The problem

Genomic and the use of genomicly enhanced EPDs is quickly becoming new and vital tool for beef farmers.   Seedstock producers must embrace this new technology and adopt it in order to stay competitive in the market.   Commercial producers can use the selection criteria in order to more rapidly advance their goals.

The educational program response

Two programs were held in order to provide 2 different segments of the beef industry the detailed information they needs.  Barren County was a host site for one of three regional programs known as the, “Seedstock Symposium.”  The Seedstock Symposium is a joint venture between UK Beef Extension & UT Beef Extension.  The Seedstock Symposium was targeted at purebred seed stock producers.  A second program was held in conjunction with other W8 Ag agents to specifically target the commercial cow calf beef producer.  

The participants/target audience

1. Seedstock Symposium—Purebred Seed Stock Producers
2. Genomic 101—Commercial Cow Calf Producers

Other partners (if applicable)

1. University of Kentucky Beef Extension Team
2. University of Tennessee Beef Extension Team
3. Dr. Gordon Jones, Retire Professor of Animal Science, Western Kentucky University

Program impact or participant response.

The target audience was achieved, however there was some overlap.  Exit interviews found that participants were talking home more knowledge about genomics, but more importantly at least 3 participant interviewed after each program planned to use genomics and genomiclly enhanced EPDs in their operations.   Those participant said that they either had not understood the importance or see the necessity to use this new technology.