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 (Union County)

Plan Goal

Increase productivity and competitiveness of the Union County range livestock industry by applying research-based best practices through Extension education.

Situation Statement

Union County animal agriculture accountes for $150 million in farmgate sales annually. There is a major economic multiplier effect. Agriculture is not only important to the overall economy, but vital to preventing costs of dislocation by ensuring the viability of rural communities. To protect those communities and the economic impact of agriculture, we must assure continuous productivity gains in the livestock industry. Cattle growers have registered their concern for increased productivity and competitiveness. Through industry, Extension and research efforts, productivity gains have been realized over the past 20 years. Improving productivity of Union county producers during this plan of work, will insure we remain competitive and profitable in the long run.

Target Audience and Actions

The target audience is composed of approximately 500 beef and sheep producing operations in Union county. In order to service the educational needs of these livestock producers, county educational efforts will be conducted. Individual producer participation in statewide and regional programs such as Cattle Grower’s Short Course, Southwest Beef Symposium, Cattlemen’s College, and Cow-calf Standardized Performance Analysis program will be encouraged. Additionally, management recommendations will be circulated throughExtension publications, event proceedings, and popular press, and county up-date meetings.

Short-Term Objectives

Increase awareness of novel management practices and knowledge of current issues by 20% for of county livestock producers through educational programs and direct communications. Increase the number of producers using technology by 5 to evaluate production and financial aspects of cow-calf enterprises through participation in SPA workshops.

Medium-Term Objectives

Improve decision-making skills of 50 livestock producers through educational programs and seminars such that they are more confident in livestock management. County cow-calf operations (5) will improve profitability by following management recommendations made,and 25% of county producers will increase their willingness to accept management and production recommendations from NMSU Extension and Research.

Long-Term Objectives

Improve profitability and sustainablility of livestock production enterprises by lowering production costs and/or increasing gross revenue. Improve knowledge level of county producers regarding management of livestock and wildlife through publications, demonstrations and trainings.

Evaluation Plan

One on One observations and changes in overall management plans of county producers.