction education. The workshop was designed for young and new producers that were interested in eventually checking their own cows. A total of Eight young producers attended the workshop, with four being from De Baca County and four from Guadalupe County. The overall evaluations indicated that participants increased their overall knowledge and understanding of the practice dramatically, going from somewhat informed and knowledgable to very informed and knowledgable.
*Cattle TB workshop. The agent offered the facility to the NM Livestock Board for an educational seminar to local are surrounding area producers on laws, regulation and NMLB decision making pertaining to TB in New Mexico. Area producers were given the opportunity to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the State regulations and how their operations will be affected during transportation. A total of 39 local and area producers attended the workshop.
*2008/2009 Producer Newsletter. The agent produces a newsletter for agriculture producers on a bi-annual basis. The agent wanted to increase to a quarterly publication, but was only able to increase to a tri-annual publication in 2009. The newsletter targets both livestock and crop producers with pertinent information on production strategies, industry and extension educational programs, research trial information, etc. Sent out 3 mailing of 96 newsletters to county producers. Over 25% of producers who received newsletters merit the newsletter useful as revealed to subject matter and information when surveyed one-on-one.
*Weekly News column. The agent continues to be successful in sending out a weekly news column to the local paper on Extension Issues pertaining to area clientele. At least 12 of the weekly columns each year are focused on livestock production issues including prussic acid poisoning, livestock market issues, livestock related to youth development and young family members of producers, scale certification and requirements, range management issues and drought, etc. The local and regional newspapers that this column is produced covers over 2100 in circulation.
A County Agriculture Bio-security training held in conjunction with the the 2008 program advisory/support council meeting was held in the spring. A diverse group of individuals were asked to serve on the advisory board and offer direction to the Extension programming. A key brainstorming session facilitated by NMSU Bio-security professional materialized into a useful discussion that will assist county safety and preparedenss coordinators with the first installation of a De Baca County Emergency Ag and Safety Plan. The plan should materialize in 2009. The session prioritized agriculture across the county and safety measures to ensure the viability of the livestock industry industry in De Baca County should a natural or manmade disaster occur. 12 coummunity individuals, 75% of whom were ag producers, attended the training.
The agent worked with Extension Professionals from around the state to host a NM Beef Industry Visioning workshop. The workshop was one of the state-wide brainstorming sessions that allowed producers from the Eastern side of the state to express concern for the direction of the industry and offer suggestions that might be considered by economic and industry professionals related to the future of the industry. A total of 28 participants attended including local producers and extending out as far south and east as Lovington and Hobbs and as far north and west as Espanola, Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Results of session are being compiled by NMSU economists and professionals involved in the study.
2008 Livestock Producer Seminar. The agent worked with local NRCS office, the 4-H Council and several local and surrounding businesses to put together a livestock production seminar for local producers. 45 producers and area participants received training from extension specialists and industry professionals in the areas of Surviving Long Term Drought Conditions, Poisonous Range Plants, TB in Herds and Overall Herd Health, Overall Calf Health and Immunizations related to Weaning Programs. Evaluations indicated that over 50% of participants rated most presentations as moderately useful in knowledge acquired and another 50% rated presentations very useful in knowledge acquired.
2008 Producer Newsletter. The agent produces a newsletter for agriculture producers on a bi-annual basis. The agent wanted to increase to a quarterly publication, but was only able to sustain a bi-annual publication in 2008. The newsletter targets both livestock and crop producers with pertinent information on production strategies, industry and extension educational programs, research trial information, etc. Sent out 2 mailing of 98 newsletters to county producers. Over 20% of producers who recieved newsletters merit the newsletter useful as revealed to subject matter and information when surveyed one-on-one.
Weekly News column. The agent is successful in sending out a weekly news column to the local paper on Extension Issues pertaining to area clientele. At least 12 of the weekly columns each year are focused on livestock production issues including prussinc acid poisoning, livestock market issues, livestock related to youth development and young family members of producers, scale certification and requirements, range management issues and drought, etc. The local and regional newspapers that this column is produced covers over 2100 in circulation.
2008 Producer Newsletter. The agent produces a newsletter for agriculture producers on a bi-annual basis. The agent wanted to increase to a quarterly publication, but was only able to sustain a bi-annual publication in 2008. The newsletter targets both livestock and crop producers with pertinent information on production strategies, industry and extension educational programs, research trial information, etc. Sent out 2 mailing of 98 newsletters to county producers. Over 20% of producers who recieved newsletters merit the newsletter useful as revealed to subject matter and information when surveyed one-on-one.
Weekly News column. The agent is successful in sending out a weekly news column to the local paper on Extension Issues pertaining to area clientele. At least 12 of the weekly columns each year are focused on livestock production issues including prussinc acid poisoning, livestock market issues, livestock related to youth development and young family members of producers, scale certification and requirements, range management issues and drought, etc. The local and regional newspapers that this column is produced covers over 2100 in circulation.