Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality beef production since the tobacco buyout. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has just over $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously.

Tobacco settlement funds have been used extensively throughout the state to support the purchase of quality bulls and females in order to increase the value of Kentucky’s beef herd.  The Capital Classic Premier Heifer Sale provides an annual opportunity for producers to market quality females meeting KDA Herdbuilder guidelines to local cattleman seeking superior known genetics to improve their herds.  Additionally, all heifers are CAIP cost-share eligible, providing further incentive for herd improvement.

ANR agents and cattlemen from Franklin, Henry, Owen and Shelby counties collaborated with United Producers Stockyards to facilitate the marketing of 111 females in the 2018 sale.   One fall pair sold for $1700 and 110 bred heifers averaged $1,444, returning $160,500 to the agricultural economy.   Buyers from ten counties in two states were represented.  

Additional benefits of the heifer sale include improved herd management and record-keeping by consignors, as well as knowledge of value-added practices to increase selling price.  Buyers reap benefits including known genetics, calving ease-sired calves, and breeding guarantees.