Describe the Issue or Situation.

According to USDA census data, in 2022, Garrard County had 647 reported farms and cattle and in 2022, Garrard county's cattle garnered approximately $19,452,000 in agricultural commodity sales. Also reported by the USDA, in January 2025, Garrard County had a reported total of 33,500 cattle & cows in Garrard County making cattle a major agricultural industry for Garrard County. 

In 2025, 75 Garrard farmers of various practices and markets were awarded CAIP funds in 2025- a requirement of CAIP is to engage in continuing education, which out extension office offers.

Mr. Ray came into complete his mandatory continuing education credit through a UK offered CAIP training video. After watching the UK educational video on genetics within cattle stock, he shared that he had purchased a new bull to improve the genetics of his cattle. This farmer mentioned that he learned through our educational video that isolating the bull for the first month of ownership and limiting the water and feed helps to build a relationship with the animal while also making the bull more docile. 

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

Department of Animal and Food Science, CAIP, and KY Farm Bureau

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

75 Garrard CAIP Awardees in 2025

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.

"Improving the genetics of our bulls, and making them more manageable for handlers will help us over the long term to have a better product for the community" 

- A. Ray