...to develop educational materials and programs for beef producers, extension agricultural agents, and consultants about housing, handling facilities, water systems, and manure management.

The beef cattle industry of Kentucky is prominent in the United States (8th in beef cows, $3 billion in valuation). Kentucky is the #1 beef producer east of the Mississippi. As of January 1, 2000, Kentucky had 1.07 million head of beef cattle on 41,000 farms. Kentucky ranks 5th in the nation in the number of farms with beef cattle indicating the prominence of cattle production to the state's agricultural base. The average farm size is however reasonably small with between 25 and 40 head of cattle per farm. A shift towards more cattle is likely as the production of tobacco decreases.

Currently, many beef producers do not have handling or working facilities. Installation of these facilities, coupled with use of approved health and management/handling practices, has the potential to dramatically improve cattle enterprise efficiency and increasing market value, resulting in increased profitability. Well-designed corrals will reduce handling time, increase producer/operator safety, and minimize animal and human injury and stress during treatment and handling. Other challenges faced by beef producers include complex environmental regulations, and as a consequence, investment requirements to keep cattle and manure away from streams. Achieving a sustainable beef operation should be approached by looking at the farm as a system. Plans should allow for controlled and sustainable development of the farm and integration of family members into the farm operation.

Extension programs are being developed and presented to provide technical information to assist beef producers who are planning to improve their operation. Program topics include handling facilities design, other facilities design (such as feeding and backgrounding facilities, bull pens/lots, etc.), geotextile fabric pad for heavy livestock traffic areas, use of alternative management strategies such as off-stream water, fencing, shade (permanent and movable), and pasture improvements, and waste management and treatment.

Many beef producers are evaluating a range of business options including expansion, and improving cattle marketing, health, and production. The Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department is an important source of technical and design information for beef producers. Many programs are in cooperation with the Departments of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Economics. Workshops, seminars, publications, and farm visits are providing beef producers, extension agents, veterinarians, and consultants with the latest planning, design, and management information.

Kentucky Beef Quality Assurance Program