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 the Todd Rand farm in Milton (Trimble County).  More than 280 area producers attended and learned about:

- Animal Identification and Freeze Branding  (field demonstration)
- Purina feeds and the use of Accuration in feeding calves (field demonstration)
- Custom cuts and Proper Carcass Sizes (indoor presentation)
- Marketing Profit/Loss Seminar (indoor presentation)

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 from Executive Vice President Dave Maples. The hosting Cattlemen’s group secured $3,500 in sponsorships to cover event costs. In addition to the educational presentations, producers had the opportunity to visit with many of the sponsors at their individual booths.

Compliments about the field day included, “Glad to see something different than the same old thing being done this year,” and “Never would have thought of doing any of these things and being able to do it at my small farm.”

Dr. Greg Halich, who was one of the presenters was quoted as saying.” I would put your field day in the top 2-3 I've ever been part of; it may have been the best.”