The Highlands Beef Cattle Association hosted its successful banquet March 14th, bringing together around 100 local cattle producers, ag professionals, and community members for an evening of celebration, education, and connection. Held at the Extension Office, the event showcased the strength and unity of Kentucky’s cattle industry and honored the hard work of its producers.

This year’s banquet featured a powerhouse lineup of guest speakers who each brought valuable insight and inspiration to the crowd.

Donovan Pigg, Livestock Marketing Specialist with Kentucky Farm Bureau, kicked off the evening with a dynamic presentation on market trends and tools available to help producers maximize returns. His straightforward approach and deep understanding of market volatility gave attendees practical takeaways they could apply immediately.

Following Donovan, Jim Akers, CEO of Bluegrass Stockyards, took the stage with a message focused on innovation and resilience. Sharing stories from his decades in the industry, Jim highlighted how Bluegrass has adapted to the ever-changing demands of the market while maintaining strong relationships with producers. His passion for supporting Kentucky cattlemen was evident in every word.

The evening concluded with an engaging address from Dan Miller of the Kentucky Beef Network and Eden Shale Farm. Dan offered a firsthand look at the research and on-farm demonstrations happening at Eden Shale, emphasizing practical strategies to improve herd health, pasture management, and profitability. His message resonated deeply with producers committed to continual improvement.

In addition to the guest speakers, the banquet included a hearty beef dinner, recognition of outstanding members.

“This banquet was a reflection of what makes our industry strong—hard work, knowledge-sharing, and community,” said Tyler Ferguson. “We’re grateful to our speakers, sponsors, and everyone who came out to make this evening one of our best yet.”

As the night came to a close, conversations continued well into the evening, with producers discussing everything from genetics to grazing rotations. The success of the banquet underscored the power of collaboration and the bright future of Kentucky’s cattle industry.