Livestock education programs result in $1.5 million in savings - Land-Grant Impacts

sheep in a field

Livestock education programs result in $1.5 million in savings

Agricultural Systems, Story 2025, Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare, Economic Development, Extension, Northeast, Pennsylvania, Profitability/Competitiveness, The Pennsylvania State University

People need protein in their diet to maintain health. The Pennsylvania State University Livestock Extension team offered an array of educational programs to help beef cattle, goat, sheep and swine producers increase efficiency, profitability and produce a high-quality product.

The team’s curriculum focused on basic production practices, reproduction, feeding, nutrition, health care, marketing practices and financial analysis. Online courses for beef, sheep, dairy goats and livestock grazing were offered. A home study course for meat goat production as well as cattle feeder day and evening seminars were part of outreach efforts, including webinars, farm visits, workshops and certification trainings.

The total value of producers implementing Extension-recommended practices among producers who attended the programs is estimated at $1.5 million. Parasite control, changes to nutrition food and nutrition systems were some of the most impactful. Specifically, parasite control recommendations of not grazing a pasture below four inches in height prevented larvae from populating and culling animals that needed repeated deworming to promote genetic resistance to parasites.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania State University.

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