Welcome to the Western Kentucky University Farm Beef Unit and Live Animal Evaluation Center’s website. 

CREDO:
 
As a team, we work to provide educational opportunities for Western Kentucky University students and faculty.  By implementing modern knowledge, we provide stewardship from which others can learn.  Continued improvement of genetic quality, management practices, facilities, and equipment make our beef operation an industry leader. 
 
Be relentless in the quest for success while conquering tasks with maximum efficiency and perfection.  Treat colleagues and the university farm with pride and respect. Remember that your actions will leave a lasting impression.  Never short yourself; capture the opportunities that are before you.   
 
Mission:
 
“Excellence, Efficiency, Innovation – Serving Students and Industry.”

The Beef Unit consists of ~150 mature cows and replacement heifers split into either spring (January-March) or fall (September-October) calving herds.  Extensive utilization of artificial insemination and embryo transfer has enabled the university to become a credible source of breeding stock for both purebred and commercial cattle operations.  The primary focus has been on cow herd development from a maternal standpoint.  Intensive selection and animal breeding for combination cattle:  eye appealing cattle that maintain sound fertility, superior udder quality, desirable fleshing ability (forage based), docile dispositions, and balanced EPD’s.

The Live Animal Evaluation Center (LAEC) is a new enterprise, opened February 2006, for the university farm.  This facility was constructed to conduct practical research and to demonstrate methods to enhance profitability of weaned calves through preconditioning and development during the stocker phase.  Currently, we have the capacity to background ~2,500 head on an annual basis and look forward to testing/developing new concepts within an important phase of the cattle industry.        

We appreciate your interest in our program.  Visitors are always welcome, and we look forward to showing you our beef cattle enterprises.

From Interstate 65:

Take Exit #20 onto the Natcher Parkway. Take the first exit (#4) and turn left onto Nashville Rd. The Western Kentucky University Farm is on the left. Just past the farm, turn left onto Elrod Road. The entrance to the Agriculture Exposition Center is the first drive on the left.

From Natcher Parkway:

Traveling east to Bowling Green take the third Bowling Green exit (#4) and turn right onto the Nashville Rd. The Western Kentucky University Farm is on the left. Just past the farm, turn left onto Elrod Road. The entrance to the Agriculture Exposition Center is the first drive on the left.