In recent years traditional livestock husbandry has come under attack by the media and special interest groups. A few bad actors have further perpetuated a negative mindset of modern livestock practices in the minds of consumers. Maintain a positive image of cattle farms and farm families in the mind of consumers is paramount for farmers to continue to realize all time market highs.

Extension specialists and agents from the University of Kentucky collaborated with farmer leaders from around the state identifying this as a major issue facing the livestock industry. As a response to this need UK Specialists and Agents developed a certification protocol that will allow farmers to promote their business and product as one that demonstrates high attention care for the best well-being of the animals on their farms.

The Grant & Owen County Cooperative Extension Office presented the certification program in Beef Quality & Care Certification. Through this program cattle farmers learned how to recognize and assist a cow with calving difficulties, how to move cattle thru working facilities, how to properly give vaccines, how to select breeding stock that cause the least problems, how to provide proper nutrition and how to safely haul cattle to market.

Over the past year 85 cattle farmers from Grant and Owen County completed the requirements and passed the test to demonstrate that they now have a good understanding of proper cattle handling and care techniques.

To follow-up the success of the program an assessment was completed by farmers completing the course. Participants reported that 100% would make informed choices in methods for providing a better quality of life for their livestock. Additionally, 65% had implemented or modified at least one of the practices discussed to improve their methods of cattle handling.  17 participants indicated that they were able to intervene when an animal was having difficulty giving birth equating a value of over $1100 for both calves saved.  Respondents indicated that they felt that by implementing some to all of the principles and practices demonstrated they would realize an average increase in value of $11.60 per animal. Participants indicated production levels of 3800 animals marketed annually. As a result of attending this training an increase in Grant and Owen County farm receipts increased by the amount of $44,080 annually.