Improving genetics on small farms can done many different ways.  One way is buy buying a new genetically superior bull.  Another way and more economically is to develop heifers from the farm.  In the past Eastern Kentucky had a heifer development program in Hazard that farmers could send their heifers and they were developed there.  In the winter of 2017 it was announced that the Eastern KY Heifer Development Program was in its last year.  Agriculture agents from Elliott, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, and Wolfe Counties teamed up to develop an intensive 7 night program to give farmers the knowledge to develop their own heifers on their own farms.  Farmers were trained on economics, nutrition, health, ultrasound, estrus synchronization, and artificial insemination.  The program has been well attended and averaging 20 plus at each session.  Results of the pre-evaluation was that less than 5 had developed their own heifers on their own farm.  Since the start of the program there will now be a consignment sale of replacement heifers that these attendees will have the option to become of part of.  This sale and other evaluation tools will be used at the end of the program to evaluate the program.