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 closer in line to 2021 sales which reached a little more than $770,000. In addition to total sales being down, the average sale also decreased slightly by $98 to $2,427 per lot, with 324 lots auctioned this year, nearly 50 less than 2022.

“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. “Cattle numbers are down this year, but that’s a trend we’re seeing nationwide. Tough weather events and high input costs combined to create a necessary culling of some cattle. But, we’re an agricultural state and the resiliency of our farmers will see them bounce back. This show is putting that resiliency and toughness 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