On-Farm Feed Formulation and Manufacturing Training for Small and Medium-Scale Poultry and Swine Farmers in North Florida

Commodities

Practices

Florida's small and medium-scale poultry and swine farmers often face significant challenges related to feed costs and dependency on commercial feeds, which can be prohibitively expensive and not always tailored to local needs. The proposed project aims to address these challenges by providing essential training to farmers, helping them become more self-sufficient, reduce production costs to enhance the sustainability of their operations. Through a comprehensive training program that includes workshops, manuals, and online resources, farmers will be exposed to practical, least-cost feed formulation and manufacturing using conventional and locally-available feed ingredients. Additionally, the project will focus on building a feed ingredient database for lesser-known and under-utilized feedstuff native to Florida. This database will serve as a critical resource for computerized feed formulation training sessions, enabling farmers to better understand the nutritional value of local ingredients and how to incorporate them effectively into feed formulations. This will also promote computer literacy and modern agricultural practices among the farmers. This educational project will specifically target historically underserved small and medium-scale farmers in North Florida and its immediate environs, many of whom practice alternative farming systems with limited support. Since feed accounts for over 70% of production cost, providing access to knowledge and skills for on-farm feed formulation and production will contribute to the long-term viability and resilience of local farming communities, regardless of their scale or background.

1. Develop and deliver a comprehensive training program on on-farm least-cost feed formulation and manufacturing.
2. Increase farmer knowledge and skills in creating balanced, cost-effective animal feeds.
3. Promote the adoption of sustainable feed production practices.
4. Evaluate the impact of the training on farmer practices and farm sustainability.