Spurred by food shortages during the Covid 19 pandemic, local meat demand has remained strong in Kentucky.  This demand continues to raise farmer interest in finishing animals for processing.  Building on the success of two prior programs, Raising the Steaks was a four-part series offered by Todd, Christian, and Logan County Extension Services.

Thirty-three participants attended one or more sessions and learned about: Facilities & Finishing Nutrition; Beef Sales, Economics, & Marketing; Local Farmers’ Experiences; and Grading & Processing

Resources for Raising the Steaks included extension agents and specialists, local farmers, and a local processing facility.   Along with farmers from Christian and Logan, a Todd County farmer who finishes and sells beef shared his experience with program participants.  Additionally, participants had the opportunity to blind taste-test grain finished vs. forage finished beef and learn about cooking techniques for different cuts of meat.

Producers completed surveys following each session, utilizing QR codes to access survey.  Responses showed that:

• 92% planned to create or improve their nutrition program (12 of 13 respondents)
• 100% planned to use presented facilities information to improve facilities (13 of 13 respondents)
• 54% planned to make improvements to watering systems (7 of 13 respondents)
• 100% planned to use economic information learned in their operations (6 of 6 respondents)

 A follow-up discussion of waterers with the group showed that:

• 30% clean their waterers periodically (11 of 33 respondents)

The Master Cattleman program will be offered for farmers in the Pennyrile Area in 2026.