Educating local producers is a high priority in Henry County. Showing them some of the many opportunities available to land owners wanting to raise beef cattle is the premise of these field days. Livestock is important to Henry County with pastureland making up 27.2 % of all land in the county and an inventory of 22,770 head of cattle, according to the 2012 Census of Agriculture.

 Because of the importance and prevalence of cattle production in this area, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham, Trimble, Henry and Shelby Counties have organized and held Regional Beef Field Days for farmers annually since 2005. These field days offer farmers an opportunity to see how production practices work on other farms. Field days also promote implementation of new practices that improve production efficiency while protecting natural resources, which are goals outlined in the county plan of work.

 The event this year was held at Todd Rands farm. During the field day, 284 area producers attended and learned about:

 - Animal Identification and Freeze Branding  (field demonstration)
 - Purina feeds and the use of Accurration in feeding calves (field demonstration)
 - Custom cuts and Proper Carcass Sizes (indoor presentation)
 - Marketing Profit/Loss Seminar (indoor presentation)

 Presenters included Trackside Butcher Shoppe Owner, Purina Nutrition Specialist, University of Kentucky Extension Economist, Local producer and a representative from Kentucky Beef Council. Area Agriculture Extension agents identified topics of interest and benefit to producers; contacted speakers; and led tours during the field day. Local cattlemen’s association members prepared the field day meal. During the meal, an update was given on Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association from Executive Vice President Dave Maples. The hosting Cattlemen’s group raised right at $3,500 in sponsor funds to cover event costs. In addition to the great presenters, producers had the opportunity to visit with many of the sponsors at their individual booths.

 Compliments about the field day included, “Glad to see something different than the same old thing being done this year.” and “Never would of thought of doing any of these things and being able to do it at my small farm.” 

Dr. Greg Halich, who was one of the presenters was quoted as saying.” I would put your field day in the top 2-3 I've ever been part of, it may have been the best.”