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Panhandle Cattlemen's College

Search for Excellence in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers

Kalyn Waters
CED/Agriculture Agent
University of Florida
Bonifay

Team Members: Waters, K1, Simmons, N*2, Gonella-Diaza, A3
  1. CED/Agriculture Agent, , Bonifay, Florida, 32425
  2. CED/Agriculture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County, Cantonment, Florida, 32425
  3. Assistant Professor, UF North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna , Florida, 32425

Abstract

Background: Cattle production is evolving, with long-established multi-generational ranchers alongside a rising number of new producers with little to no background in the industry. Both groups face steep learning curves. The Panhandle Cattlemen’s College (PCC) addresses these issues in a program designed to support cattle producers in the Southeast through experiential learning and to create a dynamic learning community. Objectives: The program objectives are 1): create a hands-on learning platform that teaches cattle producers skills that will enhance practice change, 2) provide a learning environment for new/beginning producers to learn applied cattle handling/management skills in the field with repeated practice/application on live animals, and 3) develop a learning community/network of industry experts, professionals, program attendees to provide post-program support. Method: PCC is a three-day hands-on field event that has two training tracks: Chute Side Skills track (CST) and Artificial Insemination track (AIT). Participates in the CST learn basic and advanced skills on live cattle. Over the three days, CST participants learn skills such as blood sampling, tagging, cattle handling, implanting, injections, castration, and more with the capstone being to work a group of 80 head of cattle as a team. The AIT focuses on reproductive management, with participants becoming certified as an A.I. technician through 3 days of in-cow practice. All participants (CST/AIT) complete Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training and are certified. Results: Over three-years, 267 certifications have been issued to 192 individual participants (some participants have completed both tracks). Continued educational programs under the PCC programmatic umbrella include webinars (16) and a pasture field day, which reached an additional 6,927 producers. Post-program survey data indicated that 100% reported knowledge gain, 92% of participants implemented change and utilized skills learned to increase the profitability of their operation, 42% are applying the skills they learned to other herds, 95% are teaching others skilled they learned, and 100% increased profits of operation from learned skill. Impact: The PCC is innovative and effective. Documented actual practice changes are supported by producers demonstrating skills learned in their operation. This shows the impact of the program and the educational materials developed.

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