Describe the Issue or Situation.

For a beef producer, their income is dependent on the livestock that they raise. So, if the cattle that they purchase at the local auction doesn't end up fitting their operation type or objectives, then they are at more of a loss. To mitigate these issues before buying a bull or heifer, there have been tools developed through research to help accurately select livestock for your operation. This idea of using selection tools is still relatively new to many farmers across the state as they are used to doing what they were taught from generations before them. So, between the Beef Extension Specialist Team and some local ANR Agents including myself, we found a need for a bull selection type program based heavily on selection tools for genetics in our area. 

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

The McCracken, Marshall, Graves, and Livingston County ANR Agents partnered with the Beef Extension Specialist Team to host the 2-night Bull Value Assessment Program. The program was held at the Marshall County Cooperative Extension Office both nights. The first night of the program focused on the reasons as to why you should select bulls or heifers on genetics and how. The second night was a hands-on activity where the participants were tasked with the challenge to select and "purchase" a bull using the selection tools the specialists gave them. This activity involved a live, local livestock auctioneer and a catalog of 50 bulls to select from based on EPD's and the scenario that fit closest to the participants real life situations on the farm. All participants were very engaged in discussion both nights, asking questions and being fully involved in the simulation.

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

We had 24 participants show up both nights for the Bull Value Assessment Program. These participants ranged from commercial producers, seedstock producers, and extension agents.

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.

This well attended 2-night program from 4 counties in the West Kentucky area reached 24 different community members. This program allowed for the time to learn, ask questions, and practice what they had learned. 79% of participants found this program helpful to their operation as a whole, and 63% of the participants agreed that they will likely use the tips and tools that they learned at their next bull purchase. Over half of the participants agreed that the program was successful and that they will use these tips to help improve their operation in the years to come. This outcome helps increase the statistic of successful beef cattle farms across the state, and more specifically Western Kentucky.