AG0521.14
County Agent Notes
Steve Moore, County Extension Agent for Agriculture
TRACKSIDE BUTCHER SHOPPE
During the Kentucky Agriculture Development Board meeting last Friday in Owingsville, the Board
voted to approve and support the regional meat processing facility, to be located in the Henry County
Commerce Park near Campbellsburg. Named ‘Trackside Butcher Shoppe’ by owners/operators John
Edwards and Chris Wright, the approximately 6,500 square foot meat processing facility will be USDA
Inspected, and will process Beef, Sheep, Swine, Goats, Rabbits, and Chickens, with a 2 week hiatus to
process deer in the fall. A retail component is planned, as well as a kitchen for value added further
processing of meats.
In addition to KADF funds and loans, the project has received major financial support from regional
county Agriculture Development Councils including Henry, Shelby, Oldham, and Trimble. Other county
ADC’s are expected to support the project as county allocations are released.
It is anticipated that construction of the facility may begin by late summer.
Cow Disposition Affects Pregnancy Rate
Now we have another good excuse to cull cows due to bad temperament. While we’ve observed
that cows that are unruly and nervous are less likely to conceive to artificial insemination, we presumed
it was because they have been stressed as they are passed through the working facilities and restrained
while being synchronized and inseminated. Now it seems that, even in the serenity of a natural
breeding pasture, cows with bad dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls.
A Florida study recorded disposition scores over two years on 160 Braford and 235 Brahman x British
crossbred cows. They wanted to evaluate the effects of cow temperament and energy status on the
probability to become pregnant during a 90-day natural breeding season. Cows were scored as 1= calm,
no movement to 5= violent and continuous struggling while in the working chute. Also a pen score
assessment was assigned as 1= unalarmed and unexcited to 5 = very excited and aggressive toward
technician. Even the speed at which the cows exited the working chute was rated. An overall
temperament index score was calculated by averaging the chute score, pen score and exit velocity
score. Blood samples were analyzed for cortisol, a hormone released when mammals are stressed or
excited. Increased cow temperament score and elevated plasma cortisol concentrations both were
associated with decreased probability of pregnancy. These results suggest that excitable temperament
is detrimental to reproductive function of cows. In short, an unruly and nervous cow should be on your
list to send to the stockyard, so you and your working crew will be safer, and you’ll reap the benefits of
this dandy cull cow market.
FSA NOTES
The Farm Service Agency reminds agricultural producers of the acreage reporting
requirements that must be met prior to receiving program benefits. In order to comply
with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the local
FSA office at New Castle to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable
deadline. For most crops, the deadline is July 15.
The following exceptions apply:
 If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the
acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is
completed.
 If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date,
then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after
purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to
the county office.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should contact
the FSA Office at 845-2820 to get the specific date for their acreage reporting
requirements.