Final report for SPDP21-07
Project Information
Over 90% of Mississippi dairy herds are pasture-based and many are struggling to remain viable and profitable. The future of these individual farms, and the southeastern dairy industry in general, depends on producers finding ways to improve their practices. Dairy farms are less common and more geographically spread out so many agents lack dairy knowledge and experience. This project will allow us to conduct train-the-trainer workshops to educate Extension agents on how to assess a dairy farm through records, testing, and livestock evaluations (animal and nutrition) so they can better help their dairy clients. These in-depth and hands-on workshops will take a systems approach to cover proper management and troubleshooting of the following areas: pastures, nutrition, reproduction, health, welfare, and heat abatement. To continue educating agents, we will create the Southern Dairy Sustainability Network (SUSTAIN). SUSTAIN will be a regional educational and networking tool and website for Extension agents and dairy producers to 1) access a wide breadth of information and resources all in one website location and 2) rely on each other’s experience related to pasture-based dairy farming through discussion boards and a series of recorded video interviews called Pasture Perspectives. Between the train-the-trainer workshops and SUSTAIN, we intend to provide education and experience to county Extension agents who can then help their dairy clients improve their operations from a sustainability, profitability, and survivability perspective.
Objective 1: Provide train-the-trainer workshops for Extension agents on the economics and proper management of dairy cattle and forages for pasture-based dairy farms. Many dairy farms are in areas without surrounding dairy farms and thus the Extension agents in those areas are typically not dairy-focused. The goal of this objective is to educate agents and practice applying their newfound knowledge so that they are better equipped to help their dairy clients. These in-depth and hands-on workshops will take a systems approach to cover proper management and troubleshooting of the following areas: pastures, nutrition, reproduction, health, welfare, heat abatement, and records. These topics are of utmost importance to pasture-based dairy producers because all of them control the economic viability and sustainability of the farm. Workshops will cover the same topics and be presented in different areas within the region to reach as many county agents as possible. However, workshops will be altered as needed, based on feedback from the participants in each preceding workshop. We will strive to continually improve knowledge transfer and participant experience with each iteration. The expected outcomes of this objective are 1) county agents with dairy knowledge and experience; 2) increased collaboration between county agents across the region so that they have a wider network with which to rely on; 3) improved trust between county agents and dairy producers by showing dairy producers that their county agents want to learn about dairy farming and help them; and 4) improved dairy operations in the southeast through on-farm evaluations from both the agent and the project team. Knowledge acquired through these trainings will allow Extension agents develop more targeted information and guidelines to dairy producers with unique dairy situations and extend those skills to a broader based clientele that emphasize both technical information and practical skills training.
Objective 2: Create the Southern Dairy Sustainability Network (SUSTAIN), a regional educational, outreach, and networking website and social media platform. The goal of SUSTAIN is for Extension agents and dairy producers to access information and rely on each other’s experience related to pasture-based dairy farming. This network will benefit agents with any level of dairy knowledge, including those who do specialize in dairy. It would expand the reach of dairy-focused Extension agents and specialists who can utilize SUSTAIN to help educate agents and producers outside of their geographical area. Dairy-focused agents and specialists likely care that the dairy industry remains sustainable in the southeast and thus will want to help their counterparts in areas with dairies but without dairy-focused agents. Extension agents not well-versed in dairy can learn from this website and apply that information to clients in their own counties. Likewise, producers can rely on each other to problem solve in a digital version of calling on a neighboring producer for advice and help. To help spark discussion and idea sharing, we will include interviews with producers called Pasture Perspectives. These video-recorded interviews with successful and progressive producers can highlight certain innovations or techniques that have helped improve some part of their farm, feature farm progress, or provide general insight into what they have found works or does not work well on their farm. Researchers, Extension professionals, industry publication journalists, and industry representatives (e.g., field nutritionists, artificial insemination technicians, milk cooperative field representatives) can contribute science-backed results and reasoning while learning from the producers’ experience to better understand the application of their recommendations. Objective 2 will provide a network of resources to assist dairy producers in becoming more sustainable by preserving and managing their natural resources, but at the same time ensuring economic return. The expected outcomes of this objective will be to align, connect, and progress the southeastern dairy industry to be more sustainable, competitive, and profitable. First, we will align regional sustainability programs. We will connect state and regional producers under one network umbrella to improve recommendations and solutions to specific and common problems. Finally, the implementation of this collaborative and focused network will accelerate the exchange of ideas and solutions in both research and extension to broaden technology transfer.
Cooperators
Education
Several educational workshops were held to educate trainers (such as county extension agents) and producers (with specific emphasis on small farmers, women, and socially disadvantaged farmers) in dairy production. We also developed a website that links to educational materials throughout the southeast to serve as a reference point to connect farmers with educational information on any topic they may need. Our objective was to cover material related to milk production, herd health, biosecurity, reproduction, grazing management practices, and the use of milk-added value products. We used an experiential learning model to allow participants to experience, share, process, generalize, and apply the information gained to their farms. This was done by offering opportunities to participate in face-to-face and hands-on workshops, but also via webinars.
Education & Outreach Initiatives
To help small farmers, women, and socially disadvantaged farmers to learn more about dairy goat production, herd health, biosecurity, reproduction, grazing management practices, and the use of milk-added value products.
There has been a continuous increase in dairy goat production in the southern USA. It continues to be a socially, economically, and culturally important part of the livestock industry by providing added values such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products as well as soap and lotions. Dairy goat production is an alternative livestock enterprise suitable for many small-scale or part-time livestock operations. Producers might have one or more breeds of dairy goats with the average herd having 10 to 20 goats. Our goal was to utilize educational and hands-on experiences to educate new and existing producers about different management practices that can improve or enhance their operations.
We used an experiential learning model to allow producers to experience, share, process, generalize, and apply the information gained to their farms. This was done by offering the opportunity to participate in face-to-face and hands-on workshops, but also by participating in webinars.
To inform dairy goat producers about topics including milk quality, Dairy Herd Improvement for Dairy goats, and using DHI in breeding decisions.
Three webinars were held to cover the topics of milk quality, DHI for dairy goats, and using DHI in breeding decisions.
The learning outcomes of the program included an increase in knowledge about milk quality and the factors that can affect it, how DHI can be used to monitor milk quality, and how DHI records can and should be used when making breeding decisions. The goal was for more producers to make changes on their operation to improve short-term and long-term milk quality.
The webinar series had a total attendance of 422 producers from across 16 states. The economic value assigned by the participants to the information they received, and the knowledge gained by attending this program was $450. The total economic value of the program based on the number of participants was $189,900.
To inform dairy goat producers about parasite control, including FAMACHA Certification and parasite identification.
To inform dairy goat producers about the importance of herd health.
To inform dairy goat producers about forage species identification and grazing management.
Three workshops were held in this series in three different locations across the state of Mississippi. One of the three was held in conjunction with the Mid-South Dairy Goat Association and also included basic cheese production.
Participants heard from various speakers on the topics and they earned their FAMACHA certification during the workshop. Participants also received hands-on training on forage management including determining forage availability in pastures, measuring forage quality (sample collection, dry matter, sample analysis), and establishing grazing plans.
The learning outcomes of this series of workshops included improved knowledge of parasite control, herd health, and grazing management. Our goal was for producers to implement changes in their operations that improved health of their goats while being able to manage forages in a way to increase efficiency and profitability.
The economic value assigned by the participants to the information they received, and the knowledge gained by attending this program was $1,530. The total economic value of the program based on the number of participants was $153,000.
To inform dairy goat producers about various topics important to consider during the breeding and pregnancy timeframe.
This workshop centered on goat nutrition pre- and post-kidding, vaccination protocols, blood collection, use of artificial insemination, use of ultrasound for pregnancy detection, and semen collection. Participants learned about the equipment needed for kidding, artificial insemination, estrus detection, semen collection and storage, and pregnancy detection. Participants learned about forage quality and its importance in breeding diets, and how to determine forage quality and quantity.
The learning outcomes of this workshop included improved understanding of how things such as nutrition and health can impact breeding and pregnancy. Another outcome included practical tools to improve reproductive efficiency such as pregnancy determination, artificial insemination, and semen collection. The goal was for producers to have the knowledge to make informed decisions to maximize reproductive outputs.
This workshop was held in the northern part of the state of Mississippi and included participants from 4 states in addition to Mississippi. The economic value assigned by the participants to the information they received, and the knowledge gained by attending this program was $1,430. The total economic value of the program based on the number of participants was $77,220.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
Learning Outcomes
Project Outcomes
The program was directed to provide new and socially disadvantaged producers with the knowledge of the basics of dairy goat production and how to manage their operation, including breeds and selection, nutritional needs, potential health problems, breeding, and value-added milk products while making sound business decisions to ensure that the operation is profitable. Based on the overall survey evaluations of the programs, approximately 68% of the participants indicated that agriculture was not their primary occupation and approximately 55% have been managing small ruminants for less than 10 years. This indicated that dairy goat production is an alternative livestock enterprise suitable for many small-scale or part-time livestock operations.
There was a diverse range of participants from different age groups, but most of the participants were from the 31-40 and the 51-60 age groups. Participants also indicated that the content of the trainings were relevant to their needs and was presented at an understandable level. Nearly 95% of the participants indicated that attending these trainings was worth their time and they will recommend them to others. The information presented in these diverse trainings will affect between 10 and 50 animals per farm and 95% of the participants indicated that they would use a lot of the resources provided in the farms. The total economic impact of the program is $420,210. This is very significant in information dissemination and hands-on training for producers to be better stewards of their farms and help to train future generations. Over 80% of the participants also indicate that they will share the information with others. This will have a large impact on training the trainer and the technology transfer section of the program. We hope in future programs to put more emphasis on value-added milk products, practices, and marketing strategies and developing budgets and projected costs. There is also a need to develop better ration calculators that could aid in selecting the best diet for maximizing milk production.
Producers Comments from different program evaluations
- I thoroughly enjoyed each of the presentations! I have shared information with some other local goat owners who would be interested in attending if you do another one.
- I learned so much at this workshop. All the speakers were awesome! I am super hyped about learning to incorporate the things I learned! Thanks so much for sharing this information and helping those of us who love goats and sheep. I LOVE my new goats and want to take excellent care of them!
- All staff involved in hosting this event were very knowledgeable and informative in answering any questions. This program will impact our farm for years to come. Thank you!
- Best training I've been to on the subjects.
- Learned a lot about forage and feeding problems that come with sheep and goats. If somebody is going to get into this program of having sheep and raising them this program is awesome. Learning the how to feed and raise is the best thing I have taken from this experience.
- The speakers answered every question that was given and made everyone feel comfortable. I enjoyed this seminar very much! Thank you!
- Of all livestock I’ve ever raised, goats tend to have more illness and unexpected death. It would be nice to discuss issues experienced with kids, pregnant does, and more general herd health issues.
- Great seminar! Looking forward to more. Hopefully locations will move around the state to give others the opportunity to attend.
- This series was absolutely excellent. I'm so glad that you dove into more advanced topics. I feel like so many goat webinars stick to the basics (how many times can you hear about FAMACHA scores?). This was great- practical knowledge that can be put in place on our farm. Very well done.
- I learned a lot of information about milk from this webinar that I will be using on our hobby farm. Dr Smith's presentation was organized and coherent. Answering questions for an hour after the presentation was very nice and a lot of good information was there also. Thank you very much.
- I have been milk testing for 4 years, but there was a lot of fairly specific and detailed things to learn with the presentation.