Currently the only way to get information related to the Maryland Beef Industry is via the 2012 Ag Census, which tells us the approximate number, county locations, size of primary operation (herd and acreage), approximate demographics and age. What this census doesn’t tell us is: their future plans, greatest challenges, preferred method of education and outreach and what topics they would like to see in the areas of education programming. In order to properly develop extension programming that will meet the current and future needs of our producers, we need to establish a baseline of information. The best way to collect this information would be to directly ask our Maryland Beef Industry producers.What information we will collect: operation characteristics including county location, type, and size; age of producers and their tenure in the industry; future plans; greatest challenges; preferred methods of education and outreach; topics for educational programming; production data that will include type of housing, pasture management, nutrition and how producers buy, sell and market their cattle.
Our survey will open February 1, 2019 and remain open for response until April 8, 2019. Completing the survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes with the results being used to offer targeted educational outreach and training on topics related to beef production. This will help maintain and grow a viable beef production industry in Maryland and help sustain this important agricultural sector of the economy.
All data will be stored on a secure server with access restricted to members of the research team. Your participation in this survey is voluntary, confidential, and in no way affects your ability to take advantage of UME programs. This research has been approved by the University of Maryland Institutional Review Board (IRB #1158581-2).
The easiest way to complete the survey is to type the following link into a web browser on your computer: https://tinyurl.com/2019MD-beefsurvey
You can also request a paper survey if preferred at rslatt@umd.edu
If you need any further information on the survey or how the results will be used, please contact Racheal Slattery, Principal Investigator, Beef and Dairy Extension Coordinator at The University of Maryland at rslatt@umd.edu or 301-405-1392.