About 54 Washington County cattle producers raised their profitability or productivity by participating in UF/IFAS Extension programs or consulting with an Extension agent. The average herd size in Washington County is 39 brood cows. These yield an average of 33 calves per year. A potential 5% increase in weaning weight would equate to an additional $1,980 per producer, which translates to a total $106,920 increase for Washington County. Weaning one additional calf would result in a similar increase in farm income.

Mark Mauldin, agriculture and natural resources extension agent in Washington County.