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Profitable Livestock Production (Chaves County)

Plan Goal

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

Situation Statement

Livestock production in New Mexico and in Chaves County is only marginally profitable. Livestock producers and rural economies recognize the impact of livestock production on the state’s economy. In 2004, livestock and livestock products accounted for 75% of all New Mexico farm and ranch receipts. Chaves County ranks first in the dairy industry in New Mexico with 92,000 head of cows that milk over 600,000 pounds of milk per day. Chaves County has approximately 18,500 head of sheep (according to a local producer), in an industry that been declining in numbers each year. In 2002, Chaves County ranked second in the state in beef cattle numbers (182,000 head). Producers must become more profitable to improve the sustainability of the livestock industry in Chaves County.

Target Audience and Actions

The target audience is composed of beef, dairy, and sheep and wool producing operations in Chaves County. In order to service the educational needs of these communities of livestock producers, county efforts will be conducted. Statewide and regional programs will include the Cattle Grower’s Short Course, New Mexico Dairy Producers events, NM AgExpo, Southwest Beef Symposium and Cattlemen’s College. Additionally, management recommendations will be incorporated into Extension publications, event proceedings, and popular press.

Short-Term Objectives

Increase awareness of management practices and knowledge of current issues by 20% for 10% of New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications. Seventy-five percent of attendees surveyed at varied producer events including but not limited to the Southwest Beef Symposium, Cattle Grower’s Short Course, and New Mexico Dairy Producers events will perceive the monetary value of education gained exceeds the cost of attendance.

Medium-Term Objectives

Improve decision-making skills of 25 livestock producers through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management. County cattle producer operations will improve profitability by following management recommendations made at county cattle programs and workshops sponsored by the local extension service.

Long-Term Objectives

Improve profitability of beef and dairy cattle and sheep enterprises by lowering production costs and/or increasing gross revenue.

Evaluation Plan

Maintaining a communication log to document producer acknowledgement of improved management practices. An exit survey for educational programs will be devised to capture producer perception of both the monetary value of information and improvement in decision-making skills.