Program Planning Team: 

Roger Haugen (chair), Kent Alderin, Vern Anderson,  Brad Brummond, Russ Danielson, John Dhuyvetter, Karlyle Erickson, Kurt Froelich, Warren Froelich, Paul Gjermundson, Randy Grueneich, Elroy Haadem, Jim Hennessy, Karl Hoppe, Craig Kleven, Greg Lardy, Lisa Lee, Charles Linderman, Lee Manske, Dwain Meyer, Mark Miller, Dale Naze, Harvey Peterson, Chip Poland, Kris Ringwall, Rick Schmidt, J.W. Schroeder, Kevin Sedivec, Charles Stoltenow, Jim Tilton, Bridget Whitney

Overall Situation 

Livestock farm income accounted for 16.6% of the total agricultural cash receipts, or $639.4 million, in North Dakota, for 2000. According to the North Dakota input/output model, the livestock sector has the highest multiplier coefficient (4.47). In other words, for every dollar spent in the livestock industry, an additional $3.47 is generated in gross business volume for the state's economy. While independent livestock enterprises exist in North Dakota, a large portion of farm operations are diversified and include both crops and livestock entities. The addition of livestock enterprises to an existing grain enterprise model shows an increase in returns on investment. Therefore, the addition of livestock enterprises to the existing operations may be needed to maintain the number and viability of existing farms in North Dakota. Educational programs that strengthen the various livestock industry segments are extremely beneficial to the economic well-being of local communities and to the state as well.
 
 

PROGRAM COMPONENT
EXPANDING LIVESTOCK INDUSTRIES IN NORTH DAKOTA

Key Theme(s):   Animal Production Efficiency,  Expanding Livestock Numbers, Adding Value to Livestock Products

Persons Responsible

Tim Petry (chair), Andy Swenson, J.W. Schroeder, Greg Lardy, Roger Haugen, Jim Tilton, Kris Ringwall, Vern Anderson, Karl Hoppe, Chip Poland, John Dhuyvetter, North Dakota Department of Agriculture Livestock Personnel, Frayne Olson, Tom Risdal, and Jason Wirtz.

Situation

Agriculture-related employment and income are vital to the livelihood of North Dakota residents and to the economy of the state. Agriculture in North Dakota is a $3 billion a year industry. North Dakota livestock numbers have been steadily declining, most notably in dairy cattle and swine. And, even though approximately 1 million head of beef calves are born each year in North Dakota, only 500,000 are backgrounded and 60,000 fed to market weight in the state, despite available surplus feed grains and increased forages produced under irrigation. The state has an abundance of by-products from grain, oilseed, and root crop processing available for livestock feed. Rural North Dakota is constantly seeking viable economic development opportunities, of which livestock enterprises can offer many advantages. For example, North Dakota could become the supplier of quality dairy heifers at a time when there is a shortage of dairy replacement heifers nationwide.  In addition, North Dakota milk processing facilities have excess capacity to support more milk production. The pork processing industries in both North Dakota and Manitoba are currently importing hog carcasses in order to meet demands and are interested in working with producers to expand. There is interest in multi-species slaughter and processing including small community plants, a medium sized plant for both exotic (ratite, elk, goat, poultry, etc.) as well as traditional livestock. Niche market opportunities, such as all natural, organic, high selenium, religious and ethnic foods, are developing for meat and dairy products. An incubator kitchen facility for developing consumer friendly products would assist all species in market development.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Specific Dairy results and benefits

* Improved farm income, production efficiency, and family quality of life.
* Creative partnerships integrating production, management and business services into a multi-dimensional team approach to dairy farm modernization and expansion.
* Strategic visioning, planning, coordination, and leadership.
2-year goals
* Support expansion efforts of existing producers and new investor groups with operational feasibility, planning, and finance analysis.
* Reverse the trend in decline of cow numbers.
* Encourage programs that identify and educate new dairy managers by developing supportive educational and training programs.
* Establish an alliance between beef and dairy producers that implements embryo transfer technology, sexed semen and in vitro fertilization for source-verified, disease-free dairy heifers.
5-year goals
* Increase cow numbers to 60,000 head with a goal of over 100,000 head in eight years.
* Increase average annual milk production to at least 18,000 pounds per cow.
* Develop an educational internship to train and mentor dairy managers using select North Dakota dairy owner/operators, as well as other formal educational alternatives.
* Expand both a calf grower and heifer development industry using beef and dairy cows as recipients and donors, respectively, of dairy embryos to provide 25,000 quality dairy heifers for the U.S. and foreign markets.
* Promote efforts to stabilize and grow the state's dairy processing infrastructure.
* Assist in upgrading existing and/or) establishing of new dairy housing facilities for 15,000 head of dairy cows and heifers.
 
• Specific Beef results and benefits

* Improved competitiveness and profitability of existing feeding operations.
* Improved awareness of the value of beef cattle backgrounding and feeding operations as potential value added businesses for rural communities.
* Improved awareness among lenders of business conditions, loan repayment ability, and equity positions of cattle feeding operations.
* Promote a healthier business climate for new feeding operations by providing science based educational programs on advantages and disadvantages of feedlot enterprises.
2-year goals
* 100,000 head of cattle fed to finish in ND.
* 500,000 head cattle backgrounded in ND.
* Support economically feasible expansion of backgrounding in farmer feeder owned lots and expansion of finishing in economically viable commercial feedyards.
* Support existing slaughter and processing capacity
5-year goals
* 200,000 head of cattle fed to finish in ND.
* 650,000 head cattle backgrounded in ND.
* Support economically feasible expansion of backgrounding in farmer feeder owned lots and expansion of finishing in economically viable commercial feedyards.
* Support development of beef cattle infrastructure including veterinarians, feed and supplement dealers, equipment dealers, etc.
 
• Specific Swine results and benefits

* The extension service can provide necessary information to support and add credibility to the state plan for increased hog production in the state.
* The lending community should develop a new criteria for swine loans based upon the data given on building costs and ability to repay loans.
* Lower cost housing should generate shorter loan periods which should assist producers in securing loans more readily.
* Better knowledge base for new swine producers which should translate into more confidence and expansion in the future.
* Community involvement and acceptance of swine production units as a beneficial part of the area and the community.
2-year goals
* Facilities started or near completion that could increase finished hogs by 200,000 head (5,000 sows @18 weaned pigs/year plus 110,000 finishing pigs).
* Development of producer contracts and investment capital to promote construction of new units.
* Initiation of measures to develop a feed mill for manufacturing enough home grown grain to feed ND finished pigs.
5-year goals
* Facilities started or near completion that could increase finished hogs by 500,000 head (20,000 sows @18 weaned pigs/year plus finishing facilities for an additional 140,000 pigs).
* Slaughtering 150,00 hogs in North Dakota processing plants.
* Availability of producer contracts for 90% of finished pigs.
* Feed mill capable of milling feed for 500,000 finished pigs.
 
• Specific Sheep results and benefits

* Improved profitability of existing sheep operations and increased number of sheep operations and numbers of sheep.
* Increased number of lambs being fed in state, thereby adding value to the sheep producer's operation as well as utilizing more of the grain raised in state.
* Producers being more profitable thru a cooperative venture where name brand products are being promoted nationally with premiums being paid to producers.
* Production of a healthier product thru producer education, thereby gaining consumer acceptance and confidence.
* Increase awareness of beef producers on the value of sheep to their operation, thereby more beef producers adding sheep to their operations to control leafy spurge resulting in more useable pasture for the cow herds.
2-year goals
* 100,000 breeding ewes in ND.
* 1200 producers in ND.
* 75,000 lambs fed to finish in ND.
* Assist lamb growers to cooperatively market 12,000 lambs per year.
5-year goals
* 125,000 breeding ewes in ND.
* 1300 producers in ND.
* 90,000 lambs fed to finish in ND.
* Assist lamb growers to cooperatively market 24,000 lambs per year.

• Overall Activities

* Assemble several analysis teams (beef feeding, dairy development, swine finishing, sheep expansion, slaughter plant feasibility) that can visit with interested parties about potential alternatives for livestock expansion projects. This includes developing mini feasibility and market studies, assisting with business plans and identifying potential partnerships and alliances.
* Develop educational material for each species such as market potential studies, feasibility analyses, production and marketing information. (Example - North Dakota Feedlot Manual, Expansion and Enhancement Curriculums for Extension Agents, etc.)
* Conduct in-service training for Extension Agents.
* Establish educational short courses to present to interested groups (examples - North Dakota Feedlot Schools, Swine Production and Marketing Short course, Sheep Schools, Dairy Cow College, etc.).
 
• Specific Dairy-related activities, products, methods, services that reach users

* Establish one dairy leadership group comprised of producers, processors, special interest groups and expertise from the both the private and public sector to provide oversight, direction, planning, implementation and monitoring of projects.
* A feasibility and analysis team will be formed by the dairy leadership group to visit with individual communities and producer groups interested in expansion.
* Production, management, and finance/business performance monitoring program to help ensure business enterprise development success.
* Partner with Great River Alliance on expansion planning efforts.
* Create a ‘One Stop Shop' reference guide for dairy expansion.
 
• Specific Beef-related activities, products, methods, services that reach users

* North Dakota Feedlot Schools will be organized and conducted annually. The schools have been held in Fargo and in Carrington but can be expanded as needed to other parts of the state.
* North Dakota Cattle Feeding and Backgrounding Seminar Series will be offered across the state. This is a one day program with the morning session directed to lenders and the afternoon session to producers.
* A North Dakota Feedlot Manual will be utilized during the feedlot schools and will be offered to anyone interested in feedlot development in the state.
* Farm/Ranch demonstration projects designed to encourage beef production will be coordinated by Area Extension Specialists and Extension Agents.
 
• Specific Swine-related activities, products, methods, services that reach users

* Educational sessions designed to demonstrate swine production's potential and benefits to producers will be held in cooperation with North Dakota Ag Dept. personnel and interested breeding organizations.
* Educational material on swine economics for the banking community to facilitate producer loans requiring manpower and production costs will be developed.
* Educational materials in production, personnel, and economic management will be developed and distributed.
* Continuing efforts to meet regularly with groups of producers will be instituted for purposes of information transfer.
* Compile pertinent resources about the true impact of swine units on community environments (air, water and economic).
 
• Specific Sheep-related activities, products, methods, services that reach users

* North Dakota Sheep Schools will be conducted annually. Schools have been held in Hettinger, Fargo, Mandan and in Bismarck but will be held in other parts of the state when requested.
* Lamb Feeding and Management Seminars will be offered across the state. These programs will assist and encourage producers to feed out more of their own lambs, plus assist Dakota Lamb Growers Cooperative members in meeting their lamb marketing requirements.
* A North Dakota Sheep Safety and Quality Assurance Program (SSQA) will be launched with workshops held across the state. A manual developed by the American Sheep Industry Council will be utilized as the guide for the program.
* Farm/Ranch projects designed to demonstrate to beef producers that adding sheep to their operation can help control leafy spurge will be coordinated by Extension Specialists and Extension Agents.

• Livestock inventory numbers collected annually by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be used to measure changes and trends.
• The Value-Added Agriculture Impact Assessment Model, developed by the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics at NDSU, can be used to estimate the changes in gross business volume for all sectors of the state economy that arise from direct expenditures associated with livestock expansion ventures. Both primary and secondary benefits can be estimated and changes to state tax revenues measured.

BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE

Key Theme(s):   Animal Health, Animal Production Efficiency

Persons Responsible

Lisa Lee, Greg Lardy, and Charlie Stoltenow (co-chairs). Team members: Chip Poland, John Dhuyvetter, Karl Hoppe, Kris Ringwall, and local agents.

Situation

The beef industry in the United States is rapidly moving into a source-verified, branded beef market. According to industry sources, almost 50% of the beef marketed in the U.S. in 2010 will be from source verified herds. The development of alliances, closed cooperatives, and numerous other business structures will allow North Dakota producers to participate in these business arrangements. However, many of these programs will or do require formal certification in Beef Quality Assurance. Almost 1400 beef cattle producers were certified in the three years of Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training certification meetings held in the state beginning in 1999. These producers market over 194,000 feeder cattle annually, representing approximately 20% of the state's cow herd.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Continue to certify and begin recertification of the state beef cattle producers

   Develop recertification materials and processes
    Certify 1,600 producers (200,000 cattle) by January 1, 2003
    Certify 1,800 producers (225,000 cattle) by January 1, 2004
    Certify 2,000 producers (250,000 cattle) by January 1, 2005
   Develop Dairy Beef Quality Assurance program
• Enhance the value of BQA certified cattle
• Develop a Feeder Fax via the web

  * "Feeder Fax" would be a web-based system that would allow NDBQA certified producers to input information (location, and date to be marketed, vaccination program, weaning status, breed type, past feedlot and carcass data, etc.) About the NDBQA certified calves they are marketing.  This information would then be send via the internet to feedlots and order buyers interested in BQA certified calves.
• Continue and develop training on beef quality and food safety for the beef industry continuum in North Dakota.
• Continuation of the "Beef 701: Carcass Merit Short Course" series of  programs
• Development of Beef 101: From Carcasses to Calves" program
• Develop on the farm biosecurity programming for producers
• Develop Youth BQA program
• Continue to update producers on recent finding to improve production practices to improve the quality and safety of beef

• Approximately 20 BQA certification meetings will be held in the state in 2002 with the goal of certifying an additional 250 beef cattle producers. 
• The BQA program will also work closely with auction markets in North Dakota to develop markets for cattle originated on BQA certified farms and ranches.
• A 'Farm to Table' food safety educational program will continue to be offered in conjunction with the Extension Food and Nutrition program.
• Enrollment in the North Dakota CHAPS program will continue to be offered for complete beef production analysis.

• The number of beef cattle producers who are BQA certified will be monitored. 
• Effectiveness of certification training will continue to be monitored using pre-certification and post-certification testing. 
• The number of feeder cattle marketed through BQA certified cattle sales will also be monitored.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
EFFICIENT NUTRIENT UTILIZATION OF FORAGES

Persons Responsible

Kevin Sedivec and Greg Lardy (co-chairs). Team members: Chip Poland, John Dhuyvetter, Karl Hoppe, Brad Brummond, Karlyle Erickson, Kent Alderin, Lee Manske, and Russ Danielson.

Situation

Over 44% of North Dakota's land use is associated with rangeland, pasture land, and hayland in the state. Forages are an abundant and sustainable resource available to livestock producers, who rely heavily on their production as a primary feed source throughout the year. Furthermore, feed costs associated with maintaining beef cows average 66% of total cash costs of production. Therefore, proper nutrient management of grazed forages, implementation of an efficient grazing system (including timing of grazing), and stored winter forages along with supplemental feeds, can play a vital role in profitability of cow-calf producers in North Dakota. Beef producers currently face increasing beef prices due to the beef cattle price cycle, and low-cost producers will be better able to increase equity in their operations, during this period.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)
SUMMER FORAGE NUTRIENT UTILIZATION

Adoption of cost-effective and conservation friendly summer grazing programs. Match forage availability, readiness, and quality with grazing animal and stage of reproduction\lactation. Develop and continue demonstration and research type trials on grazing management (grazing systems), permanent native and tame grass management, and integrated management of leafy spurge. Develop written and visual materials on rangeland management, integrated ranch management, and range pest management.

• Matching forage quality to cow type and stage of production
• Development of winter feeding plans in early fall in order to predict supplementation needs
• Increased use of stockpiled forages, crop residues, and low cost feeding systems
• Reducing reliance on harvested forages
• Reducing feed and hay waste
• Encourage use of by-products as appropriate

SUMMER FORAGE NUTRIENT UTILIZATION

Include summer grazing programs, topics, and issues; cool-and warm-season grasses; and annual forage related topics at state and regional beef educational producer meetings. Continue demonstration projects in 1) Sheridan and McIntosh Counties on high-intensity/low frequency grazing systems on livestock production, wetland communities, and native rangeland; 2) Adams County and Pierre, SD, looking at domestic and tame cool-and warm-season grass production and quality; 3) Morton, Eddy, and Golden Valley Counties looking at multi-species grazing with sheep and cattle to improve native plant communities and livestock performance on leafy spurge infested lands; 4) Ekalaka, MT, looking at new potential herbicides to control leafy spurge; 5) Adams County and Lodgepole, SD looking at winter grazing impacts on plant growth and production; and 6) state wide CRP forage analysis and interpretation for feeding use.

Continue providing current and pertinent information of rangeland topics, grazing topics, feeding livestock, etc., in "The Ranch Hand." Conduct a four-day range youth camp to educate our youths on the use and importance of the range resource and range judging. Conduct a two-day state range judging contest for youth and adults. Conduct three to four 2- to 3-day winter range workshops for rangeland operators throughout the state. Complete a range management handbook for range managers and operators. 

WINTER FORAGE NUTRIENT UTILIZATION

• Conduct applied research and demonstration projects aimed at reducing hay waste 
• Develop visual and written educational material aimed at reducing feed waste
• Develop written materials and visual presentations on the use of processing plant co-products for supplementing winter forage supplies
• Include winter forage related topics at state and regional beef educational producer meetings
• Include relevant material for winter feeding in "The Ranch Hand"
• Develop written material related to low cost forage systems, proper supplementation programs, and cow requirements
• Develop demonstration projects related to alternative winter feeding strategies (swath grazing, chaff and residue utilization)
• Organize tour groups to allow producers to see practical, low cost feeding and wintering systems
• Conduct 1 and 2 day workshops on beef cow herd management
• Develop educational programs on utilization of annual forages

SUMMER FORAGE NUTRIENT UTILIZATION

Monitor the success of implementation of range improvement practices through surveying workshop participants in North Dakota. Conduct a survey for the effectiveness and usability of "The Ranch Hand."

Develop surveys to examine feeding practices in North Dakota beef cattle herds. These surveys would also determine producer needs in relation to feeding the cow herd. 

PROGRAM COMPONENT

REDUCING BEEF HERD WINTERING COSTS WITH STRAW-CHAFF-ALFALFA

Key Theme(s):  Animal Production Efficiency

Person Responsible

Tim Semler (chair).

Situation

Analysis of Integrated Resource Management records of cattle producers enrolled in the N.D. CHAPS system and N.D. Farm Business Management program shows the highest cost component of producing beef cattle in North Dakota is the winter feeding costs.  The average beef cattle producer winters the herd entirely on a forage diet that is predominantly hay.  A majority of the N.D. cattle operations are located in diversified farming regions.  One forage resource that is often overlooked in these regions is the straw and chaff residue that remains after cereal grain harvest is completed.  Supplies of cereal crop straw-chaff residue in these regions is enormous in any given year.  This residue, collected properly, can be a low-cost feed that will provide maintenance level nutrition for beef herd cows during the middle third of pregnancy.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Collecting chaff with small grain straw increases crude protein value 0 - 70 % above NRC book values for straw alone.
• Collecting chaff with small grain straw increases TDN values 13 - 33 % above NRC book values for straw alone.
• Combined at a ratio of 2/3 straw+chaff and 1/3 first cut alfalfa, this ration provides maintenance level nutrition to beef cows in the second trimester of pregnancy.
• By increasing protein and energy levels to beef cows during the third trimester of pregnancy, no additional calf survival problems were observed.  Calf birth weights and hardiness were not affected.
• By increasing protein and energy levels to beef cows during the third trimester of pregnancy, no additional post-partum re-breeding problems were observed.
• If hay grinding costs are considered, there are no cost savings for a straw-chaff-alfalfa ration when compared to a 100% grass hay wintering diet.
• Always provide a high quality calving-lactating-rebreeding mineral free choice to the pregnant beef cow herd when using minimal rations.

Educational Program 

• Conduct applied research aimed at reducing beef herd wintering costs.
• Develop visual and written educational material aimed at reducing beef herd wintering costs.
• Include beef herd wintering costs topics at state and regional beef educational producer meetings

Evaluation Plan

Develop surveys to examine feeding practices in North Dakota beef cattle herds. These surveys would also determine producer needs in relation to feeding the cow herd. 

POSTWEANING CALF FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT IN THE NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS

Key Theme(s): Animal Production Efficiency

Persons Responsible

Karl Hoppe (chair), John Dhuyvetter, Greg Lardy, Lisa Lee, Jim Hennessy, Tim Semler, Karlyle Erickson, Mark Miller, Kurt Froelich, Tom Hanson, Rick Schmidt, Ron Beneda, Chip Poland, Shawn Vachal, Lee Manske, Charles Linderman.

Situation

Expanding cattle feeding opportunities in the northern Great Plains has been explored during the past decades. Recent information has indicated that relatively low feed prices as compared to other states can provide for competitive beef gains. Although cold and inclement weather will depress cattle gains and feed conversions, feeding cattle in North Dakota may be cost competitive. Methods for improving management, i.e. nutrition, marketing, genetics, finance, facilities, and waste management, need to be identified and information disseminated for both backgrounding and finishing systems for feeding cattle. Low cattle prices are forcing cattlemen to consider alternative markets. Cooperatives and other business structures may precipitate changes in the current feeding industry. A successful cattle feeding industry will benefit the state residents through increased economic activity, increased revenues and a source of quality meat protein for human diets.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Increase knowledge base by extension agents and specialists concerning profitable cattle feeding practices for backgrounding and finishing cattle.
• Increase the size and number of cattle feeding operations through additional information on nutrition, management, marketing, health and other areas.
• Increase the size and number of cattle feeding operations through improved management of resources, including co-product feeds available from newly constructed processing facilities.
• Facilitate a forum for continuing education of feedlot management via specific educational events addressing components of feedlot management.

• A cattle feeding curriculum for backgrounding and finishing will be expanded. Extension agents and specialists will prepare new and updated bulletins and teaching packets for use. Selected extension agents will develop individualized cattle feeding demonstrations and educational events.
• In-service education will be provided prior to calf weaning on producing quality assured beef. Extension agents and specialists will design and implement county and multicounty program delivery methods. Specialized session will be held for custom cattle feeders.
• Feeding schools will be conducted for both backgrounding and/or finishing cattle management. These schools will be targeted towards a limited number of producers desiring in-depth education.
• A series of backgrounding news releases will be developed and delivered to cattlemen prior to an October/November calf weaning.
• An educational series (e.g. meetings, news articles, circulars, tours) will be developed for county and multicounty meetings for backgrounding cattle management. A seminar series will be co-hosted with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture.
• Profitability and breakeven budgets via spreadsheet software for calculating feeding breakeven will be designed with Internet access. A companion circular will also be developed.
• Provide assistance to cattle feeders and feedlots through cooperative and partnership business development for expanding cattle feeding activities and opportunities. Provide assistance for vertical integration of cow herds into marketing processed meats.
• Assistance will be given to help develop and enhance the efforts of the Feeder/Backgrounder Council of the North Dakota Stockman's Association.
• Conduct a producer involved calf value discovery project involving a cattle feeding trial and educational program to increase awareness of genetic variation in feeding and carcass performance.
• Develop educational series for wintering backgrounding systems and grazing yearlings or fall born calves.
• Develop a series of educational North Dakota feedlot tours for beginning and established feedlot owners and operators.

• Evaluate the impact of in-depth education for participants of specific cattle feeding educational events.
• Survey cattle feeders to determine the needs of the cattle feeding industry in North Dakota.
• Assess changes in the cattle feeding sector through agricultural statistics.

MULTI- SPECIES PRODUCTION WITH SHEEP AS A DIVERSIFIED INCOME SOURCE

Key Theme(s): Biological Control, Adding Value to New and Old Agricultural Products

Persons Responsible

Roger Haugen (chair), Kevin Sedivec, Richard Schmidt, Kent Alderin, Tim Faller, Dan Nudell.

Situation 

Livestock producers have the potential to optimize resource utilization by inclusion of a sheep enterprise. Opportunities in leafy spurge control with sheep and multi-species grazing are all potentials for adding sheep as an additional farm income source. Utilization of crop aftermaths, availability of unused farmstead buildings, and family labor also add to the possibility of incorporating sheep on a farm to help stabilize the total farm income. The formation of a lamb cooperative to develop niche markets for natural and premium lamb opens up more marketing possibilities for North Dakota producers.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• To have biological control of leafy spurge.
• To increase use and value of pastures through multi-species grazing.
• To reintroduce an economic resource to North Dakota by increasing sheep producers and sheep in the state.
• To assist in the development of niche markets for North Dakota lambs at a premium price.
• To optimize farm/ranch resources such as facilities, labor, and unused feed sources.

• Hold tours, present seminars on the research dealing with multi-species grazing at various locations around the state.
• Develop educational program on low input sheep production including the introduction of hair sheep and ongoing research results at events (both sheep and cattle) in the state. 
• Hold lamb carcass seminars for producers looking at producing premium lambs for niche markets.
• Sheep school will be offered during the state sheep convention. Additional schools may also be offered that involve classes one night a week for four weeks for those people who work during the day.
• Small farm symposiums that include sheep production will be offered at various locations during evening hours to accommodate people schedules.
• Expand the utilization of the website (ndlwpa.com) to include resources to potential new and established producers.
• Demonstrate a multi-species grazing approach with cattle and sheep on leafy spurge infested rangeland in North Dakota.

Survey those attending schools, tours, and educational programs before the events and after to see knowledge gained and practices changed or added to on their farm or ranch. In particular, note the number of farms or ranches incorporating multi specie grazing. Note changes in the number of sheep producers as well as the number of sheep in the state. Note the development and size of niche markets for North Dakota lambs.
 
 

PROGRAM COMPONENT
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR PROFITABLE DAIRYING

Key Theme(s):  Animal Production Efficiency

Persons Responsible

J.W. Schroeder (chair), Dwight Aakre, Charles Linderman, Jackie Buckley, Bill Klein, Lisa Lee,  D.W. Meyer, Mike Rose, Bruce Seelig, Charlie Stoltenow, Bill Coleman, Jason Wirtz - NDDA - DP3 Coordinator, Bill Davis, NDDA - Director of Dairy Services, T. Risdal and M. Bredwick - ND3P.

Situation

North Dakota has ample feedstuffs, available co-products, an affordable land base, and an infrastructure with excess milk processing capacity to support dairy expansion.  Because of dairying's value-added potential, other Ag-related industries are taking an active interest in large-scale dairying.  However, existing family-owned dairy operations have steadily declined in numbers, driven by attrition from an aging population, a demand for an improved lifestyle, and the financially staggering capital requirement modernization.  As a result the number of dairy farms declining to 515 operations (NDDA, June 1, 2002) and animal numbers have dropped to 41,000 cows (NDASS, 2002).  While the rank of the state's dairy industry is second only to beef production, all livestock now represents 18% of the receipts of our $650 million ag industry.  Dairying remains one of the most complicated and demanding livestock enterprises. To stay competitive, existing dairy farm families need to integrate production and management technology, while implementing competitive marketing techniques. Successful adaptation of modern technologies can enhance milk yield, composition, quality, and its economic value, while protecting our environment and natural resources.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Improved farm income, efficiency, and quality of life.
• Increase profitability through development of dairy technology support Advisory Teams with the North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic Program (ND3P - T. Risdal and M. Bredwick).
• Continued development of dairy industry leadership through the Dairy Strategic Planning Task Force and Livestock Expansion Dairy Working Group.
• Enhanced use of available feedstuffs, co-products, and forage quality.
• Exploration of educational program support on labor management.
• Integration of herd health and management programs for optimum production, milk quality, and cost efficiency.
• Creative partnerships integrating production and management services for a multi-dimensional team approach to dairy farm support.
• Implementation of environmentally friendly waste management techniques in cooperation with the NDDA's DP3 program (J. Wirtz).
• Reduce non-fed dairy beef quality violations due to improper vaccine site administration
• Improved HCCCP use on the farm (B. Coleman).
• Develop a cooperative dairy managers educational program between the NDSU and select producers to include a specific curriculum and trainer reimbursement.
• Develop a reputation for North Dakota as a Quality Dairy Heifer producing state.

Program Delivery

• Provide up-to-date technology through highly visible education outlets:
•   - North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic Program (ND3P).
•   - Expand the Dairy Diagnostic Advisory Team concept to all areas of the dairy farm enterprise management to include techniques in caring for milking and dry cows, calf rearing, nutrition, reproduction, farm finance, goal setting, and future farm transfer.
• Dairy Cow College.
• Conduct in cooperation with Midwest Dairy Association (MDA) providing timely education on management and labor issues. 
• North Dakota State Dairy Convention. Sponsored by the North Dakota Milk Producers Association and conducted to provide education for the dairy farm families of North Dakota.
• Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA). Collaborate on training producers and field technicians with the Heart of America DHIA affiliate of the Raleigh Dairy Records Management Service (DRMS).
• Dairy Pollution Prevention Program (DP3).
• Network with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture-Dairy Division on current issues and collaborate with the Dairy Services Director on industry development and retention.
• Waste management demonstrations.
• Promote affordable and environmental friendly waste management techniques through demonstrations on equipment use, and land applications with leadership provide by Charles Linderman, Waste Management Specialist.
• Secure out-of-state specialists and private contract services for added support of targeted program needs and special requests.
• Collaboration with North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Tri-State Dairy Initiative and their efforts to bolster the region's dairy industry.
• Continue the "Dairy Connections" newsletter, along with news releases for DTN, Farm DATA, popular press, radio/tv, and Internet.
• Secure funding for applied research and demonstrations at the NDSU Dairy Research Center.
• Support quality forage efforts in the state with the NDSU Extension Range and Forage Specialists.
• Introduce and expand an dairy ET program in collaboration with select beef producers to determine optimal growing regimens for a reputation to develop bio-secure replacements for U.S. dairy market.

• Distribute requested materials for educational reference as needed on feeding, breeding, and management following a review and approval process. May include slides, overhead transparencies, videos, cd-rom and other computer-generated and delivered presentations.
• Promote intensive dairy management practices, including quality monitors, protocols, quality goals, and knowledge of process skills.
• Revise and upgrade the NDSU dairy Internet platform 'home page' on the World Wide Web to disseminate research data and assist users in locating information. Add some problem-solving pages when computer services can provide the technical support.
• Provide the latest copy of the National Dairy Database, version 4 to agents delegated to dairy education and support.
• Demonstrate Palm-Pilot technology with PC-Dart (v. 7.0) for DHIA producers, agents, and dairy diagnostic facilitators.
• Promote availability of "Managing Milk Quality" video and self teaching materials for individualized self-teaching.
• Introduce H.323 video conferencing technology to the dairy community

• Prepare and deliver agent training on the novel Dairy Diagnostic Advisory Team concept including problem-solving software, using the diagnostic handbook, documenting results, facilitation discussion, conducting a SWOT analysis, measuring impact, and setting goals.
• Add facilitators to meet the growing demands of the Dairy Diagnostic program.
• Provide training to multicounty dairy program staff on cow nutrition, grouping strategies, feeding management, raising replacements, herd health, labor management, facility design, and goal setting.
• Assist in using New NRC-Dairy 2001 Dairy Ration Balancer to balance dairy rations, use of PC-Dart for DHIA dairy record analysis, and possibly use other programs such as CPM and DaFoSym software, if there is interest.
• Give barn tour(s) that demonstrate emerging technology.
• Participate in an interstate agents' tour for training dairy staff (needs funding support).

• Collect reports from the North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic Program to monitor production changes and economic impact of technology transfer by program participants.
• Expand evaluation efforts to document North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic impact in selected regions of the state.
• Monitor DHIA records for program impact on production and profitability. 
• Document 'hits' on my home page (URL: http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/dairy) to determine popular usage areas. Requires the assistance of Dave Rice, Computer Specialist.

Key Theme(s): Animal Production Efficiency

Persons Responsible

Jim Tilton (chair), John Dhuyvetter, Brian Zimprich

Situation

Swine production in the U.S. has changed due to many factors, including economics of scale, regulatory additions, marketing agreements and/or contracts, early weaning for disease control, and specialized multiple site operations. The changes that are evolving within the swine industry have caused apprehension on the part of potential hog producers. North Dakota producers need to be aware of the economic advantages of home-grown (North Dakota) grains and that hog production costs are lower in this state than in most other states.

Large size units have some inherent overhead that causes inefficiencies in pork production. North Dakota producers need to understand the basic economics of pork production and learn that genetic and nutrition opportunities are available to all sizes of operations. Marketing is perhaps the most complicated part of swine production and producers may need to work more cooperatively with specific packers to insure the highest return for their pigs. 

North Dakota producers have a tremendous advantage in marketing their hogs. A slaughter facility in the state allows market access not available in other states. Cooperative efforts between producers and Cloverdale Foods, Inc., is essential for future growth of hog production in North Dakota.

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

• Increased level of understanding about swine production economics by producers, allied business and political leaders in the state.
• Communities can develop plans to encourage swine production due to increased knowledge about economic advantages of various size hog facilities in their area.
• Cooperative agreements initiated between grow/finish operations and feeder pig and/or SEW production units.

• Provide in-service training for extension personnel on costs of production for various systems of hog production.
• Provide printed information about production opportunities and marketing options available in North Dakota and present these materials to producers and allied industry at regional meetings throughout the state.
• Conduct "community involvement" workshops in conjunction with the North Dakota Pork Producers Association outlining the cooperative opportunities that exist in North Dakota.

• Survey producers and extension agents on use of information provided at "community involvement" workshops.
• Note changes in the North Dakota swine industry as it relates to number of animals and operations in the state.
• Compile statistics about swine production in North Dakota as related to packer contracts and grow/finish arrangements with breeding/farrowing units.