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Comprehensive Evaluation of Livestock Risk Management Education Programs

Elliott Dennis and Jay Parsons

Summary

To better understand the impact of the LRMEP on risk management activities and decision-making, a formative impact evaluation was designed using a sample of program participants, who attended the Livestock Risk Management Education Programs (LRMEP) in Nebraska between 2016 and 2022. Individuals were invited to participate in structured interviews gauging their recall of topics, understanding and use, and desire for additional information. A total of 32 interviews were conducted over the phone with LRMEP participants in February and March 2023.

Data collected through the interviews were analyzed to identify themes detailed in this report. Results provide insight into the ways in which the information and tools provided in the LRMEP impact producers in Nebraska. Interview participants reported being familiar with the topics of the LRMEP (83.3%) and having considered implementing them before attending the event (86.2%). Currently, over half of those interviewed (53.1%) are implementing the information or tools provided in their operation. Most frequently, interview participants cited the use of PRF insurance, forage and grazing land risk management, and LRP insurance in their operation.

Generally, interview participants reported making informed decisions when determining not to implement information or tools discussed in the LRMEP. While individuals often described not implementing because of a lack of fit with what was best for their operation, some participants described not implementing because they hadn’t continued to educate themselves further on the topic or wished for local experts to consult.

The tools and information covered in the LRMEP were reported to support the resiliency of cattle operations, but the degree to which varied according to the tools implemented. For example, PRF was noted to reduce risk and provide stability year to year, whereas grazing land production risk management strategies were reported to benefit the next generation.

Interview participants identified the need for information to make informed decisions across all aspects of their operation, as well as their reliance on information provided by the University of Nebraska and University of Nebraska Extension in making these decisions. Individuals frequently shared their requests for “more” education programming. Specifically, they requested additional educational opportunities specific to the ways in which to compare the cost and benefits of risk management information and tools, insurance policies, direct marketing, and water and land management practices.

Overall, the findings of this evaluation aid in understanding the impact of the LRMEP. Continued efforts to interview past participants will help to continue to define impacts of the program, understand decision making, identify education needs, and determine the extent to which these results described here are representative of other producers across the state.

Details

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