With beef cattle production being the major livestock industry in Mason County and tobacco production becoming more limited in the county, focus has shifted to increased management for beef operations.   Producers in the county are seeking higher management techniques to increase efficiency and profit in beef production.   The Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent along with the University of Kentucky Livestock Engineering Specialists visited two local farms to help design cattle handling facilities to allow producers to increase management of their beef herds.One farm was converting an existing tobacco barn into a cattle working facility while the other built a new structure to house working facilities and holding pens.  The UK Engineering Specialists designed 3D diagrams for each producer’s facility design to better visualize cattle movement and facility operation.  With the help of the 3D design diagrams both producers constructed cattle handling facilities to better serve with herd management.   Since the development of the facilities one producer is utilizing artificial insemination to narrow calving windows and increase genetic diversity to the herd.  The other is buying stockers along with increasing herd health programs for his cow/calf operation.   Both producers conveyed that working cattle now is not a dreaded chore, but more enjoyable and rewarding for them and their herds.  They both discussed the safety aspect of the facilities for them while working cattle and how the new facilities are allowing them to become more efficient with their beef operations. Working with the local ANR Agent and UK Specialists, producers were able to construct a user friendly cattle working facility that allows for increased management of their beef herds along with providing a safer environment to provide for their cattle.