Success StoryEstablishing Consumer Confidence



Establishing Consumer Confidence

Author: Chris Ammerman

Planning Unit: Grant County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Fixating the Focus on the Local Food Supply

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

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 around the state identifying this as a major issue facing the livestock industry.  As a response to this need UK Specialists and Agents developed a certification protocol that will allow farmers to promote their business and product as one that demonstrates high attention care for the best well-being of the animals on their farms.

The Grant County Cooperative Extension Office presented the certification program in Beef Quality & Care Certification.  Through this program cattle farmers learned how to recognize and assist a cow with calving difficulties, how to move cattle thru working facilities, how to properly give vaccines, how to select breeding stock that cause the least problems, how to provide proper nutrition and how to safely haul cattle to market.

In February and March 45 cattle farmers from Grant y completed the requirements and passed the test to demonstrate that they now have a good understanding of proper cattle handling and care techniques.

To follow-up the success of the program an assessment was completed by farmers completing the course.  Participants reported that 100% would make informed choices in methods for providing a better quality of life for their livestock.   Additionally, 85% had implemented or modified at least one of the practices discussed to improve their methods of cattle handling.  12 participants indicated that they were able to intervene when an animal was having difficulty giving birth equating a value of over $1100 for both calves saved.  Respondents indicated that they felt that by implementing some to all of the principles and practices demonstrated they would realize an average increase in value of $65.60 per animal.  Participants indicated production levels of 1012 animals marketed annually.   As a result of attending this training an increase in Grant and Owen County farm receipts increased by the amount of $65,812.50 annually.  






Stories by Chris Ammerman


Master Cattlemen

about 6 years ago by Chris Ammerman

The topography of northern Kentucky is will suited for the production of forage & livestock. As farm... Read More


Main Street Farm to Table

about 6 years ago by Chris Ammerman

Consumer demand for locally grown fresh produce continues to gain momentum.Successful ventures as KY... Read More


Stories by Grant County CES


Weight the Reality Series

Weight the Reality Series

about 6 years ago by Lorie Dunn

Grant County KY has an Adult obesity rate of 35.6% and a physical activity rate of 30.2%. The Gr... Read More


Journey to Self-Sustainability

Journey to Self-Sustainability

about 6 years ago by Lorie Dunn

Grant County averaged 2408 families receiving SNAP Benefits of $304 per month. The Grant County Supp... Read More