The mission of the Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (FAPRU) in Lexington is to improve the productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of forage-based enterprises that raise beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats — particularly operators of small- to medium-sized farms.

Kentucky cattle producers and industry representatives joined Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles Monday as he signed a proclamation commemorating the month of May as Kentucky Beef Month.

“Bale Grazing: A Practical, Low-Cost, and Environmentally-Sound Management Strategy to Winter Beef Cattle”, is a NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant that has been funded for six states – Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia, Missouri, Virginia, and New York.

Good fences mark clear boundaries, keep livestock contained and create a clean aesthetic. Farmers who build and maintain a good fence add value to their farms and protect their assets

The 2023 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo finished with more than $780,000 in total sales in the 37th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center during the first weekend of March.

Kentucky beef cow numbers dipped lower than they’ve been since 1967. This follows a national trend as the U.S. Department of Agriculture released cattle inventory estimates in January, revealing a 3.5% reduction in beef cows—the lowest since 1962.

The 2023 Mid-South Stocker Conference will return to in-person format Feb. 21-22 in Bowling Green. The conference will offer educational sessions, demonstrations and opportunities for beef producers to network with industry representatives.  

Fertility is a driving factor for a sustainable and profitable cow-calf enterprise. Selenium plays a significant role in fertility, and in states like Kentucky and Tennessee, producers must supplement because their soil is selenium deficient. In an ongoing study at the University of Kentucky, researchers are pitting the industry-standard inorganic selenium against a 50/50 mix of inorganic and organic selenium to determine the most productive option.  

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will offer a two-day program aimed at background producers who want to gain knowledge through classroom and hands-on learning experiences.