FY08 - 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,
Russ Danielson, John Dhuyvetter, Raquel Dugan-Dibble, Teresa Dvorak, Karlyle
Erickson, Kurt Froelich, Warren Froelich, Elroy Haadem, Jim Hennessy, Bill Hodous,
Karl Hoppe, Elayne Hovde, Justin Luther, Mark Miller, Dale Naze, Lisa Pederson, Kris
Ringwall, Rick Schmidt, J.W. Schroeder, Kevin Sedivec, Charles Stoltenow, Ron
Wiederholt, Brian Zimprich.
Overall Situation
Livestock farm income accounted for 21.0% of the total agricultural cash receipts, or
$996.5 million, in North Dakota, for 2005. 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 Pederson, Ron Wiederholt, Tim Petry, Charlie Stoltenow, Bill
Klein, Elroy Haadem, Kurt Froelich, 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 Pederson (co-chairs). Team members: Greg Lardy, 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, agro-terrorism, 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 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…)
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, Justin Luther, Kris
Ringwall, Vern Anderson, Karl Hoppe, John Dhuyvetter, North Dakota Department of
Agriculture Livestock/Dairy Development Coordinator- Bobbi Talmadge, Livestock
Pollution Prevention Coordinator Jason Wirtz, NDAREC- Lori Capouch, and ND3P Tom
Risdal.
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
o Improved milk quality and increased yield of milk components.
o Expanded milk processing facilities
o Greater application of those technologies that will increase profitability
through optimum production efficiency, marketing, and business
management.
o Creative partnerships integrating production and management services for
a multi-dimensional team approach to dairy farm support.
o Continue strategic visioning, planning, coordination, and leadership
o Development of niche markets and unique branded Dakota products
2-year goals
*Increase the number of new dairy farm families
* 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.
*Address methods for improved labor availability.
5-year goals
*Increase usage of various byproducts.
* Increase cow numbers to 60,000 head with a goal of over
100,000 head in eight years.
* Increase average annual milk production to 19,000 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 20,000 head of dairy cows and heifers.
Specific Beef results and benefits
o Improved competitiveness and profitability of existing feeding operations.
o Improved awareness of the value of beef cattle backgrounding and feeding
operations as potential value added businesses for rural communities.
o Improved awareness among lenders of business conditions, loan
repayment ability, and equity positions of cattle feeding operations.
o 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
o The extension service can provide necessary information to support and
add credibility to the state plan for increased hog production in the state.
o The lending community should develop new criteria for swine loans based
upon the data given on building costs and ability to repay loans.
o Lower cost housing should generate shorter loan periods which should
assist producers in securing loans more readily.
o Better knowledge base for new swine producers which should translate
into more confidence and expansion in the future.
o 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 150,000 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
the 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 year-round, healthier, and more consistent product thru
producer education, thereby gaining consumer acceptance and confidence.
o Increased awareness of beef producers on the value of sheep to their
operation, thereby more beef producers adding sheep to their operations.
2-year goals
* 85,000 breeding ewes in ND.
* 1000 producers in ND.
* 50,000 lambs fed to finish in ND.
* Assist lamb growers to cooperatively market 12,000 lambs per year.
5-year goals
* 95,000 breeding ewes in ND.
* 1200 producers in ND.
* 70,000 lambs fed to finish in ND.
* Assist lamb growers to cooperatively market 24,000 lambs per year.
Educational Program - Outputs
Overall Activities
o 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.
o 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.)
o Conduct in-service training for Extension Agents.
o 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
o Provide leadership to the ND Dairy Coalition as a board director.
o Collaborate with the NDDC Executive Director and Dairy Development
Specialist to retain and expand existing dairy operations, and recruit non-
resident dairy families.
o Facilitate the collection, design and duplication of the NDDC’s “One-
Stop-Shop” reference guide and recruitment tool on a searchable CD-
ROM.
o Conduct Survey #2 of current and recently retired dairy producers to
determine their needs for continued growth and investment.
o 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.
o Solicit communities actively interested in supporting dairy development
projects.
o Work with producers interested in dairy replacement heifer projects.
Specific Beef-related activities, products, methods, services that reach users
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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
o 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.
o Educational material on swine economics for the banking community to
facilitate producer loans requiring manpower and production costs will be
developed.
o Continuing efforts to meet regularly with groups of producers will be
instituted for purposes of information transfer.
o 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
o 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.
o 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.
o Farm/Ranch projects designed to demonstrate to beef producers that
adding sheep to their operation can increase profitability 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: 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 hay land 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 3rd 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 Pederson, Ron Wiederholt, Tim
Petry, Charlie Stoltenow, Elroy Haadem, Kurt Froelich, 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 THE NORTH DAKOTA DAIRY
INDUSTRY
Key Themes: Animal Production Efficiency, Expanding Cattle Numbers, Adding Value
to Feedstuffs and Co-Products, Increasing Enterprise Profitability, Enhancing Lifestyles
People Responsible
Extension: J.W. Schroeder (chair), and contributors: Dwight Aakre, Andy Swenson,
Charlie Stoltenow, Lisa Peterson, Ron Wiederholt, Bill Klein, Rick Schmidt, Kurt
Froelich, Mike Rose, Tom Olson, Randy Grueneich. Research/Teaching:
KimVonnahme, Sarah Wagner. Others: Gary Hoffman, Lori Capouch
Situation
North Dakota’s bountiful resources are ideal to support growth in dairy production, yet
farm and cow numbers continue to decline at a faster rate than is being offset by current
expansion. The decline was predicted in a survey (Schroeder, December 2004) of the
state’s existing dairy operations citing 35% of the respondents were planning to retire
from dairying in the coming five years. The losses since 2005 have totaled nearly 21%.
As of July 2007, 283 dairy operations remain (NDDA), and cow numbers are an
estimated 31,000 head (NDASS, June 2007). Their reasons for departure included age of
operator, a demanding lifestyle, increasing regulatory pressure, prohibitive costs
associated with expansion, and the lack of investment due to limited capital availability.
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 until
the barriers to expansion are removed, and the new opportunities for growth are created.
To remain competitive, existing dairy farm families are integrating production and
management technology, while implementing competitive marketing techniques to
enhance business growth. However, in order to improve overall sustainability, the dairy
industry will have to expand existing farms while recruiting new dairy investors into the
state. Our recently initiated North Dakota Dairy Coalition (NDDC) has documented six
new dairies since its inception in 2004 with more in negotiation. Our Community of
Practice will focus is on the retention and expansion to support and deliver technology
with emphasis on protecting our environment and its natural resources, attempting to
optimize production and business efficiency.
Target Audience
North Dakota dairy farm families
Rural ND communities, i.e. rural developers and leader
Dairy farm service providers, i.e. processors, utilities, nutritionists, equipment,
lenders
Area and county agent with livestock emphasis
Relocating dairy farm families from other states
Renewal fuels investor groups
Inputs
Personnel: NDSU State, Area and County faculty, ND Dairy Diagnostic Program
(ND3P), Department of Animal Sciences
North Dakota Dairy Coalition
Midwest Dairy Institute,
ND Department of Agriculture (NDDA), Livestock Pollution Prevention Program
(LP3), Director of Dairy Services, and , Livestock Development Coordinator
ND Farm and Ranch Business Management Programs (FRMP)
Midwest Dairy Association (MDA): industry relations manager
Board of directors
Dakota Enterprise Center: ND Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives
Funding
Dairy diagnostics:
Processors support
Dairy coalition:
Funds from North Dakota Ag Products Utilization Commission (APUC)
North Dakota Dairy Promotion Commission – Midwest Dairy Association
(market analysis)
State and regional commodity groups
State legislative funding support
Federal and other grant opportunities
Materials
Conduct dairy market analysis, Component One Detailed Market Analysis:
Phase 1 - Document North Dakota dairy production and processing logistics, area of
service and procurement of milk. Collect up-to-date data of production and
processing capabilities in North Dakota.
Phase 2 - Identify “high-value” dairy products, and explore the opportunities for
branded products that could give the producers and processors of North Dakota
dairy products a market advantage.
Prepare and distribute educational circulars and various news releases pertaining
feeding, breeding, and management. Delivery 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 an internet platform for dissemination of research data and assist users
in locating requested information. Add some links to problem-solving pages.
Outputs
Subject matter:
Production and processing statistics and logistics
Individual farm business planning, feasibility analysis and financing application
assistance (Ag Med., ND3P, FRMP, lenders)
Enterprise alternatives – e.g. calf grower, heifer development, production 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 LP3)
Educational efforts including workshops on marketing, management, nutrition,
etc. (NDSU, CES, FRMP, dairy marketing and management clubs)
Activities:
Documentation of dairy industry
Interview of key dairy leaders in production and processing
Industry Assist producers with Nutrient Management Plans (LP3, NDSU)
Develop plans for a producer/manager mentoring program (NDSU)
Utilize services of regional 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
Environmental compliance and assistance
Program Delivery
Provide up-to-date technology through highly visible educational outlets:
Dairy focus groups and ND Dairy Coalition board member strategy sessions
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 in collaboration with the
Midwest Dairy Association 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.
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 marketing and handling of market 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 to share with ND
dairy producers
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/storage, and nutrient management.
Assist in using dairy ration analyzer software programs
Give barn tour(s) that demonstrate emerging technology
Outcomes
Short-term results
Niche market plan of action, i.e. Dakota Farms Dairy products
Increased awareness of retention and expansion programs by farm families
Improved usage of bio-fuels byproducts by dairy cattle
Planned dairy expansion
Development of county or regional dairy discussion groups
Educate North Dakota legislators on the importance of the ND dairy industry
Continue use of ND3P, FRMP & Ag Mediation
Promote interest in training programs
Producers utilizing facilitated “expansion” teams
Increased number of and participation in dairy marketing clubs
More efficient use of emerging bio-fuels by-products
Improved forage quality through timely harvest and improved storage techniques.
Medium-term results
Expanded novel dairy markets for milk and milk products
Construction of new and expanded dairy operations
Placement of new ND dairy operators.
Dairy farm manager training program
Dairy financial packages that are clearly delineated
Increase dairy enterprise profitability attributed to implementation of Advisory
Teams
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 LP3 program; water quality protection; and nutrient
management plans
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
Established unique dairy products from ND dairy producers and processors
Improved farm income, labor efficiency, and quality of life
Increased dairy farm sustainability
Development of insightful 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 collaborative in-state dairy managers’ educational program with NDSU
and select producers to include a curriculum and trainer reimbursement
Develop a state reputation for as a source of quality dairy heifers.
Assessment and evaluation
Conduct attendee evaluation of program content and delivery
Monitor the NDDA Dairy Division records and North Dakota Agricultural
Statistics Service, for documented changes in farm numbers and herd size
Personalized success stories and documented community impact analysis
Compile reports from the North Dakota Dairy Diagnostic Program monitoring
production improvements and associated economic impact from implementation
of technology by program participants.
Monitor DHIA records for program impact on production and profitability (Jason
Ritchie, Heart of America DHIA)
Document 'hits' on website (URL: http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/dairy) to
determine popularity and usage areas. Requires the assistance of Dave Rice,
Computer Specialist.
Assess the adoption of nutrient management plans with the help of LP3 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.