Agriculture Commons^™

Establishing A Small-Scale Pastured Poultry Operation In Kentucky, Frederick N. Bebe

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Pastured poultry is poultry rotationally raised on pasture, as opposed to large-scale confinement operations. There has been a growing demand for pastured poultry as a result of the adverse effects of the use of antibiotics in large-scale caged systems and pastured poultry’s attributable nutritional and economic benefits to consumers. As a result, an increasing number of small-scale farmers in Kentucky have begun raising birds both for personal consumption and for supplemental income, in conjunction with other farm enterprises. Poultry is the number one agricultural commodity in Kentucky. Thus, knowledge of how to establish small-scale pastured poultry operations as an alternate …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Air And Soil Temperature Readings, Growing Degree Days, And Chilling Hours Recorded In Two Wiregrass Tunnel Houses Located In East Central Alabama, Raymon Shange, Victor Khan, Cassandra Searight, James E. Currington, James E. Currington 111, Ramble Ankumah, Edward Sparks, Nathaniel Ellison, George Hunter, Jeffery Moore

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

The study examined air and soil temperature readings, growing degree days, and chilling hours recorded in two Wiregrass tunnel houses during the 2018-2019 season. The monthly average ambient temperature, was 15^OF warmer inside the Tunnel House (75/60^OF) during the Cool/Cold months, and 17^OF warmer inside (90/73^OF) during the Warm/Hot seasons of 2018 and 2019. Growing Degree Days heat unit (HU) accumulations were higher inside than outside 4,154 vs. 3,153 HU for the Cool/Cold months and 5,134 vs. 4,800 HU for the Warm/Hot months. Chilling hour accumulations were lower inside the tunnel houses …

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

The Intersectionality Of Racism, Globalization, Climate Change, And Forced Migration, Monyai Chavers, Sarra Tekola, Winston Carroo, Mikhiela Sherrod, Raymon Shange, Jerry Pennick, Leo Woodberry

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

The purpose of this paper was to contextualize the intersectionality of racism, globalization, climate change, and forced immigration. The paper focuses on conversations from numerous organizations and individuals working to deal with the aforementioned challenges. In addition to highlighting the challenges faced by many immigrants, or would-be immigrants, the paper pinpoints approaches being adopted by community organizations and social movements to end persecution and forced migration. The recommendations put forth by the stakeholders who are engaged in addressing these issues relate to the need for building a policy-relevant agenda and strategy for solving the relevant challenges. Thus, leading to a …

Abridged Submission Guidelines For Manuscripts For The Professional Agricultural Workers Journal (Pawj)

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Openness To Diversity And Challenge: Assessment Of Undergraduate Attitudes And Experiences In The College Of Agriculture At Kansas State University, Andrew P. Barkley, Zelia Z. Wiley, Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., Summer Smades

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

As society becomes more globally diverse, institutions of higher education have increased diversity programming for student success. Student openness to diversity and challenge has been found to have a large impact on changes in student attitudes, beliefs, and actions in the direction of greater tolerance to individual differences. This study uses regression analysis of survey data to measure (1) openness to diversity, and (2) diversity experience for students enrolled in the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University during the Fall Semester of 2020. Regression results indicate that student openness to diversity and challenge was found to be statistically associated …

Assessing The Success Of The 2020 Kansas State Research And Extension Summer Research Program: A Virtual Research Experience, Lonnie Hobbs, Jr., Zelia Z. Wiley, Raymond Thomas

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Ethnic minorities, and specifically African American students are not participating in graduate programs at the same rate as non-minority students. In 2006, Kansas State University College of Agriculture Diversity Programs Office (DPO) established the Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE) Summer Research Fellows Program to expose African American and other ethnic minority students to the agricultural sciences graduate research opportunities. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 KSRE Summer Research Fellows Program was held virtually to protect the health and safety of participants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual program. Data from five …

A Comparative Analysis Of Selected Producer Characteristics And Production Practices Of Small Livestock Producers In Three Southeastern States Of The Us, David Nii O. Tackie, Jannette R. Bartlett, Akua Adu-Gyamfi, Francisca A. Quarcoo, Angela Mckenzie-Jakes, Bridget J. Perry, Nicole I. Nunoo

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

It is germane to know the characteristics and practices of small livestock producers in order to assist them; however, there are a paucity of investigations on the subject in the Southeastern US. Thus, this study assessed selected producer characteristics and production practices of small livestock producers in three Southeastern States. The data were collected from three samples of producers in several counties of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that, a majority of producers practiced rotational grazing, had parasite problems, quarantined newly acquired animals, and used veterinary services. Additionally, a majority sold their …

Legume-Grass Pastures Enhanced The Growth Of Yearling Kiko Does, Anand Tiwari, Uma Karki, Bidur Paneru, Nevershi Ellis, Lila B. Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Legumes can be beneficial in increasing pasture productivity and goat performance. This study’s objective was to evaluate the impact of legume-grass pastures on goat performance. A 50:50 mixture of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and Marshall ryegrass (Lolium L.) or hairy vetch and rye (Secale L.) was sown on 50% of the research area and 50% with Marshall ryegrass or rye. Forage samples were collected and processed for dry matter. Yearling Kiko does (19) were divided into two groups: legume-grass mix (10 does) and grass only (9 does), both rotationally stocked in their respective plots. Animal live …

Some Fundamentals Of Marketing Meat Goats, Angela Mckenzie-Jakes

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Over the last couple of decades, the demand for goat meat has risen in the U.S. However, the current supply of domestic goats does not meet the demand. In fact, the increase in demand is the result of the growth in ethnic populations in the U.S. Consequently, small producers are raising goats as a source of income. Thus, they must become familiar with ethnic holidays or festivals, understand marketing, and the importance of body condition scoring and selection criteria in order to increase returns from the sale of their goats. The objectives of this paper were to discuss the U.S. …

The Effect Of A Fifty Percent Leaf Harvest From Three Varieties Of Collards (Brassica Oleracea(L)/Cultivar Group Acephala) Cropped At Selected Intervals When Grown In A Wiregrass Tunnel House, Terrence Jackson, Raymon Shange, Mia Norris, Cassandra Searight, Michele S. Foo, Victor Khan, James E. Currington, Edward Sparks, Ramble Ankumah, Nathaniel Ellison, George X. Hunter, Jeffery Moore

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

A study was conducted to determine the effects of a 50% leaf harvest from ‘Heirloom’, ‘Georgia’, and ‘Hi-Crop Hybrid’ collards on yield, when leaves were removed at 18-, 21-, and 25- day intervals, over four harvest periods of 102, 127, 152, and 177 days after transplanting in a Wiregrass Tunnel House. The experimental design used was a split-split plot with three replications, where harvest periods were main plots, cropping intervals (3) were sub-plots, and varieties were sub-sub-plots. Yield data (lbs./acre) showed significant interactions between harvest periods x cropping intervals for leaf numbers and yield, harvest periods x varieties, and cropping …

Assessing The Impact Of Cluster Farming Initiatives On Small And Socially Disadvantaged Farmers, Ranchers, And Forestland Owners: A Case Of The Southeastern Region Of The United States, Lila Karki, Raymon Shange, Walter A. Hill, Conrad Bonsi, Henry English, Edoe Agbodjan, Melissa Stewart, Franklin Chukwuma, Dawn M. Patin, Joshua Idassi

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Farming in clusters is an economically viable practice to sustain small, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and forestland owners with their agricultural operations. The objectives of the study were to strengthen the capacity of clientele on cluster farming and to lower production and marketing costs by sharing input costs. Clusters were created and interventions were provided by project partners through several activities, including workshops, meetings, field days, loans, and materials/equipment. The results showed that 29 clusters involving 224 farmers, and 14 cooperatives involving 410 farmers were formed and strengthened. The number of farmers participating in workshops, training programs, field …

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

An Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Project Impact: Multicultural Academic Program Success At Kansas State University, Zelia Z. Wiley, Lonnie Hobbs, Jr.

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Kansas State University created a suite of recruitment programs, which included Project Impact: Multicultural Academic Program Success (MAPS) to aid incoming college freshmen in their academic transition. This program is led by the Department of Multicultural Student Affairs in collaboration with the Colleges of Agriculture, Business, and Engineering. Each college hosts a group of ethnic minority students each year. The College of Agriculture’s Diversity Program Office (DPO) serves as the host for 10 students in its college, each year. This study covers 40 participants from 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 in the College of Agriculture. Data were collected using a …

Yield Response Of ‘Whatley-Loretan’ Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.)) Transplanted In Single And Double Row At Different Dates In A Wiregrass Tunnel House, Marquess James, Raymon Shange, Cassandra Searight, Victor Khan, James E. Currington, Ramble Ankumah, Michele S. Foo, Nathaniel Ellison, George X. Hunter, Jeffery Moore

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

A split-plot study was conducted to evaluate the yield response of ‘Whatley-Loretan’ sweetpotato when planted in single and double rows at four planting dates (March, April, May, and June) in a Wiregrass Tunnel House located at S&B Farm in Eufaula, Alabama. The main plots consisted of planting dates, sub-plots single, and double rows, with each treatment combination, replicated three times. The results showed a significant linear and quadratic effect for US#1 grade of sweetpotato and total marketable yields. Yields were highest at the first and second planting dates and declined at the two later planting dates. Single vs. double row …

Sustainable Winter-Feeding Practices For Meat Goats Within The Southeastern United States, Nikisha Ryan, Nar Gurung, Jeremy Byrant, Frank Abrahamsen, Wendell Mcelhenney

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Winter feeding systems were evaluated on male Kiko meat goats against the traditional practice of raising goats in the winter months. Forty-Five Kiko bucks were randomly assigned to one of three treatments; Treatment 1, Treatment 2, and Treatment 3 consisted, respectively, of Cosaque Oats, annual Ryegrass, Crimson Clover mix, and 1.0% of BW concentrate supplementation with free choice hay. Forage clippings were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber. Body weights were monitored over the grazing period. Blood samples were collected during the experiment, and animals were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass traits. Data were analyzed …

Abridged Submission Guidelines

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

The Importance Of Goats In The World, Mahendra Lohani, Dilip Bhandari

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

It is a challenge to transform the mindset of subsistence farmers to consider goats as a productive asset. Goat health, breeding, housing and nutrition are the main challenges in a smallholder production system. The development of the goat market sector is informal and underdeveloped. As a result, goats have not been identified as a significant contributor to the national gross domestic product. Many development organizations consider goats a preferred livestock commodity for poverty alleviation. Therefore, it is desirable to have a systematic approach to optimize goat production for smallholders. A smallholder goat value chain works well with a focus on …

Central Performance Testing: Purpose, Benefits, Impacts, And Trends, Terry A. Gipson

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract The premise of the central performance test is that differences in performance of young animals raised in a common environment are largely attributed to genetics; however, this can be confounded by differences in pre-test environments. It is assumed top-ranking individual’s genetic advantage is a permanent change transferable to the next generation. The popularity of the central performance tests has waxed and waned over the past decades. A strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis indicates factors influencing producer participation can include cost, time, geographical coverage, alignment with industry, association support, and relevancy. A second generation of central performance tests with innovative, targeted approaches is …

Table Of Contents

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Preface

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

No abstract provided.

Buying Healthy Goats And Keeping Them That Way, Susan Kerr

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Starting a goat herd with healthy animals prevents expense and effort eliminating infectious diseases. Pre-purchase testing and examinations are worth their cost because of the savings realized through fewer animal illnesses, increased production, lower medication costs, and reduced culling. Key management practices such as hoof trimming, vaccinating, body condition scoring, and assessing parasite loads are needed to maintain herd health. Biosecurity practices must become routine to prevent the introduction and/or spread of contagious diseases. Several goat diseases are contagious to humans, so biosecurity measures must address this concern. Excellent record-keeping helps producers monitor health and production trends, document treatments, …

Suitable Breed And Animal Selection For Production Efficiency, Niki Whitley

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract Several goat breeds are available in the U.S. Selection of the breed should consider farm goals, production systems, markets and resources. Animal selection for breeding stock production and marketing needs to focus on breed characteristics, animal conformation, show winnings and animal pedigrees. Establishing at least one consistent market to include in a business/marketing plan that results in farm profitability prior to animal purchase is critical. After determining breed, animal selection will be critical, including choosing sellers, productive males and females with performance records, show animals, and animals with parasite resistance. For many farms, purchasing healthy, productive animals from sellers …

Grazing System And Management For Goat Production, Steve Hart

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract Grazing system management is for supplying inexpensive, adequate nutrition for the goat enterprise. This involves managing forages to facilitate dry matter production and managing grazing so forage quality is adequate and harvest efficiency is high while avoiding consuming internal parasites. Since nutrient costs are greatest for winter, the grazing system should be planned to provide some grazing during winter. The forage system should be managed to provide the greatest proportion of nutrients possible during kidding and lactation. The base forage species can be overseeded with cool-season or leguminous species to improve forage production, quality or the seasonal distribution of …

Year-Round Forage Production For Sustainable Goat Farming, Uma Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Goat farming in the U.S. is based on grazing lands. Forages available for grazing throughout most of the year are essential for supplying required nutrition for goats and minimizing production costs. Most goat farmers do not have pastures productive for an extended period. This situation results in poor performing animals and high production costs. Forage availability can improve by enhancing the productivity, quality, and production duration of pastures. The inclusion of browse species in grazing systems will also improve diet variety, minimize internal parasite problems, and better utilize the soil resources. Grazing opportunity can be extended by developing a …

Comparison Of Productivity Of Different Breeds Of Meat Goats Under Low-To-Moderate-Input Systems In The United States, Richard Browning Jr., Maria L. Leite-Browning

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Boer and Kiko goats were imported in the 1990s to enhance the productivity of the US base population of Spanish meat goats. Successful breed introductions require adaptation to the destination environment. Well-planned, low-input management is a good route to meat goat enterprise profitability using proper goat genetics. Reproduction drives profit more than growth and carcass traits. Results of breed evaluation studies on doe reproductive and health traits, the Boer goat influence tended to be negative compared with Kiko and Spanish goat influences. Reduced doe herd reproductive output suggests reduced enterprise profitability. Differences in growth or carcass traits among sire …

Marketing Toward The Future, Niki Whitley, Susan Schoenian

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

United States goat producers face many challenges with regards to marketing. Although the demand for goat products is increasing, the market is fractured. There is a general lack of infrastructure and many producers do not sell their animals or products for fair or profitable prices. Production costs are too high, and there is a need to improve production efficiency. Imports pose a challenge to US goat producers, as domestic production cannot compete with the availability and lower cost of imports. Government regulations hinder market development because non-commercial slaughter is an important aspect of goat marketing, and regulations keep many …

Common And Reportable Infectious Diseases Of Small Ruminants, Pamela A. Hunter

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract Keeping a herd healthy is the goal of every livestock producer. Deviation from a normal state of health leads to disease. It can have more than one cause, vary in severity, and differ from one animal to another. Of the three major categories that diseases are commonly grouped in, infectious diseases make up the largest. These are caused by “agents” and are capable of being transmitted from one animal to another, or from animals to man. While each disease can have its own clinical signs, failure to diagnose and prevent its spread can lead to catastrophic consequences to a …

Nutritional Requirements Of Different Classes Of Meat Goats, Nar Gurung

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Abstract

Feeds provide nutrients to animals. Feeds can be grains, crop by-products or forages. Forages can form the basis of feeds for goats in the southeastern US because year-round forage production is possible. Since goats are classified as browsers, the forage program should consist of browse and pasture. Managing browse species as feed resources is challenging, and there is limited information relative to managing browse species. Hay is the main forage feed for goats in the region and average quality hay can meet nutrient requirements for maintenance. However, nutrient requirements for late-pregnancy, lactation, and growing goats cannot be met with …