December 2020

The official newsletter of Kentucky's Beef Industry.
USDA AWARDS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, ANIMAL BIOSECURITY GRANT TO KENTUCKY
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has been awarded a $236,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) to strengthen the state’s emergency preparedness and improve animal biosecurity in the livestock and poultry industries, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles announced today.
KCA WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Starting in December, we will be asking a different question each month for our membership to weigh in on. The questions will vary from generic to specific, but we hope it will be an opportunity for our membership to offer feedback on the workings of the organization.
2020-2021 KENTUCKY AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIC SITUATION & OUTLOOK
The University of Kentucky Agricultural Economics Department put together an economic review of the U.S. and Kentucky agricultural economy for 2020, as well as an outlook for 2021.
RISING FEED COSTS CHALLENGE CATTLE AND HOG PRODUCERS
The U.S. animal protein sector will see 12% higher feed costs in 2021 due to higher corn and soybean meal prices, according to a new report from CoBank. If realized, it would be the highest year-over-year inflation in feed costs since 2011.
DR. KATIE FLYNN PROMOTED TO KENTUCKY STATE VET POSITION; DR. ALEX HAGAN SELECTED FOR DEPUTY STATE VET SLOT
The Kentucky State Board of Agriculture (SBOA) yesterday unanimously approved Dr. Katie Flynn to serve as the new State Veterinarian at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). Dr. Flynn joined KDA as the Deputy State Veterinarian earlier this year. Dr. Alex Hagan, a veterinarian in Shelbyville, Kentucky, has been approved by the SBOA to serve as Deputy State Veterinarian, taking Flynn’s vacated post.
Checkin' on the Checkoff
DROOL LOG
Forget Yule Logs. This year, sit back and savor the satisfying sizzle of the holiday Drool Log. Hint: This will look even better on your TV.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE KENTUCKY BEEF COUNCIL!
Whether friends and family are visiting in person or virtually, make beef the center of your holiday celebration this year. Listen to the crackle of the Drool Log on your screen and experience the delicious taste of your own Drool Log roasting in the oven. The 2020 holiday season may be different, but one thing doesn’t need to a change: beef on the dinner table.

Click the button below for holiday recipes, cooking tips and more!
Happening at Eden Shale Farm
EDEN SHALE FARM PRACTICES SPOTTED IN AUSTRALIA
When we first released information on our fenceline feeders, we never thought producers from all over the country would be interested in what a farm in Kentucky was doing. What we found most interesting was the amount of interested producers from other countries including Canada, England, Switzerland, and Australia. 
EDEN SHALE FARM UPDATE - NOVEMBER 2020
If I were to sum up the activity at Eden Shale Farm the past two months with one word it would be “Construction”. The good weather has been conducive to construction projects so we have made the most of it. There are many different projects that we have been working on and I will share those throughout the winter in subsequent articles. For this month I want to highlight a rather simple concept that I believe will make a big difference for the cattle come March and April.
ANSWERING THE TOUGH QUESTIONS ON BVD VIRUS AND PI CALVES
BVD virus and PI calves are known contributors to sickness and death in feeder calves. To help understand this complex virus, a webinar was held for producers to ask the questions they have about BVD virus and PI calves. The lecturer, Dr. Julia Ridpath, is nationally known for her knowledge of BVD virus and makes it easy to understand for the cattle producer. 
Youth Activities
2021 HEIFER INITIATIVE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Congratulations to the 2021 Heifer Initiative winners!

Sponsored by the Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation and Farm Credit Mid-America, the Youth Beef Heifer Initiative awards 3 individuals with up to $2,000 towards the purchase of a heifer. One winner from each age division is selected:
-Division 1 - Ages 9-13
-Division 2 - Ages 14-17
-Division 3 - Ages 18-21
In The News
RETAIL INSIGHTS
What's happening with Beef at Retail? These monthly articles leverage scanner data and other sources to inform retailers and other channel audiences on key beef industry trends and measures at retail. The topics may vary by month. We welcome your feedback, and if you are interested in a specific topic, please let us know by contacting BeefNewsNow@beef.org
WINTER GATHERING PRINT AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE PURCHASE!
There's still time to receive the Winter Gathering print before Christmas! This Kentucky Cattlemen's Foundation Commissioned Print measures 15" x 22" and is painted by Kentucky artist, John Ward.
KCA & KJCA APPAREL NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
You can now purchase KCA and KJCA apparel through our online store! Click the button below to visit the store. Online purchases can be paid with debit or credit card. **New items added!
2021 BOVINE BEAUTIES VOTING NOW OPEN!
The 10th Annual Bovine Beauties Photo Contest has begun! The winner will receive $100 and be featured on the cover of Cow Country News in 2021. The photograph with the most "reactions/likes" by 12pm EST on Thursday, December 31, 2020 will win. Comments or shares will not count.
Read past Issues of The Kentucky Cattlemen Newsletter:
Share this newsletter: