Success StoryMaster Cattleman



Master Cattleman

Author: Clinton Hardy

Planning Unit: Daviess County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Increasing Agricultural Profitability

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Beef cattle production is an important enterprise in the Daviess County agricultural economy. Cattle are grown by nearly 200 full time agricultural producers as well as individuals who utilize cattle production revenue as a supplement for off farm employment.  Cattle and forages were historically low priorities regarding management of the breeding season and ensuring the highest quality forage nutrition available.  Typical revenues on a per acre basis were low in comparison to grain and tobacco so producers viewed the time contributed to their production as low priority.  However, increasing prices for cattle, declining margin in grain, and the master settlement agreement contribution to beef production education, beef cattle genetics and cattle equipment led to a renaissance in the significance cattle have in farm businesses.  Improved genetics, marketing opportunities such as CPH45, and the Kentucky Beef Network on-farm facilitator have had a positive impact on the importance of cattle in our farm businesses.   Beef production continues to be opportunistic in the Green River Area but with rising input, expense emphasis has been placed on alternative grazing methods and balancing nutritional needs in cattle correctly. Producers want to continue to profit and be sustainable in their approach. To meet the help the need of beef production clientele and employees, the Green River Area Agriculture agents hosted the Master Cattleman program. Thirty eight people from 6 counties participated. According to participant survey, most plan to utilize additional rotational grazing practices, bale graze to offset labor  expense and test hay for nutritional feed value in and effort to balance rations based on forage nutrient analysis as a result of the program.






Stories by Clinton Hardy


Daviess County Extension grain variety yield demonstration

about 5 months ago by Clinton Hardy

Land utilized for corn and soybean production comprises approximately 148,000 acres, nearly 50%, of ... Read More


Teaching nutrition to youth

about 5 months ago by Clinton Hardy

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program comprises more 75% of the USDA Farm Bill budget alloca... Read More


Stories by Daviess County CES


Extension Open House

Extension Open House

about 5 months ago by Katherine Alexander

The Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their first Open House in many years in May ... Read More


Open House at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service

Open House at the Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service

about 5 months ago by Sharayha Clingenpeel

The Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service hosted their first Open House in many years in May ... Read More