39th annual beef showcase brings in increase for average sales over last year

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 6, 2025) – The 2025 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo finished with more than $700,000 in total sales in the 39th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center during the first weekend of March.

Total sales in 2025 were $702,537. Although that represented a decrease of $137,143 compared to last year’s sales, the average sale per lot increased by $695 to $3,369 this year. The decrease in total sales was due largely to the decrease in the number of lots sold, which were 208.5 compared to 314 last year. 

“Cattle are one of Kentucky’s top livestock. As the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River, the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo showcases that year after year,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Although overall sales were down this year compared to last year, we were excited to see average sale prices on the rise. We predict good things in our future.”

Angus cattle brought an average of $4,622 per lot to lead all breeds. The sale topper was a $15,000 bull from Rocking P Livestock of Maysville, Ky., and Circle M Farms out of Rockwall, Texas. The Beef Expo welcomed 10 states, including Kentucky, and seven breeds this year.

In the junior show, 266 cattle from nine states passed through the show ring, including 192 from Kentucky. This year’s judging contest broke an Expo record with 156 contestants.

The 2025 Beef Expo’s main sponsors were Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.