Success StoryCapital Classic Heifer Sale Continues to Offer Improved Genetics



Capital Classic Heifer Sale Continues to Offer Improved Genetics

Author: Corinne Belton

Planning Unit: Shelby County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Livestock Production & Profitability

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

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.






Stories by Corinne Belton


Breakfast on the Farm

about 5 years ago by Corinne Belton

With over 1500 farms generating more than $72 million in agriculture receipts, Shelby County agricul... Read More


Capital Classic Heifer Sale Continues to Offer Improved Genetics

about 5 years ago by Corinne Belton

Shelby County, like many other formerly tobacco-dependent counties, has seen an emphasis on quality ... Read More


Stories by Shelby County CES


Master Clothing Volunteers - Sharing Sewing Success

about 5 years ago by Sheila Fawbush

Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, it can reduce stress and... Read More


Master Clothing Volunteers - Sharing Sewing Success

about 5 years ago by Sheila Fawbush

Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, it can reduce stress and... Read More


Stories by Beef


Purchase Area Cattlemen's Association Summer Tour

Purchase Area Cattlemen's Association Summer Tour

about 5 years ago by Samantha Anderson

While the Purchase area is typically noted for excellence in row crop production, the livestock indu... Read More


Grading Feeder Cattle

Grading Feeder Cattle

about 6 years ago by Eric Baker

KDA beef marketing specialist Tim Dietrich discusses grading feeder cattle at the Estill County Exte... Read More