Home » Beef Bash 2020 goes virtual in a COVID-19 world

Beef Bash 2020 goes virtual in a COVID-19 world

cow in field
Beef Bash is usually held in person, however organizers say it’s another opportunity for producers to learn how to adapt and change. (Getty Images)

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Beef Bash is a unique field day for Kentucky beef cattle producers, held annually since 2008. Due to concerns about COVID-19, the 2020 event will go online Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. CST.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Kentucky Beef Integrated Resource Management Program and the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association have traditionally hosted Beef Bash in person, however organizers say it’s another opportunity for producers to learn how to adapt and change.

“Change is inevitable. We must adapt to continue to move forward,” said Katie VanValin, UK beef specialist. “COVID-19 has certainly changed the way we go about our daily lives, how we do business, how we socialize and how we learn. Regardless, we will continue to provide vital educational programs and materials to Kentucky’s beef producers.”

The morning sessions begin at 9 a.m. CST. Topics include winter feeding, utilizing distillery co-product feeds, UK Research and Education Center farm overview and cattle breeding program, supplemental selenium and fescue toxicosis, and selenium and female reproduction function. The afternoon session begins at 12:30 p.m. CST. After an update from the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, topics will include weed control for productive pastures, hot topics in health, results and lessons from the post-weaning value adding program, strategies for marketing fall calves, fencing and drones. After each session, the speaker will take questions.

Pre-registration is free and is required. To register, visit http://afs.ca.uky.edu/beef/irm. The virtual bash will use Zoom conferencing technology to allow for an interactive experience. Registrants will receive an email with instructions for participation.

Beef Bash 2020 sponsors are AgCredit, Boehringer Ingelheim, H&R Agri-Power, Peoples Bank of Kentucky, Vitaferm, Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council and the Caldwell County Cattlemen’s Association.

For more information, contact Crites at (859) 257-7512 or [email protected], contact a local UK Cooperative Extension Service office, or visit the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/285761582800709.