Raising Beef in the Bluegrass
Cattle farming is a long-standing Kentucky tradition dating back to the 1700s. Today, Kentucky is home to more than 32,000 cattle farmers raising 2.1 million cattle and calves. Raising beef is a complex process, but throughout the entire journey, one thing remains constant – the shared commitment Kentucky’s cattle producers have in raising cattle in a safe, humane and environmentally sustainable way. Kentucky's farm families work day in and day out to provide your family nutrient rich, delicious beef products for all of life's occasions.
Stronger Communities
Meet Kentucky Farm Families:
Video Spotlights:
Bezold Family - 12 Mile Beef
Campbell County
12 Mile Beef is a multi-generational family-owned farm located in California, KY, along the 12 Mile Crick in southern Campbell County. With a foundation built on faith, family, farming, & tradition, they are dedicated to raising quality beef & providing a variety of products, from curated beef bundles to specialty retail cuts, all while fostering a strong sense of community and family on the farm.
Graham Family - Holly Creek Farm
Wolfe County
Reid and Heather Graham own and operate Holly Creek Farm in Wolfe County, KY, where they raise cattle and have a small-scale vegetable production and firewood business. Alongside their son, John Henry, they prioritize sustainable farming practices, respecting the land and animals they care for, and fostering a connection between their community and food production.
Arch Sebastian
Breathitt County
Arch Sebastian is dedicated to raising quality beef while honoring the traditions and values that shape family farming. With a strong focus on stewardship, animal care, and responsible land management, his operation reflects a deep respect for both the livestock he raises and the community he serves. Through hard work and a commitment to doing things the right way, Arch plays an important role in sustaining Kentucky’s beef industry and connecting consumers to the farm.
More Kentucky Farm Family Profiles:
Bishop Family
Nelson County
Andy and Megan Bishop own and operate Fairfield Farms Angus, a cow/calf and seedstock operation, in Nelson County, KY with their four children. The Bishops live and breathe working with their cattle utilizing good nutrition and sound management practices to ensure their animals perform at their highest levels.
Clark Family
Mason County
Tyler Clark is a fourth generation cattlemen owning and operating Clarmont Farm, a cow/calf and branded meat business, with his father in Mason County, KY. With an ever-growing population who cares deeply about where their food comes from, Tyler and his wife McKenzie welcome the opportunity to connect with consumers, advocating on behalf agriculture and telling their beef story.
Guinn Family
Boyle County
Carly and Spencer Guinn own and operate Circle G Farms, a diversified cow/calf operation with row crop and produce production, in Boyle County, KY with their two daughters. Modern farming technology plays a major role on Carly and Spencer's farm to remain good stewards of the land while working hard to provide food for families.
Tolle Family
Mason County
Jackson and Annie Tolle operate a Registered Angus, Maine Anjou, and commercial cow-calf operation at the Tolle Family Farm in Maysville, KY, while also contributing to Annie’s family’s freezer beef business. With a strong passion for the livestock industry, they understand the importance of advocating for farm families and agriculture as they work to grow their herd and market high-quality bred heifers.
Benham Family
Meade County
Adam and Kristin Benham own and operate a soybean, corn, and cattle farm in Meade County, KY, where they are dedicated to expanding their farm to pass it down to future generations. Along with raising their children, Adalyn and Brooks, they prioritize instilling strong values and promoting agricultural literacy in all aspects of their farm and community.
Hall Family
Scott County
Reid and Amanda Hall, along with their children Charli and Owen, own and operate Hallstead Farms and Meats in Georgetown, KY, where they raise cattle, hay, and grain, and sell beef directly from the farm. Committed to sustainable farming, they take pride in sharing their farm story and producing high-quality beef to ensure their farm’s future for generations.
Matheny Family
Mason County
Andrew and Suzanne Matheny, along with their son Austin and his wife, Rylee, and daughter Taylor Belle, own and operate Matheny Herefords in Mays Lick, KY, a spring-calving program that uses artificial insemination and embryo transfer technologies. Their goal is to produce Hereford cattle that perform well in both purebred and commercial operations, focusing on phenotype and genomic predictors to that meets their customers' needs.
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Raising Beef Articles
The Beef Production Story
The process of raising beef is among the most complex of any food. Across this journey, one primary thing remains constant - the beef community's shared commitment to raising cattle in a safe and environmentally sustainable way.
Animal Care and Ensuring Beef Safety
Cattle farmers have many tools to keep the animals in their care healthy and safe, including nutrition programs, veterinary care and good management practices that are science-based, regulated and, above all, good for the animal and consumer. Safety plays an essential function across the beef lifecycle journey - from farms, to meat processing, to your kitchen table.
Beef Sustainability
To the beef community, sustainability involves more than environmental considerations. A sustainable food supply balances efficient production with environmental, social and economic impacts with Beef Quality Assurance protocols.
Cattlemen and the Environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; farmers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
Explore the Local Beef Directory
Many Kentucky producers have beef for sale directly to consumers. Explore the map of Kentucky to find a producer closest to you!