POW Number: 1.C
July 1, 2002

POW Title: Agricultural Productivity and Efficiency

Situation Statement:

The success of Pennsylvania’s largest industry, the food system, is dependent upon the continued efficient and cost effective production of animal and plant products by agricultural producers. In the past, the only demand on producers was to efficiently produce a low-cost and high-quality food supply. High-quality ornamental and green-industry products are in increasing demand along with the services associated with their care.

Presently, society is questioning whether our agricultural production system is sustainable in its present form. Sustainable agricultural production practices and technology must be profitable, environmentally sound, and consistent with society interests. Product quality needs to be maintained or improved by production practices. Nutrient management, pest management, water quality, and soil/substrate management are agronomic, horticultural, and green-industry crop management components that are being scrutinized. Within animal agriculture, waste management, nuisances at the urban rural interface, animal product wholesomeness, and production practices related to animal welfare are important issues. The Food Quality Protection Act substantially changes the way food safety is determined and pesticides are regulated such as through powerful incentives for IPM research, extension, and adoption. Present and future legislative programs will dictate how producers manage these components.

Many agricultural industries are going through a structural change, by making new integrated alliances, or positioning themselves to compete efficiently in a national and global marketplace.

If production agriculture in Pennsylvania is to remain a viable and strong industry, returning economic benefit to the Commonwealth, it must adopt appropriate new technologies and new management principles, as well as evaluate fundamental structural changes in the business.

This POW covers a wide range of production-related topics. It was broken down into three sub-POWs plus one general agriculture sub-POW for specific educational objective development.

    1. Improving Animal Production
    2. Improving Agronomic Production
    3. Improving Horticulture and Green Industry Production Systems
    4. Improving Process and Product Quality

 

SUB POW: 1.C.1. Improving Animal Production

PRODUCT QUALITY

Objective: 1.C.1.1. (Animal products) Clientele will learn about and/or use genetic selection, improved management practices, and new technologies to improve the quality and consumer acceptance of animal products.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about or implementation of methods leading to improved animal product quality. [This could include reduction in discounted-value carcasses, higher-quality grades, reduced carcass blemishes, PSE (pale, soft, exudative), or DFD (dark, firm, dry).]

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Objective: 1.C.1.2. (Master Plan) Clientele will improve or develop a long-range facility master plan consistent with their business and environmental protection plans that will define farmstead growth and change over a 1- to 20-year period.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who improve their master plan. (This includes site plan and inventory of existing facilities, consistent with their business and environmental plans and farmstead growth.)

Objective: 1.C.1.3. (Efficient and Healthy Buildings) Clientele will learn about structural and/or management changes that lead to improved productive and labor efficiencies, as well as animal improved health and stress reduction.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who recognize and/or implement factors that positively affect animal facilities. [This may include indoor air quality (dust, moisture, odor, or aerosols), environmental control (cooling, heating, fan capacity, temperature fluctuation, air flow), functional layout, structural options, labor efficiency, automation, animal handling, stray voltage, etc.]

PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY

Objective: 1.C.1.4 (Benchmark Records) Clientele will identify and/or utilize production or industry benchmarks within their production management program to measure gains in productive efficiencies.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who recognize and/or implement production or industry benchmarks to measure their operation's productive efficiency. (This may include feed costs, reproductive efficiency, facilities and equipment costs, production per animal unit, overhead costs, feed efficiency, rate-of-gain, electronic record keeping systems, treatment records, nutrition changes, feed additives, record-keeping systems for calves and youngstock, etc.)

Objective: 1.C.1.5. (Specialization and Expansion) Clientele will identify and/or implement production efficiency gains through specialization (calf/heifer production, custom TMRs, cropping contracts, organic production, etc.) and/or expansion.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who identify and/or implement specialization or expansion strategies that lead to production efficiency gains. (This may include utilization of BMP or TQM approaches, specialized user groups for interdisciplinary learning and information sharing, adoption of production specialization techniques, etc.)

NUTRITION

Objective: 1.C.1.6. (Grazing and Pasture Management) Clientele will learn and/or adopt principles of effective grazing and pasture use.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about or adopt grazing principles leading to improved production. (This may include fencing options, grazing management, land fertility, plant species selection, etc. that improve use of grassland resources.)

Objective: 1.C.1.7. (Feed Management) Clientele will learn and/or realize positive economic and/or production benefits resulting from improved nutritional practices and feeding appropriate rations.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about feed management and/or implement improved feed management practices. (This may be measured through improvement in average daily gain, improved heifer reproductive performance, utilizing forage testing and/or least-cost ration balancing, rations that are formulated and fed for pasture, improved silage management, proper TMR formulation and management, improved feeding management, and/or positive economic and/or production benefits resulting from improved nutritional practices.)

GENETICS / REPRODUCTION

Objective: 1.C.1.8. (Genetic Improvement) Clientele will learn and/or improve animal performance and carcass merit through genetic improvement practices.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about or implement factors relating to genetic practices (A.I., estrous synchronization, and genetic evaluation technology) that improve animal production and meat products.

Objective: 1.C.1.9. (Reproductive Performance) Clientele will learn about and/or improve reproductive performance in herds or flocks through genetics, nutritional health, and management practices.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about and/or implement steps for improved reproductive performance. (This may be measured via number of producers increasing annual reproductive rates in herds or flocks; adopting a systematic approach to heat detection whether through visual observation or programmed breeding with hormonal systems; using set-up programs for heat synchronization and timed breeding in dairy heifers and cows; setting reproductive goals; improved semen handling; improved reproductive records analysis and interpretation; vaccination programs; record keeping; or nutrition.)

Objective: 1.C.1.10. (Human Resource Management) Clientele will learn to develop and utilize job descriptions, organization charts and standard operating procedures (SOPs) when training, managing and evaluating dairy farm employees.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of participants who indicate increased knowledge of how to develop job descriptions, organization charts and standard operating procedures. (Standard operating procedures will include decision points and recommended management interventions for the farm operation. Employees will be trained using these tools and employee skill evaluations will be based on their knowledge of these protocols and their compliance with approved procedures.)
      Details:
      Participants will learn how to develop an organization chart for the farm business. They will learn to identify areas where potential problems might exist and plan and implement appropriate corrections. Job descriptions will clearly indicate outline employee relationships and the chain of command for the business.
      Participants will know how to write job descriptions that clearly outline employee responsibilities and expectations. The job descriptions will indicate the standard operating procedures are expected to learn and follow and will form the basis the employee evaluations.
      Participants will learn to write a standard operating procedure for mixing TMR rations. The protocol will include instructions for making dry matter adjustments, bunk reading, mixing order, mixing time and other issues that affect the quality of the finished TMR mix.
      Participants will learn to write a standard operating procedure on the correct way to test forage and TMR dry matter changes. This will include the testing method, frequency of testing and using the test results to adjust rations.
      Participants will learn to develop a protocol to manage fresh cow nutrition and health issues in consultation with their veterinarians. The protocol will address the management practices required during the first two weeks post calving.
      Participants will develop calf management protocols that describe calf feeding management and the vaccination program to be used for calves.

 

SUB POW: 1.C.2. Improving Agronomic Production

PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY

Objective: 1.C.2.1. (Agronomic practices) Clientele will have a better understanding of and/or will incorporate new and improved management systems or production practices relating to the profitability and sustainability of forage and grain crop management. This may include variety selection; pest monitoring, identification; scouting and controlling; fertilization; soil health; harvesting; utilization; etc.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about agronomic practices and/or utilize new or improved practices. [Indicators could be determined by number of clientele participating in extension educational programs (crop diagnostic clinics, certified crop advisor meetings); number of clientele who are able to describe one or more new and improved agronomic practices from participating in extension educational programs; clientele will describe positive economic impact resulting from adoption of new and improved agronomic practices; number of clientele utilizing soil testing and manure analysis programs, or production, management, and/or economic results from grower clubs.]

DISEASE/PEST CONTROL

Objective: 1.C.2.2. (Agronomic Integrated Pest Management) Clientele will increase their understanding of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) concepts and/or will incorporate IPM strategies into their agronomic production system, including: selection of disease-resistant varieties; monitoring and scouting for weeds, insects, mites, and diseases, and selecting a combination of appropriate control measures.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge about or adopt IPM practices. (Impact may be measured by the number of clientele purchasing IPM services or using IPM practices; estimating or documenting the number of acres utilizing IPM programs; number of clientele who improve their understanding of IPM strategies; and number of clientele who reduce their reliance on pesticides as the main pest management tool.)

 

SUB POW: 1.C.3. Improving Horticulture & Green Industry Production Systems

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Objective: 1.C.3.1. (IPM) Increase the number of clientele incorporating integrated pest management strategies into their production system.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.

    2. Number of clientele incorporating one or more integrated pest management strategies

    Number of people adopting resistant cultivars;
    Number of clientele incorporating or planning to incorporate one or more IPM strategies in their business. Clientele engaged in pest monitoring practices will be counted. Total acres impacted by monitoring will be estimated;
    Number of clientele reducing their reliance on pesticides as the main pest management tool. Clientele will describe/identify reduction in pesticide use resulting from adoption of IPM practices;
    Number of clientele planning to use or increasing their use of biocontrol agents, biorational materials, and nonchemical methods;
    Number of clientele using or planning to use private and public diagnostic services for the identification of the causes of poor plant health;
    Clientele describing positive economic impact resulting from adoption of IPM;
    Post test methodology indicating the percentage of clientele demonstrating an understanding of current pesticide laws and regulations.

Objective: 1.C.3.2. (Fertility) Increase the number of clientele basing fertilization decisions on pre- or post-planting analyses of the site (soil, soilless media), of the current status of the plants (plant tissue), and of the composition of the materials to be used (chemical fertilizers, composted materials, manures).

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele reporting use of soil and tissue analysis and/or alteration of their production practices based on soil and tissue analysis results.
Objective: 1.C.3.3. (Genetics) Increase the number of clientele selecting cultivars utilizing the following factors: · growing site adaptability
· marketability
· profitability
· productivity
· environmental impact

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele selecting varieties based on the following factors: growing site adaptability, marketability, profitability, productivity, and environmental impact. (Clients will describe or indicate changes in variety selection.)

Objective: 1.C.3.4. (Cultural Practices) Increase in clientele adopting "best management practices" for horticultural crops. Best management practices such as pruning, mulching, training, plasticulture, water delivery high-density plantings, no-till production, and other critical practices that improve productivity and efficiency and reduce negative environmental impact.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele indicating knowledge and adoption of best management cultural practices.

Objective: 1.C.3.5. (Facilities and Equipment) Clientele will base facility and equipment selection and management decisions on an increased awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of current and emerging technology in areas such as environmental control, irrigation, etc. Growers will monitor and optimize facility and equipment functions using readily available, handheld instruments, computerized systems, and remote sensing devices.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

  1. Number of participants/contacts.
  2. Number of producers reporting use of instrumentation and new technologies to improve management decisions.

 

SUB POW: 1.C.4. Improving Process and Product Quality

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Objective: 1.C.4.1. Program participants will understand the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) and the implementation of these regulations as it pertains to their operations.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of participants who adopt IPM practices and/or safer pesticides in order to comply with changes brought by the FQPA.

Objective: 1.C.4.2. (Pest Control) Clientele will learn about and/or implement pest (insects, flies, rodents, birds, etc.) control strategies to improve productive gains, product quality, and reduce off-site pest problems.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele who indicate increased knowledge or adopt best management practices in a pest control program. (This may be documented via decreases in complaints about flies, positive economic and/or environmental benefits resulting from the adoption of best management practices, buildings with screened inlets and/or rafters, employing bird scare tactics, utilizing screening for feed sources, etc.)

Objective: 1.C.4.3. (Pesticide Applicator and IPM Education) Participants will be trained to comply with Federal and State laws and regulations regarding pesticides and their use and/or IPM strategies and services. Applicators will qualify for certification and re-certification as Pennsylvania certified restricted-use pesticide applicators.

Output/Outcome Indicators (These indicators will be captured in the database for FY2003):

    1. Number of participants/contacts.
    2. Number of clientele attending update training meetings who become certified or maintaining certification

Special Indicators (suggested by the POW team):

    1. Number of clientele attending update training meetings who utilize appropriate pesticide handling techniques and improved IPM services.

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