Kentucky
See how Kentucky beef farmers and ranchers are rethinking the ranch to raise sustainable beef through land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE BEEF
Kentucky Proud cattle farm is always looking for new conservation projects
Sherwood Acres Farm, located near Louisville, Kentucky, is run by Jon Bednarski and his family. The farm was a Father's Day present from Sylvia, Jon's wife, initially consisting of just three cattle. However, what was originally intended as a hobby has now blossomed into the Bednarskis' full-time passion. In fact, both Jon and Sylvia had careers outside of the Agriculture industry, but have now totally committed themselves to their land and their animals. From the beginning, Jon's goal was to implement every conservation practice possible, and he has assuredly lived up to this goal. The family has built a pond and stabilized stream crossings, implemented rotational grazing, and have participated in the Conservation Reserve Program planting numerous trees, just to name a few of their efforts. Sherwood Acres Farm also direct markets their beef alongside a "Kentucky Proud" label in an effort to engage in public conversation, see what their concerns are, and invite them to the farm. The Bednarskis know that producing the highest quality beef starts with a commitment to improving the land, and so they have become leading advocates for their industry. Jon has served a term as National President of US Belted Galloway Breed, and both Jon and Sylvia travelled across the country to share their story of conservation with farmers and ranchers in all 50 states. For their ongoing efforts in land conservation, Sherwood Acres Farm was awarded the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP).
"There's always something out there that we can improve, and that's the interesting thing about farming--it's never over; there's always something that we can make better, and it's a goal of ours to keep working on that." - Jon Bednarski, Owner, Sherwood Acres Farms
Meet More Members of the Beef Community:
eric and Brook Davis
Meet Eric and Brooke Davis, a beef cattle farmer from Scottsville, Kentucky, where they live with their daughter Anna Grace, and side-kick cattle dog, Oreo. As a volunteer fireman and a police officer, Eric and Brooke Davis are serving their community in everything they do. Their farm is full of tradition and faith, both something Eric is very proud of. They are a cow-calf operation, representing the start of the beef lifecycle.
raising beef in kentucky
Cattle farming is a long-standing Kentucky tradition dating back to the 1700s. Today, Kentucky is home to more than 38,000 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.
popular kentucky-inspired recipes
ESPRESSO-BOURBON STEAKS WITH MASHED SWEET POTATOES
Juicy Tenderloin Steaks are served with a unique Espresso-Bourbon sauce. To round it out, serve with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans for a delicious Southern-inspired meal.
BBQ BEEF BISCUIT SLIDERS
Biscuits. BBQ. Slaw. Oh my! This is one tasty combination of so many southern classics.
Kentucky Fact
There are more than 7.5 million bourbon barrels in Kentucky, averaging almost 2 barrels per person. Byproducts from these bourbon distilleries are a common source of food for cattle due to their upcycling abilities.
Discover More State Stories
See how beef farmers and ranchers around the country are implementing land-saving, wildlife-preserving, and award-winning environmental efforts.
beef sustainability
cattlemen and the environment
Today beef is produced using fewer resources than ever before. But conservation is never complete; ranchers work hard to feed a growing population, while, at the same time, reduce water use, care for the land, and protect the environment.
kentucky beef council
Learn more about the Kentucky Beef Council and the work they do within the state.