FY07 - NDSU Extension Service
PROGRAM # 202 - COMPETITIVENESS AND PROFITABILITY OF ANIMAL SYSTEMS

Program Planning Team: 
Greg Lardy (chair), Vern Anderson, Craig Askim, Wendy Bengochea, Doug Bichler, Ellen Crawford, Russ Danielson, John Dhuyvetter, Raquel Dugan-Dibble, Theresa Dvorak, Karlyle Erickson, Kurt Froelich, Warren Froelich, Elroy Haadem, Jim Hennessy, Karl Hoppe, Elayne Hovde, Ashley Krause, Justin Luther, Lee Manske, Mark Miller, Dale Naze, Lisa Pederson, Chip Poland, Kris Ringwall, Rick Schmidt, J.W. Schroeder, Kevin Sedivec, Charles Stoltenow, and Brian Zimprich. 

Overall Situation
Livestock farm income accounted for 19.7% of the total agricultural cash receipts, or $962.1 million, in North Dakota, for 2003. 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
COWS AND CROPS - EXPANDING NORTH DAKOTA'S COW HERD

Key Theme(s):  Animal Production Efficiency, Integration of Crops and Livestock, Expanding Cattle Numbers, Adding Value to Feedstuffs and Co-Products

Person Responsible
Karl Hoppe (chair), John Dhuyvetter, Bill Klein, Karlyle Erickson, Greg Lardy, Kevin Sedivec, Paul Nyren, Lisa Lee, Ron Weiderholt, Tim Petry, Charlie Stoltenow, Bill, Klein, Elroy Haadem, Kurt Froelich, Harvey Peterson, Raquel Dugan-Dibble, Dale Naze, Jim Hennessy, Rick Schmidt, Bill Hodous, Mark Miller, Warren Froelich.

Situation
Cow-calf enterprises are a primary agricultural industry which contributes approximately 10% of annual agricultural revenues within North Dakota.  Increasing the number or value of cattle produced in North Dakota increases economic activity by 4.5 for every dollar generated as cattle sales.  While cow numbers have remanded relatively constant over time, consolidation is evident as the number of operators is steadily decreasing resulting from a reduction of smaller and older operators.  Favorable cattle prices and industry profitability over recent years is associated with increased interest in herd expansion and opportunities for industry growth.  Increasing supplies of byproduct feeds, availability of Conservation Reserve Program enrolled land for haying or grazing, and greater integration of cropping practices in support of cow operations and complementary to grazing land can support increasing cow numbers.  Careful planning and management are required to properly operate a low margin cow calf enterprise.  Low feed and operating costs are can be accomplished with innovative and nontraditional feeding and grazing practices, minimal labor, and reduced overhead investment costs. 

Target Audience
The central and coteau regions of the state are characterized by farm operations that contain mixed farming and livestock enterprises.  Cropped farmland is intermixed with terrain suitable for pastures and erodible lands enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program.  The primary audience would be early to mid career farm operators with an interest in growing and increasing their cow herds through integration of farming and grazing resources. Secondary audiences would include producers and marketers of feed products and equipment, non-livestock raising farmers, lenders, agencies managing public lands, agencies administering conservation and farm programs, and other support industry providers. 

Inputs
County extension staff, area and state extension specialists will create educational programs and supporting documents to expand cow herds in North Dakota.  Collaboration with producer groups, industry and governmental agencies will increase awareness and support for educational program and changes.  Staff resources will focus on grazing issues, feeding practices and economic constraints and opportunities.

Outputs
Educational material and delivery can be broken down by topic issues and projected activities.

Issues include
Grazing
Establishment and management of early season tame and perennial pasture
Maximizing summer carrying capacity of pasture through grazing management
Extending fall grazing with stockpiled annuals and crop aftermath grazing
Cost effective fencing alternatives
Watering systems for grazing situations
Environmental protection for late season grazing
Feeding
Utilizing co products in cow wintering rations
Yield and cost associated with farmed forage alternatives
Utilizing crop residues for harvested feed
Utilizing CRP hay in wintering rations
Low labor and equipment feeding methods
Nutritional relationships to season of calving and cow type
Cowherd ration formulation and supplementation strategies
Late season creep feeding alternatives and weaning date considerations
Economics
Valuing cows and financing cow herd expansion
Workable cow lease arrangements
Cow herd budgeting and profitability
Market outlook and seasonal trends
Land use and leasing considerations
Resource sharing and custom services
Cost sharing of capital improvements
Ownership cost and alternatives for equipment and facilities 

Activities include
Printed and internet information on issue topics
Presentations to producers, agency, lender and industry audiences
Local, regional and internet meetings
Facility and equipment tour
Producer demonstrations
Model farm and case studies
Planning budgets and production benchmarks
Management calendar – herd schedule and feed allocation
Services listing – feed, labor, equipment, fencing, processing, trucking and other services

Anticipated Outcomes
Short term
Educational meetings, seminars, schools, workshops, tours, and demonstrations will be provided to educate farm and industry operators on opportunities and techniques to expand the cow numbers.  Provide information and demonstrate innovative efficiencies in raising cattle.  Show how pastures can be better utilized through water use and rotational grazing systems management.  Demonstrate using crop aftermath and harvest annual forages for wintering beef cows.

Medium Term
Producers will learn to anticipate seasonal/cyclical lows and highs to expand operations at economically feasible opportunities.  Underutilized forages will be recognized and incorporated into cattle diets.  Cattle will be raised with reduced labor requirements without reduced productivity.  Economic cost of raising cattle will be discovered and cost of unit production will be scrutinized.  

Long term
A long term goal of expanding the North Dakota cow herd by 100,000 cows would create direct economic impact on increased annual agricultural revenues of about $500 per calf totaling nearly $50 million.  When the economic multiplier for livestock of 3.47 is applied, $173.5 million of increased economic activity would result.  The increase in cow numbers can result from a significant expansion by 500 to 100 existing cattle producers.  In addition, it is likely over 100,000 acres of marginal farm land would be sown to grasses for complementary spring grazing, water and fencing would be developed on an additional 200,000 farmed acres for late season annual and aftermath grazing, and 500,000 acres of summer grazing lands to facilitate rotational grazing management.

Evaluation Plan
Evaluate the impact of in-depth education for participants of specific educational events.  Survey cattle producers to determine changes made in production practices and increases in cattle numbers.  Monitor changes in the cow calf industry through North Dakota agricultural statistics.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
HEALTH AND BIOSECURITY - PROTECTING OUR LIVESTOCK

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

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

Situation
Health – areas of concern include Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (specifically BSE, Scrapie and Chronic Wasting Disease), Johnes Disease in cattle, bovine infectious disease, equine infectious disease, preconditioning of feedlot cattle, vaccination programs, preventive medicine and emerging issues

Inputs
 i.          Staff
       1.      Extension veterinarian
       2.      State specialists
       3.      Area specialists
       4.      County Agents
 ii.       Volunteers
       1.      Peer producers
       2.      Local Veterinarians
       3.      Feed Companies
 iii.      Time
 iv.      Money
       1.      Program registrants
       2.      Feed Companies
       3.      Animal health companies
       4.      Lending agencies
       5.      Local Veterinary Clinic
v.         Research base
 vi.      Materials
       1.      Extension Service
       2.      Internet
 vii.    Equipment
       1.      Local Extension Office
viii.    Technology
 ix.      Partners

Outputs
 i.      Activities
     1.      Develop presentation materials
     2.      Develop resource material
           a.       Printed
           b.      Electronic
     3.      Provide presentations and workshops
           a.       Local
           b.      Polycom
     4.      Translate scientific materials into lay materials
     5.      Identify emerging issues
     6.      Evaluate effectiveness of activities
 ii.      Participation
     1.      Participants
           a.       Extension personnel
           b.      State and Federal personnel
           c.       Farmers and Ranchers
           d.      Backyard Hobbyists
           e.       “Main Street” (i.e. bankers, feed store…)
     2.      Clients
           a.       State and Federal personnel
           b.      Farmers and Ranchers
           c.       Backyard Hobbyists
           d.      “Main Street” (i.e. bankers, feed store…)
     3.      Agencies
           a.       ND Department of Agriculture
           b.      ND Department of Health
           c.       USDA APHIS: Veterinary Services
           d.      Others as identified

Outcomes
 i.      Short term
     1.      Awareness of emerging conditions
     2.      Knowledge of current practices and recommendations
     3.      Introduce attitude of preventive veterinary medicine
     4.      Expose to differing opinions regarding treatments
 ii.    Medium term
     1.      Change view of animal health from responding to adverse health events to preventing adverse health events
     2.      Change from “dogmatic” health practices to “custom” health practices
     3.      Fine tuning of management practices to fit within the whole system
 iii.   Long term
     1.      Adding value to our livestock through increased efficiency in dollars and time spent on health issues
     2.      Enhance public perception of ND livestock through marketing of animal preventive medicine (proactive health) programs
     3.      Increase market value of livestock through record assurance programs

Situation
Beef Quality Assurance – To improve the quality, consistency, and safety of beef through improved management, husbandry, record keeping, and animal health practices in the continuum of the beef industry (from the farm/ranch to the consumer).  Other areas of future concern include animal welfare related to cattle operations, improved genetic management to improve quality and consistency, and economic losses (from treatment, loss of gain, conversion, and loss of carcass quality) due to disease infection.

Inputs
i.   Staff
     1.      Beef Quality Assurance Specialist
     2.      State Specialists
     3.      Area Specialists
     4.      County Agents
ii.  Volunteers
     1.      Beef and dairy producers
     2.      Local Veterinarians
     3.      Feed Companies
     4.      Animal Health Companies
     5.      Livestock Auction Markets
iii. Time
 iv. Money
     1.      North Dakota Beef Commission
     2.      National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
           a.       Cattlemen’s Beef Board
     3.      Program registrations
     4.      Animal Health Companies
     5.      Feed Companies
     6.      Local Veterinarians
     7.      Animal ID Companies
 v.    Research base
 vi.   Materials
     1.      NDSU Extension Service
     2.      National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
     3.      Other State Beef Quality Assurance Programs
     4.      Internet
vii.  Equipment
     1.      Dickinson Research Extension Center
     2.      Local Extension Offices
viii. Technology
     1.      Internet
     2.      Polycom
     3.      Satellite
 ix.   Partners
     1.      North Dakota Beef Commission
     2.      North Dakota Stockman’s Association
     3.      North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association
     4.      North Dakota Board of Animal Health (State Veterinarian’s Office)
     5.      National Cattlemen’s Beef Association

Outputs
i.      Activities
     1.      Develop presentation materials
     2.      Develop resource materials
           a.       Printed
           b.      Electronic
     3.      Develop and provide presentations and workshops
           a.       Local
           b.      Regional
           c.       Satellite
           d.      Polycom
     4.      Identify emerging issues
     5.      Translate scientific materials into lay materials
     6.      Evaluate activities
           a.       Effectiveness
           b.      Change in knowledge
           c.       Knowledge retention
           d.      Knowledge application
 ii.     Participation
     1.      Participants
           a.       Extension personnel
           b.      State and Federal personnel
           c.       Beef producers
                                    i.      Farmers and Ranchers
                                   ii.      Hobbyists
           d.      Allied industry personnel (lenders, feed dealers, animal health suppliers, etc.)
     2.      Clients
            a.       Beef producers
                                     i.      Farmers and Ranchers
                                      ii.      Hobbyists
           b.      Animal Science students and educators
           c.       Extension personnel
           d.      Vocational agriculture instructors
           e.       Allied industry personnel (lenders, feed dealers, animal health suppliers, etc.)
           f.        State and Federal personnel
           g.       Local meat market operators
     3.      Agencies
           a.       North Dakota Beef Commission
           b.      North Dakota Department of Agriculture
                                   i.      Board of Animal Health
                                   ii.      Livestock Marketing personnel
           c.       USDA:APHIS:Veterinary Services
           d.      Others as identified

Outcomes
 i.      Short term
     1.      Awareness of current industry quality issues
     2.      Knowledge of current industry practices and recommendations
     3.      Introduce changes in practices to improve quality, safe, and consistency
 ii.      Medium term
     1.      Change management and animal health practices to improve the quality, safety and consistency of beef
     2.      Change genetic, management, animal health, and marketing practices to better fit the individual operation, and in turn improve on the overall production and value of product
     3.      Change management to holistic/system approach rather than segment approach (i.e.:  animal health, nutrition, genetics, etc.)
 iii.      Long term
     1.      Add value to beef sector by improving on the quality and consistency of product.
     2.       Improve general public perception of beef industry by providing documentation of “quality production” through audits, producer training, etc.
     3.      Decrease potential operation liability through management and animal health record documentation.

Situation
Biosecurity – Areas of concern include ecosystem (elements affecting the livestock operation), cost of disease, examples of outbreaks, preventing outbreaks, reporting outbreaks, weighing costs of biosecurity and potential losses due to insufficient biosecurity, agoterrorism, and emerging issues.

Inputs
 i.      Staff
     1.      Extension veterinarian
     2.      State specialists
     3.      Area specialists
     4.      County Agents
 ii.      Volunteers
     1.      Local volunteer first responders
 iii.      Time
 iv.      Money
     1.      ND Department of Health
     2.      Homeland Defense
 v.      Research base
 vi.      Materials
     1.      Extension material
     2.      Internet material
 vii.      Equipment
     1.      Local Extension Office
     2.      State Extension Office
viii.      Technology
     1.      Polycom
 ix.      Partners
     1.      ND Department of Agriculture

Outputs
 i.      Activities
     1.      Develop presentation materials
     2.      Develop resource material
           a.       Printed
           b.      Electronic
     3.      Provide presentations and workshops
     4.      Translate scientific materials into lay materials
     5.      Identify emerging issues
     6.      Evaluate effectivenss of activities
 ii.      Participation
     1.      Participants
           a.       Extension personnel
           b.      State and Federal personnel
           c.       Farmers and Ranchers
           d.      Backyard Hobbyists
           e.       “Main Street” (i.e. bankers, feed store…)
           f.        Law enforcement
     2.      Clients
           a.       State and Federal personnel
           b.      Farmers and Ranchers
           c.       Backyard Hobbyists
           d.      “Main Street” (i.e. bankers, feed store…)
     3.      Agencies
           a.       ND Department of Agriculture
           b.      ND Department of Health
           c.       USDA APHIS: Veterinary Services
           d.      Others as identified

Outcomes
 i.      Short term
     1.      Awareness of emerging conditions
     2.      Knowledge of current practices and recommendations
     3.      Introduce attitude of being alert to new or out-of-place events/people
     4.      Expose to differing opinions regarding response and remediation
 ii.      Medium term
     1.      Change view of biosecurity as something someone else does to one that “I” do
 iii.      Long term
     1.      Adding value to our livestock through decreasing health and opportunity costs by adopting functional biosecurity measures within each operation 
     2.      Enhance public perception of ND livestock through marketing appropriate biosecurity measures

Evaluation Plan
The number of beef cattle producers who are BQA certified will be monitored. 

PROGRAM COMPONENT
ENHANCING ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF 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, Kris Ringwall, Vern Anderson, Karl Hoppe, Chip Poland, John Dhuyvetter, North Dakota Department of Agriculture Livestock/Dairy Development Coordinator- Bobbi Talmadge, NDAREC (Bill Patrie, Lori Capouch), 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 $4 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 milk quality and increased milk yield.
  • Expanded milk processing facilities
  • Greater application of those technologies that will increase profitability through optimum production efficiency, marketing, and business management.
  • Creative partnerships integrating production and management services for a multi-dimensional team approach to dairy farm support.
  • Continue 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

o        Improved profitability of existing sheep operations and increased number of sheep operations and numbers of sheep.

o        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.

o        Producers being more profitable thru a cooperative venture where name brand products are being promoted nationally with premiums being paid to producers.

o        Production of a healthier product thru producer education, thereby gaining consumer acceptance and confidence.

o        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.

Educational Program - Outputs

• 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
  • Provide leadership to the ND Dairy Coalition as a board director. 
  • Collaborate with the NDDC Executive Director and Dairy Development Specialist to retain and expand existing dairy operations, and recruit non-resident dairy families.
  • Facilitate the collection, design and duplication of the NDDC’s “One-Stop-Shop” reference guide and recruitment tool on a searchable cd-rom. 
  • Conduct Survey #2 of current and recently retired dairy producers to determine their needs for continued growth and investment.
  • Design Pro-Growth dairy development advisory teams to facilitate expansion projects using the ND3P concept.

o                    Pre-permit dairy sites near communities that are pro-livestock development.

• Solicit communities actively interested in supporting dairy development projects.
• Work with producers interested in dairy replacement heifer projects.
   
• 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Evaluation Plan - Assessing Impacts
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.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
IMPROVED NUTRITION FOR NORTH DAKOTA LIVESTOCK

Key Theme(s):  Animal Nutrition, Rangeland and Forage Utilization

Persons Responsible
Greg Lardy and Kevin Sedivec (co-chairs). Team members: Chip Poland, Charlie Stoltenow, Mark Miller, Rick Schmidt, Karl Hoppe, Kurt Froelich

Situation
Feed costs associated with maintaining beef cows average 66% of total cash costs of production. Proper nutrition of the cow herd and cost effective use of dollars spent on purchased feed inputs is critical to the success of livestock operations. 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. Pasture costs (purchase and rental) continue to increase.  In fact, data reported by the ND Agricultural Statistics (2004) indicates pasture values increased 7 to 9% from 2003 to 2004 for ND, SD, and Nebraska. 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.

Inputs

                   Staff

·  State and Area Extension Specialists

·  County Extension Staff

Volunteers

·  Producers

·  Veterinarians

Time

Money

·  Extension funds related to regional, state, and local activities.

·  Registration fees in some cases.

·  Partnerships with allied industry members such as feed companies, pharmaceutical companies, banks, local veterinary clinics and others for some programs.

Research base

·  In most cases an adequate research base exists for programs planned.

Materials

·  Existing bulletins

·  Development of presentations, bulletins, and other educational material as needed.

Equipment

·  Support from extension administration for computer and projection equipment.

Technology

·  Increased use of the internet to deliver materials to audiences.

Partners

·  Local extension office

·  State and area specialists

·  Multi-state collaborations as appropriate

Outputs

Activities

·  Meetings (local, state, regional)

·  In-service opportunities for extension personnel

·  In-depth workshops e.g. Cow-calf school

·  Monthly newsletter (The Ranch Hand) with topics related to nutrition and nutritional management.

Participation

·  Livestock Producers

·  Veterinarians

·  Allied industry personnel

·  Decision makers

Anticipated Measurable Outcomes (Objectives)

Short-term

·  Increased awareness of proper nutritional management, animal requirements, and nutrient supply with various feedstuffs common in North Dakota.

·  Increased knowledge of supplementation options related to co-product and alternative feed usage.

·  Increased knowledge of the role of animal nutrition in environmental issues and nutrient management.

·  Increased knowledge of ways to use management to influence nutrition and nutritional requirements. e.g. Weaning date and body condition score in beef cows

Medium-term

·  Improved animal nutrition in North Dakota livestock. Match animal requirements with nutrient supply to ensure optimum, cost-effective performance.

·  Increased use of feed analysis in situations where key supplementation programs are needed.

·  Encourage feeding management practices which optimize and improve cost-effectiveness of nutritional programs, including reduced feed waste, improved management and utilization of supplements, and improved trace mineral nutrition.

Long-term

Reduced cost of production through improved performance, improved pregnancy rates, or more cost-effective supplementation choices in North Dakota livestock operations.

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.

Educational Program 
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) Morton and Eddy Counties looking at multi-species grazing with sheep and cattle to improve native plant communities and livestock performance on leafy spurge infested lands; 3) Adams County and Lodgepole, SD looking at winter grazing impacts on plant growth and production; and 4) McKenzie County looking at impacts of fire and grazing on plant growth and production on rolling prairie pastures and woody draws.

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 3^rd edition of the range management handbook for range managers and operators.

Evaluation Plan
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." Conduct rancher phone survey on the effectiveness of the Natural Resource Trust projection and Extension Programming in McIntosh, Sheridan, McKenzie, and McHenry Counties.

PROGRAM COMPONENT
CATTLE FEEDING IN NORTH DAKOTA - EXPANDING FEEDING AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Key Theme(s): Animal Production Efficiency

Persons Responsible
Karl Hoppe (chair), John Dhuyvetter, Greg Lardy, Lisa Lee, Ron Weiderholt, Tim Petry, Charlie Stoltenow, Elroy Haadem, Kurt Froelich, Harvey Peterson, Doug Bichler, Raquel Dugan-Dibble, Dale Naze, Jim Hennessy, Rick Schmidt, Karlyle Erickson, Bill Hodous, Mark Miller, Warren Froelich.

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.

Educational Program

• 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.

Evaluation Plan

• 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.

  PROGRAM COMPONENT
MODERNIZATION AND GROWTH OF DAIRYING IN NORTH DAKOTA

Key Theme(s): Animal Production Efficiency

Person Responsible
J.W. Schroeder (chair), and contributors: Dwight Aakre, Andy Swenson, Sarah Wagner, Charlie Stoltenow, Lisa Peterson, Ron Wiederholt, Bill Klein, Rick Schmidt, Kurt Froelich, Mike Rose, Tom Olson, and Randy Grueneich.

Situation
North Dakota has the resources to support dairy growth, yet herd and cow numbers have declined at a rate faster that is being offset by expansion.  A recent survey (Schroeder, December 2004) of the state’s existing dairy operations indicated that 35% plan to retire within the decade, for reasons of age, lifestyle, increasing regulatory pressures, and lack of investment due to limited finances to modernize.  As of August 2005, 357 operations remain (NDDA), and cow numbers are an estimated 33,000 head (NDASS, June 2005).  While the state's dairy industry is second only to beef cattle and calves for gross cash receipts from animal agriculture, the state is at risk of losing a $600 million industry unless barriers to expansion are removed and opportunities are created.  Dairying remains one of the most complicated and demanding livestock enterprises to manage.  To remain competitive, existing dairy farm families need to integrate production and management technology, while implementing competitive marketing techniques.  In order to improve sustainability, the industry will have to grow through expansion of existing and recruitment of new dairies.  This is taking place with a dedicated effort from both our public and private stakeholders into Communities of Practice (CoP), or groups of people who share similar goals and interests.  The North Dakota Dairy Coalition (NDDC) was born of a group of people connected to each other by the need to solve a common problem, today known as a Community of Interest (CoI).  In place for less than two years, the NDDC has become the dairy industry’s CoI.  But, in order to succeed, education becomes the key to this revitalization effort. This group’s educational focus is driven by the need for retention and expansion of existing dairies to support and deliver the technology to the end-user with emphasis on protecting our environment and its natural resources, while allowing for their optimal production and business efficiency.

Target Audience
§    Existing ND dairy farm families,
§    Rural communities, i.e. rural developers, economic and environmental issues
§ Dairy service providers, i.e. processors, utilities, nutritionists, equipment, lenders
§    Area and county agent with livestock emphasis
§ Dairy farm families relocating from other states

Inputs

§         Extension: J.W. Schroeder (chair), Dwight Aakre, Andy Swenson, Ron Wiederholt, Bill Klein, Lisa Pederson, D.W. Meyer, Mike Rose, Bruce Seelig, Charlie Stoltenow

§         ND Dairy Diagnostic Program (ND3P):  T. Risdal, J. Johnson, and R. Willardsen.

§         Midwest Dairy Institute:  J. Ydstie

§         Department of Animal and Range Sciences (ARS): Ken Odde and Kim Vonnahme

§         ND Department of Agriculture (NDDA):  Jason Wirtz, Dairy Pollution Prevention Program (DP3); Wayne. Carlson, Director of Dairy Services, Bobbi Talmadge, Livestock Development Coordinator

§         ND Farm and Ranch Business Management Programs (FRMP)

§         Midwest Dairy Association (MDA):  Char Heer, industry relations manager

§ Milk Producers Association of North Dakota (MPA):  Board of directors, Curtis Hanson, chair

§ Dakota Enterprise Center:  ND Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Bill Patrie, Lori Capouch, and Susan Davis

§ ND Dairy Coalition (NDDC):  Executive Director, Gary Hoffman, Board of directors, Harvey Hoff, president

Funding
Dairy diagnostics
§ Producer/user investment
§         Processors support
§         Extension legislative funding support
Dairy coalition
§         Funds from North Dakota Ag Products Utilization Commission (APUC)
§         State and regional commodity groups
§         State legislative funding support
§         Federal grant opportunities
§         Other granting agencies

Materials

§         Distribute for educational reference as needed on feeding, breeding, and management.  May include digital slides, videos, cd-rom and other computer-generated and delivered presentations.

§         Promote optimum dairy management practices, including quality monitors, protocols, business goals, benchmarking, and knowledge of process skills.

§         Maintain internet platform for dissemination of research data and assist users in locating information. Add some problem-solving pages when computer services can provide the technical support.

Outputs
Subject matter

§         Individual farm business planning, feasibility analysis and financing application assistance (APUC, Ag Med., Dairy Diagnostic, FRMP, lenders)

§         Enterprise alternatives – e.g. calf grower, heifer development, milking herd (NDDA, NDSU, CES, FRMP)

§         Assistance to develop an organized “Guide To Permitting” to be designed, developed, printed, and made available on the web and cd-rom (NDDA, NDSU, and DP3)

§         Educational efforts including workshops on marketing, management, nutrition, etc. (NDSU, CES, FRMP, dairy marketing and management clubs)

      Activities
§         Assist producers with Nutrient Management Plans  (DP3, NDSU)
§         Develop and maintain mentoring program (NDSU)
§         Training programs – with Midwest Dairy Institute, Milbank, SD (NDSU)
§         Dairy Links Program to link available facilities with beginning or expanding   producers (Ag Mediation, NDDA, ND3P)
§         Seek support for farm families interested in expansion and provide a method of        follow-up
§         Internet site to gather and keep updated information (NDDC)
  o         Contact guidelines and procedures
  o         Financial availability and processes
  o         Various related other opportunities
  o         Environmental compliance and assistance

      Program Delivery
Provide up-to-date technology through highly visible educational outlets:

§         Expand the Dairy Diagnostic Advisory Team concept to all areas of the dairy farm enterprise management to include caring for milking and dry cows, calf rearing, nutrition, reproduction, farm finance, goal setting, environmental stewardship, and future farm transfer.

§         Continue the Dairy Cow College educational series with the Midwest Dairy Association planning and educational partner to provide timely education on management and labor issues (Bill Klein, Rick Schmidt, Kurt Froelich, Mike Rose, Tom Olson, and Randy Grueneich).

§         Collaborate with the Milk Producers Association of North Dakota - State Dairy Convention as an educational forum for the dairy farm families. 

§         Collaborate with the Heart of America Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) on training for producers and field technicians. 

§         Solicit producer support for improvement in the waste and nutrient management plans through efforts with the NDDA’s Dairy Pollution Prevention Program (DP3) and Extension Waste Management specialist Ron Wiederholt.  May include Waste management demonstrations to promote affordable and environmental friendly waste management applications. 

§         Nutrient management alternatives for dairy compliance. 

§         Secure out-of-state specialists and private contract services for added support of targeted program needs and special requests.

§         Continue the "Dairy Connections" newsletter, along with news releases for DTN, Farm DATA, popular press, radio/TV, and presence on internet.

§         Secure funding for applied research at the NDSU Dairy Research Center.

§         Support quality forage efforts with the NDSU Extension State and Area Specialists.

§         Conduct summer ‘Farm Yard Social’ educational forums and tours to support expansion efforts of the ND Dairy Coalition

§         Cooperate with USDA-AFIS and the State Veterinarian on the development of preliminary standards for monitoring and handling of downer cows.

Specific Training

§         Promote "Managing Milk Quality" video and self-teaching materials,

§         Prepare and deliver agent training on the novel Dairy Diagnostic Advisory Team concepts including problem-solving software, using the diagnostic handbook, documenting results, facilitation discussion, conducting a SWOT analysis, measuring impact, and setting goals

§         Develop a set of dairy management protocols through ND3P facilitators to meet the growing demands of the Dairy Diagnostic program

§         Provide training to multi-county dairy program staff on cow nutrition, grouping strategies, feeding management, raising replacements, herd health, labor management, facility design, forage harvest and proper storage 

§         Assist in using New NRC-Dairy 2001 Dairy Ration Analyzer to balance dairy rations, use of PC-Dart for DHIA dairy record analysis, and possibly use other programs such as CPM and DaFoSym software, where there is interest

§         Demonstrate Palm-Pilot technology with PC-Dart for DHIA producers, agents, and dairy diagnostic facilitators

§         Give barn tour(s) that demonstrate emerging technology

Outcomes

      Short-term results
§         Increased awareness of retention and expansion programs by farm families
§         Development of county or regional dairy discussion groups
§         Educate North Dakota legislators on the importance of the ND dairy industry
§         Increased use of ND3P, FRMP & Ag Mediation
§         Increased interest in training programs
§         Producers utilizing facilitated “expansion” teams
§         Increased number of and participation in dairy marketing clubs
§         Efficient use of available feedstuffs and co-products
§         Improved forage quality through timely harvest and improved storage techniques.

      Medium-term results
§         Expanded dairy markets for expansion
§         Dairy farm manager training program
§         Dairy financial packages that are clearly delineated
§         Increase profitability through support of Advisory Teams with the ND3P
§         Reduce non-fed dairy beef quality violations from improper administration
§         Improved HCCCP use on the farm
§         Implementation of environmentally friendly waste management techniques in cooperation with the NDDA's DP3 program (J. Wirtz); water quality protection             (B. Seelig); and nutrient management plans (R. Wiederholt)

      Long-term results
§         Increase dairy cow numbers and expanded ND dairy farms
§         Increase marketing options for dairy producers
§         Producers will have available markets and affordable transportation
§         Improved farm income, efficiency, and quality of life
§         Increased dairy farm sustainability
§         Development of dairy industry leadership through the ND Dairy Coalition
§         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
§         Develop a cooperative dairy managers educational program between NDSU and select producers to include a specific curriculum with trainer reimbursement
§         Develop a state reputation for as a source of quality dairy heifers. 

Assessment and evaluation
§    Monitor the NDDA Dairy Division records and North Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service, respectively for changes in farm numbers and herd size. Personalized success stories and documented community impact analysis. 
§    Compile reports from the North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic Program to monitor production changes and economic impact of technology transfer by program participants.
§    Monitor DHIA records for program impact on production and profitability (Jason Ritchie, Heart of America DHIA).
§    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.
§    Assess the adoption of nutrient management plans with the help of DP3 and NDSU. Conduct follow-up survey that collects data on specific issues and focuses on future needs. Support will be sought for analysis and interpretation. Assessment will be reported through outlets within the NDDC, MPA of ND, and NDSU Extension Service.