Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles, center, met with Kentucky Farm Bureau's executive team and breed representatives during the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo last week. The group makes up the Beef Expo Board. Each of the breed representatives received a check for premiums and awards. (Photo courtesy B. Todd Bright, Kentucky Farm Bureau)
MARCH
2023 Beef Expo sales reach $780,000
37th annual beef showcase average sales slightly down from last year
FRANKFORT (March 9, 2023) – The 2023 Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo finished with more than $780,000 in total sales in the 37th edition of the event at the Kentucky Exposition Center during the first weekend of March.
Total sales in 2023 were $781,410 a decrease of $147,590 compared to last year’s sales, but with only eight breeds selling this year compared to 11 breeds last year. The average sale was $2,427 per lot, with 324 lots auctioned this year, nearly 50 less than 2022, mainly due to the decrease in the number of breeds selling at this year’s show.
“Cattle is one of Kentucky’s top livestock and the Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo is a place to showcase the fact that this state is still the largest beef cattle state east of the Mississippi River,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles said. “Although the total sales were down, the overall show was outstanding. We’re an agricultural state and this show puts that center stage.”
Angus cattle brought an average of $3,232 per lot to lead all breeds. The sale topper was an $8,000 Hereford Female from Matheny Herefords Farm out of Mays Lick, Ky. The Beef Expo welcomed 15 states and eight breeds this year.
In the junior show, 378 cattle from 14 states passed through the show ring, including 190 from Kentucky. The judging contest attracted 115 participants.
The 2023 Beef Expo’s main sponsors were Kentucky Farm Bureau and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.