Arkansas Beef Improvement Program (ABIP)
An Integrated Resource Management (IRM) Program
 The
Arkansas Beef Improvement Program (A B I P) began in 1992 with a goal of
improving the efficiency and profitability of beef cattle production in
Arkansas. This is achieved by demonstrating the importance of the
decision-making process. Management practices vary from farm to farm and region
to region, but the decision-making process remains the same. Goal setting,
evaluating resources, and selection of management practices that complement set
goals are foundations for the development of the decision-making process.
The A B I P utilizes farms across the state to demonstrate cost effective
management practices aimed at improving efficiency and profitability of beef
production. Since 1992, 10 whole farm projects have completed the program, four
whole farm projects and 13 special project farms were added to the program.
Whole farm projects are committed to the program for five years. Special project
commitment varies with each project and producer's need.
The whole farm projects are approached using the concepts of Integrated
Resource Management (I R M). Knowing that solutions to a problem can be
resolved more effectively with a team of individuals than a single
individual, I R M focuses on utilizing a team of individuals with
specialized training in various phases of beef production to assist
producers with identify management technologies that coincide with goals and
resources.
The special projects were designed to assist producers with specific
needs. The special projects allow specific details to be monitored in
individual areas related to beef production, complimenting the whole farm
projects.
Information generated from demonstration farms are shared with beef cattle
producers across the state through field days, workshops, invited presentations,
and articles published in newsletters, newspapers, and magazines.
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