Based on the 2017 Census of Agriculture, beef production in counties surrounding Edmonson County have on average, 35% of their livestock/poultry income from beef production. Each of the counties do various programs throughout the year, but to combine efforts, the Grayson County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent reached out to surrounding counties to gauge interest in hosting a regional approach to a field day. Counties that would participate would be Grayson, Breckinridge, Edmonson, Hancock, Butler and Ohio.

Based on surveys, planning and agent input on program efforts, a Saturday field day program was developed for September 21, 2019. The location for the 2019 field day would be in Grayson County at St. Clair Angus Farm in Falls of Rough, KY, with expectations to rotate from county to county.

167 participants had the opportunity to attend 4 separate presentations: Managing Cows When Hay is Limited, Explaining Importance of Chelates and Fetal Programming, Reproductive Management Strategies, and DNA and Pregnancy Blood Sampling Demonstrations. These were taught by Beef Extension Specialists, agents, a practicing livestock consultant and a local practicing veterinarian. Another accomplishment for this year was the inclusion of all program areas as well as a vendor area for local agribusinesses. Over 15 local agribusiness set up to talk with participants and give door prizes.

Agents prepared a survey for participants to gauge knowledge learned and applicability to their farming operation. Based on surveys, 49% felt that limited hay supply and reproductive management strategies were the most useful presentation, followed by 47% with understanding chelates and 31% for DNA Sampling. Out of 114 surveys, 110 correctly identified the different ways that a DNA sample could be taken.

 Overall, this was a successful collaborative event that allowed all facets of the farming and agriculture community to come together to learn how to better their farming enterprises. The goal is to continue to grow this event, alternate between counties and utilize timely topics for beef production in the regional area.