Serving the Research and Extension Needs of Growing Cattle Systems in Nebraska
Animal Science
Erin Laborie
Extension Educator
Nebraska Extension
Beaver City
Abstract
Stocker-yearling cattle can complement a cow-calf operation by providing flexibility in a grazing system. This segment can be a profit center for producers as well as provide an avenue into the beef business for beginning ranchers. To address the needs of this often-underserved audience, a program planning team was established consisting of beef focused educators and extension beef specialists. In addition, a stocker-yearling advisory board consisting of producers, consultants, and veterinarians was established to provide input on educational efforts and future research needs. Utilizing insight from the advisory board, the program planning team designed an annual statewide educational program for producers consisting of a classroom component and a tour of a prominent stocker-yearling operation. The inaugural program was held in 2019 followed by programs in 2021 and 2022. These programs were held at three different locations across western Nebraska. The advisory board met with the program planning team prior to the Stocker-Yearling Program and Tour each year. An average of 47 producers, veterinarians and consultants attended one or more of the programs. Post-meeting evaluations indicated that the total value of the program averaged $34,277 per operation. Over 85% of the participants indicted they were likely to make business or management changes on their operation. Many of the indicated changes occur from information shared at the ranch tour.
Authors: Brent Plugge, Erin Laborie, Hannah Smith
-
Brent Plugge Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska, 68847
-
Erin Laborie Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska, 68926
-
Hannah Smith Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension, Nebraska, 69210