On a recent evening in northern Kentucky, UK Cooperative Extension agents for family and consumer sciences prepared a meal and presented a program on healthy eating with beef products. 

But unlike past meetings where audience members were homemakers, the participants this time were cattle producers. The FCS agents joined their Extension counterparts in agricultural and natural resources to help conduct a session of the Master Cattleman’s program.

“Years ago FCS agents and agriculture agents would have had their own separate programs, but this way we’re combining our efforts,” said Grace Angotti, Carroll County Extension agent for family and consumer sciences.  “We’re providing information on different cuts of meat to show producers the many ways beef can be cooked.”

Master Cattleman is a Kentucky Beef Network program funded through the Agricultural Development Board.  It’s designed to educate producers on production practices and industry issues that could enhance profitability.

“The northern Kentucky agents are taking Master Cattleman to another level,” said Alison Smith, Master Cattleman coordinator.

The program covers topics ranging from herd health to marketing, including the role of consumers.

“The customer is very much aware of what happens at the farm, and they demand to know more about the safety and quality of their products, and the producer needs to be aware of that so he or she can produce that product for the consumer,” said Don Sorrell, Campbell County Extension agent for agricultural and natural resources.

According to Sorrell, communication plays an important role because technology is helping beef cattle producers meet their information needs.  And Master Cattleman meetings enable producers to talk to one another, as well as to Extension agents and specialists.

“Master Cattleman has given me an in-depth look at how the industry actually is changing and how I need to be a part of that change to be profitable,” said Dennis Walter, Campbell County beef cattle producer.

“The industry is changing, and I feel like the health of the herd and the ability to get information to consumers is one of the most important things we can do,” said Karen Honaker, Owen County producer.

In addition to meetings, the Master Cattleman program also includes a hands-on workshop at UK’s Animal Research Center.