Project Overview
This project addressed production, marketing, and financial risk. It addressed the importance and market advantages of a uniform calf crop. Components included sale barn market research an educational virtual course. Market value data collection was completed at 5 South Dakota sale barns during the fall feeder calf runs and winter backgrounded calf runs. Data was analyzed and utilized during the educational virtual course as well as poster presentations at ERME conference and Dakota Fest in Mitchell, SD, and two podcasts, CattleHQ - SDSU Extension podcast and The Moos Room - UMN Extension Podcast. The data demonstrated value of management and marketing decisions to improve calf crop uniformity. Virtual course topics targeted stages of the production cycle: late gestation, calving to breeding, breeding to weaning, and weaning to late gestation. Best management practices and current research supported the overarching goal of a more defined calving season. Delivery method of the material was completed through a virtual platform which included six separate modules, four of the modules being the stages of the production cycle and two being an intro and outro to the course. The course included four interactive zoom meetings within the production stage modules. These interactive meetings included all presenters and any participants able to make the meeting. All meetings were recorded and uploaded for any participant who couldn't make the meeting. Concluding the virtual course, individual consultations were provided to interested participants. Individual consultations occurred in the summer with two field specialists providing guidance to specific needs on participant operations. The target audience was cow/calf producers statewide willing to implement new strategies for financial gain. The program reached two individuals from out of state. Following the completion of the course, producers have more confidence in a defined calving season, implemented new strategies in regards to nutrition, health and reproduction of their herd, and have a greater understanding of variables that receive greater gains and increased value on future calf crops.
Number of Participants: 16
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.