The Beef Cattle Industry in Kentucky is dynamic and multifaceted. Individual producer’s enterprises differ greatly from one to another with end goals being just as diverse. Kentucky has long been labeled a cow calf state and still maintains the largest cow population east of the Mississippi River. Management of the cattle and the forages they consume along with an influx of technology makes for an ever changing industry with endless learning opportunities.

The Green River Area Extension Agricultural Agents understand the importance of beef cattle in the local agricultural economy and strive to provide educational opportunities for producers to further their understanding, stay viable and increase profitability in their respective enterprises.  The GRAAA hosted a 10 session educational series labeled “Master Cattleman” that embraced topics from all aspects of cattle production.  Participants learned about genetics, handling, facility design, marketing and forage management concluded by a hands on Beef Quality Assurance Demonstration where each person became BQCA certified. This certification allows producers to market cattle in niche markets around the country with higher anticipated returns.

37 Producers participated and many noted that the experience has and will continue to pay dividends for their personal enterprise for years to come and feel more prepared to compete in a challenging and volatile marketplace in the future.