During the last week of July of 2020, beef cattle producers, the University of Kentucky Beef Integrated Resource Management (IRM) team along with Cooperative Extension agents and industry representatives participated in an online program to identify and prioritize issues to focus on in the near future to continue to maintain the state’s beef industry competitiveness.  Historically, this event was hosted in person out-of-state.  The COVID-19 pandemic forced the program to be held online. This online event was coordinated by Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler.

County agents were asked to reach out to beef leaders in their counties to participate in the online program.  The online based program included two evening programs which lasted nearly three hours each.  A total of 58 counties with more than 200 individuals registered to participate. 

Participants were asked to complete an online survey to identify threats and opportunities facing the beef industry prior to the first evening program.  Survey responses were summarized and presented to participants.  Breakout sessions allowed for individuals to discuss the survey responses and identify other issues that were not presented.  My main role was as a group leader facilitating discussion and helping my group reach concensus on the issues. Participant feedback was collected and submitted by county ANR agents.  This information was categorized and participants were asked to complete a second online survey to rank the issues.

Presentations were given by experienced agents in how to build county-based beef programs.  Additionally, the results of the second survey prioritizing the issues were presented. Participants were then asked to consider the issues identified by the survey feedback in smaller breakout rooms.  Following the breakout session, participants had an opportunity to share some of the discussion around the issues identified.

Results from the ranking of issues were aggregated based on overlapping areas of focus.  The top 5 areas focal areas included: expanded marketing opportunities, educational programs supporting expansion of finishing and processing cattle; business approach to cattle management; new farmer educational programs, and continuing education.  Agents and beef leaders were challenged to go back and work with local beef producers to develop action plans to implement programs locally.

It is estimated that more than 160 individuals actually participated in the online programs.  The UK Beef IRM team along with the Kentucky Beef Network utilized the feedback gathered to develop the KADF grant for 2021 and 2022 and guide beef program development for the state.