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.