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 Goal

Increase productivity and competitiveness of the Navajo Nation livestock industry by applying research-based best practices through Extension education.

Situation Statement

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.

Target Audience and Actions

Livestock producers, especially those on the Navajo Nation that their culture and tradition may provide a conflict with preferred livestock production practices. Theses producers may face obstacles also associated with tribal grazing allotments. Small livestock producers that may only have a few animals on small parcels of land that may need education in areas specific to small producers to maximize profit and potential. Information will be distributed through extension publications, workshops, presentations and one on one communication.

Short-Term Objectives

1. 50% of NN livestock producers who attend training on profitable livestock practices will be able to report learning three new methods for dealing with the conflict between culture and conditions.
2. Small producers receive training in practices that will maximize profit and potential of their operations.

Medium-Term Objectives

1.Producers on the Navajo Nation will adopt management practices that will result in 10% increased profit.
2.Small producers will adopt recommended practices that will result in maximization of production.

Long-Term Objectives

Producers in McKinley County will as a result of these programs show an increase in profit for livestock produced. Navajo Nation producers will realize increased profit, as well as, more manageable production practices.

Evaluation Plan

Conduct evaluations of meeting and workshops that will help develop further educational programs. Further participation will indicate interest in and need for further information. Mail surveys will be conducted to gauge change in behavior. Also, pre and post surveys will be conducted to assess knowledge gained.