Success StoryKentucky Beef Conference



Kentucky Beef Conference

Author: Beau Neal

Planning Unit: Woodford County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Green and Sustainable Living

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

In order to prepare producers to be efficient and profitable, Central Kentucky County Extension Agents for Agriculture & Natural Resources have collaborated with Beef and Agricultural Economic Extension Specialists to present the Kentucky Beef Conference annually for over 20 years. The assistance of long time business community sponsors has allowed producers to hear from nationally known experts in cattle marketing. 

COVID-19 restrictions forced the team to re-evaluate how to continue providing timely marketing and production information with this conference. In the past, the conference has covered a range of production topics but the key focus has always been on marketing strategies and long term outlook. The conference was moved to a shortened, evening, virtual format focused on marketing strategies, marketing outlook and management considerations reaching more than 175 beef producers. 

The farm operations of producers attending vary in size, with most (78%) of the producers having less than 75 cows. Of those producers who have attended past conferences, 77% reported increased profits and 73% reported improved risk management practices as a result of attending. Moving this conference to a virtual format helped reach a much broader geographic range with producers attending from more than 32 counties and of those attending 36% were first time attendees. Several producers indicated they now plan to change when they are going to sell, increase culling in their herd and improve record keeping.






Stories by Beau Neal


Antibiotic Law Update Program

about 1 years ago by Beau Neal

The FDA has changed the laws regarding antibiotics used on livestock/consumption animals. Some of th... Read More


Pastures Please

about 1 years ago by Beau Neal

The ANR Equine Agents Working Group, Extension Specialists and Associates planned the annual Pasture... Read More


Stories by Woodford County CES


Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen Challenges Culinary Youth

Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen Challenges Culinary Youth

about 1 years ago by Ryan Farley

Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen Program.The Kentucky 4-H Passport Kitchen program provided 426 young p... Read More


Teen Conference Provides Opportunity for Skill Development

about 1 years ago by Ryan Farley

The 99th Annual Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference was held at the University of Kentucky June 13-16, 2023... Read More