As part of the Applied Master Cattleman program, extension specialists at the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Beef Network hosted the Weaning 101 Workshop at the Eden Shale Farm in Owenton, KY in the fall of 2017. The program is aimed at increasing beef cattle managers’ confidence in managing calves from pre-weaning followed by a short post-weaning backgrounding period prior to marketing. Even though we intended to limit enrollment to 30 to ensure hands-on opportunities for all participants, a total of 37 producers participated in the program and represented 18 counties. The program includes both classroom type sessions as well as in-field hands-on learning opportunities. A post-program evaluation was filled out by participants to assess program impact.  Several indicated they intended to make management changes after the program including changing vaccination protocols, implanting feeder cattle and changing their feeding program. Chuteside processing and developing a feeding plan were indicated by 77-80% of participants as having high educational value. After the program, about 70% of participants increased their knowledge and understanding of weaning related topics from moderate understanding to a high level of understanding. Participants indicated a potential total economic impact of $33,250. Partnering with industry for sponsoring a meal, this program had about a 10:1 dollar return on potential economic impact based on the participants’ responses. A follow-up session was held during the Eden Shale open house in October to share with participants the post-weaning performance of the calves.

List Counties Impacted: Garrard, Owen, Harrison, Lewis, Franklin, Grant, Larue, Kenton, Pulaski, Campbell, Shelby, Fayette, Perry, Boone, Trimble, Bath, Washington, Henry