Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Joshua Jackson
Major Program: Beef
Handling facilities and confined beef barns are a significant capital investment for many producers across the state with producers investing up to $10,000 to $250,000 into these facilities respectively. The average lifespan of these structures can typically average 20 years or more. Ensuring not only the longevity and functionality of these structures has been an undertaken by the Livestock Systems Engineers in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineer Department. In developing some of the recom
Author: Robert Kirby
Major Program: Beef
Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region, agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties, KY; Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties, VA; and Claiborne and Hancock Counties, TN held the first annual Cumberland Gap Cattle conference.The goal was to address the needs and to update cattle farmers on new federal regulation changes as well as topics of body conditioning and scoring, minerals, disease prevention and management.Of those in attendance, 33 evaluations were retu
Author: Bryce Roberts
Major Program: Beef
In conjunction with the Louisville Area Beef Cattle Association, the Spencer County Cooperative Extension Service sponsors 2 annual beef production meetings which are held in the spring and fall. The Association works with the Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent to solicit speakers from the University of Kentucky or industries related to beef production. Each meeting averages 75-80 participants for each meeting. During these meeting
Author: Robert Amburgey
Major Program: Beef
A major emphasis this year has been on improving livestock management within the county. The goal this year has been focused on improved grazing strategies and pasture utilization. To accomplish ths, the Bath County Extension office participated in a number of educational programs focused on grazing and promoted a number of statewide efforts on the subject. The All About Beef program was conducted early on to act as a mini master cattlemen with limited sessions focused on
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Beef
~~ The east Kentucky Heifer Development Program which is located in Perry County and managed by the Perry County Cooperative Extension Service has returned more than 1.3 million dollars to east Kentucky beef cattle producers. The 2017 E KY Bred Heifer Sale, which was number 19, had a sale average of $1,416 with the top selling heifer averaging $2,400. Even though the sale averages have been down the last couple years, consignors still were able to see a profit in a de
Author: Adam Barnes
Major Program: Beef
Hay for Texas On August the 25th through the 28th Hurricane Harvey hit Texas with a vengeance. Most news coverage focused on the countless people up rooted from their homes in the cities, but a few reports came out about the farmers in that area. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared 54 counties a disaster area. According to Texas A&M University Livestock economist David Anderson “about 27 percent of the state’s 4.46 million hea
Author: Mary McCarty
Major Program: Beef
Improving genetics on small farms can done many different ways. One way is buy buying a new genetically superior bull. Another way and more economically is to develop heifers from the farm. In the past Eastern Kentucky had a heifer development program in Hazard that farmers could send their heifers and they were developed there. In the winter of 2017 it was announced that the Eastern KY Heifer Development Program was in its last year. Agriculture agents from Elliott
Author: Clinton Hardy
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genet
Author: Evan Tate
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genet
Author: Chadwick Conway
Major Program: Beef
The Eastern Kentucky Integrated Reproduction Management Program was designed by the University of Kentucky Beef Extension Specialist Program to improve beef production in Eastern Kentucky. The Knott County Extension Agriculture Agent recruited three different cow/calf farmers to participate in the program. After two years in the program all three operations now have a controlled calving season. Also, the new opportunities and the ideas they acquired have enabled them to increase additional pound
Author: Vicki Shadrick
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase, while prices remain stable or decreases. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock, often times, takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. During this same time frame, producers will cull their beef cows, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understan
Author: Carol Hinton
Major Program: Beef
I have been able to move one of my farmers into the IRM program. He came to me with a few things he needed assistance with in his beef herd and especially his forages, then I knew I had found the perfect candidate for IRM program. We discussed the IRM program, he gathered the needed information, and attended the required 2 (two) ZOOM meetings to become oriented with the program and how it was going to work. We did a farm visit, set target areas to look for on farm trials,
Author: Bradley Hagan
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genet
Author: Camille Lambert
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genetic traits, the basics of
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Beef
Henry County, like many other former tobacco dependent counties, has had a renewed push towards beef production. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Henry County has nearly $1,000,000 in beef animal sales yearly. However, the average farmer age is ­­­­­57.6 years old according to the National Agriculture Statistically Service, 2016, so the Henry County Extension wanted to find a way to encourage more youth to participate in raising beef. The Henry County Youth Best B
Author: Keith Center
Major Program: Beef
A farm field day was hosted by the Elliott County Agriculture Council and County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources (Keith Center) at the Elliott County Cooperative Extension Office on October 28th, 2017. Topics for the field day included: eastern Kentucky forages, eastern Kentucky Soil Fertility, eastern Kentucky weeds and grasses identification workshop, breeding soundness exams in bulls, and forage and fertility correlation.Concluding the field day was the Beef Quality Assu
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality beef production since the tobacco buyout. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Tobacco settlement funds have been used extensively throughout the state to support the purchase of quality bulls and females in order to increa
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Beef
Kentucky has the largest beef herd east of the Mississippi River (Beef Logic Model). Cattle and calves make up 30% of total animal sales in Clinton County, only second to poultry and eggs (CEDIK Profile, 2014). The four county area group had offered master cattlemen, master stocker, a master grazing school, etc. It was brought to the groups attention that something specific to marketing was needed. Starting in September a cattle marketing series was offered (four sessions). Four counties partici
Author: Jonathan Oakes
Major Program: Beef
Kentucky has the largest beef herd east of the Mississippi River (Beef Logic Model). Cattle and calves are a major part of the agriculture receipts for Russell County. The four county area group had offered master cattlemen, master stocker, a master grazing school, etc. It was brought to the groups attention that something specific to marketing was needed. Starting in September a cattle marketing series was offered (four sessions). Four counties participated in the series, Clinton, Cumberland, R
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Shelby County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting. With these facts in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham, Trimble,
Author: Kevin Perkins
Major Program: Beef
Educating local producers is a high priority in Trimble County. Showing them some of the many opportunities available to land owners wanting to raise beef cattle is the premise of these field days. Livestock is important to Trimble County with pastureland making up 23.8 % of all land in the county and an inventory of 7,653 head of cattle, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Because of the importance and prevalence of cattle production in this area, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham
Author: Eric Baker
Major Program: Beef
With the expanding U.S. beef cattle herds and more beef supply, producers are dealing with lower market prices including reduced fed-cattle futures. In this environment, producers often ask what factors impact cattle prices so they can make the best marketing decisions. In response, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Agriculture/Natural Resources agent for Estill County organized a Cattle Outlook seminar for August 10, 2017. University of Kentucky Extension Livestock Marketing Econ
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Beef
~~As the local agricultural focus continues to diversify from tobacco to other areas, beef cattle has become the main livestock production choice for Laurel County farmers. To help local beef producers increase profits, the Laurel County Cooperative Extension Office collaborated with the Laurel County Cattlemen’s Association to present a series of educational workshops and demonstrations geared toward improving production practices. Educational topics featured: beef futur
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Beef
Due to the local distillery expanding from 4800 gallons of stillage to 58,000 gallons of stillage per day starting in March of 2018, the ANR agent approached the distillery and a beef specialist about having an educational meeting after several questions had been asked on ways to use stillage in cattle operations. A tour of the distillery was organized and a meeting at the extension office after the tour was held to educate producers on ways to use stillage on the farm. 75 producers attended the
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Beef
Between 2007 and 2012, the number of farms in Boyle county has declined but the acres of farm land has increased with 38.8% as pasture land. 77% of agriculture products sold in Boyle county is livestock sales, predominately cattle and calves. Boyle county ANR agent worked with agents in Garrard, Lincoln, and Mercer counties and specialists from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Food and Environment. The Master Cattleman program consists of ten 3-hour sessions with topics related
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Beef
In Adair County, cattle make up the largest sector of the agriculture industry. Ranking 13th in the state, Adair County is the home of 42,000 cows and calves according to 2016 national ag statistics. In the fall of 2017, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service offered a series of three beef management workshops focusing on the care of the growing calf. Session discussions including early life calf health, weaning practices, and quality and care assurance. &nb
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
Fayette and Scott County ANR Agents partnered to cover the needs of the Bourbon County Elite Heifer Sale in the absence of an ANR agent. Prior to the sale, agents divided and conquered to have a presence at the heifer screenings with Tim Dietrich, KDA marketing specialist, to ensure that heifers were bred, identified as natural- bred or artificially inseminated, tagged correctly, met pelvic size measurements, and were high enough quality to be consigned in the sale. Agents also met with the cons
Author: Nicholas Carter
Major Program: Beef
Over the past 17 years the Kentucky Beef Conference has been held at the Fayette County Extension Office. It has been planned mainly by Agriculture Agents from District 4 Extension Area with a few from other Districts along with Beef Cattle and Economic Specialist from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. This regional program has mainly focused on marketing overviews and looking at long term trends of the industry. With the support of several long time Business Community Sponsors
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Beef
The Kentucky Heartland Master Cattlemen Program has had another successful year with 26 registered participants. The Cooperative Extension Services of LaRue, Hardin, and Meade Counties worked with UK Specialists to offer the Master Cattlemen Course to our producers to assist the cattle producers in our area with their operation. A total of 26 producers signed up and attended the Master Cattlemen Course offered. As a result of attending the program, 100% of the participants reported a gain of kno
Author: Chuck Flowers
Major Program: Beef
By the year 2050 Agriculture producers will have to increase food production by 70 %. On the average 76 % of all the land in the four river counties is in crop production. Three of the four counties Ballard, Carlisle, and Fulton County have over 33 million in average crop sales. Hickman County sells over 56 million in crop sales. Even with those numbers we still have an average of 45 million of animal products sold in the four counties. In all four counties there is an av
Author: Tommy Yankey
Major Program: Beef
Anderson County Agricultural Development CouncilMembers of the Anderson County Agricultural Development Council are responsible for dissemination of funds from the Master Settlement Agreement. Board members must review proposals as they are received and evaluate them on the merits of the benefits for Anderson County farmers. As funds become tighter determining how best to benefit all farmers in the county becomes challenging. These monies are often invested back into local communitie
Author: Myron Evans
Major Program: Beef
Beef production continues to be the largest agricultural commodity in Carter County. Beef producers got spoiled with the high beef prices they were receiving in 2013-2014. We all knew it wouldn't last but it still hurt when prices fell. When prices fall, producers begin looking at ways to cut production costs. Their mineral program is where many want to cut. One producer stated that it took 2 calves just to pay for his mineral and he was going back to white salt. When another producer was de
Author: Will Stallard
Major Program: Beef
Beef cattle remains one of the top agriculture commodities in our region but input prices and markets present challenges for producers. County ANR agents in Boyle, Garrard, Mercer and Lincoln counties teamed up to offer the Master Cattlemen program, an intense 10 session look at all aspects of beef cattle production. Agents worked with specialists to offer the program rotating each session throughout the area and as a result saw an increased number of producers participating in the program. Part
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Beef
Beef cattle remains one of the top agriculture commodities in our region but input prices and markets present challenges for producers. County ANR agents in Boyle, Garrard, Mercer and Lincoln counties teamed up to offer the Master Cattlemen program, an intense 10 session look at all aspects of beef cattle production. Agents worked with specialists to offer the program rotating each session throughout the area and as a result saw an increased number of producers participating in the program. Thir
Author: Steven Musen
Major Program: Beef
With over 36,000 acres of pastureland and close proximity to several stockyards, USDA slaughter facilities and urban direct-marketing opportunities through specialty grocery outlets and farmers’ markets, Jessamine County is uniquely positioned to expand and enhance its already strong beef cattle industry. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, Jessamine County has 238 farms producing beef cattle with a total of 15,570 cattle and calves sold with a total value of over $15 million each
Author: Charles May
Major Program: Beef
Three Perry County beef producers, representing 150 brood cows, are participating in the new East Kentucky Integrated Reproduction Management Program. This is a multidisciplinary program that assist producers by adoption of production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. These practices include, having a defined calving season, herd health program and a sound nutritional program.
Author: Kevin Perkins
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, the cost of replacement breeding stock often takes 9 years before a positive return on investment occurs. The need to cull typically coincides with the conclusion of this period, leaving salvage value as the only profit. Understanding genetic traits, the basics of
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Beef
One of the greatest threats to newborn calves is black vultures. These predatory birds are becoming more problematic in the state, attacking vulnerable animals and killing them or injuring them so severely that they must be euthanized. Members of the Johnson Co. Agricultural Advancement Council listed black vultures as a topic of concern for beef producers,Because black vultures are a federally-protected species, there is a complicated process to receive a permit to kill them.Members of the John
Author: Courtney Jenkins
Major Program: Beef
Proper heifer development is one of the key components to profitability in a beef cattle operation. However, producers often face challenges when selecting heifers to develop and keep as replacements for their herd. Understanding the core principles of heifer development enables producers to incorporate management techniques that will ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation and the genetics of their herd. To help producers alleviate the stresses associated with selecting and develop
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Beef
The East Kentucky Heifer Development Project, a program which began more than 19 years ago, allowed East Kentucky cattle producers to deliver heifers to D&D Ranch in Hazard, KY where the heifers were evaluated and would eventually undergo a strict, seven-month development program to return to their respective farm or be sold as quality, replacement bred heifers in a consignment sale. As a result of that program, farmers realized the added-value of developing their heifers and saw improvement
Author: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Beef
Educational programs that strengthen agriculture production skills are a continued priority identified by the Oldham County Extension and Agriculture Councils. In Oldham County, pasture makes up one-third of available farmland and provides grazing for livestock. Livestock are important to Oldham County’s economy, with cattle alone representing over 2.4 million dollars in sales in 2012, according to the last Census of Agriculture. Cattle numbers have remained steady since
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
Scott County ANR Agent partnered with the Lincoln County ANR Agent to aid in the development of up and coming cattle producers in central Kentucky to continue encouraging and educating young and beginner farmers to help them stay in business by coordinating a tour for the Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association. Scott ANR Agent organized and implemented a tour of Dudley Jennings Cattle Company- a diverse operation of seed stock and commercial cows, developing heifers, bulls, feeder calves,
Author: Jay Hettmansperger
Major Program: Beef
The Kentucky Beef Conference has been held in Lexington, Ky for several years. Over 200 beef producers converge on the Fayette County Extension Office every December to here what is happening in the beef industry that will affect their bottom line. University of Kentucky specialist present programs and information that producers can take home and make their operations more profitable. A representative from Cattle Fax presents where the industry is headed in the next year. Producers u
Author: Leann Martin
Major Program: Beef
Responsibility and commitment, animal science knowledge, record keeping, marketing, and leadership are all key components of a successful livestock operation. To help students gain a better understanding of each of these skills, the Logan County Cooperative Extension Service in partnership with the Logan County Cattlemen’s Association and Logan County Hog Committee, sponsored the 2017 4-H & FFA Youth Market Steer/Heifer Show, Sale, and Carcass Contest and the 2017 Logan County Youth Te
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
As in other communities, Shelby County is seeing a renewed interest in “homesteading” (homegrown food production) and a return to small farming. The county has seen steady growth in land ownership in the 1-49 acre range with landowners being a mix of retirees, new-to-farming land owners, and farmers looking to scale-back or diversify their operations away from traditional crops and livestock. Farms reporting sales in the $1-$2500 range numbered 656 in 2012. Due to the inc
Author: Tommy Yankey
Major Program: Beef
Three years ago our office expanded the Beef Integrated Reproductive Management Program from 2 beef herds to 19 herds. The objective of the study is to stimulate long term behavioral changes in management practices designed to increase reproductive performance. The preferred production practices were demonstrated on each farm and the economic benefits were illustrated to help sustain the management changes. Vaccination and de-worming protocols were all adjusted as needed.  
Author: Susan Fox
Major Program: Beef
Improved economics and production practices on beef cattle operations was the purpose of three meetings held this in early 2018.Beef cattle producers were provided education on beef quality and care assurance (BQCA) Certification to ensure humane treatment of animals and a consistent quality product for consumers.Cattle Genetics was presented to 12 farmers by Dr. Darrh Bullock, UK Cattle Genetics Specialist to allow farms to maximize reproduction, milk production and cattle efficiency.Rejuvenati
Author: Jeremy Williams
Major Program: Beef
Although cattle numbers may be small in Harlan County, producers still need educational opportunities to improve their herds. Therefore, the Harlan County Cooperative Extension Service joined efforts with Knox and Bell Counties in Kentucky, three counties in Virginia and three counties in Tennessee to create the Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference. The third annual Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference brought together specialists from the University of Kentucky, Virginia Tech, Uni
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Beef
Kentucky is the largest cow and calf producing state east of the Mississippi River. Simpson, Allen, Warren and Logan Counties rely heavily on income from cattle with just shy of 60,000 beef cows located in this four county area according to the most recent county estimates from the USDA. Cattle producers in these four counties voiced a need for in-depth beef cattle educational programming to help increase profitability. Therefore, Extension Agents for Agriculture in the aforementioned coun
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Beef
Optimizing feed efficiency in a beef herd on small family farms in Lee County is a must for beef producers in become sustainable. The majority of the beef producers in Lee County have limited access to land to operate their beef herds, so they need to utilize the land they have available, in the most efficient ways. The lee County Extension service has addressed this issue with programs on the production on corn silage as a means of producing feed for their beef herds. By utilizing corn silage a
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Beef
Educating local producers is a high priority in Henry County. Showing them some of the many opportunities available to land owners wanting to raise beef cattle is the premise of these field days. Livestock is important to Henry County with pastureland making up 27.2 % of all land in the county and an inventory of 22,770 head of cattle, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture. Because of the importance and prevalence of cattle production in this area, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldh
Author: Levi Berg
Major Program: Beef
According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Henry County has almost $10,000,000 of cattle sales, and a cattle inventory of over 22,000 head. With this being said, cattle production is extremely important to the economic status of Henry Country. With this knowledge, the Henry County Cooperative Extension Service decide to work with the Shelby and Oldham Extension Offices to host the 2017 Master Cattlemen’s Series. The Master Cattlemen’s Series is a ten week beef education series cove
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
Scott ANR Agent partnered with Scott County High School Agriculture department to educate advanced animal science students on ruminant care, nutrition, and management while training them to become certified in Beef Quality Assurance and Cattle Handling & Care. These students would have the opportunity to “test out” of introductory animal science classes at the collegiate level due to the AP test. If they did, they would not have the opportunity and experience of dissecting rumina
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Beef
Appropriate levels of dietary minerals such as zinc, selenium, and copper are essential for cattle to maintain good immune health and to remain productive. For several years, the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service has collected a group order for mineral mixed according to the University of Kentucky's Integrated Resource Management standards. This allows producers to get a UK-approved product at a better price than they could get individually. The Northeast Livestock Association, Eas
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Beef
In recent years traditional livestock husbandry has come under attack by the media and special interest groups. A few bad actors have further perpetuated a negative mindset of modern livestock practices in the minds of consumers. Maintain a positive image of cattle farms and farm families in the mind of consumers is paramount for farmers to continue to realize all time market highs.Extension specialists and agents from the University of Kentucky collaborated with farmer leaders from ar
Author: Shane Bogle
Major Program: Beef
Kentucky remains the largest cow and calf producing state east of the Mississippi River. Producers in Caldwell, Crittenden, and Trigg County rely heavily on income generated from cattle production. The past success of the Master Cattlemen Program has helped spread the word of the benefits of participation in the minds of new and seasoned producers alike. Agents in the above mentioned counties used waiting lists to offer the Master Cattlemen Program. 29 producers from 4 cou
Author: Samantha Anderson
Major Program: Beef
The modern agriculture industry faces scrutiny from consumers at all stages of production. The Beef Quality Assurance certification program is a valuable resource to educate consumers on modern agricultural practices. The Beef Quality Assurance program is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common-sense husbandry techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise cattle under
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Beef
The County Cooperative Extension Services of Trigg, Caldwell and Crittenden counties hosted a series of Master Cattlemen meetings. The meetings were well attended by producers, twenty seven producers from four counties were in attendance. 26 of the 27 completed all the requirements for the Master Cattleman Program and were awarded their certificates and farm signs. The Master Cattleman program is an intensive educational program developed by The University of Ken
Author: Dee Heimgartner
Major Program: Beef
According to the 2012 agriculture census, Crittenden County has over 13,000 head of cattle. Seven of those Crittenden County beef producers participated in a Master Cattleman Series hosted by the Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension agents in Crittenden, Caldwell, and Trigg Counties. A total of 26 cattle farmers from the three counties participated in the 10 week series. Each class featured a topic related to cattle production and was taught by UK Extension Specialists.As a result of this
Author: Clay Stamm
Major Program: Beef
In Clark County Kentucky along with many regions of the state, livestock farmers produce and feed forages that are harvested on their own farm. The problem is many of these producers just assume by appearance of the forage that it makes great livestock feed; however, that is not always the case. In an attempt to bring light to this issue, the Clark County Cattleman’s Association sponsored a “hay testing week” for Clark County producers. The Clark County Cooperative Extension Of
Author: Gregg Rentfrow
Major Program: Beef
The UK Meat Cutting School offer its first ever Beef Processing Workshop. This was a 2 1/2 day workshop that provided eight individuals with as much hands-on experience as possible. The participants watched the meat lab staff slaughter a beef animal before being able to process an animal on their own. There were five cattle available, which provided plenty of hands-on opportunity. The eight participants ranged from current meat processors, to potential meat processor want
Author: Jessica Barnes
Major Program: Beef
The beef industry is a large part of Harrison County and many of the clients that I have through Extension have some type of cattle operation on their farm. With that being said many producers ask about having beef classes throughout the winter months. In the past we have always done about two courses throughout the winter on beef related issues. This past winter, I decided to hold a Winter Beef Series that included 4 different classes held every Monday evening for 4 weeks. These classes w
Author: Jessica Barnes
Major Program: Beef
I was approached by Ben Crites a little over a year ago asking if there might be any producers in Harrison County that would be willing to participate in the Beef IRM Program. I identified 4 producers, Megan Baxter, Matthew Brown, Phil Terhune, and the Harrison County FFA School Farm that were excited to learn more about the program. So far we have worked the cattle on all of the farms except one and all of the producers have learned something new and tried something new that they ha
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Beef
Beef production continues to grow in our county and our educational outreach grows along side. In 2017-18 we introduced some new programs intended to help improve forages on the farm. I felt that knowing the forage quality on the farm is important enough that I began an on farm sample taking effort. This involves me going to the farm an pulling the samples for the farmer and then sending them to the lab for testing. Once the sample information returns recommendations are
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Beef
The annual Laurel County Cattlemen’s Heifer sale has been conducted each spring for the last six years at the Massey Limousin Farms private sale facility. In preparation for the sale, the Cattlemen would spend several days cleaning and retrofitting the facility to accommodate approximately 100 heifers raised by up to 16 producers. After the sale, the Cattlemen would spend several more days cleaning the facility and repairing damage done by crowded and stressed animals. Wet w
Author: Karin Pekarchik
Major Program: Beef
In 2018, the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) began a new yearly program, the BAE Ag Engineering Showcase. This in-service training for Cooperative Extension Service Animal and Natural Resource agents was conceived as a way to introduce recently hired extension faculty in BAE and to highlight the department’s current engineering programs. Extension engineers in the department delivered lectures and applied activities on five different ag engineering topics. Twelv
Author: Kevin Bullock
Major Program: Beef
Proper handling and care of cattle is important to the beef industry and beef producers as a whole. During a workshop of leading Kentucky beef cattle farmers held in 2012, proper handling and care was identified as one of the top five industry concerns. Based on this information an educational program on cattle handling and care was developed and a certification process was implemented to acknowledge beef producers who successfully completed the program. The program centered on an educational vi
Author: Kevin Bullock
Major Program: Beef
An innovative program is providing educational programming for beginning beef farmers and educational experience for Animal and Food Sciences students at the University of Kentucky. A collaborative educational program was developed by the Animal and Food Sciences’ Beef Cattle Science instructors (Drs. Darrh Bullock, Jeff Lehmkuhler and Les Anderson), Dr. Michelle Arnold and local ANR agents (Nick Carter, Adam Probst, Brandon Sears and Tommy Yankey) to assist inexperienced beef cattle farme
Author: Karin Pekarchik
Major Program: Beef
Engineering touches food, energy, agricultural, biological, and environmental systems throughout Kentucky, so it is critical for the links between the university, Cooperative Extension Service agents, and Kentucky’s farmers to be continually renewed. To strengthen its connection to Cooperative Extension Service agents, the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering (BAE) debuted a quarterly newsletter in the winter of 2017. In the newsletters, faculty with Cooperative Exten
Author: Will Stallard
Major Program: Beef
In 2017 I was able to partner with UK Beef specialists and technician to integrate two different year round calving beef herds into defined spring and fall calving beef herds. We accomplished this through pregnancy checking cows and dividing them into their respective calving season. We also began utilizing MGA to synchronize the cows to come into heat for breeding in a shorter window. We were able to manage bulls in and out of the cow herds for 90-120 day calving seasons with the goal of each p
Author: Benjamin Rudy
Major Program: Beef
By the year 2050 Agriculture producers will have to increase food production by 70 %. On the average 76 % of all the land in the four river counties is in crop production. Three of the four counties Ballard, Carlisle, and Fulton County have over 33 million in average crop sales. Hickman County sells over 56 million in crop sales. Even with those numbers we still have an average of 45 million of animal products sold in the four counties. In all four counties there is an av
Author: Jacob Brandenburg
Major Program: Beef
After months of working directly with the management of the Henderson Settlement Farm program I was able to establish a record keeping system. This Record keeping system made from a excel spreadsheet give the settlement a foundation to assess their cattle herd based on age and reproductive stage. It give them a accurate head count of cattle that they had ownership of as well as the sex, age, health status, body condition score, and pregnancy stage.
Author: Jacob Brandenburg
Major Program: Beef
In my role to help the settlements farm program I noticed that none of the farms that had cattle had safe handling facilities for the cattle or the farmer. In order to assure the safety of the cattle and the farmer that would be working with the operation, I advocated time to seek resources in the community that would help to sponsor this issue and director of the settlement school to implement safe handling facilities. After speaking on the behalf of the settlement the local farm bureau donated
Author: Jacob Brandenburg
Major Program: Beef
Cattle herd health at the Henderson settlement was non-existent when I started. I worked with the management of the settlement to explain why the cattle would need a annual vaccination plan and implement those protocols. I worked with boehringer ingelheim to obtain over 1200 of free medicines that could be used to start the implementation of vaccinations. Those medicines consisted of 2 50 dose bottles of a 7-way to treat viral diseases and 2 50 dose bottles of blackleg medicine and 2.5 liters of
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
The Mexican vulture, commonly referred to as the black-headed buzzard, is a species of migratory birds that are protected by federal legislation. This species of vultures are predacious and have caused detrimental loss to farmers in Kentucky by preying on newborn or weakened calves, lambs, and other types of livestock. This has presented a difficult challenge for farmers to protect their livestock from these vultures since they are protected by federal law and they cannot eliminate problem birds
Author: Douglas Shepherd
Major Program: Beef
Local cattlemen's association programs held this year included: Government Cost-Share and Reimbursement Programs offered thru FSA, Beef Marketing Programs, Beef Reproduction, and Nuisance Wildlife Management. Master Cattlemen Series completed with producers from Hardin, LaRue and Meade Counties. Two van loads of producers attended the first Midwest Beef Summit held in Owensboro. Two shipments of cattle made in the Beef Retained Ownership Program, one in January 2018 involvi
Author: Douglas Shepherd
Major Program: Beef
Four local beef operations have enrolled in and are participating in an extensive beef reproduction program being conducted in conjunction with the UK Beef IRM Committee. Two of the operations involve young, new Extension clientele, one involves a producer that hasn'r participated in any Extension programs for many years, and the other one is very much involved in Extension. All these producers are using estrus synchronization and AI to better manage reproduction and marketing on
Author: Jeffrey Lehmkuhler
Major Program: Beef
The 5th Kentucky Beef Efficiency Conference was well attended in Lexington. Participants from more than 35 counties from across the Commonwealth attended the program. The Kentucky Beef Efficiency Conference, supported by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, is a key educational event bringing expertise from across the United States to the Commonwealth for the beef industry in the state.Mr. Warren Beeler, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Agricultural Policy, shared how
Author: Jeffrey Lehmkuhler
Major Program: Beef
As part of the Applied Master Cattleman program, extension specialists at the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Beef Network hosted the Weaning 101 Workshop at the Eden Shale Farm in Owenton, KY in the fall of 2017. The program is aimed at increasing beef cattle managers’ confidence in managing calves from pre-weaning followed by a short post-weaning backgrounding period prior to marketing. Even though we intended to limit enrollment to 30 to ensure hands-on opportunities for all par
Author: Jeffrey Lehmkuhler
Major Program: Beef
Two farms were identified to demonstrate the utilization of temporary electrified fencing systems to wean beef calves prior to marketing. The farms were located in Clark and Mason counties. It is often the case that calves are sold without being weaned. Calves marketed directly after removal from their dams undergo tremendous stress associated with dam separation, transportation, handling at market places and commingling. Lack of weaning on farms in many cases is due to a lack of perma
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Beef
Local cattlemen's association programs held this year included: Livestock Indemnity program through FSA, Feeder Cattle Marketing Decisions, Rejuvenating Rundown Pastures, Calving Management and Care, Soil Sampling and fertilization, Livestock Nutrition, Cattle handling and vaccine protocol field day, County Ag Investment Program, and Crop insurance options for hay and pasture. 88% said they attend local cattlemen's events to lean more about the cattle industry. 93% said that attendi
Author: Gregory Whitis
Major Program: Beef
McCreary County Beef Cattle Educational Programs Importance: In the latest US Agriculture Statistics Beef Cattle accounted for fifty eight percent of the Agriculture Income for McCreary County Farmers. Educational Program: Monthly educational programs related to Beef Cattle Production was held. Programs presented were: Fall Calving, Stockpiling Fescue, NRCS Programs, Vehicle Enforcement, Private Pesticide Certification, UK Extension Vet, Kentucky Beef Network, FSA Programs, Direct Mark
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Beef
We often hear of the United States population being generations removed from agriculture. Even in rural Clinton County, young people are growing up with a great disconnect between themselves and where their food comes from. The Clinton County Extension Service hosted a Beef Day for 145 third grade students at Albany Elementary. The ANR Agent spoke to the group early in the day on beef cattle farming and included a discussion on beef production and how cattle are bought and sold at the local live
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Beef
In early 2017 a group of local cattle producers became interested in developing a special bred heifer sale. The group saw a need for a local sale due to the lack of heifer sales in the area and producers having bred heifers to offer, through on-farm sales. The Agriculture Agents in Clinton and Cumberland Counties, as well as a representative of the Kentucky Beef Network and the local stockyards began meeting with the sale committee made up of local producers. Monthly meetings were
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality beef production since the tobacco buyout. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Similar situations exist in neighboring Henry and Oldham counties, leading the agents to host the 2017 Master Cattlemen’s Series. The Mast
Author: Jerry Little
Major Program: Beef
Livestock production remains a major force in the agriculture economy in Boyle county. A University of Kentucky specialist was on the program for our area forage meeting and he discussed ways of becoming efficient and protecting the environment at the same time, whlie feeding livestock in the winter. As a result of the meeting the ANR agent was contacted by two producers that wanted a farm visit set up with the specialist so they could discuss in greater depth their feeding operations and
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Beef
The quality of a beef herd is directly affected by the selection and health of the herd’s bull. In an effort to ensure that local beef producer’s bulls are ready for the breeding season, Boone and Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service offers bull soundness exams (BSE) in cooperation with a local veterinarian. A basic BSE evaluates, physical soundness, reproductive tract soundness, required scrotal circumference, determination of sperm cell count and sperm mobility. According to
Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: Beef
With approximately 12,000 beef cows in Taylor County, income ranks third in the state. To improve profits and sustainability, educational meetings were conducted in cooperation with the Taylor County Cattlemen’s Association. These meetings included topics on Nutrition, Beef Updates, Mineral, Sire Selection and Forage Selection. Due to educational meetings and member benefits, membership is at 252. Interest in educational programs has stimulated producers to take advantage of the CAIP progr
Author: Patrick Hardesty
Major Program: Beef
According to the 2012 Ag. Census, Taylor County has 5,642 acres on 63 farms with a woman as principal operator. This is a loss of 7 farms and 600 acres from the 2007 Ag Census. With the loss of women as principal farm operators, Adair, Green and Taylor County Extension Services cooperated in conducting a state pilot Master Cattlewoman Shortcourse. The shortcourse was developed to enhance the participants’ knowledge of beef production, to network with each other and promote leadership
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Beef
The Master Cattleman Program is the flagship educational program for Kentucky cattle producers. It incorporates all phases of beef production into an intensive educational effort challenging Kentucky beef producers to be competitive and successful. Participants receive 40 hours of classroom instruction divided equally among 10 topic areas: Management skills for the beef business Forage production and utilization Nutrition for optimum production Environmental stewardshipIndust
Author: Don Sorrell
Major Program: Beef
For the past 4 years, Campbell County beef programs have focused on reproductive efficiency. This program has resulted in a significant increase in reproductive efficiency through the implementation of production practices such as MGA (feed additive) or CIDR’s (controlled internal drug releasing devices) to synchronize beef herds, replacement heifers and late calving cows. Continued use of blood testing has shown excellent pregnancy testing results.During the 2017-2018 Extension progr
Author: Chris Ammerman
Major Program: Beef
The topography of northern Kentucky is will suited for the production of forage & livestock. As farmers look to diversify their farming operation, many logically consider the expansion of their cattle production.The Grant County Cooperative Extension Service in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Resource Management Program, the Kentucky Beef Network, and Extension Service Offices in Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Gallatin, Carroll, Pendleton, and Owen counties conducted
Author: Clay Stamm
Major Program: Beef
In Clark County and many other parts of the state, beef cattle producers are not managing their herds as well as they could to maximize on-farm profit. In an effort to combat this, the University of Kentucky has created the Beef IRM (Integrated Resource Management) program to assist farmers in beef herd management with a large emphasis on reproduction. For this story, a partnership was formed between a producer, county agent, and UK Beef IRM team to better manage a cow-calf herd of Clark County
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Beef
Beef Production in Mason County is a major revenue to the livestock sector with nearly 25,000 head according to the 2015 agriculture statistics. As the future of tobacco production looks bleak, more producers are focusing higher management levels to beef herds to increase on-farm income. Over the last 6-7 years, the Mason County Extension Service has worked with producers to better antiquate beef production through weighing weaned calves and follow-up weighing before selling to see
Author: Gregory Comer
Major Program: Beef
Cow longevity is a trait that can have great economic importance to commercial beef cattle producers. Typically, the costs associated with developing replacement females requires 8-9 years of productivity before a positive return on investment occurs. Thus, the increased costs associated with early culling of a female from the herd negatively impacts profitability. Beef producers in Ohio County and the Green River Area have identified the need to extend animal productivity by 2-3 years, thu
Author: Clinton Hardy
Major Program: Beef
The cost of production, in all aspects of agriculture, continues to increase while prices remain stable or decrease. This scenario requires producers to analyze each decision as it relates to margin management. For cow/calf operations, feed is one of the greatest expenses. Allowing animals to graze forage is the least expensive feed option, but intense management is needed for maximum utilization. Grain farmers view yield as bushels per acr
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Beef
Over the past twenty years, Kentucky agriculture has transitioned from predominately tobacco to beef production, becoming the largest beef producing state east of the Mississippi. In order to prepare producers to be efficient and profitable, both Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources and Beef Extension Specialists present the Kentucky Beef Conference annually.The farm operations of producers attending vary in size, with most (46%) of the producers havin
Author: James Morgeson
Major Program: Beef
Washington County's portion of the 2017 Tobacco Settlement funds was $168,000. The local Agriculture Development Board voted to use $102,000 for the local CAIP program and $65,000 for the Next Generation Farmer Program. Each program was facilitated by the Washington County Cattlemen's Group and was a 50/50 cost share. Farmers participating in the CAIP program spent $3000 and received $1500 while those in the Next Generation Program spent $5000 and received $2500.
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Beef
Jackson County ranks 56th in the state for number of cattle at 14,000 head and 58th in cash sales from cattle at $5,745,000, making cattle 58% of Jackson County’s agriculture revenue. With this many producers and cattle in Jackson County, a need for an Artificial insemination certification class developed. The Jackson County Extension Agent worked closely with the Jackson County Cattlemen’s, University specialists, and Select Sires to plan and implement an Artificial insemination cla
Author: Heather Graham
Major Program: Beef
Proper heifer development is one of the key components to profitability in a beef cattle operation. However, producers in Eastern KY often face challenges when selecting heifers to develop and keep as replacements for their herd. Understanding the core principles of heifer development enables producers to incorporate management techniques that will ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation and the genetics of their herd. To help producers, a group of ANR agents offered "Developin
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Beef
Adequate mineral consumption in beef cattle is very important to the health of the animal and the production of the animal. Lee County cattle producers sells around $2,000,000.00 of beef each year. The past several years I have noticed that many of the beef producers in Lee County does not provide year round, appropriate mineral for their beef heard. Many of these same producers have reported low weight gains and poor reproduction rates. 12 beef farmers where involved in a hands on B
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Leslie Anderson
Major Program: Beef
Reproductive success governs production efficiency in beef cow-calf operations. The University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Reproductive Management (Beef IRM) team developed a multi-disciplinary program to help cattlemen adopt production practices that favor high reproductive rates in their cow herds. The educational model of this program combines traditional classroom with an extensive hands-on, learn-by-doing methodology. UK Extension employs this model as an effort to increase behavior modific
Author: Tad Campbell
Major Program: Beef
With beef cattle production being the major livestock industry in Mason County and tobacco production becoming more limited in the county, focus has shifted to increased management for beef operations. Producers in the county are seeking higher management techniques to increase efficiency and profit in beef production. The Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent along with the University of Kentucky Livestock Engineering Specialists visited two local farms to help design cattle han
Author: Andy Mills
Major Program: Beef
Over the last few years the youth market beef project has been in decline in numbers of youth participating. One reason for this decline is the trend in which the project has gone to where it is more of a competition than a learning experience. Competition is healthy. However, it seems some parents tend to want their child to win at any expense. Therefore, families that can afford it tend to scour the U.S. to find the "best" show animal at no matter the price tag. This goes against the
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Beef
Beef provides essential nutrients that support a heart-healthy lifestyle including protein, zinc, iron and vitamin B. However, beef costs continue to increase making traditional muscle cuts cost prohibitive for regular consumption for many families. As a result, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and the Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences collaborated with the Simpson County Cattlemen's Association and Western Kentucky University Meats Professor, Dr. Hunter Ga
Author: Joanna Coles
Major Program: Beef
Kentucky is the largest cow and calf producing state east of the Mississippi River. Simpson, Allen, Warren and Logan Counties rely heavily on income from cattle with just shy of 60,000 beef cows located in this four county area according to the most recent county estimates from the USDA. Cattle producers in these four counties voiced a need for in-depth beef cattle educational programming to help increase profitability. Therefore, Extension Agents for Agriculture in the aforementioned coun
Author: Myron Evans
Major Program: Beef
The Northeast Area Livestock Association has been conducting a group mineral order for about 15 years. In the beginning, agent obtained labels from the top minerals to find the one that wast closest to the UK IRM mineral guidelines. A Southern States mineral seemed to be the best mineral on the shelf that could be found locally. Agent obtained bids and the local Southern States Farm Store won the first bid. Agent soon discovered a mineral plant in Fleming County. The NEALA toured the
Author: Kevin Perkins
Major Program: Beef
Being able to bring up to date scientific data and procedures is what Extension is really about. We are able to let the local and state producers come together and learn from the best. This was extremely true when we put together the recent "Fetal Programming" program. Partnering with our Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, Dr. Michele Arnold and Beef Nutrition Specialist from Purina, Dr. Lee Dickerson, that goal was made. While detailing each persons specialities, the clientele was able
Author: Whitney Carman
Major Program: Beef
Based on the 2012 Census of Agriculture, beef production in Grayson County makes up over 52% of total animal sales. Therefore, beef (and forage) education continues to be a top priority for the Grayson County Cooperative Extension Service. Grayson County Cattlemen’s and Grayson County Cooperative Extension Service have had a long standing partnership with beef and forage field days in the county. This year was no different, however the two parties decided to incorporate more educational op
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 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 the Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia to obtain resources and often farm in more than one state. Collaborating with the adj
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Beef
In Adair County, cattle operations make up 765 of the total 1243 farms. Overall, 8% of those farms are defined as having a female principal operator and 39% are defined as having a female operator involved with the farm. (USDA Census 2012). These statistics are just one example of evidence of the important role women play in agriculture. Educational efforts targeting women in agriculture is just one more method the Cooperative Extension Service improves communities within
Author: Ricky Arnett
Major Program: Beef
With the loss of women as principal farm operators, Adair, Green and Taylor County Extension Services cooperated in conducting a state pilot Master Cattlewoman Shortcourse. The shortcourse was developed to enhance the participants’ knowledge of beef production, to network with each other and promote leadership development. Educational sessions included: Facility Design, Livestock/Environmental Concerns, Industry Resources, Health, Pasture Considerations, Forages/Nutrition and Producer
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Beef
Beef cattle continues to be one of the leading agricultural commodities in Mercer County and a large percentage of producers background cattle. ANR agents in Mercer, Boyle, Lincoln and Garrard counties team up each year to offer a educational program around this segment of the industry each year. 74 producers attended the meeting this year and they were surveyed on how attending these meetings have impacted their operations. Over 80% of producers attending the meeting indicated
Author: David Embrey
Major Program: Beef
Edmonson County is home to nearly 17,000 head of beef cattle. Most of the available land in the county is best suited for pasture and hay production. Successful beef production depends upon many factors, several of which producers have no control over, such as weather and market volatility. Of the ones which that they do have some control, herd bull selection is a critical part of building a strong, sustainable beef herd. Many factors play a role in the choice of a sire. Due to this, and with in
Author: Camille Lambert
Major Program: Beef
When you think about Kentucky cattle, Henderson County may not always be the first county you think of. Although not too many, Henderson County has several cattle operations. A problem that all cattle farmers face year after year is herd health. The importance of using balanced diets in a beef cattle feeding program is well documented, however convincing some cattle producers how important it is to provide a balanced diet to their animals can sometimes be quite challenging. Most c
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. Th
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Beef
The Trigg County Cooperative Extension Service in Cooperation with UK Extension Specialists offered a Beef IRM program to producers in Trigg County in early 2018. The program was to be specific to each operation and designed to help each producer meet his or her goals in beef production. One operation that was interested in the program early on and was willing to make changes to their management has already been very successful with the practices they implemented. &nbs
Author: Glen Roberts
Major Program: Beef
Collaborators: 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 committee Situation: After attending Master Cattlemen and other beef nutrition educational sessions taught by University of KY Beef nutrition specialists Wayne County Cattlemen became aware of the need to purchase better minerals for their cowherds. They also learned that they coul
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Beef
Beef and forage production remains the backbone of the agricultural economy in Morgan County following the loss of income from tobacco production in the early to mid-2000’s.Strengthening these two areas is a priority of the Morgan County Ag Development Board.Based on strong forage programming and demonstration projects at the Extension Farm, more forage producers are participating in hay testing. A record number for Morgan County of both samples (75) submitted and number of participa
Author: Jay Stone
Major Program: Beef
The importance of using balanced diets in a beef cattle feeding program is well documented, however convincing some cattle producers to go to the extra effort of providing a balanced diet to their animals can sometimes be quite challenging. Most beef producers are part time producers and are quite content to simply provide a roll of hay and a protein block and see no value in knowing the nutrient content of the forage they are feeding. By the same token, we as extension educators routinely offer
Author: Kevin Laurent
Major Program: Beef
Kentucky's beef industry can be generally classified as a cow calf state. Meaning that most beef producers in Kentucky maintain brood cow herds that produce calves on the farm which are then sold at weaning. The Certified Preconditioned for Health (CPH-45) Feeder Calf Program is a long established extension program that encourages cow-calf producers to maintain ownership of calves at least 45 days post weaning prior to marketing. The program includes a health/management pro
Author: Lindie Huffman
Major Program: Beef
The average yearly expense of owning a herd bull is $722 per annum. Producers with managed breeding windows utilize the bull's services for only 2 months of the year, while they maintain his health and nutrition for the duration. Bulls come with not only economic costs, but also opportunity costs. To maintain only one herd bull limits genetic opportunity and also increases the risk of injury. In 2017, a member of the local Cattlemen's Association expressed interest in attending a school
Author: Matthew Adams
Major Program: Beef
With the recent downturn in cattle markets, many producers are left wondering what they can do to increase profit in the cow herd. With favorable and not so favorable markets alike, good marketing strategies always make a positive impact on net farm income. Hardin County has long had participation in the Tri County Steer Carcass Futurity program, which partners with Iowa State University to retain ownership on home raised feeder calves through the finishing phase, while collecting perf
Author: Nicholas Carter
Major Program: Beef
Fayette and Scott County ANR Agents partnered to cover the needs of the Bourbon County Elite Heifer Sale in the absence of an ANR agent. Prior to the sale, agents divided and conquered to have a presence at the heifer screenings with Tim Dietrich, KDA marketing specialist, to ensure that heifers were bred, identified as natural- bred or artificially inseminated, tagged correctly, met pelvic size measurements, and were high enough quality to be consigned in the sale. Agents also met with the cons
Author: Morgan Hayes
Major Program: Beef
In summer 2017, I made a site visit to beef operation in the process of building a cow-calf confinement barn. I provided feedback on the facility design and management strategies for the barn. The farmer completed construction in fall 2017 that is nearing one year inside the barn currently. In two follow-up conversations, the farmer has expressed pleasure with the facility and commented that our discussion during the construction phase led to some design changes that were advantageous. Both chan
