According to the 2017 Census data, Casey County ranks 37^th in the state of Kentucky for the sale of cattle and calves. Knowing that Casey County has a tremendous amount of beef cattle the Casey County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent saw this as a tremendous opportunity for the youth in the county. Along with the support of the Casey County Cattlemen’s Association the Casey County Junior Cattlemen’s Association was started in the fall of 2021. Since that time the group has grown to 20 members with 14 of those also joining the Kentucky Junior Cattlemen’s Association. The Casey County Extension Service, along with the help of volunteers has been able to offer educational programming for these youth as well as other experiences. 

In January, several members attended the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Convention where they were able to represent Casey County and network with other youth from across the state. In March, the youth traveled to the Lexington Bluegrass Stockyards where they learned about the sale and marketing of cattle. The youth have also been able to go to local farms and learn about the different operations that producers have right here in Casey County. Not only have these members gained friends in this organization with similar passions they have also increased their knowledge of the beef cattle industry in Kentucky. Many of these members are now seeking ways to begin their own beef cattle herds or expand their current ones.