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By Tana Shealey

Cattle production is big business in Lowndes County. The Alabama Cattleman’s Association estimates cattle production generates 2.5 billion dollars. Additionally, Lowndes County is listed as the fifth largest cattle producing county in the state in 2023 according to data on the Cattleman’s Associations website.

There are teams of Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) educators and researchers who collaborate with cattle producers, helping them navigate the business of raising cattle and fluctuating markets. 

“Knowing the cost of production is a key element to preparing for an unpredictable market,” said Alabama Extension professor and economist Max Runge in a recent ACES article.

Runge said that planning is key. 

“Producers need to know exactly what they are protecting. Developing cattle that the market wants, improving management strategies, and utilizing a well managed forage program allows our producers to have peace of mind and raise quality animals,” Runge added.

Regional Extension Agent Josh Elmore specializes in animal science and forages. He is a frequent visitor to Lowndes County, making farm visits helping producers with forage and management questions. 

“We just hosted a field day at the E.V.Smith Research Center with over sixty participants. This is an annual event held around the first of May, and it is a great source of information for cattle producers,” said Elmore.

In the article titled “Smart Planning Helps Producers Mitigate Unpredictable Cattle Markets,” Auburn University researchers suggest cattle producers employ methods including forage production as a marketing strategy.

Elmore says forage production is beneficial to farmers and the environment. Elmore teaches classes on cattle production and forages production including hay testing and soil testing.

ACES Extension economist Wendiam Sawadgo said producers in the Black Belt Region have many resources they can use.

“We will offer several opportunities for ranchers to hear from the specialists and researchers at the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Stations this year,” Sawadgo said. “The Animal Science and Forages team hosts numerous and excellent beef cattle and forage field days statewide. After that, multiple workshops will be held to help cattle producers with risk-management strategies and economic planning education,” he added.

For more information about upcoming field days, visit the 2025 Alabama Extension Statewide Beef and Forage Field Days web page at aces.edu. 

More information about beef cattle production and management is available at aces.edu/blog/category/farming/livestock. 

To reach Extension Agent Josh Elmore, call (334) 850-7859. 

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome. For questions about this information, and other Extension Programs please e-mail tshealey@auburn.edu.

Tana Shealey is County Extension Director.