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 (Colfax County)

Plan Goal

Increase productivity and competitiveness of the New Mexico range livestock industry by informing producers of current research-based best practices and industry trends through Extension education.

Situation Statement

Livestock production in Colfax County is marginally profitable. Inflated land values, high fuel, high feed, and high operating costs causes returns on investment to be from 0-5 percent. Livestock producers and rural economies recognize the impact of livestock production on the counties economy. Livestock production accounts for 70 percent of the economic sustainability in Colfax County and property taxes from landowners drive our local tax base. There are over 200 beef cattle and buffalo producers in the county and many people lease their pasture to stocker operators. Their sustainablity depends on the weather, management decisions, and receiving as much for their product as they can. Consequently, local extension programming can help ensure these producers stay in business.

Target Audience and Actions

The target audience is composed of approximately 200 beef and buffalo producers in Colfax County plus goverment officials, and ranch employees. In order to service the educational needs of these communities of livestock producers, county, statewide, and regional educational efforts will be conducted. Statewide and regional programs will include the Cattle Grower’s Short Course, Southwest Beef Symposium, and Cattlemen’s College. Additionally, local extension programming will include NENMLA producer meetings, range ID workshops, and salt cedar eradication workshops. These workshops will include collaboration with NRCS, and local conservation districts. Additionally, management recommendations will be incorporated into Extension publications, event proceedings, and popular press.

Short-Term Objectives

Increase awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues by 10% for 5% of New Mexico livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications. Within 5 years, improve knowledge of range grasses and their productive value for 5 producers in the county. Educate 5 producers in the county of the benefits of COOL and premise ID to make their products more marketable. Illustrate the importance of preventive measures for keeping noxious weeds out of the county to 10 producers.

Medium-Term Objectives

Improve decision-making skills of 100 livestock producers and county Extension agents through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management. Thirty percent of cow calf producers will improve management practices, but will still lose money because of a declining calf markent and increasing expenses. Five producers will sell calves into a natural or niche market and will adapt to new practices outside of a normal commodity marketing channel.

Long-Term Objectives

Increase the number of ranchers that can actually stay in business. Improve the profitability of cow calf operations by making them more money and accepting practices to lower costs. Provide an avenue for young people to get back to their ranches and continue the lifestyle.

Evaluation Plan

Personal communication via phone calls, quarterly newsletters, producer visits, and random questioning of advisory committee. Direct observation of changes in management of producers ranches and cattle.