One of the greatest threats to newborn calves is black vultures. These predatory birds are becoming more problematic in the state, attacking vulnerable animals and killing them or injuring them so severely that they must be euthanized. Members of the Johnson Co. Agricultural Advancement Council listed black vultures as a topic of concern for beef producers,Because black vultures are a federally-protected species, there is a complicated process to receive a permit to kill them.

Members of the Johnson Co. Agricultural Advancement Council listed black vultures as a topic of concern for beef producers, expressing a need for education about how to deal with this problem. The County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources arranged for Dr. Matthew Springer, UK Wildlife Specialist, to conduct a presentation that reviews the habits of black vultures and their legal status, and to instruct participants on how to build an effigy. Effigies, which are meant to resemble a dead black vulture, are a legal means of repelling black vultures. They are placed at a high point in an area of concern to keep vultures away.

Each of the 28 participants received materials to build the effigies after returning home. There are already several of them ready for calving season. The expectation is that the participants will minimize or eliminate losses from black vultures.