Starting your own farm can be a rewarding but challenging journey—especially when raising livestock. Many experienced beef producers have learned the ins and outs of cattle farming from parents or grandparents, gaining valuable knowledge passed down through generations. But for today’s beginner beef producers, getting started often means facing a whole new set of challenges without that same support system. Thats why warren county summer intern Whitney Peck, created beef bootcamp.
Beef Bootcamp is a six-part online video series designed to guide new producers through the basics of starting and managing a beef cattle herd. Each video focuses on a key area of cattle farming and features experts from the University of Kentucky. The goal is to provide beginner-friendly, research-based information that producers can turn to again and again throughout the different seasons of raising cattle.
In the cattle handling video, Kevin Laurent, Senior Beef Extension Specialist, discusses how to safely work cattle, understand their behavior, and design facilities that keep both people and livestock safe. For herd health, Dr. Michelle Arnold, Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, emphasized the importance of having a strong veterinarian-producer relationship. She also shared valuable insights on common cattle health issues, effective vaccination programs, and how to manage calving problems.
Dr. Darrh Bullock, UK Beef Extension Professor, joined to talk about cattle genetics. He explained the value of crossbreeding, what traits to consider when purchasing breeding stock, and introduced a helpful tool called the Beef Systems Analyzer (BSA), which can assist producers in identifying areas for herd improvement. Dr. Katie VanValin, Beef Extension Nutritionist, helped break down cattle nutrition by explaining the essential nutrients cattle need, the importance of providing minerals year-round, and how producers can make sure their herd’s dietary needs are being met.
Economics plays a big role in the success of any farm, and Dr. Kenny Burdine, Agricultural Economics Professor, covered the basics of the cattle cycle, how to read market reports, and why understanding these economic trends is vital for making informed decisions. Rounding out the series is Dr. Chris Teutsch, Forage Extension Specialist, who spoke with me about rotational grazing, fencing strategies, and opportunities to attend fencing schools through the University of Kentucky.
All six Beef Bootcamp videos are now available on the Warren County Agriculture YouTube page. After watching each full-length video, viewers are encouraged to fill out a short evaluation form. For every evaluation completed, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a portable Blackstone griddle. Even better, if you complete all six evaluations, you’ll receive a UK Extension sorting flag—a great tool to have on the farm and a fun reward for completing the series. Deadline for drawing will be July 18
Whether you’re just beginning your journey into cattle farming or simply want to brush up on the basics, Beef Bootcamp is here to support you every step of the way. Be sure to check out the series and share it with anyone who could benefit from a solid foundation in beef cattle production.
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