TCC KENSINGTON 442M ET TJB REBEL YELL 804F ET TCC PRIDE 504
TAYD 579C B. WILLIE 439M ET SNOW CREEK B. WILLIE J012A ET TJB ANISSA 921U 579C ET
TJB JELLY ROLL 463M ALL AMERICAN J109 TJB VANESSA 016W 566C ET
TJB GORDON 4104M ET TJB REBEL YELL 804F ET TJB ANISSA 579C 954G
TJB TAYD 806F S. WIND 409M ET RWG SEMINOLE WIND 9430 ET TJB ANISSA 921U 806F ET
40
80
50
56
62
64
Oak Hollow is a multigenerational seedstock operation located in southern Kentucky, breeding over 400 cows annually. For nearly 50 years, we have selected traits of economic importance to commercial cattlemen. Optimal calving ease, fertility, longevity, and structural soundness have the most significant impact on commercial cow-calf profitability. The calves the cows raise also have to provide value down the supply chain by possessing the ability to grow and grade. Selection for these traits is backed by comprehensive phenotypic data collection, including MaternalPlus enrollment, foot scoring, hair scoring, mature cow size measurements, and carcass ultrasound. No stone is left unturned when evaluating the cow herd and calf crop annually. Our cow herd grazes toxic fescue in a commercial environment, and we focus on genetics adapted to the southeast that perform in that challenging environment. The bulls you see listed below are not outside AI sires, but herd sires currently in our bull battery and used in our breeding program in the spring and fall herds. Sires with this type of elite genetic potential for commercial cow-calf profitability bred to a cow herd like ours result in a bull crop ready to work for the commercial industry. They also produce daughters able to go out and produce for the commercial industry. The bulls on test for our October 27, 2025 bull sale AVERAGE in the top 3% of the breed for $Maternal. They are not developed on silage or in a feedlot. They are developed with a ration that has their long-term health in mind and in an environment that maintains their athleticism. If these sound like the cattle you like to have, feel free to call us anytime, visit our website, or email joe.lowe@icloud.com for more information.
CAIP QUALIFYING BRED HEIFERS AND SPRING BRED COWS AVAILABLE TODAY
Spring-calving females from the heart of our herd are available today via private treaty. Many are bred to the elite genetics listed in the chart above. Heifers have been evaluated for every single performance metric from birth through breeding. Cows have complete information on their calving interval and production record. They are priced starting at the top of the commercial female market and would make a great addition to any herd. Call us for more information.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OFFICERS:
President
RANDY WARNER Sharpsburg
President Elect
ALLAN BRYANT Eminence
Vice President
DANIEL HAYDEN Whitesville
Treasurer
KEN ADAMS Upton
Past President
JEFF PETTIT Sebree
KCA Program Chairman
ADAM CHUNGLO Harrodsburg
KBC Chairman
RYAN MILLER Campbellsville
KBN Chairman*
ALLAN BRYANT
Beef Solutions Chairman*
DANIEL HAYDEN *ex officio
REGIONAL DIRECTORS:
REGION 1
Wayne Zoglmann, John Mark Brown, Dale Gold, Greg Roberson, Gary Woodall, Coleman Ladd, Susan Zoglmann, Bill Plemmons, Kenton Howard, Steve Dunning, Conner Williams
REGION 2
Phyllis Gentry, Joe Lowe, Allison Nissley, Rayetta Boone, Robbie Hatfield, Chris Imbruglio, Maggie Webb, Andy Joe Moore, Adam Thomas, AJ Mitchell, Isaac Thompson, Kenneth Green, Trent Jones, Josh Morris, Joe Mike Moore, Amy Cecil
REGION 3
Amanda Hall, Nathan Lawson, Allen Phillips, Irvin Kupper, John David Yount, Lincoln Clifford, Abbey Biddle, Ben Tinsley, Crystal Harrod, Kyle Bush, Michelle Simon, Craig Retzlaff
REGION 4
Amy White, Brad Reynolds, Chad Anglin, Phillip Stamm, Danielle Harmon, Brandy Graves, Jodi Purvis, Mike Ravencraft, Ronnie Lowe, Logan Carter, Jason Crowe, Rob Amburgey
REGION 5
Phillip Reese, John Settles, Natalie Wesley, Doris Hamilton, Freddy Harris, Brent Williams, Anne Bays, Tommy Glasscock, Josh Wethington, Arch Sebastian, Terry Mattingly Executive Committee members in bold.
KCA PAST PRESIDENTS:
at your local county clerk's office!
Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation will receive $10 from each purchase and renewal to benefit education, leadership and youth programs.
Dave
Kenny Allen Beef Solutions Operations Manager
Kelly Baird KBC Director of Communications
Todd Brown Graphic Designer
Bradon Burks KBC Director of Education
Rachel Cain Membership and Communications Coordinator
Amelia Carter KBC Director of Industry Relations
Danny Coy Video Production Specialist
Jake Harrod KBN Program Coordinator
Dan Miller KBN Industry Coordinator
Debby Nichols National Advertising Sales, LAN
Katie Pratt Communications Manager
Alex Scott MS, RD, LD KBC Southeast Regional Director of Nutrition
Becky Thompson Director of Kentucky Beef Network
Kelly Tucker KCA Collections & Compliance
Nikki Whitaker Director of Operations & Policy
President's Thoughts
Randy Warner KCA President
Well, here it is October already, and the year is getting very close to being over. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer.
We usually write our columns a month in advance, so as I write this, I am about to get ready to fly to South Korea for a U.S. Meat Export Federation trade tour on Sept. 8. I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to go on this trip to represent all the cattlemen of our state and country. Stay tuned to the November issue of Cow Country News for pictures and a play-by-play of what all I did while I was there.
One thing I’ve learned while being the KCA president is that you have to have a flexible schedule as you never know when or where you might have to go. A really important aspect of this job is multitasking, and honestly, the constant excitement of this position is something I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Even with all the trips I’ve been on, the farm still takes priority. I’m blessed to have family that has picked up the slack and actually figured out what all needs to be done in my absence. One other thing I’ve learned as president is that this position puts a lot of pressure on our spouses when we are away for so long on multiple trips and meetings. My wife, Tammy, has been a real trooper and made sure Noah and the gang get things done in a safe and timely manner. So, if you see any of our past presidents' spouses say a big, “thank you,” for all they do on behalf of KCA. We honestly couldn’t thank them enough, but we’ll try.
Around the office, the staff has been busy with all the state fair business, and I’ll have to say they’ve done a phenomenal job staffing the booth as well as attending all the meetings with our legislators and different trade organizations that have our interests at heart. We are always well represented at these meetings as we
have top-notch staff members that get things done.
We’ve completed the schematic design phase and now have a good sense of what the Livestock Innovation Center will look like, with construction expected to begin early next year and completion still on track for 2027. One thing I’ve learned this past year as I have served on the center’s Construction Oversight Committee is it has taken a tremendous amount of resources to get us this far. It has taken an extreme amount of dedication from both the staff and members of the committee along with the members of the construction management team and the architects. For that, I will be forever grateful.
With all that, I better give you an update on Noah and Audra taking
care of our fall-calving cows. We always try to tag the calves with same number as the mommas. Sometimes they cooperate, and sometimes they don’t. One cow decided that those two would not get within 100 foot of her calf, and they tried three times to lure her away so one could tag it. But the cow won and put both of them back in the side-by-side without the calf being tagged. P.S. The cow belongs to them, so I’m out of the woods on that one.
On that note, I’m going wrap it up and wish everyone a safe and well fall season and as always God Bless you.
Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association President
Commissioner's Corner
Jonathan Shell Agriculture Commissioner
As temperatures cool and oncegreen leaves turn gold, orange and red, families across Kentucky are gearing up for a beloved seasonal tradition: fall fun. There's something about the scent of apple cider, the crunch of leaves underfoot and a soft, warm sweater that invites us to slow down and reconnect with each other and with the land around us. That’s where agritourism comes in.
Agritourism, a blend of agriculture and tourism, offers families the chance to experience life on the farm without the early mornings and heavy lifting. It’s also the heart of fall fun, where memories are made among apple trees, pumpkin patches, and towering corn stalks. Across the country, farms are opening their gates to welcome families for a taste of harvest season, quite literally.
Apple picking is one of the most iconic fall pastimes. Children race down rows of trees, eager to pluck the shiniest fruit they can reach, while parents fill bags and snap photos. Many orchards offer more than just apples. There are fresh-pressed cider tastings, caramel apple stands, and often, farm stores brimming with homemade pies and preserves. It’s a wholesome way to spend a weekend, and a subtle lesson in where food really comes from.
Pumpkin patches offer their own kind of magic. Wandering through a field dotted with orange, white and even blue-hued pumpkins is like stepping into a storybook. Kids can hunt for the perfect jack-o’lantern candidate, while parents appreciate the rustic charm and endless photo ops. Many farms
now grow specialty pumpkins and gourds, ideal for decorating or cooking up seasonal favorites like homemade pumpkin pie. Mmmmm!
And then, of course, there are corn mazes. These towering puzzles range from simple loops for toddlers to elaborate designs that challenge even the most seasoned maze-goer. Walking through the tall stalks as the sun dips below the horizon can feel both thrilling and peaceful, especially with laughter echoing from nearby families.
Hayrides complete the experience. Whether tractor-drawn or horse-led, a hayride through the countryside lets everyone sit back, breathe deep and take in the colors of the season. Some farms even offer haunted hayrides for older kids and brave-hearted parents, blending fun with just a touch of fall fright.
What makes fall agritourism so special is its blend of tradition, education and entertainment. It connects us to the cycles of nature and the hardworking farmers who feed us. In a world moving at high speed, these moments remind us to be present to laugh, explore and savor the sweet simplicity of the season.
So, pack up the kids, put on a flannel shirt, and head to your nearest Kentucky agritourism farm. Whether you're in it for the apples, the pumpkins, the hayrides or the hot cider, fall offers a bounty of family fun waiting to be harvested.
You can find an agritourism venue near you by going to www.kyproud. com/programs/farms-are-fun.
ALL AGES WELCOME SCHEDULE A GROUP VISIT CHOOSE YOUR LESSON PLAN CATERING IS AVAILABLE
THE YARDS is an education center focusing on the science and practices of the beef industry. Educational opportunities provide a unique learning experience based on its location in the Blue Grass Regional Stockyards Marketplace. This environment fosters complex thinking, experiential learning, and life skill application.
When your customers’ calves set all-time market records, it’s proof the right genetics pay.
At Red Hill Farms, we breed for balance – combining maternal strength with beef chain performance. Fertility, sound structure, udder quality and disposition anchor our cow herd, while disciplined selection for growth, feed efficiency and carcass merit drives results from pasture to processing plant.
This summer at Bluegrass Stockyards South in Kentucky, Red Hillsired calves topped the market in multiple weight classes – including a new all-time barn record for 5-weight steers at $429/cwt and the #1 statewide record for 6-weight steers at $398.50/cwt. In one historic day, customers sold more than 400 Red Hill-sired calves, setting 4 of the 5 highest barn records ever posted.
Because when you can build a productive cow herd and still hang carcasses at the top of the grid –that’s balance worth keeping.
Thoughts From Dave
Dave Maples Executive Vice President
One of the perks, as I see it, with this job is that I get to talk with many people and visit different farms and ag businesses each month. I also get a great deal of cattle information presented to me each month.
This past month, I had the opportunity to travel to several events or meetings with our KCA leadership and KCA team members. I want to highlight three of these events. Every year in early August I get a call from Jim Gibson inviting me to the Washington County Livestock Center’s annual customer appreciation dinner and video sale. Jim and the crew do a really nice job with this annual event. Jim has done a masterful job over the years of bringing a strong group of consignors and cattle together for this sale. He does a nice job of attracting consignors from multiple states to sell in the sale. Also, I will tell you that it is the best meal of the year that you will get at any cattle event.
Jim and Glenna Gibson at the Washington County Livestock Center are special people to me because they were the first people to invite me to a stockyard event when I started this job. Both have had serious health issues over the years, but they have not let those get them down and they have not quit working.
Jake Harrod, Amelia Carter and I drove down to the CPC Field Day in Fountain Run. I always try to make this event because I get to talk to so many of our beef producers and industry partners. It was good to see the CPC family and especially Marshall Celsor. I was disappointed that I didn’t get to see Mrs. Celsor as she had a health issue and didn’t get to attend this year. She has been one of my trusted advisors and voice of reason for many years.
Allan Bryant, Cary King, Rachel Cain, Carey Brown and I traveled to Abington, Virginia for the NCBA Region 1 meeting. Getting drive
time with this crew is a good time to hash out several different subjects. One of the highlights was getting to visit the farm of Gene Copenhaver in southwest Virginia. Gene is the incoming president of NCBA. It is good because it is so rare to have a NCBA president from our area of the country. Gene and his family are good people. His dad Ernest Copenhaver was a leader and supporter of the cattle industry.
On the information ora social media side I read a report that was titled, “A Sad Reality: Brazil to Overtake the U.S. in Beef Production for the First Time.” According to the USDA's August WASDE report, U.S. beef production in 2025 is projected at 25.992 billion pounds. If realized, this would mark the lowest annual beef production for the U.S. since
2016. Meanwhile, Brazil is forecast to produce 26.23 billion pounds of beef in 2025, slightly exceeding its record output from 2024. If this projection holds, Brazil will produce 243 million pounds more beef than the United States—a historic first.
I also saw another headline that read, “2025 Cow Prices Forecast to Hit Record — Up 131% Since 2019.” Annual cow prices are projected to reach a new all-time high of $143/ cwt in 2025, up $14 from 2024 and a sharp $41 increase from 2023.
The reality of these two news topics is that we the U.S. cattle producers are enjoying high cattle prices due to a short supply and strong demand, but there are cattlemen in other parts of the world that are growing their supply and supply chain infrastructure.
OUT WORK• OUT LAST
Bulls that help your bottom line.
Town Creek Farm bulls hold up, out-work, out-last and out-perform their peers. Fewer bulls to replace. Thirty years of developing proven bulls. They work!
√ Select your bulls from proven Brangus (selection of 1st gen 3/8-5/8 bulls) Ultrablacks, Vigor Max™ (Brahman x Angus half-blood), 3/4 Blood and Brahman Bulls.
√ Opportunity to buy bulls from a program that culls EVERY open female and EVERY female that doesn’t bring a calf to weaning pens.
√ Cattle fit the commercial world, based on good cows behind our bull offering.
√ Maternal bulls develop superior replacement heifers that are fertile, long-lasting and have good udders.
√ Offering full two-year-old bulls.
√ Large selection of calving ease heifer bulls.
√ User-Friendly bulls.
√ Bulls are hard, ripped and toned; ready for breeding pastures.
√ Managed to be disease-free. ALL bulls are out of Johnes-free cows.
√ Environmentally adapted and acclimated bulls that withstand heat and humidity.
√ Longevity – of breeding bulls and of their daughters.
√ Fertility is our top priority. All other traits follow fertility.
√ Genetics developed and proven for more than 30 years.
Town Creek Farm Sale
Saturday, October 18, 2025 • 12 noon at the ranch near West Point, Mississippi 130 Brangus, Ultrablack, First Gen Brangus and VigorMax™ Half-Blood Bulls, 185 Commercial Brangus Bred Heifers
Go to www.TownCreekFarm.com to request a sale catalog.
TOWN CREEK FARM A Fenco Farms Company
32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773-5207
Cody Glenn (601)508-8689 Cody@TownCreekFarm.com Joy Reznicek Sundbeck (205)399-0221 Joy@TownCreekFarm.com
Clay Cooper (352)302-2734 Clay.Cooper@FencoFarms.com www.TownCreekFarm.com
BRANGUS HEIFERS SELL.
LOT 13 - 610L6 BRANGUS BULL SELLS.
BARREN COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Carol Spiegl
Barren County Cattlemen’s Association grilled ribeye sandwiches for Glasgow Southern States Co-op Customer Appreciation. A large crowd of wonderful customers took advantage of the lunch.
LEWIS COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Kim Sparks
In August, the Lewis County Cattlemen’s Association met at Rip’s Farm Center and celebrated our 100th membership. We had over 80 people present. We can’t thank the Meadows Family enough for hosting us and sponsoring our meal.
NELSON COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Sarah Wheatley
The Nelson County Beef Cattle Association recently held their August meeting. Jacob Settles from the Kentucky Beef Network was the guest speaker. After a delicious meal of ribeye sandwiches, burgers and all beef franks, the association recognized seven scholarship winners for 2025, and awarded them each $500. Scholarship recipients were Nelson County High School seniors McKenna Ice, Halee Hutchins, Nate Crumbley, Riley Hall and Tommy Zabenco Jr., along with Bethlehem High School senior Katie Ice. Allie Berry, a Nelson County High School graduate and current third-year veterinary student at Auburn University, rounded out the scholarship recipients. We wish these young people much success in their future endeavors.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY NEWS
submitted by Craig Richardson
The Christian County Cattlemen’s Association proudly carried on a tradition of service, community and support for the next generation of agriculture during its largest annual fundraiser this past August—the Christian County Cattleman’s Lonestar Rodeo.
For two nights, crowds from across the region gathered at the Christian County Fairgrounds to enjoy the thrills of professional rodeo action. Behind the scenes, the hardworking members of the Christian County Cattlemen’s Association were busy grilling all night long to serve up delicious beef for rodeo fans.
The effort was more than just food and fun. Proceeds from the event go directly to fund scholarships for local youth pursuing higher education, many of whom plan to remain connected to Kentucky’s rich agricultural traditions.
“Our members put in long hours because we know what’s at stake,” said Jack Orem, president of the Christian County Cattlemen’s Association. “Every burger, every ribeye sandwich, every brisket nacho sold helps us invest in the future of agriculture by supporting our young people.”
The Lonestar Rodeo continues to be a highlight of the summer calendar in Christian County, bringing together families, neighbors and supporters of the cattle industry. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the strong turnout from the community, this year’s rodeo fundraiser was a success—once again reinforcing the association’s mission of promoting beef, supporting youth and serving the community.
The Christian County Cattlemen’s Association extends its heartfelt thanks to the rodeo organizers, community partners and every person who came out to enjoy a great night of rodeo and beef. Together, we’re ensuring that the next generation of cattle producers have the tools and opportunities to thrive.
(L to R) Nelson County Beef Cattle Association President Bradley Piles, McKenna Ice, Katie Ice, Halee Hutchins, Nate Crumbley, Riley Hall, Tommy Zabenco Jr. and Association Vice-President Robert Dishon. (Photo curtesy of Dale Culver.) Allie Berry who was not available for the group photo is pictured in the individual photo.
submitted by Tanya Wilson
The Shelby County Cattlemen’s Association recently awarded four, $1,500 scholarships. Recipients were Kendra Wilson, Amelia Fields, Tristan Carmack and Abby Blanton.
Submit your County Cattlemen's Association news to Katie Pratt. kpratt@kycattle.org
Submissions are due by the 10th of the month prior to publication.
Strategic Farm Finance and Tax Management in Profitable Times
Jonathan D Shepherd and Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky and David Bilderback University of Tennessee
Cattle producers are currently enjoying historically high prices and considerably higher levels of profitability than in recent years. While this statement is generally accurate, profitability has not necessarily been equally distributed amongst all types of cattle producers. And many are still recovering from very challenging financial times in the not-to-distance past. Nonetheless, current profitability levels offer an opportunity for strategic financial and tax planning that could have implications for years to come. While it is tempting to reinvest profits back into the operation simply to reduce tax liabilities in the short run, longterm planning should be at the center of these decisions.
Capital Expenditures: Tax Strategy or Cash-flow Pitfall?
One of the first thoughts that enters the mind of farmers in times like the present is to make capital expenditures. These are long-term investments in physical assets such as machinery, buildings, breeding stock, land, etc. Given the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, bonus depreciation has been made “permanent” at 100% and the section 179 expense limit has been raised to $2.5 million with a $4 million phaseout (Kentucky still has a $100,000 section 179 limit
and no bonus depreciation). With these two accelerated tax tools, a lot of capital expenditures can be fully written off (expensed) immediately, to significantly reduce (or eliminate) tax liability. On the surface, this strategy is often justified in the sense that profits are reinvested back into the business to either increase efficiencies and/or expand the operation while providing a mechanism to lower tax liability (excluding unqualified real property such as bare land.) However, just because this can be done, doesn’t always mean that it should be done.
Ask yourself:
• Do I need this capital expenditure?
• Would I be upgrading this equipment/facility or expanding soon anyway?
• Will the new capital purchase decrease production costs and/or increase efficiency?
• What is the effect of the new capital purchase on cash flow and debt levels?
Understand the Cash Flow Impact
The use of accelerated depreciation does provide cash-flow relief in the short-run by reducing tax liabilities, but it can create problems in the future by constraining cash-flow. Here is an example:
Assume you purchased a new tractor for $60,000 and financed it at 7.5% for 5 years. Further assume it will be depreciated over 5 years using the conventional Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System, 200% Declining Balance Method, Half-Year Convention. The table below shows what the principal and interest amounts are as well as the depreciation for each year.
Pay attention to the two highlighted columns and note that the depreciation amount (an expense) tracks fairly close to the principal portion of the payment (which is not an expense) for the first several years. In fact, the depreciation expense and interest expense exceed the principal portion due in years 1 and 2 and is within a couple hundred dollars in year 3. If the tractor was simply written-off through an accelerated depreciation method in year 1, there are still four more years of principal due and no off-setting expenditure, beyond the interest portion of the annual payment. By using accelerated depreciation, all the tax benefit is received in year 1.
This illustration is just a cautionary example of how accelerating depreciation to save on taxes in the current year can create a cash-flow and tax problems in later years.
This can lead to a snowball effect where there are incentives present to purchase equipment every year just to lower taxes and further constrain cash flow. It is also important to point out that even though using accelerated depreciation is a dollarfor-dollar reduction in taxable income, it is not a dollar-for-dollar reduction in reduction on tax liability. In fact, depending on your overall tax picture, you may spend about $3-$4 on depreciable assets to save $1 in tax liability.
Another complicated factor exists around trading equipment in on the purchase of a new (or new to you) asset. There are still no like-kind exchanges on personal property so depreciation recapture will happen on the traded piece which can limit the effectiveness of section 179, especially on the Kentucky side.
Since everyone’s situation is unique, it is unwise to just assume that using accelerated deprecation as a strategy is “always good” or “always bad.” Instead, one should understand the implications of the decision for this year’s tax situation and consider what it may mean for future cash-flow needs.
Retirement Contributions: A Strategic Alternative
Other options for the use of profits are to put them away for retirement purposes, and there are several options that exist. Here we will lay out a cursory overview of a couple of options.
SEP
A Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SEP) is a tool that allows a business to contribute to SEP-IRAs for their employees. This means that if you are self-employed, you could make these contributions for yourself. There are nuanced rules around SEPs that must be understood. For example, you must make contributions for all the eligible employees. This universal participation sometimes is a deterrent for operations that have multiple employees. It is advised to consult a qualified individual to understand how a SEP may work in your business or how to structure
your business to make a SEP work best. In general, SEPs are easy to set-up and operate and they provide a lot of flexibility. In good financial times, you can contribute more, and in tighter times, you can contribute less. Of course, there are contribution limits, limitations on other retirement instruments used and numerous other things to be aware of. This reinforces the need to work with a qualified advisor.
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Another option for consideration is contributing to a traditional IRA. For 2025, IRA contribution limits are $7,000 for those under the age of 50 and $8,000 for those 50 or older. IRAs are subject to income limitations and coordination requirements with other retirement plans but can provide some tax savings. Investing in a Roth IRA is another option. While these do not lessen current tax savings, depending on your goals, overall strategies and beliefs about future income levels and tax policy, they could provide overall long-term tax benefits.
Liquidity and Other Investment Options.
Another option would be simply to maintain more cash reserves for personal contingencies. While certificate of deposit (CD) rates are not quite as good as they were a year ago, they still serve as a low-risk investment that does yield some return.
in uncertain times. Retaining more cash allows you to take advantage of opportunities as they come about (i.e. cash discounts on inputs, farmland that may come available, etc.). And liquid savings vehicles like money market and savings accounts are paying more attractive interest rates than they were a few years ago. Plus, having a higher liquidity position means that you do not have to borrow as much money to operate, which can reduce overall operating costs.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, what you choose to do with your money is your business and the plan that works for you might not be the best plan for your neighbor. While we are in “good” times, it is advisable to take the time to think through what the best plan for you is. No one knows how long these profit levels will persist, but if history teaches us anything, we know it won’t stay this way forever. Decisions made now can have major implications for the future.
Allison Charolais
Lastly, there is the option to invest in the stock market. Consider investing outside of your own business. It is advised to work with a financial advisor to align investments with your personal goals and risk tolerance.
Ø Bull calves out of HCR Answer 2042 and HCR SPIRIT 4007.
Ø Bred for calving ease and growth.
Maintain Working Capital: Cash is King!
Bred for calving ease and growth. Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial Ø Yearlings and two-year-olds available.
Ø Bulls for both purebred and commercial breeders.
Another consideration is to simply maintain more working capital in your operation. Yes, there are tradeoffs or opportunity costs associated with maintaining a higher cash balance but sometimes peace of mind offsets those costs, especially
Bred heifers to calve in fall available.
Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.
Ø Yearlings and two-year-olds available.
Ø Bred heifers to calve in fall available.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
AMERICAN BEEF IS A PERFECT FIT WITH THE SECOND MAHA REPORT
WASHINGTON (Sept. 9, 2025) – Today, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association welcomed the release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission’s second report. In May, the MAHA Commission’s first report highlighted the positive role beef plays in a healthy diet. Today, the second report expanded on the benefits of high-quality protein like beef and the critical role cattle producers play in helping make America healthy again.
“From every angle, it is tough to beat American beef. Our farmers and ranchers raise the best beef in the world, providing a healthy, fresh protein option to millions of families every day,” said NCBA President and cattle producer Buck Wehrbein. “We responsibly steward millions of acres of land, water and wildlife habitat, including some of America’s most cherished landscapes and species. We pump lifeblood into the local economies of tens of thousands of communities across the rural American heartland. No matter how you look at it, American beef is the perfect fit for the MAHA Commission’s goals.”
The second MAHA report takes a holistic approach to the health, safety and security of our food supply chain. Highlights from the report include:
• Stressing the need for a diet high in whole, unprocessed foods like fresh beef, fruits and vegetables to support Americans’ health at every age and stage of life.
• Encouraging innovation that helps American agriculture stay at the leading edge of
safe, healthy, nutritious food production.
• Jumpstarting gold-standard scientific research to answer targeted questions on the connection between diet, other lifestyle choices and health outcomes.
• Exploring ways to boost consumption of fresh, healthy, locally produced foods.
“This report confirms the sciencebased recommendation that making America healthy again has to start with safe, nutritious, fresh, whole-ingredient and American beef hits the target on all of the above,” said NCBA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “As this administration has pointed out before, beef is the crown jewel of American agriculture. Millions of American families build a healthy plate around our product every week. We will continue working with President Trump’s administration to keep the supply chain moving and keep the safest, highest quality beef in the world on grocery store shelves.”
Years of peer-reviewed research, including clinical trials—the gold-standard for research—have proven that beef plays a key role in a healthy, balanced diet for Americans of all ages. A single 3-ounce serving of lean beef provides half of Americans’ daily protein needs with 10 essential nutrients, in fewer than 170 calories. To receive the same amount of protein from most plant sources, you would have to eat at least twice as many calories. The nutrients in beef, including protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, are critical for strengthening muscle, fueling a healthy metabolism, supporting cognitive development,
and ensuring healthy living. As a source of nourishment and satisfaction in balanced diets, beef can help build and sustain healthy eating habits from childhood through adulthood.
NCBA TESTIFIES AT TRADE HEARING INVESTIGATION ON BRAZIL
Urges U.S. Trade Officials to Hold Brazil Accountable for Unfair Practices
WASHINGTON (Sept. 3, 2025) –Today, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Executive Director of Government Affairs
Kent Bacus testified at a Section 301 investigation hearing regarding Brazil’s trade practices. The hearing, convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and held at the U.S. International Trade Commission, examined the Brazilian government’s trade policies and actions for unreasonable, discriminatory harm to U.S. commerce. NCBA focused attention on Brazil’s restrictions on U.S. beef and our long-standing concerns with the Brazilian government’s track record of food safety and animal health.
“NCBA is extremely supportive of President Trump holding Brazil accountable by levying upwards of 76% tariffs on Brazilian goods headed to the U.S. market. This is a good first step, but the administration must continue to hold Brazil accountable for its trade barriers on U.S. beef and its lack of transparency and accountability,” said Bacus. “NCBA urges the Trump administration to suspend beef imports from Brazil until a thorough audit and inspection process proves that Brazil can meet an equivalent level of food safety and animal health.”
In the past five years, Brazil
has sold $4.45 billion of beef to American consumers but has failed to reciprocate meaningful access for U.S. beef by implementing burdensome technical barriers. Meanwhile, Brazil’s failure to report serious animal health cases in a timely manner has raised questions about their food safety and animal health standards. Brazil has repeatedly waited weeks, months or even years to report cases of atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) while using the delay to sell more product.
“NCBA was the first to raise alarms over the Brazilian government’s food safety issues in 2017 and its delays in reporting atypical BSE cases in 2021 and 2023. The United States holds all trading partners to the highest science-based standards, and Brazil should not be the exception,” Bacus added.
Background
A Section 301 investigation refers to an investigation launched by the U.S. Trade Representative under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. The Trade Act is intended to address unfair foreign trade policies that harm U.S. commerce. A Section 301 investigation explores whether a foreign country’s actions or policies pose an unfair barrier to U.S. trade. NCBA has spent years raising concerns with Brazil’s trade practices and appreciates the opportunity to testify at today’s Section 301 investigation hearing.
REGISTER TODAY FOR CATTLECON 2026
Annual Event Heads to Downtown Nashville for the First Time CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Aug. 20, 2025) – It’s time to find those dancin’ boots and get ready to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of the “songwriting capital of the
world.” Registration is now open for CattleCon 2026, which will be held for the first time in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Music City Center, home of CattleCon 2026, is walking distance from well-known attractions like Lower Broadway, the Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash Museum and so much more.
Don’t get distracted by the many honky tonks in the heart of Nashville, because education will be a primary focus during the event. A new highlight is that all registration options include access to Cattlemen’s College education sessions and demonstrations. Attendees can also look forward to a variety of other educational opportunities including the CattleFax Outlook Seminar, consumer insights session and industry updates.
“We are excited to make Cattlemen’s College available to all CattleCon 2026 attendees,” said Buck Wehrbein, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president. “We have made the 2026 event one not to be missed.”
Pre-convention activities begin on Monday, Feb. 2 with the D.C. issues update, regional meetings and policy committee meetings. CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and will feature two-time Daytona 500 and NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as well as the winner of the NCBA National Anthem Contest performing the “StarSpangled Banner.”
The Prime Cut Awards Ceremony will recognize industry leaders including the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program national recipient and Beef Quality Assurance award winners. The
Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet will celebrate those who contribute to the ongoing success of the cattle feeding industry.
The general session on Wednesday will feature New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff. Wednesday night’s event will be at Category 10, the home of Luke Combs, featuring southern bites and entertainment by Paul Bogart. Cowboy’s Night at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday will bring the Grand Ole Opry back to its historic roots as country music fills the air. Post-convention tours will round out the week.
More than seven acres of the NCBA Trade Show will provide plenty of room to engage with exhibitors, listen to educational sessions and enjoy entertainment and daily receptions. In addition, the cattle industry will be hard at work guiding both Beef Checkoff and NCBA policy programs. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, American National CattleWomen, CattleFax and National Cattlemen’s Foundation will hold annual meetings during the event.
Getting to Nashville is easy with discounted flights on United, a registration payment plan and free Thursday registration for FFA and 4-H members. Cattle producers attending CattleCon 2026 are also eligible to apply for the Rancher Resilience Grant, which provides reimbursement for registration and up to three nights hotel. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.ncba.org/educationresources/rancher-resilience-grant.
Boot scootin’ boogie over to convention.ncba.org to register and reserve housing today.
UK Ag Econ Undergraduate Program Focused on Student Growth
Katie Pratt Kentucky Cattlemen's Association
LEXINGTON, KY−Students in the University of Kentucky Department of Agricultural Economics are given unique opportunities to explore the business of agriculture and food production. These opportunities give them a unique perspective into the industry and prepare them for their future careers.
“Agricultural economics may sound daunting to some, but it’s not. Students in our program gain the critical skills to understand the business side of agriculture and food production, while also preparing to address the real challenges our agricultural industries and communities face,” said Aslihan Spaulding, department chair and
alumnus. “We are looking for students who are willing learners and are excited to contribute to the advancement of the agriculture industry."
Housed in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the department is experiencing growth in the number of students pursuing degrees in its undergraduate and graduate programs. It currently has around 150 undergraduate students, including the addition of 45 freshman this past August. There are 19 graduate students currently in the master’s and doctoral programs.
The department focuses on teaching and research that explores marketing and consumer demand, agricultural resource and policy economics, and regional economics and community development. The most common academic track for undergraduate students is agribusiness management and food marketing. The department also offers tracks in agricultural economics and advanced studies. For its graduate students, the department gives them the unique option to focus on extension work in addition to other areas of study.
Unique Learning Experience
Professors in the department teach classes, regardless of whether they hold a teaching, research or extension
position. This means that students are often taught by faculty and staff who have research and/or Extension programs. The department is in the process of adding two new professors to its ranks, a livestock research economist and an extension professor in food and agribusiness entrepreneurship.
“One of the unique things about us is that our students learn directly from professors. We see value in that,” said Spaulding. “We are also offering career mentorships to our students. This gives them one-on-one time with a professor who can answer questions for them about career paths and professional development.”
New Faces
The department is home to many faculty with nationally known teaching, research and extension programs focused on livestock. Three of the newest faculty members are Grant Gardner, Thomas Keene and Shuoli Zhao.
Grant Gardner, assistant extension professor, focuses on risk management, marketing and farm management of grains, with research on crop insurance and producer decision-making under uncertainty. He teaches a grain marketing course and develops extension programs and tools that help farmers manage price risk, strengthen marketing strategies and improve farm profitability.
Thomas Keene, assistant professor, is a regional economist with research interests in labor, health and rural development. Currently, he focuses on evaluating policies aimed at improving rural development outcomes. These policies include rural broadband policy, rural housing policy and rural participation in social safety net programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Assistant Professor Shuoli Zhao’s research program integrates individuallevel decision-making with market demand dynamics and policy impact evaluation. His work also assesses the market impact of food marketing and labeling policies and investigates the economics of food assistance programs, such as SNAP and school meals. He also employs behavioral and experimental economics to explore how factors such as information and scarcity affect consumer choices. Zhao teaches courses on applied consumer economics and data analysis, and he enjoys working with students to compete in case studies or quiz bowls at conferences.
Career Exploration
The department puts a major emphasis on career readiness. To graduate, undergraduate students must complete either an internship, a research project, or a study abroad experience. The department is also one of three in the college that hosts a joint Kentucky Signature Industries Career Fair each fall, which gives potential employers the chance to meet and interact with students and gives students the opportunity to make industry
connections.
“Our students can pursue many different career paths along the ag and food supply chain, and we have a very high job placement rate,” Spaulding said.
Outreach Programs
The department is also home to popular outreach programs for farmers and industry leaders including Kentucky Farm Business Management (KFBM), Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program (KALP), the Center for Crop Diversification (CCD), Kentucky Income Tax Seminar Program, the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Blueprint Kentucky (formerly CEDIK). Those who want more information about the department’s academic programs should contact Amanda Mayo, the department’s student success coordinator at amanda. mayo@uky.edu. They can also view the department’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages and website, agecon.ca.uky.edu.
Kentucky is ca le country. If you want to work professionally in the ca le industry as an analyst, educator, lender, manager, policy maker or industry innovator, the University of Kentucky’s Agricultural Economics major is for you! When our professors are not teaching in the classroom, they are conducting research and delivering educational programming for producers and industry stakeholders.
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE CATTLE INDUSTRY BY PURSUING A UK AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS DEGREE.
CONTACT: Amanda Mayo | Student Success Coordinator | amanda.mayo@uky.edu
Estate Planning Considerations
Nichole Huff University of Kentucky Assistant Extension Professor
Estate planning is an important financial step that ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. However, many people put off estate planning, assuming it is only for the wealthy or elderly. Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or income. A common misconception is that an estate consists of only a person’s house or property; however, estate planning includes the distribution of every asset someone owns. Basic estate planning includes creating a will, appointing an executor and naming beneficiaries. These actions provide action steps in case of an emergency or death. A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets will be distributed. Without a will, owned assets are put through a lengthy court process called probate. The cons of probate are the lack of control over assets and the length in which it takes to fully distribute the estate. It can be costly, which can reduce the value of an estate.
When creating a will, the owner of the assets names an executor, who is responsible for proper distribution of the assets as instructed in the will. This task is often assigned to a family member or close friend, or reliable attorney, whom the creator trusts to carry out their wishes. While the executor oversees the allocation of assets, a beneficiary is someone who receives the assets. A will is not restricted in the number of beneficiaries that can be named. It is important to be as specific as possible when naming beneficiaries in a will to ensure that there is no confusion as to whom you are referring (i.e., don’t say “my child” or “my spouse”). Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 394 governs the creation and validation of wills in Kentucky (https://legislature. ky.gov/Law/Statutes/).
It is important to note that a person’s will is used to distribute property
that does not already have a named beneficiary. For instance, bank accounts, retirement plans or life
on state and federal laws related to wills, trusts and taxes.
Essentially, there are three basic
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“Family Values” FEMALE PRODUCTION SALE
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This exciting daughter of Boyd Bedrock sells along with three maternal sisters sired by O’COnnell Sunpower, Poss Winchester and Connealy Commerce - Produced from the influential Myers Lucy M260.
I 17 I
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An excellent set of Spring Bull Calves will also sell!
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Several excellent young fall pairs will be selling, including this two-year-old Baldridge Gibson G859 daughter whose Sitz Stellar 726D dam is a maternal sister to Tehama Tahoe B767. She will have a calf at side sired by CONNEALY COMMERCE.
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This direct daughter of the elite “Cow Maker”, TEX Playbook 5437 will be one of many proven spring calving females selling. Her spring born BULL calf by Baldridge Heat Seeker also sells. She is due to calve 1/20/26 to CONNEALY VALIDATION.
One of the most anticipated production sales each fall!
Proven Donors
Replacement Heifer Calves
Spring Bred Heifers
• Spring Bred Cows
• Fall Cow/Calf Pairs
KILDONAN ERICA T925
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Several foundation quality females will be selling, both spring and fall calving, including this high maternal daughter of JVC Cavalry V3326 from the popular Kildonan Erica family. She will have a calf at side sired by VIRGINIA TECH STATESMAN.
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A Winter Hay-Feeding Dream
Greg Halich University of Kentucky
Did this get your attention? Are you wondering if this is some kind of sales pitch to get you to spend all of your high-market cattle profits? Farmers need to be wary because someone is always trying to get between the revenues they earn and the profit that is left over after paying all the bills. It is good to be skeptical, but it is also good to have an open mind at the same time. These benefits have been observed through experience on close to 100 farms in five states over the last decade. With a very small investment in portable fencing equipment and a change in winter management, all these benefits could come true on your cattle farm.
What is this winter-feeding practice that provides these results? It is a somewhat new and novel concept for our region called bale grazing. Kentucky is part of a five-state project working with cattle farmers to get them started with bale grazing and to help them through the learning process. We are looking for partners in Kentucky to set up demonstration farms. At these farms, we will help farmers learn how to bale graze effectively. These farms will showcase and highlight this practice for others in the area (see the last page of this article for details).
Bale Grazing Basics:
What is Bale Grazing?
Bale grazing is a winter-feeding method where one to three months of hay is set out on pasture (typically late fall or early winter when ground conditions are suitable) and fed in a planned, controlled manner, similar to rotational grazing. Temporary electric fencing is moved every one to seven days, depending on the producer’s situation and constraints, to give the cattle access to new bales. Where hay rings are used, they are flipped up on their side and rolled to
• Reduce Your Tractor Use by Over 50%
• Keep Your Cattle Free from Mud
• Eliminate the Need for Commercial Fertilizer
• Go on Vacation Worry-Free
the next bales, typically 50-75 feet away.
The process can be seen in the drone image on the Peden Farm in southern Monroe County on page 28 (courtesy of Monroe County ANR agent Adam Huber). Cattle have finished bale grazing on the left side of this pasture and are about half-way through the right side. The red dashed line between the bales is approximately where the cross fence was located that kept the cattle from going to the next set of bales. This is a large herd with around 75 cows, and they had access to eight bales at a time. Most herds will likely have access to 2-4 bales at a time. You are always moving away from the water source (shown in the picture) and thus expanding the pasture acreage the cattle have access to until you are finished with that pasture. The cattle, however, will spend the majority of their time in the small area where the current set of bales are located. This is why
bale grazing works so well: cattle are always getting a fresh strip of pasture that has had no animal impact since fall and has an intact sod capable of taking moderate animal impact for short durations.
In the end, bale grazing requires a paradigm shift for cattle farmers. Instead of moving hay to the cattle all winter, you will be moving your cattle to the hay. Instead of you doing the bulk of the winter feeding work, your cattle will do the bulk of the work for you.
Why Bale Graze?
Planned and executed well, bale grazing will enhance pasture fertility, reduce labor and tractor use and improve cattle health. We have examples of farms where bale grazing turned poor-growing pastures into high-production pastures in just a few years. The quickest I have seen farms turn around with this magnitude
of change is with two winters of bale grazing. You will typically see noticeable improvements after even one winter feeding, but 3-4 winters is more typical for major improvements. All this comes as a byproduct of improved winter feeding and nutrient distribution. Best of all, the cattle are spreading the nutrients around the farm for free and you will not have to do any scraping and spreading of manure in the spring.
A major advantage of bale grazing is that a tractor is not needed the
majority of the winter to feed hay. Hay is set out in large, organized batches, typically in fall and early winter when it is dry and suitable for tractor traffic. There are fewer ideal periods to set hay out as we approach mid to late winter, so it is best to have the hay used during those times in place well before needed. By not setting hay out piecemeal, you avoid having a tractor out in wet conditions and the consequent damage caused in those situations.
Most farmers will see a significant
reduction in labor and tractor use the first winter they bale graze, but it isn’t usually until the second or third year where the full benefits are realized. This is because most people will not have the confidence initially to set out much more than two to four weeks of hay at a time. The more hay you set out, the better the efficiencies will be at reducing labor and tractor use. One farm I worked with set out over 100 days of hay in their third year of bale grazing. Between late November and early March all they had to do was move an electric fence and roll hay rings every five to seven days. It took them 45-60 minutes to do this, or about an hour of labor per week, compared to three to four hours with conventional hay feeding. Bale grazing completely transformed winter feeding on this 40-cow farm.
A consequence of conventional hay feeding in Kentucky that is rarely talked about is how muddy cattle typically get by mid-winter. The resulting mud coat robs the ability
CONTINUED ON PAGE 30
PEDEN FARM
Angus Female & Bull Sale
of the cattle’s hair to insulate itself, and cattle also expend more energy walking through the mud. Most farmers that I have helped get started with bale grazing have made a comment by the end of the first year about how clean the cattle stayed. This is because cattle are getting a fresh section of pasture every one to seven days that is clean and has an intact sod.
A secondary benefit of bale grazing is that it is much easier to get away from the farm for extended periods during the winter compared to traditional hay feeding where a tractor is needed every few days. With bale grazing, you can set up multiple fencing moves for whatever period needed and find someone that can take down one fence at a time on pre-determined days. Removing the need to have a tractor to feed hay greatly simplifies finding help when you are gone. You could actually take a vacation during the winter.
What equipment is needed?
Equipment needs are minimal with bale grazing: just basic rotational grazing supplies such as step-in posts and a few reels with polywire (polybraid is better). If you don’t have permanent electric along the main fences you will also need a reliable portable solar energizer. A quality solar charger suitable in size for bale grazing will cost between $200-300. If you are starting from scratch and don’t have any of this, I have come up with a list of quality supplies that would comfortably equip 95% of cattle farms for around $1,000, including the energizer. For around $775-800 it would be more bare-bones but still functional. If the energizer wasn’t needed, you could subtract off $200300.
Hay rings are typically used but not absolutely necessary. Most cattle farmers already have rings that would work, but the plastic poly-rings are ideal for bale grazing because they are light and easy to handle by hand. Most farmers will make do with what they have the first few years and gradually replace metal rings with the poly-rings.
What are the main bale grazing challenges?
Planning is generally the main challenge for bale grazing. Unlike traditional hay feeding, you won’t be able to just set out one or two bales at a time as needed. You will need to determine in advance how much hay you will need for the winter, which pastures the hay will be placed on, and the hay densities you will feed at. However, once the hay is out on pasture all you need to do is move the temporary electric fence every 1-7 days. You will not believe how easy the bulk of the winter will be compared to traditional hay feeding.
Cattle also need to be trained to temporary electric fencing if they aren’t used to it. This is not difficult or time consuming but should be done well in advance of bale grazing. The last thing you want to do is to put untrained cattle in a bale-grazing situation where you might have 20-30 bales behind your current divider fence. If cattle get through that fence, you will arrive to find a mess. For this reason, I always recommend having two divider fences up, one for the current move and one for the next move. It is also another reason to not let your cattle go hungry. Content cattle have no reason to try to get through an electric fence.
Concerns with Bale Grazing:
Will bale grazing damage the pastures?
Anytime you have cattle out on pasture during the winter there is some risk of damage. With good planning and execution, however, damage can be kept to minimal levels with bale grazing. Wet conditions result in the most damage, particularly in the donut-shaped area around the bale.
On of the keys to minimize damage is to feed hay at low densities. In Kentucky, this usually means keeping the hay densities to around 2 tons/ acre (roughly five, 4’x5’ bales), at least when starting out with bale grazing and possibly moving up to 4 tons/ acre once you have gained experience. A good pasture sod that cattle have not been on since mid-fall will hold up to cattle traffic a lot better than a weakened sod that cattle have already been on that winter. Using pastures that cattle have been off since mid-fall
will ensure the pasture has recovered and will better take the hoof impact from the cattle. Bale grazing with stockpiled forage works even better as the standing forage helps take the impact from the cattle.
Damage, or pugging, with bale grazing is usually shallow and superficial because cattle are continually being moved forward to new ground and cattle are not in one area long enough to do extensive damage. What little damage is usually shallow, and these areas recover quickly during the following growing season, especially if they are seeded down with a hand broadcast seeder in late winter or early spring. In the long-run, fertility benefits from well-managed bale grazing will far exceed any short-term damage you might have.
Will the hay rot while sitting outside during the winter?
Most people assume that hay left out on pasture for one to three months during the winter would deteriorate significantly. This has not turned out to be the case, however, at least in Kentucky and the surrounding region. The same hay that might have 20% rot if left out for 3-4 months during the summer but will have almost no appreciable loss in the same amount of time during the winter. The adjoining picture was taken in early February after the bale had been on pasture for two months. It is wet and
CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
discolored on the small section that touched the ground, but has almost no actual loss. Hay rot requires two atmospheric conditions: Adequate moisture and warm temperatures. Moisture is obviously present during the winter in Kentucky, but warm temperatures needed for the microbial activity to break down the hay (rot) are not. During a summer drought hay also won’t rot if left outside because it doesn’t have enough moisture (the first requirement). As a general rule of thumb, if grass isn’t growing, hay won’t rot.
What will my neighbors think?
Bale grazing is a major paradigm shift for winter feeding, and most farmers will not believe it will work until they see it successfully implemented on another farm. It may take a couple of years, but you will likely open some eyes and minds in the process. If you are worried about peer-pressure, start on a portion of your farm that is not easily seen. Once you gain confidence that it will work well, you can move to the areas that are more visible.
Getting Started
“Bale Grazing: A Practical and Low-Cost Strategy to Winter Beef Cattle” is a multi-state project (KY, VA, NC, NY, and WV) sponsored by NRCS (Conservation Innovation Grant) that is focused on setting up demonstration farms to help farmers get started in bale grazing. One of the objectives of the project is to use these demonstration farms to provide opportunities for area cattle farmers to learn about this novel winterfeeding technique. We are looking for farms that would be willing to serve as demonstration farms during the 2025-26 winter season.
Core Data Farms
The first three winters of the project were focused on working with CoreFarms. These are farms where we are collecting soil and forage data to compare bale grazed pastures to control pastures where no bale grazing occurred (see Core-Farm map).
Demonstration Farms
The 2025-26 and 2026-27 winters will be focused on the demonstration farms where the main objective is to help farmers get started with bale grazing. We would like to have demonstration farms in all the major cattle areas of the state. We are looking for cattle farmers that are enthusiastic to learn and implement bale grazing, and have the ability to communicate their experiences with other cattle farmers in the area. Ideally, cattle would already be trained for temporary electric fencing but we can help you with this if needed.
Benefits of Participation
Participants will receive one-onone guidance from experienced bale-grazers on our project team. Once you have learned how to bale graze effectively, expect a significant reduction in labor and tractor use during the winter, increased pasture fertility through added nutrients and organic matter, and improved cattle health due to the reduction in mudload on the cattle. We will also provide up to $1,000 in bale grazing and rotational grazing supplies depending on your level of commitment. Oh yes, one last benefit: That worry-free
Kentucky Beef Network Welcomes Two New Regional Facilitators
LEXINGTON, KY (Aug. 20, 2025) — The Kentucky Beef Network (KBN) is pleased to announce the addition of two new facilitators to its team. Cody Burke and Samantha Stamm will serve cattle producers across north central and northeast Kentucky, bringing fresh energy and experience to helping producers gain knowledge and experience through educational programs, networking opportunities, and on-farm demonstrations.
Cody Burke will serve as the north central facilitator, working with cattlemen and women in Trimble, Carroll, Oldham, Jefferson, Gallatin, Boone, Kenton, Campbell, Pendleton, Harrison, Scott, Fayette, Jessamine, Woodford, Franklin, Shelby, Henry, Owen and Grant counties.
Samantha Stamm joins KBN as the northeast facilitator, covering Bracken, Bourbon, Robertson, Mason, Nicholas, Fleming, Bath, Rowan, Lewis, Carter, Greenup, Elliott, Boyd and Lawrence counties.
“We are excited to welcome Cody and Samantha to the KBN team,” said Becky Thompson, Kentucky Beef Network director. “Our facilitators play a critical role in delivering KBN programs at the local level, and their efforts directly support the growth and success of Kentucky cattle producers.”
KBN’s facilitator program provides regional support to cattle producers across the state, offering handson guidance in animal health, genetics, forages and marketing. By placing facilitators in local communities, KBN ensures that cattlemen have access to timely, practical resources that strengthen farm profitability and the overall beef industry in Kentucky.
For more information about the Kentucky Beef Network and its programs, visit kybeefnetwork.com.
Optimize your Soil Health with Fall Soil Sampling
As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to assess the health of your pastures. Fall soil sampling is crucial to ensure your fields are ready for the next growing season.
At Farm Assist Ag Solutions, we specialize in comprehensive soil testing, including micronutrient analysis, to pinpoint nutrient deficiencies and give your pastures exactly what they need for maximum growth and yield.
Why Fall Sampling?
• Pinpoint Nutrient Deficiencies: Identify vital nutrient and even micronutrient gaps like boron and sulfur to boost pasture health.
• Plan Ahead for Spring: Armed with accurate data, you can make informed fertilization decisions for a more productive pasture next season.
• Maximize Efficiency: Save time and money by applying the right nutrients at the right time.
Let us help you maintain healthy, thriving pastures year-round. Call Lisa Tatum with Farm Assist Ag Solutions at 859-992-5472 or email Lisa@myfarmassist.com
Cody Burke
Samantha Stamm
Convention Committee Announces Updates for 2026
The Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Convention & Trade Show continues to be one of the most anticipated events for Kentucky’s beef industry. Following the 2025 convention in Owensboro, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association Convention Committee and staff gathered extensive feedback from attendees, vendors and industry partners to guide planning for future conventions.
Surveys and committee discussions highlighted strong appreciation for the educational sessions, networking opportunities, and overall program organization. However, many participants noted a desire for more dedicated trade show time and higher traffic through the exhibit hall. As one producer shared, “The trade show was set up nicely, but there just weren’t enough people walking through.”
In response, several new features are being introduced for the 2026 convention in Owensboro. Attendees can look forward to:
Holiday Inn $134
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• A new Foundation Lunch highlighting our 2026 Hall of Fame Class, KJCA and Youth Activities, a Live Foundation Auction, and recognition of our 2025 KCA President and Leadership Class. This lunch will take the place of the traditional evening banquet.
• Exclusive Trade Show Hours, giving producers more time to connect with vendors without competing business and education sessions.
• Vendor Presentations in the Trade Show, short interactive talks designed to deliver practical, highvalue insights from the trade show floor.
Mark your calendars for the 2026 KCA Convention & Trade Show, January 15–16, 2026, at the Owensboro Convention Center—where tradition meets innovation for another week of education, fellowship, and industry growth. Hotel reservations are now open, and the convention will conclude by 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
2026 KCA Convention Blocks
Hampton Inn $149 270-685-2005
Special Code: KentuckyCattlemen Group Rate Available: 12/19/2025
Show Move-in Thursday, January 15 Beef Efficiency Conference Opening General Session Trade Show
in Trade Show
Talk Session Women's Session (Ticket Required)
Roundup Reception
January 16 Registration Delegate badge pickup
President & Past President’s Breakfast (Invitation Only) Trade Show Forages at KCA
Drought-Stressed Forages and Nitrates Should
You Be Concerned?
Highlights from UK Extension Publication ID-217 Forage-Related Disorders in Cattle: Nitrate Poisoning Michelle Arnold and Megan
Romano
, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory,
Jeff Lehmkuhler
, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, and Ray Smith, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences
Nitrates are natural constituents of all plants. Under normal conditions, plants take up nitrate through their roots and transport it to the leaves for use in photosynthesis. However, under adverse environmental conditions (e.g., drought; leaf damage due to disease, hail, frost, insects, or herbicides; cool and cloudy weather; and other plant stressors), potentially toxic nitrate concentrations can accumulate in the lower stalks and stems and remain high until photosynthesis resumes with new leaf growth. In addition, heavy nitrogen fertilization provides large amounts of available nitrate for uptake. Plants with high stem-to-leaf ratios are more likely to be associated with nitrate intoxication. The classic forage situation in which plants develop an excessive amount of nitrate in the stalk is with drought-stressed Sorghum species and/or corn. These nitrate accumulators generally account for most of the forage-related cases of nitrate toxicity in livestock. Other common crops in Kentucky that may accumulate nitrates include sorghum-sudan hybrids, sudangrass, rye, wheat, pearl millet, soybeans, beets, Brassica spp. (rape, kale, turnips, swedes) and oats, although any heavily fertilized plant can be a culprit. Common nitrate-accumulating weeds include ragweed, pigweed, thistle, bindweed, dock, nightshades, jimsonweed and johnsongrass. Note that these are not complete lists, but rather the weeds and forages that most often cause problems in Kentucky.
Nitrate/nitrite poisoning can occur in all animals, but cattle are considered most susceptible to nitrate. Rumen microorganisms rapidly convert nontoxic nitrate (NO3-) to the highly toxic nitrite (NO2-) and then to ammonia, which is eventually incorporated into microbial protein. However, when cattle consume
high-nitrate plants, it overwhelms the microbes’ ability to convert nitrates all the way to true protein. Instead, nitrite accumulates and is absorbed in large quantities into the bloodstream, leading to poisoning. The absorbed nitrites oxidize the hemoglobin of red blood cells, converting it to methemoglobin. Methemoglobin is incapable of transporting oxygen to the tissues, and as methemoglobin concentrations approach 80%, death occurs due to asphyxiation (lack of oxygen). The first sign of nitrate poisoning may be the sudden death of one or more animals. Other signs include weakness; rapid, labored breathing; rapid, weak heartbeat; staggering; frequent urination; muscle tremors; and recumbency (inability to stand). Affected animals typically show signs of poisoning within one to four hours after consumption of a toxic dose of nitrates. Examination of the mucous membranes, especially the vaginal mucous membranes, may reveal a brownish discoloration that occurs well before other clinical signs. Chocolate colored blood and a brownish cast to all tissues are hallmark signs of nitrate poisoning. Most deaths occur within six to eight hours of onset of clinical signs and largely depend on the quantity and rate of absorption of nitrite and the amount of stress or exercise the animal is subjected to. Animals showing signs of nitrate poisoning should be removed from the source, and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately. Severely affected animals are subject to sudden death, so stress associated with handling must be minimized. Administration of a 2% solution of methylene blue intravenously by the veterinarian will aid in converting methemoglobin back to hemoglobin, but withdrawal guidelines for food animals must be followed and are subject to change. Mineral oil or other emollients may
be given to protect the lining of the digestive tract. Vinegar given orally via stomach tube will lower rumen pH and help prevent further nitrate reduction in the rumen. Animals generally die or recover within 24 hours as the oxidation reaction is reversible, and methemoglobin will eventually reduce back to hemoglobin. Abortions can occur in pregnant animals due to the combined effects of decreased oxygen to the fetus and the limited ability of the fetus to metabolize nitrite. Abortions typically occur within a week of exposure, but they can be delayed in some cases.
A real-world example of nitrate toxicosis was described in the June 2020 issue of the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) newsletter. Six deaths occurred out of 50 dry dairy cows on pasture that was supplemented with oat hay. A new bale of oat hay was offered in the morning, and “four hours later, three cows were dead, and three others showed signs of paresis [weakness/ partial paralysis], urine dribbling, and staggering before falling, developing agonal breathing and dying. Field necropsies revealed brown blood. Eye fluid from four cows had toxic levels of nitrate (130-170ppm, toxic >25ppm). The hay also had toxic levels of nitrate (11,000-13,000ppm, toxic >10,000ppm).”
Several management strategies are available to reduce the risk of nitrate poisoning. These include:
1. Recognize the danger in warm-season grasses fertilized with high amounts of nitrogen when growth ceases due to drought, cold damage, hail or herbicide exposure. Warm-season grass stands that have received multiple sources of nitrogen (such as nitrogen fertilizer,
THE FEMALES Sell
Total Dietary Nitrate (NO3) in
matter Feeding Guidelines
< 5,000 ppm (0.5%)
>5,000 but <10,000 ppm (>0.5% but <1%)
>10,000 ppm (1%)
Generally safe for cattle. Be cautious with pregnant and young animals when nitrate concentrations approach 5,000 ppm and dilute with other feeds.
Dilute with other feeds and introduce slowly. Consider options to reduce nitrate in fresh forage (ensiling, delayed harvest, other). Limit to a maximum of 50% of the total dry matter in pregnant animals.
Very dangerous; can cause acute nitrate poisoning and death in cattle. Do not feed.
manure, previous legume crops) can occasionally show elevated nitrate levels even without environmental stress. Hay produced with high nitrate forages, which has been cut and cured, remains a toxic hazard; nitrate concentrations do not decrease during drying.
2. Test for nitrates before introducing cattle to the suspected forage. Complete instructions are provided at https://vdl.uky. edu/nitrate-testing-guidelines. A field test is also available to give a quick indication if the forage is potentially dangerous. If the test strip reacts, send a forage sample to a laboratory for an accurate analysis of nitrate and a feeding recommendation. Consult your county extension agent for information concerning sampling, sample preparation, field test and location of a testing laboratory.
3. In addition to the forage, all potential sources of nitrate, including water and feed, should be analyzed to ensure that total nitrate in the diet does not exceed toxic levels. Surface water or water from shallow wells may contain nitrates, especially if there is runoff from fertilized land contaminating the water.
4. There is no assurance that the forage samples submitted for testing are representative, and some individual pastures or bales may test even higher than reported. Thus, err on the side of caution, especially when feeding
pregnant cattle. Animals with reduced ruminal microbial activity or have ruminal digestive upset are also at greater risk. Newly purchased calves, water-deprived cattle and sick cattle are examples of categories that may have a reduced ability to convert nitrite to microbial protein.
5. Ensiling high-nitrate forages crops may reduce nitrate concentrations by approximately 30-50%, however, proper fermentation for at least 30 days by microbes is essential to convert nitrate nitrogen into microbial protein. Corn forage should be properly ensiled at least three weeks and tested for nitrates before feeding. Do not green chop forages suspected to be high in nitrates.
6. Delay harvest of high-nitrate forages until nitrate levels are safe. If not feasible to delay harvest, raise the cutter bar to 18” to avoid
the base of plants.
7. Nitrate poisoning in ruminants may also result from consumption of nitrate fertilizer. Salt-deprived cattle will seek out and ingest stored nitrate fertilizers and can consume toxic quantities very quickly. Nitrogen fertilizer should be stored where cattle do not have access to it and accidental spills should be cleaned up promptly. Animals should be provided with ample salt/mineral supplementation 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
8. If high nitrate forages must be utilized, introduce the nitrate forages slowly. The risk of toxicity increases when unadapted, hungry animals consume large quantities of high-nitrate feeds in a short period of time. Cattle can increase their tolerance to dietary nitrates over time, as the rumen microbe population adapts to utilize the nitrates more efficiently.
• To begin, make sure cattle consume a significant quantity of a bulky, low-nitrate forage such as good-quality grass hay for the first few days. Then, introduce suspect high-nitrate feed slowly into their diet over the next seven to 10 days while keeping them full with low-nitrate feeds.
• Harvested high nitrate forages should be fed twice a day as compared to one large feeding. The diet should contain less than 5,000 ppm NO3 to
Table 1. Nitrate Levels and Feeding Options for Cattle
Table 2. Conversion options for different reporting methods.
avoid reproductive impacts. Non-pregnant animals could be fed slightly higher levels after being acclimated.
• Forage with high nitrate levels can be mixed with forage known to be low in nitrate to reduce the risk from feeding. The best method is grinding and mixing them in a total mixed ration (TMR). This can help to minimize sorting, or the boss cows eating more of a low-nitrate hay and leaving other cows to eat greater amounts of high-nitrate forage.
• A gradual increase in the total energy content of the ration enhances metabolism in the rumen and helps cattle tolerate higher nitrate levels in their diet. Feeding three to four pounds of corn per head per day to mature cattle can help the rumen microbes
convert nitrite to microbial protein faster. Low-energy diets increase an animal’s susceptibility to nitrite poisoning. 9. There are propionibacterium products available in bolus or powder form that are reported to reduce nitrate and nitrite levels in the rumen by approximately 40%. These products must be established in the rumen for at least 10 days before allowing cattle to begin consuming high-nitrate feedstuffs.
Two veterinary diagnostic laboratories in Kentucky perform nitrate testing on forages, the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Murray State University Breathitt Veterinary Center. Both are accredited by American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. Guidelines for interpretation of forage nitrate concentrations are provided in Table 1.
Several commercial laboratories, such as Dairy One Forage Laboratory, conduct nitrate testing as well. However, be aware that nitrate levels can be reported a variety of ways, and the method of expression can differ between laboratories. Nitrate can be reported as nitrate (NO3), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), or potassium nitrate (KNO3). These numbers are NOT equivalent, as they represent different chemical structures. Make sure the feeding guidelines used for a particular result match the type of analysis performed. To convert between the different methods of reporting, use the conversions in Table 2.
Forage nitrate results can also be reported using a variety of units. The most common units of measurement are parts per million (ppm) or percentage (%). Results are usually reported on a dry matter basis. To convert from ppm to %, move the decimal point four places to the left (eg, 5,000 ppm = 0.50%)
Jim Gerrish to Headline Fall Grazing Conference Focusing on Profitability
Chris Teutsch UK Research and Education Center, Princeton
You probably read this title and said to yourself why is that idiot talking about profitability when we just set a record at the Blue Grass Stockyards for 7 cwt calves? The answer is simple, we need to be laser focused on making changes and investments now, when we have the cash flow. This will allow us to remain profitable when the market adjusts. If you are not profitable at current market prices, then you may want to think about cashing in your chips and trying your hand at something else.
Cost of Raising a Calf
The cost of raising calf has become scary! In the late 1990s, the cost of raising a calf was around $350, and today, it is more than $1,000. Although there has been a steady increase in total production costs, the rate of this increase has become greater in the last decade (Figure 1).
Increasing Profitability
There are a number of ways to increase profitability in cow-calf operations. The first is increase the purchase price for our product (calf). We can add value to our calves by improving genetics, vaccinating, castrating, weaning and selling in like groups. But at end of the day, we are selling in a commodity market, which means we are price takers not price makers. Please don’t take this the wrong way, we need to be doing all these things to enhance the price we receive and for the good of the beef industry as a whole.
The second way we can increase net return to the farm is to produce more calves. This is simple economics. We have a small margin, so we produce more units of whatever product we are selling. However, at some point we become resource limited and can no longer increase our stocking rate sustainably (Figure 2). I think that it is important to understand that stocking rate is not static. If calf prices are high, then it may make sense to
2. There is no better way to lose money in the beef cattle industry than by under- or overstocking. Understocking results in few calves being produced. Overstocking results in poor pasture growth and increased input costs in terms of feed and conserved forage.
Output per unit land area Out put per individual animal
Uneconomical (undergrazed)
Unstable (overgrazed)
Overhead, 19%
Miscellaneous, 7%
Pasture, 11%
Hay and Feed, 49%
Veterinary, 3%
Fuel and Repairs, 11%
Figure 3. The single largest cost in a cow-calf budget in winter feed. A key strategy for increasing profitability of cow-calf operations is to extend grazing and reduce the amount of conserved forage needed. Data from https://finbin.umn. edu/LvSummOpts/LvSummIndex.
Figure 1. Cow Calf Production Costs The cost of producing a calf has steadily increased from around $350 in the late 1990s to more than $1,100 in 2023 (FNBIN, Center for Farm Financial Management, University of Minnesota).
Stocking rate, animals per acre
Figure
stock higher and feed more conserved forage, and when prices are lower, we might consider reducing stocking rate to extend our grazing season and lower feed costs.
The third way that we might increase net returns to the farm is to control production costs. Of these three options, this is the one that we have the most control over. The single largest cost in a cow-calf budget is not the bull or vet or the mineral but rather winter feed (Figure 3). In most cases, working to control winter feed costs will do more to increase profitability than anything else.
Jim Gerrish to Share Lessons about Profitable Ranching
To help you hone in on ways to improve the profitability of your pastures, the University of Kentucky Forage Extension Program is hosting our Fall Grazing Conference at two regional locations. Oct. 28, we will be in Winchester, and the conference will move to Leitchfield on Oct. 30.
Jim Gerrish, our keynote speaker at both locations, has almost 50 years of experience working to increase the profitability of beef cattle operations across the United States. In his opening presentation, he will share seven things that he has learned over the last five decades that are key to profitable cow-calf production. He will close the 2025 Fall Grazing Conference with a presentation focused on reducing feed costs in cowcalf operations.
Also speaking at the conference is Ricardo Riberio, UK’s NEW soil extension specialist. He will discuss the importance of developing and maintaining strong nutrient cycles in cow-calf production systems. Wellmanaged nutrient cycles can enhance profitability by reducing fertilizer inputs and increasing pasture productivity.
Greg Halich, UK farm management specialist, will share data from a multi-state bale grazing project. Bale grazing may be one of the most economical ways of increasing soil fertility and jump-starting soil biology and nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystems.
FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS
Pasture Walk with Greg Brann • Adolphus • Oct. 16 • More information at https:// gregbrann.com/
KFGC Fall Grazing Conference • Winchester and Leitchfield • Oct. 28 and Oct. 30 More information at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/Events
Kentucky Advanced Grazing Workshop with Jim Gerrish • LIMITED to 35 Participants • Elizabethtown • Oct. 29 • More information at https://forages.ca.uky.edu/ Events
FEATURED PUBLICATION
This month’s featured publication is AGR-207, “Broadleaf Weeds of Kentucky Pastures” by J.D. Green. You can access it at https://tinyurl.com/ydbwntjb or visiting your local extension office.
FEATURED VIDEOS
Managing Cow-Calf Operations for PROFIT. This presentations were given as part of the webinar series conducted on cow-calf profitability. Available https://agecon. ca.uky.edu/managing-cow-calf-operations-profit.
FENCING TIP
Avoid using metal T-posts in electric fencing applications. Metal T-posts are durable, easy to install and cost competitive. Unfortunately, they are also dead grounds if the insulators fail. In contrast, posts constructed of wood, plastic or fiberglass have no or limited conductivity and will not result in fence failure if an insulator cracks or breaks.
FORAGE MANAGEMENT TIPS
• Feed hay and allow pastures to stockpile for winter grazing.
• Do NOT harvest alfalfa fields.
• Inventory forage and hay supplies and make plans to purchase any needed hay.
• Remove livestock from sorghum-sudangrass pastures and pastures that contain johnsongrass prior to frost events. This will reduce chances of prussic acid poisoning.
• Begin grazing winter annuals once they are 6-8 inches tall and root systems are well anchored.
• Utilize temporary electric fencing and solar chargers to more efficiently utilize winter annuals and stockpiled forage.
I will discuss forage management for the ever-shifting weather patterns that we are experiencing in Kentucky and other transition zone states. Current weather patterns include wet springs, dry falls and milder winters. These shifts are making dry hay production more difficult in the spring and leading to short-term drought stress in late summer and fall. They are also resulting in larger proportions of warm-season grasses in cool-season pastures that may impact pasture management.
Cody Rakes, president of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and farm manager at Loretto Motherhouse Farm, will share his journey in developing cattle genetics that optimize the forage resources located on his farm. He will discuss developing a functional cow that performs in south-central Kentucky.
If you are serious about profitability in your cow-calf operation, make plans to attend this year’s Fall Grazing Conference. You won’t be disappointed! To learn more about his conference and other upcoming educational events contact your local extension office, or visit the UK Forage Webpage by simply Googling “UKY Forages” and clicking on “Upcoming Events”.
Last thing, we will also be holding an Advanced Grazing Workshop on Oct. 29 in Elizabethtown. This all-day, in-depth workshop focusing on profitability will be taught by Jim Gerrish and is LIMITED to 35 participants. This is a great opportunity for one-on-one interaction with Jim and is a chance to network with some of the most profitable cow-calf producers in the state.
Reviewing an Unprecedented Cattle Market Run
Kenny Burdine University of Kentucky
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I’m not sure that “unprecedented” is a strong enough word to describe this cattle market. Most everyone expected prices to be higher in 2025, but I don’t know anyone that expected them to be as high as they have been. As I write this during the second week of September, I could pick most any price series and tell an impressive story –boxed beef, fed cattle, feeders, calves, etc. We are in uncharted territory, and there are several reasons for that.
Let’s start with the obvious; cattle supplies are tight. We came into 2025 with beef cow inventory at its smallest level since 1961. In some ways, that comparison is a bit misleading because we produce a lot more beef today than we did with that same number of cows 64 years ago. But it does speak to how long it has been since the cowherd was this small. For a more recent perspective, the cowherd is 12% smaller than it was at its last peak in 2019 and almost 4% lower than the previous bottom in 2014. Jan.1 beef cow inventory from 1940 to 2025 is plotted in Figure 1.
The continually shrinking U.S. cowherd has led to smaller calf crops and lower on-feed inventory. Feeder cattle supplies have been further tightened by the stoppage of live cattle imports from Mexico. The southern border closed to cattle imports in late November 2024, reopened for a time in 2025, and is closed again as I write this article. As of Aug. 1, cattle-on-feed numbers were estimated to be down by 1.6% from last year.
Coming full circle, decreased cattle
supplies have also impacted beef production. While cattle slaughter was lower in 2024, it was more than offset by higher slaughter weights and beef production increased slightly. Despite feed prices being even lower, that will not be the case this year. Cattle slaughter has been running nearly 7% lower year-to-date and increased weights will not offset a drop of that magnitude. We are seeing lower beef production levels in 2025.
While tight supplies have grabbed most of the headlines, it is important to point out that beef demand has proven to be incredibly resilient. Consumers have shown extremely high willingness to pay for beef at the retail and food service levels. This has been a bit under-appreciated in this market. Many have expressed concern that prices could reach levels such that consumers start to back away. If that does happen, prices will adjust, but it has not happened yet. This always bears watching in the fall as we have moved past the typical “grilling season.”
The combination of tight supplies and strong demand have fueled record prices across all levels of the beef sector. As I like to do, I show Kentucky average auction prices for 550 and 850 lb. M/L #1-2 steers in figures 2 and 3, respectively. Feeder cattle and calf prices made record highs in 2024 and broke those records in 2025. Calf values have doubled over the last three years, and cow-calf operators are clearly in the driver’s seat of this cattle market.
While cow-calf operations have been the primary beneficiaries of high cattle prices, 2025 was also a good year for stocker operators and backgrounders. Budgets tended to look shaky at placement time due to the cost of calves and interest rates, but the feeder cattle market continued to accelerate throughout the year. Many farmers purchased price insurance coverage on calves early and saw the market run far beyond the coverage levels they purchased. Given the amount of money being spent on calves, and the volatility in the marketplace, price risk management will continue to be important going forward.
Despite the high price levels, there has been very little evidence of heifer retention. As of July 1, heifers represented 38.1% of total on-feed inventory. While this percentage has been generally trending downward, it is not a number that suggests widespread heifer retention. One can also consider USDA’s mid-year cattle inventory report. As of July 1, heifers held for beef cow replacement were estimated at 12.9% of beef cow inventory. This was the lowest percentage in the history of that mid-year report, which goes back to 1973 (see Figure 4). I feel like interest rates, heifer values, land constraints and memories of how quickly things changed in 2015 continue to limit interest in heifer retention.
While heifer retention does not paint a picture of traditional expansion, cow culling patterns tell a different story. Beef cow slaughter has been running about 17% below 2024 levels. If that
Figure 2. 550 lb. Medium / Large Frame #1-2 Steers
KY Auction Prices ($ per cwt) USDA-AMS
trend continues through the end of 2025, slaughter will be down by nearly 500,000 cows year-over-year. Cow slaughter tends to increase as we move towards winter and cull cow prices are likely to remain very high. So, I do think there is potential for cow slaughter to pick up before year end, especially if weather becomes an issue. But I fully expect a small increase in beef cow numbers going into 2026. Going forward, there are a lot of factors to consider with respect to this market. The prices of calves, feeders and cull cows tend to to pull back as we move toward winter. I tend not to bet against seasonal patterns, but tight supplies may limit our typical seasonal declines this year. I also expect cull
cow values to hold stronger than usual this fall as demand for ground beef remains high and trim supply remains limited.
Demand is the hardest piece of the puzzle to predict. The market has been on a tear, but it also seems to be looking for a demand shock to fuel a price adjustment. For example, I am writing this the second week of September and the cattle markets recently saw a sharp drop on the heels of a large downward revision to job numbers from the first quarter of 2025. This cast some doubt about the strength of demand going forward and is a perfect illustration of how volatile this market can be.
Despite some uncertainty on the
demand side, I remain optimistic about the year ahead. The calf crop should be slightly larger in 2026, but that would be offset by any tangible increase in heifer retention. Beef production should be lower once again as the lower feedlot placement levels of 2025 work through the system. The resumption of live cattle imports from Mexico would impact feeder cattle supplies, but there is a lot of uncertainty about when that might occur. From a supply perspective, 2026 actually looks better than 2025 and should support cattle prices once again. But I also think volatility will be ever-present, so risk management should continue to be at the forefront of marketing plans.
2025 Farmland Values
Steve Isaacs Extension Professor
USDA releases the results of their annual survey of farmland values each August. The 2025 report indicates that national farm real estate values increased by 4.3% to an average of $4,350/acre. Kentucky farm real estate values increased 3.4% to an average of $5,480/ac. When categorized as Cropland and Pasture, Kentucky’s prices increased by 3.7% for cropland and 3.4% for pasture to $6,450/ac and $3,900/ac respectively.
The average farm real estate value is the widely reported U.S. Farmland Value. The USDA average is a broad indicator of changes in land values. The average is not derived from sale prices. The survey includes data from approximately 9,000 tracts of land of about one square mile each across the continental United States. The survey takes place in early June and reports the separate values of cropland, pastureland, and the value of all land and buildings to arrive at an average “farm real estate value.” The 2025 per acre value of $4,350 is up from $4,170 in 2024. State level values are also reported. The complete 2025 Land Values Summary is available from the National Agricultural Statistics Service of USDA.
Land value trends are widely reported in the farm literature, usually in the format of Figure 1 without an inflation adjustment. This graphic captures data between 1970 when farm real estate was valued at $196/ acre and 2025 with its $4,350/ac in nominal dollars (actual observed values). Figure 1 includes inflation adjusted values as well with values indexed to 2024. The 1970 inflation adjusted value (also called real value) was $1,532/ac in 2024 dollars. In real terms, land values rose dramatically through the 1970s and peaked at $2,927/ac in 1981 prior to the ag financial crisis of the 80s. Real values plummeted to $1,543/ac in 1993, a 47% decline returning to their 1970
values. Real values did not exceed the 1981 highs until 2007.
Another way to approach changes in land values is in its year-to-year change. Figure 2 is a longer view of land value. Data has been available for the past 115 years. The changes from the previous year are indicated by a percentage difference from the previous year. Events like the Great Depression of the 1930s, the 70s boom, and the 80s farm financial crisis are readily apparent. While land values have increased in the long run, they do not increase every year. In fact, in 23 of the past 115 years, land values have been lower than the previous year. If the annual change is adjusted for the annual inflation rate,
land values have decreased about 40% of the time.
Let’s turn to Kentucky land values. They tend to move similarly to national values with Kentucky average farm real estate values that exceed the U.S. average. The last 25 years are illustrated in Figure 3. On a nominal basis, Kentucky’s land value has increased by $3,880/ac since 2000. It is notable that there was a six-year period from 2007 to 2013 that Kentucky land values were flat to declining. Several factors may account for that including ag commodity prices and a slowing of the general economy. That period also coincides with the end of the tobacco quota program. The value of the quotas (which were attached to the land) had been capitalized into the price of land. It is likely that the loss of that asset had a dampening effect on land values in that period.
Figure 1. United States Farm Real Estate Values ($/ac)
Figure 2. Annual Percentage Change of U.S. Land Values, 1911-2025
Figure 3. Kentucky & U.S. Farm Real Estate Values ($/ac)
Cowherd Expansion is Not the Only Way to Capitalize on a Strong Calf Market
Much has been written recently about the strength of the current cattle market. With beef cow inventory at a 60+ year low and demand being very strong, cow-calf operations are clearly in the driver’s seat. Calf values are more than double what they were three years ago, which speaks to considerable opportunity for cow-calf operators to invest in their cowherds. Expansion is often the first opportunity that comes to mind in a strong calf market and there is likely merit in expansion, if doing so is consistent with the goals of the operation. However, some producers may not be interested in growing the size of their cowherds due to land and/or management constraints or other reasons. This article will briefly walk through other opportunities that are worth consideration.
Genetics
Some producers may choose to use the current increase in cow-calf revenues to improve the genetics of their herds. Investment in genetics often has longrun implications, resulting in more valuable calves to sell over multiple years. Sires certainly come to mind, but the current calf market combined with the strong cull cow prices may provide an opportunity to cull a bit harder and also purchase some higher quality females.
Facilities
Working facilities are crucial resources for cow-calf operations for numerous reasons. Value-added opportunities such as health protocols, post-weaning programs, castration, implants, etc. are made much easier with quality working facilities. The same is true for receiving, sorting and loading of cattle. If facilities have historically been a constraint, the current market may be providing an opportunity to make improvements and position the operation to sell higher value calves in
Kenny Burdine Extension Professor
the future.
Grazing Systems
Winter feeding days are typically the most expensive days for cow-calf operations as stored feed (hay) is being fed. Improved grazing systems (interior fencing, additional water sources, portable mineral feeders, etc.) allow for more efficient use of existing forage during the grazing season. This has the potential to increase the number of grazing days and reduce the number of hay feeding days. In most cases, this results in lower costs per cow per year and puts an operation in a better position when calf prices fall.
Debt Service & Financial Management
Strong markets also provide an opportunity to make financial moves that set an operation up for the long run. Increased revenues may allow an operation to pay down some debt and thereby lower their cost structure going forward. Similarly, it may provide an opportunity to build some working capital and lower dependence on operating loans. In both cases, future interest expenses
are reduced, which has implications for profitability.
To be clear, the purpose of this article was not to discourage expansion. There are likely operations that need to do just that. But I also live in an area where land constraints are real and know that expansion is not always feasible. Plus, I have seen situations where operations expanded during strong markets and wished they had not done so a few years later. The main point is that the current calf market provides a significant opportunity for a cow-calf operation to position itself for the long-run, and that will look different for each one of them.
The Agricultural Economics Department publishes the Economic and Policy Update towards the end of each month. Each issue features articles written by extension personnel within the department and other experts across the country. Topics will vary greatly but regularly include marketing, management, policy, natural resources, and rural development issues. If you would like to recieve this newsletter by email, please contact Kenny Burdine at kburdine@uky.edu
You can also view current and past issues online at https://bit.ly/2PoHsZj
Co-editors: Kenny Burdine, Alison Davis, and Greg Halich
2024 Family Living and Net Farm Income
Tarrah Hardin KFBM Area Extension Specialist
Over the last few years, farmers across the state had to sharpen their pencils when it comes to the farm budget. One part of the budget should be a family living cost. The average family living cost was $100,358 or $8,363 per month in 2024 for the 90 farms in the Kentucky Farm Business (KFBM) family living data set. Their average net farm income (NFI) for 2024 was $23,088. Over the last several years, family living cost continued to increase steadily while NFI continues to decrease. From 2023 to 2024, family living costs rose on average $11,836, while NFI decreased $100,530 during that same time. Family living expenses include contributions, medical, life insurance, expendables (grocery, clothing,
entertainment, etc.) and capital items (non- farm). To get a complete picture of family living, income and social security taxes need to be added, for 2024 that was an additional $35,519.
From 2023 to 2024, non-farm income increased from $39,653 to $53,094. Bringing in much needed funds in a down NFI year. The average total income for farm families was $76,182 for 2024. To get this amount, you combine NFI ($23,088) and nonfarm income ($53,094). The average farm family in 2024 was short $59,695 (total income $76,182 minus total expense $135,877). Having a very low NFI for 2024, which was projected going into the year, and the relatively high family living cost, other fund sources had to be utilized
to cover family living cost in 2024. Examples of other fund sources, savings/investments, sale of assets, or borrowing money to help cover the difference.
As we head into harvest 2025 and looking forward to 2026, farmers need to keep those pencils sharp! With grain prices not above break even for most and the continuous climb of cost of living, 2026 can come with huge challenges for some. Discussing family living costs can be difficult and stressful for everyone. However, that doesn’t mean these tough conversations need to be put on the back burner. Just like a good farm budget needs to be written down and looked at throughout the year, so does the family living budget!
A Niche, Not a Threat: Revisiting the Market Response to the Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
Shuoli Zhao, Kenny Burdine, Aslihan Spaulding University of Kentucky
There was a period in the late 2010s when the narrative of a plant-based revolution seemed unstoppable. The new generation plant-based meat alternatives (PBMA) were capturing media headlines and investor attention, positioned as a serious threat to the beef industry. For cattle producers and stakeholders, the hype was impossible to ignore. Since then, the beef industry has watched the rise of PBMA with a critical eye. Fueled by media hype and claims of a sustainable food revolution, these products were even touted as the future of the protein market with the potential to replace animal-based meats on consumer plates. However, as the initial buzz settles, a different story is emerging
- one backed by a growing body of research that uses market data to examine what consumers are actually buying.
A recent Forbes article highlighted a slowdown in the plant-based sector, with consumers citing concerns over quality, transparency and processed ingredients. A compelling body of academic work, analyzing realworld purchasing data from tens of thousands of U.S. households, also confirms the Achilles’ heel for PBMA and may offer reassuring insights for cattle producers. These studies show that PBMA projects have not significantly eroded the market for beef and are positioned more as niche products rather than mainstream replacements.
A Small Slice of the Pie: The Reality of Market Share
Multiple, large-scale academic studies, led by researchers from the University of Kentucky and Auburn University, which utilized realworld purchasing data from 2014 through 2021, consistently showed that PBMA failed to significantly erode the market for animal-based meats. Even during their growth phase, PBMA occupied a very small share of the consumer's budget. One comprehensive study of household purchases from 2019 to 2021 showed that PBMA accounted for a mere 3% of the total meat budget. Another analysis using retail market data from 2017 to 2020 found the total expenditure share was even smaller,
with PBMAs accounting for just 0.1% of total retail revenue in the fresh meat sector.
Furthermore, the economic relationship between the two categories is weak. Even when PBMA prices change, it has a negligible effect on meat sales in general. It is estimated that a 1% change in the price of PBMA affects the demand for meat products by less than 0.01%, indicating a very limited cross-price effect.
The "One and Done" Buyer: A Lack of Repeat Customers
Even when consumers do try PBMA, the purchasing data shows a steep drop-off after the initial trial. Of the households that try the products, a significant portion are "once-only" spenders who purchase them in a single month and do not purchase them again.
This lack of customer retention is stark. The event study analyzing first-time buyers found that while a household might spend nearly $8 on PBMA in the first month of trial, that spending plummets by over 75% in the following months. This pattern suggests that consumers are not consistently incorporating PBMA into their regular diet. Researchers conclude that this behavior indicates many consumers are simply experimenting with PBMA products and are not adopting them for regular consumption.
A Complement, Not a Competitor: How Shoppers Really Behave
The most compelling findings challenge the core assumption that PBMA is a direct competitor to beef. Multiple studies using different datasets and methodologies have arrived at the same conclusion: PBMA products are not acting as substitutes for beef. The analysis of market expenditure data found that PBMA is a price complement to beef. This means consumers are more likely to purchase PBMA products together with beef, not instead of it. This could reflect a "flexitarian" diet, where a household purchases both, rather than replacing one with the other.
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This finding is also supported by a separate study on first-time PBMA buyers, which showed that the share of household spending on meat remains unchanged when they first try PBMA products. This behavior further solidifies the view of PBMA as an add-on or niche item, not a direct substitute for beef in many shopping carts. In fact, shoppers are more sensitive to price changes for fresh beef patties and ground beef than they are for the plant-based versions. This suggests that the core beef consumer is highly attuned to value, a different profile from the PBMA buyer, who may be motivated by curiosity or specific dietary goals.
The Bottom Line for the Beef Industry
While the conversation around dietary shifts continues, the combined evidence from multiple, large-scale studies of actual consumer purchases is clear and consistent. The threat of PBMA to the beef market has not materialized in the way many predicted. The combination of a tiny market share, a lack of repeat customers, and the consistent finding that PBMA is not a substitute for beef. While the food landscape will continue to evolve, the fundamental appeal of beef, given its taste, value and cultural significance, continues to be the dominant force at the meat counter.
Sources:
Cuffey, J., Chenarides, L., Li, W., & Zhao, S. (2022). "Consumer spending patterns for plant-based meat alternatives." Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 45(1), 63-85.
Ludmir, C. (2025, March 20). "What Beyond Meat Got Wrong About The Future Of Plant-Based Eating." Forbes. Neuhofer, Z. T., & Lusk, J. L. (2022). "Most plant-based meat alternative buyers also buy meat: an analysis of household panel data." Scientific Reports, 12(13062).
Zhao, S., Wang, L., Hu, W., & Zheng, Y. (2022). "Meet the meatless: Demand for new generation plant-based meat alternatives." Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 45(1), 4-21.
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University of Kentucky Names Jennifer Hunter Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
Derrick Meads University of Kentucky
LEXINGTON, KY—The University of Kentucky MartinGatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has named Jennifer Hunter as associate dean for Extension and director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Hunter began her new role Sept. 1.
Hunter brings more than two decades of service to MartinGatton CAFE and communities across the commonwealth. A native Kentuckian and UK alum, she has served as a county agent, specialist, professor and administrator—
ENTRY DEADLINE: OCTOBER 7
photo by Matt Barton
including director of the School of Human Environmental Sciences and assistant extension director for Family and Consumer Sciences. She has built a strong record of community-focused solutions, engaged scholarship and translational research, with a record that includes more than 850 Extension educational programs, over 160 publications and more than $75 million in external grants and contracts.
“Dr. Hunter’s deep commitment to Kentucky communities, her track record of innovative Extension programming, and her leadership experience make her uniquely suited to guide Cooperative Extension into its next chapter,” said Laura
Stephenson, dean of the MartinGatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and vice president for land-grant engagement.
Hunter succeeds Stephenson, who previously held the position before being named dean. Craig Wood, professor of Animal and Food Sciences and assistant director of Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, served as acting associate dean and director of extension since Jan. 1, 2025.
“I want to thank Dr. Craig Wood for his leadership during this transition,” Stephenson said. “His steady leadership helped ensure continuity for our agents, specialists and staff statewide.”
The UK Cooperative Extension
Service is a trusted, local resource for all Kentuckians. Through local, grassroots programming, it brings the university’s research, resources and innovative solutions into every Kentucky county.
Extension’s efforts focus on strengthening Kentucky’s farms, food systems and natural resources; building the health, well being and economic outcomes for individuals, families and producers; and engaging communities to build vibrant economies by connecting businesses and people.
To learn more about the UK Cooperative Extension Service in all 120 counties in Kentucky, visit https://extension.ca.uky.edu.
Serving the community with 12 locations across seven counties!
UPCOMING SALES & EVENTS
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Kentucky Stud Wagyu October 10-11
Millenium Longhorn October 17-18
R&R Elite Genetics Showcase October 25 12:00 PM
Trick or Treat at the Yards October 31 6:00 PM
Stoney Point Heifer Sale November 6 6:30 PM
Profit Thru Performance Feeder Sale
December 3 6:00 PM
Blue Ribbon Bred Heifer Sale December 5 7:00 PM
Kentucky Hereford Association Sale December 6 1:00 PM
Boyd Myers Influence Feeder Sale
December 9 11:00 AM
Kentucky Certified Hereford Influence Sale December 11 6:00 PM
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Traditions Hereford Influence Fall Feeder Sale December 4 10:30 AM
KCA Welcomes Fall Interns
Ayva Hardin is currently serving as the fall membership intern for the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Originally from Springfield, she graduated from Washington County High School in 2024 and is now a junior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in agricultural economics with a minor in business.
Ayva has been involved in agriculture for many years through her family’s cow-calf operation and her leadership roles in organizations such as Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority, Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association, Collegiate Farm Bureau and the Agribusiness Club at the University of Kentucky. She is passionate about advocating for agriculture and hopes to pursue a career in the industry after graduation. Ayva looks forward to gaining hands-on experience and promoting the beef industry through this internship!
Kaylee Carson currently serves as a fall intern for the Kentucky Beef Network and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. A Beattyville native, Kaylee graduated from Wolfe County High School in 2024 and is now a senior at the University of Kentucky where she is majoring in animal sciences with a minor in agricultural economics.
She has been involved in agriculture for numerous years through leadership and production roles. Kaylee currently helps operate her family’s commercial cattle operation as well as exhibiting club lambs, cattle and swine at the local, state and national levels for 11 years. Being heavily involved in youth organizations such as 4-H and FFA, she has remained in-
volved by mentoring special needs individuals in the sheep show ring. Kaylee is very passionate about mentoring individuals in agriculture and advocating for the agriculture industry. She looks forward to continuing to promote not only beef, but agriculture as a whole this fall!
Maggie Board is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in agricultural economics with a focus in food marketing and agribusiness management. She is a fall intern for the Kentucky Beef Council and Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association. Originally from Vine Grove, she is a fourth-generation member of her family’s beef and row crop farm. Growing up around agriculture, Maggie’s passion for the industry was shaped by her father’s constant encouragement to broaden her knowledge and seek opportunities that connect producers with the marketplace.
At UK , Maggie is an active member of Delta Zeta Sorority and serves as the Alumni Relations chair. In this role, she has strengthened her skills in communication, event planning and relationship management while fostering meaningful connections between alumnae and active members. She also had the opportunity in Spring 2025 to participate in Dance Blue, a fundraiser that supports the Hematology and Oncology Unit at UK HealthCare. Looking ahead, Maggie is eager to apply her skill set to a career that bridges the gap between producers and consumers. She remains committed to advocating for rural communities and promoting the value of agriculture across the region!
Ayva Hardin
Kaylee Carson
Maggie Board
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U niversity of Kentucky Shows New High-Tech Device To Weigh Cattle
Chris Aldridge Kentucky Ag News
PRINCETON, KY — The regular weighing of beef cattle is vital to increased productivity and profitability. Well-informed management decisions come from easily obtained and accurate weights.
The University of Kentucky demonstrated a high-tech method of weighing a herd at its Beef and Forage Field Day at the UK Research and Education Center near Princeton.
UK has been testing a Gallagher Auto Weigher on a herd of 10 cows. The cows weigh themselves every time they step onto the portable scale on wheels to eat a mineral supplement mixed with dried distillers’ grains.
“We started out feeding them soy hulls, but we quickly learned that the dominant cows would just come up and eat it all,” UK beef research specialist Blair Knight told the crowd of mostly beef cattle farmers. “We had one cow that had been on there 21 times and the other ones that had not been on at all.
“So, we switched to a salt block, and we really weren't getting the results that we wanted,” Knight added. “Now mixing the mineral two-thirds to one-third of distillers’, and immediately – the next day – we had seven that had good (accurate) weights, so that was kind of the trick.”
After collecting only four days of data on cows ranging from 1,302 to 1,706 pounds, the Auto Weigher was 94.9% accurate compared to the time-consuming activity of weighing each cow on a conventional scale.
“So far, I'm pretty impressed with it,” UK beef specialist Kevin Laurent said. “You can count on that weight being within that 5% range.”
Current weights are available around the clock on a smartphone app.
“In the mornings ... I just pull up Bluetooth to it, and it tells me how many cows ate all night and how many ate that morning,” Knight said. “It's super easy.”
The biggest obstacle for many small Kentucky producers is the price, about $11,000. “It's not going to fit into a lot of budgets,” he noted.
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But for large producers, the time savings compared to weighing each cow could be a godsend.
“People that are running large groups of cattle, tracking weights, and timing their feeding program with their marketing program ... can track average daily gain,” Laurent said. “So, it's a pretty handy tool from that standpoint.
“I'm about to sell some stockers, and I’d love to know what all of them weigh right now,” he added. “I wonder, do I sell now, or do I wait another three or four weeks? So, if you’ve got some numbers, I think it can be practical.”
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photo by Chris Aldridge, KDA
2025-26 MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
* MEMBERSHIP YEAR 10/1/25– 9/30/26
NAME SPOUSE NAME
FARM NAME ADDRESS
RECRUITED BY
*Payments of KCA membership dues are tax deductible for most members as an ordinary and necessary business expense. However, charitable contributions of gifts to KCA are not tax deductible for Federal Income Tax purposes. Due to new IRS regulations, $2.24 of your dues would not be deductible. Approximately $12 of your dues will go towards the monthly publication Cow Country.
PLEASE CHECK THE MEMBERSHIP(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN:
KCA MEMBERSHIP ($30/YR) NEW RENEWAL
Membership dues are $30 unless otherwise listed below
KCA COUPLE MEMBERSHIP
To add your spouse, please add $15 to your KCA Membership
KENTUCKY JUNIOR CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ($10/YR) NEW RENEWAL
I WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE YOUNG PRODUCER’S COUNCIL
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP:
$ KCA
$ KJCA
TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
$ CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION DONATION (voluntary)
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED:
$ ALL DONATIONS TO KCF ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE
COUNTY DUES
Dues are $30 except for the counties listed below.
IF YOU WOULD ALSO LIKE TO JOIN THE NATIONAL CATTLEMEN’S BEEF ASSOCIATION The NCBA is now a State Marketing Partner with the KCA. You can pay your dues to both organizations with one check, at the same time.
$1,870 1,751-2,000 $2,154 > 2,000 $2,154 + $0.4307/HD # HEAD DUES Complete and return to:
Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. (especially at the Bristol Motor Speedway Classic!)
Kelly Baird KBC Director of Communications
The Kentucky Beef Council teamed up with fellow southeastern states and their Qualified State Beef Council’s to represent the beef industry at the firstever Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway. Here, the Cincinnati Reds took on the Atlanta Braves in front of a recordsetting 91,000+ spectators. But truth be told… we had the best seat in the house. Just outside the gates, you could find the bustling fan-zone. This area outside of the speedway was free to access whether you had a ticket to the game or not. Throughout the day leading to the
first pitch, staff and Kentucky producers represented Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner with a thoughtfully curated display. Our display gave us an incredible chance to connect face-to-face with fans and visitors – sharing beef knowledge, answering questions and celebrating the farmers and ranchers behind it all. We handed out over 10,000 beef sticks, temporary tattoos, stickers, seasoning packets, recipe cards and charms for Crocs.
The fun didn’t stop there. Thanks to a generous Virginia beef processor, visitors could scan a QR code for the chance
to win a cooler full of beef, delivered straight to their doorstep. Visitors in the fan zone as well as those at home through digital advertising could participate. This activation allowed our reach to continue even after the game, utilizing submitted emails for further beef communication.
At the end of the day, whether it was the beefy giveaways, the conversations with curious fans, or the celebration of hardworking producers, one thing was clear: at Bristol Motor Speedway, beef stole the show.
Where’s the Beef? Everywhere at the Kentucky
The Kentucky State Fair has always been a place to celebrate our state’s agricultural roots, and this year was no different. Beef took center stage in a big way. The Kentucky Beef Council brought beef’s story to life with an engaging, interactive booth in Agland, located in South Wing A. Our booth gave fairgoers an inside look at all things beef – from popular cuts and cooking tips, to sustainability, nutrition and even byproduct topics that most consumers rarely think about. Fairgoers that visited our booth left not only with knowledge, but also with something tangible: over 5,000 cookbooks, recipe cards and other educational materials went home with families across Kentucky. Perhaps the biggest highlight was the opportunity for more than a dozen producers to connect directly with consumers. Conversations at the booth
were lively, with producers answering questions and even asking some. When fairgoers weren’t chatting, they were spinning our trivia wheel – learning fun facts directly from producers and walking away with new knowledge of our industry.
And that’s not all! Beef’s versatility got a star treatment on the Farm to Fair Cooking Stage, where we welcomed special guests to cook alongside us. Partners like the UK Gill Heart and Vascular Institute and WiNWiN at UK shared the healthy side of beef, while our 2025 Youth Leadership Program Cooking Competition winners — Ben Chaliff, Jonna Ford, Gracie Pike and Avery Chapman — wowed the crowd with their creativity. Producer Joe Lowe also joined us, showing that from pasture to plate, beef is a true Kentucky tradition.
You couldn’t walk through the fair without seeing beef! Our messaging lit up the
State Fair!
North and South Wing video screens and even welcomed visitors at the main gate. And the spotlight didn’t stop inside the fairgrounds — WAVE 3 News and Summit Media’s Q103.1 went live from our AgLand booth, taking beef’s message far beyond Louisville. We also did a cooler giveaway, receiving more than 1,000 entries.
And of course, the Kentucky State Fair wouldn’t be complete without the incredible food. From beef brisket sandwiches to the classic donut burger, fairgoers had plenty of opportunities to taste just how delicious beef is.
The Kentucky Beef Council was able to create meaningful conversations, showcase beef’s many benefits and remind tens of thousands of fairgoers that when it comes to nutrition, sustainability and flavor — Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.
Collaborating for Change: Insights from the Mid-South Beef Leadership Conference
Katie VanValin University of Kentucky
In the past, the University of Kentucky Beef IRM Team hosted leadership conferences at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. These events brought together county extension agents, strong cattle producer leaders, extension specialists and other beef industry leaders for several days of focused discussion. The goal was to identify challenges facing the industry and develop new educational programs and services to be implemented at the state and county level. These conferences consistently emphasized gathering input and ideas at the local level, using a true grassroots approach. Programs, such as Master Cattleman and Kentucky’s BQCA program, grew from these efforts. The last leadership conference at the Biltmore was held in 2012, and a virtual conference took place in 2020.
As the cattle industry and the world continue to change, the need for strong leadership has never been greater. Today’s producers face challenges ranging from volatile markets and rising input costs to generational transition and creating opportunities for the next generation of cattle producers. That’s why the time was right to convene another leadership conference. In August, a delegation from Kentucky traveled to Fall Creek Falls State Park in Spencer, Tennessee, for a new approach to leadership development. This year’s conference marked the first collaboration with Tennessee, bringing together producers, agents, specialists and other leaders from both states for four days of discussion and planning. Together, participants focused on developing local, state and multi-state programs to ensure the
Participant Voices
“Networking with specialists and producers from both states… the wealth of information in one room was outstanding.”
“The mixed group breakout sessions were eye-opening and helpful.”
“Collaboration with other producers and extension teams was the strongest part of the event.”
“The group discussions gave me better strategies to identify problems and create programming geared toward solutions.”
“It was great to connect with producers across state lines and see how much we all have in common.”
“I came away with new ideas and even more appreciation for our UK Beef team.”
beef industry is ready to meet current challenges and future opportunities. During the conference, participants spent long hours identifying and debating challenges, sharing ideas and charting new paths for local producers to work with extension to serve cattle producers into the future.
Tucked away among the trees and overlooking the lake, participants gathered in the Lodge at Fall Creek Falls to roll up their sleeves and work together. Mixed groups from both Kentucky and Tennessee ensured a wide range of perspectives were
brought to the table. Through discussion and debate, they identified the most pressing challenges facing the beef industry, then prioritized those. Participants overwhelmingly found the exercises beneficial, with many describing the breakout discussions as “eye-opening and helpful.” From there, the work shifted to solutions: producers and agents collaborated on county-level programs while state specialists mapped out strategies for statewide and regional initiatives. The result was a dynamic exchange of ideas that left attendees more confident in starting local programs and inspired new programming ideas across counties and states.
By the end of the conference, participants developed a wide range of programs and initiatives to address challenges in the beef industry locally and nationally. County groups planned hands-on trainings, including reproductive management schools, breeding soundness exam clinics for bulls, heifer development programs and forage workshops. Youth involvement and leadership were a prominent focus. Proposed efforts included revamping youth feeder cattle contests in collaboration with 4-H and FFA, creating mentorship opportunities and developing workshops to build skills in beef cattle management and production. County and state programs to explore estate and succession planning, business and financial management and consumer education, including joint producer-consumer freezer beef programs were shared. Cross-state collaboration was a recurring theme, with participants sharing resources, strategies and opportunities to extend
Ben Lloyd Whitesville, KY (270) 993-1074 benlloyd0223@gmail.com
Charles Embry Cave City, KY (270) 646-5939 dale.embry@yahoo.com
Cody Burke Frankfort, KY (606) 748-4641 cody.burke2019@gmail.com
Jacob Settles Springfield, KY (859) 805-0724 jacob.settles4@yahoo.com
Samantha Stamm Wallingford, KY (606) 748-7772 sastamm14@outlook.com
Ron Shrout Winchester, KY (859) 397-5151 shroutron@aol.com
program impacts across Kentucky and Tennessee. State extension specialists emphasized developing a video series for new and beginning farmers and establishing an annual multi-state cow-calf conference hosted in both states. The meeting demonstrated that when diverse perspectives come together, innovative and actionable ideas emerge with the potential for lasting impact at the local, state, regional and national levels. Nearly all participants (97%) reported a positive opinion of their state’s beef industry after the event, highlighting the strong confidence and optimism generated by the conference.
After the conference, each county is paired with a specialist to build accountability and provide ongoing support for program development. A follow-up meeting is planned for Spring 2026 to check in with participants and continue refining the programs and ideas generated at the conference. With the first leadership conferences dating back to the early 2000s, there is a long history of these gatherings generating impactful programs and measurable change. This latest conference demonstrates that just a few days spent in the hills of Tennessee can spark ideas and connections that will influence extension education and beef programs for years to come. By collaborating within and across state lines, counties and state extension specialists have laid the groundwork for stronger, more connected programs that will benefit producers for the long term. Thanks to the engagement, commitment and leadership of producers, county agents, specialists and industry partners, the future of the beef industry is blazing forward, built on the knowledge, ideas and partnerships forged during the conference.
The UK Beef Extension Team would like to thank all of the Mid-South Beef Leadership Conference participants, sponsors and organizers for putting together a successful and impactful conference, especially conference coordinators Maggie Cotton and Laken White.
Eden Shale Update
Dan Miller Industry Coordinator, Kentucky Beef Network
We always wean our calves in September whenever the sign is right. This year that fell early on Sept. 5. This is the earliest we have ever weaned, and I was nervous that it would still be blistering hot right after Labor Day. However, a blast of fall air showed up that week, and we enjoyed well below normal temperatures for that early in the season.
The process that day went extremely well. Greg and I had plenty of help to go along with the good weather. KBN Facilitators Jacob Settles and Cody Burke helped run the chute and work the cows. Becky Thompson and Alex Scott recorded data and labeled blood tubes. Jake Harrod and Danny Coy stayed busy videoing new BQCA modules as we worked through the day’s tasks. I owe a huge Thank You to all these folks for helping make the day go nice and smooth!
I was pleased with our weaning data. The calves weighed 457 lbs. While a bit lighter than in years past, that is right on track had we weaned later in the month. The calves averaged 2.2 lbs./day of gain, therefore 21 more days on the cow would have made them weight 503 lbs., which would be our second heaviest weaning weight ever.
The cows had an average weight of 1,226 lbs. with a body condition score of 5.5 and a hair coat score of 2 (measured 1=slick; 5=hairy). The cows, on average, weaned 37% of their weight, which is also on track with our previous five-year average.
We also pulled blood to do a pregnancy check on all the cows and replacement heifers. The heifers had a good conception as 22 of 25 (88%)
were bred. The problem was with the cows. We had 19 open cows, or 55 of 74 (74%) bred.
There are a few things to note about this year’s breeding season. The cows were in good condition throughout the summer due to plenty of rainfall and good grass despite the heat. Eden Shale had 5 inches of rain in July, and it did not start to get dry until later in August, well after we had pulled the bulls. The bulls all stayed sound and there were three bulls with each group of cows to ensure the girls all got covered.
The biggest concern of the breeding season was the heat. Early summer was cooler than normal, and it was 67° when we AIed the cows on May 30. When the cows were cycling again, 18 to 21 days later, the heat had arrived. Those four days had an average heat index of 88 degrees followed by seven days with heat indexes over 100 degrees. Again, 18 to 21 days later we still had the same conditions with a four-day window averaging 95 degrees and the following seven days at 97 degrees. This is awfully hot to expect cows to breed and settle. I am honestly happy with the fact that we got 74% bred.
In tough seasons like these, I am thankful for our infrastructure at the farm. We were blessed with enough moisture to have good grass. We have plenty of natural shade in our pastures and abundant sources of clean water throughout the farm. I would imagine if we did not have adequate shade, our pastures were burnt up, and the cattle had to drink out of ponds, our conception rates would have been much lower.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMITTING THE CHECKOFF ASSESSMENT?
BUYER
Generally the Buyer is responsible for collecting the Beef Checkoff assessment from the Seller
SELLER
However, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for seeing that the Checkoff is collected and paid. or pays $2 to
QUALIFIED STATE BEEF COUNCIL 50¢
Cattlemen’s Beef Board invests in national Checkoff programs, while Kentucky Beef Council invests in state programs.
If you are a producer from one of these seven states - Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island - you will remit directly to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board. If you have any questions regarding who is responsible for remitting the Checkoff assessment or how to remit payment, please contact your State Beef Council or the Cattlemen’s Beef Board at (303) 867-6304.
3 Exceptions to Beef Checkoff Collection: 1. Non-producer status: If a person (or company) owns cattle for 10 days or less, purchases the cattle to facilitate the transfer of ownership to a third party, and certifies that any Checkoff dollars due from the previous owner have been collected, then that person qualifies as a “Non-Producer” and the Checkoff assessment is not due when qualified cattle are resold. 2. Organic Exemption: In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress created a process exemptiing organic producers from paying Checkoff program assessments. 3. Pre-Payment: Producers can also choose to “prepay” the Checkoff assessment when shipping cattle out of state for feeding and still retain ownership on the cattle. This allows the producer to direct half of the $1-per-head national Checkoff assessment to the beef council in the state where the cattle were raised, rather than the state where the cattle will be fed. Note: To claim any of these exemptions, the person selling the cattle must provide the proper ‘document’ to show that the Checkoff assessment is not due at the time of sale. Thus, the rule of thumb for all cattle sales is that the person paying the producer should collect either a “Dollar or a Document.”
LIVESTOCK MARKET - When cattle are sold through a livestock market or video market, the Market collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.
CATTLE DEALER/ORDER BUYER - When cattle are sold to a Cattle Dealer or Order Buyer, the Dealer/Order Buyer collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.
ANOTHER PRODUCER - Both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility.
VEAL GROWER - When dairy calves are sold to a Veal Grower, both the Buyer and the Seller are responsible for making sure that the Beef Checkoff assessment is collected and remitted. For clarity and consistency, we encourage the Seller to take on this compliance responsibility.
CATTLE SHOWS AND FAIRS - When producers sell their animals at fairs or cattle shows (4H/FFA shows, Purebred cattle shows, etc.), the Organization that runs the sale collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.
FEEDLOT - When cattle are sold directy to a feedlot, the Feedlot collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.
PACKING PLANT - When cattle are sold to a packing plant, the Packing Plant collects and remits the Beef Checkoff assessment.
DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER BEEF SALES - When producers market their cattle as beef, the Producer is responsible for remitting the Beef Checkoff assessment.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice)
Kentucky Hereford Association
Toby & Debby Dulworth 2492 S. Kirkman Road LaCenter, KY 42056 (270) 224-2993 • dogwood@brtc.net Herefords that thrive on forages. www.dogwoodherefords.com
K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM 859-588-4531 198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031
KYLE BUSH K3CATTLE@YAHOO.COM 859-588-4531 198 HICKS PIKE CYNTHIANA, KY 41031
Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-6956
Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh Cattle 3459 KY Hwy. 1284 E. Cythiana, KY 41031 (859) 234-6956
Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln
Ben, Jane, Shelby and Lincoln
Tony Brandenburg, tstaples@bbtel.com
THOMAS FARM
THOMAS FARM
Eric & Ronnie Thomas 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 623-5734
Eric & Ronnie Thomas 2396 Union City Rd. Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 623-5734
Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256
Eric’s Cell (859) 314-8256
“Cattle for sale at all times”
“Cattle for sale at all times”
Windy Hills Farm
Windy Hills Farm
Jackie D. Perkins II 367 Mt. Pisgah Rd. Bremen, KY 42325 (270) 543-3586
Jackie D. Perkins II 367 Mt. Pisgah Rd. Bremen, KY 42325 (270) 543-3586
Breeding to produce good cows since 1981
Breeding to produce good cows since 1981
HANSELL 12045 12 miles
Registered Polled Herefords
Bulls & Females for sale
BECKLEY HEREFORDS
Tim & Peggy Wolf 12939 Peach Grove Road
L. Wayne Beckley • 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Ravenna, KY 40472 • 606-723-3021 Cell: 859-779-0962
Alexandria, KY 41001
Home: 859-635-0899
Cell: 859-991-3484
L.W. Beckley D.V.M 284 Pyrse Lane • Irvine, KY 40336 Cell: 859-779-1419 • Clinic: 606-726-0000 www.beckleyherefords.com
BECKLEY HEREFORDS
L. Wayne Beckley • 1420 Fitchburg Rd. Ravenna, KY 40472 • 606-723-3021
Cell: 859-779-0962
L.W. Beckley D.V.M 284 Pyrse Lane • Irvine, KY 40336
Cell: 859-779-1419 • Clinic: 606-726-0000
www.beckleyherefords.com
“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years” Breeding cattle for sale at all times. 1999 Walnut Hill Rd. Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 271-9086 cell (859)533-3790
WATSON LAND & CATTLE
Matt,
STOCK
Tucker Stock Farms
“Breeding Polled Herefords for over 58 Years”
“Registered Angus and Polled Herefords”
Breeding cattle for sale at all times.
1999 Walnut Hill Rd.
Lexington, KY 40515 (859) 271-9086 cell (859)533-3790
John Tucker II 1790 Hidden Valley Lane Hudson, KY 40145 270-617-0301
Shawn, Melissa, Devin & Dylan Gibson (270) 337-3072 or (270) 692-5304 Dennis & Emily 270/337-2128 or 270/402-4338
Jimmy Gilles 5160 Lee Rudy Road Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 929-5370 jcgilles86@gmail.com
RANDOLPH FARM
JOHNSON FARMS ANGUS
Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005
HERITAGE FARM
Gil, Mary, Corbin, Caroline, and Catherine Cowles 500 Rockfield Richpond Road Rockfield, KY 42274 (270) 843-9021 • Fax (270) 843-9005 Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2
Tom McGinnis 1024 Hinkle Lane • Shelbyville, KY (502) 633-1634, home • (502) 633-5100, work (502) 655-0164, cell
Located 7 miles west of Bowling Green, 1/2 mile off Hwy 68/80
Mary Jayne and Victoria Cannon 4619 Cherry Grove Rd Flemingsburg, KY 41041 606-748-5420 www.cannonangusfarm.com
Angus Bulls & Females Slaughters, KY
6550 Highway 330 Owenton, KY 40359
Carter Randolph: (513) 543-4343
Keith: (270) 635-0723
Nick Sarky: (513) 262-9846
Reese: (270) 635-1137
patty@randolphfarmoperations.com
Bulls Available
TAMME VALLEY FARM
SMITHLAND ANGUS FARM 5202 East Hwy 80, Russell Springs, KY 42642 Charles “Bud” & Pam Smith: (270) 866-3898 Henry & Melissa Smith: (270) 866-2311
Jacob Tamme, Owner-Operator (859) 583-7134 jacob.tamme@gmail.com www.tammevalley.com & Find us on Facebook!
KENTUCKY ANGUS ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Return to: Shayna Gibson 1535 Fallen Timber Road New Castle, KY 40050 • Annual Dues $35
SWAIN SELECT SIMMENTAL 12113 Green Valley Dr. Louisville, KY 40243 swainselect.com swainselect@gmail.com facebook.com/swainselectsimmental
Fred & Phyllis: 502-599-4560 Chi & Angie: 502-287-2116
JUDY AND RONDAL DAWSON 1156 Buzzard Roost Road Shelbyville, KY 40065 502-593-5136 • jrdawson22@outlook.com
JEROD METZGER • 270-779-6260
ROCKING P LIVESTOCK 8308 Orangeburg Road Maysville, KY 41056
Chan: 606-584-7581
Keith: 606-584-5626
rockingplivestock@maysvilleky.net
BRIAN & HEATHER SWAIN 3906 Pottertown Road Murray, KY 42071 • 270-293-4440
wksbswain@murray-ky.net
SIMMENTAL AND SIMANGUS BULLS FOR SALE
1939 Huntertown Road
Versailles, KY 40383
BULLS FOR SALE
Chris Allen 859-351-4486
callenuky@hotmail.com
Dr. Henry Allen 859-229-0755
The Simmental cow can handle any environment.
She’s built to last in heat, fescue or high altitudes. And thanks to the breed’s built-in adaptability, you can match Simmental genetics to your environment – SimAngus,™ SimAngus HT, Simbrah or proven Simmental genetics.
Meet America’s all-purpose cow – gentle and consistent, with calves that give the heterosis boost commercial cattlemen need to stay profitable.
406-587-4531 • simmental.org
BRET AND LAURA JACKSON 859.533.3718 or 859.707.7200
BRET & LAURA JACKSON Paris, Kentucky (859) 533-3718 (859) 707-7200
Clayton & Debbie Cash 1214 Ottawa School Road • Brodhead, KY 40409 (606)-308-3247 • (606)-758-8994
BEE LICK GELBVIEHS
Since 1937 (859) 234-6956
BRIAN W. DYER, DVM
Gelbvieh-Balancer Bulls & Heifers For Sale by Private Treaty
Eddie Reynolds
277 Old Bee Lick Rd.
Crab Orchard, KY 40419
BRIAN W. DYER,
DVM
Owner/Manager
606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C)
GELBVIEH/BALANCERS
Bulls & Females for sale
2050 Glasgow Road • Burkesville, KY 42717
Owner/Manager
GELBVIEH/BALANCERS
2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717
Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia (270) 864-5909
Brian, Lauren, Kristen Barry, Emily & Julia • (270) 864-5909
PLEASANT MEADOWS FARM
FULL CIRCLE FARMS
Registered Gelbvieh Cattle
Gary & Pat Tilghman • Carrie & Daryl Derossett Family • Lindsey & Garland Gilliam Family 690 Lick Branch Road Glasgow, KY 42141 270.646.7024 • pleasantmeadowsfarm@hotmail.com Registered Gelbvieh & Angus cattle for sale
Entry and room information available at www.gelbvieh.org (Juniors/Regional Shows/AGJA Eastern Regional)
Gary & Pat Tilghman
2050 Glasgow Road Burkesville, KY 42717
Lindsey Tilghman Jones Family
HEDGESPETH LIVESTOCK GELBVIEH/BALANCER CATTLE-COMMERCIAL HEIFERS 543 Pleasant Run Church Road • Campbellsville, KY 42718 sam.hedgespeth@gmail.com • Sam-270.299.5449 Seth-270.932.1615 Dan-606.686.1679 Andrew-270.405.1990
BEE LICK GELBVIEHS
PADON FARMS
Eddie Reynolds 277 Old Bee Lick Rd. Crab Orchard, KY 40419
606-379-2281(H) 606-305-1972(C) Bulls & Females for sale
GELBVIEH BULLS & FEMALES FOR SALE 1012 Shelby Road • Salem, KY 42078 Thad Padon (270) 836-5518
CD FARMS
Clayton & Debbie Cash 1214 Ottawa School Road
BRAY’S GELBVIEH CATTLE
Niles & Betty K Bray 1568 Bray Ridge Road Bedford, KY 40006 (502) 255-3584
Frank McAninch 1341 Iven Godby Road Liberty, KY 42539 606-787-0120 richhillfarm@windstream.net
SALERS THE BALANCED BREED
CLASSIFIEDS
REGISTERED RED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE
* FREE DELIVERY *
FOUR WINDS
PERFORMANCE TESTED PUREBRED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE Call 270-202-7186 for more info or check out www.oakhollowangus.com for current availability.
POLLED HERFORD BULLS FOR SALE
19–20-month-old Polled Hereford bulls. Good selection. Low birthweight, medium frame. Free Delivery Available. JMS Polled Herefords, Knifley, KY Danny 270-566-2694 Trent 270-566-2000
RED FULLBLOOD LIMOUSIN BLACK PUREBRED LIMOUSIN For sale year-round at farms Cows, bulls, heifers and semen A C H Holdings, Bowling Green, KY Stephen Haynes 270-799-8685
BULLS FOR SALE ANGUS AND LIM-FLEX Yearlings to 2-year-olds Delivery available Call or text 270-589-7999
DIAMOND J SALERS
Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-379-1558
DIAMOND J SALERS
WILLIS FARMS
Donald Johnson • 11660 N. Hwy 1247 • Eubank, KY 42564 606-305-8747
Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 • 502-803-5011 drwc21@aol.com • Purebred + Optimizer Breeding bulls & Heifers for sale.
DEL-SU FARM
WILLIS FARMS
Howard & Sue Edwards • 420 Rose Rd • Somerset, KY 42501 606-679-1675 • Jeriah Privett • 606-416-1154
Danny Willis • 964 Johnson Rd • Frankfort, KY 40601 502-803-5011 • drwc21@aol.com
KNOB LICK FARM - BULLS & HEIFERS FOR SALE
Larry Cox • Tina Cox-Lynch • Amanda Cox Gibson • 1315 Knob Lick Road • Irvine, KY 40336 • 606-723-3077 • 606-975-1716
REGISTERED BLACK SIMMENTAL BULLS
Many blaze faced. Excellent EPD’s. Semen Tested. Delivery Available. Maximize your profit with proven performance. All bulls qualify for new CAIP cost-share. Adam Wheatley 502349-2665
BREEDING AGE HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE AT ALL TIMES Over 60 years of Line 1 Hereford Genetics. Groups of open and bred heifers available for sale at all times. Chambliss Hereford Farms. 270-668-7126
RED ANGUS, SIMANGUS, CHAROLAIS, ANGUS FOR SALE Red Hill Farms, Lafayette, TN, 615-666-3098 Bart, Sarah and Ty Jones Gordon and Susan Jones, 270-991-2663 Visit us online - www.RedHillFarms.net Contact us for cattle and semen availability. Annual Production Sales:
More Than a Bull Sale – 3rd Saturday in March Maternal Monday – 3rd Monday in May Bulls & Females of Fall Sale – Last Saturday in October
REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS JANUARYFEBRUARY YEARLING BULLS Semen checked, DNA tested, CAIP eligible, birth weights and EPDS Calving Ease & Growth, BQA Metropolis, IL, 618-638-7693, www.bremerbrothers.com
REGISTERED ANGUS BULLS FOR SALE Yearlings and 2-Year-Old + Private Treaty Sale Book @ Angus.Org Semen Checked & EPDs Available Randolph Farm, Owenton, KY (513) 262-9846
HOT OCTOBER DEALS
Plant Rite drill- 15 ft
John Deere 4230
Esch drill- 12 ft
New Artex Vertical Beater Manure Spreaders
Horning 2/3 row corn header for all makes
John Deere 6715- canopy -2wd
John Deere 5065 4wd loader with cab
H S-Meyer 16-18-20 ft units
John Deere 7320- cab 4wd loader Sauerburger- 18 ft. batwing
Cloverdale 420t- 500t- mixers in stock
No till Esch 7-10ft drills in stock
Meyer 3954- 2636 manure spreaders
John Deere 4230- cab 2wd
New Holland 315-570 square balers
Tye 7ft drill
John Deere 5085e- 4wd no cab 500 hrs. Call Charlie at Red Barn 859-608-9745
$15 FOR FIVE LINES OR GET A BOX THIS SIZE FOR $105 CALL KATIE PRATT (859) 278-0899
Add Value by Adding Pounds
Jeff Lehmkuhler Extension Professor and Beef Cattle Specialist
This year has been a year of extremes for precipitation. I pulled up the Kentucky Mesonet data from the Franklin County location. The total recorded precipitation was 10.9” for April, 8.8” in May, 7.3” in June, only 3.6” in July and a meager 0.5” in August. If we go a few miles east to the Lexington Mesonet recording station April was similar at 10.1”, 7.6” in May, June was 3.3” while July and August recorded only 2” of monthly precipitation. The high levels of precipitation in the spring made hay harvesting a challenge. This concerns me as most of the first cutting hay was cut late at a mature stage. Late-cut hay will have lower-than-normal nutritional value. I encourage you to work with your county extension agent or nutritionist to get your hay tested for nutrient content. The low levels of precipitation in July and August has led to much of the state experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions which can be shown by the U.S. Drought Monitor map above. A bit of relief has come to some areas this week, but hopefully more rain will come to get some grass growth yet this fall.
Abnormally Dry
Moderate Drought
The current forage conditions combined with the high feeder cattle prices and low grain/commodity feed prices have aligned in a manner that signals creep feeding to be profitable. As calves reach 2 months of age, they are fully functioning ruminants. As calves get older and heavier, the calves rely more on the forage available to them to supply the nutrients for growth as their dam’s milk supply declines. Limited forage growth will reduce availability and quality. Further, cows may be producing less milk if forage resources are limited
and they are in a negative plane of nutrition. These conditions may lead to reduced weaning weights and less value at marketing.
Creep feeding with a commodity mix or commercial creep feed can provide supplemental nutrition to nursing calves. Research has demonstrated that creep supplementation replaces forage intake nearly pound for pound while milk intake remains constant. Substitution of grain for forage increases nutrient intake to support greater growth. The efficiency of creep feed to the added pounds can vary greatly. When calves are older and heavier, creep intakes can be quite high while the feed efficiency is poor if intake is not limited. Limiting creep intake has been shown to give better feed efficiency, but this leads to less additional gain.
Many factors need to be considered when deciding to creep feed. Creep feeding can reduce weaning stress when the same creep supplement is offered during the weaning period as the calves are accustomed to the grain mix. Hand-feeding creep provides you the control over how much feed is offered. Hand-feeding also gets calves familiar with you being near them and they learn to eat from a bunk. Other
Decision Aid
factors such as feedstuffs, nutrient levels, length of time creep is offered and the market slide for heavier calves need to be considered.
Published research on creep response and feed conversion combined with market prices can be used to help evaluate whether creep feeding will be profitable. I ran the scenario shown on page 80 using a shorter creep feeding period of 60 days where the creep feed is $275/ton. The creep is expected to provide a 0.5 lb daily gain response on a 9:1 partial feed conversion. The recent market report suggests that the slide between 5 and 6 weight calves is between $20-$25/cwt. I pulled the market price for 5 weight steers to use as the base price.
The outcome modeled shows calves would be 30 pounds heavier at weaning with the creep feed. The market price for the additional weight is $7.50/cwt lower for the heavier feeder calves at $382.50. Creep feed cost is calculated to be just over $37. The added value from the additional pounds marketed leads to a positive return of $40/head. Again, this is a simulation to show how using market information and current conditions can help make management decisions. Returns of this magnitude are rarely forecast for creep feeding but are not suprising considering high feeder calf values and the current cost of feed inputs.
The current situation with low forage availability, late cut hay, high feeder calves and lower feed costs all point towards value addition through added pounds using creep feeding this year. Be sure you work with a nutritionist to obtain a creep feeding plan that works for your level of management. Avoid creep feeds with high levels of starch from grains such as corn to lower the risk of acidosis and foundering calves. Highly digestible fibrous coproducts such as soybean hulls, corn gluten feed, dried distillers grains, rice bran, beet pulp and others should be considered in the mix. When possible, use of roughage feedstuffs such as cottonseed hulls or a low amount of ground hay can also help lower the risk of acidosis but these feedstuffs can lead to issues of feed compacting in the feeder. Manage the doors to keep them low and reduce sorting by calves. For more information, reach out to your local extension office.
Spring-Calving Cow Herd
• Schedule a pregnancy examination of cows if not done previously. Winter feeding costs can be minimized by eliminating open cows. Pregnancy status (pregnant versus open) can be determined using palpation, transrectal ultrasonography or blood sampling. Stage of pregnancy can only be determined by palpation or ultrasonography (performed by your veterinarian). New chute-side blood sampling kits (Alertys from IDEXX and Pregnostx from BioTracking) are available for use. These provides yes/no pregnancy data in 20 minutes for about $10 per cow. These tests are very accurate.
• Evaluate the body condition of your cows and improve their condition prior to winter. It takes about 75 pounds to increase body condition a full score.
• If you have already done a preweaning working, revaccinate (booster) calves as needed. Treat calves for internal and external parasites. If you vaccinate calves yourself, be sure to store, handle and administer vaccines properly.
• Wean calves before cows lose body condition. Consider weaning early or creep feeding calves to take pressure of the cow herd and your pastures.
• Obtain weaning weights of your calves and remember weaning is the time to do your first round of culling and selecting breeding stock. You can eliminate obviously inferior calves, especially those with wild or nervous dispositions. Consider the number of heifers that you will need to save for your cow herd. Bulls that are old, unsound, roguish, etc. can be culled now. It is not too early to begin thinking about replacements.
Fall-calving herds
• The calving season should be in full swing. Check cows frequently. Identify calves, and commercial males should be castrated and implanted.
• Take accurate records of calving and calving performance. Our new app (Stocket at Stocket.us) makes data collection and reporting simple, easy and convenient.
• Put fall-calving cows on accumulated pasture before the breeding season. Be sure to save some grass in the breeding pastures.
• It is time to get everything ready for the fall-breeding season, too. Line-up semen, supplies, etc. now and get your bulls ready to go. Don’t forget their breeding soundness evaluation. Breeding soundness exams are a vital component to reducing the risk of reproductive performance and need to be conducted 30-45 days before EVERY breeding season. Contact your herd veterinarian to schedule the exams.
• Obtain yearling measurements (weight, hip height, scrotal circumference, etc.)
on replacement animals - especially for registered ones.
• Contact your herd veterinarian and schedule pelvic area examinations and reproductive tract scores for your potential replacements. Use pelvic area to identify larger heifers with smaller-than-normal pelvic areas so you can remove them from the breeding pool. Reproductive tract scores can be used to identify immature heifers for culling. Typically, heifers with a reproductive tract score less than 3 have limited ability to conceive early in the breeding season.
Stockers
• If you are purchasing weaned/stressed calves, have your receiving/feeding program in place. Feed a stress ration which contains at least 13% protein and is fairly energy dense.
• Manage to keep newly weaned and/or purchased calves healthy. Calves should be penned in a small lot with adequate feed, water and shade to reduce stress. Careful handling and comfortable, uncrowded conditions can decrease stress.
• When newly weaned calves are purchased in the fall, sickness and death loss can be a big problem. Work with your veterinarian on a health and receiving program. Consider purchasing CPH-45 feeder calves that are pre-weaned, vaccinated, bunk-adjusted and treated for parasites.
• Watch calves closely for a few weeks after their arrival. Calves will normally break (get sick) five to seven days after arrival, but they can break up to 14 days after they arrive. Have a treatment program ready for any health problems. Early recognition of sick cattle improves their recovery chances. Watch for drooped ears, hollow appearance, reluctance to rise, stiff gait, coughing and dull or sunken eyes. A good “receiving” program is essential to profitability.
General Reminders
• Avoid prussic acid poisoning that can happen when frost ruptures the plant cells in sorghums, sorghum-sudan hybrids, sudangrass and johnsongrass and releases prussic (hydrocyanic) acid. Fields can be grazed after the plants have dried up after a frost. New growth that occurs in stalk fields is potentially dangerous whether frosted or not.
• Take soil samples for soil analysis to determine pasture fertility needs. Apply phosphate, potash and lime as needed.
• Test hay quality and make inventory of hay supplies and needs. Adjust now - buy feed before you run out in the winter.
• Do not harvest or graze alfalfa now so the alfalfa can replenish root reserves.
• Remove fly-control eartags from all animals, and dispose of them according to instructions on package. Treat for grubs/ lice.
Bred to calve March 5, 2026 to Whitestone.
An outlier in the last recalibration in AHIR makes him one of the standout sires in the industry for Maternal, Carcass, Performance, Longevity, and Combination. His daughters will be represented and sale attractions on October 18th.
A true beast combining stoutness and easy fleshing. This Wildcat daughter is impressive and has a Stout fall bull calf at side by RiseAbove. 40 Fall bred females sell!
Age advantage bulls like this Jameson son sell. Explosive Growth, Marb, RE, $C 411! From the Isabel Family! CED
Powerful EPD profile with top 1% WW & YW yet provides excellent Calving Ease and structure
Exceptional phenotype in this daughter of Commerce. Her productive dam by Niagara traces to the Bonnie Family at Express Angus. Due this spring to the exciting ANTCZAK Pathway! Spring bred heifers are Stout! Selling 25 Spring/Fall bred Heifers. Cost share eligible! The “Front pasture Kind”. Truly exciting group!
Wide based daughter of SAV Magnum with style to burn. Top end growth, consistent cow family, and an EPD profile sure to be an advantage to any program! 25 Fall yearlings sell ready to breed
