Extension
It Starts With Us
Beef Cattle Production
Agriculture, Horticulture and Environmental Awareness
Gary Stockton
Beef
Forages
There are over 40,000 beef cattle producers in Kentucky and over one million head of beef cows. Kentucky is the eighth largest beef state in the U.S. and has the largest herd east of the Mississippi River; Kentucky ranks third for beef cattle density (cows per square mile) in the US. Cash receipts for beef cattle in Kentucky are approaching a billion dollars and may reach that level in 2014 with record high beef prices. Even with high prices it is important to educate beef producers on best management practices to: keep costs down, optimize income through management and marketing, be good stewards of the land and practice good animal welfare. These educational programs are targeted to assist our Kentucky beef producers with the tools necessary to be profitable and sustainable.
Improved public animal handling image
Improved animal welfare
Improved marketing opportunities
Improved reproduction through bull soundness exams
Use proper cattle handling and movement techniques
Construct a cattle handling facility
Use proper transportation practices
Reduce the use of electronic prods, pipes, and sticks for moving animals
Calculate and properly time for castration and dehorning to minimize animal stress
Utilize body condition scoring to manage nutrition of animals
Proper vaccination techniques to improve quality of beef and control of preventable disease
Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being.
Gain knowledge on genetic factors associated with cattle welfare.
Understand body condition scoring and how to manage nutrition for a healthy, reproductive animal.
Initial Outcome: Describe the best management practices for handling cattle and providing for their well-being
Indicator: Number of people who gained information on nutrition, health, genetics, reproduction, and/or facilities and equipment
Method: post-test
Timeline: immediately after presentations
Intermediate Outcome: Proper vaccination techniques to improve quality of beef and control of preventable disease.
Indicator: Number of producers who develop a herd health protocol and improve animal health practices.
Method: Survey
Timeline: 6 months to 1 year following program
Long-term Outcome: Improved nutrition of animals by utilizing body condition scores
Indicator: Number of producers who practice efficient reproduction techniques
Method: survey
Timeline: 1 year or more after program
Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers
Project or Activity: Beef Quality and Care Assurance (BQCA)
Content or Curriculum: BQCA Videos, handouts, and publications
Inputs: UK Beef Specialists, County Agents, Program Materials, handout/presentation materials
Date: January 2024
Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers
Project or Activity: Pasture & Hayfield weed management, Forage improvement programming
Content or Curriculum: Presentations, publications, and handouts
Inputs: UK Specialist, Agents, and program materials
Date: July 2023, March 2024
Audience: Beef Cattle Farmers
Project or Activity: Beef Cattle Reproductive and Nutritional improvement program
Content or Curriculum: Presentation, publications, and handouts
Inputs: UK beef specialist, agents, and program materials
Date: September 2023
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: 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: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Beef
Northern Kentucky stands out in Kentucky agriculture due to its unique geographic location, topography, and urban growth. Beef cattle dominate as the top commodity in this region, with most operations focusing on cow/calf production. However, there is a notable shortage of large animal veterinarians. This shortage creates challenges for producers needing to have their bulls examined, often due to a lack of handling facilities or the distance from a veterinarian.To address this issue, the Norther
Author: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Forages
Cattlemen across Boone County had long struggled with weed infestation in their pastures. Invasive species like thistles and ragweed were not only reducing available forage but also impacting the health of their livestock. Despite trying various methods to control the weeds, many found that nothing seemed to work effectivelyDuring the class, the cattlemen learned to identify the specific types of weeds that were plaguing their pastures. The instructors provided detailed information on the lifecy
