Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success StoryCentral Kentucky Beef Cow DNA Project



Central Kentucky Beef Cow DNA Project

Author: Whitney Carman

Planning Unit: Grayson County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Enhancing Agriculture Management and Marketing

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Genetic evaluation has largely been developed and determined by using seedstock bulls throughout the beef industry. However, producers are continually educated to utilize heterosis to increase the profitability and genetic merit of their progeny. As the increase in genomic testing and overall understanding of genetic merit has been promoted, the goal for this project is to help producers adopt a new tool to utilize when selecting traits using maternal parentage for their commercial herds. The Extension Agents Evan Tate from Hancock County, Greg Comer from Ohio County, and Whitney Carman from Grayson County worked with Beef Extension Specialists on the project. Using a grant from UK Beef IRM program, they enrolled approximately 240  young commercial cows and virgin heifers from three counties and eleven operations comprised of multiple breeds into Igenity  Beef. Agents collected Tissue Sampling Units (TSUs) and recorded data cow-side (BCS, hip height, foot/leg score, coat color, disposition score and udder score to complement the suit returned from Igenity.

From the tissue samples, agents received a large amount of data back on the participating herds. Agents extrapolated and averaged the data on a per herd basis and as a whole using the Igenity Beef database. They made booklets for each producer with appropriate recommendations suited for those particular operation's goals.  Furthermore, the collective data was used to better understand baselines for the commercial herds in the region and the economic relevance, not just for particular traits themselves but, the return on investment for commercial cow DNA testing as well.

As stated, the initial outcomes from this project were that producers were educated on this new technology that applied effectively, can be used to help as a tool to increase profitability on their farm.  Throughout the process 6 of the 11 producers indicated that they plan to utilize this technology on their herds in the future. The project is expected to grow into more counties and become a more regional program into 2021 and beyond.






Stories by Whitney Carman


Grayson Co. Launches First Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit with Strong Community Support

Grayson Co. Launches First Annual Disaster Preparedness Summit with Strong Community Support

about 2 months ago by Whitney Carman

Grayson County took a powerful step forward in community resilience with the launch of its first ann... Read More


Supporting Farmers by Updating Land Rent and Cash Value Survey Data

about 2 days ago by Whitney Carman

Across Kentucky, agricultural landowners, farmers, and Extension professionals often face uncertaint... Read More


Stories by Grayson County CES


Food is Medicine - Strengthening Health Through Local Agriculture

Food is Medicine - Strengthening Health Through Local Agriculture

about 5 days ago by Natalie Taul

Grayson County took step toward improving community health and supporting local agriculture through ... Read More


Fitt Fridays - Energizing Youth Through Community Partnership

Fitt Fridays - Energizing Youth Through Community Partnership

about 5 days ago by Natalie Taul

The Fitt Fridays program brought health and wellness education to life for 1,766 elementary students... Read More