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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, 2019 - Jun 30, 2020


Success StoryRaising the Steaks and Chops



Raising the Steaks and Chops

Author: Regina Utz

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Accessing Nutritious Foods

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Raising the Steaks and Chops

Educating local livestock producers is a high priority in Trimble, Shelby, Henry, and Oldham Counties. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, total beef, swine, sheep and goat animal sales yearly in the combined counties totals more than $32 million, emphasizing the need for livestock producers to take herd management and marketing decisions seriously.  Increasing consumer demand for locally sourced protein and the participating counties’ proximity to urban markets in Louisville and Frankfort, provide incentives for producers to seek out new ways to add value to their product.  With the availability of a nearby processing facility, Trackside Butcher Shoppe in Campbellsburg, more local producers are retaining ownership through the finishing stage and selling beef, pork, lamb and goat off the farm.

Nearly 40 producers participated in a four-part series, half of whom were currently selling products directly to consumers. This program offered producers of both grass-fed and grain-fed livestock the opportunity to learn more about efficient production practices, carcass quality, product labeling and marketing.  Additionally, four local producers who have been involved with on-farm sales of meat products for some time shared their knowledge and experience with the group.

In a post-survey, 50% of respondents indicated that the Marketing and Producer Panel session was the most beneficial to their operation.  The highest- rated session was Grading and Processing which included a presentation by Dr. Gregg Rentfrow and a tour/presentation of Trackside Butcher Shoppe.

 

When asked the open-ended question “Why did you sign up for this program series?” some responses included:

  • To learn more about raising/finishing cattle
  • Interest in marketing from farm/selling beef to consumers
  • Learn more about finishing lambs
  • Learn more about marketing
  • Learn about meats and value-added
  • Learn ways to market beef and pork
  • Learn more to start my farm
  • Learn about what goes into creating good cuts of beef

Producers were also asked what was missing from the series that they would like to see addressed.  Ideas for future programming that were suggested include:

  • Master Cattleman
  • Forages
  • Small Ruminants
  • More Grass Fed Specifics
  • More Marketing
  • Where to Process Small Animals
  • Poultry Materials





Stories by Kenton County CES


12 years of Surveys reflect importance of Natural Resource Education for 4-H members

12 years of Surveys reflect importance of Natural Resource Education for 4-H members

about 4 years ago by Diane Kelley

Kenton County Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent – Kelley; surveyed teachers in 3 Ken... Read More


Kenton CES responds to youth needs during 2020 pandemic

Kenton CES responds to youth needs during 2020 pandemic

about 4 years ago by Diane Kelley

The international pandemic of 2020 provided new opportunities for Kenton Cooperative Extension to ed... Read More