The University of Kentucky Beef Extension Team has enhanced its Beef Systems Analyzer, an online management tool designed to help producers strengthen their operations through targeted, research-based recommendations.
Supported by funding from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund, the Beef Systems Analyzer evaluates key management areas - like nutrition, forage, health, genetics, reproduction and general practices - and generates customized recommendations based on producer input.
"Using logic-based modeling, the analyzer asks farmers a series of questions about their management and marketing, then uses these inputs to provide the most critical management changes to improve their operation," said Darrh Bullock, beef Extension specialist with the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. "With every recommendation, producers receive videos and fact sheets to help them implement these practices. Our goal is to improve the efficiency, productivity, profitability and safety of beef operations across the state."
Beginning in 2026, producers who complete the program can now earn one hour of educational credit toward the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP), making the tool more valuable than ever for farmers seeking cost-share opportunities. The platform also includes a registration system to support county agriculture and natural resources (ANR) Extension agents and improved database functionality to help manage compliance, storage and program reporting.
"Educational credits are required for recipients of CAIP funds to facilitate adoption of improved, science-based or sustainable practices that enhance farm management, production and marketing," said Brandon Sears, ANR agent at the Madison County Extension office. "This mandatory, minimum one-hour of training - covering topics like best management practices or technical skills - must be approved by a county ANR Extension agent to validate the investment of public funds."
To receive CAIP educational credit, producers must register on the website, complete the Best Management Practices Analyzer and one additional analyzer of their choice, and watch the instructional video provided in the program.
After completion, participants may print, download or email their certificate directly from the system. County ANR extension agents will also have access to certificates through the registration platform and must approve them before credit is awarded.
"The system is designed so that producers will not be overwhelmed with a long list of tasks," Bullock said. "Instead, it offers a manageable set of recommendations. Once farmers complete a set of tasks, they can resume the analyzer for additional insights. Like most software, the best way to learn is simply to use it, and we welcome feedback that can help us continually improve the program."
The renewed push to promote the Beef Systems Analyzer comes as UK Beef Extension encourages more producers to adopt management practices that increase operational sustainability. Though the software has been available for several years, its official use as a CAIP educational tool represents a significant new opportunity for farmers looking to access funding for improvements on their operations.
"This free online tool helps producers identify practices to boost efficiency and profitability," Bullock said. "By pairing personalized recommendations with supporting resources, the analyzer makes improvement more achievable for operations of all sizes."
Interested producers can visit the Beef Systems Analyzer website
