How Professional Development in Texas turned into Program Development in Florida
Extension Education
Hannah Baker
State Specialized Agent - Beef & Forage Economics
University of Florida/IFAS Extension
Ona
Abstract
Background. The South Florida Beef Forage Program (SFBFP), a collaborative group of Extension agents and specialists with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, develops programs focused on management and marketing strategies that influence calf performance and value. To effectively deliver accurate, research-based information, agents need firsthand experience to support the practices they teach. Therefore, SFBFP created a professional development initiative to strengthen credibility and expertise in calf management strategies. Objectives. The initiative aimed to: (1) strengthen agent knowledge to better serve cattle producers with meaningful, research-based resources; (2) explore regional challenges and finishing strategies for Florida calves to better understand how cow-calf management affects weaned calf success and value; and (3) build relationships with buyers of Florida calves to encourage future collaboration with IFAS Extension and Florida producers. Methods. Because Florida calves are commonly shipped to the Texas Panhandle due to similar climate conditions, the 2025 Educational Initiative included visits with feedlot managers and industry leaders in that region. The trip was coordinated with Dr. Derrell Peel at Oklahoma State University. Prior to the visit, participants communicated their goal of understanding buyer expectations when purchasing Florida cattle. This intentional, in-person approach of hearing directly from managers and seeing Florida cattle in feedlots provided meaningful learning opportunities tailored to visual and auditory learners in the agent group. Results. Touring feedyards and engaging directly with buyers provided clear insight into how intentional calf management influences feedyard performance, meat quality, and overall calf value. Agents reported an average knowledge gain of 75%, and all nine participants indicated they would incorporate what they learned into future programming. Post-trip educational outputs included a producer webinar, a UF blog post, and feature articles in the Florida Cattleman and Livestock Journal and the OSU Cowboy Journal. Conclusions. The success of this agent-focused initiative has led to the development of an annual, producer-focused trip to strengthen relationships between Florida cattle producers and buyers. This initiative is an example for other program areas in and outside of Florida of how a professional development activity designed by and for agents can enhance program development for clientele.
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.
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Authors: Hannah Baker, Allison Williams, Bridget Stice, Christa Kirby
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Baker, H. State Specialized Agent - Beef & Forage Economics, FACAA, Florida, 33865
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Williams, A. Small Farms & Alternative Enterprises Agent I, FACAA, Florida, 33854
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Stice, B. Livestock Agent IV, FACAA, Florida, 33831
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Kirby, C. Livestock Agent IV, FACAA, Florida, 34211