Kentucky Beef Network

06/20/2026

Make sure to check out the highlights from this years Beyond the Bluegrass trip that was taken to Nebraska and keep an eye out for where we are headed next year!

Dive into our extensive resources on the topic that interests you. It's like a masterclass to be explored at your own pace.

06/18/2026

Don’t forget about upcoming FSA reporting deadlines. While nothing is currently in place, with many areas experiencing a dry grazing season, now is a good time to make sure your records are up to date and ready if future assistance programs become available.

A few reminders for producers:

• Report hay and pasture acreage before the July 15 deadline to avoid late filing penalties
• Keep current livestock inventory records beginning Jan. 1, 2026
• Track purchases, sales, births, deaths, and animal categories (adult, bulls, calves, replacements, etc.)
• Review farm records, maps, and eligibility paperwork with your local FSA office

Having your records organized now can make participation much easier if opportunities arise in the future.

The July 15 deadline also applies to forage acres, row crops, vegetables, and most fruit crops.

Schedule your appointment with your FSA Office today: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator

06/17/2026

Please complete or share this survey that will our extension specialists understand how fescue toxicosis is affecting animals across our state

Beef Producers: Your Input Matters!
The University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is seeking beef cow-calf producers to participate in a Fescue Toxicosis Survey.
Your feedback will help researchers better understand how fescue toxicosis impacts herds and develop practical mitigation strategies for producers across the region.
✅ Who should participate: Beef cow-calf producers
📅 Deadline: July 7, 2026
👉 Take the survey here:
https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5c0vzWqgxHX88Wq
📌 You can also scan the QR code in the flyer to get started!
Please share to help reach more producers!

06/11/2026

“How can producers add value before marketing?

Dr. Trey Patterson with Padlock Ranch discusses practical ways cattle producers can increase the value of their calves and improve marketability before sale day.

From genetics and nutrition to health programs and management decisions, small improvements can make a big impact on profitability.

06/09/2026

Ticks can create serious challenges for cattle producers, impacting herd health, performance, and overall productivity. This Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife resource helps producers learn more about the tick species found in Kentucky, including emerging threats like the Asian Longhorned Tick, along with prevention and management information. Staying informed can help protect your herd and reduce the impact of tick-related issues on your operation.

​​​​​​​​Ticks in Kentucky (like elsewhere in the U.S.) fall into one of two families: Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). The primary difference between hard ticks and soft ticks is that hard ticks have a "plate" on their back called a scutum, whereas soft ticks do not...

06/08/2026

Make sure to sign up!

Join us for a day filled with electricity! For fences, I mean. Our Electric Fencing School is a great program for electric fence beginners.

06/08/2026

We at KBN are proud to help empower young cattle producers as they continue to grow their knowledge and skills. The future of Kentucky's cattle industry is bright, and we are excited to play a role in developing the next generation of producers.

Dive into our extensive resources on the topic that interests you. It's like a masterclass to be explored at your own pace.

06/04/2026

“What makes the ideal cow?

Dr. Daniel Shike from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign breaks down the key traits that contribute to building productive, efficient, and profitable cows for the future of the beef industry.

From longevity and fertility to efficiency and adaptability, every trait matters when building a strong cow herd

06/03/2026

This year's Spring Profit Thru Performance feeder calf sale was a tremendous success. A total of 809 head of cattle were sold, with prices remaining strong and steady throughout the entire sale.

Take a look at the sale results attached, and while you're there, check out the photos of the outstanding, high-quality cattle that were marketed on Monday. These cattle are a great example of how the extra effort invested in genetics, management, health programs, and overall quality pays dividends. The market continues to reward producers who go the extra mile to produce the best cattle possible.

A special thank you to Bluegrass Stockyards for hosting another excellent sale, to all of the consignors whose hard work and dedication made this event possible, and to the buyers who showed confidence in these cattle.

Most importantly, a very big thank you goes to Tim and Amy White for the countless hours they invest in organizing and growing this program. We are grateful for the opportunity to support such an outstanding sale and the producers who make it successful year after year.

Congratulations to everyone involved on another great Profit Thru Performance Sale!

06/02/2026

The Asian Longhorned Tick is an emerging concern for livestock producers across the region, and preparation is key. This University of Kentucky article, “Preparing for Asian Longhorned Tick in Kentucky,” provides valuable information on identification, prevention, and management strategies to help protect your herd and operation. Staying informed is one of the best tools producers have in managing emerging cattle health threats.

Preparing for Asian Longhorned Tick in Kentucky ENTFACT-518: Preparing for Asian Longhorned Tick in Kentucky By Anna Pasternak, Graduate Tick Researcher and Jonathan L. Larson, Extension Entomologist  Asian Longhorned Tick Fast Facts Asian longhorned tick (ALT) is an invasive species that was firs...