LIVESTOCK AND VEGETABLE EDUCATION USING STATE COST-SHARE GRANTS
Extension Education
Anthony Carver
County Director & Ext Agent III
UT Extension
RUTLEDGE
Abstract
\r\n Knowledge and equipment play a significant role in the management of any farm. Producers need the expertise and adequate equipment to be successful in growing yields and quality of any product. A needs assessment, conducted in 2005-2011 with agricultural producers in Grainger County, Tennessee, indicated strong needs for beef management (hay quality, preconditioning calves, and safety) and vegetable education. Program topics included forage testing, soil testing, greenhouse and field tomato production, equipment safety, livestock handling layout, hay management, and marketing. Since 2005, each educational program has focused on the above topics and focused on available cost-share programs to accomplish the producer’s goals and make him/her more competitive. A minimum of 20 individual or concurrent sessions were presented each year with an additional 10 days of cost-share program education. Producers were provided with the tools to successfully gain knowledge and participate in cost-share programs for any size operation. There were 172producers certified in Master Beef Producer Program, 35in Master Meat Goat and Sheep Producer Program and 250in Beef Quality Assurance. As a result of the education received, which qualified producers for the cost-share programs, 393 projects were funded garnering a total of $1,138,356 in economic impact and benefit for Grainger County producers. Funds were used for new equipment and resources such as hay barns, hay rings, hay feeding wagons, grain bins, creep feeders, commodity sheds, greenhouses, plastic layers and more. The Extension Agent and topic area professional speakers coordinated, designed and developed the producer programs.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: B. A. Carver
-
Carver, B. LIVESTOCK AND VEGETABLE EDUCATION USING STATE COST-SHARE GRANTS, UT Extension - Grainger County, Tennessee, 37861