Educating local beef producers is a high priority in the Tri-County area. Local Ag Advisory council meetings from the Tri-County area discussions recognizing the need for beef producers to take herd and forage management to another level. 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 Webster, Hopkins, and McLean Counties have organized and held an Regional Beef Field Day for beef producers in the Tri-County area. 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 production efficiency while protecting natural resources, which are goals outlined in the county plan of work.

This year’s event was held at the Jeff Pettit farm in Sebree (Webster County).  More than 70 area producers attended and learned about:

- Filling in the gaps (Winter feeding rations)
- Pasture walk (field demonstration)
- Techniques for handling cattle (outdoor presentation)

Area Agriculture Extension agents worked together to identify topics of interest and benefit to producers, secure the field day location and speakers and to lead tours and answer questions during the field day. Local cattlemen’s association members prepared the field day meal. During the meal, an update was given by Tim Hughes with the KY Department of Agriculture. The hosting Cattlemen’s group secured sponsorships to cover event costs. In addition to the educational presentations, producers had the opportunity to visit with many of the sponsors at their individual booths.

The host commented that “ I will be using the forage samples from the field day to formulate my rations for gestation and lactation for this coming winter” and another producer commented “ I appreciate the opportunity to interact with specialist and other producers in person”.