Educational programs that strengthen agriculture production skills are a continued priority identified by the Oldham County Extension and Agriculture Councils.  In Oldham County, pasture makes up one-third of available farmland and provides grazing for livestock.  Livestock are important to Oldham County’s economy, with cattle alone representing over 2.4 million dollars in sales in 2012, according to the last Census of Agriculture.  Cattle numbers have remained steady since then, with 7,600 head of cattle and calves in Oldham County, according to the National Ag Statistics Service 2016 report.

Because of the economic importance of cattle production in this area, agriculture extension agents in Oldham, Trimble, Henry and Shelby Counties have organized and held Regional Beef Field Days for farmers annually since 2005. These field days offer farmers an opportunity to see how production practices work on other farms. Field days also promote the use of new practices that improve production efficiency while protecting natural resources, which are goals outlined in the county plan of work.

Regional Beef Field Day was held at a Trimble County farm in September 2017. During the field day, 284 area producers attended and learned about:

- Animal Identification and Freeze Branding (field demonstration)
- Purina Feeds and the use of Accuration in feeding calves (field demonstration)
- Custom Cuts and Proper Finishing (indoor presentation)
- Marketing Profit/Loss Seminar (indoor presentation)

Presenters included Trackside Butcher Shoppe owner, Purina Nutrition Specialist, University of Kentucky Extension Ag Economist, local producer, and a representative from Kentucky Beef Council. Area Agriculture Extension agents identified topics of interest and benefit to producers; contacted speakers; and led tours during the field day. Local cattlemen’s association members prepared the field day meal. During the meal, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Dave Maples gave updates on statewide beef news. Trimble County Cattleman’s Association raised right at $3,500 in sponsor funds to cover event costs. In addition to the great presenters, producers had the opportunity to visit with many of the sponsors at their individual booths.

Feedback received from Oldham County cattle producers included:

“The talk about feeds and time needed to finish cattle was important – a lot of people send cattle to be processed before they're really finished.”

 “I always looks forward to the beef field day because I get to see how other people raise cattle, and it makes me think of and see new methods to use on my farm.”

“The speakers and topics were the best you’ve had.” 

Dr. Greg Halich, UK Ag Economics professor an one of the presenters said, “I would put your field day in the top two or three I've ever been part of, and it may have been the best.”