“The Kentucky Beef Expo is one of the top shows of its kind,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “Exhibitors show and sell some of the best cattle Kentucky has to offer. Buyers improve their herd genetics. And our youth can purchase a show calf for the 2007 show season or sharpen their skills in the shows and judging competitions.”

The 2006 Expo generated $895,300 in gross sales, 10.7 percent higher than the 2005 Expo, and an average of $1,848 per head, 7.9 percent higher than the previous year. For the first time, four breeds grossed more than $100,000 each.

“Last year's sale results were significantly higher than those of the year before,” Farmer said. “I expect that trend to continue because of the quality of the cattle offered for sale at this event.”

About 650 head will compete for a total of $96,000 in premiums in the 11 breed shows and a pen heifer show. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture will fund half of the premiums. Breed shows and sales will include Angus, Beefalo, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Red Angus, Red Poll, Salers, Shorthorn, Simmental and Chiangus.

Source: News-Democrat & Leader