Success StoryBeef Efficiency Conference 2022



Beef Efficiency Conference 2022

Author: Katherine VanValin

Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences

Major Program: Beef

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The 2022 Beef Efficiency Conference was held for the first time in-person following the pandemic.  This is a joint effort between University of Kentucky Beef Extension specialists and agents, and the Kentucky Cattleman's Association. Attendance was strong with an estimated audience of 150-175 from 29 counties across the state.  This program provides attendees an opportunity to listen and learn from experts from across the United States.  This is likely the only time participants will have the interaction with these speakers in their lifetime.  The goal is to provide stimulatory information to initiate a deeper understanding of beef production and critically evaluate their own operation.  This year three speakers presented on beef cow production efficiency from Iowa, Oklahoma and Minnesota.  A post-program survey was provided and 52 were returned.  Using a Likert Scale of 1-5 where 1 was not very knowledgeable and 5 was very knowledgeable, participants increased their knowledge level from 2.8, 2.7, 2,8, Before the presentation to 4.2, 4.6, and 4.5 After for each presentation.  When asked about the usefulness of the information to their operation, subject matter presented at a level that was understandable, and usefulness of information for future management decisions, participants responses averaged 4.5 for all three on a 1-5 Likert scale.  Participants that responded managed 7,066 head of cattle and if extrapolated across 160 attendees, the program would potentially have management impacts on more than 21,000 head of cattle.