Virtual Cow-calf Profitability Conference

Kenny Burdine, Greg Halich, and Jonathan Shepherd developed the Cow-calf Profitability Conferences in 2019 / 2020 as an extensive extension program targeting profit-driven cow-calf operators. Program topics were specifically designed to cover aspects of cow-calf production that have the largest impact on profitability. A total of 5 conferences were held in the winter of 2019/2020, reaching more than 300 people directly. After COVID forced the cancellation of the remaining 7 conferences that were planned for 2020, an effort was made to offer this program in a virtual format during the winter of 2021. This program was held over 3 consecutive evenings from March 23-25 through collaboration with the Kentucky Beef Network. Eight unique topics / presentations were delivered, including: 

1. Key Profit Drivers for Cow-Calf Operations
2. Managing Overhead Costs on the Cow-Calf Operation: Focus on Hay Production
3. Hay Production Costs and their Impact on Cow-Calf Profitability
4. Bale Grazing: Increased Pasture Fertility, Reduced Labor/Equipment Costs, and Improved Cow-Herd Health
5. Keys to Profitable Cow-Herd Management
6. Understanding Breeding Stock Depreciation: How much is too Much for a Bred Heifer?
7. Tax Management Tools and Strategies
8. Optimal Hay Feeding Days and the Consequences of Overstocking

The impact and reach of these online conferences had was greater than originally expected.  The three online sessions were attended by 245, 202, and 195 individuals, respectively. Attendees were from 4 countries, 21 states, and 65 different counties within Kentucky. In addition to those who attended the live webinars, Youtube videos of the 3 sessions have been viewed by 144, 93, and 62 people, respectively.  One of the benefits of the online format was that it allowed cattle farmers from outside Kentucky (21 states) to watch the seminars.

 Quantitative evaluations were extremely positive and qualitative comments spoke to how much attendees appreciated the content. Personally, I collaborated on the opening presentation and developed and delivered programs on cow-herd management and bred heifer depreciation. Presentations were evaluated on a 5-point scale with 5 being the highest possible rating. The following shows evaluation results from the 3 presentation I developed / co-developed.

Evaluation Ratings by Presentation Topic

(5=excellent, 4=good, 3= fair, 2=poor, 1= very poor)

Below are some selected qualitative comments from the online evaluation, which also speak to the quality of the program:

 “This was the best overall presentation series I’ve observed yet. Very well done”

“Excellent sessions providing a great learning opportunity for those of us out here on the farms trying to manage our operations”

“This program was excellent! Hope to attend more of the same”

“Appreciate the painful truths ($) regarding some of the management choices we make”  

“Breaking even is impossible for small operators using standard commercial methods so I really will benefit from the strategies that were shared in this programming”

“Overall this is the best educational program I've attended - information was applicable versus overly theoretical”

“Have a way to arrange for paid consultations”

 “I wanted to reach out and say that I am really enjoying this webinar series. I even had my daughter watch it last night with me and she wants to go back through and watch it again. Thank you for the information”