Success StoryUniversity of Kentucky Beef Conference



University of Kentucky Beef Conference

Author: Jay Hettmansperger

Planning Unit: Garrard County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Improving Agricultural Income

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

In order to prepare producers to be efficient and profitable, Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources have collaborated with Beef and Agricultural Economic Extension Specialists to present the Kentucky Beef Conference annually for over 20 years. The assistance of long time business community sponsors has allowed producers to hear from nationally known experts in cattle marketing. 

COVID-19 restrictions forced the team to re-evaluate how to continue providing timely marketing and production information with this conference. In the past, the conference has covered a range of production topics but the key focus has always been on marketing strategies and long term outlook. The conference was moved to a shortened, evening, virtual format focused on marketing strategies, marketing outlook and management considerations reaching more than 175 beef producers. 

The farm operations of producers attending vary in size, with most (78%) of the producers having less than 75 cows. Of those producers who have attended past conferences, 77% reported increased profits and 73% reported improved risk management practices as a result of attending. Moving this conference to a virtual format helped reach a much broader geographic range. Several producers indicated they now plan to change when they are going to sell, increase culling in their herd and improve record keeping.






Stories by Jay Hettmansperger


Beekeeping

about 3 years ago by Jay Hettmansperger

Education in beekeeping is a never ending program. Covid has slowed in-person meetings, but hasnt sl... Read More


Pick Plant and Eat (PPE)

about 3 years ago by Jay Hettmansperger

The FCS and ANR agents teamed up to promote home gardening and healthy eating. The Plant, Pick and E... Read More


Stories by Garrard County CES


Traveling Taste Buds; Cooking School thru Google Meets

Traveling Taste Buds; Cooking School thru Google Meets

about 3 years ago by Mary Hixson

Trying to reach youth audience with SNAP-Ed Assistant for cooking experiences during the pandemic. A... Read More


A Conversation about Career Choices

A Conversation about Career Choices

about 3 years ago by Eric Comley

The challenges of the COVID-19 are varied and many. Traditional programmatic opportunities are met w... Read More