Efficiency is the name of the game if beef producers want to increase their profitability and make all the difference in times of increased production costs.

The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Beef Integrated Resource Management group is teaming up with the Kentucky Beef Network, with support from the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, to offer a half-day Beef Efficiency Conference Jan. 16 at the Lexington Convention Center.

The conference begins at 1 p.m. in Heritage Ballrooms 2 and 3. Speakers and topics include:

• What is Efficiency? – Jeff Lehmkuhler, UK beef specialist
• Measuring Individual Efficiency – Gordon Carstens, Texas A&M University associate professor of animal nutrition. Carstens will discuss how to measure beef efficiency and how to use it. He will also share research related to the topic.
• Forage Management Options to Reduce Hay Feedings – John Jennings, University of Arkansas extension animal scientist. Jennings is widely recognized for the 300 Days of Grazing initiative. He will share strategies to help reduce the need for hay. Forage and grazing management is central to beef production, and this session will share how to enhance land utilization.
• Finding Efficiency in the Beef System – Dan Buskirk, Michigan State University associate professor, beef cattle nutrition. Buskirk will discuss some often overlooked areas related to beef efficiency and how producers can change management strategies to improve production efficiency.

Registration is free. For more information, contact Lehmkuhler at 859-257-2853.