Black vulture predation has become an increasing problem in Kentucky for cattle producers and other small ruminant producers.  Each year, Kentucky farmers lose around $300,000 to $500,000 worth of livestock to these native vultures, according to Joe Cain, Commodity Division Director for the Kentucky Farm Bureau.There have been many reported and several documented cases of black vultures killing newborn calves.  Black vultures are protected through the Migratory Bird Act of 1918.  Producers can apply for special-use permits or utilize effigies (scare decoys) to deter black vultures.  Simpson County beef producers expressed a need for more education on black vulture prevention and control.

Therefore, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture collaborated with the Simpson County Cattlemen’s Association to offer a training with Dr. Matt Springer entitled, “Black Vulture Control & Management”.  According to evaluations, 81% of participants indicated that they have had issues with black vultures killing or attempting to kill calves on their own farms.  75% of respondents indicated that they plan to or may build their own black vulture effigy (scare decoy) as a result of the information presented.  Several participants discussed the need for further instruction on constructing a black vulture effigy.

In response, the Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture and the Allen County Extension Agent for Agriculture created two videos focusing on black vultures.  These featured programs are part of the “In the Field with UK Extension” video series.  The first video was released on February 12, 2019 entitled, “How to Construct a Black Vulture Effigy”.  This is a step-by-step instructional video that follows schematic drawings available in UK publication FORFS 18-03, “Black Vulture Effigy Directions”.  The second video released March 25, 2019 deals with effigy placement, use, and permits.  

The YouTube videos have received a combined total of 190 views.  Five Simpson County beef producers reported that they constructed their own effigy using information provided through the UK publication and the “In the Field with UK Extension” instructional video.  The USDA currently values a newborn calf at $588.75.