Beef production is one of the largest agriculture economic engines for Nelson County.  The 2022 Agriculture census has estimated that we have around 34000 cattle on farms in Nelson county. This herd translates into just a little over $20,000.000. in annual sales or 25% of all ag receipts.  It's importance is not questioned and many other enterprises depend on a thriving and profitable beef industry.  A lower capital outlay potential still makes this agriculture venture more easily accessible for new and beginning farm families than some other highly leveraged operations.  .   

In order to meet the growing interest in beef cattle production the Marion, Nelson and Washington counties of Central Kentucky collaborated to offer the Kentucky Master Cattlemen's Program.  nearly 50 individuals participated in nearly 20 hours of specialized instruction.  Genetics, land management, nutrition management, breeding, health, marketing and facilities were all discussed in depth by specialist from the University of Kentucky.  

Most producers identified two or more practices that they intend to implement on their farms in future seasons.  By implementing these new practices they reported an estimated on farm economic benefit of between $110,000 - 230,000.  The survey indicated that 58% of participants increased their understanding of EPD's and their importance on the farm.  Their understanding of the value of crossbreeding increased by 35% from the pre survey to the post survey.  We saw a 77% increase in knowledge gained in their understanding of "How calves become become persistently infected (PI) with bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus".