Introduction to the Business of Livestock Production
When: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Waldo County
992 Waterville Road, Waldo, Maine 04915
Cost: $15.00 donation suggested. Dinner and refreshments provided.
Register here
Program description:
Are you considering turning your backyard livestock operation into a commercial business? Perhaps you are starting a farm business and would like to understand more about the costs associated with a livestock enterprise? Join us for an exploration of the business of livestock production including marketing of livestock products, enterprise budgeting, and what to know when drafting your first business plan.
Agenda:
4:00 – 4:25 pm: Welcome and Registration
4:25 – 4:55 pm: Telling the Story: Components of a Business Plan
– Speaker: Brett Johnson, UMaine Extension
4:55 pm – 5:15 pm: Livestock Marketing
– Speaker: Dr. Colt Knight, UMaine Extension
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm: Six Steps in a Business Plan
– Speaker: JJ Jones, Oklahoma State University Extension
5:45 pm – 6:00 pm: Wrap-up questions for the speakers
About the Speakers:
Brett Johnson is Extension sustainable agriculture educator and technical service provider for Waldo, Knox, and Lincoln Counties. His research and educational programming are broadly concerned with the economic and environmental sustainability of farm businesses in Maine. Current program objectives include introducing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices to Maine’s Christmas tree producers, and identifying market opportunities for Maine’s specialty potato producers. Brett also coordinates UMaine Extension’s state-wide farm business planning course, Business Planning for Producers.
Dr. Colt W. Knight works as an Associate Professor of Extension for the University of Maine where he serves as the State Livestock Specialist. He teaches Introduction to Animal Science (AVS 145) and runs the Maine Grazing Behavior Lab. Dr. Knight’s research is broadly focused on selecting animals uniquely adapted to landscapes and promoting sustainable agriculture. Colt is actively engaged in outreach and has delivered over 150 seminars on livestock production since starting his career at the University of Maine.
JJ Jones is an Area Agricultural Economics Specialist for twenty-six counties in south-central Oklahoma and serves as the Agriculture and Natural Resource Program Leader for the Southeast District with the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service. With 30 years of experience in extension, JJ is dedicated to providing education in farm management, budgeting, marketing, farm taxes, and estate planning. Additionally, JJ leads the Oklahoma Meat Goat Education Team, which offers meat goat and sheep education to producers in Oklahoma and across the United States. One notable program is the OSU Meat Goat Boot Camp, a three-day workshop that teaches producers the fundamentals of meat goat production.
For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation please contact Billiejo Pendleton at 207.342.5971 or billiejo.pendleton@maine.edu.