Describe the Issue or Situation.

It’s a well-known fact that Kentucky is the largest cattle producing state east of the Mississippi River.   The 2022 Census of Agriculture reported that Carter County had over $2.7 million in cattle sales annually.   

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The intensive educational program Master Cattleman aims to empower beef cattle producers with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in this competitive market.  Over the six nights of the program, Extension specialists delved into a comprehensive range of topics critical to success, including genetics, herd health, marketing, reproduction, facilities, and nutrition.   To complete the program participants also had to complete a forage session and receive their Beef Quality & Care Assurance certification.   

The Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence County ANR agents worked together to host the program in early 2024 in Boyd County.   Agents advertised the program, collected registration fees, prepared meals, facilitated each session, and delivered farm signs.    

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

Between the four counties, over 70 people registered for the program, including 10 from Carter County.   Six of the Carter County producers completed all the requirements of the program and were excited to receive their farm sign and publicly display their achievement.  

Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.

A survey given to Carter County producers at the last session showed that:

• All sessions received a very useful rating.
• Participants reported a knowledge gain in 88% of the surveyed topics.   
• One participant planned to improve the cross breeding in his herd after participating in Master Cattleman.   

A follow-up survey sent in the fall of 2024 showed the following results:

• 90% of the respondents reported improving their beef operation in at least two of the seven areas covered during Master Cattleman.   50% reported improving in at least five of the areas.  One producer reported attending to “obtain information for future plans of purchasing some cattle”.
• 66% reported that their improvements had increased their profits.
• 22% reported that their improvements had decreased their input costs.
• 66% plan make additional changes in the future based on the information they learned.  

When asked what type of changes producers had made to their operations since attending Master Cattleman they reported the following:

• We are using EPDs when selecting bulls and keeping more accurate calving records.
• Quality feed
• Better record keeping
• Better pasture management
• Cleaner water in pastures
• Streamline facilities

By empowering producers with knowledge and best practices, Master Cattleman is paving the way for a more profitable and sustainable future for Kentucky beef.