Seeing a need for more education for cattle farmers in the tri-state region agents from Harlan, Bell and Knox Counties Kentucky Lee, Wise and Scott Counties Virginia and Claiborne and Hancock Counties Tennessee on February 1,2020 held the fifth annual Cumberland Gap Beed 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, 70 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, 60% stated they were unaware of it prior to the conference 96% state 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 80% stated that they would now use a mineral supplement based on the information they received. Farmers gained information concerning body condition scoring and 97% state they are now more comfortable in using it while making management decisions. At least 75% of farmers in attendance listed several management changes they plan to make because of what they learned at the conference. Those changes include 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 universities?", while another wrote "presenters were very knowledgeable and did a great job." Of those in attendance, all state they would attend again.