Beef

Beef production is a major enterprise in Smith County with nearly 13,000 cows and calves sold here each year. The typical farm is a cow-calf operation with an average of about 25 cows.

Since feed is a primary expense of beef production, efficient forage production is a priority program. Fertility, weed control, and the use of warm and cool season forages to extend the grazing period are among the topics being addressed through face-to-face and Zoom meetings, test demonstrations, farm visits, and mass media.

Increasing income through more effective marketing strategies and the use of controlled breeding and calving seasons and improved genetics is also a priority.

For more information about beef production in Smith County, contact Katie Martin at 615-735-2900 or kclark54@utk.edu.