The University of Arizona, College of Agriculture
Competitive Agricultural Systems in a Global Economy
Improved Marketing of Livestock
Issue
Livestock producers on the Hopi Indian Reservation need to improve marketing opportunities
in order to gain additional supplemental income. The Hopi Reservation has about 50%
unemployment.
What has been done?
A livestock preconditioning program was developed with a group of Hopi livestock
producers. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Hopi Office and the Hopi Office of
Veterinary Services provided information to the livestock producers, and also assisted in the
development and implementation of the program. Twenty-nine head of steers were weighed at the
local sales corral, then fed out at 3% of their body weight per day for 21 days. This was a lower
number than the previous year due to heavy rains turning roads to mud, preventing ranchers from
bringing in their livestock. Additionally, any steers with horn were dehorned. All received
vaccinations for BVD and respiratory problems.
Impact
The gain in weight per steer was higher than expected; 60 pounds was average gained
compared to 56 pounds from the feed program last year. Although financially the program did a
little better than break even due to low cattle prices, the most important impact was change in
attitude on the part of the Hopi livestock producers. They funded this project out of their own
pockets, putting out nearly $600.00 for feed and veterinary services. They also worked to bring in
new buyers who were looking for pre-conditioned steers. Two new buyers were present at the
sale. Seven individuals, representing three families, participated in the program.
Funding
In-kind support from Cooperative Extension
In-kind support from Hopi Office of Veterinary Services
In-kind support from the Polacca Stock Grower Association
Monetary support from participating livestock producers.
Contact
Matthew Livingston, Assistant Agent - ANR/4HYD
University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Hopi Office, P.O. Box 1203
Keams Canyon, AZ 86034
Tel:(520) 734-3644, Fax:(520) 734-2331
Email: mateo@ag.arizona.edu
This report is one of 29 impact statements submitted by the University
of Arizona College of Agriculture to the USDA's 1999 CSREES Science and Education
Impacts
database in Washington, D.C. An impact statement is a brief summary, in lay terms, of the
economic, environmental and/or social impact of a land-grant program. It states
accomplishments and their payoff to society.
Located at http://ag.arizona.edu/impacts/2000/hopicattle.html
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