Extension on demand for new livestock producers in Sullivan County

2009 Annual Report for LNE09-290

Project Type: Research and Education
Funds awarded in 2009: $51,164.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/2011
Region: Northeast
State: New York
Project Leader:
Daniel Shockey
Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County
Co-Leaders:
Patricia Westenbroek
Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County

Extension on demand for new livestock producers in Sullivan County

Summary

Project leaders have met in person with four farmers to form a focus group to plan the online course offerings in Sullivan County for livestock producers. Curriculum offerings, hands on sessions, and speakers have been identified. The webinar and access to the online classroom have been pilot tested by the focus group. The focus group has on-farm internet access and at-work internet for a lunch-time series. Local media radio station is highlighting the project in a sponsored radio spot throughout the entire program offering. The online course Improving Meat Quality and Production Methods for Specific Markets is scheduled to launch in early April alongside Marketing Your Livestock. Beef Quality Assurance program is scheduled for April 17 on a participating farm. The project leader had unexpected medical leave changing the milestone date of the course launch.

Objectives/Performance Targets

As a result of Extension on Demand, 30 livestock producers and meat industry professionals will use podcasting as an educational tool to assess their meat operations and prepare production for the new slaughterhouse facility. 15 of these producers will be new and beginning farmers. This program will increase networking among farmers where farmers will meet at least two farmers new to them. As a result of the networking and educational tools in this project; 20 livestock producers will increase their sales by 5%, for a $92,020 increase, an average of $4,601 per farm. Also, as a result of implementing best management practices for animal husbandry, an estimated 1125 acres will improve environmentally through water quality& soil improvement benefits. Date Achieved: 6/30/11

Accomplishments/Milestones

Current progress
The application achievement dates were based on a March 2009 signing of the contract which was signed in July 2009 Adjusted timeline is noted per milestone. The project leader had unexpected medical leave.

4 Producers will assist in creation of online course format and test online technology developed by project staff. Date achieved: 7/1/09 Adjusted Achievement Date: 12/1/09 Achievement date: 2/25/ 10
Producers with on-farm access had capability for loading the webinar and accessing the online classroom. The flash drive of program software was useful and included extension manuals also useful eliminating downloading time. Feedback indicated that participants should be offered a tutorial for navigating the online classroom to make full use of the “social” offerings such as classroom blogging.

2 Online Courses: Improving Meat Quality and Production Methods for Specific Markets and Marketing Your Livestock will be developed and ready for launch. Date achieved: 10/1/09 and 3/1/10 respectively. Adjusted Achievement Date: 2/1/10 and 7/1/10
Outlines of the courses are completed. Speakers have been identified and scheduled. The unexpected medical leave of the project leader has set back the achievement date for Improving Meat Quality and Production Methods for Specific Markets course. The course is scheduled for a launch on April 4, 2010. The local radio group is sponsoring a drive-time radio spot to advertise the program offerings aimed at part-time producers. The Marketing Your Livestock program will be offered concurrently with the production course to engage producers prior to the season’s farmers markets and hay season. A Beef Quality Assurance Certification Program hands-on session is scheduled for April 17. A newly opened slaughterhouse USDA certified Kosher, Halal and Organic is being scheduled for a tour in neighboring Delaware County in addition to touring a Sullivan County USDA mobile poultry processing unit. These tour sites are being used as the Sullivan County slaughterhouse has been delayed in construction.

40 producers will enroll in either Marketing Your Livestock and Improving Meat Quality and Production Methods for Specific Markets courses. 15 producers will create their own marketing plans to use for their farms. Date achieved: 10/1/10. Adjusted Achievement Date: 2/1/11 Not achieved to date.

30 producers will participate in at least one of the eight hands-on farm workshops conducted. At least, 15 livestock producers will learn two new skills in the areas of product development, marketing, animal handling or pasture management. Six producers will be certified for Northeast Beef Quality Assurance for the first time. Ten producers will adopt a new best management practice (BMP) in animal health or nutrition. Five new livestock producers will adopt at least one BMP for raising their livestock. Five dairy producers will participate in Beef Quality Programs and adopt at least one new handling or herd health practice. Twenty-five producers will attend a tour of facilities and marketing meeting at the new slaughterhouse. Date achieved: 11/1/10 Adjusted Achievement Date: 3/1/11 Not achieved to date.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Project is at beginning stages – no impacts have been recorded at this time. With the online courses running concurrently, it is expected to acheive the performance target on time.

Collaborators:

David Slater

slaterdav@libertyk12.org
Beef Producer/ Teacher
191 Old Taylor Road
Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Office Phone: 8454823667
Amy Erlwein

erlweinfarms@hotmail.com
Producer/Agribusiness
Farm & Catskill Harvest Market
70 Earl Meyers Road
Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Office Phone: 8454823774
Tanya Hahn

thahn@jeffbank.com
Sr. Vice President
First National Bank of Jeffersonville
4866 State Route 52
P.O. Box 398
Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Office Phone: 8454824000
Lori Rober

richardrober@earthlink.net
Producer
P. O. Box 685
Phillipsport, NY 12769
Office Phone: 8456472204