Pasture-based beef finishing for local markets event May 1

We have several beef producers in Trimble County who market their beef on-farm directly to local consumers. This has worked quite well for consumers who desire locally grown meats. Steers are fattened and finished out on hay and grain then sold and processed locally. Many consumers prefer the taste of locally grown beef over beef sold in large food-chain stores. Most know the producer personally and feel they are buying a safe and wholesome product. There is, however, a growing demand from consumers for pasture finished beef for local markets. This finished product will have a different taste than grain finished beef.

If you are a producer who would like to tap this growing market, plan to attend the Pasture Based Beef Finishing for Local Markets program on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the Shelby County Extension Office. The program will start at 9 am and conclude by 3 pm. We will introduce potential producers to topics important to a successful forage-based beef finishing operation: both pure forage and grain-on-grass systems. Topics include Market Strategies and Opportunities, Production Systems, Profitability, and Processing and Other Meat Issues. Speakers will include UK Extension Beef and Meat Specialists Jeff Lehmkuhler, Greg Halich and Gregg Rentfrow.

A complimentary lunch will be provided. Please call 502-633-4593 to reserve your meal.

The Shelby County Extension Office is located at 1117 Frankfort Road, Shelbyville, Kentucky.

For more information contact Shelby County Extension for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Corinne Kephart at Corinne.kephart@uky.edu or call 502-633-4593.

Michael Pyles is Trimble County’s Cooperative Extension agent for agriculture.