Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region, agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties, KY; Lee, Wise, and Scott Counties, VA; and Claiborne and Hancock Counties, TN held the first annual Cumberland Gap Cattle conference.

The goal was to address the needs and to update cattle farmers on new federal regulation changes as well as topics of body conditioning and scoring, minerals, disease prevention and management.

Of those in attendance, 33 evaluations were returned.  Those evaluations suggested that the event was a success and future conferences were suggested.  Every farmer stated that they have a better understanding of how their management affects the economics of their operation. Concerning upcoming federal regulation changes on antibiotic use, 55% stated they were unaware of it prior to the conference and 94% stated they would be able to address the changes from the information they now have because of the information gained.  Mineral education was greatly appreciated and 75% stated that they would now use a mineral supplement based on the information that they receieved.  Farmers gained information concerning body condition scoring and 97% stated they are now more comfortable in using it while making management decisions. At least 70% of farmers in attendance listed several management changes they plan to make because of what they learned at the conference.  Those changes included minerals, testing grazing, nutrition, and deworming, just to name a few.

Feedback also suggested that another conference will be held.  One farmer stated "where could you go to hear speakers from three state universites?", while another wrote, "presenters were very knowledgeable and did a great job."  Of those in attendance, all stated they would attend again.