Beef cattle research at UKREC has spanned many areas of production over the decades, always with the core mission of advancing the beef industry and providing solutions for Kentucky’s farm families. This mission will continue to guide future research at UKREC as we address emerging issues and future challenges. 

A major focus for future research is sustainability, particularly improving efficiency—producing more pounds of beef with fewer inputs and resources. Central to this effort will be evaluating management and nutrition practices that enhance feed efficiency, reduce feed costs, and improve animal performance. Reproduction research will also continue to refine strategies to improve reproductive efficiency, ensuring long-term productivity. As the challenges within the industry evolve, so too will the tools and approaches available to address them. 

In recent years, significant strides have been made in precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies, such as smart ear tags (think smartwatches for cattle) and virtual fencing. These tools can improve production efficiency and enable producers to implement precise management practices without increasing labor demands. Understanding how producers can effectively use these technologies in practical, on-farm settings is essential to their adoption and will remain a key area of research at UKREC. 

While the future of beef cattle research at UKREC is filled with exciting opportunities, we remain committed to our core mission: serving Kentucky’s beef industry through problem-solving and real-world solutions. 

UKREC celebrating 100 years of beef research

From the very beginning, the promise of bigger, healthier herds fueled a pioneering spirit that would go on to transform the region’s farming landscape.

"It is my belief that our brightest ray of hope for any marked increase in the agricultural wealth of Kentucky will be found in further development of our livestock industry, following the development of better pastures, and that the average farmer will of necessity be led to produce better pastures." - Samuel Lowry, Superintendent, est. 1930s

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