Author: Nick Roy
Planning Unit: Adair County CES
Major Program: Beef
Plan of Work: Strengthening Adair County's Agriculture Industry
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Adair County is the home of 18,800 beef cows (KY NASS) which contribute over $13 million to the local economy. (USDA Ag Census 2017). With a cow to bull ratio of 25:1 and a useful life of a bull averaging 4 years, Adair County beef farmers purchase nearly 200 bulls each year. 75% of the genetics of retained heifers can be traced to the bulls farmers have used in the past five years. Therefore the importance of bull selection goes far beyond just a few calf crops.
In 2019, Adair, Green, and Taylor County Extension Agents collaborated with UK Extension Beef Specialists to offer the Bull Value Assessment program. Forty three local producers participated in a two session program that consisted of classroom style training and a mock auction. Participants were educated on selecting bulls based on phenotype, genotype, their breeding goals, and their environment. A mock auction was then held to allow participants an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in a risk free environment.
Post evaluations revealed that 94% found the program helpful to their operation and 100% of the participants indicated the program would improve their next bull purchase. One producer stated he felt the program reinforced the importance of buying a bull on more than just looks. Another producer stated he would place a greater consideration on select genetics to match his management conditions in the future.
Agriculture changes on a constant basis, in part thanks to technology. Drone technology has been aro... Read More
In Adair County, small ruminants provide a viable income for several small farms. Due to their small... Read More
The Kentucky 4-H Issues conference is for high school youth who have a desire to make a difference i... Read More
According to the 2019 Community Needs Assessment, the top two priority issues for Adair County were ... Read More
In response to the shutdown resulting from the spread of COVID-19, the team of Beef extension specia... Read More
Post Weaning Value-Added Program – Precondition (PVAP-PRECONDITION) The Post Weaning Va... Read More