Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Beef
Field Trip to Dixon Springs, University of Illinois Research FacilityOn Monday, August 22nd a group of beef producers traveled to the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center. The center is located in the southern part of the state near Simpson, Illinois. The station operates on approximately 580 acres of university-owned property, and about 4,200 acres under special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service. The Animal Sciences Department manages approximately 900 beef cows a
Author: Jeffrey Lehmkuhler
Major Program: Beef
Two trainings were held in Kentucky in July 2022 for University of Kentucky Extension agents and Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Agency employees. Trainings were held in Russellville and Morehead, Kentucky which were 250 miles apart. These locations were selected to target areas that minimized transportation for participants and facilitate covering a large region of the state with significant livestock production.A day long program was held that included both classroom and h
Author: Timothy Estes
Major Program: Beef
Agents from Allen, Barren, Hart, & Metcalfe counties pulled together to facilitate the 2022 CPC Fall Field Day Livestock Judging Contest. The Celsor & Pedigo families want to expose youth to agriculture and help them develop life skills. The annual livestock judging contest is staple at the Fall Field Day. Over 400 youth from Kentucky and Tennessee participated. Each youth was asked to evaluate 2 classes of breeding heifers, 1 class of breeding ewes, and 1 class
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Beef
Beef Cattle production is an important enterprise for Butler County farmers. Butler County is a cow/calf production county that does not have many farms that are selling open or bred heifers. This causes most of our farmers to go out of county to purchase heifers or develop their own. The event host has wanted to encourage some young farmers to get into selling heifers. The agriculture agent organized, promoted, secured sponsors for, arranged volunteers for, and facilita
Author: Taylor Graves
Major Program: Beef
A cattle handling field day was hosted in conjunction with Marion and Boyle County Agents for Agriculture and Natural Resources for producers in the central region. According to a product development specialist and educational director from Tarter, their customer service department mainly receives calls from producers complaining that the product they purchased didn't work in their operation and usually it is because that equipment was made to serve a different purpose. We set forth a goal o
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Beef
The Trigg County Cooperative Extension Service in Cooperation with the Trigg County Cattlemen's Association partnered to help livestock producers better manage their herds and meet their individual goals. One way we help producers is through our IRM mineral program. Three times each year the ANR agent in cooperation with a committee of Cattlemen’s members collects bids from local feed suppliers on free choice minerals formulated per the UK IRM specs. The best prices a
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Beef
The Montgomery County Cattlemen’s Association is a very active commodity group that is supported by the Extension Service. 18 of its 193 members conducted a very enjoyable and educational tour entitled "Gateway to the West and More. On this tour they visited the 3D Valley Farm in Depauw, Indiana ; The Budweiser Brewery; Gateway Arch National Park; Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum, The College of the Ozarks; Branson Auto and Farm Museum, a Branson Show; Graceland Tour; Bea
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Beef
In 2015 a new concept in beef cattle production was introduced by the University of Kentucky Extension IRM Team. It was called the Integrated Reproductive Management Program. This program is a multidisciplinary program that assist producers by educating them on making changes or improvements in their individual operations to ultimately increase farm profitability. These practices include, having a defined calving season, herd health program and a sound nutritional program.&nb
Author: Regina Utz
Major Program: Beef
Every year since 2005 (with the exception of 2020,) there has been a Regional Beef Field Day in Trimble, Henry, Oldham, or Shelby County. This year, Trimble County was up to host the event. Being that I started on June 1st and the program was usually held end of September, I was offered the opportunity to pass it to Oldham or Shelby, but I was more than ready to run this event. The next day, I spoke with the Trimble County Cattlemen’s Association president to gather details about the event
Author: Paul Sizemore
Major Program: Beef
Much of the Hay produced in the area is stored outside resulting in a great deal of waste, low nutrient levels and low digestibility. This can lead to many issues in the herd when the winter weather comes barreling in. To address the need for improved forage quality and to increase farmer understanding of the economics of hay production a workshop was held in Owsley County with Dr. Steve Higgins speaking on Fence Line Feeding systems in 2018. Dr. Higgins reported his findings on the practices th
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Beef
I have been working within Extension for 2.5 years and because of COVID-19 i am still attending and hosting new-to-me events. The Lincoln County Beef Expo was held at the fairgrounds after two years of being canceled. This was my first Beef Expo as an Extension Agent and i was thrilled with how it turned out. I helped to organize, plan, and execute the event. With over 150 people in attendance that night and speakers from both the University and the Beef Industry, there was a great opportunity f
Author: Alex Butler
Major Program: Beef
For several years the Kentucky Beef Network and its partners have provided Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) training for producers around Kentucky. The mission of BQCA is to maximize consumer confidence in and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer’s attention on daily production practices that influence safety, wholesome and quality beef and beef products through the use of science, research and education initiatives. BQCA training must be completed every three years by produce
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Beef
In order to prepare producers to be efficient and profitable, Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources have collaborated with Beef and Agricultural Economic Extension Specialists to present the Kentucky Beef Conference annually for almost 25 years. The assistance of long time business community sponsors has allowed producers to hear from nationally known experts in cattle marketing. The past couple of years utilizing Zoom proved to be a successful too
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Beef
Being a COVID-19 hire, i am just now getting to be involved in some of the regular events that happen throughout Lincoln County. Our Cattleman's Chapter had held a Pastor to Pasture Tour just a few months before i started. Since then, we have felt like it was a good idea to cancel the event. In late October, i was involved with planning and helping bring back the Pastor to Pasture Tour. With around 30 people in attendance, we stopped at five different farms showcasing local agriculture. Than
Author: Glen Roberts
Major Program: Beef
Group Purchasing Beef IRM mineralby Glen RobertsPlanning Unit: Wayne County CESMajor Program: BeefCollaborators: UK Beef IRM Nutrition Specialists, KY Farm Bureau Federation, Wayne County Farm Bureau Federation, ANR Agent Glen Roberts, KSU Small Farm Assistant, and Wayne County Cattlemen`s Association mineral committeeSituation: After attending Master Cattlemen and other beef nutrition educational sessions taught by University of KY Beef nutrition specialists Wayne County Cattlemen bec
Author: Jessica James
Major Program: Beef
For this program, I partnered with Katie Hughes in Union County. This was over a new software management program created by Dr. Les Anderson that is used for record keeping on cattle farms. It is called X10D. It is a good way for producers to be able to keep their records on their cell phone or laptop. I had mentioned this app on the radio but it was hard to explain in just a few minutes so I wanted to have a program over it. Especially with it being a newer app, I thought that it would be a goo
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Beef
The Bourbon County Livestock Improvement Association Elite Heifer Sale was started in 1991 to help smaller producers come together to market their cattle. These cattle are bred heifers that are due to calve in the spring that must pass strenuous standards in order to qualify for the sale. Records are kept on each heifer that include AI and natural breeding dates, breed, vaccination history, and body conditioning scores were collected along with hands on help tagging each heifer. Special attentio
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Beef
An 82 year old farmer struggled to maintain his cow calf operation due to age and physical abilities. CAIP cost-share and Extension designs made it possible to make improvements.He started by installing fence-line concrete troughs. This allowed him to feed from his UTV without opening a gate and while being physically separated from the cattle. He still had to drive into the heavy use area once or twice a week to feed hay which meant getting on and off his tractor to open the gate while also hav
Author: Evan Tate
Major Program: Beef
Each year Kentucky Cattle Producers strive to further their cowherd genetics. The Kentucky Cost- share program and other university programs have allowed producers the financial help to adopt new practices. Artificial Insemination is a practice that is now readily available for producers to utilize.The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Service provides guidance and assistance to beef producers each year to conduct artificial insemination programs on their farm. This hands on progr
Author: Evan Tate
Major Program: Beef
Each year cattle producers look to find more diverse and rewarding marketing avenues in order to generate additional revenue due to declining margins in the cow/calf sector. Most of the focus is put on adding value to feeder calves. With this, value in the cull cow is often overlooked and significant incomes are not captured.The Hancock County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association and the Hancock County Cattleman’s Association to bri
Author: Katie Hughes
Major Program: Beef
Union County and Henderson County put on a X10D cattle program to where producers could attend and learn more about this new app that the University of Kentucky and Tennessee created. There was a total of 18 people there to learn about this app. Producers were able to set up the app at the meeting and get help during the set up process. Dr Les Anderson was the speaker and also the creator of this app and showed the producers how to log in and what was available within this app that could help ke
Author: Brittany Brewer
Major Program: Beef
Scott County Extension Office hosted the Annual Beef Improvement Meeting. Facilitated by the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent we had a record breaking number of attendees. 68 cattle farmers and their families came together for a night of education and fellowship. One of the largest crowds to attend a meeting since COVID. VitaFerm's Ty McGuire talked about the importance of minerals and supplements in cattle diets. He discussed different management practices that can be used to impleme
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor in maintaining a profitable cow calf farm operation. Pregnancy testing is one method that can be used to monitor reproductive performance and help make appropriate management decisions. High feed costs coupled with factors like volatile beef markets and droughts, mean open cattle can be identified and sold to reduce input costs. In small herds this is important and Kenton county Agriculture and Natural Resources agent recognized these chall
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Beef
Having the largest number of cattle east of the Mississippi; Kentucky is known for producing good, quality, beef cattle. As with anything else, there is always room for improvement. Genetics are the foundational step for achieving this. The best method in achieving superior genetics is utilizing artificial insemination (AI) in your herd. Artificial insemination allows the producer to identify and use individual sires from around the world to enhance the inadequate desires found in the dam and he
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Beef
The Simpson County Cattlemen’s Association Executive Committee met with the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture who also serves as an advisor for the Cattlemen’s Association. They expressed interest in becoming more proficient in cattle handling, care and administering vaccinations. Based on clientele needs, the agent worked with University of Kentucky Beef Specialist, Kevin Laurent, to offer Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA) Chute Side training for the fi
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Beef
Adair County is known for having a strong beef industry. In 2021, Kentucky National Ag Statistics estimated a total cattle inventory for Adair County at 39,500. Whether it’s someone who grew up on a beef farm or a newcomer of Adair County, each year there are numerous clientele who reach out to the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service for assistance in developing their beef operation.Seeing the need for beginning level education in beef production, the Adair County Cooper
Author: Joseph Ray
Major Program: Beef
Historically, within Boyle County the cattlemen's association have been very active having regular meetings and events but due to the COVID-19 Pandemic at the start of 2020 and the retirement of a long tenured ANR Agent this group of passionate producers hadn't held a meeting since before the pandemic. After meeting with several cattlemen in the county the current ANR Agent worked with cattlemen board of directors to plan a meeting to reenergize the group. The ANR Agent helped facilitate
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Beef
As the percent of the population involved in agriculture and food production continues to decrease, the Mercer County Agriculture Advisory Council among other groups continue to prioritize the need to educate others on where their food, fiber, and fuel comes from. The ANR agent actively seeks out ways to continue programming based on past successes while also working to identify ways to reach new audiences. This year the ANR agent taught sessions at 4-H day camps about beef production, beef cuts
Author: Jessica James
Major Program: Beef
This was a four week long program and only on Tuesdays in the month of November. We had different specialists come and speak each week. For this program, Katie Hughes and I partnered together. The first two weeks were at the Union County Extension Office and the last two were at my office. For the first class, Dr. Lehmkuhler discussed growth promoting applications and made it a hands on lesson. Dr. Bullock also discussed EPds this night. For the second class, Dr. Teutsch came to discus
Author: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Beef
Cattle production in Boone County is one of the important components of our local economy. There are constant changes in cattle production because of new research, better genetics, and new equipment. It is very difficult for cattle producers to find all this new information in one place. That is why the Boone County Extension Service’s County Agriculture Agent works with the Northern Kentucky Cattle Association and we conduct regular programming on new information to increase knowledge and
Author: Gregory Drake
Major Program: Beef
The Simpson and Butler County Extension Agents for Agriculture developed a beef cattle management program that would be held exclusively on Zoom video conferencing technology. The program was titled, “Beef Cattle Management Short Course” and was comprised of a 3-part series in the months of January and February with each topic featuring University of Kentucky forage and agronomy specialists. The session titles were as follows: “Genetics, EPDs, and Genomi
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Beef
NKY Cow Calf School Attracts All Levels of Cattle Producers According to the USDA nearly 1 in 4 farmers are new to farming. Recently, the Extension service has noticed there are a significant number of individuals relocating into northern Kentucky that have an interest in sustainable homesteading. Since the topography of northern Kentucky is well suited to produce forage & livestock, many of these individuals seek to add cattle production for their own use.The northern Kentucky Ag
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Beef
According to the USDA nearly 1 in 4 farmers are new to farming. Recently, the Extension service has noticed there are a significant number of individuals relocating into northern Kentucky that have an interest in sustainable homesteading. Since the topography of northern Kentucky is well suited to produce forage & livestock, many of these individuals seek to add cattle production for their own use.The northern Kentucky Agriculture Agents saw a need to educate these new farmers on the b
Author: Lindsay Arthur
Major Program: Beef
Artificial Insemination (AI) is the process of placing semen directly into the uterus. While the process has many advantages, it can be difficult for smaller producers to afford and schedule individuals employed by large companies to come to their farm and complete the process of AI'ing their cattle. Producers can take certification classes held by the large semen companies to learn AI techniques but with the average cost of $450, it does not always fit in their budget. To solve this pr
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Beef
The Knox County Cattleman's Association meeting in January 2023 offered a Beef Quality Assurance Training held by the Knox County Ag Agent. In attendance, 15 of the members needed the Beef Quality Assurance Certification to further individual grant opportunities. This certification program is offered in-person through local Extension Offices and offers an online option. The certification fee is waved online however, participants who needed assistance or do not have access to technology resou
Author: Maggie Forsee
Major Program: Beef
The farmers of Carroll County consist of primarily beef producers. Through our Carroll County Cattlemen’s and other programs, these producers have been given the opportunity to learn and improve many parts of their operation.One of the largest programs we have done is an in-depth hay analysis program. Dr. Katie VanValin from the University of Kentucky took our own producers’ sample results and broke them down to show how they can get the most out of the current hay that they have. Th
Author: T. Adam Probst
Major Program: Beef
With recent law changes regarding the sale of antibiotics for livestock production, the Woodford and Fayette County Extension Services partnered with a local veterinarian to lead an informational session for producers regarding the changes. After listening to the law changes, fifty-eight producers were able to effectively interact with multiple veterinarians to ask specific questions regarding their operations and how the new ruling will affect them. After hearing from multiple
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Beef
According to the USDA nearly 1 in 4 farmers are new to farming. Recently, the Extension service has noticed there are a significant number of individuals relocating into northern Kentucky that have an interest in sustainable homesteading. Since the topography of northern Kentucky is well suited to produce forage & livestock, many of these individuals seek to add cattle production for their own use.The northern Kentucky Agriculture Agents saw a need to educate these new farmers on the b
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Beef
The Simpson and Butler County Extension Agents for Agriculture developed a beef cattle management program that would be held exclusively on Zoom video conferencing technology. The program was titled, “Beef Cattle Management Short Course” and was comprised of a 3-part series in the months of January and February with each topic featuring University of Kentucky forage and agronomy specialists. The session titles were as follows: “Genetics, EPDs, and Genomic Test
Author: Stacy White
Major Program: Beef
The Cumberland Gap region has a sizeable cattle industry. Due to the geographical location and resources, it is often hard for producers in the area to attend conferences and other larger Extension Programs. With the creation of Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the area now has facilities to hold such events. Producers travel between Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia to obtain resources. Some farm in more than one state. Collaborating wi
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Beef
NKY Cow Calf School Attracts All Levels of Cattle Producers According to the USDA nearly 1 in 4 farmers are new to farming. Recently, the Extension service has noticed there are a significant number of individuals relocating into northern Kentucky that have an interest in sustainable homesteading. Since the topography of northern Kentucky is well suited to produce forage & livestock, many of these individuals seek to add cattle production for their own use.The northern Kentucky Ag
Author: Katie Hughes
Major Program: Beef
The Beef cattle short course was hosted by the Henderson Co and Union Co extension offices. This was 4 weeks in Nov of 22 with two weeks being hosted in Union and two weeks in Henderson co. Each week we had about 12 producers in attendance for this series. The topics included growth promotant application, EPDs , Bale Grazing, Cattle Marketing, Cattle Nutrition, fall calving and reproductive management. Speakers included Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, Dr. Darrh Bullock, Dr. Chris Teutsch, Dr. Kenny Burdine
Author: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Beef
The KY-TN Cowman’s Kind Bull sale was held March 4th, 2023. The McLean County Ag Agent, the Christian County Ag Agent KY-TN Livestock Market and a UK Beef Specialist spear headed an effort to provide smaller purebred beef producers with an opportunity to sell their animals in a larger sale than just selling private treaty off the farm. These bulls had to meet certain qualifications: vaccinated for IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, vibriosis and Leptospirosis: dewormed with 90 days of sale: tested negat
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Beef
The KY-TN Cowman’s Kind Bull sale was held March 4th, 2023. The McLean County Ag Agent, the Christian County Ag Agent KY-TN Livestock Market and a UK Beef Specialist spear headed an effort to provide smaller purebred beef producers with an opportunity to sell their animals in a larger sale than just selling private treaty off the farm. These bulls had to meet certain qualifications: vaccinated for IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, vibriosis and Leptospirosis: dewormed with 90 days of sale: tested negat
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Beef
A series of beef production classes was held at the Rockcastle County Extension office January through March of 2023. These classes included soil testing and fertilizer management for pasture and hay ground, fencing and on farm water, cattle marketing strategies, weed management in pasture and hay ground, and the Rockcaslte County Cattlemen's association annual meeting and banquet where Kentucky Cattlemen's gave and up date on the state association. On average 36 people
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Beef
NKY Cattle Association Hosts 20th Year of Bull Testing Program Working with volunteers from Northern Kentucky Cattle Association on Saturday, April 15th, agents from Kenton and Boone counties held their 20th annual bull testing program. This program is held at the Kenton County Fair grounds and this year more than 40 bulls were checked for breeding soundness. Local veterinarian evaluated the bulls. Northern Kentucky Cattle Association President said "For twenty years this p
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Beef
Local cattlemen's association programs held this year included: Livestock risk protection and options, Cattle Marketing Options, Changes to antibiotic prescriptions, UAV's in Livestock Production, Stretching Hay Supplies, Developing business plans, and weed control in pastures. 88% said they attend local cattlemen's events to lean more about the cattle industry. 85% said that attending cattlemens meetings at the extension office have helped improve efficiency in their farming op
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Beef
The problem producers across the state treat their cattle with dewormers without a thought of 'do I need to deworm', or do I set it on 'automatic' and deworm each time they go through the chute. In the beginning, I said our county would be willing to participate. Farms were chosen and the pursuit was on to collect samples for the FECRT. Of course keeping up with the vaccination and cattle working schedule and then to come back to the farm in 14 days to collect f
Author: Kevin Bullock
Major Program: Beef
The Beef Systems Analyzer Software (www.beefsystemsanalyzer.com) program has been released for use by Kentucky beef farmers. This software was designed to guide beef farmers through a series of questions, using a logic model, to determine what practices they should be implementing on their farm to improve outcomes. The software has analyzers for many aspects of the beef operation including Basic Management, Breeding Management for Commercial Producers, Breeding Management for Seedstock Producers
Author: Jeffrey Lehmkuhler
Major Program: Beef
Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katie VanValin, Michelle Arnold, Jimmy Henning, Kenny Burdine, Morgan HayesThe second Kentucky backgrounding short course was held December 15 & 16, 2022 at the University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Agriculture Research Center Beef Unit. The program enrollment was 26 individuals and levels of experience varied greatly among the group. The backgrounding short course involved 10 different speakers covering a diverse range of subject matter that included health, ma
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Beef
Confined beef cow/calf facilities have gained interest in recent years. With the continual increase in land prices, utilizing a structure to partially confine or totally confine cows has gained interest from some local producers. In early 2022 a local beef producer came to the Extension office to inquire about facilities for confined cattle housing. The local ANR agent set up tours for the beef producer to visit producers in other areas that have built similar facilities. The
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Beef
In October of 2022 a group of local beef producers from Clinton, Cumberland, Russell, and Wayne counties toured the Kentucky Cattleman’s Association working beef farm in Owenton, KY. Producers toured working demonstrations that the Eden Shale farm has put into practice. Innovative and practical ways of feeding round bale hay to cows was the main focus of the tour, as well as water harvesting and heavy use areas. Producers that attended the farm tour gained insight into
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Beef
According to a 2018 KVMA article the resistance of internal parasites to chemical products to control the parasites in the Beef Herd may be on the rise. There has not been much change in the 3 classes of products that Beef Herds have to help with the control of internal parasites. Also, in that same time there hasn’t been a study to see how these products are currently working inside the Beef animal. In the spring of 2023 MERCK Ani
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Beef
The Jackson County agriculture agent worked closely with the Jackson County Cattlemens and Extension specialists to deliver a beef series to Jackson County Producers. The series had 6 parts. The first part was from Dr. Higgins about the importance of water and being efficient while farming, the second part was done by ANR agent David Coffey on Fertilizer and soil testing, the third part was done by Dr. Henning about timely forage tips. The 4th part was done by David Coffey on Seed Tags and Seedi
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Beef
The problem- A need for permanent livestock identification for beef farmers. The educational program response- The Rockcastle and Pulaski county extension offices offered a program on freeze branding cattle to the counties beef producers. The program consisted of discussion of tools needed for branding and a live demo of how to brand cattle with branding irons. Different methods of branding was discussed as well as why we chose to freeze brand. It was also discussed how to have
Author: Gary Hamilton
Major Program: Beef
Beef production serves as a major source of income to the farm families of Montgomery County. Over the past few years the market price for beef calves have been at a moderate to low level. Most recently prices have improved and all indications are that beef prices will remain high for the next 2 to 3 years. In an effort to help our beef cattle producers capture these higher prices the Bath, Menifee and Montgomery County ANR agent organized and conducted a 3 session Beef Production Series. The fi
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Beef
Educating local livestock producers is a high priority in Shelby, Henry, Trimble and Oldham Counties. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, total beef, swine, sheep and goat animal sales yearly in the combined counties totals more than $32 million, emphasizing the need for livestock producers to take herd management and marketing decisions seriously. Increasing consumer demand for locally sourced protein and the participating counties’ proximity to urban markets in Louisv
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Beef
The increasing cost of cattle production has made producers take a proactive approach to cutting the costs for carrying unproductive cows for a calendar year. One effort to ensure that cows can be productive is to ensure that they are bred during the proper time of the year. Grant County cattle producers have drawn on current market conditions with the Extension Agents for Agriculture in Grant Counties developed and implemented a series of educational programs on nutrition, evaluatio
Author: David Appelman
Major Program: Beef
There is concern within the beef industry that our products we now have available to treat animals for control of internal parasites are becoming less effective. We are well aware of this issue in small ruminants and the lack of effectiveness of various products. Two classes of products are now over 30 and 50 years old since they were developed. The University of KY Martin Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, and specialist from the Beef Department offered produ
Author: Clinton Hardy
Major Program: Beef
Over the past 20 years hundreds of farmers from across the area have sold nearly 100,000 feeder calves in the Extension sponsored Green River area CPH60 beef cattle marketing events. These opportunities increase net farm income through greater return to better management and by retaining the animals on farm no less than 60 days after weaning. Over the past 5 years, Green River CPH60 producer participation has been declining. While decline in participation might appear as reduce
Author: Katherine VanValin
Major Program: Beef
Beef producers can add value to their beef cattle by educating themselves and their consumers about beef products. Darrell Simpson, Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources (Muglenberg County) collaborated with Dr. Katie VanValin, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment, Beef Cattle Specialist and Dr.Gregg Rentfrow, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment, Meats Specialists to provide a program to help producers and consumers ali
Author: Katherine VanValin
Major Program: Beef
The second Kentucky backgrounding short course was held December 15 & 16, 2022 at the University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Agriculture Research Center Beef Unit. The program enrollment was 26 individuals and levels of experience varied greatly among the group. The backgrounding short course involved 10 different speakers covering a diverse range of subject matter that included health, marketing, nutrition, forages and confinement housing. Over the 15 hours,
Author: Jessica Barnes
Major Program: Beef
The problemBeef Cattle producers are faced with several obstacles throughout the year in their beef cattle operations that can potentially hinder the health and overall performance of their herd. One of those many obstacles can be the presence of numerous types of worms in the cattle's system. Deworming cattle is a common practice recommended for the control of worms but is not always accomplished by the producer or a producer gets in a habit and uses the same dewormer year in and year out.
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Beef
The problemFor years now our beef cattle health recommendations have been centered around proper handling facilities. For over one year now this ANR agent has worked with a beef producer that needed help designing and building a good working facilities for his 30 cow herd. We developed a plan and budget as well as developed this into an educational activity for anyone with the same scenario. Meade County has over 150 small beef cattle herds-most do not have proper handling facilities. Without pr
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Beef
The problemWith the continual use of a few common ingredients to deworm cattle, immunity by parasites to those active chemical compounds in dewormers is suspected. Parasites can cause serious problems in cattle resulting in poor health and for the animals and economic loss for the farmer.The educational program responseEighty to one hundred beef cattle producers will participate in a feces collection where fecal parasite eggs will be counted before and after dewormer use. Two farmers in Meade Co
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Beef
The problemBeef cattle is the number one ag enterprise that is common to most farmers in Meade County. Most farmers know the basics of raising cattle but do not understand how their management practices can improve their net profit easily as well as significantly. This ANR agent wanted them to understand their goal of making more money with their current marketing strategy could only be achieved by selling more pounds of calves at weaning. The four session educational training would help them un
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Beef
Green County is the home of 20,200 beef cows (KY NASS) which contribute over $13.5 million to the local economy. (USDA Ag Census 2017). With a cow to bull ratio of 25:1 and a useful life of a bull averaging 4 years, Green County beef farmers purchase nearly 200 bulls each year. 75% of the genetics of retained heifers can be traced to the bulls farmers have used in the past five years. Therefore the importance of bull selection goes far beyond just a few calf crops. Agricu
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Beef
Following two years of COVID and still seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties, Kentucky: Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties, VA: and Claiborne and Hancock Counties, TN held in the fifth Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference. The goal was to address the needs and to update cattle farmers on economics of fertilizer, feeding byproducts, Theileria and Asian longhorn tick and four hands
Author: Rebecca Konopka
Major Program: Beef
According to the 2022 Ag Census there are over 10,000 head of cattle in Carter County, making beef cattle one of the largest agriculture commodities in the county. Over the past year, the Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent for Carter County reached beef producers via programs, newsletters, farm visits and personal communications. Programs included six Northeast Area Livestock Association meetings, Farm & Family Field Day, Beef Palpation Clinic, Eden Shale Farm Tour, and Beef Qualit
Author: Katherine VanValin
Major Program: Beef
Mid-South Stocker Conference 2023 The Mid-South Stocker Conference (MSSC) is a multi-state effort bringing together specialists and extension agents in both Kentucky and Tennessee to provide an educational meeting for cattle producers focused on stocker and backgrounding cattle. The meeting rotates annually between Kentucky and Tennessee. The 2023 MSSC was held in Bowling Green, KY on February 21st and 22nd. The attendance for the 2023 meeting was approximately 120 individuals, from at leas
Author: Kevin Laurent
Major Program: Beef
The Mid-South Stocker Conference (MSSC) is a multi-state effort bringing together specialists and extension agents in both Kentucky and Tennessee to provide an educational meeting for cattle producers focused on stocker and backgrounding cattle. The meeting rotates annually between Kentucky and Tennessee. The 2023 MSSC was held in Bowling Green, KY on February 21st and 22nd. The attendance for the 2023 meeting was approximately 120 individuals, from at least 4 states. The theme of the meeting wa
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
Today’s state of economy has really made producers put their pencil to paper and delve into thinking about where their money is going and what operating costs can or need to be tweaked. Since the two main commodities in Campbell County are beef cattle and forages, the ANR Agent utilized several different programs and approaches to appeal to producers and hammer home the key points to become more efficient and competitive in the market. The Beef Efficiency Strategies program was host to 31
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Beef
Farming operations are experiencing rising costs and lower returns. Welcoming new farmers and continuing diversification efforts are crucial to the success of rural economies. The Morgan County Agricultural Comprehensive Plan identifies educational programs which strengthen cattle and forage production, promote new marketing strategies, and assist beginning farmers as those classes most needed. The Ky/Morgan County Agricultural Development Fund helps farmers to implement recomme
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Beef
“With 895,000 head of beef cattle in the commonwealth, Kentucky remains the state with the largest beef inventory east of the Mississippi River,” Commissioner Quarles said. The average cow herd is around 30 head with farmers having an average of 2 bulls. But there is an issue, in rural communities across the nation, there is a large animal veterinarian shortage. The Franklin, Henry, Shelby, and Owen County agriculture and natural resources agents partnered t
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Beef
The problemThe educational program responseThe participants/target audienceOther partners (if applicable)Program impact or participant response.
Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: Beef
With approximately 12,000 beef cows, beef cattle income ranks second in the county. To improve profits and sustainability, beef educational meetings were conducted in cooperation with the Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association. To promote beef in the county, the Association cooked at the C & S, Mission Store customer appreciation, Juneteenth celebration, Murakami employee appreciation, Kentucky Christian School fundraiser, Bluegrass Stockyards customer appreciation, Chamber o
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that improve productivity and profitability. Hamilton Farms has been a part of the UK Farm Program since 2015. Mr. Hamilton resides in Bracken County and runs a small herd of Limousin-influenced cattle. Under the direction of Extension, Mr. Hamilton completely changed his entire beef/forage production system. These changes dou
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Cattle producers have long desired the ability to control the gender or their calf crop. For commercial cattlemen, steers are simply more valuable than heifers and more steers means more potential revenue. Sex-sorted semen has been available for use in artificial insemination (AI) for about 10 years but the conception rate to AI was greatly reduced reducing the profit potential for most cattle producers. Recent developments have resulted in increased conception rate to AI of sex-sorted semen ope
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Some cattle producers strive for complete control of their genetic program and production efficiency. The easiest method for complete control is to incorporate a program designed for all females to conceive to AI (total AI program). The main limiting factor to total AI is labor associated with daily heat detection, cattle handling, and insemination. Electronic systems for estrus detection have been available for many years in the dairy industry. Until recently, these systems were often not appli
Author: Jimmy Henning
Major Program: Beef
2022 Kentucky Backgrounding Short Course Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katie VanValin, Michelle Arnold, Jimmy Henning, Kenny Burdine, Morgan HayesThe second Kentucky backgrounding short course was held December 15 & 16, 2022 at the University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Agriculture Research Center Beef Unit. The program enrollment was 26 individuals and levels of experience varied greatly among the group. The backgrounding short course involved 10 different speakers covering a d
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Beef
The problemFeeding beef cows is a major cost to producers, usually 50-70% of maintaining the animals. Utilizing efficient hay feeding systems can reduce the amount of time a producer spends making hay bales available to animals. The educational program responseTo address this issue, the Ohio Co. Extension Service coordinated with Dr. Steve Higgins, U.K. Ag Engineering, who has developed more efficient hay feeding systems at the Eden Shale Farm. Dr. Higgins visited Ohio Co. to discuss
Author: Morgan Hayes
Major Program: Beef
Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katie VanValin, Michelle Arnold, Jimmy Henning, Kenny Burdine, Morgan HayesThe second Kentucky backgrounding short course was held December 15 & 16, 2022 at the University of Kentucky C. Oran Little Agriculture Research Center Beef Unit. The program enrollment was 26 individuals and levels of experience varied greatly among the group. The backgrounding short course involved 10 different speakers covering a diverse range of subject matter that inclu
Author: Joshua Jackson
Major Program: Beef
Farming, an inherently resource-strapped endeavor, demands access to educational materials that promote safety, functionality, and economic viability in an approachable manner. In recent years, Kentucky beef producers have faced immense economic pressures, resulting in a decline in cow numbers to their lowest level since 1968. However, resilient producers within the cattle industry have proactively sought to handle their cattle more effectively. I have worked with these producers to develop site
