UK Beef Extension Enhances Online Tool to Boost Management, Funding for Producers

The Beef Systems Analyzer now offers CAIP educational credits to help farmers access cost-share opportunities.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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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. 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.

Why it matters

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. The software provides personalized recommendations and supporting resources to help improve efficiency and profitability for beef operations of all sizes.

The details

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. Producers who complete the program and watch the instructional video can now earn one hour of CAIP educational credit, which is required for recipients of CAIP funds to facilitate the adoption of improved, science-based or sustainable practices.

  • The Beef Systems Analyzer has been available for several years.
  • Beginning in 2026, producers can earn CAIP educational credit for completing the program.

The players

University of Kentucky Beef Extension Team

A team of beef Extension specialists at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment that developed and enhanced the Beef Systems Analyzer.

Darrh Bullock

Beef Extension specialist with the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment who oversees the Beef Systems Analyzer.

Brandon Sears

Agriculture and natural resources (ANR) agent at the Madison County Extension office who explains the CAIP educational credit requirement.

County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP)

A program that provides cost-share funding to Kentucky farmers for the implementation of approved best management practices.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Darrh Bullock, Beef Extension specialist (Mirage News)

“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.”

— Brandon Sears, ANR agent (Mirage News)

“The system is designed so that producers will not be overwhelmed with a long list of tasks. Instead, it offers a manageable set of recommendations. Once farmers complete a set of tasks, they can resume the analyzer for additional insights.”

— Darrh Bullock, Beef Extension specialist (Mirage News)

What’s next

Interested producers can visit the Beef Systems Analyzer website to complete the program and earn CAIP educational credit.

The takeaway

The enhanced Beef Systems Analyzer provides Kentucky beef producers with a valuable tool to improve their operations and access cost-share funding through the CAIP program, helping to drive the adoption of more sustainable and efficient management practices across the state.