About Us
County Impact Statements - Howard County
Arkansas Beef Improvement Program Helps Howard County Farmers
Improve Management Practices
There are approximately 30,000 head of cattle on 658 farms in Howard County.
Less than one percent use forage testing on a regular basis. Many do not use
proper weed control.
Through the ABIP Program, pesticide applicator training, and the Tri-County
Beef Clinic, farmers have improved their overall management practices.
The Charles Smith Farm completed the ABIP breeding and calving season project
which was ongoing for the past three years. Through the program Charles was able
to increase pounds of beef sold by 11,673 pounds, increase gross margin per
animal unit by $147.48 and decrease herd break-even by $0.31.
After making Extension recommended changes in his operation, he was able to
use his resources more efficiently and to increase his herd size. Overall
practices that were implemented, included a cow herd mineral program, forage
testing, soil testing, and bull selection.
Information was shared during a field tour and reinforced through educational
workshops and the media.
County Agriculture Agent, Brian Helms reviews data collected
with Charles Smith through the ABIP Program.
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Impacts
- 200 livestock farmers improved their animal nutrition management
practices.
- 200 livestock farmers improved their foraging grazing management
practices.
- 90 livestock farmers improved animal health management practices.
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