Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Beef
Beef producers put a lot of effort into raising, breeding, and feeding cattle. These producers must also have a strategy for selling these cattle. For those producers who do not have a clear direction and goals for marketing their cattle there may be lost income opportunities. Local cattlemen indicated that they wish to have a program aimed at developing and maintaining a marketing plan. The Kenton County Extension office offered a Beef Marketing class in early September. Worki
Author: Kendal Bowman
Major Program: Beef
Cattle play a vital role in shaping the agricultural scene across America, serving as a source of food and livelihood for many. Kentucky stands proudly among the top 10 states in the country for cattle production. Recently, a farmer, seeking ways to minimize feed costs and maximize profits, approached the Owen County Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent for guidance.In response to this inquiry, the county agent collaborated with an Extension Beef Specialist to analyze the farmer's existing
Author: David Coffey
Major Program: Beef
The Wilderness Trail Area ANR agents met in the spring of 2023 to begin planning a series of chute side beef programs. These programs were designed with the intentions to allow producers to stand along side agents at the working chute. Live demonstrations of beef quality care and assurance practices, reproduction procedures, weighing cattle, freeze branding and general management practices would be conducted chute side. The agent team discussed the fact that many
Author: Garrard Coffey
Major Program: Beef
The Wilderness Trail Area ANR agents met in the spring of 2023 to begin planning a series of chute side beef programs. These programs were designed with the intentions to allow producers to stand along side agents at the working chute. Live demonstrations of beef quality care and assurance practices, reproduction procedures, weighing cattle, freeze branding and general management practices would be conducted chute side. The agent team discussed the fact that many t
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Beef
Each year in October, Lincoln County has their annual Beef Expo. This marks my second Beef Expo that I have been apart of since acting as their ANR Extension Agent. As we had planned for several months all came together one evening in October for a great night of friends, fellowship, Learning, and of course Beef. This event is held at the fairgrounds due to the size of the crowd that attends. There were 20 plus sponsors there that night that set up a booth for the trade show. Participants got to
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Beef
The Wilderness Trail Area ANR agents met in the spring of 2023 to begin planning a series of chute side beef programs. These programs were designed with the intentions to allow producers to stand alongside agents at the working chute. Live demonstrations of beef quality care and assurance practices, reproduction procedures, weighing cattle, freeze branding and general management practices would be conducted chute side. The agent team discussed the fact that many times these pra
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Beef
Beef producers need BQCA certification not just to meet certain cost-share and program requirements but also to know how to be good stockmen and properly handle their cattle. While many have been trained and certified, there are still those that are new producers or otherwise haven't yet for various reasons.The Franklin and Henry County ANR agents teamed up with KSU to offer a chute-side hands-on training, primarily targeting KSU's audience of small, limited resource producers.KSU's
Author: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Beef
Beef cattle producers deal with parasite infestations in cattle that can cause the herd to be unhealthy and not producing to their potential. Many producers in Boone County use the same dewormer each time they deworm cattle.An educational program was planned and conducted to aid cattle producers in learning properly when to deworm, how to deworm, and the importance of switching up dewormers to efficiently control parasites in their herds.Cattle producers agreed that controlling parasites is an i
Author: William Adkins
Major Program: Beef
The Wilderness Trail Area ANR agents met in the spring of 2023 to begin planning a series of chute side beef programs. These programs were designed with the intentions to allow producers to stand along side agents at the working chute. Live demonstrations of beef quality care and assurance practices, reproduction procedures, weighing cattle, freeze branding and general management practices would be conducted chute side. The agent team discussed
Author: Stacy White
Major Program: Beef
The Wilderness Trail Area ANR agents met in the spring of 2023 to plan a series of chute side beef programs. These programs were designed with the intention of allow producers to stand alongside agents at the working chute. Live demonstrations of beef quality care and assurance practices, reproduction procedures, cattle weighing, freeze branding and general management practices would be conducted chute side. The agent team discussed the fact that many times these
Author: Corinne Belton
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Shelby County. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County ranks 18th in Kentucky for sales of cattle/calves with more than $15 million in annual sales, 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 mi
Author: Megan McCoun
Major Program: Beef
Beef production is one of Henry County's largest commodities at almost $11 million in sales of cattle and calves and over 27,000 in cattle inventory. Many of the farmers who once relied heavily on dairy and tobacco as their main income transitioned to beef in the late 90s and early 2000s. Extension programming has matched that transition. Through a partnership between Extension Agents and Cattlemen’s Associations in Henry, Oldham, Shelby, and Trimble Counties, the Regional Beef Field D
Author: Jason Phillips
Major Program: Beef
Simpson County Beef producers expressed a desire to see the University of Kentucky Meat Science Lab and to tour the Eden Shale Farm in Owenton, KY. The meats lab tour provided insight that was beneficial for all beef producers and especially helpful to those that produce direct-to-consumer beef products. The Eden Shale Farm featured many practices from the University of Kentucky and Kentucky Beef network that are extremely practical for producers to utilize on their own farm. A
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 assists 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: Traci Johnson
Major Program: Beef
Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Oldham County. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, cattle ranked 3rd in Oldham County for market value of products sold, representing over 2.6 million dollars. Several Oldham County farmers are processing beef to sell locally, capitalizing on demand from Louisville and surrounding suburbs. Additionally, there are several seedstock beef operations in Oldham County. All these factors emphasize the need for beef producer
Author: Michelle Simon
Major Program: Beef
Campbell County ANR Agent collaborated with the Northern Kentucky area ANR agents to offer a Regional Beef Field Day at Eden Shale Farm. This field day offered opportunities to learn about footing options for holding pens, handling facilities, watering options, fall nutrition and how to develop and select replacement heifers. Campbell County farms are not growing in size unfortunately, so farmers must be innovative to improve production in every aspect of the farm while being cost-effective. Man
Author: Jessica James
Major Program: Beef
The Henderson County Cattlemen's Association has been inactive for a few years and I decided to try and get Cattlemen's meetings going again. This is a great way for beef producers to get together and talk about what practices they may have implemented on their farm. They can discuss things that have worked for them and things that may have not. This is also a great opportunity to have specialists come and speak at the meetings because then they can ask the specialists any questions they
Author: Jessica James
Major Program: Beef
I partnered with Union and Webster County to have a Beef Field Day in Henderson County. This was at Kevin Martin's farm. Specialists came and discussed topics such as backgrounding, body condition, drone spraying, hay nutrition value and a KBN discussion. We had a great turnout for this field day. We had around 70 people show up. We had various counties there including Daviess, McLean, Henderson, Webster and Union. The goal was to have a field day with information on different timely topics
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Beef
The Adair County Cooperative Extension Service provides educational programs, research, demonstrations, and services to help farmer improve beef production. According to USDA, Over 500 farmers care for 37,500 head of cattle in Adair County.The Basic Beef program cooperates with local farmers to implement practices in reproduction, genetic improvements, and forage management. Research conducted on local farms measuring improvements in soil fertility by unrolling hay during winter-feedi
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. Dr. Higgins reported his findings on the practices that were
Author: Timothy Estes
Major Program: Beef
Cattle prices are currently near historic highs. Even with those high prices it is as important as ever to make wise decisions that affect your bottom line. A decision that is not as often thought about as intensive as it should be is heifer selection. To bring awareness to this the Hart County Ag and Natural Resource agent held a Heifer selection class on November 8, 2023. Fourteen producers attended the session representing over 300 head of cattle. UK Extension Be
Author: Maggie Forsee
Major Program: Beef
The problemSince COVID, there have been a major spike in beef producers wanting to finish and sell their beef to the public. For Carroll County specifically there have been producers that have been wanting to expand their operation as well. The educational program responseIn response to this issue, I have worked with Dr. VanValin, Dr. Rentfrow, and Trackside Butcher shoppe to put together a three part series. The first program of the series is management of finishing cattle, the second is f
Author: Keenan Bishop
Major Program: Beef
For several years the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association Board had expressed a desire to create a Junior Chapter. Not only to retain youth in the production of cattle and advocates of beef consumption but as future leaders of their organization.The Secretary took the initiative to found the Jr. Association and enlisted 3 more advisors. After recruiting over 30 interested founding members and hosting several educationally fun events the advisors focused on monthly education opportunities
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. They sponsor a tour every year for their members to see and learn what others are doing. In 2024, 21 of its over 200 members conducted a very enjoyable and educational tour entitled "Virginia Farm and History Tour". On this tour they visited the Bill McDonald Beef Cattle Farm in Blacksburg, VA.; The Virginia Tech Research Farm; the Historical Smithfield Plant
Author: Christopher Schalk
Major Program: Beef
The problemGenomic and the use of genomicly enhanced EPDs is quickly becoming new and vital tool for beef farmers. Seedstock producers must embrace this new technology and adopt it in order to stay competitive in the market. Commercial producers can use the selection criteria in order to more rapidly advance their goals. The educational program responseTwo programs were held in order to provide 2 different segments of the beef industry the detailed information they needs. &nbs
Author: Regina Utz
Major Program: Beef
Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting. With this in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham, Trimble, Henry and Shelby Counties have organized and held an annual Regional Beef Field Day for farmers since 2005. These field days offer producers an opportunity to see how production practices are implemented on local farms. Field days also promote adoption of new practices that improve produc
Author: Nicole Rhein
Major Program: Beef
To ensure the success of their farming enterprises, beef cattle producers must often adapt and/or modernize. To help the farmers of Marshall County successfully improve their operations, the Marshall County Extension service is participating in the "Back to Basics" program. The program is designed by the University of Kentucky Extension Beef Science team with the goal of helping farmers "go back to the basics" and rethink how they manage their operations. Once enrolled, the v
Author: Ted Johnson
Major Program: Beef
The problemI have had an increase of calls and questions regarding beef cattle health issues, the common factor has been farmers not following a strict vaccination protocol for their beef herd.The educational program responseThe Lee County Extension Service along with the University of Kentucky Extension Veterinarian developed and conducted program to educated beef producers on the fundamentals of herd health and vaccination protocols. over 25 beef producers participated.The participants/t
Author: Linda McClanahan
Major Program: Beef
UK Extension Specialists have worked to acquire grant dollars for a multi-state research program to evaluate the current effectiveness of dewormers and deworming practices on beef cattle operations. The ANR agent collaborated with specialists on this project. The ANR agent identified and collected samples from 3 demonstration farms in Spring 2023 and 3 in Fall/Winter 2023. There was some overlap in demonstration farms so in total there were 4 separate farms from Mercer County participating in th
Author: Samuel Cofield
Major Program: Beef
CPH-45The tag line on the CPH-45 website states: “The Kentucky Certified Pre-Conditioned for Health (CPH-45) program was created with the support of Kentucky's 38,000 beef producers generating a proven track record. This premium program has increased the quality and value of Kentucky beef cattle ensuring that CPH-45 calves can be bought with confidence.” No doubt the CPH program has improved KY cattle and it’s helped our backgrounders and feedlots but it’s impac
Author: Tyler Miller
Major Program: Beef
Its was a perfect setup, with proper execution and a packed house the excitement was at an all time high. This may sound like you might be attending a Rupp Area basketball game watching Reed Shepard work magic. Instead, it was another flat out awesome extension meeting at the Lincoln County location. People poured in the building for the Cow/Calf meeting that is held each February. I planned a great night of information along with a wonderful beef ribeye meal. Attendees got to listen to an anima
Author: Victor Williams
Major Program: Beef
With the recent closure of the stockyards in Laurel County, area producers have been faced with limited options for selling their animals. Many have been transporting livestock to markets in other areas, which is a costly option due to fuel prices and loss of weight of the animals due to the stress of the transport. In 2002, Extension agents in the eight county Wilderness Trail Area worked together to construct the WTA Marketing Alliance, which provided producers a location to group, sort,
Author: Adam Thomas
Major Program: Beef
The problemThe evolution of expected progeny differences and genomics has many producers searching for resources to help relate them to their commercial cow herds. As required by KADF guidelines bulls purchased through the CAIP are required to have genomically enhanced epds to qualify for cost share reimbursements. The question by most is why does this matter to my commercial cattle operation. The educational program responseLaRue County hosted a program that related the use of
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: John Fourqurean
Major Program: Beef
The KY-TN Cowman’s Kind Bull sale was held March 16th, 2024. 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 neg
Author: Matthew Futrell
Major Program: Beef
The KY-TN Cowman’s Kind Bull sale was held March 16th, 2024. 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 neg
Author: Maggie Forsee
Major Program: Beef
The problemSince COVID, there has been a major spike in beef producers wanting to finish and sell their beef to the public. For Carroll County specifically there have been producers that have been wanting to expand their operation as well.The educational program responseIn response to this issue, I have worked with Dr. VanValin, Dr. Rentfrow, and Trackside Butcher shoppe to put together a three-part series. The first program of the series is management of finishing cattle, the second is feeding
Author: Colby Guffey
Major Program: Beef
The problemNew cow/calf producers looking for educational opportunities to enhance their operations. The educational program responseFour county master cattleman educational series. The participants/target audienceBeef cow/calf producers Other partners (if applicable)UK Extension specialistsProgram impact or participant response.Producers attending the educational sessions gained knowledge to help decrease costs associated with cow/calf production, as well as ways to help market t
Author: Shelby Cleaver
Major Program: Beef
Starting the beginning of March 2024 Nicholas County, Harrison County and Bourbon County held a Master Cattlemen program. These sessions covered a wide variety of information and knowledge to be passed down to the local and surrounding producers. Each county held 2 sessions each with 6 sessions in total lasting 3hours so that each participant would become a “Certified Master Cattlemen.” During these session participants learned about reproduction/record keeping, marketing/profitabili
Author: Chelsea Sapp
Major Program: Beef
Junior Cattlemen Begins The problemMarion County Cattlemen Association is the third largest association in the state. There has been a long standing tradition of cattlemen and cattlewomen that attend monthly me
Author: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Beef
Cattle production constitutes a pivotal component of Boone County's local economy, commanding considerable attention and investment. Yet, the landscape of cattle production is continually evolving, driven by ongoing advancements in research, genetics, and equipment. This dynamic environment poses a significant challenge for cattle producers, who must navigate a plethora of disparate information sources.Recognizing this need for comprehensive support, the Boone County Extension Service's
Author: Brian Jeffiers
Major Program: Beef
For part-time farmers, dead livestock are often disposed of with no further investigation. Many report that they assume the cost of transporting the animal for necropsy would be prohibitive, and that they do not think they can determine a cause with their own knowledge. To help farmers identify the causes of death loss, the Cooperative Extension Service brought UK's Extension Veterinarian to a cattle producers' meeting to discuss how to utilize the diagnostic lab and what background info
Author: Sarah Fannin
Major Program: Beef
Beef and forage production remains the backbone of the agricultural economy in Morgan County. Supply chain issues and inputs costs for both enterprises have increased drastically. There are more challenges hindering the retention of family farms. From seed and fertilizer selection to machinery repair and feed purchases, all tools are needed to make the best economic choices for the farm.More farmers are using decision making tools offered by Ag Extension including soil testing, hay t
Author: Robert Smith
Major Program: Beef
Based on the 2022 National Agriculture census Nelson County farms have and estimated 35,000 head of cattle in various production settings. Many obstacles exist to the profitability of our cattle farms such as input cost, loss of livestock, breeding inefficiency, parasites etc. Parasites within the animals can contribute to poor gains, lack of rebreeding, and lethargy. Our farmers have a plethora of tools in their arsenal to combat intestinal parasites on the farm, however
Author: Beau Neal
Major Program: Beef
The cattle market has been on a very bullish run in the past year, and cattle prices are at record highs. While it has improved optimism, producers have also becoming cautious and anxious about what decisions to make moving forward in what could be a volatile market. 36 cattle producers from Woodford County attended a program discussing just this topic on March 28th. Dr. Kenny Burdine covered the current market, what it is projected to do, and management decisions that could ben
Author: Megan McCoun
Major Program: Beef
Henry County’s largest commodity is beef at almost $11 million is sales and over 27,000 in cattle inventory. That is more head of cattle than the population in the county. Historically, the county was comprised of tobacco, dairy, and cow calf producers. Since the buyout and milk consolidation, farms transitioned to primarily cow calf. More recently there has been more interest in feeding calves. Some of that transition can be attributed to alternative feeds, like stillage, becoming availab
Author: Steven Mobley
Major Program: Beef
The Wilderness Trail Area ANR agents met in the spring of 2023 to begin planning a series of chute side beef programs. These programs were designed with the intentions to allow producers to stand along side agents at the working chute. Live demonstrations of beef quality care and assurance practices, reproduction procedures, weighing cattle, freeze branding and general management practices would be conducted chute side. The agent team discussed the fact that many
Author: Daniel Allen
Major Program: Beef
The pressures of sustainability, high in put costs and reviewing practices of small cow calf operations, can help farmers be more efficient and profitable. Kenton County ANR agent paired a local small beef operation with UK Beef IRM specialist team to be part of a local demonstration farm. The participating farm worked with specialists in all areas of their farm. Special emphasis included forage production, grazing plan, water development for their largest pasture, genetics, an
Author: Lyndall Harned
Major Program: Beef
The ag agents in Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lawrence Counties offered the Master Cattleman’s Program this spring for the first time in several years. And the response was overwhelming. We had over 60 individual’s sign-up and pay the registration fee, with almost 40 of them being from Boyd County. This is well over 25 more total than I have ever had in a MCP that I have been associated with in the past, and I have been a part of 8 previous offerings. &
Author: Nick Roy
Major Program: Beef
In Adair County, Beef and Dairy cattle generates just over $50 million dollars in revenue according to the 2022 Ag Census. Adoption of BQCA practices help to ensure consumers receive and quality and wholesome product. Furthermore, the National Premise ID program can help trace livestock in the event of a emergency and can aid in protecting farmer's livestock and investments. During the month of April 2024, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service focused efforts on BQCA cert
Author: Daniel Carpenter
Major Program: Beef
According to the 2022 Ag Census there are over 26,000 head of cattle in Hardin County, and the market value of those cattle was over 11 million dollars. Over the past year, the Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent for Hardin County reached beef producers via programs, newsletters, farm visits and personal communications. Programs included topics on marketing, utilizing drone technology, fall weed control, cost-share opportunities, Cattle Confinement Conference, and Beef Quality Care & Assu
