Time is money, and money is time. And we always seem to be running low on both.
Well maybe this is the time to consider what resources are available to you to make sure you are getting the most out of your valuable time and money. This is where continuing education opportunities come in.
“Whether someone raises livestock as a single source of income or if they have farm income from complementary enterprises or off-farm income, their career as livestock producers is a full time responsibility,” said Shane Gadberry, University of Arkansas animal science associate professor.
Livestock production requires skills in money management, animal husbandry and agronomy. “Within each of these broad categories, an extensive list of knowledge areas can be developed as with animal husbandry, there is a need for knowledge of health, nutrition, animal selection and breeding,” Gadberry added. “No one is an expert at all things.”
Gadberry pointed out that while livestock producers may be very successful at managing an off-farm business, they may have not put these skills into their ranch management (or vice versa). Thus justifying the need for continuing education.
According to Doug McKinney, Oklahoma State University animal science assistant extension specialist, producers should find ways to implement strategies within their own operation. While every new strategy won’t fit every producers’ needs, continuing your education can help you find out what practices you should pursue in order to maximize your profit potential.
“Whether it is management, genetics, nutrition, health, forage management, value-added opportunities, marketing or economics; producers will find strategies that could help them become more sustainable in livestock production,” McKinney said. “One of the unique qualities of OSU extension is that there is an OSU extension educator in every county. Produces can take advantage of that resource by visiting with their local OSU extension county educator.”
According to Gadberry, producers should look for the extension and the animal science department to be a point source of information that meets the following criteria: research-based, unbiased and applicable to local resources and environment.
“People learn differently,” Gadberry said. “Some learn by reading, others need to have a visual/hands-on component to learning. But to get the most out of a learning experience is to put what’s been learned into practice.”
According to Gadberry, it seems that the “implementation cost” is a big factor that concerns livestock producers especially with investments that require 2-4 years before it really begins to payoff, such as pasture renovation.
Producers can visit University of Arkansas’ animal science website for information about area and statewide conferences in areas of equine, small ruminant, beef and dairy cattle management and includes pasture and forage management. There are also short courses and workshops offered, such as Arkansas Beef Improvement Program workshop and the Beef IQ program.
“The best way to stay informed is for producers to have a good working relationship with their county extension agents,” Gadberry said. After visiting the local county extension office, he recommended that the University of Arkansas’ animal science website would be a good place to follow up for more information about continuing education opportunities in Arkansas.
Oklahoma producers can learn more about these opportunities at the link below. Through the website, producers can find the list of county websites to contact their local OSU extension educator.
So, whether you need to improve your breeding selection skills, budget skills, or know when that hay is no longer going to provide a good gain in your cows; consider continuing your education to make sure you are doing the best you can for your operation. After all, it’s your time and your dollar.
