On March 15, 2025, the KY-TN Cowman’s Kind Bull Sale marked a major step forward for small and mid-size purebred beef producers in West Kentucky and West Tennessee. This collaborative event was spearheaded by a dedicated team including the Trigg County and Christian County Agriculture Extension Agents, the UK Beef Specialist, and the KY-TN Livestock Market. Their shared vision: to create a high-quality, centralized bull sale that would connect reputable breeders with serious cattle producers while meeting strict animal health and genetic standards.

Traditionally, many smaller breeders were limited to selling bulls through private treaty off the farm, which often resulted in limited buyer reach and undervalued genetics. The Cowman’s Kind Sale provided a much-needed alternative. Bulls consigned to the sale were carefully selected through on-farm visits by the sale committee, ensuring each animal could make a meaningful genetic impact in commercial herds.

All bulls met rigorous health and performance requirements, including vaccinations for IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, vibriosis, and leptospirosis. Each animal was dewormed within 90 days of the sale, tested negative for PI BVD, and all non-virgin bulls were Trich tested. Importantly, all bulls were also Genomically tested, adding an additional layer of reliability and value for potential buyers.

One of the most innovative elements of the sale was its hybrid format. While bulls were on-site for visual inspection, bidding was conducted entirely by video auction. This allowed buyers to evaluate bulls in person and bid in a streamlined format—without the stress and hassle of transporting the animals through a traditional ring or spending days on the road visiting multiple farms. Additionally, 28 of the 30 bulls in the sale were eligible for cost-share funding through either Kentucky or Tennessee programs, making it easier for producers to invest in high-quality genetics.

The Cowman’s Kind Bull Sale not only delivered outstanding value to buyers and sellers alike, but also proved the power of regional collaboration. By working together across county and state lines, agricultural leaders created a model that expands marketing opportunities, improves herd genetics, and supports the long-term success of the beef industry in the region.

This event stands as a success story of innovation, partnership, and commitment to serving the needs of local agricultural producers—and lays the foundation for future sales that will continue to strengthen the livestock community.