Eden Shale Farm

05/06/2026

Along with the normal workload at the farm, we have found time to host several groups for tours and specialized events.

On March 6, we hosted producers from the Buffalo Trace area. There were 25 people in attendance from Mason, Fleming, Bracken and Rowan counties. We toured the farm and highlighted the winter feeding infrastructure and tire water systems.

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Along with the normal workload at the farm, we have found time to host several groups for tours and specialized events. On March 6, we hosted producers from the Buffalo Trace area. There were 25...

04/20/2026

If you’re interested in learning more about fescue toxicosis and how it can be managed with red clover, we encourage you to watch this video from our partners at the USDA Agricultural Research Service lab in Lexington, featuring Dr. Michael Flythe and Dr. Brittany Davis. We've been proud to host and support portions of this research helping connect on-farm applications with ongoing scientific work.

04/15/2026

If we can claim success at anything at Eden Shale it would be condensing our calving season down into a very tight, controlled window. Calving season is hard and takes a lot of time and attention away from other chores. There is no need to drag it out for months on end. Over the past five years our calving window from start to finish has averaged 63 days, with a low of 56 days.

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If we can claim success at anything at Eden Shale it would be condensing our calving season down into a very tight, controlled window. Calving season is hard and takes a lot of time and attention...

04/02/2026

This spring marks 70 years since work began at Eden Shale Farm. The following article was written in 1961 by O.D. Hawkins, the farm’s first manager.

The First Six Years
In April 1953 a group of farmers and professional agricultural workers met together to discuss the need for and the possibilities of getting our University College of Agriculture to establish a test demonstration farm in the Eden Shale soil area. The Eden Shale area includes parts of 32 counties, patterned somewhat like a horseshoe around the central bluegrass counties of Woodford, Fayette, and Jessamine, with the major part of the area in the northern part of the state. This area is commonly known as the Hills of the Bluegrass.

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This spring marks 70 years since work began at Eden Shale Farm. The following article was written in 1961 by O.D. Hawkins, the farm’s first manager. The First Six Years In April 1953 a group of...

03/26/2026

For the past year we have been running the smallest herd at Eden Shale since we took over the farm 13 years ago. At weaning time in September 2024 we had 103 cows. It was extremely dry that fall and the cull market was strong so we culled hard in the fall of 2024. We then had lower than expected conception rates this year leaving us with a total of 72 head of bred females to calve spring 2026.

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For the past year we have been running the smallest herd at Eden Shale since we took over the farm 13 years ago. At weaning time in September 2024 we had 103 cows. It was extremely dry that fall and...

03/23/2026

On a beautiful day in mid-October we hosted our annual Eden Shale Farm Open House Field Day. There were 65 attendees from all over the state, with a few traveling from other states to join us.

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On a beautiful day in mid-October we hosted our annual Eden Shale Farm Open House Field Day. There were 65 attendees from all over the state, with a few traveling from other states to join us. This...

03/18/2026

We recently hosted our first-ever trial of spraying a woodland invasive species using a drone. This project is a partnership with the UK Forestry Extension, Kentucky Division of Forestry, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Kentucky Beef Network
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We recently hosted our first-ever trial of spraying a woodland invasive species using a drone. This project is a partnership with the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural...

03/12/2026

Occasionally I will get asked what my number one thing on the farm would be that I could not do without. I have a list. That lists includes items such as Muck Boots and my Leatherman multitool. But the number one answer to that question without hesitation, would be our side by side utility vehicle.

Occasionally I will get asked what my number one thing on the farm would be that I could not do without. I have a list. That lists includes items such as Muck Boots and my Leatherman multitool. But...

01/22/2026

Severe weather is forecast across Kentucky this weekend. For cattle producers, preparation can make a big difference—especially for those who will be feeding hay and monitoring livestock during the storm.
This disaster preparedness guide highlights:
• Planning ahead for emergencies
• Protecting livestock during extreme weather
• Staying informed and responding safely after the event
With severe weather approaching, put out extra hay ahead of time (tractors don’t always cooperate in the cold), make sure you have feed and supplements on hand, and if you’re calving, have colostrum ready with a calf-warming plan, along with a plan for providing water if normal sources freeze or become inaccessible.
A few minutes of preparation now can save time, stress, and losses later.

Severe weather is forecast across Kentucky this weekend. For cattle producers, preparation can make a big difference—especially for those who will be feeding hay and monitoring livestock during the storm.

This disaster preparedness guide highlights:
• Planning ahead for emergencies
• Protecting livestock during extreme weather
• Staying informed and responding safely after the event

With severe weather approaching, put out extra hay ahead of time (tractors don’t always cooperate in the cold), make sure you have feed and supplements on hand, and if you’re calving, have colostrum ready with a calf-warming plan, along with a plan for providing water if normal sources freeze or become inaccessible.

A few minutes of preparation now can save time, stress, and losses later.

10/20/2025

The 2025 Eden Shale Open House was a huge success!
Thank you to everyone who came out and visited us at the farm. It was great to see so many new faces and enjoy good conversation throughout the day.

A special thank you to Dr. Steve Higgins from the University of Kentucky, Adam Probst with Barenbrug Seed, and Sarah Wilhoite from the Kentucky Department for Public Health for helping make the day such a great experience for our guests through their tours and demonstrations.

Just a reminder — we host tours throughout the year as well. If you have a group that would like to schedule a farm tour, please contact us anytime!