In the years since the tobacco buyout, Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on improving the quality and efficiency of beef cattle production.  According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $10 million in beef animal sales yearly, highlighting the importance for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Additionally, the number of dairy-to-beef conversions as well as new-to-farming producers has increased in recent years, creating a new group of producers who need comprehensive beef cattle education.  Similar situations exist in neighboring Henry, Trimble and Oldham counties, leading the agents to host the 2024 Master Cattleman Series. 

 The Master Cattleman Series is a six week beef education series covering genetics, nutrition, management, facilities, marketing, health, reproduction, environment, and quality assurance. All sessions were taught by UK Specialists, and facilitated by the agricultural extension agents of Henry, Trimble, and Shelby Counties. To complete the series, participants were required to attend the sessions, complete a forages component either in-person or online and obtain BQCA certification.

 Sixty producers from five counties completed the program. While the majority of participants were new to beef cattle production, several were experienced producers seeking ways to improve their operations.  Despite the concern that the Master Cattleman program has run its course, this level of participation indicates that beef cattle production education continues to be a necessity among farmers.   Regardless of the commitment required and the intensity of the course, participants indicated that this class has given them the information to make better management decisions and to raise healthy beef cattle more efficiently and sustainably.