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Florida Cattlemen's Institute and Allied Trade Show

Search for Excellence in Farm and Ranch Business Management

Christa Kirby
Extension Agent IV Livestock
U.F./IFAS.-Extension
Palmetto

Team Members: Kirby, C*1, Baker, H*2, Bennett, L*3, Butler, L*4, Crum, L*5, Stice, B*6, Trent, S7, Williams, A*8
  1. Extension Agent IV Livestock, UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County, Palmetto, Florida, 34221
  2. Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Extension - Range Cattle REC, Ona, Florida, 33865
  3. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, Dade City, Florida, 33525
  4. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Okeechobee County, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972
  5. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hendry County, LaBelle, Florida, 33975
  6. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Bartow, Florida, 33831
  7. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Seminole Tribe of Florida, Brighton, Florida, 34972
  8. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County , Seffner, Florida, 33584

Abstract

The Florida Cattlemen’s Institute began as a single-county initiative but has evolved into a multi-county program serving cattle producers in South and Southcentral Florida. In response to high cattle prices and input from producers, allied industry members, and extension agents, the program was designed to help producers capitalize on these market conditions. The primary educational objective was to provide cattle producers with practical knowledge and strategies to increase profits in a high-price market.

 

The program included a variety of educational components aimed at achieving this goal. Industry leaders delivered talks on the importance of animal well-being and meat quality, the value of marketing programs, new ideas to maximize profits, and a panel discussion featuring respected cattle producers on how to make sound business decisions. Presentations were delivered both in-person and via video, with each session concluding with a Q&A segment. A tradeshow was also organized, allowing participants to interact with vendors offering relevant products.

 

Following the program, participants were surveyed to assess the effectiveness of the content. Of the 101 attendees, 42 surveys were returned, revealing a knowledge gain of 45.5% across all topics. The highest knowledge gain was noted in the panel discussion segment. Survey results indicated that producers planned to implement behavioral changes such as shortening breeding seasons, improving forage quality, reducing handling stress, and incorporating value-added marketing. As a result of these changes, 55% of participants reported an average increase in profits of $68 per head of cattle.

 

Participants also provided feedback on areas for further education, which will guide future programming to better address the evolving needs of Florida’s cattle producers. This feedback ensures the program continues to meet its educational objectives and supports the profitability and sustainability of the cattle industry in the region.

Entry