Beef Cattle Series: 101 & 201 Educational Cattle Workshops for Beginning, Veteran, and Established Cattle Farmers
Animal Science
Hailey Partain
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Thomaston
Abstract
Over the last five to ten years, middle Georgia has experienced farm turnover. UGA Extension and the Natural Resource Conservation Service have seen a drastic increase in cattle management questions. There have been approximately 40 new famers moved to the area and about 80% of the current farms have experience turnover. This has led to the need for an increase in beef cattle management programming. The purpose of the Beef Cattle Educational Series is to meet the educational needs of cattle producers. The programs were hosted to provide the necessary background information to start or take over a beef cattle cow/calf operation. The program series’ original objectives were to cover the basics of beef cattle production management but grew to cover more advanced topics in the 201 class. The topics ranged from forages to animal science: Getting Started (GATE Card, FSA Programs, Record Keeping), Economics/Market Outlook, Grazing Systems for Cattle, Conservation Practices, Testing: Soil, Forage, Litter, Etc., Planning Your Grazing System (Establishment, Renovation, Management), Weed Management/Sprayer Calibration, Structural Practices/Equipment, Cattle Nutrition/Selection, Herd Health, Reproduction/EPDs. Since origination, our Beef Cattle Educational Workshop series has been a success with over 300 participants throughout all courses: 65% beginning farmers, 14% veteran farmers, and 21% established farmers. Participants were not expected to attend all sessions, but majority chose to. Participants ranged from multiple counties including but not limited to: Upson, Lamar, Pike, Monroe, Crawford, Spalding, Coweta, Toombs, and Chatham. The series grant sponsor made it possible for each attendee (first night of BC101) to get free soil samples. With those results, they were able to help come up with a game plan for pasture renovation, establishment, and management throughout program. As a result of the program series, 100% of the participants have continued to utilized FSA, NRCS, and Cooperative Extension in their perspective counties and many schedule regular check-ins regarding available educational materials, testing, and arrange site visits with their local offices.
Authors: Hailey Partain
-
Hailey Partain County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia Extension, Georgia, 30286