Success StoryStudent Participation in Beef Cattle Educational Programs



Student Participation in Beef Cattle Educational Programs

Author: Kevin Bullock

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Beef

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

This is an update on a program that was initiated in 2016, reported in 2018, and continues due to its success. This is an innovative program providing educational programming for beginning beef farmers and educational experience for Animal and Food Sciences students at the University of Kentucky. A collaborative educational program was developed by the Animal and Food Sciences’ Beef Cattle Science instructors (Darrh Bullock, Jeff Lehmkuhler and Les Anderson), Dr. Michelle Arnold and local ANR agents to assist inexperienced beef cattle farmers by utilizing students that had just completed the Beef Cattle Science course (ASC406) at UK. The students are divided into groups of 4 and assigned a county to work with; each student is responsible for one of 4 topics – genetics, nutrition, reproduction or health. The students work with the local agent to develop a specific targeted program that would best benefit that county, coordinate logistics and assist with advertising. The students work with the instructors and Dr. Arnold to develop their specific presentation. The students make their presentations to the targeted farmers and then field questions; at least one instructor and the agent are at each presentation to assist with questions that are beyond the scope of the students. After six years of the program, students, agents, producers and instructors have indicated that the program very impactful. Feedback indicates that farmers are very impressed with the ability of the students to present the material and their knowledge of beef cattle management; and students relate that it is a very positive experience for them even though there initial reaction is dread.






Stories by Kevin Bullock


Beef Seedstock Symposium is the First Step in Improving Kentucky's Beef Industry

about 4 months ago by Kevin Bullock

The Kentucky Beef Extension Group conducts numerous educational programs across the state on a multi... Read More


CAIP Beef Genetic Improvement Program

about 4 months ago by Kevin Bullock

The Kentucky County Ag Investment Program (CAIP) is funded through the Tobacco Master Settlement and... Read More


Stories by Animal and Food Sciences


Advanced Post Weaning Value-Added Program (PVAP)

Advanced Post Weaning Value-Added Program (PVAP)

about 4 months ago by Kevin Laurent

Unweaned bawling calves are at high risk for increased mortality and morbidity when shipped from the... Read More


4-H Equine Task Force

4-H Equine Task Force

about 4 months ago by Mary Jane Little

4-H is one of the leading youth clubs across the United States and Canada. 4-H is the most highly re... Read More