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Project Description: The Safety and Quality Investment in Livestock (SQIL) project is an eight-year demand-driven project funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will improve food safety and quality along Georgia’s dairy and beef value chains. From farm-to-fork, SQIL aims to reduce losses, improve food safety and quality, boost competitiveness, productivity and trade within the Georgian dairy and beef market systems. The project achieves these goals through an integrated approach of expanding market access, improving sanitary standards, strengthening postharvest handling and storage, increasing productivity, improving access to finance, and promoting regulatory reforms.
Purpose and Objectives of the Assignment: Access to high quality animal feed, especially during winter months, is a challenge for Georgia’s livestock sector. This lack of adequate animal feed reduces winter milk production and limits the overall competitiveness of Georgia’s dairy and beef sectors. To increase productivity and strengthen Georgia’s dairy and beef sectors, SQIL is working with commercial farmers to introduce Maize Silage production. A relatively new practice in Georgia, commercial farmers have constructed Maize Silage pits/bunkers with the aim to improve productivity and lower their animal feed costs during winter months.
SQIL is seeking a consultant to improve farmers’ knowledge of best Maize Silage production practices. The consultant will provide technical assistance to SQIL partner farmers in the proper production of Maize Silage. The consultant will visit partner farmers to advise on proper timing of Maize Silage harvesting and proper storing. During their visit, the consultant will lead a series of Maize Silage demonstration days at partner farms to raise other farmers awareness on the benefits of Maize Silage production and proper production and storage practices.
Consultant Tasks: To complete this scope of work, the consultant is expected to complete the following task:
- Work with SQIL to develop a brief 1-2 pager on key aspects of Maize Silage production including determining proper harvesting time and storage practices to ensure safety and quality.
- Travel to Georgia to provide technical assistance to partner farms (5 plus) in Maize Silage production and lead 3 demonstration days with 10-15 participants per demo day. Training topics covered during the demonstration days should include:
- Determination of Maize Silage harvest time
- Proper Maize Silage harvesting practices
- Preparing the Maize Silage pit/bunker
- Proper Maize Silage wrapping, covering and storing practices
- Visual examination of Maize Silage for spoilage
- Importance of testing Maize Silage before feeding
- Linking Maize Silage to animal nutrition and balance rations
The consultant is expected to introduce recommendations on follow-up trainings and TA activities, if needed.
Deliverables: Under this scope of work, the consultant is expected to complete the following deliverables:
- Develop a brief 1-2 pager on key aspects of Maize Silage production and storage.
- Technical assistance reports capturing key observations and recommendations for improved Maize Silage production at visited SQIL partner farmers.
- Leading Maize Silage production demonstration days (3) at SQIL partner farms.
- Provide technical assistance to partner farms (5 plus) in Maize Silage production.
- Develop final report of the assignment with suggestion to the SQIL project on further activities for support of improved Maize Silage production in Georgia.
Requested Skills and Qualifications: The ideal candidate will present the following skills and qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in Maize Silage production.
- Strong communication skills with farmers.
- Knowledge of commercial farms in emerging markets preferred.
Travel: Travel will be required to complete the scope of work. Maize Silage production is expected to take place in the second half of August, or early September, depending on the weather.
Evaluation Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria:
- Demonstrated experience in fulfilling the technical requirements of the scope of work – 75%
- Proposed cost – 25%
Only applicants that are available to travel to Georgia during the Maize Silage production process will be considered.
Type of Contract: The selected consultant will be awarded a level of effort-based contract and compensated for time spent working on the project. Travel costs will be covered by the project in accordance with Land O’Lakes Venture37 and USDA guidelines.