According to the Beef Cattle National Research Council, there are at least 17 minerals considered essential for beef cattle. Cattle failing to receive some minimum level of these minerals in the diet may exhibit problems of health, productivity, or reproduction.  Not all minerals are created the same, so the University of Kentucky has recommended mineral rations.   The Carter County Agriculture & Natural Resource Agent takes bids from local farm stores to provide the UK Beef IRM mineral at the lowest possible price for local producers.  In January 2020, 28 farmers from at least four counties purchased over 31,000 pounds of mineral.  Not only does this group mineral order allow farmers to purchase a higher quality mineral for a cheaper price, but the higher quality mineral will also lead to improved profits because proper mineral supplementation is important for optimum growth, reproduction and immunity of beef cattle.