According to the 2023 state Agriculture overview published by the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Kentucky is home to over 1.8 million head of cows and calves.  This sector of the Ag industry in Kentucky is responsible for $1.08 Billion in Agriculture Revenue, according to the 2022 Ag statistics.  Recently, livestock prices are trending very well for producers, which in turn is driving the desire to produce a better, more efficient product.   Agriculture Agents from Allen, Barren, Hart, Metcalfe, and Monroe recognized the need among producers and in turn hosted a series of new and improved Master Cattlemen courses.  Each session was in a different county, with the first beginning in Barren County, the birthplace of the Master Cattlemen Program.  

Each county that participated had producers participate in the program.  There were many levels of expertise or experience in the livestock industry represented with the size of operations ranging from 7-200 head of cattle.  All that attended had a desire to strengthen their knowledge or in some cases be reminded of better practices that can directly impact their bottom line as a producer.  

Every producer that participated in the program received a binder with presentations as well as other useful tools to use in the future.  They were also supplied with the knowledge of resources available through University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension to assist them with decision making. 

At the last session, Dr. Susan Jones as well as nurses from the Barren River Regional Health Department were on site to provide free Flu and Tetanus shots for those that wished to participate.  There were ten producers to take advantage of the opportunity to receive flu vaccine, tetanus vaccine, or both.  

30 participants from 5 counties (1 4-H/FFA participant)

4 Agriculture and Natural Resource Agents as well as 2 Kentucky State University Agriculture Agents 

6 Specialists from University of Kentucky 

1 Retired Ag Agent (Leader in implementing the Master Cattlemen Program)

3 Local food Vendors who provided a beef meal at each session

3 Health Department Nurses and Dr. Susan Jones (Free Flu and tetanus shots)

Per results received from evaluations collected on the final session, there were 1200 head of cattle represented by producers participating in this program.  In today’s market prices, that could easily equate to nearly $2 million in revenue from feeder cattle alone.  All but three producers were cow/calf producers with the remaining being purebred/seedstock producers.  

Out of the 30 participants, 23 filled out evaluations regarding operation details, suggestions to better plan the program, and items that they specifically saw as beneficial or that they would implement as a change on their operation.  20 of the respondents specifically noted changes that they would make that would make them more efficient or directly show a positive impact to their bottom line.  Several participants shared that they would begin a new practice such as using MGA or CIDR devices to tighten calving intervals so that they had a more consistent and marketable set of animals.  Others mentioned that they would do a better job with their forages which would impact nearly every other aspect of their livestock operations. 

One participant stated “I learned something at every session.  Most things I already had some experience with, but just needed a reminder of.”