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Profitable Livestock Production (Lea County)

Plan Goal

Improve the profitability of livestock production by enhancing decision-making skills of livestock owners and managers.

Situation Statement

Livestock production in Lea County is only marginally profitable. Inflated land values, high fuel, and high operating costs causes returns on investments to be from 0-5 percent. Livestock producers are rural economics recognize the impact of livestock production n the counties economy. Livestock production (cow-calf) in Lea County ranks fifth within the state of New Mexico (number of head) and sixth in cash receipts. It is the second largest industry in our county behind oil and gas revenues. The sustainability of this industry depends on weather, management decisions, and receiving as much for their product as they can. In cooperation with local producers, extension programming can assist these producers with their industry.

Target Audience and Actions

The target audience will consist of county producers, government officials, and allied industry employees. In order to service the educational needs of the county; input will be sought from livestock producers and county, state, and regional educational efforts will be conducted. Statewide and regional programs will include the Cattle Grower's Short Course, Southwest Beef Symposium, Cattlemen's College, and Cow-calf Standardized Performance Analysis program. Local extension programming will include BQA trainings and range ID workshops. These workshops will need to conducted with the cooperation of the NRCS, and local conservation districts.

Short-Term Objectives

Increase awareness of sound management jpractices and knowledge of current issues by 20% for 10% of New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications. Within 5 years, improve knowledge of range grasses and their productive value for 10 producers in the county. Update 60% of the county on NAIS and if it will ever come into play. Illustrate the importance of preventive measures for keeping noxious weeds out of the county 10 10 producers.

Medium-Term Objectives

Improve decision-making skills of livestock producersthrough educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management. Twentyfive percent of cow-calf producers will improve management practices, but will possibly lose money due to the ever increasing cost of needed materials.Two percent of county producers will sell calves into niche markets (organic)and will adapt to new practices outside of a usual commodity market.

Long-Term Objectives

Improve the profitability of cow-calf operations by making them more money and accepting practices to lower costs. Increase interest into the youth to remain, after college, on the family ranch.

Evaluation Plan

Direct observation of changes in management of producers ranches. Visiting with the producers.