Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryExtension Helps Farmers Acquire BQCA Despite Pandemic



Extension Helps Farmers Acquire BQCA Despite Pandemic

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Livestock and Crops

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Safe and humane care of livestock is a high-profile issue in animal agriculture. For that reason, a number of entities require beef producers to complete the Beef Quality and Care Assurance certification in order to be eligible for various cost-share programs and other benefits. BQCA has historically been provided by extension agents at local events, but the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to in-person meetings, leaving farmers in need of another option. University of Kentucky specialists and Kentucky Cattleman's Association personnel were able to develop an online method for completing the certification, but many farmers still needed one-on-one assistance via phone or email to access the program and complete it properly. Six Johnson County farmers in need of the BQCA endorsement contacted the county extension agent for agriculture and natural resources, who was able to guide them through the process of signing up for the online program and completing it, allowing them to participate in the CAIP cost-share program in 2021 and receive up to $2,000 apiece for on-farm improvements.






Stories by Brian Jeffiers


Gardening Series Gets Families Started Properly

about 2 months ago by Brian Jeffiers

With so many challenges in the food system since the pandemic, more and more families seek to grow t... Read More


New & Small-Scale Farmers Learn Startup Skills

about 5 months ago by Brian Jeffiers

More and more individuals and families are choosing to venture into agriculture for self-sufficiency... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


Superstar Chef Day Camp

about 12 days ago by Mary Harless

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Systems 2023 Community Needs Assessment identified ... Read More


Money Wise afterschool program

about 12 days ago by Mary Harless

In Johnson County, economic uncertainty—driven by job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts—af... Read More