Powerpoint template for scientific posters (Swarthmore College)

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Southwest Region Value-Added Beef Improvement
Project Phil Blevins, Scott Jessee, Walter
Robinson, Scott Jerrell, Harold Jerrell, Brad
Mullins, Mike Harris, and Kevin SpurlinVirginia
Cooperative Extension - Washington, Russell,
Smyth, Scott, Lee, Buchanan, Dickenson, Wise,
Tazewell, and Grayson Counties
Figure 1. New working chute on participant farm
Table 1. Value-added benefit of VQA sale
Abstract Beef cattle are the largest
agricultural enterprise in Southwest Virginia. In
the 10 cooperating counties, there are
approximately 5,466 beef cattle farms with
279,000 cows and calves. Livestock marketing was
identified as a priority issue by 7 of the 10
participating counties during the recent VCE
Situation Analysis. To improve income generated
by beef cattle, producers must implement improved
feeder calf health programs, genetics, and
marketing. Inadequate working facilities and the
lack of BQA trainings have discouraged smaller
producers from participating in value-added
programs. Value-Added Marketing e.g. the
Virginia Quality Assured (VQA) program is
essential to the long-term prosperity of the beef
industry. To help producers improve livestock
income, local Extension Agents in cooperation
with the Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association have
applied for two grants through the Virginia
Tobacco Indemnification and Community
Revitalization Commission. Funds allocated were
used in a 5050 cost share arrangement to assist
beef producers in improving working facilities
and/or genetics (bulls or VAPAH bred heifers).
As a result of this collaborative effort,
913,500.00 in funding has been received.
Producers have matched this funding with an
additional 1,093,827.00. Approximately 320
producers have or will receive cost share. VQA
sales, which have resulted from this project,
have improved farm income. In 2005, 551 VQA
feeder calves sold for 34,665.00 more than the
traditional in-barn graded sale held the same
night. This project has generated tremendous
enthusiasm in beef production. Over 978 area
producers have completed BQA training (almost 400
in 2006 - a 43 increase). As a result of these
accomplishments, the Commission has recently
awarded and additional 300,000.00 in funding for
the program. Key Words Beef cattle, Value-Added
Marketing, cost share
Livestock Description Weight VQA Price (/Cwt.) AFCA Sale (/Cwt.) Difference (/Cwt.) Premium (/calf) Premium per Load
90 Steer Calves (weaned) 550 131.50 119.15 12.35 67.93 6,114.00
70 Steer Calves 550 120.00 120.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
80 Steer Calves (VQA Purple) 625 126.00 106.90 19.10 119.38 9,550.00
62 Yearling Steers 650 118.50 105.98 12.52 81.38 5,046.00
35 Yearling Steers 790 109.00 102.70 6.30 49.77 1,742.00
84 Heifer Calves (weaned) 525 116.50 104.44 12.06 63.32 5,319.00
63 Heifer Calves 525 110.00 104.98 5.02 26.36 1,661.00
42 Yearling Steers 600 111.25 96.02 15.23 91.38 3,838.00
25 Yearling Heifers 750 104.00 96.56 7.44 55.80 1,395.00
Total Value Added 34,665.00
Producers Receiving Beef Quality Assurance Training Producers Receiving Beef Quality Assurance Training
County Number of Producers
Coalfield Counties (Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise) 51
Grayson 155
Lee 59
Russell 197
Scott 142
Smyth 127
Tazewell 42
Washington 195
Total 978
Introduction Beef cattle represent the largest
agricultural enterprise in Southwest Virginia.
Value-Added Marketing opportunities are available
for weaned calves with above average genetic
merit that meet certified health requirements.
Many beef producers need adequate handling
equipment and training as well as improved
genetics to meet program requirements. Lack of
working facilities, BQA training, and bulls
and/or heifers which meet VQA requirements are
major factors preventing beef producers from
capitalizing on value-added opportunities.

• Results
• 320 producers have or will receive 913,500.00 in
  cost share to upgrade their cattle working
  facilities and/or herd genetics.
• Producers have or will match these funds by
  spending at least 1,093,827.00 of their own
  funds to install these practices.
• The Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association sponsored
  its first Virginia Quality Assured Sale that
  netted producers an additional 34,665.00 on 551
  head compared to an in-barn graded sale held the
  same night. Three additional sales have been held
  since then.
• 978 beef producers have received BQA training

Objective To encourage producers to increase
profits by producing calves that fit value added
programs (such as the Virginia Quality Assured
Program) and thus improve the sustainability of
the Southwest Virginia Beef Industry.
Figure 2. Calves being weaned for VQA sale

• Conclusions
• Participants are now able to handle cattle in a
  safe efficient manner, and they are willing to
  participate in Value-Added Marketing programs.
• Participants have a better understanding of the
  livestock selection process and the need for
  bulls and heifers of higher genetic merit.
• Following the success of this project, the TICRC
  has made another grant award in the amount of
  300,000.00.

• Methods
• Apply to Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and
  Community Revitalization Commission for cost
  share money
• Conduct required Beef Quality Assurance trainings
  for participants
• Survey producers regarding herd size, marketing,
  and health practices
• Establish Disbursement Oversight Committee to
  review applications
• Provide education regarding Value-Added Marketing
  opportunities
• Provide education regarding improved health
  programs
• Provide education regarding bull and heifer
  selection
• Organize Virginia Quality Assured Feeder Calf
  Sales

Acknowledgements We gratefully acknowledge the
assistance of the TICRC, the Abingdon Feeder
Cattle Association for serving as grantee,
Halifax County, Smyth County, and the producers
on the Disbursement Oversight Committee for
reviewing and approving applications and payments
.