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Profitable Livestock Production (San Juan County)
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Plan Goal
Improve the profitability of livestock production by enhancing decision-making skills of livestock owners and managers.
Situation Statement
Profitability of livestock production is marginal at best and this especially true in San Juan County. The difference between making a profit or coming up short hinges on the many management decisions ranchers must make with regards to breeding, nutrition, range management, marketing, financing, etc. Many livestock owners understand the impacts of these daily decisions and are continually in search of the lasted information. There are still others however, that go year in and year out with any changes or improvements in their operations regardless of current markets, health issues, and range condition. Despite a 32% decrease in the number of livestock over the past ten years that can mostly be attributed to a reduction in range carrying capacity due to drought the industry remains a vital component to the local economy, especially on reservation lands. Information must continue to be made available in all areas of livestock production and management in order to ensure the success of area ranchers.
Target Audience and Actions
The target audience is composed of approximately 700 beef and sheep producing operations in San Juan County. In order to serve this clientele a number of programs will be offered throughout the county and region. The agent will participate as a presenter at Shiprock Agriculture Days twice a year on topics related to livestock, as well as, reach out to chapter houses and Navajo Nation grazing officials. The Four Corners Beef Symposium will continue to be conducted on a yearly basis. The agent will also participate in planning and promoting regional events, such as Southwest Indian Livestock Days, and make them available to San Juan County producers.
Short-Term Objectives
Increase awareness of the economic importance of the sustainable management of native grasslands. Keep producers current on beef and sheep health management and disease prevention. Present innovative models of livestock management and marketing to increase the margin of profitability among San Juan County livestock operations.
Medium-Term Objectives
Improve the decision-making skills of 150 livestock producers through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management.
Long-Term Objectives
Increase the number of producers using innovative marketing strategies to 200. Increase profitability of Navajo livestock producers by increase feed and reproductive efficiency of livestock.
Evaluation Plan
Major programs will be evaluated using a formal evaluation instrument that requires producers to rate subject knowledge prior to and after participation in the program. These will be used to improve program development and seek out new areas of concern for area producers.