Session: SSASAS: Extension II

383 - Targeted Extension Programming for New and Beginning Beef Cattle Producers Through a Multi-night Lecture Series

Saturday, July 17, 2021

4:15 PM – 4:30 PM EST

Location: Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC), L006

Presenting Author(s)

Mary K. Mullenix, PhD

Associate Professor/Extension Specialist
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama

PDF Slides and Audio

Author(s)

JJ

Joshua L. Jacobs, M.S.

Graduate Research Assistant
Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Auburn University, Alabama
LM

Landon Marks, PhD

Animal Science and Forages Regional Extension Agent
Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Centre, Alabama
GT

Gerry Thompson

Animal Science and Forages Regional Extension Agent
Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Belle Mina, Alabama
PV

Paul Vining

Regional Extension Agent
Alabama Cooperative Extension
Moulton, Alabama
JE

Josh Elmore

Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Clanton, Alabama
AT

Alex Tigue

Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Auburn University, Alabama
RH

Rickey Hudson

Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Headland, Alabama
KS

Kent Stanford

Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Crossville, Alabama
DM

Danny Miller

Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Centre, Alabama
DM

Danny McWilliams

County Extension Coordinator
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Tuscumbia, Alabama
KK

Ken Kelley

Auburn University/Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Brewton, Alabama

An introductory level-based educational program was developed for stakeholders interested in learning more about the basics of beef cattle management systems in Alabama. The Beef Systems Short Course was designed to 1) introduce concepts related to best management practices in beef operations to producers and 2) to create awareness among producers about educational services offered through Alabama Extension. Ten Beef Systems Short Courses were offered in fall 2019 and winter 2020 throughout Alabama. There were 136 participants enrolled in the program statewide. Eight topics were taught over a four-night time period (2 topics per meeting; 45 mins each). Topics included: Forages; Nutrition; Herd Health; Reproduction; Animal Identification, Genetics, and Records; Environmental Stewardship; Economics; Meat Science. A post-program survey was conducted to evaluate 1) potential change in knowledge and intent to adopt beef cattle management practices (n = 130 responses). Seventy percent of the producers in the program had less than 10 years of experience in the beef business, and the majority of these were part-time farmers (55%). Overall, producers were highly satisfied with the program with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 (Likert-type scale) across program topics, and 81% of participants planned to begin the adoption one or more of the management practices shared at the program in the next 12 months. The top three practices producers planned to implement included 1) establishing a calving season, 2) proper identification of livestock, and 3) improved forage management strategies. Participants reported significant knowledge gain across topics presented ranging from a 45 to 76% increase in understanding of practices. Notably, 55% of the participants reported that this was their first time attending an Extension program, demonstrating a great level of effectiveness in this program reaching new clientele. 100% of the participants indicated that they planned to attend Extension programs and use available online decision-making resources in their operations in the future. The total economic impact of the program was $525,450, with an estimated return on investment of 6:1.