Success StoryStocker Operation



Stocker Operation

Author: Robert Kirby

Planning Unit: Knox County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Introduction of specialty markets

Outcome: Initial Outcome

A Knox County farmer made the decision that he wanted to start a stocker and backgrounding operation where he could background his own calves and buy 500-600lb calves from semi load lots. Through educational programs and on farm visits by the Knox County Ag Agent, the farmer was educated on how to buy and match tractor trailer load lots, how to worm and work the cattle to control diseases, the most efficient nutritional feeding to enhance growth and reduce cost of gain, and how to market the cattle. This Spring, the farmer sold three matching semi loads using the WTA Marketing Alliance facility. He sold 160 head weighing 825lbs in the 3 loads. He earned 3 cents over market by having his own matching loads. With that earning, the farmer gained $24.75 a head. By using the WTA Beef Facility he paid $4 a head versus $25 a head. Concluding that the farmer made $3960 and saved $3360 on the 160 head. 






Stories by Robert Kirby


High Tunnel Tomato Production Webinar Series

about 4 years ago by Robert Kirby

Thru efforts of the University of Kentucky Horticulture Specialist, a three night education webinar ... Read More


Tomato Grafting Research

about 4 years ago by Robert Kirby

With most of the high tunnels in Knox County being NRCS grant funded, certain stipulations are agree... Read More


Stories by Knox County CES


Reaching the aging during COVID 19

about 4 years ago by Renata Farmer

People are living longer. Kentuckys current population of seniors (65+) is 16.4% (2019 Census Data).... Read More


Knox 4-H shifts programming to meet clientele during pandemic

about 4 years ago by Renata Farmer

With the onset and spread of COVID-19 throughout Kentucky and our county, the Knox County 4-H progra... Read More