BACKYARD BEEF IN SOUTH ALABAMA
Extension Education
Anthony Wiggins
COUNTY EXTENSION COORDINATOR
ALABAMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SYSTEM
MONROEVILLE
Abstract
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\r\n Alabama’s small producers struggle to find ways to be profitable within the agricultural sector. A demonstration project was put into place with the educational initiative of training a group of young producers to provide a locally-grown and wholesome product to a growing clientele within the region, while maintaining the balance between profitability and sustainability of a rural agricultural heritage. Grant funds were used to initiate the project. There were 2 separate educational components involved in the program. The first focused on the AgriScience program at Excel High School in Monroe County Alabama. Grant funds, along with donations from numerous agribusiness and community sources, were used to assist in the school acquiring needed equipment, supplies, and calves to begin a 3 calf finishing operation. During the feeding process students gained insight into numerous aspects of animal husbandry (nutrition, animal health, etc.) and were also introduced to more innovative tools available to livestock producers, like the use of ultrasound to measure back fat thickness and marbling. The second component of the project was to assist a young producer in startup of a beef finishing operation. This project offered a young producer the opportunity to secure supplies and equipment for a start-up small business finishing cattle. Both projects proved to be financially successful, with calves being sold for a profit in both cases.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: A.G. Wiggins, W.K. Kelley, J.K. Tucker
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Wiggins, A. Regional Extension Agent/Animal Science & Forages, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36460
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Kelley, W. Escambia County Extension Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36426
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Tucker, J. Clarke County Extension Coordinator, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama, 36451