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 2025
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 2024, March 2025
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 2024
Author: Gary Stockton
Major Program: Forages
17 farmers and landowners gathered in Boone County to attend a Fall Pasture Management class. With the increasing need for efficient land use and sustainable farming practices, this class was designed to address key challenges in pasture health and productivity.The class covered essential topics such as soil nutrients, overseeding, and grazing management. These elements are critical for improving pasture conditions, increasing forage production, and ultimately enhancing livestock performance.Par
