Educating local beef producers is a high priority in Shelby County. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, Shelby County has nearly $15 million in beef animal sales yearly, emphasizing the need for beef producers to take herd management and breeding decisions seriously. Field days serve to educate cattlemen regarding important production principles while demonstrating practices in a practical, on-farm setting.  

With these facts in mind, Agriculture Extension agents in Oldham, Trimble, Henry and Shelby Counties have organized and held an annual Regional Beef Field Day for farmers since 2005. These field days offer producers an opportunity to see how production practices are implemented on local farms. Field days also promote adoption of new practices that improve production efficiency while protecting natural resources, which are goals outlined in the county plan of work.

This year’s event was held at Carlile Acres Farm in Finchville (Shelby County) with a theme of “Adding Value to Your Operation.” More than 200 area producers representing nine counties attended and learned about:

- Adding Value Through Direct Marketing (local producers Melissa Ballard and Derek Lawson)
- Adding Value Through Post-weaning Management (UK Specialist Dr. Kenny Burdine)
 - Adding Value Through Agritourism and Local Foods (local producer and host Wanda Hawkins)

-Adding Value Through Improved Health and Nutrition Management (UK Specialists Dr. Michelle Arnold and Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler

Area Agriculture Extension agents worked together to identify topics of interest and benefit to producers, secure the field day location and speakers and to lead tours and answer questions during the field day. Local cattlemen’s association members prepared the field day meal. During the meal, an update was given on Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association by KCA Executive Vice President Dave Maples. Current Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President Tim White addressed the crowd regarding state and national activities and upcoming events.  Rayna Warford, Animal Disease Traceability Coordinator with the Office of the State Veterinarian gave an update on animal identification and traceability and upcoming changes to requirements.

The hosting Cattlemen’s group secured $750 in sponsorships to assist in covering event costs. In addition to the educational presentations, producers had the opportunity to visit with many of the sponsors at their individual booths.

 Numerous attendees commented on the relevance of the information shared at this year’s field day and complimented the speakers regarding the excellence of their presentations.  This event continues to validate the work being done by agents to promote the beef industry via educational programming within the Louisville area.