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 (Union County)
Plan Goals
Increase productivity and competitiveness of the Union County range livestock industry by applying research-based best practices through Extension education.
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Profitable Livestock Production
Impact Reports
Another very tough year: Livestock producers have been subjected to many sudden changes this year. A total of 12 workshops and demonstrations saw a participation rate of 80% of the county producers. Topics ranged from overall management, record keeping, nutritional requirements and feed alternatives as well as marketing strategies, reduction of overhead and financial alternatives. 75% of the producers stated that they were going to adopt some or all of the suggested management changes and current conditions saw that only about 10% accomplished this goal. With the additional burden of the area Feedlot closures, low prices, no grass, 100% are currently receptive to change in standard supplemental feeding practices and overall management changes. Addition to management practices to include agro-tourism and hunting enterprises, marketing strategies and basic financial management. To date there I have not seen any actual change as producers found that these decisions and implementation must be done prior to the disaster or need of implementation. Government rules and situation still have producers waiting on rule changes.
The drought caused another reduction in livestock numbers therefore many management plans changed drastically. The closing of the area 3 major feedlots, though influenced by the drought conditions, were a financial crisis in the feedlot industry, and caused additional problems for producers and having fewer options for herd reduction. Late rains in part of the area has changed management considerations with now a strong impulse to develop a re-stocking strategy.
The drought caused another reduction in livestock numbers therefore many management plans changed drastically. The closing of the area 3 major feedlots, though influenced by the drought conditions, were a financial crisis in the feedlot industry, and caused additional problems for producers and having fewer options for herd reduction. Late rains in part of the area has changed management considerations with now a strong impulse to develop a re-stocking strategy.
The medium term objectives met were evident with the fact that 100% of the producers were forced to accept management and production suggestions and changes by the econimics and environmental conditions.
A very tough year: Livestock producers have been subjected to many sudden changes this year. A total of 12 workshops and demonstrations saw a participation rate of 80% of the county producers. Topics ranged from overall management, record keeping, nutritional requirements and feed alternatives as well as marketing stratagies, reduction of overhead and financial alternatives. 75% of the producers stated that they were going to adopt some or all of the suggested management changes and 100% were receptive to change in standard supplemental feeding practices. 10% were receptive in addition to management practices to include agritourism and hunting enterprises. To date there I have not seen any acutal change as producers still waiting on rule changes in hunting and changed in feed prices.
The drought caused a 45% reduction in livestock numbers therefore many management plans changed drastically with now a strong impulse to develop a re-stocking stratagy.
The drought caused a 45% reduction in livestock numbers therefore many management plans changed drastically with now a strong impulse to develop a re-stocking stratagy.
Short-term
• Increased awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues for more than 10% of New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs, direct communications, and popular press publications.
• Increased the number of producers using technology to evaluate production and financial aspects of cow-calf enterprises through participation in a Standardized performance analysis workshop.
• More than 90% of attendees surveyed at educational workshops perceive the monetary value of education gained exceeded the cost of attendance.
Medium term
• Improve decision-making skills of more than 500 livestock producers and county Extension agents through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management.
Long Term
• Improved knowledge level of county Extension agents regarding management of sheep and beef cattle through in-service trainings in the area of Range Nutrition and Management.
• Increased awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues for more than 10% of New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs, direct communications, and popular press publications.
• Increased the number of producers using technology to evaluate production and financial aspects of cow-calf enterprises through participation in a Standardized performance analysis workshop.
• More than 90% of attendees surveyed at educational workshops perceive the monetary value of education gained exceeded the cost of attendance.
Medium term
• Improve decision-making skills of more than 500 livestock producers and county Extension agents through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management.
Long Term
• Improved knowledge level of county Extension agents regarding management of sheep and beef cattle through in-service trainings in the area of Range Nutrition and Management.
Profitable Livestock Production (Union County)
Situation Statement
Union County animal agriculture accounts for $150 million in farmgate sales annually. There is a major economic multiplier effect. Agriculture is not only important to the overall economy, but vital to preventing costs of dislocation by ensuring the viability of rural communities. To protect those communities and the economic impact of agriculture, we must assure continuous productivity gains in the livestock industry. Cattle growers have registered their concern for increased productivity and competitiveness. Through industry, Extension and research efforts, productivity gains have been realized over the past 20 years. Improving productivity of Union county producers during this plan of work, will insure we remain competitive and profitable in the long run.
Short-Term Objectives
Increase awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues by 20% for of county livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications. Increase the number of producers using technology by 5 to evaluate production and financial aspects of cow-calf enterprises through participation in SPA workshops.
NARRATIVE: A major effort was made this year to build an interest in the use of electronic record keeping for the livestock producer to better determine true enterprise evaluations. 20 producers were worked with having only minimal success in producer’s adoption of the practice. Plans are to continue this process next year as the interest is there and the skills are not.
Some 150 producers were worked with on a one-on-one basis in obtaining herd data, and up keep of their production records, BQA programs and general livestock management. Programs such as the Southwest Beef Symposium were used as educational programs along with the use of Livestock Specialists from NMSU and CLRC.
The major issue this past year was activities involved during a natural disaster. A blizzard hit the area in December of 2006 and again in January 2007 with the effects lasting well into April 2007. Producers lost some 3000 head of cattle on range and over 2500 in feedlots. Hay lifts, livestock rescue and financial aid was needed and supplied. This affected some 400 producers and caused a tragic economical hit to the area. Feed costs rose some 50% and equipment repair costs rose over 25%. The New Mexico Livestock Board, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Cattle Growers and New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau were all involved in the reaction during the disaster as well as strongly involved in the on going recovery.
Situation Statement
Union County animal agriculture accounts for $150 million in farmgate sales annually. There is a major economic multiplier effect. Agriculture is not only important to the overall economy, but vital to preventing costs of dislocation by ensuring the viability of rural communities. To protect those communities and the economic impact of agriculture, we must assure continuous productivity gains in the livestock industry. Cattle growers have registered their concern for increased productivity and competitiveness. Through industry, Extension and research efforts, productivity gains have been realized over the past 20 years. Improving productivity of Union county producers during this plan of work, will insure we remain competitive and profitable in the long run.
Short-Term Objectives
Increase awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues by 20% for of county livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications. Increase the number of producers using technology by 5 to evaluate production and financial aspects of cow-calf enterprises through participation in SPA workshops.
NARRATIVE: A major effort was made this year to build an interest in the use of electronic record keeping for the livestock producer to better determine true enterprise evaluations. 20 producers were worked with having only minimal success in producer’s adoption of the practice. Plans are to continue this process next year as the interest is there and the skills are not.
Some 150 producers were worked with on a one-on-one basis in obtaining herd data, and up keep of their production records, BQA programs and general livestock management. Programs such as the Southwest Beef Symposium were used as educational programs along with the use of Livestock Specialists from NMSU and CLRC.
The major issue this past year was activities involved during a natural disaster. A blizzard hit the area in December of 2006 and again in January 2007 with the effects lasting well into April 2007. Producers lost some 3000 head of cattle on range and over 2500 in feedlots. Hay lifts, livestock rescue and financial aid was needed and supplied. This affected some 400 producers and caused a tragic economical hit to the area. Feed costs rose some 50% and equipment repair costs rose over 25%. The New Mexico Livestock Board, New Mexico Department of Agriculture, New Mexico Cattle Growers and New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau were all involved in the reaction during the disaster as well as strongly involved in the on going recovery.