Success StoryBeef Records



Beef Records

Author: David Appelman

Planning Unit: Bracken County CES

Major Program: Farm Management

Plan of Work: Beef Production and Management

Outcome: Initial Outcome

~~Very few beef producers record or measure performance or production information from their herd.  Without this information, informed and evaluated decisions are difficult to make.  To help beef producers in Bracken County start collecting data, a scale was purchased to be used in educational programs.  Farmers can request that the agriculture agent bring the scale to their farm to weigh calves to evaluate weaning weights, or rate of gain to determine if feed programs are meeting expectations.  It will also show the effects of calving dates on growth.  The first farmer to participate in the program found that the biggest difference in calf weights was determined by calving date.  He is now making plans for the next breeding season to synchronize the herd using MGA to get cows bred earlier and avoid later birth dates.  Also, two calves born early showed less growth, thereby showing those cows may not have the milking ability or growth compared to the other cows in the herd.  With this new information, the producer will now be able to make informed decisions regarding breeding and culling along with the possibility of adding artificial insemination to his breeding program to gain better genetics for future herd replacements.






Stories by David Appelman


Highlighting Area Agriculture

about 3 years ago by David Appelman

With the plans to host the annual meeting of the KY Agricultural County Agents Association virtually... Read More


Seed Savings

about 3 years ago by David Appelman

Left over seed often happens on farms due to many unforeseen circumstances. Planting delays due to w... Read More


Stories by Bracken County CES


Family Garden Bags

Family Garden Bags

about 3 years ago by Molly Jordan

The COVID 19 pandemic has brought many new challenges to families. However, one of the positive outc... Read More


Community Garden Programs Enhancing Lives of Bracken County

Community Garden Programs Enhancing Lives of Bracken County

about 3 years ago by Molly Jordan

The impacts of community gardens extend far beyond that of providing fresh vegetables to those invol... Read More