Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Shelby County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting. 

With these facts in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham, Trimble, Henry and Shelby Counties have organized and held an annual Regional Beef Field Day for farmers since 2005. These field days offer producers an opportunity to see how production practices are implemented on local farms. Field days also promote adoption of new practices that improve production efficiency while protecting natural resources, which are goals outlined in the county plan of work.

 This year’s event was held at the Allison Acres Charolais in New Castle (Henry County). Just under 300 area producers representing seven counties attended and learned about:

 - Phenotypic Selection of Herd Bulls (field demonstration by Corinne Belton, Shelby ANR Agent)
 - Heifer Development (field demonstration by Les Anderson, UK Beef Specialist)
 - Utilization of Hoop Barn Structures in Beef Production Operations (field demonstration by Steve Higgins, UK Ag Engineering Specialist)
 - Alfalfa Production (field demonstration by Jimmy Henning, UK Forage Specialist)

Area Agriculture Extension agents worked together to identify topics of interest and benefit to producers, secure the field day location and speakers and to lead tours and answer questions during the field day. Local cattlemen’s association members prepared the field day meal. During the meal, an update was given on Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association by KCA Executive Vice President Dave Maples. Current Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President and Henry County beef producer, Bobby Foree addressed the crowd regarding host Johnny Allison’s history within the county’s agriculture industry. Henry County’s 2018 Summer Extension Intern Jaycie Heath presented her research on pasture evaluation and fescue toxicity in cattle. And field day host, Johnny Allison brought greetings and shared his farm and family history within the Charolais breed. 

The hosting Cattlemen’s group secured $1,300 in sponsorships to cover event costs. In addition to the educational presentations, producers had the opportunity to visit with many of the 14 different sponsors at their individual booths.

 Numerous attendees commented on the relevance of the information shared at this year’s field day and complimented the speakers regarding the excellence of their presentations. This event continues to validate the work being done by agents to promote the beef industry via educational programming within the Louisville area.